Fire
36 extra soliders brought in to help fight Christchurch blaze
The army is supporting police on the ground in Christchurch and have specialist fire-fighters helping battle the blaze. Lieutenant Colonel Rob Loftus says the army personnel is doing whatever needs to… Audio
Christchurch mayor says city needs a multi-agency response
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says calling a State of Emergency has highlighted the seriousness of the situation and helps prompt a inter-agency approach to helping Christchurch. Audio
Police calling in extra officers to help in fire response
Inspector Derek Erasmus describes seeing exploding trees as he surveyed the fire damage overnight. Audio
Humidity and noreast winds, no relief for Chch firefighters
MetService forecaster Erick Brenstrum says there is no rain forecast for Christchurch until later in the week. Audio
Chopper pilot tells of the situation in fighting the Chch fire
We get an update from Alan Beck as he comes into land at the control centre. Says the pilots are very experienced and extra resources are being brought in. He is one of the helicopter pilots… Audio
Christchurch evacuees stoic in face of fire
Lynda Burdekin from the Te Hapua Halswell Centre says about 20 people stayed there overnight. She says most were worried, but surprisingly calm. Audio
Fire service spends night keeping flames away from houses
Selwyn District principal rural officer Douglas Marshall says 15 choppers and two planes will be fighting the blaze today. Audio
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee
Gerry Brownlee says the Civil Defence response was a bit slow and will be looked at retrospectively. Government will provide assistance when he can. Challenging for the city. Audio
Port Hills fires force hundreds of evacuations
RNZ Conan Young says fires are still burning strongly. Audio
Fire focus is on keeping people safe
Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton asks people to comply with requests to leave their homes and if they feel unsure ask for help. Audio
Houses continue to be evacuated in Christchurch
Police are now evacuating residents downhill of the Sign of the Takahe on Dyers Pass. Civil defence controller, Dave Adamson, says the top priority is life and they are better to move people out… Audio
Homes razed as Port Hills fire spreads
Firefighters were focused on protecting people's homes overnight as wildfires in the Port Hills continued to spread ever closer to residential areas. Audio
RNZ's Belinda McCammon in Christchurch
Our Christchurch bureau chief Belinda McCammon is on the line now Audio
Canterbury residents talk to Checkpoint
Canterbury residents talk to Checkpoint about the on-going fires. Audio
Reporter Maja Burry in Canterbury
Our reporter Maja Burry is just outside of West Moreland. Audio
Minister of Civil Defence Gerry Brownlee on Port Hills fire
The Minister of Civil Defence Gerry Brownlee has described the footage he has seen of the fires is terrifying but has questioned whether emergency services were adequately prepared for it. Audio
Bill English says a local civil emergency will be declared
The Prime Minister Bill English says a local civil emergency will be officially declared sometime tonight. Audio
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel on Port Hills fire
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel on Port Hills fire Audio
Governor's Bay residents flee flames
Thousands of people are being evacuated from areas on and around Christchurch's Port Hills. Ian Telfer reports. Video, Audio