Latest from Natural Disasters

Two die in Melbourne 'storm asthma'

When a thunderstorm hit Melbourne yesterday, it triggered a rare phenomenon seen only four times in the last 30 years.

Conway River at risk of overflowing

Civil Defence has "serious concerns" for the safety of anyone in or near the Conway River.

Ceiling dangers overlooked in quakes

Last Monday's earthquake should be a wake-up call about the risks commercial building owners overlook when it comes to non-structural items, say experts.

Route out of action six months at least

The earthquake-shattered main road linking Picton and Christchurch will "definitely" be closed for at least the next six months, the Transport Minister says.

Restoring access Kaikoura's biggest issue

Opening access to SH1 on the south side of Kaikoura will happen "quite a way before we open up to the north", Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has told Kaikoura.

Watch NZH Focus: Evacuation warnings for tsunami

A 6.9 earthquake has hit Japan and there are evacuation warnings in effect. Tristram Clayton is joined by journalist Motoko Kakubayashi for the latest from Japan.

Investigation launched into quake-damaged building

Asbestos contamination and a highly unstable building have destroyed any chance of personal belongings being saved from 61 Molesworth St in Wellington.

Watch NZH Focus: Tsunami sighted near Japan

A tsunami has been spotted out to sea and is about to hit the eastern coast of Japan. Joint Tristram Clayton for the latest.

Watch NZH Focus: Tsunami warning for Japan

An earthquake has struck Japan and a tsunami warning has been issued. Join Tristram Clayton for the latest.

Watch: Sherwood residents face big earthquake clean-up

Kara Lynn left Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake and has now had a new fault line open up near her Sherwood property following Monday’s magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

Watch: One of New Zealand’s oldest pubs is red stickered

The historic Hurunui Hotel in North Canterbury has been temporarily closed following Monday’s earthquake. But it’s owner is hopeful it will soon be declared safe to re-open.

Watch: 4WD emergency team denied access to Kaikoura

4WD emergency team laden with supplies has been denied the ability to deliver the badly needed food and relief

Watch: Gerry Brownlee in Kaikoura today

Dunne: Destiny Church should pay tax

Peter Dunne has echoed calls from the public to strip Destiny Church of its tax-exempt status.

Shakes leave capital in chaos

Thousands of workers and residents of Wellington's CBD have been displaced, as engineers continue to detect damage incurred to buildings.

We're shaken - and stirred into action

COMMENT: I'm heartened by outpourings of aroha and kindness in a time of need.

Braunias: Secret Diary of Brian Tamaki

COMMENT: I was in the basement vault last night counting my money when I heard a deep rumbling in Earth. "Hannah," I called out, "it's those gays again!"

Quake's lessons can't be ignored

Even after the quakes, eruptions and tsunami scares of the past decade, NZ still has lessons to learn about preparedness, writes Jamie Morton.