A 'bomb cyclone' has killed two people and left over 500,000 homes without power in the northwest U.S., as strong winds and rain hit the region, closing schools and downing trees.

An extremely rare Spade-toothed Beaked Whale Mesoplodon traversii washed ashore in Otago, providing the first chance to dissect and study such a specimen, with DNA analysis underway to confirm its species.

Seven more pilot whales died after becoming re-stranded at Golden Bay, Tasman, following their initial rescue. Six perished naturally, while one was euthanised due to poor condition.