You should have a household emergency plan and some basic items as the storm hits our shores.
Heavy rain is due to continue this morning in central areas - and worsen considerably.
A 34-year-old passenger died in the crash near Timaru.
The former Finance Minister confirmed the news this morning.
Bryce Edwards says the jump of nine per cent in Labour's approval in the space of just one poll interval was "very rare".
Curtis Millender put Thiago Alves to sleep with this deadly finish at UFC Fight Night Austin.
Over 40 schools and 17 ECEs will not open or will close early.
"Civil Defence are doing a lot of preporatory work," the PM told TVNZ1's Breakfast today.
Jacinda Ardern insists it's "still early days" as Labour jumps nine points to 48 per cent - ahead of National.
The trust is generating $100,000 annually, targeting the active ingredient in manuka.
A State of Emergency has been declared in Christchurch due to the ex-cyclone's impacts.
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi is urging Kiwis to be prepared.
Scientists have discovered just what it is that makes the tails of New Zealand glow worms light up.
Occupants of a Mt Albert property are assisting police.
Victoria was hit by winds of up to 100km/h yesterday.
Mr Joyce will contest the National Party leadership and says: "I'm a little bit different and bring my own style".
The kiwi dollar has strengthened through December and January almost entirely due to US dollar weakness.
Continued name suppression was granted to the man.
Dylan Cossey's Honda reached estimated speeds of 150km/h before the Nissan he was racing against hit an oncoming van.
Anthony Borges, 15, was trying to lock the door to a classroom, when he was shot in both legs.
The forest is located in more than 60 countries.
Higgins Concrete Nelson put an offer on Facebook to deliver free sand to residents in low lying areas.
The singer did admit she missed the mark with her style though.
The move follows the banks dropping the highly unpopular fee in Australia last year.
Bureaucrats have dealt a blow to common sense by branding some three wheelers "bikes" and others "cars".
This winter, thanks to Karla Mills, girls at Whanganui High School will be able to wear long pants
High risk tracks in parts of the Hunua Rages will also be closed.
She said she wasn't bothered Judith Collins was looking at other options.
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said the winds are starting to move in now and residents should prepare.
The strong winds have begun to cause power outages and damage to properties.
Two tradies are separately jailed for years of not paying their tax bills, which ran into the millions.
1 NEWS political reporter Katie Bradford brings the latest details from the race.
David Warner was keeping his tactics secure from the Black Caps' captain.
Both teams are in good spirits before tomorrow's T20 tri-series decider.
Nick Sautner says that Auckland's showpiece stadium is perfect for T20 cricket.
The two captains spend plenty of quality time together playing in the IPL.
Jo Randell says her family is better prepared this time round.
A NZ First press release says his "sole nomination was carried with acclaim".
The opposition have been calling on the government to visit a partnership school.
There are nearly 23,000 people without power in Taranaki as seven regions declare a state of emergency.
Ms Ardern and Mr Peters have received apologies for the blunder.
Adam Blair and Tohu Harris will make their club debuts against the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Robbie Clapham says the calm before the storm is the best time to make a big catch.
Tim and Dion say if the winds pick up too much they will head for the safety of the shore.
The massive storm system is blanketing nearly the whole of the country.
Thomas Hooper is accused of taking a two-tier tin.
Just weeks after one major storm, West Coast residents are anxiously awaiting another.
Chen says the subtleties of NZ law and culture can be lost in translation.
The Manurewa High School student is wowing with his latest song Birdie.
Giving blood is personal for Hayley and Allen Mundy, after they lost young Harrison to a rare bone disease.
The Seven Sharp host is on a mission to get to know the candidates for National Party leader better.
There's localised flooding in Motueka, Takaka and Marahau and significant flooding in the Riwaka Plains area.
Nemani Nadolo says that it's time for SANZAAR to give back to Pacific nations.
There are also around 23,000 people without power in Taranaki and widespread flooding in the Nelson Tasman region.
Taranaki is among many regions under a state of emergency as ex-cyclone Gita pounds NZ.
This footage, shot by James Thomas, shows the scale of the devastation.
