Otago
Dunedin fire: 2000 tonnes of dry logs up in flames
The owner of a timber and firewood business in Dunedin is coming to terms with potentially losing everything at his yard after a major fire.
Fire Service battles blaze in Dunedin
The Fire Service is battling a fire in the Dunedin suburb of Burnside. A local resident talks to John Campbell. Audio
Gang members sentenced for assault, patu attack
Members of Dunedin's chapter of the Mangu Kaha gang charged with ramming a car and attacking a man with a patu have been sentenced.
Government declares drought in Otago and Southland
Farmers say it's the driest conditions they've ever seen while working the land in Southland and Otago, and are relieved they'll receive some help now the drought has been confirmed. Video, Audio
It's getting hotter
We take a tour of some of the hottest parts of the South Island today. Audio
Public submissions oppose Queenstown day spa
Queenstown residents have lodged heavy opposition to a high-end hot pools and day spa facility proposed for a site currently providing affordable housing.
Alexandra hits 39
The Central Otago Mayor, Tim Cadogen sent us this photo below of the temperature guage in Alexandra. By the time he talked to us it had gone up again. Audio
'Hold the outside door handle, your hand gets burnt'
Before it rains, Tuesday is going to be even hotter in Central Otago. Linda Mitchell, who was serving ice-creams from her Mr Whippy van in Cromwell until late on Monday, and Shona Bain, who runs a bed… Audio
Does declaring a drought help or hurt farmers?
Farmers in Otago and Southland are hoping the rains forecast for later in the week will deliver them from drought. Rivers in the area are at record lows and the low rainfall over the last year has… Audio
Drought, heat brings stress for Otago, Southland farmers
Otago-Southland Reporter Ian Telfer is in Alexandra and is down by the banks of the Manuherikia River where high temperatures and weeks without rain is expected to bring a declaration of drought from… Audio
Otago, Southland drought call expected as farmers struggle
The Government is expected to declare a drought in Otago and Southland tomorrow, giving farmers access to financial aid and other support. Audio
Otago, Southland farmers take extreme measures in record heat
Farmers are moving stock in the dead of the night as they struggle in record heat and dry conditions in Otago and Southland. It's expected a drought - or a "medium-scale adverse event" as it is… Audio
Drought declaration likely for Otago and Southland
A drought may be declared in Otago and Southland within days. Audio
Central Otago farmers feeling drought 'mentally, financially, physically'
As the mercury keeps rising, farmers in the country's driest region say they expect a drought to be declared there within days. RNZ reporter Ian Telfer joins Checkpoint live from Alexandra. Video, Audio
Couple died before fire at Dunedin flat
Anastasia Neve and David Clarke's bodies were found in a South Dunedin flat last week, after a fire in the building. Police said today the pair died before the blaze. Video, Audio
Queenstown offers options as govt considers visitor levy
Queenstown is arming itself with plans for funding its infrastructure, the mayor says, for when he and the council's head meet with senior government ministers next week.
New govt committed to new Dunedin hospital
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discusses plans for the region's new hospital. Audio
Dunedin Law Courts reopened after $20m revamp
The historic building was at risk of being mothballed after it was deemed an earthquake risk in 2011, but after a strident local campaign it underwent a $20 million restoration. Video, Audio
Wanaka locals embracing warmer weather
Wanaka residents aren't fretting about the upcoming heat wave, instead they're throwing themselves into the town's lake and enjoying its natural beauty. Audio
Queenstown set to close freedom camping areas
A council crackdown on unruly freedom campers is underway in Queenstown, with two popular freedom camping sites set to close.
