Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Sophia Crestani inquest: Partygoers recall seeing her looking scared
Another partygoer at the flat where Sophia Crestani died said many people came close to death that night.
No effort into guest safety at fatal Dunedin student flat party, tenant admits
The tenants had blocked off other exits, sealed up doors, and put plastic on the floors to protect their belongings.
Safety fears raised with owner of party house where Sophia Crestani died
The University of Otago proctor wrote a letter also warning of possible structural failure at the house - before the party.
Tourism operators support making foreigners pay to use national parks
Conservation officials have told the minister he should consider more user charges and raising existing fees - and he's not ruled it out.
Why tourism operators are struggling to know how they're doing
Getting quality tourism data has been a bugbear of the industry for years, but businesses say it has only gotten worse.
Lachlan Jones' pathologist did not routinely perform autopsies on children
Southland was not set up to autopsy children but trying to get a specialist may have meant it did not happen at all, the pathologist says.
Glenorchy residents well-prepared for natural hazards - but are tourists?
Planning is underway to help communities at the head of Lake Whakatipu, including Glenorchy, adapt to flooding, earthquakes and liquefaction.
Dunedin signs off on plan for the next 30 years
The Future Development Strategy suggests how and where Dunedin should grow and what is needed to make it happen.
'I was hooked': Otago Rally returns
Those vying for a win will face off across 16 timed stages over 280 kilometres.
Dunedin dog safety programme aims to keep tails wagging
Dunedin City Council's programme has been expanded to teach more students about the mutts and bolts of dog safety.
NZ's museums and galleries' funding woes: 'It could be lights out for us'
Museums and galleries are up against the wall, and cuts and closures are coming if they do not get more support.
Southern Field Days returns: 'There will certainly be a lot of information gathering'
Southern Field Days was cancelled twice during the pandemic, but is now back and bigger than ever with a record number of exhibitors.
Bluecliffs erosion: Waiau bar to be opened
An attempt will be made to open the Waiau River mouth to the sea to direct flow away from the properties this week.
Supermarket to remain shut after more rats found
A South Dunedin supermarket will remain closed a further 24 hours after pest controllers trapped close to 20 more rats since Friday.
Video of mouse in supermarket salad sparks investigation
The Ministry of Primary Industries is investigating a video showing a mouse running across uncovered salad in a Christchurch supermarket deli.
Erosion happened 'very, very quickly' - resident
The community of Bluecliffs lost about three metres of land in a day this week - king tides and more rain are forecast for the weekend.
Worried Bluecliffs residents want to stay as properties threatened
Southland residents are worried their homes and baches at a small beach community will be swept into the Waiau River as swift waters claw into the banks.
South Dunedin not as prone to sea level rise as feared, research shows
More than 13,000 people live in the region and the risk of rising groundwater has been well known but has never been explored in such detail.
Enforceable accessibility standards needed in tourism industry, advocates say
People with disabilities are missing out on experiencing all the country has to offer because of poor accessibility in the tourism industry, advocates say.
'Influx of international visitors' boosts tourism industry
Summer is off to a cracking start, with sunny days forecast and plenty of customers ready and willing to book, tourism businesses say.
Tourism businesses committed to hospitality as AI, technology grow
Tourism operators say they do not want new technology to jeopardise the manaakitanga they offer visitors.
Hotel choosing robots over staff: 'No training, no leave'
Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of a couch.
Second petition calls on Gore District Council CEO to resign
Stephen Parry - who fell out with Mayor Ben Bell - is still in the post while a replacement is being found.
'Think carefully': Otago Uni students warned of expulsion over flat initiations
The University of Otago fears someone could be killed or seriously hurt at flat initiations as events become increasingly associated with absurd, dangerous and depraved behaviour.