Weather

Homes have been declared dangerous and new slips are dashing hopes of fixing a bridge amid warnings around the North Island.

It recorded over 285.5mm of rain over the weekend.

"Solar weather" doesn't pose a threat to human health - but it does to our technology.

Forecasters say there is no reprieve from the rain this week. Video

While some people are still isolated in Northland after flooding, more rain is forecast to hit the region, as well as Auckland and Coromandel. Audio

There were up to 40 slips in total, including four to eight larger ones.

The water, and lots of it, came by stealth in the dead of night.

Some parts of Northland were isolated after heavy rain, with floodwater running deep around houses and emergency services under pressure to respond to calls.

The three dead were found fully buried under the snow, police say.

MetService has forecast severe storms for parts of the central North Island.

Coastal Taranaki residents and visitors were treated to an impressive lightning show on Thursday night.

People continue to underestimate the risk for their pets, an SPCA inspector says. Audio

A reported tornado also damaged houses on Auckland's North Shore as heavy rain warnings remain in place for many regions. Audio

There have been no reports of injuries but the State Emergency Service was responding to reports of people stuck in caravans as floodwaters inundated caravan parks.

Roads have been closed in Hāwera after an extremely heavy burst of rain.

Kaikōura is experiencing its busiest summer in years, with strong numbers of international and domestic travellers.