Weather

It's the first day of summer and according to NIWA, the El Niño weather cycle looks set to bring warm weather and high winds for the rest of the season.

An estimated 100 owners of storm damaged homes will receive grants to future-proof their properties and continue living in them.

The Ovation of the Seas was preparing to berth before the ship's captain decided they were not prepared to stay. Audio

State Highway 2 just south of Wairoa will remain closed overnight following a large slip in the early hours of this morning.

Water levels are now dropping and bridges and roads are being inspected in Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay, where flooding has followed three days of heavy rain, and people are being asked to stay off the…

Up to 100 millimetres of rain is expected across Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay's Wairoa districts.

Rain warnings are in place in Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay, with minor flooding already reported and Civil Defence asking people to check on neighbours and whānau.

Fire crews have spent a second night battling a large bushfire as better conditions offer some respite.

Metservice has issued a rain watch for the East Coast and a wind watch for Wellington and parts of Marlborough. Audio

An El Niño weather pattern has been declared across the country - sparking fears some regions could fall into drought, leaving farmers short of feed.

Passengers trying to travel the seas between the North and South Islands may have their hopes dashed once again.

Auckland Council is to vote on the way forward for damaged homes that can be salvaged if work is done to protect them from future hazards.

It is clear skies for Wellington after low cloud in the capital caused mass flight cancellations on Tuesday. Audio