Aim to simplify solar installation
New Zealand could soon become the simplest place in the developed world to install solar panels, Minister for Regulation David Seymour announced last week .
Community pressing day returns
Community pressing day returns
Hobby olive growers from Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes districts are preparing to roll up their sleeves for the annual community pressing day on Saturday.
Event raises $21,000
Event raises $21,000
A night event held in memory of a Queenstown mother whose death from breast cancer last year inspired friends to "love harder" raised more than $20,000.
Cromwell win again
Cromwell win again
Coming off a dismal 2025 season, the Cromwell rugby coaching team set a target of finishing in the Central Otago top four.
Stone skimming champs approach
Stone skimming champs approach
In the days leading up to the Aotearoa Stone Skimming championships, Ruairi O’Shea subjected the event’s organiser to an interview on the integrity of the fundraising event.
Horse owner at odds with equestrian centre
Horse owner at odds with equestrian centre
A veteran gold miner, who owns two horses with a combined age nearly as old as him, says a disease caused by over-irrigation nearly killed one of them.
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Housing, hub mooted for Frankton land
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Housing, hub mooted for Frankton land
Two Queenstown non-profits hope to join forces to build community housing and a social services hub on a council-owned site in Frankton.
$12,000 spend on trip defended
$12,000 spend on trip defended
Southland Mayor Rob Scott has defended his council forking out more than $12,000 on a six-day Scandinavian trip, saying every second was worthwhile.
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Sea lion pup found dead on road
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Sea lion pup found dead on road
After another sea lion death in the Catlins, a Clutha district councillor says the remote Otago area does not want a reputation for killing the native marine mammals.
Police find crashed car but no driver
Police find crashed car but no driver
What happened to the driver of a severely damaged vehicle sitting on the side of the road near Palmerston is a mystery for now.
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More accusations of bias in mine hearing
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More accusations of bias in mine hearing
A tit-for-tat battle over perceived biases has emerged in a fast-track hearing about a proposed goldmine in Central Otago.
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Flight school closure could cost millions
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Flight school closure could cost millions
The ‘‘collateral damage’’ from Oamaru’s flight school’s departure could cost the region’s economy more than $10 million a year, businesses have warned.
Rapid fire destroys family home
Rapid fire destroys family home
Horrified children watched from the car as their remote Southland farmhouse burst into flames seconds after their mother opened the front door.
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‘Love of my life’ — still competing at 82
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‘Love of my life’ — still competing at 82
Rodeos are ‘‘the love of my life’’, Murray MacMillan says.
Digging ‘deeper’ led to drugs
Digging ‘deeper’ led to drugs
Six people, including two teenagers, face charges after police raids in Southland scooped up cash and illegal drugs.
‘Virtual power plant’ planned for Homestead Bay
‘Virtual power plant’ planned for Homestead Bay
A massive Queenstown fast-track development could become a ‘‘blueprint’’ for powering new communities, Aurora Energy says.
ORC reminds property owners not to burn toxic rubbish
ORC reminds property owners not to burn toxic rubbish
A recent spike in complaints over outdoor burning — in locations across Otago — is a timely reminder that toxic rubbish should not be burnt, the Otago Regional Council says.
Weekend planner
Weekend planner
What's on in South Canterbury this weekend.
ED volunteers to remain
ED volunteers to remain
A long-running Timaru emergency department service has been saved by an independent operator after plans to axe it were announced last year.
Club celebrates cultural heritage
Club celebrates cultural heritage
The Pasifika pride of a South Canterbury rugby club was celebrated at the weekend.