Vaughan Elder

The University of Otago says it is "exceptionally pleased" with the effort its staff have put into research, with figures showing a "significant" increase in the amount of research submitted in the latest Government funding round.

Kaikorai Valley College pupil Jayde Peat has never let his severe haemophilia get the best of him and later this year he will again defy his disorder by representing New Zealand in Sydney as part of the national under-15 mixed touch team.

The University of Otago's concern about the Government's decision to remove allowance eligibility for postgraduate students was discussed at a meeting between Minister for Tertiary Education Steven Joyce and vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne this month.

Three young Dunedin people will get the chance to develop their leadership skills after they were chosen to attend the Aspiring Leaders Forum in Wellington this week.

A group of panelists invited to speak at the Otago University Debating Society's "great alcohol debate" last night presented a range of views on whether the age at which people can buy alcohol from off-licences should be raised.

The extension of the liquor ban to North Dunedin might not be the best way to curb harmful drinking among students and is only one of many tools the council and other groups are considering to tackle the problem, Cr Kate Wilson says.

A University of Otago student who is set to become the first private individual in New Zealand to buy a map of his own DNA believes it will eventually become common practice.

The Chalmers community board wants a commitment from the Dunedin City Council to replace the century-old Aramoana wharf before any decision is made to demolish the rotting structure.

Warrington locals hope a newly-installed information kiosk, complete with an ornate Maori carving, will help conserve the area's rich wildlife.

Police are investigating after an internal audit by the University of Otago uncovered an alleged case of fraud.

New Zealand children are "missing out on the quality of dentistry they deserve" and more needs to be invested in children's oral health, University of Otago professor of paediatric dentistry Bernadette Drummond says.

A group advocating cannabis law reform is concerned security cameras recently installed by the University of Otago are being used to spy on its twice-weekly "4:20" protests, during which members smoke cannabis on the University Union lawn.

A Dunedin pharmacy lecturer last night took top honours at an award ceremony which recognises the "finest teachers" in New Zealand's tertiary sector.

The Otago University Union building will once again host partying students next week after being closed since last December for a $5.7 million redevelopment.

The University of Otago will demolish the aquarium at Portobello in Dunedin and build a replacement.