Emergency Services
Man missing in Central Otago found safe
A man who went missing in the Otago town of Middlemarch has been found safe and well, police say.
Firefighters tackling hotspots following Titahi Bay blaze
The fire at Whitireia Park started late on Thursday night, sending smoke across surrounding Wellington suburbs.
Arrest in Porirua after man shot - police
A man has been arrested in Porirua after another turned up at a hospital with gunshot wounds, police say.
Dry South Island fire risk the worst it has been in years - FENZ
There is "extreme concern" about the risk of fires on the east coast of the South Island this weekend, Fire and Emergency says.
Fire crews still trying to bring Titahi Bay fire under control
Eight fire crews are still working to bring a vegetation fire in Titahi Bay, near Porirua, under control. The fire started late last night and is burning over about 10 hectares in Whitireia Park, with… Audio
Golden Bay fire: Contaminated run-off confined to one drain
Tasman District Council is confident no contamination has entered a nearby river and estuary after a large fire in a building supplies store.
Fire restrictions loom for Manawatū-Whanganui
Permits will be required for any open-air fires from 8am on Friday.
Mackenzie Basin faces most challenging wildfire conditions since 2008
A senior fire officer is urging Mackenzie Basin residents to act now to reduce their fire risk, saying the area is ready to burn.
'A spike is not a trend': Police handling 7 homicide investigations at once
The seven homicide investigations underway at present represent a changing dynamic for police - though it is not a trend, they say. Audio
Dog burnt down Southland home, family says
A family says their cocker spaniel search for snacks could have turned lethal if it wasn't for smoke alarms.
'I owe my life to them': Kayaker rescued in strong winds off Wairarapa coast
The man capsized in strong winds and couldn't get back to shore in Palliser Bay.
Why the Coastguard wants to see your 'old, grotty' lifejackets
A country-wide roadshow is exchanging old kit for discounted, brand-new water safety gear. Audio
Two dead, three hurt in multi-car crash on SH1
Two people are dead and five injured after two vehicles collided north of Christchurch this morning.
Probe of Civil Defence handling of cyclone attracts 1000 responses so far
The review led by Mike Bush is investigating how well prepared officials were prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, as well as the agency's immediate emergency response.
Two injured after police car stolen and crashed in Manurewa
A police car has been stolen and crashed in Auckland while officers dealt with an urgent situation.
'Three hours is a long time when you've got a fire burning outside your home' - councillor
More care needs to be taken to prevent grass fires along a rail corridor this summer, a district councillor says. Audio
Coastguard encouraging boaties to update life jackets
It has been a difficult summer for many on the water.
At least six people drowned during the holiday period, and last week fisherman Will Fransen miraculously survived almost 24 hours adrift at sea… Audio
Reporter at scene of string of Canterbury fires
Two fire crews remain at the scene of a string of shrub fires which were threatening homes near the Canterbury town of Kirwee.
Fire and Emergency say crews will remain on the ground for most of the… Audio
Fire crews remain at scene of fire in Kirwee, Canterbury
Two fire crews remain at the scene of a string of shrub fires which were threatening homes near the Canterbury town of Kirwee yesterday.
Seventeen Fire and Emergency crews, as well as the three… Audio
Scrub fires threatening homes now under control
Firefighters have contained multiple scrub fires that threatened homes in Canterbury, and are continuing to work on the hot spots.