John Lewis

The Novopay payroll debacle could financially cripple some schools, forcing them to close, if something is not done quickly, principals across the country are warning.

Violence, careless driving causing death or injury, excess blood-alcohol while driving, and driving while impaired have left 11 teachers with criminal convictions in Otago during 2012 - the highest number for more than 20 years.

Complete contrast is the only way to describe it. This time a year ago, Shania Hutton was in a coma, on life support in Dunedin Hospital. Now, she is playing outdoors in the summer sun, having the most memorable holiday she can imagine.

Principals and support staff in Otago are among many across the country who have been forced back to school early to deal with the ongoing Novopay debacle.

An interim manager has been appointed to the Otago Festival of the Arts to sort out the disarray in the organisation's financial affairs.

Otago students won't be short of an opportunity to earn a dollar or two this summer.

Otago principals say Secretary of Education Lesley Longstone was ''destined to fail'' and she should never have been appointed to the position.

Presbyterian Support Otago is seeking legal advice to challenge the Southern District Health Board's decision to dump the organisation as a home support provider, the organisation's chief executive says.

Many teachers and support staff around the country may be waking up with headaches today caused by unexpected bank overdrafts.

Living in the line of fire for nearly 30 years can bring with it many scars - some physical, others emotional.

Having time on your hands can lead to all sorts of vices suggests Henry VIII. John Lewis investigates some of the more quirky pastimes that keep Dunedin residents out of trouble.

People don't go to Warrington for a holiday because of what's there.

The message finally seems to be getting through to people fishing at a former Otago problem spot, a fisheries officer says.

An oystercatcher keeps its eggs warm while its partner stands guard in the middle of Brighton Beach among the sunbathers and surfers. The ''bold'' and ''territorial'' nesting oystercatchers have been giving Brighton beach-goers a squawking reminder that the beach is to be shared.

A stricken yacht has anchored off the coast of Dunedin to make emergency repairs after being damaged during one of the world's most gruelling round-the-world solo yacht races.

Stella De Bono tucks into Christmas lunch at the Church of Christ Community yesterday.

A $6.4 million increase in Christmas spending this year suggests the Otago economy may be on its way out of the recession.