Chris Woodhams

Heavy rain that has soaked the east coast of the North Island is set to taper off today (Friday), paving the way for drier and sunnier conditions across much of New Zealand as the weekend begins. Following a cool Friday, temperatures are forecast to climb once again, with Central Otago expected to bask in highs of up to 32°C.

The Vendée Globe continues to showcase the intricate dance of offshore racing, where weather systems dictate the fleet's fortunes. Known as the “elastic effect,” this phenomenon of expansion and compression plays out dramatically as the fleet traverses the Southern Ocean and approaches Cape Horn.

There have been, tragically, two separate deaths overnight in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, involving the vessels Flying Fish Arctos (NSW) and Bowline (SA). The Race Committee was advised both crew members were hit by the boom.

Pip Hare's slow boat to Australia Ep. 9

Catch up with all the action from the past 24 hours in this 30-minute daily report.