Tess Brunton
Southern DHB prepares for worst case of 900 covid cases a week
The Southern District Health Board has been investigating just how big a risk Covid-19 is to the community.
The latest outbreak hasn't yet spread to the south - touch wood - but worst-case modelling… Audio
Covid-19: More than 2000 Great Walk bookings cancelled
More than 2000 Great Walk bookings have been cancelled in recent months as Covid-19 continues to take a toll.
In Fiordland, some Milford Track operators are describing it as one of the quietest… Audio
South Island works to stop spread after Blenheim Covid case
The South Island's streak of no Covid-19 community cases ended over the weekend, prompting discussions about how to reduce further spread.
The unvaccinated person flew from Rotorua to Blenheim late… Audio
Mr Whippy returns to streets of Dunedin
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Or at least that's the hope, as Mr Whippy returns to the streets of Dunedin.
It's been more than 10 years since the ice cream vendor was based… Video, Audio
Lamb's brain sought for Larnach Castle's 150th celebration menu
In the midst of the pandemic, Larnach Castle's 150th celebration faced an unusual quandary - not enough brains.
It's hosting a formal banquet to mark the milestone based on the menu its namesake -… Video, Audio
Covid-19: South Islanders face more time at level 2
The risk of travellers bringing Covid-19 means some mainlanders are accepting being stuck at level 2, despite no cases there.
The South Island is facing more time under level 2 restrictions while… Audio
Lake Ōhau rebuilding lives one year on from devastating fire
Residents in Lake Ōhau are rebuilding their lives and homes while slowly restoring the scorched landscape after last year's devastating fire.
Today marks one year since fire tore through the remote… Video, Audio
How Lake Ōhau village is looking one year after fire
Monday marks one year since a fire ripped through the Lake Ōhau alpine village, forcing people to flee in the middle of the night.
Roughly half the homes in the remote MacKenzie basin were destroyed… Audio
Locals hoping for answers one year on from Lake Ōhau fire
It's a year today since a fire ripped through the Lake Ōhau alpine village, forcing people to flee in the middle of the night.
Roughly half the homes in the remote MacKenzie basin were destroyed or… Audio
Cruise ship industry extends pause on NZ trips into 2022
The cruise ship industry says it needs some certainty around the border to save the industry and help towns who rely on their visitors.
Princess Cruises has announced its extending its pause of trips… Audio
Predator free apprenticeship scheme gets funding boost
An apprenticeship programme aimed at ridding Aotearoa of its worst pests has received a $2 million funding boost.
The two-year programme kicked off last year and is aimed at increasing the numbers of… Audio
Fox Glacier business hope for holiday boost
Fox Glacier businesses are holding out hope for a school holiday boost after a long and difficult winter.
Several businesses have already closed in town and others are considering whether to… Audio
'Exposed, vulnerable' in Franz Josef without visitors
Franz Josef business owners say they are struggling to keep their heads above water after losing Aucklanders and international visitors.
The winters are traditionally quiet, but businesses say… Video, Audio
Wanaka businesses struggle as Auckland lockdown ongoing
The school holidays are just around the corner but some parts of the country are expecting to miss out on an influx of visitors from Auckland.
Lockdown meant Wanaka lost weeks of prime ski season… Video, Audio
Covid-19: Wānaka locals lash out at Auckland couple
An Auckland couple's illicit lockdown escape to a holiday home is being described by Wānaka locals as selfish and inexcusable.
The 35-year-old man and his 26 year-old partner crossed Auckland's… Video, Audio
Anger at Auckland couple who fled lockdown for Wanaka
Otago locals are furious an Auckland couple flouted level 4 lockdown escaping Auckland for a family holiday home in Wanaka.
The 35-year old man and his 26 year old partner crossed Auckland's southern… Video, Audio
Alexandra devastated blossom festival cancelled
Now to Central Otago, where the Alexandra community is devastated their annual blossom festival has been cancelled.
It was to be the 65th year of the historic event and is the longest, continuously… Audio
Invercargill should be confident in council - independent review
An independent reviewer says Invercargill residents should feel confident that their local council can do its job after a tumultuous 12 months that included potential government intervention.
Late… Audio
NZ outside Auckland readies for 'Delta' version of level 2
From midnight Wednesday morning all of New Zealand - barring Auckland - will move to alert level 2, but with new restrictions in the face of Covid-19 Delta.
South Islanders say they are relieved and… Audio
South welcomes takeaways again under level 3
Reluctant cooks and coffee fans across the South Island are embracing the shift to Level 3 and return of their favourite takeaways.
Hamburgers, lattes, chips and croissants were all on the menu as… Video, Audio