Government / Weather Bill clearing path for MetService to be acquired by Earth Sciences NZ passes first reading The Government plans to integrate its two state-backed weather providers, keep the MetService brand and warning authority, and carve the acquisition out of normal competition vetting while setting new rules on data access.
Emergency / Weather Fire ban holds through long weekend as crews make gains in Canterbury and Porangahau Fire and Emergency warns warm, windy conditions keep risk high; BBQ use restricted and old burn piles urged to be checked.
Emergency / Weather High winds drive 587 callouts; Hanmer evacuees return as Hawke’s Bay fire stays at 30% containment A nationwide ban on open-air fires and fireworks remains through Monday morning as crews shift from storm response to wildfire containment and cleanup.
Weather / Emergency Emergency Mobile Alert: Southlanders told to stay indoors as severe winds cause damage An orange wind warning is in effect, with authorities warning of life-threatening risks from debris and falling trees and urging people to avoid all travel.
Emergency / Weather Red wind warning: up to 150km/h gusts for coastal Southland, Clutha and Stewart Island until 4pm Emergency Management Southland is urging people to stay indoors, avoid travel and prepare for outages as extreme winds hit the region.
Emergency / Weather Red wind warning and Canterbury emergency: Farmers told to wait on repairs, residents urged to shelter A rare top-tier wind warning covers Canterbury, Wellington and southern Wairarapa, with the Government urging people to stay indoors and farmers to hold off repairs until conditions ease.
Emergency / Weather Strong winds lift fire danger through Labour weekend; FENZ urges no outdoor burns The agency says gusty conditions and low humidity could drive fast-spreading fires, and asks people to recheck old burn sites and delay any new fires until after Labour Day.
Government / Weather Council seeks public input on A F Thomas Park as flood wetland plan advances Five-week consultation opens 20 October on what recreation—possibly including golf—should share space with new flood storage areas, with a decision due in March 2026.
Government / Weather Government unveils climate adaptation framework, public flood map due next year The plan sets out who does what on climate risks, with councils in high‑priority areas to prepare adaptation plans and a national flood map to be made public.
Emergency / Weather Five rescued near Middlemarch after setting out in snow and gale-force winds The group of young adults called for help from patchy-coverage country; police urge trampers to carry proper gear and a PLB.
