Tess Brunton
Father of Dunedin student killed at house party calling for
The father of Sophia Crestani, who was crushed to death at an over-crowded Otago student house party, is calling for a liquor store in the heart of Dunedin's student quarter to shut an hour earlier… Audio
Coroner wants re-investigation of death of Gore pre-schooler
A coroner wants the police to reinvestigate the death of Gore pre-schooler Lachlan Jones, saying too many questions remain unanswered and criticising flaws in earlier investigations. Audio
Coroner to deliver findings on Lachlan Jones' death
A coroner will deliver his findings into the death of Gore pre-schooler Lachlan Jones on Friday - six years after he was found dead in a council sewage pond. Reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 4 June 2025
In today's episode, a new poll shows more New Zealanders oppose rather than favour the government's pay equity shakeup, demolition crews are racing against the tide to remove the burnt-out wreck of an… Audio
Govt to invest over $15 million to upgrade infrastructure in Milford Sound
The government is investing over $15 million to upgrade infrastructure and enhance conservation in Milford Sound - also confirming flights and cruise ships will continue to operate. Tourism reporter… Audio
Council holds meeting to discuss flood issues in Middlemarch
In recent years, floodwater and contaminated muck has flowed through homes, businesses and streets in the rural Otago town of Middlemarch. The regional council held a community meeting to update… Audio
Otago escargot? Snail farm launched in Queenstown
RNZ's Otago reporter Tess Brunton reports on the launch of the country's first commercial snail farm Audio
Around the motu: Tess Brunton in Dunedin
Government data shows there are just three households in emergency housing across the whole of Otago and Southland. Audio
Māori tourism on the rise: Report
Māori tourism is on the rise, and operators say the key to its continued success is offering authentic cultural experiences. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Tourism operators show their wares at annual conference
Tourism operators are showing their wares at the annual tourism business bonaza, TRENZ, being held in Rotorua. Audio
Native jumping spider discovered in Rotorua forest
Tess Brunton reports on a newly discovered native spider, big on eyes and small of genitalia Audio
NZ's largest tourism event underway in Rotorua
The tourism industry is eager to welcome more visitors as a leader warns growth must have the blessing of Kiwis to be successful. The country's largest tourism business event, TRENZ, is underway in… Audio
North Island tourism groups unite to entice global visitors
Regional tourism organisations are getting together to encourage tourists to visit North Island sights, Tess Brunton reports on this new initiative. Audio
Health NZ cuts number of ICU beds to 20 at new Dunedin Hospital
A former health chief said cutting the number of intensive care beds planned for the new Dunedin Hospital is taking chances with the region's health. 30 intensive care unit beds were originally… Audio
Around the motu: Tess Brunton in Dunedin
Tess Brunton is an RNZ reporter in Dunedin covering Otago and Southland Audio
Woman felt like burden when seeking mental health support
A Wanaka woman said she was made to feel like a burden when she was trying to get help in a time of crisis. She's told her story following a report that shows there are huge barriers for people in the… Audio
South Dunedin residents face inevitable flooding: Report
A recent report shows half of all buildings in South Dunedin are at risk of flood and that figure will be closer to 70 percent by the turn of the century. Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Queenstown locals on pressures with visitor and resident growth
Queenstown has been suffering from growing pains for years but with visitor and resident numbers continuing to swell it's turning into a full-blown belly ache. The Queenstown Lakes population is about… Audio
Health Action Wanaka highlights inequities for locals
Wanaka residents face growing wait times for health services, Tess Brunton has the story from Central Otago Audio
Queenstown Lakes residents face lack of health specialists
A new report has found some Queenstown Lakes communities have to travel seven hours to see a specialist doctor and pay for healthcare that's free in other parts of the district. Tess Brunton has more.
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