Civil Defence Stories

Kiwi Stories

Civil Defence stories

Wellington City Council buying out property affected by April flash flooding

One homeowner is set to be bought out after April's flash floods, as Wellington City Council says the site faces landslip risk from its own land.

By Ellen O'Dwyer • 3 min read • Today

Civil Defence

Flood risk meeting called at Franz Josef Glacier

Residents will hear updated advice on whether stopbanks and infrastructure at Franz Josef can withstand the Waiho River's shifting flood risk.

By Vihan Dalal • 5 min read • Last week

Civil Defence

Kaikōura flood repairs progressing - but who will pay?

The council faces an $8m to $30m bill for urgent flood repairs, with a funding request still awaiting NZTA approval.

By David Hill • 3 min read • This month

Civil Defence

North Canterbury switches to single tsunami zone for easier evacuation

About 10,000 residents are now in a new blue evacuation zone, with council saying the simpler map could speed up escapes if a tsunami strikes.

By David Hill • 3 min read • This month

Agricultural Technology

How El Niño may affect the Waikato's agriculture sector

Farmers are being urged to plan early as the predicted El Niño threatens drought, lower pasture growth and milk output across the Waikato.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • This month

Artificial Intelligence

Hampton urges all-of-society response to security threats

New Zealand faces mounting espionage, cyber and terrorism risks, with Andrew Hampton saying communities and businesses must help spot them.

By Raphael Veloso • 4 min read • This month

Agricultural Technology

El Niño could raise wildfire and water-quality risks in Hawke's Bay, council says

The dry spell could hit farms, rivers and firefighting readiness across Hawke's Bay, with below-normal rain and warmer temperatures forecast.

By Linda Hall • 4 min read • This month

Auckland Council

Daylight savings prompts warning of summer weather surprises

Aucklanders are being told to brace for dry spells, strong winds and storm risk as a strong El Niño raises summer pressure on water supplies.

By Torika Tokalau • 3 min read • Last month

Construction

Twizel fire station upgrade to boost emergency response

Cleaner and faster emergency callouts are expected once the nearly finished NZD $3.5 million Twizel station overhaul opens.

By Claire Taylor • 3 min read • Last month

Risk & Compliance

Funding uncertainty threatens Westport flood protection

Cashflow strain may force a redesign of Westport's flood defences, with the council warning it could struggle to fund the scheme.

By Vihan Dalal • 3 min read • Last month

Risk & Compliance

Event clash means mayors may miss emergency training

Local leaders warn the date mix-up could leave councils short of their top officials during a nationwide tsunami drill in October.

By Rebecca Hogan • 3 min read • Last month

Northland

Northland emergency workshop equips older people with practical advice

Nearly 30 older residents learnt simple preparedness steps as Northland councils and emergency services urged stronger community links before disasters.

By Susan Botting • 4 min read • Last month

Urban Planning

$10m for new SH25 bridge hoped to alleviate Coromandel traffic pains

Motorists on State Highway 25 should see fewer bottlenecks from next year as NZTA replaces the ageing Ramarama Stream Bridge with a two-lane crossing.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Last month

Civil Defence

Wairoa's floods help drive change to emergency management law

Wairoa councils will soon be able to clear river mouths and debris sooner, after floods exposed delays in emergency response.

By Linda Hall • 4 min read • Last month

Risk & Compliance

Civil Defence group writes to Minister over rates cap concerns

Emergency response funding could be squeezed under planned rates caps, prompting Southland Civil Defence to seek an exemption from the Minister.

By Matthew Rosenberg • 2 min read • Last month

Risk & Compliance

Ohakune water outage raises questions internal review can't answer, councillor says

Residents of the Ruapehu town were left without taps for nearly three days after a pipeline break went undetected, prompting calls for outside scrutiny.

By Moana Ellis • 3 min read • Fri, 21st Aug 2026

Risk & Compliance

Southland council accused of breaking flood work promises

Residents could face weaker flood protection after a former chief financial officer accused Environment Southland of failing to deliver promised work.

By Matthew Rosenberg • 3 min read • Fri, 21st Aug 2026