Latest from Canterbury

First the quakes, now the storm

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

Quake refugees hunker down in carpark

Many people evacuated from Kaiapoi due to the tsunami risk have hunkered down in their vehicles at the Pak n'Save carpark in Rangiora.

Night of quakes: Useful links

Primary responsibility for civil defence emergency management at a local level rests with your local council.

Gerry Brownlee confirms casualties

There are casualties following this morning's quakes, acting Civil Defence minister Gerry Brownlee says.

South Island fault sequence 'complex'

More than one fault may be responsible for this morning's earthquakes.

Teen swept down river lucky to be alive

The driver of the 4WD which got stuck in a North Canterbury river was breath-tested at the scene, and was over the limit, according to police.

Medical marijuana trial going on in NZ

A major medical marijuana trial is underway in New Zealand - testing the effects of a new cannabis gel on epilepsy patients.

Look who's flying Bollywood star around

This helicopter tour over the South Island was a star-studded affair.

15 dead in 'disastrous' week on NZ roads

Only five days into November, 10 people have already died on our roads, and police fear another 60 to 70 people could be killed before the end of the year.

Dangerous 50km pursuit: Man jailed 3 years

A man who led police on a dangerous 50km rampage through roadblocks, road works, a golf course and private houses has been jailed for three years.

Probe after police pour booze down drain

Christchurch police are being investigated for pouring hundreds of litres of booze into a drain.

Kia ora: Waimate

Nestled in berry country, this sunny town is bursting with Edwardian elegance, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

Good news for first home buyers

Relief could be on the way.

Christchurch meth accused in court

Three men appeared in court today after a series of drug raids across Christchurch by police yesterday.

Meth 'supply ring' busted in Christchurch

Cash, methamphetamine, vehicles, synthetic drugs and at least one firearm were seized following a major police bust in Christchurch.

Exhumation 'very unpleasant' process

Exhumation is a "very difficult and very unpleasant" process that is deeply upsetting for family members, the trial into whether the body of Jamie Pooley should be dug up has heard.