Stories by Tess Brunton
News
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.
Climate activist sentenced to 125 hours of community work for forging email
The judge denied Rosemary Penwarden's bid for a discharge without conviction, saying it was clear she did not regret her actions. Penwarden's lawyer said she was trying to protest using satire.
Queenstown businesses angry about delay as gastro cases double
Queenstown restaurant owners are angry about the delay in being warned about an outbreak of cryptosporidium in the tourist town. Audio
South Dunedin residents keen to hear from scientists what climate change has in store
The South Dunedin basin - home to more than 13,000 people - is at risk from climate change, flooding and rising groundwater. Audio
What to expect from the weather as the seasons change
Farmers are bracing for hotter, drier and windier months ahead as the return to El Niño heralds possible drought conditions.
Wildfire season could kick off earlier this year, FENZ warns
The danger of wildfires is on the rise with forecasts of a hotter, drier, windier summer.
'Very much a rebound': Anticipation for West Coast summer high
Tourism is riding high on the West Coast, and locals reckon 'the Summer of the Coast' is just around the corner. Audio
Almost a decade in the making, Clutha trail gets 63km extension
It is hoped a new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes and take local communities along for the ride.
'An eerie feeling': Scale, speed of Canada's wildfires prove challenging for Kiwi firefighters
New Zealand firefighters describe days turning into night and swamps on fire while they were battling the wildfires. Audio
'An immediate uplift' - World Cup's boost for tourism
Expectations were high ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and tourism businesses say the tournament has definitely exceeded them. Audio
'Super excited': Dunedin fans determined to outdo Eden Park in support for Football Ferns
Dunedin football fans are fizzing ahead of hosting the Football Ferns' crucial showdown against Switzerland this Sunday. Audio
Camping an affordable way for Kiwis to have a holiday this summer
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the tourism industry remains optimistic that many Kiwis will still hit the road this summer.
Tourism operators report big boost from winter school holidays
Tourism operators say the winter school holidays have brought a much welcome boon to numbers during a traditionally quieter season. Audio
'Compromised patient care' and 'unsafe waiting times' at Christchurch ED - union delegate
Christchurch Hospital's emergency department is under resourced and under pressure, and it is impacting patient care, the nurses union says.
Long-term plan for Southland unveiled tackling region's challenges and opportunities
Southland has unveiled a bright vision for its future regardless of whether Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes or not.