NZ's last repatriation flight from Port Vila is taking off today after a deadly quake earlier this week. World Vision Vanuatu says international aid is making a real difference, but the situation remains grave and water is needed.

Workers at Nelson Hospital say conditions are unbearable, with temperatures sometimes over 30°C inside, mould on the window sills and bits of the ceiling falling onto desks.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives has passed legislation to avert a midnight government shutdown, defying President-elect Donald Trump's demand to also greenlight trillions of dollars in new debt.

A crash has closed SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge in Northland, just a day after it was reopened following a lengthy repair job.