Stories by Tess Brunton

Those vying for a win will face off across 16 timed stages over 280 kilometres.

Dunedin City Council's programme has been expanded to teach more students about the mutts and bolts of dog safety.

Museums and galleries are up against the wall, and cuts and closures are coming if they do not get more support.

Southern Field Days was cancelled twice during the pandemic, but is now back and bigger than ever with a record number of exhibitors.

An attempt will be made to open the Waiau River mouth to the sea to direct flow away from the properties this week.

A South Dunedin supermarket will remain closed a further 24 hours after pest controllers trapped close to 20 more rats since Friday.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is investigating a video showing a mouse running across uncovered salad in a Christchurch supermarket deli.

The community of Bluecliffs lost about three metres of land in a day this week - king tides and more rain are forecast for the weekend.

Southland residents are worried their homes and baches at a small beach community will be swept into the Waiau River as swift waters claw into the banks.

More than 13,000 people live in the region and the risk of rising groundwater has been well known but has never been explored in such detail.

People with disabilities are missing out on experiencing all the country has to offer because of poor accessibility in the tourism industry, advocates say.

Summer is off to a cracking start, with sunny days forecast and plenty of customers ready and willing to book, tourism businesses say.

Tourism operators say they do not want new technology to jeopardise the manaakitanga they offer visitors.

酒店服务业管理者表示，机器人员工"不用入职流程、不用管饭、不用休假"，是不可或缺的好帮手。

Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of a couch.

Stephen Parry - who fell out with Mayor Ben Bell - is still in the post while a replacement is being found.

The University of Otago fears someone could be killed or seriously hurt at flat initiations as events become increasingly associated with absurd, dangerous and depraved behaviour.

The judge denied Rosemary Penwarden's bid for a discharge without conviction, saying it was clear she did not regret her actions. Penwarden's lawyer said she was trying to protest using satire.

Queenstown restaurant owners are angry about the delay in being warned about an outbreak of cryptosporidium in the tourist town. Audio

The South Dunedin basin - home to more than 13,000 people - is at risk from climate change, flooding and rising groundwater. Audio

Farmers are bracing for hotter, drier and windier months ahead as the return to El Niño heralds possible drought conditions.

The danger of wildfires is on the rise with forecasts of a hotter, drier, windier summer.

Tourism is riding high on the West Coast, and locals reckon 'the Summer of the Coast' is just around the corner. Audio

It is hoped a new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes and take local communities along for the ride.

New Zealand firefighters describe days turning into night and swamps on fire while they were battling the wildfires. Audio