Weather
More heavy rain expected to lash central NZ overnight
A heavy rain watch is in place for parts of North Canterbury and the lower North Island.
Cold snap set to bring rain in north and south
Rain and cold are set to sweep in across the country, with drivers warned to check conditions.
Cooler temperatures expected across the country
A low is forecast around the north of the South Island later today. There could be a period of heavy rain for Fiordland, Westland and North Canterbury, and strong southerlies on the Kaikoura Coast… Audio
Temperatures set to fall in North Island
The warm spell is set to end this week as a weather system moves up the country.
Temperatures reach 50C as heatwave hits Philippines
Classes have been suspended at thousands of schools and there are fears for people's health as the mercury spikes.
At least four dead after dozens of tornadoes strike US
At least four people died and scores were injured in Oklahoma after dozens of twisters swept the US Southern Plains, while weather alerts put more than 7 million Americans under tornado warnings.
Hail hits parts of Canterbury during storms
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Selwyn, Ashburton, Hurunui, Waimakariri and Christchurch City.
Manhunt launched in Nigeria after mass prison break
Rain is causing chaos across Africa, Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports from Ghana. Audio
Rail bridge reopened after floods left it sagging
A flood damaged rail bridge has been reopened after a support was swept away in high water, leaving the 610m-long structure sagging, but a mayor says more work is needed on crucial infrastructure.
Wind forces cancellation of wreath-laying services in Wellington
MetService expects winds of up to 109km/h in central Wellington for later on Anzac Day.
New emergency management legislation delayed after bill pulled by Government
The bill was introduced by the previous government in June last year. Audio
Heavy rain warns, wind forecast ahead of Anzac Day
Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington dawn ceremonies should be dry but wind and rain expected for Anzac Day, especially in the south.
Emergency management system not fit for purpose - storm inquiry
The country is not ready to respond to large-scale disasters, a major report into last year's catastrophic storms says.
El Niño is on the way out
El Niño, which has delivered a lack of rain in the east and cooler weather lately, is on the way out, NIWA says. Audio
El Niño officially over
The El Niño weather event which has been dominating our weather for the past year has been declared as officially over - with a La Niña weather pattern looking to take wrest back control. NIWA… Audio
Fog cancels Christchurch flights, rain pounds North Island
Travellers' plans are being hampered by low visibility, while further north, people are being warned of downpours and thunderstorms.
Weekend weather: Storms and heavy rain loom over big parts of country
Heavy rain watches have been put in place for the northern half of the North Island from Saturday afternoon.
Rain and thunderstorms set to hit parts of North Island
The upper North Island has been hit by heavy rain overnight and more is to come.
Climate change: Deadly African heatwave 'impossible' without warming
Temperatures soared above 48C in Mali last month with one hospital linking hundreds of deaths to the extreme heat.
Dry weather a double-edged sword
A lack of rain on the North Island's East Coast may be good for the area's fruit and vegetable growers - but the dry is starting to bite for pastoral farmers.