Emergency Services

Emergency crews already rescuing two people have had to rescue a third who was taking photos of the ordeal.

The cause of the 3000 hectare wildfire at Tongariro National Park remains under investigation.

At least 140 people are slated to lose their jobs, and unions say the proposal will decimate the agency most relied on for first response in emergencies. Audio

Firefighters hiked 25 minutes down the Fairy Falls Track to reach the fire, which scorched an area larger than a football field.

All traffic should avoid the area around the Moewai Road intersection as there are no diversions in place.

A dispute dating back years has meant reduced after-hours air attack backup, but the agency says that didn't make a difference to how it has been fighting the Tongariro wildfire.

FENZ said it wanted to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on State Highway 47 on Saturday afternoon.

Bush-fire smoke is particularly risky for children, older people and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

A wall of smoke from the Tongariro National Park fire is providing a worrying vista for a village. Audio

Thirty-six residents of the village were warned on Sunday they may need to vacate in a hurry.

State Highway One between Longbush and Kennington, near Invercargill, was closed and the power was out for 62 properties, after a truck hit a powerpole. Emergency services were called to...

A Rakaia fisherman's video of a man burning trash on the beach went viral online, triggering a $400 council fine.

The blaze has reached 400 hectares, and is uncontrolled and spreading, as firefighters have had to retire for the night. People are advised to avoid the area.

The acrobat stunned the audience, plunging 2-3 metres to the ground, while performing a bar routine.

Police say a body has been found after a house fire in Hamilton East.