Weather

Mangawhai has been compared to a war zone, with houses destroyed, roofs torn off, debris scattered across roads and power poles ripped out.

MetService had lifted a severe thunderstorm warning for Hurunui and Waimakariri in Canterbury.

FENZ Northland manager Wipari Henwood says the damage was some of the worst he had seen from a tornado.

Residents are pulling together to tidy up after the devastation, but power lines have been torn down and cars have been crushed by trees.

Heavy rain warnings and watches have been issued, and people are being told to be prepared.

The reopening of a Hawke's Bay bridge this weekend marks a "milestone moment" for a rural community, nearly two years after its destruction at the hands of Cyclone Gabrielle, says a district council…

Iceberg A23a spans an area twice the size of London and has been carefully tracked by scientists since 1986. Audio

The hearings will take place over a six-week period in Auckland and Hastings.

Lightning, wind and rain have wreaked havoc, leaving more than 25,000 properties without electricity.

A committee charged with making changes is intent on trusting "local voices" and building collaboration across the region.

They are sparking fears that progress made fighting wildfires could be reversed as the new president prepares to survey the damage.

People in Auckland and Waikato heading into the coming long weekend should keep their plans flexible as there could be some rain on the way.

The heaviest rain in Tai Rāwhiti Gisborne and Hawke's Bay has passed, after MetService issued an orange heavy rain warning on Tuesday.

Up to 100 mm of rain is expected over Gisborne City and Northern Tai Rāwhiti - until about 8am Wednesday.

And it's set to continue for the rest of the week.

Residents are being warned to brace for heavy rain and gale-force winds as a subtropical low sweeps down from Northland.

The decision means outdoor fires can only be lit with fire permits authorised by Fire and Emergency, returning Te Tai Tokerau to a restricted fire season.