Natural Disasters
Emergency Management Bill flawed, government told by officials
Vital changes for disaster-proofing critical infrastructure like phones, power and roads have serious flaws, warn government officials.
'Growers are waiting': Ongoing talks with government for post-cyclone funding package
Hope could be on the horizon for growers facing the loss of their livelihoods following Cyclone Gabrielle.
East Coast residents already prepping for next big disaster
Communities on the East Coast say they are sick of band-aid fixes and being praised for their resilience.
New rules for farm-to-forestry conversions
The new rules will give communities greater control of what is planted, and where.
Preparing for the big quake on the Alpine Fault
New research on the South Island's Alpine Fault is helping communities prepare for the next big quake. Audio
Preparing for the big quake on the Alpine Fault
New research on the South Island's Alpine Fault is helping communities prepare for the next big quake.
AudioTenants now eligible for Cyclone Gabrielle payouts
But without their contact details, the council is relying on word of mouth to get the message out.
Insurance Council rejects claims flood clients being low-balled
The Insurance council is defending against claims companies are lowballing flood-affected clients. Builders say they are starting to see some homeowners struggling with the cash offers that won't… Audio
Alpine Fault quake is coming, ready or not
Inhabitants of the shakiest part of Aotearoa's shaky isles are readier than ever for the overdue big one.
Hawke's Bay Māori grapple with buyout decisions
Hawke's Bay Māori are grappling with huge decisions in the wake of the Government's proposed buyout of cyclone-hit homes most at risk of being flooded again.
Iwi and hapū had difficult conversations… Audio
Auckland deputy mayor on mayor's forwarded emails calling councillors 'dip shits'
The government's at-least $1 billion buyout scheme for flood ruined homes has left councils scratching their heads about how much of tab they'll be picking up, and where the cash is coming from.
The… Video, Audio
Wairoa mayor says town will struggle to pay for flood protection
Craig Little fears even with government assistance, borrowing will be needed.
Tsunami
Join us for a weekly round-up of the news! Plus in our explainer this week we find out more about tsunamis. Audio
'Many details still to be settled' - local politicians react to govt buyout news
News of a joint buyout scheme for those affected by extreme weather has been met with relief by local politicians, but they say the work is just beginning and the devil will be in the detail. Audio
Kiwi research makes predicting river course changes, thanks to quakes, possible
When the Waiau Toa started flowing again after the Kaikōura earthquake, it had a new course.
Wanganui River bank protection 'urgent'
Work to bolster stopbanks on the south bank of the Wanganui River at Hari Hari "needs doing urgently".
Who pays for millions in cyclone emergency efforts?
A stoush between a Hawke's Bay council and the National Emergency Management Agency over who pays for some Cyclone Gabrielle costs could leave ratepayers with a hefty bill. Audio
Ongoing questions on telecommunications resilience unanswered
Analysis - Hawke's Bay dodged a much worse cellphone and internet blackout in Cyclone Gabrielle when fuel supplies ran critically low, papers show. Audio
Auckland Council in talks on moving some roads to safer ground
Auckland Council is in talks with the government about moving some roads to safer ground, the supercity's deputy mayor says. Audio
'Hard lessons we need to learn' - Stormwater conference faces harsh climate reality
A dour mood hung above this year's Stormwater New Zealand Conference, as attendees reflected on months of flooding and severe weather.
