Emergency Services
40 hotspots keeping firefighters busy on Port Hills
More than 100 firefighters are still working to fully extinguish a vegetation blaze on Christchurch's Port Hills, but resources will be scaled back in the coming days. Audio
St John pulls ambulances off road to rein in costs
The ambulance workers' union says it's "unacceptable" cost-cutting is putting lives at risk.
Port Hills fire burns into sixth day
The Port Hills fire continues to burn into its 6th day.
The 650-hectare blaze is now contained but huge winds are expected Monday afternoon which could exacerbate hot spots.
Reporter Tim Brown spoke… Audio
Cost-cutting sees St John ambulances pulled off the road
Cost-cutting at St Johns Ambulance is resulting in ambulances being pulled off the road when staff are on leave or call in sick.
In a bulletin to staff on Friday, management said the service needs to… Audio
Firefighters battling two fires in Canterbury
Hot, windy conditions are forecast in Canterbury on Monday, pushing up the fire danger, as firefighters continue to battle two fires.
As crews work to dampen down hotspots in Christchurch's Port… Audio
Suspected gas leak closes Northland road
Station Road is closed to traffic and motorists are told to expect delays in the area.
Person dead after quad bike and motorcycle crash
The crash between a motorcycle and a quad bike was on a property in Kaipara Flats Road, near Warkworth.
Reporter at the scene of Waipara scrub fire
Fire crews are continuing to battle a scrub fire in north Canterbury.
The fire service was alerted to the blaze around 8pm last night.
Hurunui Civil Defence opened up an evacuation centre at the… Audio
Strong winds cause concern for Canterbury fires
Nor-westerly winds are expected in Canterbury today as firefighters work frantically to put out fires across the region.
As we've been reporting this morning, a large fire is now burning in Waikari… Audio
Forestry needs rethink, residents say after Port Hills fire
Although the impact of the latest fire has not quite been as severe as those seven years ago, it has sparked questions about the area's future, particularly its land use makeup.
Crews battle scrub fire in Waipara
Properties near Waipara, in North Canterbury were evacuated overnight due to a large fire.
An evacuation centre was set up at the Waipara Hall.
Fifteen crews, alongside a bulldozer, fought the fire… Audio
Evacuations from scrub fire in North Canterbury
Fire crews are fighting a large scrub fire in North Canterbury.
Some residents in Waipara area have been evacuated. The affected areas included Waikari Valley Road, Shell Rock Road, and Glenmark… Audio
Firefighters at vegetation fire in North Canterbury
Homes have been evacuated in North Canterbury as firefighters battle a vegetation fire that broke out in Waikari Valley.
Arthur's Pass SH73 reopens after crash
Arthur's Pass, between Canterbury and the West Coast has reopened near the Waimakariri River bridge, after a crash.
Port Hills fire: crews put out 50% of hotspots
Firefighters tackling the Port Hills fire have snuffed out more than half of the dozens of hotspots identified over the past 24 hours.
One dead after glider crash at Nelson Lakes
A person has been killed after a glider crash at Lake Station airstrip, police say.
Port Hills residents focus on improving firebreaks
Residents affected by the Port Hills fire are working to improve fire resilience around their properties as the blaze continues in Christchurch, five days on.
Person seriously injured in central Wellington crash
One person is in hospital in a serious condition after a crash in central Wellington.
Choppers fighting Port Hills fire grounded by drone
Firefighting helicopters have been grounded by a private drone, as authorities beg for members of the public to stay away.
