Natural Disasters

Record rainfall caused widespread damage across the district, the worst in 150 years, after it was hit by floods twice in as many weeks during June and July.

The quake with a depth of 73km was felt across Taiwan and shook buildings in the capital Taipei.

It measured 4.7 and struck 10 km southwest of Pongaroa at a depth of 17km.

A new emergency preparedness guide developed by, and for, disabled people, has been unveiled.

In a few weeks' time, West Coasters will be able to find out if their home - or one they're planning to buy - may be at risk of damage or even demolition in a landslide.

Severe floods after a week of heavy rain have killed at least 33 in Thailand and two in neighbouring Malaysia

The Thai military has mobilised boats, helicopters and even its lone aircraft carrier to deliver supplies and evacuate the sick.

Neighbouring houses have been bought up and removed but Auckland Council says Brendon and Stephanie Deacon's home isn't eligible. Audio

The government has pledged $7 million to investigate the viability of moving a slip-prone section of a West Coast highway further inland.

Whakatāne Airport says ash from Whakaari/White Island has severely impacted services.

Residents on the Bay of Plenty coast may smell sulphur odours, GeoNet says.

A witness has warned the coroner that more people will be harmed, unless councils set alert levels for rivers. Audio

The crews are monitoring and controlling hotspots in the aftermath of the fire that tore through almost 3000 hectares of Tongariro Park at the weekend.

Ruapehu District's mayor says the huge fire could have the same effect on the local economy as the 1996 eruption.

The storm lasted only minutes, but hit with ferocious winds swirling at up to 250 km/h.

In a Taiwan warehouse, researchers hit a button, and a five-storey, steel-and-concrete box begins to buck and sway.

The 4.9 magnitude earthquake shook Wellington on Thursday night - but no-one at St James Theatre blinked.