Canterbury
Fires run rampant in tinderbox conditions
The Canterbury region is so dry fires are taking hold and spreading rapidly, firefighters say. Audio
ECan speaks out against Treaty Principles Bill
Canterbury's regional council has added its voice to opposition to the bill.
Canterbury blaze may have been caused by blown-out tyre
Residents from three homes who were evacuated have been able to return to their houses after the fire on Thursday.
Houses evacuated as fire crews battle blaze in Canterbury
Five helicopters, 22 trucks, tankers and support vehicles are working on the out of control blaze.
Flat-fare bus trial extended but price going up
Environment Canterbury's flat-fare trial is being extended to February 2026, with a 50 percent fare increase.
One dead in Christchurch house fire
Another person has been treated by paramedics as a result of the blaze in Hornby.
Hospital road changes could slow emergency services
The Christchurch City Council will today decide if it will make changes to the roads outside the Christchurch Hospital, which could slow access for emergency services but increase available parking.
Cause of massive Canterbury fire found
The Bridge Hill fire is now under control, with drone teams up overnight checking for hotspots. Audio
Prominent farming advocate dies in incident on farm
Chris Allen, 62, was a well-known and respected Canterbury farmer.
No contact yet as investigators probe fire cause, principal says
Papanui High School students were among those evacuated from the fire area but the school hasn't been approached.
Is this the next boom town for retirees?
The village has a permanent population of around 700 people, plus holiday homes, but it can swell up to 10,000 people during busy weekends.
Choppers called in to fight huge Canterbury fire
About 50 firefighters have been tackling the blaze overnight, with reinforcements expected on scene at first light.
Wilding pine control essential for preventing wildfires
A Canterbury official says the Bridge Hill fire would be much worse were it not for wilding pine control efforts.
Road and rain warnings from far south up to lower north
Drivers are being urged to take extra care on South Island roads, and warned that roads could close, as heavy rain and wind warnings spread orange and yellow across the MetService map.
Castle Hill fire remains too difficult to contain
Some members of the public were reported on the fringes of the exclusion zone around the fire at Cave Stream and were removed from the area with the assistance of police. Audio
Weekend weather: Settled on Saturday, blustery on Sunday
Strong norwesters are forecast across the east of New Zealand on Sunday, with severe downpours ahead for most of the West Coast.
'At least seven days' more battling Bridge Hill blaze for fire crews
The wildfire in Canterbury high country has grown to almost 1000 hectares as firefighters work to bring it under control.
Aoraki Mt Cook missing climbers believed dead in fall - police
Police do not believe that three missing climbers have survived a fall.
Waimate District Mayor speaks on 'do not drink' water notices
Around 650 households in the Canterbury town of Waimate are still under a "do not drink' notice - after nitrate levels exceeded the acceptable levels of 50 milligrams per litre of water. Unsafe levels… Audio
Temps rise, wind picks up, but fire crews hopeful
Firefighters plan to hit the Bridge Hill blaze hard over the weekend before conditions worsen next week.
