It was the storm that the chief forecaster at MetService said wasn't going to be big, and was angry at the media for saying so and for using, what he called, emotive language...

Severe snow, wind and rain is expected to continue to batter parts of the country but Auckland looks set to escape the worst of it.

Southlanders are being urged to prepare for further high winds today and more snow tomorrow.

North Islanders face nearly a week of dismal weather after the damaging weekend storm, while those in the South battle with snow.

The storm that hit New Zealand this weekend cut electricity to around 45,000 people and bowled over hundreds of trees.

Southlanders are being asked to stay at home and travel on roads only if it is absolutely necessary

The gales and strong winds that are hammering the North Island aren't going to leave anytime soon.

Delivery of the New Zealand Herald newspaper to homes in Auckland has been delayed this morning.

Around 11,000 people were still without power in the North Island this morning, after wild storms overnight.

A storm the size of Australia is hitting New Zealand with winds of 130km/h around Wellington and heavy snow falling in parts of Westland.

The MetService has issued severe weather warnings for all of NZ as a storm the size of Australia passes over. Strong gales are forecast in many North Island areas and heavy snow in the south.

The wild weather is expected to bring extreme conditions over the next 48 hours, with gale force winds,heavy rain and freezing temperatures.

Aucklanders are being warned to stay away from beaches with gales and large ocean swells set to batter much of the country in coming says.

A low 'the size of Australia' is heading our way - bringing with it gales and huge ocean swells, warn experts.

One of the largest storms on the planet is due to hit New Zealand tomorrow, bringing gales, heavy rain and snow to much of the country.

The heavy rain that caused slips and surface flooding in the lower North Island is expected to stop this afternoon but many roads in the area are still closed.

Slips and surface flooding are causing havoc for motorists in the lower North Island as heavy rain and gale force winds sweep the region.

A severe heavy rain and gale weather warning is in place for much of the country as widespread flooding affects farmers.

After 48 hours - and what seems like countless aftershocks - the mood of the people of Canterbury is changing.