Tess Brunton
Cruise industry wants maritime border opened
The cruise ship industry is urging the government to hurry up and reopen the maritime border.
The government has announced a phased reopening of the border but it's focused on air, not sea travel.
… Audio
Tourism sector welcomes border opening but questions remain
Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.
By the end of the week, self isolation will be a thing of the… Audio
Covid-19: New Zealanders flock to Chatham Islands
With borders closed, more New Zealanders have been ticking the Chatham Islands off their bucket list than before the pandemic.
Air Chathams visitor arrivals were up 80-percent last year compared to… Audio
Parties off in Dunedin as Omicron spreads among students
This year's Orientation Week at Otago University is like no other, with hundreds of students stuck isolating due to Covid.
The southern city recorded its first community case of the latest outbreak… Audio
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony supporting own conservation
Now to Oamaru, where a colony of Little Blue Penguins has gone from being a nuisance to the stars of a show that helps to support their own conservation.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is managed by… Audio
Self-isolation rules may put skids on NZ ski seasons
The isolation rules for travellers could put the skids on this year's ski season. The border announcement means Australians and other travellers who don't need a visa will be allowed in by July at the… Audio
Tourism operators say self-isolation rules will deter some
Tourist operators are keen to roll out the welcome mat for international visitors but say the current isolation rules will keep many away.
The Prime Minister has unveiled a five stage plan for… Audio
How holiday hotspots are faring through peak season
It's been another summer without international visitors - the lifeblood for five tourist hotspots.
For weeks, operators in Fiordland, South Westland, Queenstown, Mackenzie and Kaikōura geared up to… Audio
Trampers warned of bed bugs in Stewart Island's Rakiura Track huts
Trampers who plan to walk the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island this summer are being offered the option of a refund as the battle against bed bugs continues.
The bugs reached infestation levels last… Audio
Covid-19: Conference industry hopeful for pandemic recovery
The conference industry is looking for solutions and optimism as it wrestles with significant losses from the pandemic.
An industry worth $1.5 billion two years ago has been slashed by almost three… Audio
Otago landowners to pay for letting rabits run rampant
Now to Otago, where lax landowners will soon have to foot the bill if the regional council has to step in and deal with their rabbit problems.
The Otago Regional Council has been ramping up its… Audio
Glacier towns short hundreds of staff ahead of summer season
Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are hundreds of staff short for the summer season with many struggling to find and afford workers.
A recent survey paints a grim picture of South Westland… Audio
Christchurch Airport develops 400ha renewable energy park
It looked like a hard sell - land stuck next to a noisy neighbour - an international airport, with high voltage cables directly overhead.
But Christchurch Airport has found a solution, devoting 400… Audio
Harsher fines, restrictions possible for freedom campers
Harsher fines and more restrictions could be on the cards for freedom campers, as the government tries to flush out the bad behaving ones.
The Tourism Minister announced a crackdown on some campers… Audio
Covid-19: Omicron throws a spanner into the works for tourism
The tourism industry is grappling with the prospect of its new normal being years away with billions of dollars lost by then and many more hurdles ahead - including its latest, the Omicron variant.
… Audio
Queenstown businesses struggle with severe staff shortages
Queenstown businesses are grappling with severe staff shortages - with some managers preparing to pitch in on the front line this summer.
Fully vaccinated people will be able to cross the Auckland… Audio
Australia visitors same risk as Aucklanders - Queenstown mayor
A South Island mayor wants the trans-Tasman bubble re-inflated saying Aucklanders pose a similar Covid risk as Australian travellers.
From 15 December, fully vaccinated people will be able to travel… Audio
Tourism, hospitality sectors race to attract staff
The tourism and hospitality industries are racing to find ways to attract and retain more staff.
They will need an estimated 80,000 new workers over the next five years.
Leaders of the sector have… Audio
Central Otago orchards scramble for staff ahead of harvest
With less than a month until harvest, Central Otago orchards are scrambling to find staff.
The region needs upwards of 5000 seasonal workers across the horticulture and viticulture industries during… Audio
Southern DHB readies for possibility of endemic Covid
Southern DHB is preparing for the worst for next year if Covid-19 becomes endemic in the community.
The DHB says Covid is the single biggest risk to both the community and itself, saying it could… Audio