Natural Disasters
Whakaari/White Island coronial inquiry set to begin
The first phase of the inquiry will commence in Whakatāne today, nearly six years after the fatal 2019 eruption.
Philippines quake kills dozens as injured overwhelm hospitals
The earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu City led to power outages and damaged buildings in the region.
Class action lawsuit lodged against Hawke's Bay Regional Council
A class action lawsuit is being lodged against Hawke's Bay Regional Council this week, alleging incompetence led to 400 properties and businesses flooding in Wairoa last year. Tairawhiti Hawke's Bay… Audio
Change in earthquake-prone building rules provides hope for Chateau Tongariro
There could be fresh hope for the future of the iconic Chateau Tongariro, following a major government shake-up of earthquake-prone building rules. Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton spoke to Corin… Audio
New earthquake building rules pose big challenge for Dunedin, developer says
The cost of developing stone heritage buildings in Dunedin's CBD will become "prohibitively expensive" due to the reinforcement requirements, a property developer says. Audio
Dunedin moves from low to medium seismic risk
While the earthquake-prone building system overhaul has been welcomed by many in the North Island, building owners in Dunedin are facing a different prospect. Dunedin Property Developer Russell Lund… Audio
Quake rule changes met with cautious optimism
Wellington building owners are greeting changes to earthquake strengthening standards with cautious optimism. Political reporter Giles Dexter reports. Audio
Householders warned to check chimneys before next earthquake
More then 15,000 chimneys toppled during the Christchurch earthquake, causing injuries and death.
Daylight saving ideal opportunity to make worst-case scenario plan
Auckland Emergency Management suggest residents are well aware of hazards, but aren't overly prepared.
Midday Report Essentials for 24 September 2025
In today's episode, the coalition government's plan to overhaul the holidays act has had a mixed reaction, with employers broadly supportive and unions flagging some concerns, the rate salaries in New… Audio
Collins family gifted home as they return after tragedy
Ella and Jack Collins have reason for new hope, after losing their two-year-old daughter, Ivy, in floodwaters. Audio
'Please don't be foolish': Hong Kong braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Kiwi Cruzanne Macalligan has seen panic buying, as locals prepare to wait out the strongest storm on the planet this year.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 18th September 2025
In today's episode, the economy has had a worse-than-expected contraction, shrinking 0.9 percent in the June quarter, helicopters are on standby as Fire and Emergency battle a large vegetation fire in… Audio
Avocado growers count losses after wild wind damage
Strong winds battered Bay of Plenty and Coromandel orchards, with growers left mulching trees and salvaging fruit.
Remembering the 'quake that started it all'
Former editor of The Press, Andrew Holden joins Mark Leishman to reflect on the September 4th quake in 2010. Audio
'You can't stop stupid': New hazard rules for homeowners
West Coasters will soon be able to find out online if their property or one they're thinking of buying, is at risk from liquefaction - or other damaging events.
Mayors lobby to delay proposed Eves Valley sawmill closure
Tasman and Nelson face a massive windfall timber clean-up after recent storms in the area.
Second earthquake strikes Afghanistan
A second earthquake has hit eastern Afghanistan, where the death toll is now more than 1400. UNHCR representative Charlie Goodlake spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Fears as hundreds of bridges near a century old
Thirty-nine bridges on the state highway network are already older than 100 - by 2030, that number will be 260. Audio
Taliban asks world for help as quake kills 800 in Afghanistan
The disaster will further stretch the resources of the war-torn nation's Taliban administration, already grappling with crises ranging from a sharp drop in foreign aid. Audio
