Stories by Tracy Neal
News
Chance of another large quake in next month falls
The chance of another large earthquake within the next month has dropped to 18 percent, GeoNet says.
Bittersweet victory after massive whale stranding
It seemed a near-hopeless task, but crowds rallied to the calls of desperate, dying whales. Tracy Neal reflects on what has become mainland New Zealand's biggest stranding.
Saving whales rewarding, but not glamorous
A Golden Bay woman says saving stranded whales is not glamorous and it has to be tackled with a practical approach.
Search for Langdon and daughter cost $40k
The search for Alan Langdon and his six-year-old daughter, who sailed to Australia on a small yacht amidst a custody dispute, cost more than $40,000, the police say.
Fire levies tipped to rise by $36
Homeowners can expect to pay higher insurance premiums to help fund a restructured fire service.
Autistic girl's murder sparks external review
Nelson-Marlborough's chief medical officer has ordered a review of health services for high-needs people, after Donella Knox murdered her autistic daughter, Ruby.
Another round begins in West Coast council reorganisation
West Coast locals are being asked for their suggestions of how local government in the region should be reorganised.
Business booms along temporary main South Island highway
Business owners in St Arnaud and Murchison say turnover has doubled and they struggle to cope with crowds queuing for fuel, coffee, food and accommodation.
Work begins to develop open-ocean marine farms
Two sites off the New Zealand east coast have been earmarked as research areas for development of an open-ocean aquaculture industry.
Restoring highway north of Kaikōura like moving mountains
The wheels are beginning to turn to get State Highway 1 and the main trunk rail line south of Blenheim open again.
Climate change fear for burial sites
Climate change could be affecting sacred Māori burial sites, iwi and a Department of Conservation historic adviser fear.
By-election possible for Nelson City Council
Nelson City Council could be faced with a by-election this year as two councillors aim for a spot in the national political arena.
Stormy weather puts stop to guides' fishing plans
The owner of a luxury fishing lodge at the top of the South Island says last night's storm has prompted guides to cancel fly fishing trips.
Govt considers different fees for overseas and local trampers
As tourist numbers climb, officials are looking at different fees for international and domestic visitors as a way to fund back-country infrastructure.
Man charged over taking Que Langdon from NZ
Six-year-old Que Langdon is back with her mother, and a man is due in court to face charges next month.
Thousands of kms over the sea in a 6m catamaran
Alan Langdon's journey to Australia was not entirely remarkable, but it was highly irresponsible taking his six-year-old daughter, an experienced yachtie says.
Campsite hygiene questioned after gastro bug cases
The Department of Conservation needs to review its cleaning regime for campsites in Golden Bay, a private campgound owner says.
Missing six-year-old found in Australia
A father and daughter reported missing in New Zealand arrived in New South Wales on a catamaran, Australian authorities say.
Farmer offers amnesty over milk shed theft
A Nelson dairy farmer whose milk vending machine was robbed is giving those responsible a chance to work off the cost.
New exhibition casts light on an old story
The first exhibition to trace the journey of Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa and allied tribes to Tasman Bay in the 1830s has opened in Motueka. Audio
Seismic survey company refutes blame for whale death
A company surveying the sea floor near Cook Strait says its work is not linked to recent whale strandings.
Hope for rare bird in Marlborough Sounds
The endangered sparrow-sized mohua appears to be gaining a foothold on Blumine Island.
Chathams runway expansion costs rise
Air Chathams, which began Whanganui to Auckland flights in August, is continuing to push for a Chatham Islands runway expansion, despite its rising costs.
Call for oil companies to research unusual whale deaths
Seismic detectors could be causing whale strandings, Sea Shepherd says, and it wants oil companies that own the devices to pay to research it.
Freedom campers make the most of 'fabulous' Nelson sites
Moves by the Nelson City Council to accommodate freedom campers have angered some locals, but delighted those who prefer a free-wheeling holiday, reports Tracy Neal.