Tess Brunton
Rural emergency health under funding pressure
The future of a rural emergency health service is under pressure with supporters saying funding isn't keeping up with demand - and cuts could threaten lives. Prime is a 24-7 service providing rural… Audio
Rescuers spend night on mountain with trapped couple
Rescuers went the extra mile to rescue a couple in their 60s who became trapped on Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park. The Australian couple sent out an alert using a personal locator beacon at Ball… Audio
Will wallabies be the possum problem of the 21st Century?
Fears wallabies will become a huge pest in New Zealand have prompted plans to create the country's first national wallaby programme. Audio
Gore locals urged to conserve water
Recent rain hasn't halted water restriction discussions in Gore, which was hit hard last summer. Gore District Council held a hearing this morning to discuss changes to its water restriction regime in… Video, Audio
Inflatable raft used to rescue floating calves
Quick thinking by a group of Southland neighbours to use inflatable rafts helped save a herd of calves as flood waters swept through their paddock. Video, Audio
Celebrations as historic Fiordland viaduct reopens
More than 50 people, including Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage, flew into Fiordland to mark the reopening of Percy Burn Viaduct - the world's highest surviving wooden bridge. Video, Audio
$15 tourist levy for Stewart Island too much, locals argue
The Stewart Island visitor levy has been set at $5 since it was introduced in 2013, but now the council is proposing to hike it to $15 to help cover the cost of upgrading its buildings - but that's… Audio
Queenstown Airport to see millions of visitors by 2045
More than 2.5 million passengers are expected to converge on Queenstown Airport by 2045. In October, plans to expand the airport were quickly shot down, with the community saying the area is… Audio
Where else can you see penguins the size of man?
Now to the Waitaki, where a bid to recognise its unique geology could make history. About a year ago, Waitaki District Council started an application to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark - which are… Audio
Regions feeling short-changed after tourism funding boost
Industry leaders were crunching the numbers at the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington today, to see how remote tourist attractions can get a better slice of the pie and entice visitors away from… Audio
Regions hope to get slice of tourism funding boost
With more than five million tourists predicted to visit New Zealand by 2024, it's sink or swim for the tourism industry. But there are hopes the government's new tourism strategy, as well as a boost… Audio
Dunedin’s Hanover Hall restored to former glory
Dunedin's Hanover Hall has been a Baptist church and a rowdy night club, but was reopened today after it was transformed into a new performance space for the city. Video, Audio
Person killed when bus, car collide on tourist route
A person has died after a tourist bus and rental car collided on State Highway 6 near Kingston this morning. Ten others were taken to hospital, including one who is in a critical condition. Video, Audio
Southland farmers experiment with agri-tourism
Southland farmers have started looking for greener pasture - and tourist dollars - by welcoming visitors on to their working properties. It's a niche market now, but there are hopes the region could… Audio
Waitaki community in shock after girl killed in hit and run
A man has been charged after a 14-year-old girl was killed in a hit and run in Oamaru last night. Meanwhile, support for her family has been flooding in from a community reeling from the tragic event.
…Tourists’ deaths prompt safety call from DOC, police
While most international trampers make it back safely after heading out on a trek, recent deaths have prompted a call from DOC and police for New Zealanders to step up and talk to tourists about… Audio
Brother of helicopter pilot gives emotional tribute
Jonathan Wallis has this afternoon paid an emotional tribute to his brother Nick describing his death and the death of brother Matthew in July in a similar accident as a cruel reality. Video, Audio
'A sad day for Wanaka' - three killed in helicopter crash
Crash investigators are expected to arrive at the scene of a fatal helicopter crash near Wanaka Airport early on Friday morning. Three people are dead, including two Department of Conservation staff… Audio
Dunedin Bishop pressured to rename Kavanagh College
The Catholic Bishop of Dunedin is under pressure to re-name a school called after a former Bishop who is now accused of covering up sexual abuse. Kavanagh College is named after the late John Kavanagh… Audio
Oamaru courthouse to reopen after strengthening costs slashed
Oamaru' historic courthouse will officially reopen tomorrow, seven years after it was closed after it was deemed earthquake-prone. Video, Audio
