Cyclone Cook has been one gnarly Easter egg for surfers, offering nine-foot waves today.

Aucklanders were left wondering if the big storm was a fizzer but others felt its force.

White Island saw wind gusts of 200km/h during Cyclone Cook.

The worst is over for most of Bay of Plenty region.

Find out what's happening in your region as Cyclone Cook sweeps in.

People choosing to self-evacuate

Authorities warn Bay of Plenty residents to be prepared.

People are stocking up ahead of the storm and long weekend.

Many schools have closed their doors today as wild weather looms.

Drama captain Elsie Spiers wins UN competition in Bay while Olivia Temm places third.

She says she called multiple times to tell them the flood wall woudn't hold up - Made with funding from NZ On Air.

An Edgecumbe business owner is worried he won't cope financially after a flood ravaged the town, evacuating all its residents. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Facebook has announced a new tool to help small businesses with their marketing strategy.

Soaring rents may force kindergarten closure

Ex-employee of Sunair must pay $66,600 after bidding against his boss for a contract.

Tauranga's new-look waterfront has been formally blessed amid rain this morning.

Justice served for Tauranga woman who started private prosecution against attacker.

Kraig Rimaha is impressed by the generous response to his playing outside a supermarket.

Mayor Tony Bonne speaks to Local Focus about the unfolding drama. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Some had to flee without shoes. Made with funding from NZ On Air

A section of the Mauao base track has fallen away in a large slip.

They say a culvert can't handle storm water. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

They say a culvert can't handle storm water. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Brazen theft of two rare paintings from an Auckland art gallery sparks second mystery.

Police investigate alleged illegal transfer of kiwifruit cultivars to China, says Zespri.

Motorists are urged to take care on the way home - but the worst is to come tomorrow.

The Koula collection sold for prices as high as $16,000. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Art enthusiasts attended an art auction in Tauranga, where the collection of Koula and Theo Vellinga was sold for prices as high as $16,000. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Home loan interest rates likely to continue to increase this year.

It is expected to pour with rain today.