Emergency Services

About 60 players were inside, when the fire alarm went off, but all made it out safely.

Police said a car crashed into a parked vehicle on Waipa Street in Birkenhead and then rolled.

Sweltering temperatures and high winds has emergency services on alert.

There are fears New Zealanders are becoming more complacent around fire safety at home.

At least 130 homes have been destroyed by bushfires across Victoria, with that figure expected to rise.

One person was taken out of the water near Bay of Plenty and another in Akaroa, both could not be revived.

The people had been unaccounted for, after being told to take shelter in their house on Thursday.

The blaze in Waikanae has been extinguished but crews remain at the scene conducting an investigation.

The crash occurred on State Highway 50 in the Hastings District at around 2:20am.

Firefighters will return this morning to the scene in Upper Hutt's Wallaceville to check for any remaining hotspots.

The intersection of Gaisford and Oringi roads in Kumeroa is blocked and diversions are in place.

Graham Garnett, 66, failed to return from a hike in the Kahurangi National Park.

Humidity and forecast gusty winds along the country's eastern coasts are increasing the risk of blazes being sparked. Audio

The person was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition, but later died.

One person is seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash in Auckland's Dairy Flat.

Despite five helicopters aiding in the search for Graham Garnett in the Kahurangi National Park, there is still no sign of him.

The worst-off patients have been flown to hospital.

Police said it will remain closed throughout the morning, and Wellington City Council warn that ferry access and egress will also be impacted.