Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Eclectic mix of sports competitions drawing crowds in Dunedin
From a Gutbuster stair challenge and competitive wine-tasting to the more traditional athletics and football, the Masters Games promises an eclectic competition for anyone over 18.
Locomotive pulled from tonnes of river muck
A relic of New Zealand's rail past has emerged from the mud 93 years after being dumped in a Southland River. Video
Tourism sector braces for sharp fall in Chinese visitors
The impact of the coronavirus which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has led to nearly 3000 confirmed cases in 15 countries.
Auckland-Invercargill direct flights 'game changer' for Southland
Southlanders are embracing a new direct jet flight connecting them to Auckland with more than 46,000 seats already sold.
What the future holds for NZ's tourism industry
With tourism growth slowing down, the industry says it is turning its focus to ensuring a sustainable future - including looking after the environment and communities.
Sky's the limit for Stewart Island/Rakiura night time observers
Stewart Island/Rakiura residents are hopeful they can build on a successful first year as a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Fruit growers concerned about Central Otago housing woes
A lack of housing is driving up prices in Central Otago, a report shows, and the market could yet come under more pressure as the fruit industry expands, growers say.
Algae threatens future of birds, fish in Southland's Waituna Lagoon
More flooding, habitat loss, poorer water quality and fewer species could be on the cards for a Southland lagoon as climate changes.
Dunedin council revives campaign for five-star hotel
Dunedin City Council is making its latest push to build the city's first five-star hotel, calling for developers to pitch their plans to transform an inner city carpark.
Med students being 'used as scapegoats'
The University of Otago interns caught abusing their overseas work placements are being used as scapegoats, a medical student's family says.
Dunedin faces summer without largest water supply
Dunedin will not run out of water after a massive fire damaged the city's water supply, but it will come at a cost.
Provincial Growth Fund boost: A 'huge' day for Dunedin
Otago is the latest region to receive a major injection for the Provincial Growth Fund in a bid to revitalise the rail system, the Dunedin waterfront and bring more jobs.
STOP: New signs tell Tongariro Crossing trampers to turn back
DOC is worried about the risk of multiple fatalities on the hugely popular 19km hike, so it has a new warning system for the summer season.
Stewart Island housing shortage: 'I might have to leave because I don't have a home'
Rakiura/Stewart Island residents say a housing shortage is forcing some people to move off the island - and it's only expected to get worse.
Disability advocate says tourism industry needs to lift its game
About a quarter of New Zealanders have a disability, yet there are no figures that properly capture what that means for the tourism industry.
Changes to NZ border rules kick in today: What you need to know
Visitors will be unable to travel to New Zealand without a new Electronic Travel Authority as tougher border rules go live today.
Tourism NZ welcomes chance to share data on Kiwi tourists
Tourism New Zealand could branch out into the domestic visitor market following an independent review.
Tourism industry must prepare for Alpine Fault rupture, warns MP
The Civil Defence Minister says it's a matter of when, not if, the Alpine Fault ruptures and the tourism industry needs to be prepared.
Dunedin mayoral candidates speed date their constituents
Speed dating was given a political twist in Dunedin yesterday with the city's youth putting mayoral candidates through their paces.
Gearing up for a busy summer of freedom camping
Millions of dollars are being poured into supporting freedom camping. But one mayor says they don't call it that any more - there's no free lunch and someone's always paying.
Wanaka mums call for 'real commitment' to maternity care
Wanaka mothers say maternity care needs action, not to be used as a political football.
Security screening at regional airports 'inevitable'
Only aircraft with more than 90 seats are currently screened, but Tourism Summit Aotearoa speakers agree the days of free-and-easy air travel are numbered.
Tourism industry debates its future as slowdown anticipated
The head of Tourism Industry Aotearoa believes the industry will be valued at more than $40 billion this year.
Death of NZ's international tourism boom?
The record visitor boom is over, with predictions the tourism growth rate could hit zero over the next two years.
Gun buyback: $26m handed out to gunowners
More than 75 prohibited firearms and 200 accessories have been handed in at the latest buyback in Otago today.