Stories by Tracy Neal
News
West Coast support for merging council services
A majority of West Coast submitters support merging some of the region's council services.
Public back new motorway in Nelson
A survey on Nelson's transport options shows most respondents want a new motorway built, but opponents say the survey process was flawed. Video
Rescue sparks warning about checking weather
Today's rescue of six people from snow in Kahurangi National Park is another reminder for people to check the weather before venturing into the wilderness, police say. Video
Backing for proposal to move state services to region
Local Government New Zealand has backed a proposal by a Nelson city councillor to have some state services shifted from Wellington to the regions.
West Coast sewerage lines threatened by weather, erosion
The West Coast is on high alert for erosion again as heavy weather is forecast to hit much of the country this weekend.
Hundreds of submissions on West Coast amalgamation
Close to 700 submissions on proposed council reorganisation on the West Coast have been submitted to the Local Government Commission.
Govt puts out call for more women in local councils
The government wants more women to stand for local councils to address a lack of diversity. Audio
Homemade motor-bicycles raise safety fears
Police in Nelson are cracking down on the use of motorised bicycles, with one rider nabbed travelling at more than 60km/h in a 50km/h zone.
Fires to burn in some Nelson suburbs
Sixteen hundred home owners in Nelson will be allowed to install new very low emission woodburners, while people in other parts of the city have missed out.
Skiers hit slopes after heavy snowfalls
The winter storm that swept over the country in the last 24 hours has brought relief to ski field operators. Video
A right royal aquaculture occasion
A scampi named after the Duchess of Cornwall has celebrated its first birthday and a significant milestone for New Zealand's aquaculture industry.
Festival lights up Nelson
About 55,000 people turned out for the Light Nelson festival over its four-night run and it has secured a place on the mid-winter calendar, organisers say. Video
Ban aims to save Marlborough Sounds scallops
The government has banned scallop fishing in the Marlborough Sounds and parts of Tasman Bay for the next seven months.
Iwi celebrates beach's handover to the public
A Nelson-based iwi incorporation has welcomed a new era for Awaroa Beach, after the final step in the crowdfunding campaign to buy it.
Shining a light on Nelson
First Person - An illuminated art and technology show in Nelson has the power to weave a little magic into gloomy winter nights, writes Nelson Reporter Tracy Neal.
'Privatisation surprise' for DHB radiology - union
The radiographers' union has threatened the Nelson Marlborough DHB with an injunction over what it says is a surprise proposal to privatise radiology services.
Marlborough council backs further funding for theatre
Marlborough District Council backs move to contribute more funding for Blenheim's $23m ASB Theatre.
Nelson special housing areas attract developers
Property developers wanting land designated as special housing areas could lead to a tsunami of property hitting the Nelson market, a local councillor says.
Tasman council cracks down on Hare Krishnas
Tasman District Council has warned a Hare Krishna community near Nelson it has to fix operations around substandard food preparation and housing operations.
Marlborough's mayor pressured to resign
Marlborough's mayor says calls for his resignation months out from an election are pathetic, but not surprising.
Transgender student petitions for bathroom rights
Marlborough Girls' College is taking steps to support a transgender student who says she's been told she can't use the girls' school bathroom, it says.
DHB warning over extra pharmacy charges
The Nelson-Marlborough DHB is warning at least nine pharmacies are charging people more for prescriptions than allowed under their contract. Audio
Nelson special housing area tests boundaries
A central Nelson car park that has been turned into a special housing area is testing a new system designed to make development easier.
Wide range of Nelson families struggling, agencies say
Local agencies in Nelson, from the Nelson Food Bank to the Salvation Army, are reporting increasing cases of hardship among a wider range of families Audio
Practise makes perfect for top-flight musician
If you hear a tune behind the trees and shrubs near Nelson Airport, New Zealand brass musician Mike Ford might have something to do with it. Audio