Stories by Tess Brunton

It's hoped the 25-metre tall, earthquake-risk Gasworks chimney can be repaired and put back together in the future.

Māori tourism is on the rise, and operators say the key to its continued success is offering authentic cultural experiences.

A native jumping spider boasting great eyesight and tiny genitalia has been discovered at a Rotorua forest that is being restored.

It was once our second largest overseas visitor market.

Some hotspots have expressed unease about the government's push for more international visitors. Audio

A new Memorandum of Understanding will see the regions join forces to attract and retain visitors. Audio

Health New Zealand has cut a previous plan for 30 ICU beds to 20 when the hospital opens. Audio

A Wānaka woman who was trying to get help at a time of mental health crisis says she was made to feel like a burden.

Many in the low-lying community face inevitable flooding and damage without action. Video

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. Audio

Some were forced to move or choose not to access help due to costs and travel. Audio

A Queenstown councillor stripped of her committee roles after revealing confidential information says she worries it will have a chilling effect on other elected members who want to speak out. Audio

Councillor Niki Gladding revealed the confidential plan, accusing the council of secrecy.

Dunedin's mayor says he's frustrated the building of Dunedin's new hospital has progressed slowly despite figures showing almost a quarter of the budget has already been spent. Audio

"It's not self defence - it's murder."

The now 14-year-old says he pulled the knife out of his bag and started swinging it wildly to drive the other boy away.

A Central Otago race is pitting two legs against four as runners and horse-riders tackle a 40 kilometre course across the Maniototo.

A Dunedin bus driver has told the High Court that it looked like an older student taunted and wanted to fight the 14-year-old now accused of his murder.

The Dunedin City Council and Christchurch City Council are considering teaming up for Three Waters work.

The government will need to get its chequebook ready if it wants to welcome more vistors, Queenstown's mayor says. Audio

The country's newest Great Walk has already achieved international status, with locals saying it is already a boon to sleepy towns.

Local leaders said they expected a decision would be made before Christmas, but instead they had been met with radio silence.

Karen Gaylene White died in March from a 'significant assault', but a homicide investigation didn't start until November. Audio

Drones are joining the search for three climbers who have been missing since Monday.

A population of South Island robin living near Dunedin is at risk of local extinction without intervention.