Stories by Tracy Neal

The Marlborough District is bolstering its hazards response plan ahead of its largest ever schedule of cruise ship visits to the Sounds.

A majority of West Coast submitters support merging some of the region's council services.

A survey on Nelson's transport options shows most respondents want a new motorway built, but opponents say the survey process was flawed. Video

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

Local Government New Zealand has backed a proposal by a Nelson city councillor to have some state services shifted from Wellington to the regions.

The West Coast is on high alert for erosion again as heavy weather is forecast to hit much of the country this weekend.

Close to 700 submissions on proposed council reorganisation on the West Coast have been submitted to the Local Government Commission.

The government wants more women to stand for local councils to address a lack of diversity. Audio

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.

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.

The winter storm that swept over the country in the last 24 hours has brought relief to ski field operators. Video

A scampi named after the Duchess of Cornwall has celebrated its first birthday and a significant milestone for New Zealand's aquaculture industry.

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

The government has banned scallop fishing in the Marlborough Sounds and parts of Tasman Bay for the next seven months.

A Nelson-based iwi incorporation has welcomed a new era for Awaroa Beach, after the final step in the crowdfunding campaign to buy it.

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.

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 District Council backs move to contribute more funding for Blenheim's $23m ASB Theatre.

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 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 says calls for his resignation months out from an election are pathetic, but not surprising.

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.

The Nelson-Marlborough DHB is warning at least nine pharmacies are charging people more for prescriptions than allowed under their contract. Audio

A central Nelson car park that has been turned into a special housing area is testing a new system designed to make development easier.

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