Police have been called in to investigate a blaze at a Pakuranga sports bar.

A school already struggling with a tragic start to the year has now lost its technology block to a devastating early morning fire.

People affected by fires may be entitled to free doctor visits.

Burned vegetation clear in satellite images of Christchurch Port Hills.

Firefighters are pulling back from the Worsleys area, as the situation in Christchurch continues to improve.

A swimming pool - and quick thinking - helped save the Port Hills last week.

A house fire which claimed two lives has been linked to "spotting cannabis".

Relief as no one found inside a South Auckland home badly damaged by fire.

The fire was in a building in Gumfield Drive.

The Port Hills will be in a state of emergency for another seven days after last week's fire.

Residents will have to show ID before being allowed to cross cordons on fire-ravaged Port Hills roads.

It may be wondered whether a country of NZ's size and population is well served by such a fragmented civil defence organisation.

The fires occurred at Bankside Cottage, which is more than 130 years old, and the George Courts building.

While firefighters are making progress with the Port Hills fires, the fire area remains at 2075ha this afternoon.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire involving a historic Hastings villa that was due to be relocated to Waiheke Island.

While stories of chopper pilot's courage in fighting the Taliban were shared, mum Leslie spoke about true heroes making a difference in people's lives.

Experts fear homes on the devastated Port Hills fire may be at risk of a new threat.

The stereotype of the couch-burning student is becoming a thing of the past as University of Otago's tough stance on fire-lighting pays dividends.

Despite the progress, there was still a high risk of flare-ups and forecast weather conditions may present challenges.

The wife of the pilot and war hero killed when his helicopter crashed as he fought the Port Hills fires is "amazed" by the support for her family.

Fire cordons in Port Hills are being lifted, to give people a few hours' access to their homes.

COMMENT: For me a cloudy rainy humid summer that promotes lush vegetation and full water tanks is an absolute blessing.

With temperatures expected to heat up this week, fire crews are racing against the clock to contain the Port Hills blaze and prevent any further loss.

Port Hills residents will have temporary access to their property so they can collect essential items and check on pets today.

Civil Defence is reminding the public that the Port Hills fire and surrounding zones are off limits to everyone, including recreational users.

Watch: A 1990 video produced for the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi has resurfaced, and stars a then 10-year-old Steve Askin.

Authorities working to contain the Port Hills fire are being helped by drizzle, which is forecast to turn to light rain this afternoon.

Frustrated Port Hills locals are getting desperate to know when they will be allowed back onto their properties.

The entire hotel was evacuated while the source of the smoke was located.

Christchurch must be wondering what it has done to deserve the ravages of nature.