Civil Defence stories
Residents will hear updated advice on whether stopbanks and infrastructure at Franz Josef can withstand the Waiho River's shifting flood risk.
The council faces an $8m to $30m bill for urgent flood repairs, with a funding request still awaiting NZTA approval.
About 10,000 residents are now in a new blue evacuation zone, with council saying the simpler map could speed up escapes if a tsunami strikes.
Farmers are being urged to plan early as the predicted El Niño threatens drought, lower pasture growth and milk output across the Waikato.
New Zealand faces mounting espionage, cyber and terrorism risks, with Andrew Hampton saying communities and businesses must help spot them.
The dry spell could hit farms, rivers and firefighting readiness across Hawke's Bay, with below-normal rain and warmer temperatures forecast.
Aucklanders are being told to brace for dry spells, strong winds and storm risk as a strong El Niño raises summer pressure on water supplies.
Cleaner and faster emergency callouts are expected once the nearly finished NZD $3.5 million Twizel station overhaul opens.
Cashflow strain may force a redesign of Westport's flood defences, with the council warning it could struggle to fund the scheme.
Local leaders warn the date mix-up could leave councils short of their top officials during a nationwide tsunami drill in October.
Nearly 30 older residents learnt simple preparedness steps as Northland councils and emergency services urged stronger community links before disasters.
Motorists on State Highway 25 should see fewer bottlenecks from next year as NZTA replaces the ageing Ramarama Stream Bridge with a two-lane crossing.
Wairoa councils will soon be able to clear river mouths and debris sooner, after floods exposed delays in emergency response.
Emergency response funding could be squeezed under planned rates caps, prompting Southland Civil Defence to seek an exemption from the Minister.
Residents of the Ruapehu town were left without taps for nearly three days after a pipeline break went undetected, prompting calls for outside scrutiny.
Residents could face weaker flood protection after a former chief financial officer accused Environment Southland of failing to deliver promised work.
Severe weather clean-up costs in Tairāwhiti have been eased, with Gisborne District Council securing the largest share of a new grant.
Boil notices remain in place while testing continues, though Ohakune's water supply has been restored and the emergency is easing.
As wildfires intensify, 10 retired Hercules aircraft will be converted into aerial tankers, boosting Canada's firefighting fleet and aerospace jobs.
Heavy falls may trigger warnings as a warm, moisture-laden front sweeps across the upper North Island and Westland.
