Stories by Tracy Neal
News
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.
Councils urged to plan for end of population growth
Local authorities are being urged to start planning now for an end to global population growth, expected to hit by the end of the century.
Is it a plane? No, it's the birds
A foul-smelling substance splattered over residential properties is most likely to be from waterfowl, not aircraft toilets, the CAA says.
Rail returns between Picton and Christchurch
The first rail freight service between Picton and Christchurch in almost a year is due to start this Friday. Video
The road to nowhere
A road proposal linking the West Coast with the Nelson region is unlikely to stack up economically, a report says.
Anti-poison group denies pelting Smith
A member of the anti-poison protest group accused of smearing poison on Nelson MP Nick Smith says a rogue faction could have done it, and the group has condemned the behaviour.
Dredging boat's loss raises flood fears
Westport is at risk of a dangerous flood if its dredging boat is sold, a retired seafarer and former harbourmaster says. Audio
Parental leave policy appeals as Labour cries foul
The National Party is promising to extend paid parental leave from 18 to 22 weeks and add flexibility to allow both parents to take some concurrent leave.
Nelson clinching ABs game shows region's rise
Nelson's pitch to host the All Blacks initially wasn't taken seriously, but a strong business-minded bid sealed the deal, the region's development agency says.
Pāua hearts beat to climate change's tune
Humble pāua strapped with a heart rate monitor have been used to demonstrate the effects of climate change.
Weekend boaties call for better fish stock protection
Geoff Rowling of Motueka is among those mourning the days when taking your boat out guaranteed a snapper for dinner. Audio
Buller considers selling dredger, port company
Questions remain over the future of the port of Westport a year after cement firm Holcim pulled out of the region.
Fewer than half Kaikōura quake claims settled
The Insurance Council is confident most claims for Canterbury homes following the November quake will be settled by the end of the year, its chief executive says. Audio
Human impact drives dramatic changes to Sounds
The most dramatic changes to Marlborough's Pelorus Sound over the last millenium happened in the last century and a half, a new report says.
Auckland Islands target of pest removal plan
Feral pigs that have run rampant on the Auckland Islands will be targeted in a large scale pest removal plan for the main island in the group of subantarctic islands, Conservation Minister Maggie…
'The ecology of the Sounds is in dire straits'
A Marlborough eco-tourism operator is backing the Department of Conservation's move to ban new marine wildlife viewing permits.
Truck drivers protest Picton parking ban
New guidelines designed to make it safer for truck drivers to swap vehicles at the ferry terminal have made it more dangerous, some drivers say.
Historic grandstand's fate to be decided
A community group fighting to save an historic wooden grandstand in Golden Bay has sent Tasman District Council a plan on how it might be kept on site at Takaka Showgrounds. Audio
Westport 'may not be there in 100 years'
The low-lying coastal town might have to be moved further inland as climate change takes hold, a councillor has suggested. Audio
Tourism a threat to Kaikōura's crayfish, warn fishers
With each tourist technically allowed six crayfish, and boats taking out 80 people per day up to 200 days a year, fishers are warning Kaikōura's famous crayfish are under threat.
Abel Tasman conservation plan may provide blueprint
A successful conservation plan used in the Abel Tasman National Park is now being considered for New Zealand's historic Molesworth high country station.
'I'm used to difficult negotiations' - NZer on UK appointment
A New Zealander has been appointed by the British government to lead the trade talks with the rest of the world as Britain leaves the European Union.
Police disappointed software contracts not met
Police say they are disappointed that a company has not honoured its obligations to fix problems with special crime-fighting software before it went into liquidation.
Closed-down roadside cafe gets second chance
A closed-down roadside cafe on the South Island's alternative highway aims to reopen with the Transport Agency's help footing a $15,000 resource consent bill.
Marlborough oyster cull will kill local industry - farmer
An order to remove flat oysters from the Marlborough Sounds spells the end of the industry there, a local farmer says.