Otago
Mystery surrounds exit of high school principal
The principal of Dunedin's Columba College will not be returning to the school after several months on leave.
Lake Hāwea fast-track referral declined
Contact Energy wanted to drop the lake's minimum operating level to boost renewable generation and strengthen electricity supply.
Jobseekers ignoring 'buffet' of roles in pricy tourist towns, employers say
Despite demand for jobs running red-hot, some Queenstown and Wānaka employers say it's never been harder to find staff. Audio
Hundreds of vacancies listed at NZ tourist resorts
As desperate job seekers battle for work across the country, Queenstown and Wanaka are bucking the trend. Katie Todd reports. Audio
Orange weather warnings continue overnight, for South and North Islands
A rough night lies ahead as further win and rain looms for many rainsoaked areas in the South Island..
Bumper year for toroa albatross chicks taking off
The breeding season has been the most successful on record for toroa, the northern royal albatross, at the Otago colony.
Gold miner buys part of famed Central Otago station
Santana Minerals has signed an agreement to buy parcels of land just under nine square kilometres at Bendigo Station - the former home of Shrek the sheep.
Charity takes legal action over set net fishing ban
The Environmental Law Initiative has filed court proceedings against the oceans and fisheries minister, saying the ban fails to protect hoiho, or yellow eyed penguins, from the risk of extinction.
Iconic Cardrona Hotel finds a buyer
One of the country's most photographed pubs - and a 162-year-old fixture of the Otago landscape - has new owners.
Councillor resigns five days after election
Central Otago's Dave McKenzie has withdrawn after being accused of financial misconduct.
Attacks on cell towers leave community worried for safety and angry
A spate of arson attacks on cell towers in Wānaka and the wider Otago region has left people angry and worried about communication outages, as police urge locals to report any suspicious behaviour. Audio
'I didn't promise the world': Waitaki elects its first woman mayor
Affordable rates and developing a new water plan sit atop incoming Melanie Tavendale's agenda.
New Queenstown mayor: It's 'getting our own house in order'
Queenstown's new mayor John Glover puts win on third attempt down to "giving people hope, and being authentic," pledges to stay focused on community's wishes.
Dunedin mayoralty on knife-edge with slim margin between two frontrunners
Incumbent Jules Radich confirmed his bid for a second term was unsuccessful, with Sophie Barker and Andrew Simms in the lead.
Police report death after motorcycle crash in Otago
One person has died after a motorcycle crash near Palmerston.
Council votes to restrict freedom campers' carparks
The new Queenstown Lakes bylaw follows a busy summer when freedom campers arrived in Queenstown in force in the absence of any restrictions.
'Quiet lawn mower' Millie the sheep seeks new home
Millie the sheep is looking for a new home after being rescued from the Central Otago wilderness.
Dunedin Hospital ED introduces peer support workers
They will help patients arriving in mental health crisis, the government says.
'Senseless act': Little blue penguin dies from injuries, footage sought
The penguin was found injured on the night of Sunday, 28 September, but died soon after.
South Island's biggest joint council water company approved
The new entity called Southern Waters will take over drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the three districts from July 2027, under the government's Local Water Done Well…
