Midday Report

Time now for our regular civil defence announcement at this time every day for listeners in isolated rural communities in Tai Rāwhiti and Hawkes Bay.

News from the rural farming sector

A second severe tropical cyclone - Kevin - is lashing Vanuatu; and it's getting stronger as it heads south. 

Currently a Category 3, it's expected to be a Category 4 by tomorrow morning when it reaches the country's southern islands where Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy left widespread flooding, mud, slips and damage.

Damaging gale force winds are expected to affect the provinces of Sanma, Malampa and Penama in the next 12 hours.

The Chief of UNICEF's Vanuatu field office, Eric Durpaire spoke to Māni Dunlop about the latest.

Today many rangatahi and climate justice advocates are taking the streets to start a global climate strike calling for more urgent action to curb climate change.

There are at least 10 events taking place nationwide, with 10s-of-thousands expected to march. 

The event in Taranaki is taking place right now.

Climate Justice Taranaki member, Tuhi Ao Bailey, is one of the organisers and she spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Severe Tropical Cylone Kevin is lashing Vanuatu, and gaining strength as it follows a similar path to Judy. 

The latest warning from Vanuatu's meteorology department says Kevin is a category three, sitting to the West of the northern islands. 

It could become category 4 by the morning, around the same time it reaches the southern islands. 

Red Alerts remain in place in many areas.

Teams are working to restore power and communication in parts of Vanuatu badly hit by Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy.

Two southern islands are cut off, and a red tropical cyclone warning remains in place in the Tafea province.

And there are fears the destruction will be compounded - as another cyclone looks set to hit the country within hours.

Joining the programme is the chief of Unicef's field office in Vanuatu, Eric Durpaire.

More than half-a-metre (546mm) of rain fell in Glengarry during Cyclone Gabrielle. 

That's according to Hawke's Bay Regional Council which is still verifying rain gauge data after many were knocked offline at the height of the storm. 

Meanwhile, near Vanuatu, a second tropical cyclone - Kevin - is forecast to hit tonight, just one day after Cyclone Judy. 

Climate scientist professor James Renwick spoke to Māni Dunlop.

An investigation into a fatal helicopter crash at Kekerengu, north of Kaikōura, found the pilot's inexperience was a key factor.

Two adults died and three children were seriously injured when the helicopter crashed onto the beach in 2020.

RNZ Nelson reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Māni Dunlop about the Transport Accident Investigation Commission's report.

Regular civil defence announcements for listeners in Tai Rawhiti and Hawke's Bay rural communities, many of whom remain isolated.

News from the rural farming sector