A Govt package for displaced homeowners is the 'first really positive thing' since the Canterbury quake, a resident says.

Cantabrians forced out of their earthquake-damaged homes are set to get financial assistance and help finding accommodation from the Govt.

Gerry Brownlee has rejected claims he told Canterbury residents that selling their quake-damaged homes would be the best way to withdraw equity.

The bond forged at Gallipoli is now a dynamic partnership, say Julia Gillard and John Key.

Expat New Zealanders hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasi have joined a growing number of disaster victims denied recovery payments by the Australian Government.

In a rare moment of unity, Australia's political leaders joined to mourn the victims of a catastrophic summer.

Bushfire victim Paul Bosveld saw the remains of his home and said he was 'going to travel through life a bit lighter from now on'.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to control a fierce bushfire, which razed 68 homes near Perth.

Bushfires that destroyed at least 59 Perth homes and forced hundreds of people to flee for their lives continued to burn last night.

The Bruce Highway south of Cairns is a road to hope and despair.

The summer of 2011 was already going to go down in Queensland's history for all the wrong reasons.

A stormchaser has told how he tied himself to a tree, strapped on a helmet and went into the core of Cyclone Yasi.

Only a freakish combination of weather conditions could see a storm with the force of Cyclone Yasi reach New Zealand.

Cyclone Yasi, despite causing massive damage, did not leave anyone dead or seriously injured.

Personal stories of how Kiwis hunkered down as Cyclone Yasi surged through north Queensland.