Former tropical cyclone Wilma is now well clear of the North Island, heading quickly out into the Pacific Ocean but leaving a big clean up operation for the island and high winds forecast for the rest of NZ.

Temporary welfare shelters have been set up in Northland to house about 70 people, after tropical cyclone Wilma battered the upper North Island overnight. People from Kaeo through to Kawakawa have evacuated from their homes due to rising

Flooding is continuing in the Samoan capital today, after heavy rainfall from the threat of Cyclone Wilma in the past week.

NZers denied funding after being caught up in the devastating Queensland floods are to be granted a special Govt payout. Many Kiwis had complained of being ineligible for an Australian govt disaster payout due to a 2001 law change.

A large body of water gradually moving towards the northwest Victorian city of Swan Hill has threatened small communities in its path.

All Auckland roads have been re-opened and power is being restored as the recovery from 72 hours of storms that battered the North Island begins.

Warnings of more gale force winds and heavy rain have been issued as a deep low moves east across the North Island this morning.

Wild weather was last night lashing the upper North Island as heavy rain and high tides combined to keep authorities and residents on high alert for more coastal flooding.

A Kiwi couple caught up in the Queensland floods say they are disgusted at being denied Govt assistance because they are from NZ.

Severe thunderstorms have hampered the reconnection of power to flood-weary southeast Queenslanders.

Queensland police say a teenager photographed as she was swept to what appeared to be certain death in Toowoomba has survived.