The brief respite of rain for Northland farmers yesterday is not enough to quench the parched pastures.

Planting flowers on roadside verge isn't allowed - it's council property.

The final stretch of State Highway 1 was sealed today, allowing drivers a tarsealed ride from one end of the country to the other for the first time.

Up to 5000 trucks will be eligible to carry heavier loads on public highways from next month.

Two double-fatalities and the death of a baby pushed the Easter road toll to nine last night.