Otago
Businesses get helping hand as part of efforts to diversify Queenstown economy
A film company and a technology company have been given a financial boost with loans from a government fund.
NZers' stunning aurora pics featured in international collection
Two incredible photos by South Island photographers have been featured in the 2022 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year publication.
Wānaka residents under urgent conserve water notice
Wānaka residents are being asked to urgently conserve water while the town's water treatment plant is without power.
Queenstown's loss of hostels puts pressure on staffing
The loss of longer stay backpacker beds is taking a toll on Queenstown's staffing shortages, a hostel owner says.
Around the motu: Tim Brown in Dunedin
RNZ journalist Tim Brown joins Kathryn to talk about the controversy surrounding Gore's new Mayor Ben Bell and the attempt by seven councillors to oust his choice of deputy, Queenstown's vulnerable… Audio
Queenstown rental crisis squeezes town's most vulnerable
Renters in Queenstown are being forced into impossible decisions due to the housing affordability crisis. Audio
Albatross security defended after disappearance of eggs
The organisation that operates the Taiaroa Head albatross colony has defended the quality of its fencing following criticism from a former colony head ranger.
Police recover body of swimmer missing in Lake Wanaka
Police have confirmed a body has been recovered from Lake Wanaka this afternoon.
Swimmer missing in Lake Wānaka, Police National Dive Squad notified
Emergency services were called about 6.50pm and a search was conducted, but the person was not recovered, police said in a statement.
Boil water notice issued for two Clutha water schemes due to treatment plant issue
A boil water notice has been issued for two Clutha water schemes where some residents have been without reliable tap water for days.
New data confirms need for businesses to cope with 'leaner workforces'
A snapshot of Queenstown's labour market is pointing towards a challenging summer ahead for employers.
Police reviewing CCTV footage after disappearance of albatross eggs
Police are working with the Department of Conservation following the disappearance of albatross eggs from Otago's Taiaroa Head colony.
Shoddily-built house ordered demolished after builder forged inspection reports
A builder who forged council inspection reports has been struck off and ordered to pay $4500.
Cherry on top: Growers feeling "positive", expecting record volumes of fruit
Central Otago cherry growers are expecting record volumes of fruit this season.
Positive signs hard-hit region bouncing back from pandemic pain
New data suggests Otago is bouncing back from the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
After 13 years in jail, killer still blames victim
Despite spending more than 13 years behind bars, a Dunedin killer is still blaming his victim for his frenzied attack.
Driver crashes in a paddock, heads to pub
An ultimatum to "be home by 10am" resulted in a high-speed crash and a blood-soaked drinking session at the pub for a Dunedin man.
'A lot of them should come back' - Indigenous Australians celebrate return of taonga
An Ōtepoti museum has returned cultural artefacts first taken from Indigenous Australians more than a century ago.
Lake Onslow not ideal for battery lake, cost 'vastly understated' - Contact Energy
Contact Energy has warned the government against the development of the large-scale Lake Onslow scheme, which would provide some battery backup in dry years.
Housing crisis: 'The market is failing the people of Queenstown'
The housing affordability crisis is continuing to grow in Queenstown Lakes, even as property values decline across the rest of the country.
