Latest fromWairarapa region
Wild winds: Power restored to most homes
But the good news is the wild weather of the past 24 hours is easing for most of the country.
Rimutaka Hill Road reopens
Police shut the road at 1am after the strong gusts made it too perilous for traffic using the pass.
Yoga behind bars
New Zealand's toughest criminals are doing yoga behind bars in a bid to reduce recidivism and help turn their lives around.
The real reason NZ gets earthquakes
Were the quakes that struck Wairarapa today and Christchurch last night caused by the weather or planets ... or neither?
Once racist mayor lauds Masterton
Outgoing New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd applauds the appointment of iwi representatives to council in his hometown.
National park fees for foreigners scoped
Overseas visitors could face paying a fee to visit national parks
Quakes rattle lower North Island
Residents described the second quake, registering 5.2 and 25km deep, as loud, sharp and scary.
Storms: Severe winds and power cuts
MetService says there is a small chance tornadoes will hit the South Island this afternoon as severe thunderstorms lash the country.