Five Big Things That Happened Today: Tuesday, October 21

4:45pm
Storm clouds (file).

Man killed by falling branch amid bad weather in parts of NZ, vehicles ablaze at Whangārei Hospital staff carpark, and one in-car head scratcher.

Man killed by falling branch as high winds hit Wellington, wild weather across parts of NZ

A man has been killed by a falling branch, thousands of properties remain without power, and state highways have been closed as severe weather continues to batter the country.

Multiple orange-level weather warnings remained in place, with up to 130km/h wind gusts forecast in some exposed parts.

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Multiple vehicles ablaze, explosions at Whangārei Hospital staff carpark

In developing news, multiple vehicles caught fire at a Whangārei Hospital staff carpark this afternoon. Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze at around 2pm.

Witnesses describe hearing explosions and a column of thick black smoke was visible from across Whangārei.

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'I don't like you either': Donald Trump's exchange with Australian ambassador

US President Donald Trump has hailed his friendship with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during talks at the White House – despite an awkward moment involving ambassador Kevin Rudd.

The two leaders signed an agreement on rare earth and critical minerals during what US officials billed as a bilateral lunch in the White House cabinet room.

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Man killed by falling branch as flights in and out of capital suspended

Strong wind and heavy rain alerts remain in force for much of the lower North and South Islands.

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ONE IN-CAR HEAD SCRATCHER

Most of us have a way of saying "thank you" on the road.

A wave in the rear-view mirror, a quick lift of the hand from the wheel, maybe even a flash of the indicators.

We assume other drivers will understand what we mean. But Melbourne Professor Milad Haghani isn't so sure.

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