Civil Defence
Kiwis know little about early quake warning systems, research suggests
New Zealanders do not know how to react if they get an earthquake alert, research from Massey University suggests. Audio
Minister's resignation leaves cyclone-affected residents in lurch
Kiri Allan's resignation from her ministerial portfolios, leaves a region of cyclone-affected residents in the lurch.
The former Minister had been leading the recovery of Cyclone Gabrielle in Te… Audio
The right to be wrong - even in a crisis
Dolphins mating in a prime-time TV documentary was deemed a breach of broadcasting standards this week by the broadcasting watchdog - but dismissing official information and experts on air during… Audio
Tai Rāwhiti partially cut off
Te Tai Rāwhiti has once again found itself partially cut off, following days of torrential rain.
Waka Kotahi says the region has taken a major hit, and many roads have flooding, slips and dropouts.
… Audio
Mana whenua reps considered for Hawke's Bay Civil Defence
Mana whenua may finally have a seat at the Hawke's Bay Civil Defence table.
Update on weather in Tolaga Bay
Back to the Tai Rāwhiti now where a state of emergency remains in place as more wild weather moves in. Greg Shelton is the Civil Defence area manager for Uawa / Tolaga Bay and he spoke to Lisa Owen… Video, Audio
Tai Rawhiti area under state of emergency due to rain
Tairawhiti is in a state of emergency, and a red heavy warning is in place till Sunday. Civil Defence has asked residents in low lying areas not to wait till official evacuation and leave if they feel… Audio
Surf lifesavers out of pocket over wetsuits contaminated during flood rescues
Surf Lifeguards say they have been told they should not have responded to calls for help during Cyclone Gabrielle if they did not have the right gear.
More rain to come in Tairawhiti amid civil defence warnings
Civil Defence in Tairawhiti are monitoring roads and rivers, as heavy rain continues to batter the already rain-soaked region. Yesterday heavy rain caused slips and some flooding. Heavy rain watches… Audio
Voices from Tai Rāwhiti
From the back country to the coast, and the flats and rolling hills in between, you won't find many places or people untouched by the claws of cyclones Hale and Gabrielle which ravaged Tairāwhiti at… Audio
Preparing for the big quake on the Alpine Fault
New research on the South Island's Alpine Fault is helping communities prepare for the next big quake. Audio
Ukraine shifting Russian war focus to "offensive actions"
Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister says its forces are "shifting to offensive actions" in some areas.
Ukrainian military sources told the BBC that a series of small scale armoured offensive operations… Audio
Uncertainty still remains for flood-hit Wairoa homeowners
Uncertainty still remains for many Wairoa residents after yesterday's announcement about flood damaged properties. No homes in Wairoa have been placed in category three those areas deemed "high-risk"… Audio
'Many details still to be settled' - local politicians react to govt buyout news
News of a joint buyout scheme for those affected by extreme weather has been met with relief by local politicians, but they say the work is just beginning and the devil will be in the detail. Audio
Bay of Plenty lake homes flooded as wet weather continues
Half a dozen homes have been flooded after recent rain at lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu in the Bay of Plenty.
And if the wet weather continues, up to 25 more homes could be at risk this winter.
Chair of… Audio
Cyclone Gabrielle: 236 Hawkes Bay homes will not be rebuilt
Hundreds of people whose homes were wrecked by Cyclone Gabrielle have just found out if they are going to be able to rebuild on their flood damaged property. More than two hundred homes in flood-hit… Audio
Waihī Beach clean-up and damage assessments continue
Assessors will continue work today to check buildings, roads and bridges after flooding in Waihī Beach this week. Intense rainfall quickly flooded baches, and 11 of 19 pensioner flats at the northern… Audio
Who pays for millions in cyclone emergency efforts?
A stoush between a Hawke's Bay council and the National Emergency Management Agency over who pays for some Cyclone Gabrielle costs could leave ratepayers with a hefty bill. Audio
'A lot of mess' - Floodwaters reach windowsills of Waihī Beach pensioner units
Civil Defence teams were out at first light assessing the damage caused by flash flooding at Waihī Beach that forced up to 50 people from their homes. Audio
Ongoing questions on telecommunications resilience unanswered
Analysis - Hawke's Bay dodged a much worse cellphone and internet blackout in Cyclone Gabrielle when fuel supplies ran critically low, papers show. Audio