Stories by Samantha Gee
News
Appeal for information after kea shooting
The Department of Conservation and iwi are appealing for information from the public after two kea were shot dead in Golden Bay.
Kenepuru Sound road access restored after July storm - for residents only
Residents in the Kenepuru Sound finally have road access, more than four months after the July storm caused significant damage to the roading network.
Covid-19: Nelson outbreak sees spike in vaccinations
The Covid-19 outbreak in Nelson seems to have given people the nudge they needed to get their first vaccination.
Covid-19: High testing demand as Nelson outbreak grows to 14
Health officials are working to determine the source of the Covid-19 outbreak in the top of the South Island.
'It's awesome': Kaikōura locals ready to dive for pāua after 5 years
Five years after the earthquake which devastated seabeds along the Kaikōura coastline, people are once again able to gather pāua from its shores.
Backyard bards changing landscape of New Zealand theatre
With Covid-19 restrictions impacting events around the country, a Nelson-based actor is bringing live theatre to the people.
Pike River bodies find: 'It's very hard for our community at the moment to take it in'
People on the West Coast are coming to terms with the discovery of human remains deep in the Pike River , more than a decade after the deadly explosion.
As food prices rise, Auckland City Mission sees higher demand for services
Over the past three months, the demand for Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland City Mission's services has been the highest in the organisation's 100-year history.
Air NZ should implement no jab, no fly for domestic passengers, health expert says
Unvaccinated passengers can still travel, if they show a negative test within three days of flying. However, not everyone thinks that's enough to prevent the virus from spreading.
Abundant kina damaging reefs as fish numbers dwindle
Reducing numbers of snapper, blue cod and crayfish have led to barren rocky reefs on parts of New Zealand's coastlines.
Call to ban industrial coal use in Nelson
A climate action group are petitioning Nelson City Council to end industrial coal use in the region.
Talley's wins appeal over illegal fishing conviction
The deepwater division of Nelson-based fishing company Talley's Group has successfully appealed an illegal fishing conviction.
Game deer donated to Kai Rescue charity in Nelson
A call to manage a population of deer on private land in Nelson has led to a donation of venison to a food rescue programme.
Nelson art exhibition showcases rangatahi perspective on climate change
A group of scientists, photographers and students are behind a Nelson exhibition showing how rangitahi view climate change.
Westport flood victims left in limbo
More than three months after severe flooding in Westport damaged hundreds of homes, many residents are left wondering when and if they will be able to return.
Social media presence pays dividends in vaccine drive
Reaching out on social media is helping to boost the number of Pasifika vaccinated in the top of the South Island.
Social media used to reach Māori in vaccination drive
Māori health providers in the top of the South Island - Te Tauihu - are connecting with youth through social media as part of the vaccine rollout.
Westport flood: 450 homes still unlivable or damaged
Almost three months after floodwaters ravaged the coastal town of Westport, 140 people remain in temporary accommodation, living in cabins, motels or with friends and family.
'It's becoming very desperate': 25,000 NZers in MIQ lottery today
There were 25,000 New Zealanders around the world stuck in front of their screens today, desperately trying to get a space in managed isolation and quarantine in a bid to return home.
South Island businesses frustrated at lack of level change
There has been some reprieve with an easing of restrictions for hospitality businesses, but after almost a month in level 2 many South Island businesses are still holding out for a level change.
Trampers encouraged to have plan B for accident hotspot
Fatalities and a high rate of search and rescue incidents near one of the most popular huts in the Nelson Lakes has led to several agencies proposing solutions to improve tramper safety.
Report confirms four new species of lizard in New Zealand
The new report also found nearly three quarters of the country's reptiles were expected to decline over the next three generations.
Mission to make Farewell Spit predator free
Conservation groups and iwi are joining forces in a bid to make Farewell Spit at the top of the South Island predator free.
Free breakfast offer proves incentive for Nelson tradies to get Covid-19 vaccination
A free breakfast was an incentive for some tradies to get their Covid-19 vaccination at a pop up clinic in Nelson.
Eastern bar-tailed godwits arriving in New Zealand after marathon flight from Alaska
Gathered on the Motueka sandspit near high tide on Tuesday more than a thousand godwits were resting, beaks tucked into their wings as they recovered from their long journey.