Natural Disasters
Volcanologist says Whakaari visitor numbers led to 'greater chance' of 'mass casualty event'
A prominent volcanologist giving evidence at the Whakaari White Island trial on Monday said the tour groups to Whakaari were a "societal risk" given the probability of groups being affected by an…
Half of Hawke's Bay homes have cyclone damage status downgraded
More than half of Hawke's Bay residents with cyclone-damaged homes have been moved from the higher-risk categories 2 and 3 to the lower-risk category 1.
Emergency flood alert issued near Waimakariri
An emergency flood alert was issued for residents near Tuahiwi in the Waimakariri district last night.
The alert warned further flooding was possible around high tide at 8pm last night, and… Audio
How White Island victims' clothing may have harmed them
As the Whakaari White Island trial continues, concerns have been raised over PPE and how it could protect visitors to the volcano.
Whakaari trial: GNS Science did not consider increased volcanic unrest 'a clear hazard'
A leading volcanologist says on the day of the deadly Whakaari White Island eruption, GNS Science did not consider increased volcanic unrest to be a hazard for people visiting.
Schools shut, roads closed: Wild weather hits Coromandel, again
Flood waters have shut schools, trapped cars and closed roads on the Coromandel as wild weather hit. To add to that, the Whitianga waste water pump station failed, prompting a no flush notice… Video, Audio
Whakaari eruption hard to predict, but there were warning signs - volcanologist
A leading volcanologist says the exact time and day of an eruption cannot be predicted, but volcanic activity had picked up in the months leading to the deadly Whakaari White Island eruption. Dr Gill… Audio
Homeowners forced out by floods to get taxpayer-funded accommodation payments
Owners of homes affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle are set to receive payments towards their temporary accommodation.
'Everyone was screaming and running': Whakaari eruption survivor tells court of harrowing scenes
Teenage tourist Jesse Langford says he was unaware of how dangerous the island was before setting foot on it.
Rescuers battle to reach cars in flooded tunnel, 26 dead in South Korea floods
Rescuers in South Korea are struggling to reach cars trapped in a flooded tunnel, following days of heavy rain.
Whakaari / White Island trial: What you need to know
It has been more than three years since the Whakaari disaster. Here's what you need to know as the trial begins into health and safety failings leading up to the deadly eruption.
The tragedy that's brought the Whakatāne community closer
The WorkSafe prosecution over the Whakaari eruption begins today – and some of the heroes of that dreadful day are in the spotlight. Audio
‘Gut-wrenching’: Gisborne couple remaining positive despite losing home
A Gisborne couple are preparing to move out of their home of decades, after it was labelled Category 3.
3 tour operators plead guilty to safety failings leading up to Whakaari eruption
Three commercial helicopter tour operators have pleaded guilty and will no longer face trial over health and safety failings in the lead-up to the deadly Whakaari eruption in 2019. A judge alone trial… Video, Audio
'A slow-moving disaster': Rotorua lakes full to bursting
Months and months of heavy rain means many of the lakes around Rotorua are reaching levels not seen in 50 years, flooding nearby boat ramps, playgrounds and properties. Audio
New mixed waste site for cyclone waste
With 12,000 tonnes of waste filling up Hawke's Bay's Omarunui landfill after the cyclone, councils, contractors and private companies are working together to find new ways of recycling silt-ridden… Audio
What it takes to get a road back open
Storms and cyclones have caused major disruptions on state highways across the country this year. What's involved in fixing them up to get them back open? Audio
Muriwai flooding
After another weekend of heavy rain, residents of a popular West Auckland surf spot are looking for permanent solutions to flooding.
People in Muriwai say some driveways have been flooded and… Audio
Concerns raised Cyclone Gabrielle support package better for banks than growers
A Hawke's Bay fruit grower has harshly criticised the government's loan scheme for cyclone-affected growers and farmers. Audio
Support for businesses following severe weather, govt inquiry announced
Farmers and growers will receive help to secure cheaper loans, rather than given cash up front.
