Stories by Tess Brunton

Tourism New Zealand predicts domestic visitor spending could increase by millions as it pitches for more Kiwis to travel in their own backyard.

Tourism operators are holding out hope for the return of cruise ships after more than a year without the reliable dose of tourist dollars.

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.

There's hope a new vaccination clinic in Dunedin will encourage people from vulnerable communities to get vaccinated.

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.

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.

A Christchurch woman says she feels left in the dark after trying to arrange a vaccine for her immuno-compromised husband. Audio

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.

Fonterra is preparing to truck supplies down the West Coast from tomorrow morning to ensure southerners don't miss out on their milk.

Workers say new hope has been breathed into Dunedin's Hillside railway workshop after a major redevelopment was unveiled today

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 tourism operators are over the moon to be welcoming back New Zealanders taking advantage of the quarantine-free travel arrangement.

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.

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.

Some tertiary students have been unable to afford basic necessities as they wait for their StudyLink allowances to be approved.

Tourism hotspots around the country are preparing for a busy Easter long weekend after a rough 12 months.

Military leaders say trade routes in the South China Sea face increased risk and New Zealand cannot be complacent about it.

Hospitals across the country have reached crisis point, with several emergency departments at capacity.

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

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

Development West Coast has committed $5 million towards an assistance package for Franz Josef and Fox Glacier communities.

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.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says he won't make any promises to struggling communities in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

As Queenstown moves into its traditionally quietest time, businesses are preparing for more tough times ahead.

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.