East Coast
Tai Rāwhiti in for another dousing of heavy rain
MetService has severe rain warnings for Tai Rāwhiti and warnings in place for other eastern parts of the motu.
Part of State Highway 35 closed north of Gisborne due to flooding
State Highway 35 has been closed north of Gisborne between Okitu and Ruatoria following surface flooding and a heavy rain warning is in place.
No timeline for cyclone-affected Gisborne homes
Gisborne property owners affected by Cyclone Gabrielle still have more questions than answers about payouts and mitigation.
Controversial East Coast barge facility misses out on fast-tracked consent
The establishing of a controversial new barge facility in a small East Coast town has received a setback after failing to obtain a special government consent referral.
Wet weather in Tai Rāwhiti prompts travel warning, more bursts of heavy rain possible
Authorities are asking people in Gisborne to avoid travelling if they can, as wet weather continues in the region. Audio
Orange heavy rain warning for Tairawhiti Gisborne
A heavy rain forecast for Tairawhiti Gisborne has now been upgraded to an orange warning, while warnings and watches in other parts of the country remain.
Wairoa bridge brought down, but not without a struggle
The manager overseeing the work believed it could be the heaviest pull ever done in New Zealand.
Cyclones aftermath: 'How do our people survive the next 100 years?'
Country Life: From the back country to the coast, you won't find many places or people untouched by the claws of cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, which ravaged Tai Rāwhiti at the start of the year. Audio
East Coast residents already prepping for next big disaster
Communities on the East Coast say they are sick of band-aid fixes and being praised for their resilience.
New rules for farm-to-forestry conversions
The new rules will give communities greater control of what is planted, and where.
'A beacon for the future': Inside the world of Radio Ngāti Porou
Radio Ngāti Porou's headquarters in Ruatōria may not look like your typical radio station, and that's probably because it isn't.
In wake of cyclone, council proposes whopping 15.4% rates hike
The proposed rates increase signals to the government that the district needs major financial support for its cyclone recovery, the Wairoa District Council says.
Watch live: Chris Hipkins speaks after Tolaga Bay visit
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is addressing media after visiting Tolaga Bay Area School in Tai Rāwhiti.
'Just don’t give up': Gisborne residents brace for winter in temporary accommodation
Residents of a "forgotten" Gisborne road are bracing for winter in caravans and makeshift living arrangements as they wait to get back into their homes.
Around the motu : Matthew Rosenberg in Gisborne
Gisborne Local democracy reporter Matthew Rosenberg speaks to Kathryn about rural residents who feeling forgotten following Cyclone Gabrielle, 81 year old Jim who faces winter living in a caravan, the… Audio
Cyclone Recovery Taskforce head Sir Brian Roche on the massive job ahead
Kathryn speaks with the man tasked with heading the goverment's Cyclone Recovery Taskforce on the massive and complicated job ahead. Sir Brian Roche chairs the Cyclone Recovery Taskforce - intended to… Audio
Community hails 'hope-filled' buyout plan
Flood-ravaged West Aucklanders are rejoicing after the government announced it will offer buyout options to people whose land is too risky to rebuild on. Audio
Wairoa mayor says town will struggle to pay for flood protection
Craig Little fears even with government assistance, borrowing will be needed.
'Many details still to be settled' - local politicians react to govt buyout news
News of a joint buyout scheme for those affected by extreme weather has been met with relief by local politicians, but they say the work is just beginning and the devil will be in the detail. Audio
'They were making decision standing in climbing river water' - Hawke's Bay councillors back staff
Councillors are supporting council staff for their decisive decision-making during the Cyclone Gabrielle, despite confusion over the bill being worsened by bad record keeping.