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Tsunami fears over as alert downgraded
The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.
Tsunami warning downgraded, but surges may still hit
Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.
Tsunami threat: Warning stays in place for entire east coast
New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.
Tsunami gauges 'stabilising'
Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.
Evacuation warnings as tsunami wave hits Chatham Islands
The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.
NZ on tsunami alert after quake in Chile
A tsunami generated by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, is expected to reach New Zealand this morning.
Surprises from Argentina
I remember being mesmerised by the sublime skills of Hugo Porta, the Argentinian rugby five-eighth of a bygone era.
Rio Carnival: First win in 7 decades for samba group
The Unidos da Tijuca samba group has been crowned champion of the Rio Carnival parades for the first time in more than seven decades.
Preteen samba queen breaks down at Rio Carnival
The youngest drum corps queen in Carnival memory broke down crying after being surrounded by cameras.
Lovebirds Madonna and Jesus rock in Rio
Queen of pop Madonna's tabloid-friendly romance with toyboy lover Jesus Luz is back on the boil.
Competitive kissing in Rio
At Rio's Carnival, collecting as many pecking partners as possible at one of the 650 massive street parties is truly a competitive sport.
Chopper crashes during Sao Paulo rush hour
A TV news helicopter pilot steered his crippled, out-of-control aircraft away from a busy highway before crashing.
NZ designates four groups terrorist organisations
NZ has for the first time designated four international terrorist groups which are not listed by the United Nations, John Key says.
Preteen as Carnival queen stirs Rio controversy
She is the Shirley Temple of samba, a seven-year-old named to a coveted Carnival role normally reserved for barely clad models.
Local man of mystery
Columnist and TV regular Leigh Hart tackles conspiracy theorists in a new mockumentary series.
Chile: Strolling through a city of colour
Santiago is what Auckland should be, writes Jim Eagles.
Latin can't die - it's the language of love
Touring jazz guitar master Al Di Meola talks to Graham Reid about the music in his soul.
Campaign to save tropical forests failed by food giants
Western food manufacturers are buying so little sustainable palm oil that the system set up to limit damage to tropical forests caused by the world's cheapest vegetable oil is in danger of collapse.
Extreme sports jump set to break the speed of sound
An extreme sports enthusiast from Austria looks set to break the speed of sound as he attempts the world's highest ever parachute jump.