Weather
El Niño combined with global warming means big changes for NZ’s weather
El Niño is officially here, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and with it comes a change from the La Niña weather patterns New Zealand has experienced for the past…
Severe rain watch in place for Hawke's Bay, Tai Rāwhiti
People in northern Hawke's Bay and southern Tai Rāwhiti are being urged to keep up to date with weather forecasts today, with a heavy rain watch in force for the region.
Georgina Griffiths: What to expect from El Nino
The Little Girl is going away, and the Little Boy has arrived. Audio
NZ expected to keep its cool during El Niño warming
A climate scientist says the developing El Niño weather-pattern is likely to have a better effect on this country than in many others.
Caution urged as more people expected to access backcountry
The Mountain Safety Council is urging caution with more people expected to head into the backcountry this winter.
Parts of Guam without power and water two weeks on from typhoon
Parts of Guam still without power and water two weeks on from typhoon. Audio
'Just don’t give up': Gisborne residents brace for winter in temporary accommodation
Residents of a "forgotten" Gisborne road are bracing for winter in caravans and makeshift living arrangements as they wait to get back into their homes.
We just lived through the warmest May in NZ history
We've just experienced the warmest May on record in Aotearoa.
It's becoming more common - the five warmest Mays on record have all happened since 2011.
NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino spoke to… Audio
'Exacerbated by climate change' - NZ experiences warmest May on record
New Zealand has experienced the warmest May on record, with temperatures at least 2C higher than average in parts of every region, except Northland.
DOC questioned over justification of track closures
How the Department of Conservation "rationalises" which tracks to reinstate after natural disasters has been questioned, although its West Coast boss admits it comes down to the money.
Hawke's Bay businesses upset at $8m cyclone support money left undistributed
The Chamber of Commerce says its decisions on distributing grants were fair, and the government has commended its staff for their work.
Cyclone Dovi: Heaphy should be fully reopen by October, DOC says
The Department of Conservation has significant work under way on the West Coast to mop up damage to tracks as a result of Cyclone Dovi in February 2022.
Call for cyclone inquiry to better prepare for the next
A public health researcher says an inquiry into Cyclone Gabrielle is essential if we're to properly prepare for the next.
The cyclone killed 11 people and caused billions of dollars of damage when it… Audio
NZ King Salmon nets deal with objectors over Cook Strait plans
The company has settled appeals against its plans to move salmon farming into deeper and cooler waters in Cook Strait.
Lightning strikes near Coromandel, thunderstorm watch issued
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the Coromandel Peninsula overnight and MetService issued a new thunderstorm watch for the area. Audio
'It's just part of us' - Māori fear for whenua future with cyclone recovery plans
Māori impacted by last week's land categorisation in Hawke's Bay say they've got a huge choice to make: stay on their whenua or leave.
Spark joins major telcos with plans for satellite-to-mobile service
Spark has become the latest telecommunications provider to announce a satellite-to-mobile service.
Severe weather warnings across the North Island
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have been hitting Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula overnight.
On the Coromandel Peninsula, Metservice has recorded more than 500 lightning strikes since midnight.
… Audio
More thunderstorm warnings overnight for Bay of Plenty, Coromandel
Some sodden parts of the North Island are in for another bout of wet weather tonight and tomorrow.
Severe thunderstorm warning lifted for Bay of Plenty
A severe thunderstorm warning for the Bay of Plenty has been lifted, but heavy rain and strong winds are still expected across the region.
