Nelson Region
Further funding support for Nelson after fires
The Minister of Civil Defence will seek another $100,000 funding and the Minister of Agriculture has announced a further $50,000 for people affected by the Tasman fires.
Fire evacuees desperate to return home
Checkpoint - The battle to bring the Tasman wildfire under control is entering its ninth night, and residents evacuated from about 200 nearby properties are no closer to knowing when they'll be… Audio
'The fire is telling us it's still the boss'
Another fire broke out last night in the Nelson region, and while it was quickly dealt with, Fire and Emergency says it shows there's still a lot of work to do to contain the fire.
Firefighter hospitalised due to dehydration
Hundreds of people in Nelson-Tasman are spending another night out of their homes as an evacuation notice remains in place as firefighters battle the blaze. Reporter Nita Blake-Persen joins Checkpoint… Audio
Tasman State of Emergency extended for another week
Firefighters are expecting to be battling the Nelson-Tasman fire for weeks to come, while businesses and farmers in the area are counting the cost. Nita Blake-Persen reports from Tasman, where the… Video, Audio
Nelson-Tasman fire situation improves
While the Nelson-Tasman fire remains volatile, it appears the hard work of many fire fighters is beginning to pay off as the situation improves. Crews and helicopters are still busy watching for any… Video, Audio
Wakefield residents looking forward to sleeping in their own beds
Reporter Katie Scotcher is in Wakefield, where she returned home with residents Julie Germyn and Ian Sutton. Video, Audio
Emotional return for Wakefield evacuees
Wakefield residents are starting to return to their homes, days after they were forced to flee. Reporter Nita Blake-Persen talks to one local who says she was almost in tears when she found out she… Video, Audio
The cats go missing as the fire rages
As some Nelson Tasman residents return home this evening - some are doing so without their beloved cats. Sylvia and Chris Dallyn haven't seen their cat Mango since Saturday and are appealing for your… Video, Audio
Wakefield locals able to return home
Civil defence says Wakefield locals can return home - but they must be ready to leave at a moments notice. Audio
Nelson fire: Fire closes in on Wakefield
The fire burning more than 2000 hectares of Nelson bush is closing in on the town of Wakefield as 23 helicopters, two planes and 150 firefighters today worked in what emergency services say is a…
Making Headway with Hops
A rundown on how the hop season is progressing with Brent MacGlashen from Mac Hops in Motueka. Harvesting commences mid-February with early varieties such as Pacifica and Taiheke. Audio
Making Headway with Hops
A rundown on how the hop season is progressing with Brent MacGlashen from Mac Hops in Motueka. Harvesting commences mid-February with early varieties such as Pacifica and Taiheke.
AudioNelson 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