Tess Brunton
Danger of wildfires on the rise
The danger of wildfires is on the rise with forecasts of a hotter, drier, windier summer.
Fire and Emergency says the wildfire season could kick-off earlier this year, and people should prepare their… Audio
Tourism rides high on South Island's West Coast
Tourism is riding high on the West Coast, with visitors and workers returning in droves.
The region was hit hard during the pandemic, and it struggled to attract staff once the tourists did return.
… Audio
Hopes new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes
It's hoped a new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes and take local communities along for the ride. The Clutha Gold Cycle and Walking Trail has nearly doubled in length with the… Audio
NZ firefighters arrive back from fighting wildfires in Canada
Day turned into night and swamps on fire, that's what New Zealand firefighters faced while battling blazes in Canada. Wildfires have caused tens of thousands of people to evacuate, destroying homes… Audio
Tourism businesses say World cup exceeded expectations
Expectations were high ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and tourism businesses say the tournament has definitely exceeded them. Aotearoa hosted 29 games, drawing some record football crowds and… Audio
Around the motu : Tess Brunton in Dunedin
Otago correspondent Tess Brunton discusses another temporary closure of Oamaru Emergency Department, due to doctor shortages. And down in Gore, an $11,000 attempt to patch up relations between mayor… Audio
Snow falls in Dunedin
Snow is falling in Dunedin after a cold front has hit the South Island.
Air New Zealand has also cancelled or delayed half a dozen flights because of ice on the runway of Dunedin Airport.
Reporter… Audio
Ferns out of World Cup
Disappointed but proud - that's how many Football Fern fans are feeling after last night's nail-biting nil-all draw against Switzerland.
The Dunedin game means the Ferns are out of the FIFA Women's… Audio
Football Ferns frustrated after draw
While they only managed one goal in the tournament, the Football Ferns also only conceded one goal.
A big part of that was due to defender Rebekah Stott, who spoke to reporter Tess Brunton after the… Audio
Dunedin football fans fizzing for crucial clash against swiss
Dunedin football fans are fizzing ahead of hosting the Football Ferns' crucial showdown against Switzerland on Sunday. The match could make or break the home team's hopes to make the knockout round of… Audio
Maori tourism operators welcome increased Matariki awareness
Maori tourism operators are welcoming more public awareness and interest in Matariki. Last year was the first time it was marked with a public holiday. This Friday Matariki events are organised across… Audio
'Burnout & unsafe patient loads.' Emergency services in Chch at breaking point
Emergency healthcare in Christchurch is at breaking point. The hospital's emergency department this week saw a record 412 people in a 24 hour period. Some patients are waiting weeks to see their GP… Audio
Southland unveils bright vision
Southland has unveiled a bright vision for its future regardless of whether Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes or not.
Beyond 2025 is the long term plan for tackling the region's challenges and… Audio
Invercargill mayor lambasted by iwi
Invercargill's mayor Nobby Clark has been lambasted by local iwi over his attitude towards giving civic buildings a Māori as well as an English name.
At a fiery meeting yesterday he put forward a… Audio
Around the motu: Tess Brunton in Dunedin
RNZ reporter Tess Brunton joins Kathryn to talk about the decision to cut a multi-million dollar centre that would've housed teaching and professional development from Dunedin's new health precinct… Audio
Fox Glacier residents feared ghost town after slip
A ghost town - that's what Fox Glacier residents feared their town would become after access to their main tourist attraction was severed four years ago. In March 2019, a major landslide destroyed the… Audio
Prime Minister grilled by Otago University students
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has faced a grilling by University of Otago students during his trip to Ōtepoti today.
Students, staff and community members have been fighting against the university's… Audio
Another false start for Great Walks' booking system
Hopes were high that dates for booking spots on the Great Walks would be released yesterday.
But trampers and tourism businesses were disappointed, again.
The Department of Conservation has had… Audio
Lecturers, students protest Otago Uni job cuts
Hundreds of people have turned up to protest proposed job cuts at Otago University today. This is the second protest where staff, students and members of the public are marching through the campus… Audio
Heaphy Track reopening will breathe new life back in
A small West Coast community says fully reopening the Heaphy Track will breathe new life back into the town.
Last February, storms damaged the track and destroyed a vital bridge - making it… Audio