Stories by Samantha Gee
News
'Really embarrassing': locals react to ferry grounding
People have been turning out in Picton to get a glimpse of the stranded Aratere, which is visible from parts of the seaside town.
Seasonal worker jailed after admitting raping girl at train station
The man who dragged an 11-year-old into the toilets of the Blenheim train station has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Possible Tasman gold mine only in 'exploration phase'
Nearby residents have concerns about the effect of the mine at Sams Creek, bordering the Kahurangi National Park.
Minister announces rebuild for specialist school that waited 'far too long'
A decade after its facilities were deemed unsuitable, Nelson's Maitai School will finally be rebuilt.
Maureen Pugh allegedly assaulted during anti-mining protest
It has been reported to police, and a local councillor says the 'unfortunate' incident takes away from legitimate concerns.
What scientists hope to learn from NZ's largest urban landslide
The 26-hectare Tāhunanui slump is a slow moving, active slip which was last activated by heavy rain.
The areas where uni grads are least likely to return home
While some say attracting graduate students can be difficult, there's no shortage of opportunities for those wanting a start in the regions.
Parole Board seeks more info on murderer's reoffending risk
Watson, who has been in prison for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, has been before the Parole Board five times.
Council to buy out Nelson homes affected by slips from private land
It is the last and most difficult of the challenges that has arisen from a storm in 2022, the mayor says.
ACT pitches another reason for Easter trading changes
Six district councils that adopted policies to allow trading on Easter Sunday had let them lapse before this year's public holiday.
Nelson kids selling kindling to save for uni
Four siblings from Pigeon Valley, near Nelson, have spent the summer collecting wood from around their rural property and are kick-starting their savings by selling boxes of kindling. Audio
Nelson school students back on bikes after community group pitches in with repairs
Students at Salisbury School now have a fleet of bicycles they can ride again, after Bike Hub Nelson pitched in to repair nearly 20 bikes that had fallen into disrepair.
RSE workers prepare for longer stay in NZ after airline collapse
Delays in passports being issued and limited airline options are some of the issues employers face to book flights for RSE workers from Vanuatu.
New Zealand's largest flume tank opens in Nelson
The tank is being used to test prototypes of mobile marine farms in a bid to help the sector adapt to climate change.
Nelson residents support council buying out flood-affected properties
The majority of residents who made submissions to the council's long-term plan support it buying out private properties affected by the August 2022 storm.
Future of long-awaited hospital rebuild unclear
There are concerns that changes to Nelson Hospital's redevelopment plans will result in front line services being cut and poorer outcomes for patients.
Learning support services hub for students with extra needs opens in Nelson
It is a glimpse into what accessibility could look like in schools with students who have a range of needs.
Bringing the council to the people: Community hub caravan built for natural disasters
It is designed to play an important role in supporting Marlborough to respond, recover and develop resilience to natural disasters and emergencies.
Man who took covert photos of children in changing rooms sentenced to 4 years prison
The 48-year-old man was sentenced in the Nelson District Court.
Spring Creek residents turn out to hear council plans to fix compromised stopbanks
Marlborough District Council has told Spring Creek residents repairs to compromised Wairau River stopbanks are a top priority but the fix will cost $8.7 million and take three years to complete.
Homes on slip-prone land for sale by council
The 10 homes that the council bought for $6.7 million are on the market for relocation.
Council turns off Facebook comments amid surge in abuse
The comments section is not a healthy way to debate issues the community is facing, council says.
Elation tinged with concern after sighting of great spotted kiwi in Golden Bay
A conservation worker reviewing camera footage for feral pigs did a "triple take" when the bird appeared on his screen.
Ex-gym coach sentenced to 16 years in jail for sexual offences
In his sentencing, Judge Garry Barkle said Pask's offending was "utterly destructive" to the victims and their families.
Relief as Waimea dam completed just in time
The long-awaited Waimea Community Dam may be two years late and over budget, but its shareholders say it's been completed just in time.