Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Ski operators hit by 'mass cancellations' following NSW Covid restrictions
Some Queenstown Lakes ski fields have been flooded with cancellations as quarantine-free travel remains off the cards during most of New South Wales school holidays.
New vaccination clinic aims to 'lean out to bring them in'
There's hope a new vaccination clinic in Dunedin will encourage people from vulnerable communities to get vaccinated.
Tourism operators hopeful Aussies will cross the ditch for winter break
Some tourism operators say the travel bubble with Australia hasn't given them the boost they expected, but they remain hopeful visitor numbers will grow.
Remembering Sir Eion Edgar: 'He's left an extraordinary mark'
Philanthropist and businessman Sir Eion Edgar is being remembered for his selfless generosity, living life to the fullest and his wicked bowling arm in his youth.
Battle for vaccination: 'It's not enough just to be sick as a dog'
A Christchurch woman says she feels left in the dark after trying to arrange a vaccine for her immuno-compromised husband. Audio
NZers spend extra $1.1b on domestic tourism after lockdowns
Tourism New Zealand has no plans to stop marketing Aotearoa to New Zealanders since it branched away from its international focus just over a year ago.
Suppliers arrange truck routes as southern businesses feel pinch
Fonterra is preparing to truck supplies down the West Coast from tomorrow morning to ensure southerners don't miss out on their milk.
Hillside railway workshop redevelopment gets warm welcome from workers
Workers say new hope has been breathed into Dunedin's Hillside railway workshop after a major redevelopment was unveiled today
'An unreality about risk': NSW doctor fends off vaccine misinformation
A Sydney GP says Australian vaccination clinics have faced transparency and supply issues in their bid to help protect the nation against Covid-19.
Sydney businesses welcome Kiwis: 'It's a big momentum lift'
Sydney tourism operators are over the moon to be welcoming back New Zealanders taking advantage of the quarantine-free travel arrangement.
'I would like non-self contained campervans or vehicles to be banned' - Nash
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has released a plan to hike costs for those who break the rules and strengthen standards for self contained vehicles, and is putting it to the people for feedback.
Trans-Tasman bubble: Tourism operators stay cautious
Some tourism operators will hold off ramping up their business until there is more certainty over whether trans-Tasman travel will bring a boon to the regions.
'It's urgent now': Roughly 35% student allowance applications still to be finalised
Some tertiary students have been unable to afford basic necessities as they wait for their StudyLink allowances to be approved.
Tourism operators optimistic ahead of Easter weekend
Tourism hotspots around the country are preparing for a busy Easter long weekend after a rough 12 months.
South China Sea military risks rising, APSI security summit officials warn
Military leaders say trade routes in the South China Sea face increased risk and New Zealand cannot be complacent about it.
New Zealand hospitals in crisis after 'biggest January, February on record'
Hospitals across the country have reached crisis point, with several emergency departments at capacity.
Last Ditch efforts: Tourism operators optimistic about travel bubble date
Tourism operators on both sides of the Tasman are cautiously optimistic about the return of travellers with hopes a bubble will open sooner rather than later. Audio
Tourism Minister: NZ needs 'high value' tourists post-Covid-19
The Tourism Minister is considering raising the levy overseas tourists pay to enter the country, and says he wants tourists to be spending about $300 a day. Audio
$5m pledged to help struggling Glacier Country communities
Development West Coast has committed $5 million towards an assistance package for Franz Josef and Fox Glacier communities.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier at risk of losing key community members - locals
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier locals are worried they will lose key members of their communities if there's no support available for them during the pandemic.
Nash visits Franz Josef and Fox Glacier: 'He's left and we're empty handed'
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says he won't make any promises to struggling communities in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Queenstown businesses prepare for further hardships
As Queenstown moves into its traditionally quietest time, businesses are preparing for more tough times ahead.
Hard-hit businesses see 'ripple effect downstream'
Businesses near Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have issued a plea for government support after a recent survey found widespread job losses and many people abandoning struggling communities.
Tourism must be made more sustainable - environment commissioner
A departure tax, enforcing visitor limits in under pressure destinations and tighter controls on commercial operators have been flagged as part of an overhaul of the tourism industry.
Invercargill by-election results nearing with voting set to end midday Wednesday
Invercargill residents are ready for a breath of fresh air from their upcoming council by-election after months of turmoil.