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A Dunedin group promoting natural burials is keen to get people involved in a DCC consultation on the issue. Natural burials are an option that provide an eco-friendly approach to combining bush and land regeneration. And with Dunedin's twenty cemeteries nearly all full, the group wants to grow awareness about how to sustainably dispose of our bodies.

Dunedin artists will be asked to develop proposals for a sculpture in the Botanic Garden.

A Dunedin group promoting natural burials is keen to get people involved in a DCC consultation on the issue. Natural burials are an option that provide an eco-friendly approach to combining bush and land regeneration. And with Dunedin's twenty cemeteries nearly all full, the group wants to grow awareness about how to sustainably dispose of our bodies.

Having a go at playing a sport they've never tried before was just what more than 100 school pupils were up to at the Edgar Centre today. Thanks to Sport Otago, and with the support of other major clubs in the city, the seven and eight year olds were spoilt for choice.

Otago Girls High School art students have been given the opportunity to have their works viewed by a wider audience than just their art teacher. The girls, who love to create art, are showing their work to date at the Community Gallery. And they say it gives them a chance to experience what it might be like to be an artist in the real world.

The Otago Community Trust has donated $399,000 to 11 organisations, in its latest round of grants.

The DCC has voted to move on short term options to improve cycle safety in Dunedin, with more changes in the pipeline. The vote followed an extended debate on a problem that has resulted in death and injury on city streets. And it heralds a future response that may see major changes for motorists.

Police got in the way of the amorous intentions of a Dunedin student yesterday. The 18 year old was caught at Centre City New World stealing $80 dollars worth of condoms, and what police describe as associated accessories. He was dealt with by a pre-charge warning, and sent - unprepared - on his way.

Fisher amp; Paykel Healthcare shares hit a two-year high, two days before the company releases its financial results for the year to the end of March. Shares hit $3.05 before dropping slightly later in the day. The company reported a $33.3 million net profit after tax for the first six months of the year. The annual results will be announced on Thursday.

Research published by the University of Otago confirms some educator's claims that their students increasingly believe they have a right to success.

Raising awareness of the importance of water safety to Maori was the focus of a skills weekend held at Karitane. Around 60 Otago University students were involved in the water based activities at the beach. And many of them will be taking the knowledge they learn back home, to help keep their families safe.

A packed First Church bid farewell to a man for whom community service came first. Dunedin philanthropist and businessman Les Cleveland died last week, aged 82. Those at his funeral heard of a man who made the most of what he had, but with others at the forefront of his thinking.

A beauty parade of sorts was held at Forbury Park this weekend and it certainly ruffled the feathers of those attending. It was the Dunedin Bird Club's annual show and those striving for perfection needed to make sure the standards were high.

A colourful celebration of the life of the Buddha took place in Dunedin on the weekend.

Dunedin city councillors took on the difficult job of making city streets safer for cyclists this afternoon. A full council meeting was considering a recommendation merely to note work staff had done to deal with a spate of injuries and deaths. But with feelings running high, debate took a different direction.

There are more signs of economic recovery, with a new survey showing investor confidence is gaining momentum. The latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey shows the confidence index has jumped five points during the three months to March. That has lifted it to levels last seen at the end of 2010. The ASB says a rising confidence in public shares has contributed to an optimistic mood.

Forest amp; Bird has called for an immediate extension to a ban on commercial and recreational set-netting by Otago Peninsula. The call follows the release of an international review that shows set-nets kill more than 400,000 seabirds internationally every year.

The DCC is expected to ratify partnership agreements with two major city organisations next week.

An initiative designed to inspire young Maori people to pursue higher levels of education was introduced to local high school students today. They got the opportunity to listen to entertainer Moana Maniopoto talk about the project. She told the students it's important for young people not to listen to everything they're told, when they're mapping out their future.

Police have quickly wrapped up a case that involved a sexual crime with disturbing overtones. A 27 year old Dunedin man was arrested last night and faces two charges of doing an indecent act. The arrest follows an incident where a woman was accosted on Highgate by a man who allegedly jumped in front of her and performed a sexual act on himself.