Nelson Region
Wakefield residents looking forward to sleeping in their own beds
Reporter Katie Scotcher is in Wakefield, where she returned home with residents Julie Germyn and Ian Sutton. Video, Audio
Emotional return for Wakefield evacuees
Wakefield residents are starting to return to their homes, days after they were forced to flee. Reporter Nita Blake-Persen talks to one local who says she was almost in tears when she found out she… Video, Audio
The cats go missing as the fire rages
As some Nelson Tasman residents return home this evening - some are doing so without their beloved cats. Sylvia and Chris Dallyn haven't seen their cat Mango since Saturday and are appealing for your… Video, Audio
Wakefield locals able to return home
Civil defence says Wakefield locals can return home - but they must be ready to leave at a moments notice. Audio
Nelson fire: Fire closes in on Wakefield
The fire burning more than 2000 hectares of Nelson bush is closing in on the town of Wakefield as 23 helicopters, two planes and 150 firefighters today worked in what emergency services say is a…
Making Headway with Hops
A rundown on how the hop season is progressing with Brent MacGlashen from Mac Hops in Motueka. Harvesting commences mid-February with early varieties such as Pacifica and Taiheke. Audio
Nelson fire: More Wakefield residents told to evacuate
Wakefield residents in the area bordered by Barton Lane, Higgins Road and Baigent Valley Road are being asked to evacuate now as well. Follow all the latest developments with RNZ's live updates.
Two homes destroyed in new Nelson city fire
RNZ reporter Ben Strang reports on the latest on multiple fires in the Nelson region. He tells us a fire that broke out this afternoon at Walter's Bluff near Nelson city has been brought under… Audio
Ashen skies in Wakefield: 'Yesterday it was very thick'
Residents of Wakefield are ready to leave their homes at a moments notice say ash and pine needles have been falling from the sky for days.
Tasman farmers warned severe drought likely
The fire affecting Nelson comes on the heels of a long, hot and dry spell in the region. Farmers in the area are being told to make preparations, amid growing concerns a severe drought is likely… Audio
Evacuees pack precious belongings before leaving their homes
What do you take when you know you could lose it all? Tasman evacuees Ian and Maureen Grage describe what they packed as the fire approached, before they were forced to leave their homes behind. Video, Audio
Tasman firefighters ‘winning’ despite wind intensifying
The wind has intensified and changed direction, forcing the evacuation of another 25 properties, this time in Teapot Valley. But Tasman Fire Incident Controller John Sutton says they're still… Audio
Govt contributes $20,000 to Tasman fire relief fund
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says an "initial" contribution of $20,000 for the Tasman mayoral relief fund is sufficient at the moment and will be reassessed if matters get worse. He spoke with… Audio
Evacuated residents counting the costs
Tasman residents had to leave their belongings, animals and farming equipment behind when they were forced to flee their homes as a fire approached on Tuesday. They shared their stories with reporter… Video, Audio
State of Emergency as Nelson fire continues to rage
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who arrived in Nelson today, says the emergency response is well co-ordinated, and has assured authorities on the ground more resources are available should they need… Video, Audio
Fire ‘roaring away’ in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley resident Simon Marshall says he's inside the cordon on Teapot Valley road, watching the fire come towards him and his house. Civil Defence says the increased wind and humidity means 25… Video, Audio
Nelson fire updates: Evacuations in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley south of Nelson is being evacuated as firefighters battle to bring the fires in the area under control. Follow our blog for the latest updates.
Teapot Valley residents ordered to evacuate
Residents in Teapot Valley, Tasman, have been ordered to evacuate this afternoon, as the Pigeon Valley fire continues to rage. Reporter Alex Ashton joins Checkpoint live from the cordon. Video, Audio
'Wind is our enemy' - firefighters race against tomorrow's gusts
Firefighters at the huge forest fire outside Nelson are working against the clock to control the fire before forecast strong winds arrive tomorrow.
Nelson fire: Government confirms support
The government has confirmed initial support for the Tasman community for people affected by the fires. Video