Nelson Region
Nelson fire: More Wakefield residents told to evacuate
Wakefield residents in the area bordered by Barton Lane, Higgins Road and Baigent Valley Road are being asked to evacuate now as well. Follow all the latest developments with RNZ's live updates.
Two homes destroyed in new Nelson city fire
RNZ reporter Ben Strang reports on the latest on multiple fires in the Nelson region. He tells us a fire that broke out this afternoon at Walter's Bluff near Nelson city has been brought under… Audio
Ashen skies in Wakefield: 'Yesterday it was very thick'
Residents of Wakefield are ready to leave their homes at a moments notice say ash and pine needles have been falling from the sky for days.
Tasman farmers warned severe drought likely
The fire affecting Nelson comes on the heels of a long, hot and dry spell in the region. Farmers in the area are being told to make preparations, amid growing concerns a severe drought is likely… Audio
Evacuees pack precious belongings before leaving their homes
What do you take when you know you could lose it all? Tasman evacuees Ian and Maureen Grage describe what they packed as the fire approached, before they were forced to leave their homes behind. Video, Audio
Tasman firefighters ‘winning’ despite wind intensifying
The wind has intensified and changed direction, forcing the evacuation of another 25 properties, this time in Teapot Valley. But Tasman Fire Incident Controller John Sutton says they're still… Audio
Govt contributes $20,000 to Tasman fire relief fund
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says an "initial" contribution of $20,000 for the Tasman mayoral relief fund is sufficient at the moment and will be reassessed if matters get worse. He spoke with… Audio
Evacuated residents counting the costs
Tasman residents had to leave their belongings, animals and farming equipment behind when they were forced to flee their homes as a fire approached on Tuesday. They shared their stories with reporter… Video, Audio
State of Emergency as Nelson fire continues to rage
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who arrived in Nelson today, says the emergency response is well co-ordinated, and has assured authorities on the ground more resources are available should they need… Video, Audio
Fire ‘roaring away’ in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley resident Simon Marshall says he's inside the cordon on Teapot Valley road, watching the fire come towards him and his house. Civil Defence says the increased wind and humidity means 25… Video, Audio
Nelson fire updates: Evacuations in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley south of Nelson is being evacuated as firefighters battle to bring the fires in the area under control. Follow our blog for the latest updates.
Teapot Valley residents ordered to evacuate
Residents in Teapot Valley, Tasman, have been ordered to evacuate this afternoon, as the Pigeon Valley fire continues to rage. Reporter Alex Ashton joins Checkpoint live from the cordon. Video, Audio
'Wind is our enemy' - firefighters race against tomorrow's gusts
Firefighters at the huge forest fire outside Nelson are working against the clock to control the fire before forecast strong winds arrive tomorrow.
Nelson fire: Government confirms support
The government has confirmed initial support for the Tasman community for people affected by the fires. Video
Campground owners struggling: 'We'll be packing up, selling up'
Westland District Council will today hear from struggling campground owners, who have experienced a "painfully quiet" summer after the introduction of designated freedom camping areas.
Nelson fire: Water shortage, dry conditions worry farmers
Rural groups are rallying help for farmers, livestock and pets affected by the Nelson fires. Audio
Nelson fire: PM to assess damage as blaze remains 'out of control'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will fly into Nelson today to assess the damage after the forest fire that's grown to nearly 2000ha, and prompted 182 property evacuations. Video
Nelson fire: 235 properties evacuated, one house destroyed
Civil Defence has confirmed one has house burned down in Redwood Valley, as crews work hard to contain a large blaze that broke out yesterday. Video
Lack of water adds pressure as fire fighters battle Nelson blaze
The extreme dry conditions in Tasman and dwindling water supply is adding to the problems facing fire fighters as they battle a huge Nelson bush fire.
Recap: Nelson fire, the day's updates
The number of homes evacuated as a result of the fire in Tasman has climbed to 170 - the latest in the Pigeon Valley South area, Civil Defence says. Video
