Weather Warning for North Island

North Islanders are bracing for severe weather conditions on Tuesday, including hail, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne, with the potential for nearly a month's worth of rain in two days.

River flooding and hazardous driving conditions are expected.

MetService has issued multiple weather warnings and watches, including for strong winds in various areas.

Transport Minister Faces Conflict of Interest Allegations

Transport Minister Michael Wood faces allegations of a conflict of interest as he promises to sell his shares in Auckland Airport.

Wood failed to immediately declare his ownership of the shares when he became an MP and later assumed the transport portfolio, despite his involvement in the promised light rail line to the airport and his oversight of aviation regulation.

Legal experts suggest he could be summoned before Parliament's Privileges Committee on a charge of contempt.

Wood, who has owned the shares since his teenage years, has now begun the process of divesting them.

The issue raises concerns about potential breaches of the Cabinet Manual and the need for correct disclosure of pecuniary interests.

ACG Parnell Tops NZ School Rankings

ACG Parnell College has claimed the top spot in a ranking of New Zealand schools for student achievement.

The assessment by Crimson Education considered academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and equal access.

ACG Parnell College stood out for its success in preparing students for prestigious universities like Stanford and Harvard.

Other notable schools included St Cuthbert's College in second place and Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, which climbed to eighth place with impressive scholarship awards and a high NCEA excellence rate.

The majority of the top 10 schools are located in Auckland, with Woodford House in Havelock North being the exception.

A full list of the 50 ranked schools can be found here.