A gang member involved in a $200,000 stolen crayfish scam has argued the prison term imposed on him was too harsh.

Firefighters are urging the public to tell them about controlled burns in advance to save them wasting resources after crews were sent to a blaze in Dunedin yesterday.

A resident who left Oxford Court rest-home of her own accord — and was forced to stand outside in the rain during her departure — is still waiting for an apology from the operator.