High winds in Northland are driving fire danger to extreme levels.

A police spokeswoman said they were not treating the fire as suspicious at this stage.

The pair died while responding to a landslide as Cyclone Gabrielle tore through.

The tot has been taken to Middlemore Hospital with serious injuries.

Shortcomings of 25-year-old system have been revealed in newly released papers.

The person was extricated using specialist rescue equipment.

A section of Bluff Highway remains closed as a scene examination takes place.

A Kawerau school's playground fire is being treated as an arson.

Investigators have ruled out any suspicious circumstances regarding the fire's cause.

Fenz is also planning to bring water tankers into the region if restrictions get worse.

Youths were seen running from the scene of a car fire which is threatening houses.

Two people have been treated at the scene.

The wind and the dry grass meant the fire moved rapidly up the steep hill.

Fireworks and sky lanterns are considered too risky due to hot, dry conditions.

Two rescue helicopters had also been called to the scene.

The family heard a loud bang amid ferocious weather and did not think much of it.

Eight fire trucks, including two aerial units, remain at the scene of the blaze.

The fire was first reported just after midnight.

Firefighters are unable to continue work without helicopters due to steep terrain.

A large wood chip pile is on fire, and the fire is threatening a neighbouring building.

The cause is being investigated.

Firefighters were called to the Glenholme blaze just before 5am.

Crews from seven brigades and two helicopters are in attendance.

Fire and Emergency said there have been no significant flareups overnight.

A fire in Taupō came close to houses overlooking Lake Taupō.

Fire fought with help from mystery man.

Fire crews brace for big day across tinder-dry Canterbury.

Officials said 200 people have been reported missing.

Convention Centre to cost further $165m and extra $15m for Wellington car park.