Five findings from a new independent stocktake of the state of our lakes and rivers.

Enjoy the fine weather while it lasts as another storm is set to move over the country.

A school is being evacuated and flooding is hitting lots of areas in in the North Island.

It is expected to pour with rain today.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

While the eastern region swelters in one of the most rain-deprived Januaries in more than a century, some western areas have been drenched.

Kiwis "must be vigilant" about swimming in our rivers, a freshwater scientist says, with data often showing high levels of E. coli in waterways.

Climate change scientists have projected continued global greenhouse gas emissions would heat Northland heat up more than other regions

Northland farmers are facing drier than normal conditions.

Hotter than average temperatures can be expected across the entire country over the next three months - but the warm won't come without rain.

A weather balloon with cameras attached has captured a stunning view of Central Otago from the sky.

A wetter summer season is on the cards for the upper North Island - but that doesn't mean people should go cancelling their Coromandel holiday plans.

Growing global market opportunities and the need to strengthen supply chains are creating a thirst for capital among agricultural co-operatives around the world, rural lending specialist Rabobank said.

Drought in much of the country is helping to drive dairy prices higher, but farmgate prices for beef and sheepmeat are weakening.

NZ farmers are facing summer water restrictions in some regions as an El Nino weather pattern develops.

Sun-lovers should head to the Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay for the best weather this summer, but most of the country can expect warmer, drier weather.

The Government is keeping close watch on the "big dry" in many regions and will consider drought assistance if conditions worsen, Agriculture Minister David Carter says.