Stories by Tess Brunton

The dissection of a rare spade-toothed whale in Dunedin is extraordinary and a world first, say scientists.

A uniquely local version of Twelfth Night will have a live band adding the iconic Dunedin Sound to the Bard's work. Audio

Pride Pledge's founder says New Zealand is an attractive destination for many LGBTQIA+ travellers but it is not actively rolling out the welcome mat.

Momentum is growing for a national bed tax that could see people paying extra to help cover tourism-related costs. Audio

The industry is being urged to also prepare for more "digital natives" to be arriving at NZ's doors in the future.

Tourism operators are optimistic for the summer ahead, despite some suffering through a long, harsh winter. Audio

The industry is warning millions of dollars and thousands of jobs could be in jeopardy as it grapples with high costs and regulations. Audio

About 1011 cruise ships visited in a year, with Auckland receiving the biggest piece of the pie.

The Dunedin City Council is not ruling out boosting their hospital campaign coffers again, after retrospectively approving $146,000 to cover costs.

Invercargill councillors are biting the bullet and backing their new museum, despite a multimillion-dollar budget blowout.

Organisers say it is a chance to connect with their community and look after their neighbourhood. Audio

A coroner's finding that Sophia Crestani's death in an overcrowded Dunedin party was likely preventable has prompted a call to action to help keep students safer.

Sophia Crestani, 19, died while being crushed in a stairwell pile-up at an over-crowded party at Dunedin's 'The Manor'.

More than 35,000 people marched on Saturday and there's more to come, Jules Radich says. Audio

Central Otago is creating a strategy to shape its economic future with hopes it may ease the pressures from rapid growth. Audio

The government's announcement amounts to "clinical cuts and a broken promise", mayor says. Audio

It comes after public pleas not to sell the "family's silver".

Another mining company is going for gold in Central Otago, with hopes an alluvial gold mine will be a boon for the business and local communities.

Central Otago locals are worried a proposed gold mine will hit industry and devastate the special - and spectacular - natural environment.

Otago communities are getting closer to deciding how they want to adapt to hazards like flooding, earthquakes and liquefaction.

Youth travel businesses are hopeful to recover some of their losses this summer after one of their worst winters ever. Audio

Hundreds of millions of dollars are at risk if the international visitor levy is hiked to $100, Tourism Industry Aotearoa claims.

Landowners are hopeful forestry companies will step up after allegations were aired at a public meeting.

A Dunedin City councillor says he is apologising for causing offence, but not for making the comments. Audio

A traveller says being stuck in Arthur's Pass overnight by heavy snow has been like a forced holiday. Audio