Weather
Waterspout reported off West Coast
West Coast residents may face more waterspouts after one made landfall this afternoon.
Look out for heavy rain in western parts of NZ, strong winds in Canterbury
Cooler temperatures and rain are on the way for the South Island and the lower North Island, bringing some respite from the summer heat.
Temperature soars to 34C in Canterbury as summer heat blasts
Parts of New Zealand were warmer than the tropics today, as temperatures skyrocketed above 30 degrees in many places.
Blizzard strikes North America
Tens of millions of Americans were in the pathway of dangerous and damaging weather conditions.
Water tank manufacturer reports strong demand in face of restrictions
Business is "off the charts" for a water tank manufacturer as Wellington runs low on water this summer.
Dry South Island fire risk the worst it has been in years - FENZ
There is "extreme concern" about the risk of fires on the east coast of the South Island this weekend, Fire and Emergency says.
Where are the hotspots today? Temperatures nudge over 30 degrees
Friday's hotspots included 32 degrees Celsius at Lake Tekapo in the South Island and 30 degrees in Hawke's Bay in the North Island.
Predicted rain can't dampen fire risk - FENZ
Otago and Waitaki residents are being urged to defend their properties against increasing fire risk.
Tourism businesses report 'cracking start' to summer
Tourism businesses say Summer is off to a cracking start, with sunny days forecast and plenty of customers ready and willing to book. Summer is the busiest time of the year for many operators who are… Audio
Waimea Dam behind schedule as residents face dry months ahead
The long-delayed Waimea Dam in the Tasman Distrcit isn't finished or full, but local growers are likely to want to take water from it in the dry months ahead. It was hoped the $198 million dam would… Audio
Wellington Water discusses new water restrictions for capital
Wellington is headed into increased water restrictions, and residents have been queuing for hours to get their hands on emergency water tanks. The capital will enter into level two water restrictions… Audio
Hot weather set to come to an end from Sunday
Hot weather is expected to carry on into the weekend but come Sunday morning southerlies and grey skies are closing in. It's a mixed bag, with heavy rain forecast for the south west of the South… Audio
Fire crews still trying to bring Titahi Bay fire under control
Eight fire crews are still working to bring a vegetation fire in Titahi Bay, near Porirua, under control. The fire started late last night and is burning over about 10 hectares in Whitireia Park, with… Audio
'Take a short shower': Water restrictions tighten in Picton, Waikawa
Picton and Waikawa residents are being asked to urgently conserve water - to avoid running out of it completely.
How to care for your garden during an El Niño summer
With unusual weather systems and the prospect of hosepipe bans, here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and good-looking garden. Audio
Parents urged to keep kids safe as temperatures predicted to hit 30s
Heat alerts are possible again this weekend, with Hastings predicted to reach 33C on Sunday.
Heat caused major Wellington trains power outage
Consecutive days of warm weather caused the overhead powerlines to expand, KiwiRail says.
Warmer than average temperatures in December for most of New Zealand - NIWA
December temperatures were warmer than average across nearly all of the country, according to NIWA's latest monthly report.
Caring for your garden during an El Niño summer
Meteorologists have gardeners on high alert with predictions the El Niño weather system will bring hot and dry conditions over the coming months. Audio
Hot spell hits Wellington and the South Island
It's the South Island's turn for a summer scorcher, with the heat set to rise into the 30s. Audio
