The ash cloud from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokul volcano is still causing havoc for flights across the Atlantic.

Tsunami-wrecked houses in Samoa are being rebuilt on higher ground - but without protection against cyclones or earthquakes, engineers say.

Forecast rain today is expected to raise the Lake Wakatipu level, but not beyond its peak, reassures Queenstown Lakes District Council.

River flow levels and a minimal rain forecast suggest Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu might only rise by a further 10cm.

Queenstown is preparing for the worst as the swollen Lake Wakatipu threatens to burst its banks and flood the CBD.

California geology officials have released an updated seismic activity map that they hope will improve earthquake preparedness.

Northland's drought may be endangering motorists - and stock - as hungry farm animals go wandering for food and water.

Queenstown businesses are being warned to brace for potential flooding as more heavy rain is predicted over the next two days.

The brief respite of rain for Northland farmers yesterday is not enough to quench the parched pastures.

Trampers were evacuated by air, phonelines cut and bridges washed out last night as the South Island was inundated by rain and flooding.

It's Bjork's fault. "One day it will happen," sings the Icelandic star on the prophetic 1993 song, One Day.

Corporal Apiata, who had been serving with the SAS in Afghanistan, touched down at Auckland International Airport at 5.15am yesterday.

The first flight back from London after disruptions from volcanic ash has landed at Auckland airport.