Stories by Tess Brunton

Some tertiary students have been unable to afford basic necessities as they wait for their StudyLink allowances to be approved.

Tourism hotspots around the country are preparing for a busy Easter long weekend after a rough 12 months.

Military leaders say trade routes in the South China Sea face increased risk and New Zealand cannot be complacent about it.

Hospitals across the country have reached crisis point, with several emergency departments at capacity.

Tourism operators on both sides of the Tasman are cautiously optimistic about the return of travellers with hopes a bubble will open sooner rather than later. Audio

The Tourism Minister is considering raising the levy overseas tourists pay to enter the country, and says he wants tourists to be spending about $300 a day. Audio

Development West Coast has committed $5 million towards an assistance package for Franz Josef and Fox Glacier communities.

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier locals are worried they will lose key members of their communities if there's no support available for them during the pandemic.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says he won't make any promises to struggling communities in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

As Queenstown moves into its traditionally quietest time, businesses are preparing for more tough times ahead.

Businesses near Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have issued a plea for government support after a recent survey found widespread job losses and many people abandoning struggling communities.

A departure tax, enforcing visitor limits in under pressure destinations and tighter controls on commercial operators have been flagged as part of an overhaul of the tourism industry.

Invercargill residents are ready for a breath of fresh air from their upcoming council by-election after months of turmoil.

The Southern District Health Board says it did not advise the local council not to go public when lead contamination was found in East Otago drinking water.

An East Otago mother says she's been left confused and concerned as blood test results start to roll in after a lead contamination testing blitz.

Residents affected by the water lead contamination issue in east Otago hope a top level review will shed some light on the issue.

Residents in two coastal Otago towns say they want answers about lead contamination in drinking water ahead of a public meeting where they will confront authorities.

Residents in two East Otago towns are frustrated they do not know when they can drink water out of the tap, not from a tanker.

The Octagon Alcohol Group, formed in a bid to make Dunedin central city safer, can ban serious offenders from all inner city bars with a blanket trespass notice.

New Zealanders can soon dive into history - and remote Fiordland - and explore the country's oldest known shipwreck as part of new documentary series. Video

Regional tourist operators are grappling with another year of uncertainty with some questioning whether their businesses will survive.

Some Central Otago orchards say this season's crop is a write off, while others struggle to find enough workers.

Some trampers are questioning why QR codes aren't displayed at all DOC huts and sites, despite the government's advice to use the app when out and about.

Tourism operators are preparing for their first summer without international visitors in decades as borders remain closed.

Tourism operators are worried they will be bogged down by bureaucracy following a review of adventure activities near natural hazards.