Otago
Helicopter helps extinguish Oamaru scrub fire
Firefighters have used a helicopter to help put out a scrub fire on the outskirts of Oamaru in North Otago.
Health minister warns rising construction costs for Dunedin's new hospital inevitable
Escalating construction costs are a fact of life as the $1.47 billion budget for Dunedin's new hospital comes under pressure, Andrew Little has warned.
Covid-19 forces closure of Dunedin Hospital wards to visitors
Dunedin Hospital's wards will be closed to all visitors from 6pm due to the strain of Covid-19 on the health system.
Safer steps at St Clair's beach for surfers
Following a long campaign, the Dunedin Council has built a safe stair case at St Clair beach for surfers! They're expected to be opened by the end of June. Co-chair of St Clair Action Group Dr Richard… Audio
Otago cycle trail network confident it will overcome consent hurdles
It's hoped work on the next connections between Otago's cycle trails will begin this year - when finished a continuous 600km network of trails will link Queenstown to Dunedin.
Queenstown mayoralty hopeful: 'We need more diversity and voices'
A former lawyer who shone a light on sexual harassment in the legal profession is standing for the Queenstown Lakes mayoralty.
Nasa to attempt final launch of football stadium sized balloon from Wanaka
Nasa has scheduled a last ditch attempt to launch its super pressure balloon from Wānaka on Friday.
Dunedin surfers get safer access to St Clair Beach
The Dunedin City Council is installing new stairs at St Clair Beach for surfers, as existing access can be dangerous.
'Worth celebrating': Queenstown welcomes full flight from across ditch
Queenstown Airport has officially welcomed its first trans-Tasman flight in more than 300 days.
Lake Dunstan cycle trail attracts thousands: 'It's just gone berserk'
Cromwell and Clyde businesses are celebrating the success of the Lake Dunstan Trail, and hope it will help sustain the area through the usually quiet winter period. Audio
Gusty cold blasts to continue for days
Strong-wind alerts remain in place for parts of the country this evening and into tomorrow.
Feasibility update on $4 billion Lake Onslow project expected next month
An update on the feasibility of a $4 billion pumped hydro storage in Central Otago is expected next month.
Transport watchdog warns jet boat operators after Queenstown crash
The transport safety watchdog has issued a stern warning to the jet boat industry after an engine failure injured two people in Queenstown.
Up to 8-week wait for doctor's appointment in Dunedin
Dunedin has more GPs than many areas but Covid-19 is putting already stretched services under more pressure, and many practices are turning away new patients.
Unknown miner laid to rest in Otago 140 years after his death
A funeral for an unknown Central Otago gold miner will be held this morning.
Inaugural Pedal Party being held in Dunedin for NZ Music Month
This weekend in Dunedin there's a special party being held as part of NZ Music Month. But it's not the typical kind of scarfy get together you might be thinking of. Pedal Party organiser Brendan… Audio
Otago Uni bomb threat: Woman sent hoax to hide failure from parents
A woman sent fake bomb threats to Otago University to stop her parents from finding out she wasn't graduating.
Locals pitch in to keep Queenstown businesses open
Queenstown locals are putting up their hands - and picking up dish cloths - to help as businesses brace for a busy winter with staff thin on the ground.
'My entire life is a struggle' - Patient says DHB halved medication
A mental health patient says the Southern DHB's decision, which was made without her consultation, has upended her life.
Two suffer moderate injuries in crash on Dart River
Two people have been flown to hospital following a jet boat crash near Queenstown.
