Former Dunedin mayor and prominent Otago businessman Sir Clifford Skeggs has been remembered as a "true champion of getting things done".

A last-minute replacement has saved the show for two Dunedin secondary schools.

Contractors from Christchurch-based construction company Ceres work on the site of the new Dunedin hospital inpatient building on Thursday.

An unlicensed French driver who performed a U-turn in front of oncoming traffic became agitated when he was pulled over by police, lunging at officers and biting them as he was arrested.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday asked his compatriots for forgiveness following fresh allegations of corruption.

Residents in Lyttelton near Christchurch are being evacuated after a large fire broke out in the township.