Flood waters in Canterbury and Otago have begun to recede as heavy rain eases, but there's no respite with snow forecast for tonight.

Chris Finlayson writes on how the Waikato River Settlement Act benefits the whole nation.

A West Coast iwi has defended its decision to accept money from Meridian Energy for advice on the effects of a $300 million hydro dam.

A teenager has died after being swept away by the Waikato River near Taupo.

Meridian Energy paid money to the local West Coast iwi after the iwi changed its position on a $300 million hydro dam.

Police have confirmed today that the body found in the Waikato River at Meremere is that of missing Hamilton woman Audrey Gibson.

Mayor Pat McManus says there's no shortage of water on the West Coast and the 'silent majority' of locals support the proposed Mokihinui dam.

New Zealand's dairy farms are getting dirtier - not cleaner, according to new research released today.

Rain eased in Gisborne overnight and surrounding roads reopened after flooding and slips caused evacuations.

The residents of Mangatuna village, north of Tolaga Bay, were moved out this morning as the Uawa River rose from its usual four metres to 11 metres.

An American woman dies after becoming pinned under a rock when a family rafting trip on the Mohaka River turned to tragedy yesterday.

The Government is keeping close watch on the "big dry" in many regions and will consider drought assistance if conditions worsen, Agriculture Minister David Carter says.