Brenda Harwood

A labour of love for Port Chalmers woman Carol Meikle, who has spent years researching the town's links with Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop, who is known as Saint Mary of the Cross, has led to the return of a treasure.

With winter just around the corner and families looking for extra warmth, the Dunedin Citizens Advice Bureau is warning people to be cautious when buying firewood.

To some people it's the height of culinary delight, while for others the very thought of having it in the house is revolting.

The outpouring of public support for veterans on Anzac Day, with thousands attending services throughout Dunedin, came as the Returned and Services Association (RSA) faces a battle for survival.

February's sale of the United Services and Community Club building means the Dunedin Returned and Services' Association can ''really move forward'', after a year of consolidation and rebuilding.

Regulars at the popular Otago Farmers Market will notice a changing of the guard at the Havoc Pork stand.

Dunedin Police and Neighbourhood Support Otago are going door to door in the student quarter to highlight the importance of security.

It is about to get more expensive to use an ambulance.

The extended spell of warm, dry weather has been a boon to Dunedin construction company Cook Brothers, as work proceeds apace on the new Blueskin Bay Library and Community Complex.

Dunedin-based NHNZ executive producer Judith Curran will step out in a locally designed dress at the Los Angeles premiere of new fashion-centred NHNZ show L.A. Frock Stars on March 7.