Latest from North Island

Australian navy ship disrupts NZ internet and radio services
HMAS Canberra's radar blocked Wi-Fi from Taranaki to Marlborough.

Family remembers victim of Taranaki house fire
Emergency services were called to the scene in Browne St early on Friday morning.

New hut in works as Tongariro Great Walk delays opening
Walkers face a 20km trek between Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts.

Hundreds without power across North Island, road snowfall warnings in South Island
Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency were called to 60 incidents in the upper north.

60 emergency calls in upper North as wild weather hits
Fire and Emergency had about to 60 callouts in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Video / NZ Herald

Govt considering 'demolition' for Chateau Tongariro, deemed a ‘fiscal risk’ in Budget 2025
Options are being investigated for the site, 'including demolition'.

Rural community well represented in King's Birthday Honours
This year’s honours acknowledge contributors to New Zealand’s rural sector.

'Pretty special': Sistema founder's surprise at receiving knighthood
Plus: Several other prominent business people have been honoured.

'Block the pigs': Police brace for boy racer 'invasion' a year on from Levin violence
The Police Minister, despite an event organiser's abuse, says his cops are ready to act.

'All sorts of destruction': Tornado strikes Hamilton, thunderstorms buffet upper north
Civil Defence warned Waikato weather remains 'highly dynamic'.

100km/h wind gusts: Rain, thunderstorms forecast for Auckland, Northland
A strong wind watch has been issued for Northland from 3pm until 10pm.

Severe weather warning: Auckland Harbour Bridge closures likely
And there are warnings for other regions as a low-pressure system brings wild weather.

Tūroa Ski Field amps up for winter season
After a period of uncertainty, Tūroa Ski Field is ready for the 2025 season.

Whanganui pool tragedy: Coroner questions how lifeguard thought boy was just 'holding his breath'
Further investigations revealed the 7-year-old was unresponsive.

'Accidents happen': Trampers warned as winter weather sets in
Four of the Great Walks should only be attempted by experienced trampers, MSC advises.

'Fastest-growing route': Jet service returns to Hamilton after 25 years
The 171-seat Airbus A320 will operate alongside ATR 72 flights.

'Active weather coming': Heavy rain, wind forecast to sweep back across NZ
Today will offer a brief sunny and calm respite in a wild few days of weather.

From prison to gospel rap: Napier influencer Gzilla turns pain into purpose
'Nobody’s too far gone ... If God can save me, he can save anyone.'

'Bang on commuting time': Red thunderstorm warning issued in Northland
MetService says the watch will begin at 5pm and last until 6am tomorrow.

'Just hoping I'd get home': Passenger describes aborted landing on bumpy flight
Bumpy flight for basketball boss: 'This one was one of the worst'.