Summarised by Centrist
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were stretched nationwide on Thursday, responding to almost 600 weather-related callouts as storms battered the country.
Most incidents involved roofs torn off, trees down and power lines damaged, with Southland and Invercargill hit hardest.
A large wildfire near Hanmer Springs had been contained after heavy rain. In Kaikoura, multiple fires are were brought under control, while in Hawke’s Bay firefighters battled three blazes, including a 139-hectare blaze at Saleyard Bridge.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper said crews had worked tirelessly “in pretty tough conditions” to protect lives and property. He warned that high temperatures and strong winds expected over the long weekend mean the ban on open-air fires and fireworks remains in place nationwide.
