Ian Telfer
Post-quake recovery taking its toll on Kaikoura
Work continues to open the Inland Route to Kaikoura to all vehicles, as residents struggle with fuel and shower rations, while some people just want to leave. Audio
Head versus heart for dying paua
Kaikoura's Paua Relocation Team have stopped trying to save tens of thousands of paua displaced by last week's earthquake - but it's saying it's been wrongly barred from saving the paua. Audio
Govt extends Kaikoura support, backs dredging of South Bay
The Government has extended its business support package for quake-hit Kaikoura to the town's larger employers, and says it backs the dredging of South Bay - and may even pay for it. Audio
Kaikōura businesses robbed of their golden summer
Restaurateurs and hoteliers in Kaikoura are trying to stay positive but say the quakes have robbed them of a long-awaited golden summer. Audio
Queenstown faces a Kaikoura-style disaster
Hundreds of tourists have been trapped in Kaikoura - but 10,000 would be trapped in Queenstown if a quake struck there. Ian Telfer reports. Audio
RMA reforms could allow more Havelock Norths - academic
A warning that the Government's RMA reforms could cause more emergencies like Havelock North's water contamination - The Maori Party has agreed to give the Government its backing to overhaul the act. Audio
Ruru special school defends its "safe room"
A school which has come under fire from parents for its use of a seclusion room has written to parents, defending the room's use. Audio
Could the America's Cup be held in Queenstown
Sir Russell Coutts' suggestion that the America's Cup could take place on Lake Wakatipu is exciting Queenstown locals. Audio
Stockton mine sale welcomed as new start needed for Westport
The sale of Solid Energy's Stockton mine in Westport is being hailed by the region's leaders as a new start carrying the hope of new jobs. Video, Audio
Claims Dunedin council acting too slowly on power poles
Dunedin City Council has called for an investigation into one of its lines companies, following a whistleblower's allegations that the company is acting too slow on replacing dangerous power poles. Audio
Young Dunedin cleaner guilty of murdering supervisor
A young Dunedin cleaner has been found guilty of murdering his supervisor. RNZ's Otago reporter, Ian Telfer, has been in court. Audio
Dunedin cleaner murder evidence circumstantial, defence says
The defence at the murder trial of young Dunedin cleaner Alexander Merritt for the murder of his supervisor, says the prosecution's case is full of scientific holes. Audio
Queenstown businesses house own workers as crisis grows
Queenstown employers say they have no other option but to build their own accommodation for their workers as the housing crisis worsens. Audio
Dunedin cleaner stands charged with murdering a co-worker
A young Dunedin cleaner killed his supervisor because she was complaining against him according to the Crown. Ian Telfer reports. Audio
Change vote in Dunedin mayoralty
A crowded field of ten hopefuls are trying to unseat the two term Dunedin mayor Dave Cull. Audio
Queenstown mayoral hopefuls debate capping growth
Queenstown's unruly growth is the defining issue for the town's five mayoral candidates. Audio
Government agrees to make ACC appeals fairer
The government has agreed to change the ACC system to make it easier for injured people to file appeals against the organisation. The change follows lobbying by claimaints' group, Acclaim Otago. Audio
Sentence of wealthy family's son criticised
The son of wealthy wine magnates sentenced to 300 hours of community work and ordered to pay $5000 after assaulting a police officer should have gone to prison, the police association says. Audio
Hazardous waste could seep into the sea, Gore council told
About 10,000 tonnes of waste holed up in a Southland building could seep into the sea if the Mataura river floods, the Gore District Council has been warned. Audio
Has Southland warrior Shadbolt met his match?
Tim Shadbolt is seeking a record eighth term as mayor of Invercargill. However he is facing a strong challenge from those seeking to topple him. Audio
