Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Disability advocate says tourism industry needs to lift its game
About a quarter of New Zealanders have a disability, yet there are no figures that properly capture what that means for the tourism industry.
Changes to NZ border rules kick in today: What you need to know
Visitors will be unable to travel to New Zealand without a new Electronic Travel Authority as tougher border rules go live today.
Tourism NZ welcomes chance to share data on Kiwi tourists
Tourism New Zealand could branch out into the domestic visitor market following an independent review.
Tourism industry must prepare for Alpine Fault rupture, warns MP
The Civil Defence Minister says it's a matter of when, not if, the Alpine Fault ruptures and the tourism industry needs to be prepared.
Dunedin mayoral candidates speed date their constituents
Speed dating was given a political twist in Dunedin yesterday with the city's youth putting mayoral candidates through their paces.
Gearing up for a busy summer of freedom camping
Millions of dollars are being poured into supporting freedom camping. But one mayor says they don't call it that any more - there's no free lunch and someone's always paying.
Wanaka mums call for 'real commitment' to maternity care
Wanaka mothers say maternity care needs action, not to be used as a political football.
Security screening at regional airports 'inevitable'
Only aircraft with more than 90 seats are currently screened, but Tourism Summit Aotearoa speakers agree the days of free-and-easy air travel are numbered.
Tourism industry debates its future as slowdown anticipated
The head of Tourism Industry Aotearoa believes the industry will be valued at more than $40 billion this year.
Death of NZ's international tourism boom?
The record visitor boom is over, with predictions the tourism growth rate could hit zero over the next two years.
Gun buyback: $26m handed out to gunowners
More than 75 prohibited firearms and 200 accessories have been handed in at the latest buyback in Otago today.
Wellington businesses urged to become 'China ready'
Wellington businesses are being urged to become 'China ready' before up to 10,000 new Chinese tourists visit the capital this cruise ship season.
Lake Hayes thrown lifeline
A popular lake became a no-contact zone when when E. coli levels hit almost double the amount deemed safe last summer - but it's being thrown a lifeline.
Who'll benefit from the international visitor levy
The country's new $35-a-head international visitor levy will contribute $18m to 10 projects including funding for Kākāpō recovery, managing the West Coast as a destination and preventing wildlife…
Flood-anxious Dunedin residents meet with experts over threats
South Dunedin residents met with scientists, engineers and policy makers to discuss flooding threats in their low-lying suburb on Monday night.
New visitor levy expected to raise $450m in first five years
Most international visitors will start paying an additional fee before entering New Zealand from today.
Henare focuses on challenges facing regional tourism sector
The new associate tourism minister acknowledges there will be plenty of challenges ahead as he steps into the role.
No pain relief at fourth Lumsden maternity emergency birth - midwife
Pain relief was unavailable for the fourth birth in Lumsden since the town's maternity centre was downgraded, even as a Select Committee considered a petition today.
CAA 'toxic' and 'crumbling' - operators, ex-employees
The Civil Aviation Authority is imploding amid reports of high staff turnover and a toxic workplace, operators and former employees say.
Major Bluff employer's workers in shock over job losses
Close to half of the workforce at a Southland fish processing plant could be cut as part of a proposal to shift operations north.
97% of international drivers who sat NZ driving theory quiz failed
Ninety-seven percent of international drivers who sat a driving theory quiz in Queenstown failed, although statistics show foreign drivers pose no extra threat on New Zealand roads.
Fox Glacier town 'like a pub with no beer'
A West Coast community says Fox Glacier will become a ghost town without access to its star attraction.
Southland maternity like 'Russian roulette', midwife says
Supplies mishaps are plaguing the Lumsden and Te Anau maternity hubs that were meant to be up and running seven weeks ago, adding to concerns over giving birth in the region.
Rare voice for male sex abuse victims recognised
A Queen's Birthday Honour recipient hopes his award will bring the challenges faced by male sexual abuse survivors into the spotlight.
Disabled man takes fight for accessibility to Parliament
A Dunedin man with a disability who has waited more than 18 months for his bathroom to be modified is taking his fight to Parliament, hoping other people don't have to endure what he has.