Emergency Services

A small group of people was seen hugging outside on Sunday evening, while a large black van backed into the driveway.

State Highway 6 has been closed in both directions between Gibbston and Cromwell in Central Otago, after a two-vehicle crash left a car in a bank.

Emergency services were called to property adjacent to Mākara Wind Farm on Sunday morning.

RNZ understands a man and children are among the deceased.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash close to the township of Te Teko, just before 5pm Saturday.

Police have confirmed a body was found during the search for a 5m-long vessel that failed to return to Pataua South on Friday.

A strike scheduled for Friday was called off at the last minute, but two further strikes are still planned for later this month.

Police were called to the crash on Tokerau Beach at about 7pm Friday.

Fire and Emergency is still working to free one person from the wreck.

Emergency crews already rescuing two people have had to rescue a third who was taking photos of the ordeal.

The cause of the 3000 hectare wildfire at Tongariro National Park remains under investigation.

At least 140 people are slated to lose their jobs, and unions say the proposal will decimate the agency most relied on for first response in emergencies. Audio

Firefighters hiked 25 minutes down the Fairy Falls Track to reach the fire, which scorched an area larger than a football field.

All traffic should avoid the area around the Moewai Road intersection as there are no diversions in place.

A dispute dating back years has meant reduced after-hours air attack backup, but the agency says that didn't make a difference to how it has been fighting the Tongariro wildfire.

FENZ said it wanted to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on State Highway 47 on Saturday afternoon.

Bush-fire smoke is particularly risky for children, older people and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.