Most New Zealanders want Special Air Service (SAS) troops withdrawn from Afghanistan, a poll has found.

The extent of the damage across flood-stricken Otago is starting to become apparent as swollen rivers recede.

The rain has stopped falling in flood stricken Otago and Hawkes Bay, but the regions face a big, expensive cleanup.

A large landslip swept through a campground where up to 42 people were sleeping in flood-stricken Central Otago early today.

Further flooding is possible for the South Island's sodden Waitaki district, where 1000 people remain without drinking water.

Nine tourists have been stranded by floodwaters on State Highway 1 north of Oamaru after failing to observe warning signs earlier today.

There's some pretty dire stuff out there but every so often an ad comes along that's a true rib-tickler

Heavy rain and gales are expected to lash the main islands from tonight, with the MetService warning of one of the "bigger weather events" for some time.

A senior Queenstown police officer is facing a code of conduct inquiry after being caught speeding in the Kawarau Gorge.