Category Archives: New Zealand

Gin Wigmore on what she doesnt miss about New Zealand and gnarly birth experience  New Zealand Herald

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Gin Wigmore on what she doesnt miss about New Zealand and gnarly birth experience - New Zealand Herald

China wants to help New Zealand recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, including financing, constructing key infrastructure  Newshub

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China wants to help New Zealand recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, including financing, constructing key infrastructure - Newshub

A New Zealand supervolcano is being closely watched after it unleashed a magnitude 4.4 earthquake and several aftershocks.

Taup volcano, a supervolcano situated underneath Lake Taup, has shown increased earthquake activity for nearly a year now.

Aftershocks rippled out following the most recent earthquake, which shook the region on March 5. The earthquake may also have caused a small tsunami, according to GeoNet. Scientists have kept the Volcano Alert Level at 1, which signals minor volcanic unrest.

Lake Taup lies within the giant supervolcano caldera on the North Island of New Zealand. The supervolcano has caused some hugely violent and explosive eruptions in the past.

GeoNet duty volcanologist and senior data science specialist Yannik Behr told Newsweek: "A magnitude 4.4 in itself is not that unusual for Taup. In the past 10 years we had eight earthquakes with a magnitude equal or larger than four. A more important sign of the ongoing unrest is that the number of earthquakes per week we observe beneath the lake is larger than when the volcano is not in unrest."

Taup has erupted 25 times in the last 12,000 years, most recently in the year 232. This was the biggest and most violent eruption on Earth for the past 5,000 years.

Supervolcanoes are volcanoes that erupt with a magnitude 8 or larger on the Volcano Explosivity Index. These eruptions are incredibly explosive and destructive. Other supervolcanoes include Yellowstone, Long Valley in eastern California and Toba in Indonesia.

Around one year ago, scientists noticed an increase in activity around the New Zealand volcano. Six months after noting the increase in activity, scientists moved the Volcanic Alert level from 0 to 1. This is the first time the alert level has changed for the supervolcano in two decades.

Since then, the alert level has remained at one.

The 4.4 quake was the third largest to occur since May 2022, Hauraki Gulf Weather said in a tweet. Overall, there have been 1,700 earthquakes during this period.

"It is very difficult to say for one earthquake what caused it," Behr said. "There are many active faults beneath Lake Taup and earthquakes can be caused by the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic fluids, and often a combination of the two.

"That is why we are more focused on the changes in the number and location of earthquakes over time. We also look at other measurements like the movement of land determined from high-resolution GPS to come up with a diagnosis of what may happen within the volcano."

Although there has been heightened activity around the volcano, it is not the first time it has happened. Over the past 150 years, there have been 17 previous episodes where Taup has shown signs of unrest.

Scientists are not concerned about the increased unrest as Taup is not showing any signs of eruption. While some of its past eruptions have been violent and destructive, these are rare. Taup is likely to erupt at some stage over the next few thousand years.

Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Taup super volcano? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.

Update 3/8/23 3:08 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include comment from Yannik Behr.

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New Zealand on Alert over Supervolcano with Explosive History

WELLINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - New Zealand warned on Monday the final cost of the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle, which has left at least 11 people dead, could rise above $8 billion as authorities announced emergency funding to help in the recovery efforts.

The cyclone hit the North Island's northernmost region on Feb. 12 and tracked down the east coast, inflicting widespread destruction. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has called Gabrielle New Zealand's biggest natural disaster this century.

"The required investment to reconnect our communities and future-proof our nation's infrastructure is going to be significant and it will require hard decisions," said Hipkins at a news conference announcing an emergency NZ$300 million ($187.08 million) cyclone relief package.

Earlier on Monday Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the total cost to government could be similar to the NZ$13.5 billion (8.42 billion) it spent rebuilding Christchurch after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

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Robertson has been appointed Cyclone Recovery Minister, in addition to his existing portfolio.

The interim package provides NZ$250 million to fix critical roads across disaster hit regions, and a further NZ$50 million in emergency support was set aside for businesses and primary producers. More relief and re-building funding from the government is expected.

Hipkins also extended the national state of emergency, which was declared last week for only the third time in its history, a further seven days to help the recovery and relief efforts.

Police have confirmed 11 deaths in circumstances related to the cyclone, most of those have been in Hawkes Bay in the North Island. Roughly 2,200 people are still unaccounted for.

New Zealand police commissioner Andrew Coster told the AM Show on Monday the number of deaths would likely rise, adding that difficulty with communications is hampering efforts to make contact with affected people.

New Zealand has deployed 60 Starlink satellites, built by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, with another 30 on the way, to plug gaps in the telecommunications network as roughly 15,000 people across the North Island remain without power.

Recovery efforts are continuing with search and rescue teams still working in cyclone damaged areas, while power and telecommunications remain down for some homes. Roads are closed and people are reporting issues getting cash.

($1 = 1.6036 New Zealand dollars)

Reporting by Lucy Craymer and Lewis Jackson; editing by Diane Craft & Shri Navaratnam

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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New Zealand police reach more people previously not contactable after ...

At least five people have died and evacuations are continuing as fresh storm warnings are announced in regions of New Zealand already devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle and the prime minister warns of the likelihood of further fatalities.

As of 2.30pm on Thursday, 3,455 people had been registered by police as uncontactable, with some likely to be multiple reports for the same person.

We believe the majority of those considered uncontactable simply cannot make contact with loved ones, so police are prioritising those who are in isolated areas, said the prime minister, Chris Hipkins, warning that there were some people for whom the police held grave concerns.

After a visit to storm-hit Gisborne on Thursday, Hipkins described the damage as extensive, with basics like food and clean water still needed. He described the cyclone as an event on the scale of the Christchurch earthquake in 2011.

With the extent of damage still unfolding, New Zealand requested Australias help for disaster response on Thursday morning.

I can confirm that NEMA [National Emergency Management Agency] has accepted an agency-to-agency offer for emergency response support and expertise, Hipkins said.

Speaking earlier in the day, the prime minister said New Zealand would be forced to re-evaluate and remake its infrastructure in response to extreme weather events. Theres no question that as a country we need to look at the resilience of our infrastructure, and we need to do that with a much greater sense of urgency than weve ever seen before.

As the emergency response continued, fresh storms were arriving, with severe thunderstorm alerts issued on Thursday morning for the worst-hit areas.

National forecaster MetService issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Thursday afternoon for areas including the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and the Hawkes Bay region three of the areas that have experienced some of the highest levels of flooding, damage and loss of life.

MetService said there were very unstable conditions including heavy rain and hail.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas, they said.

Fresh evacuation orders were issued on Thursday morning for residents of central Hawkes Bay, with those around Drumpeel Road told to leave immediately.

Communication to the worst-affected areas remained difficult, with authorities relying on the Starlink satellite communications service from Elon Musks Space X to provide internet in some areas.

As of Thursday afternoon, about 102,000 households were still without power across the North Island, down from about 225,000 on Tuesday morning.

As flood waters recede, they are revealing huge destruction: homes partly immersed in silt and mud, or shifted off their foundations. Its just unbelievable the devastation, Eastern police district commander Supt Jeanette Park said on Thursday morning. When you see it, its hard to comprehend.

On Thursday morning, Urban Search and Rescue said they were still rescuing people from their homes in Hawkes Bay. In a radio interview, Napier-based Urban Search and Rescue specialist Ken Cooper said people had been climbing down from roofs to shelter in the upper parts of their properties.

Were finding people have moved to the roof voids of their properties, so we are still, at this moment, we are still rescuing people from their properties and there are a large number of people unaccounted for, he said.

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Cyclone Gabrielle: fresh storm warnings for New Zealands worst-hit ...

UPDATE: New Zealand government estimates more than $8 billion worth of damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle  Euro Weekly News

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UPDATE: New Zealand government estimates more than $8 billion worth of damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle - Euro Weekly News

Warning as major new scam cons New Zealand investors out of millions in just a few weeks  Newshub

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Warning as major new scam cons New Zealand investors out of millions in just a few weeks - Newshub

New Zealand is home to stupendously beautiful small towns that are so diverse in sights, stretching from the country's North to South Islands. Each with a special character, they will immerse you into a unique atmosphere in an unforgettable getaway from the hustle of the everyday life. Boasting mesmerizing scapes with pursuits for all levels, these cities offer opportunities to bask along the beaches, soak in views and take in sun-rays on a stroll, and hike diverse terrain including mountain peaks.

These 15 towns welcome with a cool vibe and warm atmosphere veiling eco-friendly attractions and accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Their beaches are renowned for sensational sunsets, with surfing, swimming, fishing, and water adventures via scenic cruises and kayak rides.

The "adventure capital of New Zealand" is nestled along the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. You can explore the diverse surroundings through plenty of active or laidback pursuits, from adrenaline-pumping jet-boat rides to relaxing river cruises, and swimming along the shores, or fly fishing. The breathtaking scenery will also follow you throughout the land adventures along the trails within surrounding mountain views on a stroll or days-long hikes.

The areas iconic rugged landscape is a favorite destination among photographers, picnickers amidst scenic sights, and family visits. The in-town knows its worth, with a boisterous quaint vibe balanced by a Cosmopolitan lifestyle. Its lively streets come lined with fine dining establishments, along with a bustling bar scene. The line-up of cultural events includes the most-popular Queenstown Winter Festival, famed for raucous street parties.

All the scenically-inclined culture fans head to Oamaru, the self-proclaimed "Steampunk capital of New Zealand." The beautiful town houses the country's best collection of nationally-recognized Victorian architecture and offbeat art culture along the streets, under a laid back vibe. Oamaru is home to vibrant natural sights like its renowned penguin colonies, best-spotted via the Alps to Ocean Cycleway.

Take the scenic day trip along this historic track, or the full four-to-six day journey to admire the entire galore of sights, like the extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins at the Bushy Beach. There are also little blue penguins around the harbor district. The town awaits tired explorers with attractions and many boutiques, a prominent artsy atmosphere, and the all-encompassing steampunk scene.

Picton's tiny scape spreads picturesquely at the doorstep of New Zealands wine producing Marlborough. It is ideal base for all new and weathered wine connoisseurs, especially the active types, with enough adventures to fill a vacation. "Epicton" boasts stunning views of Marlborough Sounds from Victoria Domain, and the Queen Charlotte Track for multi-day hike through pristine native forest and round coastal bays.

The postcardport-town sits in the heart of the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, a real paradise for diving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, or enjoying sights via an atmospheric mail boat cruise. The beautiful boardwalk along the main harbor is aligned with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, along with a 19th-century former convict ship-turned Edwin Fox Maritime Museum.

The town of Russell is New Zealand's first European settlement and port, formerly known as Kororreka. Needless to say, it is an attractive scape of rich history, with historical sights like structures, wonderful galleries, and the Pompallier Mission. The French Catholic mission headquarters is the last-remaining, and only of its kind structure in all of Australasia.The historical heart of the country is also home to the oldest surviving Christ Church for another bucket-list item to pay homage.

The very first capital of New Zealand, nestled in the beautiful Bay of Islands is not all about historicalarchitecture. The active enjoy kayaking around the scenic Bay of Islands, fishing, sailing, dolphin spotting, and cycling ventures down the iconic Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Surrounded by golden sand beaches, Russell offers access to days-spent basking along the sands, splashing clear waters, and trekking through the pristine tropical forest paradise.

Wanaka is a truly beautiful town within a picturesque part of New Zealand, at the gateway to the famed Mount Aspiring National Park. The lakeside town sits surrounded by majestic peaks, glacier and ski fields, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Wanaka is a perfect base for exploring the natural delights around the rugged South Island'sunspoiled nature.

There is also the namesake river with jaw-dropping backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks and the doorstep to the awe-inspiring park, featured in The Lord of the Rings. Others come for the severalski resorts around, a famous sculpture gallery, and outdoor maze, the Puzzling World. Enjoy the town from a different angle on a scenic cruise or a kayak ride splicing the pristine waters.

Whakatane is a treasure cove for the adventurous souls, nestled within one of New Zealands best locales with a telling name of the Bay of Plenty, referring to its immense scenery. The award-winning Sunshine capital is epitome of authentic New Zealand, with nature and history under forever-pleasant weather, behind the moniker. Immerse in deep culture at places like the Mataatua Wharenui, the 130-year old Maori meeting house, and the impressive Te Kputu a te whanga a Toi museum with history on the Maori and European settlement.

There is a vast specter of outdoor attractions like the vibrant Wairere Falls, the famous, partially-damaged Muriwais Cave, and the countrys best, hope Beach. The White Island awaits relentless venturers just a boat ride away with a very-active volcano. The coastal town is also the Kiwi capital of the world, a scenic home to these endangered native birds and nature, aplenty. While it may be hard to leave the pleasant bay's waters, the countrys scenic swimming galore, the town is also ideal base on a getaway into the upper North Island.

Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's renowned alpine village, perfect for a winter ski vacation or a summer getaway into boundless outdoor pursuits. Following the nature ventures, the beautiful park is home to natural hot springs alongside an award-winning wellness spa to relax any style. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric downtown, encompassing fantastic a restaurants scene, bars, and comfortable hotels for a good night's rest before a new day of adventures.

The skiers flee-in for the Hanmer Springs ski field with runs for beginners and advanced, and less crowds than the larger fields down south. Enjoy surrounding beauty along the walking tracks, jet boat rides, and mountain bike trails. For anytime pursuits, there is boutique shopping, cafe sits, and laid back entertainment along the streets. The animal park calls for families to interact with local fauna, including wallabies. Follow-up with some adult-time at the local Marble Point winery, amidst gorgeous scenery with wine tastings and scrumptious selection of cheeses.

Akaroa sits perched on the namesake bay amidst appealing scape, veiling deep French and English heritage within. The bay's calm waters call for lazy morning swims to wake up for the day of adventures ahead. Outdoor explorers enjoy 4WD tours into the largest penguin habitat in New Zealand, along with plentiful scenic activities like sea kayaking, sailing, and cycling along the shores.

Akaroa's quaint streets emanate special ambience with colonial architecture, while the artisan galleries and craft stores showcase the best of present-day culture along the Banks Peninsula. Combine history and nature on a stroll around downtown, the heart of a primeval volcano, or choose a relaxing walking track through the gorgeous hills around, for a relaxing pastime. Spend the evening watching hector dolphin play from the beach at sunset.

The beautiful town of Bluff, once known as Campbelltown, is perched at the southern tip of the country. It is one of the earliest-inhabited locales by the Europeans, and present day claim to fame for its world-renowned Bluff oysters. The country's oldest continually occupied European settlement is full of pursuits for the nature-starved, and plenty of marvelous architecture for those after rich history. Visit the Bluff Maritime Museum to learn fascinating heritage insights. A peaceful stroll along the world class tracks of Bluff Hill will take you through the regions fascinating flora and fauna that will imprint in mind. The little town is also idyllic base for a scenic escape into a whole other world of wild natural attractions at the nearby Stewart island.

The small town in southern reaches of the North Island is a 16-time winner of "the most beautiful town" title in the country. Its manicured scape and moniker friendly Feilding emanate waves of Pleasantville that attract sightseers from around the globe. Fielding's vast offerings in scenic pursuits include the town square, public gardens with an aviary and duck pond, and galleries for the cultured. The town just north of Palmerston North is like a delicious candy in beautiful wrapper, with streets adorned in gorgeous Edwardian architecture in between boutiques and a collection of historic museum, under rural charm.Take a walk along the central business district to sight-see side-building murals by the local, Eric Brew. The foodies rejoice in authenticity and choice at the award-winning farmers market on Friday mornings, with fresh honey from beekeepers, locally grown produce, homemade pastries and freshly-baked bread. The Manfeild Complex encompasses a historic race track, host to many iconic races and racing celebrities, with regular motorsport meets. The equestrian fans enjoy events like dressage, horse races, and the National Miniature Horse show.

The beautiful town on the west coast of the South Island within the rugged Tasman sea was a gold mining community in the 1860s. Today, Hokitika is a gold mine of historical marvels and natural wonders, proximate to South Island's treasures like the Arthurs Pass National Park and Franz Josef Glacier. The water fans enjoy scenic white-water kayaking at the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, while the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is ideal for water skiing and fishing.

The stupendous West Coast Rainforest features a 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll around the treetops and sight-see breath-taking sunset at Sunset Point. The town near the namesake river is a thriving port with vibrant history, unique activities and attractions, like the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival with local delicacies of huhu grubs and pigs ears.

Kaikoura is a beautiful town where its hard not to spot a specie from a corner of the eye no matter where you are. The immediate waters are a-brim with exotic animals like dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise or scuba dive amidst the fauna and flora of some of New Zealand's most scenic reefs. Kaikoura sits idyllically nestled within landscape where the county's stunning coastline meets the jagged peaks. The spectacular town boasts an improved coastal road following a devastating earthquake in 2016.

Kaikoura awaits visitors with walkable streets veiled in eco-friendly atmosphere, steep mountains, and wild ocean views. The galore of wet and dry pursuits include swimming, fishing opportunities, and endless hikes, followed by back-in-town attractions that will keep everyone happily occupied for the evening. Enjoy dining on local sea delicacies everyday, like freshly caught crayfish, the lobster of the southern hemisphere.

The beautiful town of Mangawhai veils a quaint scape, one hundred kilometers from Auckland, that feels completely out of this world. This coastal respite will suit all tastes on a getaway from the hustle and bustle, with laidback and active pursuits amidst immense scenery. Enjoy everything from surfing along the Pacific beaches to swimming in pleasant waters. There is also kayaking around the tranquil harbor, fringed by dunes, and sun-basking along the sands.

Stroll the rugged dunes flanked by quiet bays with wild seas to one side and exceptional range of exotic tree and bird species to the other. Following scenic overload along the Mangawhai Walkways, check-out the local prominent art scene and many galleries along the streets of the creative town that attracts many artists to paint the wild conglomeration of sights.

This coastal gem is a revered respite for surfers in New Zealand, only a few kilometers west of Hamilton. Raglan is also the destination for the everyday traveler seeking a respite along the beautiful beaches for simple relaxation under persistent sunshine. The little community boasts a cool vibe and warm atmosphere, with friendly locals to chat-up at eclectic bars or cafes.

The kind weather lends to endless outdoor ventures like hiking to the peak of the mighty Bridal Veil falls, and seeking-out the historic Maori Gardens ruins at the Te Toto Gorge.There are alsobeautiful rainforest-clad national parks all-around, the breathtaking black sand Ngarunui Beaches, and the Manu Bay. Take an evening stroll or sit down along at the beach to watch that sensational sunset.

St. Arnaud is a real untouched heaven for adventurers at the doorstep of the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. The charming town on the banks of the stunning Lake Rotoiti boasts a scenic drive-in, with many heading for the busy winter season. The nearby uncrowded Rainbow Ski Field has terrain for all levels, while a skating pond is just a short walk from town. The summering tourists enjoy New Zealand's best trout fishing in St. Arnaud, via personal vessel or a fishing charter. The national park is spliced with popular hiking trails for all levels of ventures on an outdoor retreat whether you are ahiker, tramper, backpacker, or a picnicker. There are plenty of huts and shelters around the trails established by the Department of Conservation for day hikers to become one with nature.

These family-friendly towns offer best beaches with sensational sunsets for strolls and picnics, dolphins, whales, and swimming amongst friendly seals. The endless inland ventures include sights like volcanoes, waterfalls, and historical ruins. Spot wildlife from the shores or through dense rainforests, with species ranging from penguins to wallabies, and everything in-between. The townscapes await with envious food scene from the sea, atmospheric cafes, and local bars for some culture immersion. So choose your next beautiful town in New Zealand for an adventure of a lifetime, or explore them all on a country-wide road trip.

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15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand - WorldAtlas

Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright'  Newshub

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Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' - Newshub

New Zealand's Northland region lifted a state of emergency declaration Wednesday after an overnight storm didn't turn out as bad as feared.

A heavy rain warning for Auckland was also lifted, although a state of emergency remained in place for the nation's largest city after record rainfall and flooding on Friday killed four people and caused widespread disruption.

Weather forecasters had predicted another night of heavy rain.

Ron Devlin, the regional manager for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, told reporters that crews had dealt with more than 50 weather-related callouts Wednesday morning in and around Auckland.

"But I want to stress the rain didnt reach the point that was predicted, which is a great thing, and so were quite comfortable with the amount of events that were attending," Devlin said. "This is business as usual for fire and emergency."

NEW ZEALAND PREPARES FOR MORE FLOODING AFTER COUNTRY'S NORTHERN REGION SEES DEADLY RAINFALL

Northland, located north of Auckland, had declared the emergency Tuesday in anticipation of a deluge, a move that gives authorities extra powers.

"As it eventuated, these powers were not required and there is no need for the emergency declaration to continue," said Graeme MacDonald, the group controller for Northland Civil Defense Emergency Management.

A man stands in knee-deep water outside his house in Auckland, New Zealand, on Feb. 1, 2023. Auckland lifted a state of emergency declaration after the storm didn't turn out as bad as feared on Wednesday. (Brett Phibbs/New Zealand Herald via AP)

In Auckland, officials had earlier closed schools for the week and asked people to work from home if possible as the cleanup continued.

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN RESIGNS A MONTH AFTER HOT MIC INSULT

On Friday, the amount of rain that would typically fall during an entire summer hit in a single day. At one point that evening, more than 6 inches of rain fell in three hours.

Emergency officials said some 200 homes and businesses around the city were assessed as too unsafe to enter after the flooding.

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Resident Cassie Clark examined flood damage to one Auckland home Tuesday, saying everything was destroyed.

"The beds, the linen, the clothes, the couches, everything inside is ruined. The actual walls are damaged, its all soft now, its not going to hold," Clark told Television New Zealand. "Everything that this family has had over the last 10 years has been taken away from them in a split second."

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New Zealand lifts state of emergency declaration as rain ...