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.

Police and fire investigators will be working out what caused a blaze that damaged a Hawke's Bay home.

The family of the helicopter pilot killed while fighting the Port Hills' fires have given him a final gift.

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.

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.

Hundreds of firefighters continued working around the clock last night, hosing down hot spots and smothering embers from the devastating Port Hills blaze.

Quakes and quakes, some flooding, more quakes, and now fires? Come on, Mother Nature, what's next?

Smoky smells in Port Hills' properties does not pose a serious threat to health, authorities say.

Port Hills homeowners have this afternoon been allowed to return to their smouldering homes that have burned to the ground.

Frustrated homeowners still don't know whether their Port Hills homes are standing or have been ravaged by fire.

Contractors working in the area where the devastating fire first broke out on Monday pleaded for helicopters to be sent out, it can be revealed.

Plans are under way to get stranded residents back home, but winds may yet pose a danger.

Kiwis dig deep to support family of helicopter pilot killed fighting Christchurch's Port Hills fire.

Helicopters are getting ready to go up and give emergency workers an overview of any fresh destruction.

Son reeling after family home containing all of late father's belongings razed.

Civil Defence minister wants the law governing emergencies improved.

A quieter night for firefighters as the deadly Port Hills wildfire enters its fifth day.

Watch: The wildfire races across a section of the Port HIlls, growing in intensity, in the timelapse footage.