Weather
Fire concerns as Canterbury temperatures rise
Extremely dry conditions and rising temperatures in Canterbury have fire crews and local councils concerned about a repeat of last summer's massive fires.
The forecast of Christmas day from Metservice
It's been a hot and dry December and the big question for many is will it be that way on Christmas Day? MetService's Lisa Murray joins us with the forecast. Audio
Climate-resilient crops tested at East Coast settlement
Niwa researchers are set to explore the viability of climate-resilient, high value crops for the East Coast settlement of Omaio.
Wetter weather not really that wet - MetService
The country is set to be wetter than average for the next few weeks, but forecasters warn it is unlikely to mean significant rainfall in what is usually a dry period.
East coast the best bet for Christmas Day
If you fancy Christmas on the beach this year, anywhere along the east coast is the place to be, MetService says.
Govt moves towards carbon neutral by 2050
The government is setting up an interim climate change committee to help meet its promise to make New Zealand carbon neutral by 2050.
Dry weather forces 6-week wait for Waiheke Island water delivery
A desperately dry Christmas is in store for some Waiheke Islanders with fresh water unable to be delivered to many homes for at least the next six weeks.
December weather: who gets the rain
The summer heatwave is about to change, giving way to a smattering of rain and thunderstorms - and there's more to come before Christmas. Audio
High winds may bolster flames in Californian blaze
A raging California wildfire has become the state's third-largest on record, with more devastation possible from a resurgence of the harsh winds that have fueled the deadly blaze since the beginning… Audio
Beaches packed in scorching December weather
The hotter than usual December weather has seen swimmers flocking to beaches up and down New Zealand, and that's meant an early start to the summer too for the country's surf lifesavers. Yesterday a… Audio
Weather: Will there be relief from summer scorcher?
It's been a summer sorcher for most of New Zealand with temperatures soaring throughout the country. Water levels have dropped significantly across the country and Tauranga is the latest city to… Audio
Sunshine hours battle too close to call
The annual sunshine hours competition is hotting up with Blenheim just one hour ahead of newcomer Richmond in what looks to be a photo finish.
Downside to NZ's sunshine capital is drought
The top of the South Island is getting ready to seize the Sunshine Trophy for clocking up the most sunshine hours in the country again this year, but it comes with a price. Audio
'A smile on my face' as Canterbury farmer sees rain
The rain has finally fallen in the south. This week Christchurch got its first drop of rain after 46 straight days of sun. But for farmers further south was it enough? Greg Anderson runs sheep and… Audio
Heavy rain deluge hits Timaru
Heavy rainfall has drenched Timaru, with more than three times as much rain falling in the past 24 hours as the town got in the entire month of November.
Popular NZ swim spots out of action for summer
Health warnings are already in place for several popular swim spots around the country, with more likely to be out of action as the hot weather continues. Video
How freaky is this weather?
MetService forecaster Erick Brenstrum is in the studio with Byran with the facts and the figures on this unseasonal weather and what we might expect over the coming months. Audio
Beaches, lakes, rivers closed due to toxic algae, wastewater
Swimming spots across the country have been closed ahead of summer for a variety of reasons. NIWA's chief freshwater scientist John Quinn says people should check water quality before diving in. Audio
The big dry: 47 days without rain in Christchurch
Many parts of the country have gone without rain now for weeks.
Hot weather bad omen for winter power supply - scientist
A climate expert is warning a downside to the brilliant early-summer weather is the effect it could have next year on electricity supply.
