Natural Disasters
Muriwai flooding
After another weekend of heavy rain, residents of a popular West Auckland surf spot are looking for permanent solutions to flooding.
People in Muriwai say some driveways have been flooded and… Audio
Concerns raised Cyclone Gabrielle support package better for banks than growers
A Hawke's Bay fruit grower has harshly criticised the government's loan scheme for cyclone-affected growers and farmers. Audio
Support for businesses following severe weather, govt inquiry announced
Farmers and growers will receive help to secure cheaper loans, rather than given cash up front.
Red-stickered West Auckland home to be demolished
A West Auckland home badly damaged by the January floods has been safely demolished.
Hawke's Bay whānau still displaced after Gabrielle
Some Hawke's Bay whānau are still living on a marae, more than four months after Cyclone Gabrielle sent floodwaters rushing through their homes at Waiohiki.
They first evacuated to their own marae… Audio
Hundreds of Kāinga Ora homes on list for potential buyout, flood mitigation
Auckland Council has provided Kāinga Ora with a list of properties it believes could be at risk in future severe weather events.
Surf lifesavers out of pocket over wetsuits contaminated during flood rescues
Surf Lifeguards say they have been told they should not have responded to calls for help during Cyclone Gabrielle if they did not have the right gear.
Feedback sought on Marlborough Sounds road rebuild plans
Almost two years after storms first caused widespread damage to the Marlborough Sounds, the council has released its preferred transport options.
Disability care home still in need of repairs four months after cyclone
As the Tūtaekurī River rose, the inhabitants of Rowan House were driven to safety on the back of a tow truck.
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.
New Zealand faces 'uninsurable' future - expert
The sheer scale of the problem might only be solved by joining up with Australia, Martin Brook fears.
Emergency Management Bill flawed, government told by officials
Vital changes for disaster-proofing critical infrastructure like phones, power and roads have serious flaws, warn government officials.
'Growers are waiting': Ongoing talks with government for post-cyclone funding package
Hope could be on the horizon for growers facing the loss of their livelihoods following Cyclone Gabrielle.
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.
Preparing for the big quake on the Alpine Fault
New research on the South Island's Alpine Fault is helping communities prepare for the next big quake. Audio
Tenants now eligible for Cyclone Gabrielle payouts
But without their contact details, the council is relying on word of mouth to get the message out.
Insurance Council rejects claims flood clients being low-balled
The Insurance council is defending against claims companies are lowballing flood-affected clients. Builders say they are starting to see some homeowners struggling with the cash offers that won't… Audio
Alpine Fault quake is coming, ready or not
Inhabitants of the shakiest part of Aotearoa's shaky isles are readier than ever for the overdue big one.
Hawke's Bay Māori grapple with buyout decisions
Hawke's Bay Māori are grappling with huge decisions in the wake of the Government's proposed buyout of cyclone-hit homes most at risk of being flooded again.
Iwi and hapū had difficult conversations… Audio