Debbie Porteous

Thousands of people had a peek inside Dunedin's newest sporting arena on Saturday.

More than 100 people turned out for the launch of the book by Dunedin woman Lesley Elliott  about her daughter Sophie's 2008 murder, how it has affected the Elliott family, and the family's view on and aims for changes to the justice system and victims' rights.

From the time they arrived at a car park in St Andrew St in Dunedin with their entourage of various wagons and people, to when they arrived at Forbury Park several hours later, a company of well-groomed Clydesdales attracted crowds.

Police are investigating another suspicious rubbish fire in Dunedin over the weekend.

At a time of year when young New Zealand falcons sometimes go into built-up areas seeking food, a Dunedin Department of Conservation ranger has one request - please do not hurt them, even if they do want to eat your chickens.

It seems some students cannot be educated, so Dunedin police are turning to landlords in a bid to address one of the city's most problematic crime issues - burglaries from unlocked student flats.

A Dunedin man says it is marvellous to finally have his years spent trained and ready to go to war finally recognised.

Lieutenant-Commander Bruce Walker was rowed ashore one last time last night, as his 30-year association with HMNZS Toroa, the Dunedin naval reserve division, wound down.

The state and safety of child restraints people are using in their cars has horrified and dismayed a group of safety advocates which, together with police, has checked hundreds of Dunedin vehicles in the past two weeks.

Five plus a day will take on a new meaning around Dunedin at the weekend, with a new campaign promising motorists they will encounter a police officer at least five times on their travels this weekend, Queen's Birthday.

The doors of Dunedin's United Services Community Club have been closed, but it is unclear for how long.

Police will patrol areas near Dunedin schools at peak times this week, following another report of a man indecently exposing himself near a school on Monday.

A Dunedin pensioner who faces jail time for cultivating cannabis and possessing it for sale now regrets pleading guilty to the crimes.

An elderly couple was treated by St John Ambulance officers after their home was extensively damaged by fire this morning.

Some Green Island residents fear the clear-felling last year of trees planted 29 years ago on slip-prone land above their homes will result in another landslip.

A windstorm wreaked havoc on people, trees, powerlines and buildings as it swept through the Dunedin area yesterday.

Convicted fraudster Michael Swann is appealing a 2009 High Court decision ordering forfeiture of at least $2.5 million of seized goods belonging to Swann family trusts, on the grounds there has been a "serious miscarriage of justice".