Emergency Services

Northland's top firefighter said the region's unusual weather conditions could be heightened by a front travelling up the country on Wednesday.

Fire crews worked on the building from aerial trucks because the fire fuelled by polystyrene made it too dangerous to enter.

The fire, located between Waitōtara township and Waiinu Beach settlement, started on Monday afternoon and is yet to be contained.

Fire and Emergency said crews were called to the site and the reported fire was a false alarm

There were early concerns somebody was still inside the home but everyone was since accounted for.

Firefighters were called the school in Auckland's Parnell along with an ambulance.

The fire was reported shortly after 2pm.

FENZ says the fire is "still active on many parts" of the ground in the area.

This means anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire will have to apply for a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.

The blaze was initially across an area of about 200 square metres, but was fanned by high winds.

Several helicopters and firefighter crews were called to a fire in the Whanganui district.

St John Ambulance was called to the crash in Parawera, at the intersection of Monckton Road and Arapuni Road, about 9.42pm.

A crowd-safety researcher says urging people to stay calm and wait for instructions during emergencies has delayed evacuations and cost lives. Audio

FENZ said the temporary bans are part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire over the summer.

The floods have also injured over 5000 and forced 1.2 million residents to take refuge in temporary shelters.

FENZ crews were sent to two blazes in the Auckland region, one in Beach Haven and one in Glenfield.

Days before the new testing is to start, police warn drivers who refuse roadside drug testing may face significant fines,

Police previously shut the highway between Summit Road and Long Bay Road.

Property, motorbikes and bank deposits are being stripped from a Wellington methamphetamine dealer.

But the union is hitting back and said its comments about pay offers are pedalling "rubbish" that will only galvanise their member's resolve.