Stories by Katie Todd

From tomorrow Hanmer Springs will be asking people to ditch the durries as public property in the town centre goes smoke and vape free.

Lime scooters are set to stay part of the Christchurch city-scape, if Christchurch City Council accepts a staff recommendation.

Westland District Council will today hear from struggling campground owners, who have experienced a "painfully quiet" summer after the introduction of designated freedom camping areas.

As Christchurch prepares to welcome its first refugees since the 2010 earthquake, a contingent of Red Cross volunteers are getting ready to go the extra mile to help.

Despite a petition of 2800 signatures, Kiwibank will not be keeping one of its Christchurch branches open.

More than 1500 people have signed up to a new environmental activism group, pledging to take extreme, disruptive action to make the government do more about climate change.

Staff and students at one of the country's largest agricultural training facilities remain uncertain if they can teach or attend courses this year.

A Christchurch City Councillor's idea to sell local water overseas has been criticised by some who say that there is simply no water to spare.

A warning to avoid Lake Wakatipu's waters due to high levels of E coli over the weekend has prompted calls for more research into the bacteria.

Fire and Emergency is warning hot, dry weather sweeping up New Zealand could bring an elevated fire risk.

Pilots and lobbyists want tighter rules for drone use, but those flying them say that first, the rules that already exist need to be imposed.

The Department of Conservation says kākāpō could breed in record numbers this year, with mating season off to an early start.

Move over Christmas ham and mince pies, here come Christmas tofu and lentils.

One of the country's oldest and most well-travelled pounamu hei tiki has returned home to Canterbury for an exhibition.

Animal activists are calling for a ban on greyhound racing, saying it is outrageous that 353 dogs were euthanised last season.

Canterbury Regional Council is standing by its decision to allow two bottling companies to export water, despite a case going against it at the High Court in Christchurch today.

More Canterbury residents are struggling to afford food than ever before - including households with two incomes, the Christchurch city missioner says.

The mayor of Ashburton says she is feeling heartened by a positive response to her town's labour shortage.

New Zealand has formally handed over a new vessel to Tokelau to serve as a small passenger ferry between the territory's three atolls.

A world-famous, 124-year-old telescope will be the centrepiece in a new international astronomy centre in Tekapo.

Invercargill's burgeoning cemetery rabbit populations are on "burrowed" time.

The notes of a 19th Century geologist have helped scientists to pinpoint the location of the iconic Pink and White Terraces.

Alcohol-fuelled abuse and assaults are just some of the anti-social behaviour that Canterbury Rugby League says is making sidelines unsafe.

The unemployment rate in Ashburton has dropped to just 1.9 percent, but employers say they are now dealing with a labour shortage.

One person is dead and two others have been seriously injured after a car and motorcycle collided in Christchurch.