Rare giant kokopu, which in their infancy make up part of the group known as whitebait, are to be reintroduced to Auckland waterways.

Parts of the North Island are set for a soaking today, with up to 140mms of rain expected to fall in some areas.

Northland and Auckland could be in for wind gusts of 120km an hour and a small tornado while heavy rains are set to hit further south.

Two New York air traffic controllers have allegedly been placed on disciplinary leave following fatal midair crash.