Canterbury
Port Hills fire contained, but firefighters still not winning
The Port Hills fire is contained but Selwyn Principal Rural Firefighter Douglas Marshall warns firefighters "are not winning yet". Audio
Port Hills forests decimated by fires will take 80 year
The Summit Road Society has been working hard to regenerate a 150 hectare area of land into native forest for the past 30 years, but now around half of their land's been charred. Video, Audio
Residents sift through charred remains of homes as cordons lift
Two cordons were lifted today letting residents return to their homes. Sharon Brettkelly joined two as they anxiously went back to see their houses for the first time since they evacuated. Video, Audio
Police joining investigation into Port Hills fire
The team of investigators looking into the fire have asked the police to get involved because of the seriousness of the blaze, and the potential that its cause could be suspicious. Audio
"Typical Gerry Brownlee" - Christchurch locals
Many Christchurch locals are angry at Gerry Brownlee for criticising Civil Defence's response to the fire while the fire is still burning. Audio
Port Hills homeowners frustrated by 'poor communication'
Worsley Road resident Jack Palovski has no idea when he will be allowed to return to his home, and says his neighbour Miranda Newbury was told by Civil Defence that her house had burnt down when it… Video, Audio
Firefighters called away from Port Hills blaze
The Professional Firefighters' Union says firefighters were called away from the job on Monday night while a fire on the Port Hills grew. The union's secretary wants an independent inquiry. Audio
Port Hills fire: $127,000 raised for pilot's family
Fundraising has netted more than $120,000 to help support the family of the helicopter pilot who died in a crash while fighting the Port Hills fires.
Diversions on SH1 after fatal crash in South Canterbury
Diversions are likely to stay in place for several hours following a fatal crash on State Highway 1, between Timaru and Oamaru, say police.
Civil Defence stung by minister's criticism
Hearing the Civil Defence Minister criticise the response to the Port Hills fire "does nothing for the engagement of volunteers", Canterbury's civil defence controller says. Audio
Maja Burry with the latest on Port Hills fire
Timeline for evacuees to be allowed back in expected to be released later today. Audio
Maja Burry with the latest on Port Hills fire
Our reporter says the glowing red hills of the past couple of days are now a smoking, blackened backdrop to Christchurch city. Audio
Port Hills fire: Firefighters make good progress against blaze
Strong progress has been made in the fight against the Port Hills Fire, the Fire service says, but the Christchurch mayor is warning the battle is far from over.
Port Hills fire: Couple's house destroyed after all-night vigil
With their home on the frontline of the fight against the Port Hills fire, Doug and Vikki Pflaum spent the night hoping, but in the morning the worst news came. Video
Hermitude set for Orientation
Orientation is gearing up for a Hermitude style shuffle this year as the Australian duo return to P.A.R.T.Y Video, Audio
LIVE: Port Hills fire - Day 4
Christchurch families watched their homes burn today as police evacuated more residents while the fire in the Port Hills continued to burn for a fourth day. See how it unfolded with RNZ's live updates…
Thousands offer to pet-sit Port Hill evacuees
In less than a day thousands of people have offered assistance to people staying in hotels and other temporary accommodation who can't look after their pets due to the Port Hills fire. Audio
Pflaum's home destroyed by fire but prized possessions saved
Doug and Vikki Pflaum's home has been completely destroyed, but extraordinarily, they were able to save their most prized possessions thanks to a quick thinking friend. Video, Audio
Questions emerge as authorities work to control fire
The Port Hills blaze has now been burning for nearly four days but the 20 square kilometre fire is not under control, and is not expected to be for weeks. Audio
