Christchurch declares state of emergency

Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island has declared a state of emergency as former cyclone Gita approaches the country. People are being urged to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel. Many schools and roads have been closed while, New Zealand's national airline has cancelled all flights in and out of the capital, Wellington, on North Island. Residents are told to expect floods and winds of up to 150km/h (90mph).