Wind slams parts of NZ, tens of thousands walk off job in national mega-strike, and knowing the signs to a stroke.
Live updates: Houses damaged, power out, trees down as wind slams New Zealand
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for large parts of the country as strong winds hit multiple regions.
Red-level warnings were issued for Canterbury, Marlborough south of Cape Campbell, Wellington, Wairarapa south of Carterton and coastal parts of Clutha and Southland, including Stewart Island today.
NEMA activated its national co-ordination centre, and a state of local emergency was declared for the Canterbury region.
Mega-strike: Tens of thousands walk off job, rally in marches across North Island
From nurses to teachers, tens of thousands of workers have walked off the job today in a coordinated "mega-strike" across New Zealand.
Thousands marched in Auckland's Queen St with other rallies across the North Island but red weather warnings curtailed events in Wellington and the South Island.
The industrial action includes teachers, doctors, health workers, and other public sector workers who are demanding better pay and improved working conditions.
All Blacks assistant coach in shock decision to walk away
Jason Holland has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the team’s Grand Slam tour by announcing he will leave the team at the end of the year.
Holland, in charge of the midfield and team’s strike moves, revealed this afternoon that he will finish with the team after next month’s Tests against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Dramatic videos capture scary winds smashing South Island
Severe gale force winds gusting over 200km/h have been recorded, with trees down and roads closed, causing chaos.
ONE SET OF STROKE SIGNS
With strokes on the rise among those under 55, we all should know the signs. The longer the brain is starved of blood and oxygen, the more brain cells die, so treating a stroke is a race against time.
Siobhan Mclernon shares what to look out for.
SHARE ME