A military helicopter at the centre of a $770 million NZ Air Force upgrade has copped harsh criticism in a German Army report.

Lifeguards say they do not want the power to arrest people who ignore beach closures, despite calls for them to be given enforcement powers.

New Zealand's tsunami alert has been cancelled but people in coastal areas of the country are still advised to take caution.

Hundreds of New Zealanders who raced to beaches to watch a potentially catastrophic tsunami were 'stupid', says Civil Defence Minister John Carter.

Air New Zealand engineering subsidiary Safe Air in Blenheim is planning to cut 100 jobs from its workforce.

EXCLUSIVE: Robotic "drone" spy planes flying by remote control could be used to patrol New Zealand's waters.