Samantha Gee

The big dry has been creeping across parts of the top of the South Island into the Tasman District. A drought was declared in the region last month - with some saying its the worst they've seen in 50… Audio

We are heading to the Top of the South with our regional reporter there Samantha Gee. The West Coast Regional Council is "closely monitoring" the Taylorville Resource Park, Nathan Rarere asked her… Audio

Drought has been declared in Marlborough, Nelson's struggling city centre is up for discussion, and a reward is being offered in the homicide cold case of Jessica Boyce. Audio

Many farmers across the top of the South Island are still facing extremely dry conditions, with no significant rain on the horizon. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay met with farmers in South… Audio

As Māori in Nelson await a decision in the country's longest-running property dispute, the Wakatū Incorporation is working to re-connect with thousands of descendants of the 300 customary landowners… Audio

RNZ Nelson reporter Samatha Gee with news from the region. Audio

Samantha Gee is based in the neighbourhood of Nelson - Nathan Rarere asked her about the deaths of more than a thousand seals in the region. Audio

The majority of Port Hills residents will be able to sleep in their own beds tonight, on the condition they prepare to evacuate at short notice. Fire officers will remain on the ground over the… Video, Audio

Large parts of scorched earth have been seen in Kennedys Bush as Fire fighters gradually gain control of the blaze.

There is still smoke drifting from the hills, but fire and emergency say the… Audio

Firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze across Christchurch's Port Hills, that FENZ says is likely to take days to extinguish. It's now stretching over 650 hectares of land. Evacuated residents… Video, Audio

The Flying Doctor Service has a new $3 million air ambulance based at Nelson Airport.

The service flew 1,276 missions across the country in the year to last June, with more than half of those from… Audio

Firefighters warn it could take two to three days to contain a fire burning in a pine forest in the Tasman district.

The blaze spread quickly up the Lee Valley Wednesday afternoon and covers about… Audio

Firefighters in the Tasman district have been battling a fire in a pine plantation which broke out Wednesday afternoon.

Eleven properties were evacuated in Lee Valley by police, and the blaze spread… Audio

Hundreds of fur seals have starved to death along the Kaikōura coast - and scientists suspect warmer sea temperatures and depleted fish stocks could be to blame. They're now doing further research to… Video, Audio

Te Whatu Ora has said new additional security guards in Emergency Departments have helped address increasingly violent incidents against staff. The security boost was part of the government's five… Audio

In the lead up to Christmas, thousands of people will arrive at Kaiteriteri Beach at the top of the South Island, to camp near the sandy shores that are the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

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