Latest from Ministry of Civil Defence

Warning as cyclone nears

A severe tropical cyclone, which may become a supercyclone, could be down-graded before it reaches NZ, but warnings are still being issued for residents to be prepared.

Meteor near miss for Hamilton friends

Chch's 'Mr Rebuild' steps down

$70,000 worth of Civil Defence gear stolen

Northlanders to prepare for emergencies

Northlanders are being urged to 'get ready' ahead of a national civil defence preparedness week in the wake of a series of storms which have battered the region this year.

Vector crews seek to avoid Auckland traffic jams

Parliament would relocate to Auckland if quake knocked out capital

Cyclone Lusi: Civil Defence warns of 5m swells

Few fuel stops crisis-ready

Auckland has only 10 service stations wired up to provide fuel to emergency services quickly if electricity is cut in a natural disaster.

Tornado aftermath: What you need to know

Bob Parker: My earthquake story

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker doesn't pull any punches in a personal account of the earthquakes that rocked his city.

Chch quake response 'effective' - review

Emergency services responded rapidly and worked well together during the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch last year, an independent review has concluded.

Nation prepares for big quake test

Disaster alerts on phones

Free Auckland Civil Defence application now available to smartphone users.

Almost one million sign up for quake drill

Fire Service review designed to provide 'value for money'

Authorities defend volcano response

Locals have criticised the response to last night's Tongariro eruption as too slow but authorities have defended their procedures, saying they quickly established there was no immediate risk and put plans in place.

Volcano ash may have toxic traces

Rotoaira local David Bennett was concerned by the lack of communication between the authorities and National Park residents when Mt Tongariro erupted about 4km from his home last night.