Stories by Samantha Gee
News
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.
Covid-19 lockdown: Crayfish and salmon for conference goes to needy
Crayfish tails, salmon and beef bourguignon were on the menu for those due to attend a Seafood New Zealand conference in Nelson today, instead that food is being prepared to be donated to those in…
Treasured pontoon found hundreds of kilometres away
A floating pontoon from a campground near Nelson that washed up hundreds of kilometres away in Taranaki will soon make its way home.
Kāinga Ora eyeing chance to develop Nelson CBD land for housing
Nelson City Council is considering selling two of its central city properties to Kāinga Ora for social and affordable housing.
NZ-grown papaya leaf extract to be used in supplements to treat dengue
Supplements containing New Zealand grown papaya leaf extract will soon be produced in Malaysia as a treatment for dengue fever and age-related illnesses like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Nelson Council approves four housing projects for Govt funding
A housing development designed to flood is one of several in Nelson put forward for Kāinga Ora's $1 billion dollar Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.
No mass vaccination events planned for South Island
Following the first mass vaccination event in Manukau, Covid-19 vaccination operations group manager Astrid Koornneef says nothing of similar scale is planned for the South Island.
Cold front causes chaos, avalanche warnings across the South Island
A cold front has swept across New Zealand in the past 24 hours, leaving motorists stranded, closing schools and bringing a heavy dusting of snow on ski fields.
'We have hit the wall, we are exhausted'
Emergency department staff and management at Dunedin Hospital met again today over growing concerns patients are at risk of dying while they wait for treatment.
Queen Charlotte Track could be closed for months following storm
One of Marlborough's most popular tramping tracks through the Queen Charlotte Sound remains closed while the Department of Conservation assesses the damage.
Rare wattlebirds 'noisy', charismatic newcomers to sanctuary
It is hoped the release of South Island tīeke into a wildlife sanctuary in Nelson could be the start of the first population of the birds on the mainland.
Mussel farmers millions of dollars out of pocket after storms
The storm which caused widespread flooding across the top of the South Island has also had a devastating impact on mussel farms in the region.
PM visits flood-hit Westport: 'It's devastating to see the impact it's had here'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it was a confronting sight to view the damage to people's homes and possessions in the town.
Defence Force helps clean-up flood damage in Westport
The Defence Force is helping to remove flood-ruined furniture and belongings from Westport streets and homes today.
Volunteer offers support to Westport's homeless: 'It's emotionally draining'
West Coast residents and officials are continuing to grapple with the enormity of the cleanup after the weekend's flood.
Residents cut off by flood-damaged roads keen to be reconnected
Water levels have fallen in Marlborough, revealing the extent of the damage caused by heavy rain over the weekend. Audio
Te Ramaroa light festival installations brightening Nelson weekend
A forest of floating kelp and shark egg casings is one of the many installations illuminating the night as part of Nelson's inaugural Te Ramaroa light festival.
Aimex fined $275k after man suffers brain injury
A Nelson engineering company has been ordered to pay more than $340,000 after a teenage apprentice was found unconscious in the engine room of a vessel where he was exposed to toxic chemicals.