Otago
Scrub fire on border of Otago and Southland contained
A scrub fire near Kingston has been contained.
Key services priority as Queenstown residents warned of some closures
The Queenstown Lakes District Council says it is well prepared to keep services running when Omicron arrives but temporary facility closures are possible.
Covid-19: Consequences hit nurse who threatened medical professionals over vaccine
A Dunedin nurse who posted online threats against medical professionals involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout cannot practise nursing and is no longer working for ACC.
Queenstown airport, hotel new locations of interest linked to suspected Omicron case
The Hotel St Moritz Queenstown and Queenstown Airport during times on 22 January are the latest locations of interest posted on the Ministry of Health website.
Tuning in to nature
The story of titipounamu, New Zealand's smallest bird, on Otago Peninsula, told by Karthic SS, a wildlife film maker and podcast producer based in Dunedin. Audio
Titipounamu on Otago Peninsula
The Tune Into Nature podcast, produced by Karthic SS, tells stories about nature and conservation around Dunedin. This week, an episode from that podcast about New Zealand's smallest bird… Audio
Campground manager who smuggled and sold meth jailed
A Catlins camping ground manager who concealed $50,000 of methamphetamine inside his body on a flight into Dunedin has been jailed for three and a-half years.
Warning over toxic algae in Otago river, dam
Swimmers and dog walkers are urged to be wary of toxic algae in Otago lakes and rivers.
Rock stablisation to begin on Nevis Bluff in Central Otago
Rock stablisation work will begin on the Nevis Bluff in the Gibbston Valley next week after fresh cracks were noticed in the rock face.
Ute driver sought after cyclist hit
Police are searching for the driver of a ute believed to have struck and seriously injured a cyclist in Cromwell this morning.
Worst case Covid-19 scenario sees peak of 25,000 cases in South
Southern GPs have been warned they could be treating as many as 5000 Covid-19 patients a month within a matter of weeks, should an Omicron outbreak sweep across Otago and Southland.
Water restrictions in place at Otago holiday spot
The Queenstown Lakes District Council says restrictions will remain until demand falls to more sustainable levels.
Salvation Army Queenstown area community hub nears funding goal
The Salvation Army is just $370,000 short of the $9.9m needed to build a new community hub in Frankton to support the area's rapidly growing community.
One killed in crash near Wānaka Airport
A person has died after a serious crash on State Highway 6 near Wānaka Airport.
Arrest made over aggravated robbery of Oamaru pharmacy
Police have arrested a man over the aggravated robbery and burglary of a pharmacy in Oamaru two days ago.
Study finds huhu grubs are high in protein, essential minerals
Research by a University of Otago student has found huhu grubs have a higher percentage of protein than beef and lamb.
Open air fire ban comes into effect for parts of Otago
Lighting open air fires is being banned in parts of Otago from today, due to an extreme fire danger forecast over the weekend.
Person seriously injured after train and car collide in Oamaru
A train and a car have collided in Oamaru's Thames St this afternoon and a person has been hospitalised with serious injuries.
MIQ 'kindess, efficiency' impress dad anxious to see ill son
An Australian dad who spent 10 days in managed isolation while his son was fighting for his life in Dunedin Hospital has praised New Zealand's border control.
Unlicensed driver caught speeding while twice legal limit for alcohol
Police in the Southern District have been kept busy with motorists breaking the road rules.
