Natural Disasters
Student radio station tower destroyed in Port Hills blaze
Alternative radio station RDU had its transmission tower on Marley's Hill burnt to a crisp in the 650-hectare fire. Audio
Whakaari White Island: WorkSafe may have cast its net too wide, legal expert says
A legal expert says "complacency" within WorkSafe prevented the agency from achieving a better result during the Whakaari/White Island trial.
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
Port Hills residents call for plantation forestry ban
A Port Hills resident who suffered fire damage to his home seven years ago says plantation forestry is becoming too dangerous in the area.
Firefighters continue to toil round-the-clock in an effort… Audio
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
Worsening cyclones prompt experts to explore new alert levels
Researchers are looking at a new wind speed warning category for tropical cyclones, because they're getting stronger with global heating.
New Zealand's most damaging storms tend to start as tropical… Audio
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
Economic boost for Coromandel with SH 25A reopening early
The early reopening of the cyclone-ravaged State Highway 25A on the Coromandel Peninsula increased GDP in the region by almost $86 million.
That's according to a new report out by Infrastructure New… Audio
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.
Cyclone Gabrielle anniversary: Inside the emergency response
A year after Cyclone Gabrielle smashed through Hawke's Bay civil defence controller Ian Macdonald talked to RNZ's Hawke's Bay reporter about the biggest emergency response of his career.
Port Hills blaze: Day three recap
RNZ reporter Anna Sargent updates Emile Donovan with the latest on the fire in Christchurch's Port Hills. Audio
Port Hills fire still burning, weather expected to aid efforts
Three days on and the Port Hills fire is still burning, but there is a good weather window to try to contain the blaze.
Recap: All evacuees able to return home, FENZ says
But people in affected areas should have a bag packed with essentials and make sure they have plans in place for animals if they need to be evacuated again.
Bluecliffs: Work on opening river bar proves to be challenging
Work to open the Waiau River mouth away from Southland properties at risk of eroding into the sea will be paused from Sunday.
Port Hills blaze: Day two recap
RNZ's Anna Sargent joins Nights to bring us the latest developments on the fire in the Port Hills. Audio
Port Hills fire: Where to get help
If you have to evacuate your property, have health concerns or are worried about pets left behind, here is what to do.
Gisborne residents who went 'over and above' during cyclone recognised
The good deeds of Gisborne residents during and after Cyclone Gabrielle are being recognised at an awards ceremony this evening.
'Disaster tourists' blocking Port Hills firefighters
Sightseers are blocking emergency crews bringing equipment in, as well as locals trying to get belongings out.
