Latest fromSouth Island
![First heavy snow, rain watches issued ahead of polar blast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
First heavy snow, rain watches issued ahead of polar blast
A large swathe of the lower South Island is in the firing line.
![Speed limit on State Highway 8 drops to 50km/h after several serious crashes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Speed limit on State Highway 8 drops to 50km/h after several serious crashes
Agency fears motorists may disregard new speed limit through Mackenzie Basin.
![Sunshine to snow: Looming icy polar blast to bring snow to both North, South islands](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Sunshine to snow: Looming icy polar blast to bring snow to both North, South islands
Niwa says the weather system is 'potentially conducive' to snow.
![NZ sheep dog trialling legend dies in farm accident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
NZ sheep dog trialling legend dies in farm accident
The New Zealand Sheep dog training captain was killed in an ATV crash on Monday.
!['Fat in system' helps Molesworth Station survive dry winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'Fat in system' helps Molesworth Station survive dry winter
"We made a lot of plans to get us through the winter."
!['The hurt will be deep': Harness racing star Katie Cox loses battle with cancer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'The hurt will be deep': Harness racing star Katie Cox loses battle with cancer
The racing fraternity launched a fundraising effort for the Canterbury driver.
![Nearly 400 cats killed in controversial competition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Nearly 400 cats killed in controversial competition
One man killed 65 cats, landing him a $500 prize.
!['A killer': Battle to find a place to live in idyllic Southland town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'A killer': Battle to find a place to live in idyllic Southland town
'If we’ve got any young people wanting jobs out here, they can’t find anywhere to live.'
!['Hectic': Hail the size of marbles pelts Auckland, city braces for next severe weather bout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'Hectic': Hail the size of marbles pelts Auckland, city braces for next severe weather bout
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong 120km/h gales have hit the city this morning.
![UK TV star accused of blindsiding Kiwi vineyard staff with winter closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
UK TV star accused of blindsiding Kiwi vineyard staff with winter closure
One day's notice of job cuts for 17 staff at Noel Edmonds' South Island winery.
![Watch: 'Absolutely devastated': Honey company forced to destroy $2m worth of bee boxes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Watch: 'Absolutely devastated': Honey company forced to destroy $2m worth of bee boxes
The destruction order came after American foulbrood disease was detected.
!['Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'Third-world stuff': Energy minister praises chilly Kiwis' restraint amid grid crisis
The country’s grid operator issued a warning notice in advance.
!['Third-world stuff': Crisis meeting held ahead of grid emergency as polar blast bears down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'Third-world stuff': Crisis meeting held ahead of grid emergency as polar blast bears down
Friday promises NZ's coldest day of 2024 - and more frosty temperatures are due tonight.
![Coldest day of 2024 so far: Kiwis wake to frosts, snow with more cold temps on way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Coldest day of 2024 so far: Kiwis wake to frosts, snow with more cold temps on way
MetService says this May has been a stark contrast to the warmer conditions last year.
!['These animals need to die': Controversial cat hunting contest returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
'These animals need to die': Controversial cat hunting contest returns
Nationwide, it is estimated feral cats kill up to 100 million birds each year.
![Heavy rain watches in place, chilly end to the week expected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Heavy rain watches in place, chilly end to the week expected
Enjoy the sun while it lasts - temperature drops and rain are on the way.
![A&P Association’s board director paid $75k for landing $5m council deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
A&P Association’s board director paid $75k for landing $5m council deal
The board is keeping mum after Christchurch City Council revealed the details of the deal.
![The region where home owners are facing a rates rise of up to 33%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
The region where home owners are facing a rates rise of up to 33%
District Mayor Tim Cadogan said it was a tough but necessary decision.
![Anzac weather: Cold start for dawn service, heavy rain for the South Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Anzac weather: Cold start for dawn service, heavy rain for the South Island
It's a mixed bag of weather for the country on Anzac Day.
![Person found dead in Ram Paddock Rd, North Canterbury](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Person found dead in Ram Paddock Rd, North Canterbury
The circumstances of the death are under investigation, WorkSafe comment has been sought.
![Rugby club grieves loss after 22-year-old dies in workplace incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=810)
Rugby club grieves loss after 22-year-old dies in workplace incident
The man died in an accident at a Mid Canterbury farm on Wednesday.