Live: Third Southland town told to flee floods, blocks of land under water
Some families were forced to wade through waist-high water to safety.
Some families were forced to wade through waist-high water to safety.
The draft plan's "Search and Rescue Plan" was two sentences long, on the final page.
About 100 trampers are being rescued by helicopter from Fiordland today.
Rescue teams mustered this morning for evacuation of tourists.
Video footage shows large parts of Milford Road have been washed away.
"Based on the modelling, 15,000 would have difficulty". Made with funding from NZ On Air.
Confusion about sirens for future tsunami alarms. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
FENZ had put 'patch' fixes in place until they figure out how to fix it long term.
The Newman family was among those who evacuated after sirens sounded in the Bay of Plenty.
Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management have told people to be prepared.
Around 70 firefighters continue to tackle the forests fires, with helicopters on standby.
26 people remain in hospital in New Zealand and Australia.
Crew clocked off at 2am after exhausting, emotionally draining day.
Volcanic eruption survivor recalls 2007 ordeal: "It was a horrific situation to be in."
The eruption has made major headlines around the world
National test of civil defence alert hit phones across New Zealand this evening.
Disaster officials have warned the effects will be felt far and wide.
Up to 22 helicopters, two fixed-wing aircraft and crews on the ground fought the blaze.
It's looking good tomorrow, but rain's on the way for some on Sunday.
Auckland's civil defence is warning residents to tie down loose items.
The region northeast of New Zealand has been struck with two earthquakes today.
Scientists reveal more about a fault set to unleash one of the biggest quakes NZ's seen.
Oliver Harcus and his partner are currently stuck in a Franz Josef campground.
The Waiho Bridge has been taken out by the flooded Waiho River on the West Coast.
Civil Defence this afternoon tweeted and sent automatic alerts - including phone calls.
A decision has been made to allow the state of emergency to expire.
Firefighters have created a 30m "black-out" zone around the fire area.
The festival ran all weekend and was located near Upper Takaka.
Residents who have returned to their homes told to be prepared to leave at short notice.