The liquor store’s representative says the business has operated from the premises for 20 years without any enforcement action.
New Zealand
7:01pm
Josh Wharehinga replaces Cathy Meehan, who stood down earlier this month.
Thu, Feb 19
Patrick Tinnelly, aged 71, spent two weeks in hospital after breaking his right shoulder and pelvis, and suffering severe bruising to his right side.
Wed, Feb 18
Eight severe weather-related states of emergency have already been declared this year, matching the total for all of 2025.
Environment
Mon, Feb 16
A deepening weather system trapped between two high‑pressure ridges is set to funnel tropical moisture back over Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Sat, Feb 14
Mayor Rodney Dow said the district had been lashed by rain, with reports of flooding, slips and inundation.
Rain is on the way for parts of the country from Friday as a humid northeast flow sweeps over Aotearoa.
Thu, Feb 12
SH2 will reopen to one lane from Monday, weeks after extreme rain triggered dozens of slips and cut the lifeline route between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki.
Sun, Feb 8
"There are quite simply too many crashes happening on our roads, and the consequences can be devastating," police said.
Sun, Feb 1
Last week's extreme weather caused significant damage across parts of the upper North Island, forcing some people out of their homes.
Thu, Jan 29
Crews have been hard at work after last week's storm forced the closure of several key highways in affected regions, leaving some communities cut off.
Philippa Wright said their property was "total devastation" after a night of flooding and slips.
"If it says CLOSED, it is CLOSED," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said Wednesday.
Wed, Jan 28
Flowers and messages have been left at the cordon at Pilot Bay following last week's landslide.
Tue, Jan 27
Huia Ngatai and her whānau spent a terrifying night on their roof as water raged around them.
Thu, Jan 22
Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office said it was alerted by a small number of residents who received the calls at about 3am.
Metservice updated Gisborne’s heavy rain warning to red for north of Tolaga Bay this morning and to orange for the south of Gisborne.
Wed, Jan 21
Heavy rain was expected to intensify from later this morning into the afternoon and evening.
More than 40 stranded people were rescued by helicopter on Friday after 322mm of rain in 48 hours triggered dozens of slips and washed out sections of road.
Sun, Jan 18
An 18‑year‑old driver has been arrested after a late‑night crash that left five people injured.
Crime and Justice
Sat, Jan 17
By midnight, more than 40 people trapped in the Waioweka Gorge were airlifted to safety.
Almost 18,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the North Island in 19 hours following severe thunderstorms, closing parts of State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne.
Fri, Jan 16
The trio had set out in calm conditions when their 7m aluminium boat became tangled in a craypot line and overturned.
Wed, Jan 14
Surf lifeguards were alerted to a person in distress at the northern end of Okitu Beach just before noon.
Mon, Jan 12
MetService thunderstorms were expected to kick off from 1pm today.
Wed, Jan 7
