Stories by Samantha Gee
News
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.
Internet connection restored on West Coast
Cellphone reception and internet connection has been restored for thousands of people on the West Coast.
Middlemore infection: Testing for Covid-19 before hospital entry 'not possible'
A case of Covid-19 in a Middlemore patient who shared a room with three others has raised questions around the screening and testing procedures of those admitted to hospital.
Probe into locomotive's dive into Picton Harbour to take month
An investigation into the derailment of a 50-tonne locomotive that ended up submerged in the Picton Harbour is expected to take at least a month.
Locomotive to be lifted from Picton Harbour this evening
A salvage team have been at work all day in the Picton Harbour to retreive the locomotive that was shunted into the sea two days ago.
Fines issued after 'upsetting' anti-vaccination letters delivered to medical practices
Nineteen people have been arrested for flouting alert level 4 rules during anti-lockdown protests this morning, while in Nelson two people were fined after hand delivering offensive anti-vaccination…
Marlborough still tackling flood damage as downpours continue
More than 40,000 cubic metres of spill material has been removed from sites across Marlborough as it recovers from widespread devastation caused by heavy rain and flooding, almost six weeks ago.
Flood-recovering Marlborough set for heavy rain
The Marlborough Sounds is preparing for heavy rain this weekend, just five weeks after major flooding in the region.
Huge uptake in digital mental health services during lockdown - NZHIT
Kiwis are increasingly turning to online mental health services for support as they grapple with the uncertainty brought on by the lockdown.