Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Trans-Tasman bubble: Tourism operators stay cautious
Some tourism operators will hold off ramping up their business until there is more certainty over whether trans-Tasman travel will bring a boon to the regions.
'It's urgent now': Roughly 35% student allowance applications still to be finalised
Some tertiary students have been unable to afford basic necessities as they wait for their StudyLink allowances to be approved.
Tourism operators optimistic ahead of Easter weekend
Tourism hotspots around the country are preparing for a busy Easter long weekend after a rough 12 months.
South China Sea military risks rising, APSI security summit officials warn
Military leaders say trade routes in the South China Sea face increased risk and New Zealand cannot be complacent about it.
New Zealand hospitals in crisis after 'biggest January, February on record'
Hospitals across the country have reached crisis point, with several emergency departments at capacity.
Last Ditch efforts: Tourism operators optimistic about travel bubble date
Tourism operators on both sides of the Tasman are cautiously optimistic about the return of travellers with hopes a bubble will open sooner rather than later. Audio
Tourism Minister: NZ needs 'high value' tourists post-Covid-19
The Tourism Minister is considering raising the levy overseas tourists pay to enter the country, and says he wants tourists to be spending about $300 a day. Audio
$5m pledged to help struggling Glacier Country communities
Development West Coast has committed $5 million towards an assistance package for Franz Josef and Fox Glacier communities.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier at risk of losing key community members - locals
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier locals are worried they will lose key members of their communities if there's no support available for them during the pandemic.
Nash visits Franz Josef and Fox Glacier: 'He's left and we're empty handed'
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says he won't make any promises to struggling communities in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Queenstown businesses prepare for further hardships
As Queenstown moves into its traditionally quietest time, businesses are preparing for more tough times ahead.
Hard-hit businesses see 'ripple effect downstream'
Businesses near Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have issued a plea for government support after a recent survey found widespread job losses and many people abandoning struggling communities.
Tourism must be made more sustainable - environment commissioner
A departure tax, enforcing visitor limits in under pressure destinations and tighter controls on commercial operators have been flagged as part of an overhaul of the tourism industry.
Invercargill by-election results nearing with voting set to end midday Wednesday
Invercargill residents are ready for a breath of fresh air from their upcoming council by-election after months of turmoil.
DHB denies pushing for secrecy over elevated lead levels in water
The Southern District Health Board says it did not advise the local council not to go public when lead contamination was found in East Otago drinking water.
Lead scare: Mixed emotions as mother receives baby's test results
An East Otago mother says she's been left confused and concerned as blood test results start to roll in after a lead contamination testing blitz.
Lead in the water: Otago residents' concerns and hopes for review
Residents affected by the water lead contamination issue in east Otago hope a top level review will shed some light on the issue.
Mum worries about baby's health issues amid lead revelations
Residents in two coastal Otago towns say they want answers about lead contamination in drinking water ahead of a public meeting where they will confront authorities.
'Huge concerns' over communication on high levels of lead in water
Residents in two East Otago towns are frustrated they do not know when they can drink water out of the tap, not from a tanker.
Bar owners and police unite to tackle gangs, drugs and violence
The Octagon Alcohol Group, formed in a bid to make Dunedin central city safer, can ban serious offenders from all inner city bars with a blanket trespass notice.
New doco series explores Fiordland history and nation's oldest shipwreck
New Zealanders can soon dive into history - and remote Fiordland - and explore the country's oldest known shipwreck as part of new documentary series. Video
Tourism operators facing another year of uncertainty
Regional tourist operators are grappling with another year of uncertainty with some questioning whether their businesses will survive.
Crunch time for struggling Otago orchards
Some Central Otago orchards say this season's crop is a write off, while others struggle to find enough workers.
Trampers urge DOC to put QR codes up at all huts, sites
Some trampers are questioning why QR codes aren't displayed at all DOC huts and sites, despite the government's advice to use the app when out and about.
Tourism operators try to fill multi-billion dollar hole
Tourism operators are preparing for their first summer without international visitors in decades as borders remain closed.