Otago
Police appeal for information on Cromwell hit and run
Police are still appealing for information on a hit and run in Cromwell, Central Otago last month.
'It's future thinking': Regional council weighs viability of key flood protection scheme
An Otago scheme aimed at keeping floodwaters at bay is under review with climate change looming as a potential challenge.
Engineers rule out West Coast flood prevention tactic
The West Coast Regional Council says engineering advice has ruled out the use of a cut in the Orowaiti River, to alleviate flooding during the current adverse weather.
Man who died after ute and trailer plunge into Lake Dunstan named
Cromwell man Mark Gary Miller, 56, has been named by police as the person who died after a ute and trailer crashed off a bridge into Lake Dunstan on Monday evening.
Ute, trailer disappear in Clutha River after going off bridge
Emergency services are responding to an incident in Cromwell where a ute and trailer have gone into the Clutha River off a bridge.
Otago coastal and Clutha zones now in restricted fire season
Otago's coastal and Clutha zones including Dunedin and Waitaki are now in a restricted fire season.
Haast Pass to close Monday night
Haast Pass on the South Island's West Coast is scheduled to be closed overnight from Monday into Tuesday.
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.
