Regions

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Millions worth of storm-related claims lodged

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Millions worth of storm-related claims lodged

Millions of dollars worth of insurance claims are flooding in following widespread disruption and significant damage to Otago and Southland properties and infrastructure.

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Tanks on loose roll in as alerts go missed

Logan Bennett, of Owaka, inspects damage to his home caused by a runaway water tank during storms...

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Tanks on loose roll in as alerts go missed

Wild weather last week put a new spin on getting "tanked up" for one Catlins couple.

Advice to stay ‘well clear’ as winds hit

A resident views a large protected tree that snapped and lunged over a fence in Spencer St. PHOTO...

Advice to stay ‘well clear’ as winds hit

Otago and Southland residents are being reminded to stay "well clear" of trees and damaged buildings — particularly over the next few days as the regions are set to be hit with more strong winds.

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Govt emergency funding a ‘drop in a bucket’

Inch Clutha farmer Donna Weir sits on the roof of her shed that was sent flying about 100m during...

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Govt emergency funding a ‘drop in a bucket’

The government’s contribution to the mayoral relief fund is like a "drop in a bucket", an Inch Clutha dairy farmer says.

Storm escalation 'took everyone by surprise', Southland mayor says

An uprooted tree in Invercargill. Photo: Invercargill City Council

Storm escalation 'took everyone by surprise', Southland mayor says

The Southland mayor says his region wasn't prepared for last week's fierce storm that hammered Southland and South Otago, knocking out power, water and communications.

Truck fire briefly closes SH1 near Herbert

Truck fire briefly closes SH1 near Herbert

A fire in the cab of a truck heading through North Otago closed State Highway 1 for about an hour this morning.

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Pupil’s actions give family ‘invaluable’ time with grandmother

Ardgowan School pupil Emma Shimauchi Moore was presented with a Neighbourhood Support award this...

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Pupil’s actions give family ‘invaluable’ time with grandmother

Upstanding members of our community come in all shapes, sizes — and ages.

Young Otago mum focused on making memories after cancer diagnosis

Briar Dawson and her 3-year-old daughter Elsie. Photo: Supplied/Givealittle

Young Otago mum focused on making memories after cancer diagnosis

A young Otago mother is making the most of her time left with her daughter after a shock diagnosis of an incurable cancer.

Damage on one farm to cost more than entire relief fund

Winton deer farmer Cam Nelson with his family. Photo: RNZ

Damage on one farm to cost more than entire relief fund

A Southland farmer says fixing the damage to his business alone will cost more than what the government has stumped up for the entire region, following last week's storm.

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Ayrburn Classic car show up for award

This Ferrari Monza 750 will be one of the star attractions at the 2026 Ayrburn Classic. PHOTO:...

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Ayrburn Classic car show up for award

Arrowtown's Ayrburn developer Chris Meehan is "beyond thrilled" his hospitality precinct’s car show is up for an international award after only its first year.

Irish man dies in Queenstown accident

Irish man dies in Queenstown accident

Tributes are flowing for an Irish man who died after an accident in Queenstown last week.

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Sadness as generational family farms up for sale

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Sadness as generational family farms up for sale

Whether it is a sign of the times or coincidence, at least three Southland properties, farmed by the same families for over 100 years, are up for sale.

Power restoration continues but 5600 properties still without

A power pole leans in the wind near Bluff. Photo: Gerrit Doppenberg

Power restoration continues but 5600 properties still without

About 5600 households in the South remain without power following last week's storm that caused havoc across the region.

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Farmers band together

Federated Farmers Southland dairy chairman Bart Luijten says nearly 250 farmers are still out of...

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Farmers band together

Farmers in the South are working together minimise the damage caused by last week’s destructive storm.

'Daunting, wondering where to start': Clutha farmers face clean up

Richard Hunter stands in front of one of many areas of broken and fallen trees on his property....

'Daunting, wondering where to start': Clutha farmers face clean up

A first responder and local farmer believes it's a miracle no-one was hurt in the devastating storm that hit Clutha, but he's warning there will be injuries in the clean up.

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Drivers cautioned following snow, ice

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Drivers cautioned following snow, ice

Otago drivers have been urged to take extra time and care getting to work this morning, following the frigid overnight burst of snow and ice.

Dairy farmer grateful for community help

Beach Valley Dairies owner Kaylene Bennett and her daughter Sierra, 14, of Tuatapere.

Dairy farmer grateful for community help

After losing over $16,000 worth of milk, and working 40 hours straight, one Western Southland dairy farmer is in awe of the support from her rural community.

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