Natural Disasters
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.
Weather conditions not helping firefighters in Christchurch
Weather conditions are making it difficult for firefighters battling the Port Hills blaze.
It's hot and windy in Christchurch, with conditions expected to continue throughout the day. NIWA is… Audio
Residents evacuated due to Port Hills fire
For one Port Hills resident, the fire brings a horrible sense of déjà vu.
Vikki Pflaum's house was destroyed in the 2017 blaze and she had moved back into her new house on Worsleys Rd just five weeks… Audio
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell on the Port Hills fire
The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery has just touched down after a helicopter flight over the fire and surrounding areas.
Earlier Fire and Emergency said it was too early to give… Audio
Hundreds of firefighters battling Port Hills fire
Hundreds of firefighters are battling to contain the blaze which broke out Wednesday afternoon, seven years to the day of the devastating fires of 2017.
The fire grew from 100 to 630 hectares… Audio
Emergency minister assesses the scale of Christchurch fire
The Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell, was in Christchurch assessing the scale of the Port Hills fire first-hand.
Mark Mitchell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Wildfire scientists determine how Port Hills blaze might spread
Wildfire scientists have taken samples of the soil, moisture and fuel sources near the fire in the Port Hills, to help predict how the blaze might spread.
The Crown research institute for forestry… Audio
