Weather

Otago floods destruction is "devastating", the PM says, but he was unaware of a government-declined plan to reduce risk to residents. Audio

Police responded on Monday to reports of the tree blocking Manukau Road, between the intersections of Symonds Street and Lombardy Green.

It will allow homeowners hit by extreme weather know where they stand, emergency management minister says. Audio

"I consciously couldn't sell it to somebody, knowing that it's going to flood," St Kilda resident Ria Stout says. "How could you? ... It's flooded twice." Audio

Recent bad weather across the country - particularly Otago - is expected to ease by the end of this week.

Water restrictions remain in place and 20 local roads are still closed after the torrential rainfall. Audio

A front is expected to move up the South Island on Tuesday.

The South Island continues to recover from a two-day series of record rain, but locals have also come together to help their neighbours.

Nine homes have been red-stickered in Dunedin following this week's storm.

What you need to know about roads, essential services, where to get help, and today's weather.

Twice a season's worth of rain within days caused mayhem in Otago this week.

Hundreds of Dunedin residents will soon return to water damaged homes.

Benjamin Nevell made his submission against the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill while wading through flooding Dunedin

A red ran warning has been lifted and rain has eased after flooding and evacuations.

Dozens of roads have been forced to close, some highways are closed and all buses have been cancelled.

But Emergency Management Otago is still urging "common sense", with more rain falling.

"Devastating" and "chaotic" are how people are describing the situation today. Audio