Stories by Belinda McCammon

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive from China for the annual celebrations.

Kaikōura tourist operators are working to rebrand in the aftermath of the November earthquake. Audio

The Insurance Council is defending the industry against criticism that some commercial insurance claims are taking too long in quake-damaged Kaikōura.

Outgoing Earthquake Commission chief executive Ian Simpson, who finished today, says lessons have been learnt about how to handle a natural disaster.

Cold daily showers and fasting were among the tips for Cantabrians on a survival course on how to be mentally and physically prepared for a disaster.

Outgoing Prime Minister John Key says he may dump his Blues rugby team membership and support the Crusaders again.

US Secretary of State John Kerry says his trip to the ice reinforced the value of climate change research.

Councils around the country are bracing to see how their infrastructure will cope in tourist hotspots, with what is expected to be one of the busiest summers for tourism.

A multi-billion-dollar tax windfall generated by booming tourism should be reinvested in the industry, a tourism group says.

Tourist operators and government officials meet this week to discuss whether they're on track to deal with freedom campers in what's expected to be another busy tourist season.

Five years after the Canterbury earthquakes, Christchurch's tourism sector is showing strong signs of rebounding, but tourist operators and leaders say there is still work to do. Video

Queenstown's council is introducing new parking controls in a bid to manage congestion and pressure on carparks in the rapidly growing tourist hub.

Timaru's council is failing to make the most of the town's heritage or tourist potential, a new lobby group says.

Queenstown's council wants to rein in 'hordes' of 'intimidating' bar-hopping tourists by requiring businesses to have permits to run pub crawls.

The family of one of New Zealand's least known cycling champions is supporting calls for a sculpture be installed in his hometown.

Three medical professionals who helped rescue people from the collapsed CTV building, during the Canterbury earthquakes have been recognised for their bravery.

New Zealand's wealth distribution is becoming increasingly uneven, but Prime Minister John Key is downplaying the latest figures. Audio

The first stage of The Terraces has been officially open by the Prime Minister, who declared Christchurch was a city that was coming alive.

Leaving two polluted Canterbury lakes out of a government plan on water quality would send a dangerous message, says an environmental expert. Audio

ANALYSIS: The shadow of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority looms over its replacement's new CEO, writes Belinda McCammon. Audio

With the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority about to officially shut, officials, politicians and residents are divided on the lessons learned.

The Buller District mayor is questioning how much is spent promoting tourism, given the low tourist spend in the district.

After about $6.7 million and two-and-a-half years, Christchurch's Triumphal Arch has been repaired - but it's not yet open to the public.

The emotional premiere of The Women of Pike River in Christchurch's Isaac Theatre last night brought many tears alongside rapturous applause.

NZ Opera plans to stage at least one major opera at the restored Isaac Theatre Royal every year until 2020.