Tasman
Evacuees pack precious belongings before leaving their homes
What do you take when you know you could lose it all? Tasman evacuees Ian and Maureen Grage describe what they packed as the fire approached, before they were forced to leave their homes behind. Video, Audio
Tasman firefighters ‘winning’ despite wind intensifying
The wind has intensified and changed direction, forcing the evacuation of another 25 properties, this time in Teapot Valley. But Tasman Fire Incident Controller John Sutton says they're still… Audio
Govt contributes $20,000 to Tasman fire relief fund
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says an "initial" contribution of $20,000 for the Tasman mayoral relief fund is sufficient at the moment and will be reassessed if matters get worse. He spoke with… Audio
Evacuated residents counting the costs
Tasman residents had to leave their belongings, animals and farming equipment behind when they were forced to flee their homes as a fire approached on Tuesday. They shared their stories with reporter… Video, Audio
State of Emergency as Nelson fire continues to rage
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who arrived in Nelson today, says the emergency response is well co-ordinated, and has assured authorities on the ground more resources are available should they need… Video, Audio
Fire ‘roaring away’ in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley resident Simon Marshall says he's inside the cordon on Teapot Valley road, watching the fire come towards him and his house. Civil Defence says the increased wind and humidity means 25… Video, Audio
Nelson fire updates: Evacuations in Teapot Valley
Teapot Valley south of Nelson is being evacuated as firefighters battle to bring the fires in the area under control. Follow our blog for the latest updates.
Teapot Valley residents ordered to evacuate
Residents in Teapot Valley, Tasman, have been ordered to evacuate this afternoon, as the Pigeon Valley fire continues to rage. Reporter Alex Ashton joins Checkpoint live from the cordon. Video, Audio
Nelson bushfire
A huge swath of bush and pine plantations have been destroyed by a bushfire in the Nelson region. Tinder dry conditions and the continuing hot Summer have created the perfect conditions for this fire… Audio
Dry conditions in Nelson before the fire
The fire in Tasman continues to rage, the government announcing earlier today that there will be support for the community affected. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern noted the area is "dry as a bone". Audio
Nelson fire: Water shortage, dry conditions worry farmers
Rural groups are rallying help for farmers, livestock and pets affected by the Nelson fires. Audio
Nelson fire: PM to assess damage as blaze remains 'out of control'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will fly into Nelson today to assess the damage after the forest fire that's grown to nearly 2000ha, and prompted 182 property evacuations. Video
Nelson bushfires update
RNZ Nelson reporter Tracy Neal with the latest on the massive fire in the Tasman district. Audio
Firefighters monitor fire in Waihopai Valley in Marlborough
Firefighters will continue dampening down a fire in the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough today.
Hunters help to save wetlands
Efforts by hunters to help restore a Marlborough wetland will be highlighted at a global conservation day next month, says Fish and Game.
Warnings of extreme fire risks
Northland is tinder-dry while Tasman and Nelson face the worst fire risk they've seen in a decade. Audio
Waimea Plains water restrictions due to start next week
The Tasman District Council plans to impose stage-one water restrictions on the Waimea Plains from Monday.
Vineyard owner ordered to pay $3.3m to former investors
The head of a company that owns a Tasman vineyard has been ordered to pay $3.32m to his former investors, whom he misled.
What makes a good Santa...
Neville Baker was reinstated as Santa at the Auckland Santa parade yesterday, just a week after he was sacked by organisers for inappropriate comments. The veteran Santa, who runs a Santa school, came… Video, Audio
Council staff abused over non-traditional Santa
The organiser of Nelson's santa parade has apologised to those who were upset this year's parade did not feature a traditional Santa Claus - saying even he was surprised Santa wasn't wearing a hat. Video, Audio
