Latest from Niwa

Further water restrictions for Whangārei

Level 3 water restrictions come into force in Whangārei from Thursday.

Rain needed now to avoid tighter restrictions

This week's rain might defer further water restrictions in Whangārei

Recent rain helps but more needed

Fingers crossed in rural areas for more rain as predicted.

Places in Northland break summer drought record

Whangārei and Dargaville have broken rainfall records in place for many decades.

Rain, thunderstorms on the way - which drought-affected areas will get relief

Not a "drought-breaker", but at last some relief.

Spud the dog survives eel attack

Eel attempts to drown jack russell chihuahua cross in a Whangārei stream.

'I've taped off the taps so nobody turns them on': Aucklanders on tanks left dry

When it comes to water in Auckland it's a tale of two cities.

Big Dry: No rain in sight for drought-parched north

Cyclone heading to New Caledonia looks likely to sweep by south of South Island.

Why NZ urgently must keep a better watch on its oceans

Scientists propose new initiative to keep closer tabs on our fast-changing ocean estate.

Can Dudding Lake be stopped from 'flipping'?

Effort, expense and an unexpected element appear in work to restore the lake.

'Like a freight train': Tornado slams woman against house

A Taranaki farmer has described how a tornado tore through his house.

Weather: Warmer temperatures forecast - but so is rain

A west to northwest is bringing patches of rain and warmer temperatures today.

Three-month forecast good news for farmers

Second warmest July on record as farmers look forward to a good summer.

The big chill: Flights delayed, heavy snowfall closes highways, Desert Rd

MetService issues further road snowfall warnings as the big chill continues.

New-wave research: $11.5m mega-project to shed light on NZ's changing oceans

An $11.5m project will take a closer look at NZ's vast and fast-changing marine estate.

Your weather: Heavy rains, chilly nights and snow all forecast this week

Get ready for some cold and wintry weather this week.