Stories by Tracy Neal
News
New app to bring in water-allowance sharing
Farmers and growers in Marlborough will soon have use of an online tool that tells them how much water they can use on a given day.
Quake recovery steady for Clarence farm
A south Marlborough farming couple whose property was torn apart in last November's quake have had to replace the farm's entire infrastructure.
Science funding too unpredictable - GNS head
The head of GNS Science wants more stability in funding for the research organisation.
Grandstand group gutted by council's demolition decision
A group that has been trying to save a historic grandstand in Takaka says the community has been poorly served by a decision to pull it down.
Ward holds service to mark 12 months of quake recovery
Members of the Ward community packed a chapel this week for a special service to mark the one-year anniversary of the Kaikōura earthquake.
'The Kaikōura quake taught us a lot of lessons'
As many reflect on last year's Kaikōura earthquake, some of the world's top earthquake scientists are using it as an indicator for the future. Audio
Quake scientists converge on Marlborough
Marlborough's earthquake-creased hills and recent fault line ruptures will be the focus of a convention of international earthquake scientists over the coming week.
Sweden model could reduce NZ road deaths - researcher
New Zealand could reduce deaths by investing more in its roads, including installing median barrier strips, a visiting transport researcher says.
Whale-saving invention ready for summer
A woman who witnessed a whale stranding on Farewell Spit has developed an invention that aims to help save the lives of struggling whales.
'It’s unbelievable the cost of doing such a small thing'
A Nelson home-owner says it's taken more than a year and thousands of dollars to get a consent hearing to build a small rock wall outside his waterfront home.
Landlord faces hefty bill after rental trashed
Empty drums of chemicals, extensive damage and piles of rubbish left behind at a Nelson rental property will cost a landlord thousands of dollars to repair and clean up.
Anti-poison group say legal bill won't stop them
A group fighting a poison drop in a Nelson wildlife sanctuary won't let a $70,000 bill deter them, a lawyer says.
Apple crop damage: 'You put all that hard work in and then ... it's a total write-off"
Apple crop damage probably caused by a regularly-used fungicide has been "gut-wrenching" for a Motueka grower.
Recreational fishers applaud move to dismantle MPI
A recreational fishing advocacy group hopes a new direction in fisheries management will mean its fears over the vanishing resource will finally be heard.
Independent inquiry into EQC needed to 'learn lessons'
An inquiry into the Earthquake Commission is needed for the sake of the whole country, an advocacy group says.
Truckies faced with alternative South Island route quitting in droves
The freight industry is now short of 2000 drivers as growing numbers of truckies refuse to use the alternative South Island inland route.
Cast of thousands in South Island defence exercise
More than 3000 defence personnel from 12 countries are taking part in New Zealand's largest military exercise throughout the upper South Island.
'Conciliatory' offer helps fatal crash driver avoid prison
A 17-year-old Seddon man has avoided prison for a fatal crash he caused earlier this year, largely because of the compassion shown by the victim's mother.
Wine workforce will need to grow by a quarter
Wine growers in Marlborough say their workforce will have to increase by 24 percent in the next three years to support projected growth in the industry.
App speeds up building inspections in an emergency
The Marlborough District Council has developed a software application designed to speed up property inspections in an emergency.
Buller pulls support for planned healthcare centre
Buller District Council has pulled its support for a planned healthcare centre in Westport in its current form.
Picton to Kaikōura cycle trail 'biggest benefit' from quake
A planned $9 million cycle trail from Picton to Kaikōura could be the single biggest benefit to come out of last November's earthquake, Marlborough's mayor says.
Small business owners challenge GST threshold
Retailers fed up with being shop windows for online buyers are pushing again for the government to collect GST on lower value imported goods.
Rural areas need civil defence planning - farmer
A farmer in Motueka is appealing to Civil Defence to spare a thought for rural communities when it comes to planning for large-scale disaster.
Marchers mark 124 years since NZ women's suffrage
Women and men have gathered around the country to mark 124 years since New Zealand women won the right to vote.