Stories by Tracy Neal
News
Vessel contract secures Nelson jobs ahead of 48hr deadline
The vessel can now arrive in Nelson for maintenance, which means dozens of jobs are no longer on the line.
Nick Smith launches Nelson seat election campaign
Veteran politician Nick Smith says it is not significant that his campaign launch is being attended by National's finance spokesman and not the party's new leader.
Young adults slipping through gaps for rheumatic fever treatment
Senior clinicians are calling for a national register of people with rheumatic fever, to help protect younger people missing out on vital treatment.
Collaborative 'Food Factory' produce space opens in Nelson
The Nelson Food Factory, inspired by trustee Pic Picot of Pic's Peanut Butter World, is operated as a charitable trust and is designed as a collaborative working space for various businesses.
Academics slam youth alcohol education programme
New Zealand academics have slammed an in-schools live theatre programme designed to educate young students on the dangers of underage drinking.
The future of the South Island's winter tomatoes
Parts of New Zealand might soon struggle to find tomatoes in winter - and that's due to the cost of emitting carbon.
Foreign ships exclusion indecision 'very frustrating' - Aimex Service Group
A Nelson marine engineering and maintenance firm is facing the loss of almost half its workforce as it waits for the government to make a decision on allowing foreign ships into port.
Surprise donation a boost for South Island eco-sanctuary
The operator of an eco-sanctuary in Golden Bay said a large surprise donation would allow it to advance critical conservation plans.
'Life comes first' - searcher who helped find trampers in Kahurangi
A single tea bag, a clothing label and a burned sock were vital clues that led to finding trampers Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds alive and well.
Fiordland re-directs focus to domestic market
Fiordland's regional tourism organisation is repositioning itself to attract more New Zealanders to visit.
Iwi and Nelson council housing project raises fears for Maitai river
A Nelson City Councillor is worried that a planned development will harm an important city river.
Top of South Island has country's highest rate of jobless in under 30s
Nelson's mayor says the impact of Covid-19 on the top of the South Island has triggered the country's fastest rise in unemployment.
Photo essay: Island life a stone's throw from shore
It is one of New Zealand's smallest islands, but still large enough to host a range of pests and rodents.
Air force medic to missing trampers: 'I've been looking for you'
New Zealand Defence Force medic Jase Denharder has revealed what happened when he reached trampers Dion Reynolds and Jessica O'Connor.
Holiday deals hoping to encourage domestic tourism
The push to encourage Kiwis to holiday at home has extended to campervan deals, but the hospitality industry said they were not seeing much movement ahead of the long weekend.
Wine growers hope harvest fortunes will remain golden
Marlborough winemakers are hoping the best harvest in a decade will help shore up exports and cellar door sales.
Thousands pledged to fund to help search agency's volunteers
An online fundraising campaign set up by the brother of one of two missing trampers west of Nelson has raised more than $11,000 in the first 18 hours.
Defence force helicopter joins search for trampers
A defence force helicopter has now joined the search for two trampers missing in a remote part of north-west Nelson.
Natural disasters outpace Nelson-Tasman's new Emergency Operations Centre
Nelson-Tasman's emergency operations base - opened in 2014 - is already too small.
No sign of missing trampers after two days of search
Searchers have so far failed to find two trampers missing in Kahurangi National Park, but an experienced rescue volunteer says there could still be a chance for the pair.
Nelson airline gives food banks badly needed boost
A Nelson based airline plans to donate revenue from resumed flights to local food banks.
Covid-19: Business resilience crucial, but may require 'huge shift in mindset'
A business coach guiding business owners through the wreckage of the Covid-19 crisis expects those under 40 will be hardest hit.
Mapper's seven months stuck in Aus: 'I love seeing the world from above'
First wildfires, then Covid-19. Aerial mapper, photographer and artist Nick Channon is finally home after his Australian job stretched from three months to seven.
'First flight to freedom': Regional airport back in business
The coffee machines were back in action, and sparrows gathered crumbs from the floor of the Nelson Airport terminal as a smattering of passengers hopped on resumed regional flights.
Air NZ turns Dreamliner into inter-island cargo carrier
The plane's schedule will link up with international cargo flights to link the South Island with international markets.