Climate

There is less sea-ice surrounding the Antarctic continent than at any time since satellites began to measure it in the late 1970s.

The Te Tai Tokerau MP says Northlanders should not expect gold-plated fixes for the region's Cyclone Gabrielle-ravaged roads.

"Where's all that stormwater going to go?" asks a businessman whose premises were flooded on Valentine's Day.

Some residents in the Waitākere Ranges area near Titirangi are still dealing with no power or water, closed roads and limited mobile coverage. Audio

Heartbreaking stories of people who have lost everything are emerging as the devastation Cyclone Gabrielle brought upon Hawke's Bay becomes clearer.

There are multiple hazards on State Highway 2, which remains closed to the public.

Growers are pleading with the government for a recovery package after Cyclone Gabrielle turned vast swathes of fertile land into pulp.

The civil defence coordinator in Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast says a major bridge would still be standing if it was not for forestry slash. Audio

The small farming district of Tangiteroria is drowning in murky floodwaters, while others are digging up the mud.

"We're wet, it's raining," Pakowhai's Kevin McCormack says. "I've never seen anything like it." Audio

At least 2500 people have been displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle this week, according to the latest estimates.

With six regions declaring local states of emergency as they respond to Cyclone Gabrielle's fury, the government has National's full backing, leader Christopher Luxon says.

Cyclone Gabrielle is causing chaos across vast areas of the North Island - what makes it so different to the average summer storm?

The upper North Island is often in or on the verge of drought at this time of year - so what has changed?

Chris Hipkins is stuck in the city while Air New Zealand's domestic Auckland flights are grounded, meaning Cabinet will be held online today. Audio

Nelson mayor Nick Smith says the consent application is inconsistent with climate change emissions targets.