Civil Defence and Fire Services say there is no indication of the current situation ending as the Nelson-Tasman fire continues to burn.

The fire wreaking havoc near Nelson is burning into its fifth day, covering 2100ha with a perimeter of 27km. / Video by Mark Mitchell

Today is the last chance for Kiwis to get wet and wild as the world's longest waterslide is open for one last time at Bethells Beach this afternoon at 2pm.

Ground crews will continue to work through the night after Nelson residents were evacuated after a second fire broke out in Walters Bluff.

Nelson residents near Walters Bluff are being evacuated due to a new fire. Meanwhile, the town of Wakefield is also being evacuated after fire chiefs fears that a northerly wind is picking up and could threaten the town. Video by Mark Mitchell

If you see a trail of waka in the streets of South Auckland this weekend, it'll be paddlers retracing an 800-year-old route established by Tainui warriors.

Earlier: Fire crews brace for at least 48 hours of hard firefighting ahead

The Department of Conservation are attempting to ascertain the identities of two individuals seen pointing BB guns at the rare gulls.

Earlier: Hundreds of evacuated Tasman residents are entering a fourth day of uncertainty about the fate of their homes and livestock as a massive blaze near Nelson continues to burn.

To survive, Winston Peters' party has to split from Labour — or move into the spare room.

The race which tells the story of some of the area's first explorers enters its 27th year.

A school has told 17-year-old student Brody Hide to shave off his beard.

Yesterday the 1900-hectare fire was reduced by 300-hectares.

Wakefield residents have been warned they may need to flee during the night.

More evacuations underway as a result of Pigeon Valley Fire as winds, humidity increase.

John 'Cocksy' Cocks starred as a celebrity builder on a number of Kiwi TV programmes.

Teapot Valley Christian Camp director Paul Schutt speaks after he was evacuated from their property near Richmond, Nelson following the fire.

John 'Cocksy' Cocks, 52, died yesterday after battling kidney cancer.

Tasman farmer Steve German speaks about the horror of putting down burned animals. Video / Mark Mitchell

Fire, police, and Civil Defence have reassured residents that evacuation was not a decision taken lightly, and they would get people back into their homes as soon as it was safe.

Comment: Have we turned a corner?

Much-loved former reality TV star John 'Cocksy' Cocks has passed away following a struggle with cancer at the age of 52.

National Party leader Simon Bridges speaks to media about New Zealand and international relations.

Earlier: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has praised firefighters tackling the "mammoth" Nelson bush inferno as a $20,000 relief fund was unveiled.

Focus Live: Kris Faafoi on the future of NZ’s media sector

Drones can hamper helicopters fighting the 1900-hectare inferno.

One home was destroyed overnight as fire crews plan for another tricky day battling the Tasman fire.

Resident woke at 3am to check on the fire and saw 'looter' lurking around.

More Kiwis are embarking on a teaching career again because of the teacher shortage.

Comment: New Zealand's history should be taught in our schools.