Our last long weekend in almost half a year is approaching – and typically Queens Birthday Weekend in New Zealand looks a little unsettled – but by no means is it a write off. There are rain and shower risks – mostly in Northland and our western coastline. Here’s a look at the best forecasts out at the moment – and we’ll fine tune this again on Friday with the very latest for the long weekend.
Light snow falls were reported in the Napier suburbs of Taradale and Maraenui.
Various groups held a protest rally, in Napier, against water bottling plants. Video Paul Taylor
Man taken to hospital after his ute rolled on State highway 5 near Te Haroto. Photograph / Video Paul Taylor
Sounds Air, an aviation company based in Marlborough, is planning a direct service between Napier and Blenheim starting early August. Photos and video by Duncan Brown
Test-flight for a Sounds Air nine-seater Pilatus PC12 Plane, which would fly direct between Hawke's Bay and Marlborough in a proposed service starting early August
Test-flight for a Sounds Air nine-seater Pilatus PC12 Plane, which would fly direct between Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough in a proposed service starting early August, pictured at Hawke's Bay Airport, Napier.
Hawke's Bay Today sports reporter Shane Hurndell has a quick talk to Regan Gough after he was named Hawke's Bay Sportsperson of the Year in Napier Saturday 16 May.
Ex-All Black Buck Shelford recalls some of the big names who have influenced his game, speaking at a dinner of the Toshiba Hastings Pro-Am Golf Tournament, at Hastings RSA, Hastings.
The new Hawke's Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri, Napier, was officially opened by The Honourable Steve Joyce, Minister for Economic Development.
Two RNZAF Iriquois helicopters took veterans, for a nostalgic ride from Hawkes Bay airport in Napier to Cape Kidnappers and back. May 13th 2015 Hawke's Bay Today Photograph by Paul Taylor
Two RNZAF Iriquois helicopters arrived in Napier as part of a farewell tour of the country (they are being replaced)
Rod Hansen Department of Conservation on the search for an escaped Fresian bull living in Monckton Reserve Central Hawke's Bay for a couple of weeks.
Pogia Sione from Flaxmere speaks to Hawke's Bay Today after a suspected arson attack at her home last night. Video Paul Taylor
Te Matau A Maui waka and 16 crew setting sail for a two-month voyage to, and around, the Cook Islands. Pictured in Napier.
We meet Roger Corbett who has been astounded by the response online to an article about the size of his feijoas.
Cool Autumn nights help to make the bold vibrant colours of the bay's foliage stand out against a green Hawke's Bay.
Also known as the John Holt memorial display house.
Homes are being evacuated, roads are flooded, and power has been cut to several communities as ex-tropical cyclone Pam moves towards the East Coast. Coastal towns are bracing for gales, severe rain and heavy seas as the storm centre moves closer throughout the afternoon.
Acting Eastern District Commander Superintendent Mike Johnson discusses the death of a man who was being arrested in Napier.
Israel Dagg is set to make a return to no.15 on his home ground, he and the team know the Pumas will be a tough task after an impressive games against the Springboks.
The All Blacks are in Napier to match the Pumas in Saturdays match, allblacks.com have the inside oil on All Blacks preparing for a wet test and a physical challenge.
Beauden Barrett will make his first test start in the number 10 jersey for the All Blacks, replacing Aaron Cruden who is still recovering from the chest muscle injury suffered in the Bledisloe Cup test victory two weeks ago.
James Somerset from allblacks.com chats to Israel Dagg about his selection back into the starting side and being back in Napier for the Argentinian test.
After the announcement of his team to play against the Pumas in Napier, head coach Steve Hansen knows they'll be a very tough side to play.
Cyclone Lusi continues to slide south towards New Zealand bringing severe gales and heavy rain. The low will track down the western side of NZ then cross over the South Island on Sunday night – before leaving the nation on Monday morning. Severe weather may affect a number of regions, so please check with MetService for the latest warnings & watches – and WeatherWatch.co.nz for special weather news updates across the weekend. For farmers wanting rain Lusi should deliver a soaking to a number of regions – but some may miss out due to the changing wind flow.
Two low pressure systems are moving in towards New Zealand, one coming out of the sub-tropics from the north east and the other coming in from the south west. The two will weaken as they move across the country this week, but it means some who need rain will get it – but the rain predictions for the upper North Island remain patchy and hit and miss. By the end of the week we have another sou’west flow across the country which means the weekend ahead may be a little cooler along our western coastlines, but sunnier and hotter in the east or north east. Don’t forget to also check out our great new animated wind maps in our weather videos.
Donovan Cowley sent nzherald.co.nz this reaction on camera of his daughter Cameryn to today's 6.2 earthquake, she was filming herself when the earth started shaking. Also before Race 11 in the Manawatu, the earthquake is captured in the moments leading up to the start of the race.