Stories by Tess Brunton

More than 13,000 people live in the region and the risk of rising groundwater has been well known but has never been explored in such detail.

People with disabilities are missing out on experiencing all the country has to offer because of poor accessibility in the tourism industry, advocates say.

Summer is off to a cracking start, with sunny days forecast and plenty of customers ready and willing to book, tourism businesses say.

Tourism operators say they do not want new technology to jeopardise the manaakitanga they offer visitors.

酒店服务业管理者表示，机器人员工"不用入职流程、不用管饭、不用休假"，是不可或缺的好帮手。

Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of a couch.

Stephen Parry - who fell out with Mayor Ben Bell - is still in the post while a replacement is being found.

The University of Otago fears someone could be killed or seriously hurt at flat initiations as events become increasingly associated with absurd, dangerous and depraved behaviour.

The judge denied Rosemary Penwarden's bid for a discharge without conviction, saying it was clear she did not regret her actions. Penwarden's lawyer said she was trying to protest using satire.

Queenstown restaurant owners are angry about the delay in being warned about an outbreak of cryptosporidium in the tourist town. Audio

The South Dunedin basin - home to more than 13,000 people - is at risk from climate change, flooding and rising groundwater. Audio

Farmers are bracing for hotter, drier and windier months ahead as the return to El Niño heralds possible drought conditions.

The danger of wildfires is on the rise with forecasts of a hotter, drier, windier summer.

Tourism is riding high on the West Coast, and locals reckon 'the Summer of the Coast' is just around the corner. Audio

It is hoped a new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes and take local communities along for the ride.

New Zealand firefighters describe days turning into night and swamps on fire while they were battling the wildfires. Audio

Expectations were high ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and tourism businesses say the tournament has definitely exceeded them. Audio

Dunedin football fans are fizzing ahead of hosting the Football Ferns' crucial showdown against Switzerland this Sunday. Audio

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the tourism industry remains optimistic that many Kiwis will still hit the road this summer.

Tourism operators say the winter school holidays have brought a much welcome boon to numbers during a traditionally quieter season. Audio

Christchurch Hospital's emergency department is under resourced and under pressure, and it is impacting patient care, the nurses union says.

Southland has unveiled a bright vision for its future regardless of whether Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes or not.

Queenstown's multi-million dollar revamped streets were officially opened with protesters present, but not the prime minister.

The government is being urged to pitch in to help communities fund their visions for managing their destinations.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins faced a grilling by University of Otago students during his trip to Ōtepoti on Friday.