Stories by Tess Brunton

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.

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