Tess Brunton
Nicola Willis pushes for more tourists to boost economy
The Government wants to boost tourism and immigration numbers in a bid to revive a flagging economy. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Hump Ridge Track in Fiordland gains international acclaim
The country's newest Great Walk has achieved international status, with locals saying it's already a boon to sleepy towns. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Reward offered to catch rescue helicopter drug thieves
The head of Otago's rescue helicopter is dipping into his own pocket to provide a $10,000 reward to catch whoever stole critical medical supplies from a rescue helicopter. Tess Brunton has more. Audio
'Radio Silence' on Dunediun Hospital's future
Residents in the lower South Island are still in the dark about the future of the new Dunedin Hospital. Local leaders say they expected a decision would be made before Christmas, but instead they have… Audio
Dolphin rescue at Otago beach
Otago lifesavers swapped beach patrol for dolphin rescue after being alerted to the animal trapped in the shallows of an estuary. It was all hands on deck as members of the public, Department of… Audio
Rare male spade-toothed whale dissected in Dunedin
Otago reporter Tess Brunton takes us inside one of the world's rarest whales Audio
Lake Hāwea residents question why murder invest took so long
Lake Hāwea residents are questioning why police didn't launch a murder investigation until eight months after a woman's death. Reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Woman died after assault at Lake Hāwea property 9 months ago
A murder investigation was launched into the death of 60-year-old Invercargill woman Karen Gaylene White last month. Police returned to the murder scene this week, examining it with scientists from… Audio
Vegetation fire burning out of control at Canterbury's Bridge Hill
Nine helicopters, three planes and 12 fire trucks have been battling the blaze, which is about 450 hectares in size - but so far they have not been able to contain it. Strong winds have been hampering… Audio
Around the motu: Tess Brunton in Dunedin
Tess Brunton discusses the latest events in Otago including an update on the bird flu, the dissection of a rare spade-toothed whale, and the plight of the South Island robin. Audio
South Island robin at risk of local extinction
A recent study revealed a stark 10 to 1 male to female ratio for kakaruai in Silver Stream northwest of Dunedin. Researchers said it's a rare, real time look at the extinction process of a taonga… Audio
Bird flu outbreak spreads to second shed
With the cull of 80,000 birdflu infected chickens soon to get underway officials are working to confirm it hasn't spread anywhere else before Chicken exports can start again. Reporter Tess Brunton… Audio
Worlds first dissection of rare species whale underway
The world's first dissection of a rare spade-toothed whale is underway in Dunedin after the adult male washed up south of the city in July. It's only the seventh time a spade-toothed whale has been… Audio
Leak causes partial ceiling collapse at Dunedin Hospital
Dunedin's Hospital keeps breaking, Tess Brunton reports on a partial ceiling collapse Audio
Twelfth Night gets Dunedin twist
A new production of the Twelfth Night re-imagines the Bard's romantic comedy, swapping the Balkans for the University of Otago during the early 1980s and it includes the "Dunedin Sound". Reporter Tess… Audio
Around the motu: Tess Brunton in Dunedin
The Waitaki District Council says it avoided a possible environmental disaster by removing thousands of tonnes of historic waste. Audio
Rainbow travellers economic and social opportunity - advocate
A rainbow community advocacy group said New Zealand is missing out on a growing visitor market by not actively rolling out the welcome mat to LGBT-plus travellers. Currently, Tourism New Zealand isn't… Audio
Auckland's tourism sector in a crisis - hotel owner
The head of Sudima Hotels and Hind management Les Morgan said the country is falling behind with tourism - and other industry leaders agree New Zealand doesn't have a sustainable funding model. As… Audio
Tourism industry urged to embrace new technology
The tourism industry is being urged to embrace technology and prepare for more digital natives to be arriving at their doors. A new industry report suggests the visitor experience will be quite… Audio
Tourism operators optimistic ahead of summer
Tourism operators are putting a long, harsh winter behind them and are optimistic for the summer ahead. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. Audio
