Tess Brunton

Dunedin ratepayers are shocked by the resignation of deputy mayor Sophie Barker, who says it was untenable to stay in the role. She says the breach of a confidential council meeting last month was the… Audio

Dunedin's Deputy Mayor Sophie Barker has resigned, citing an untenable working relationship with the Mayor Jules Radich.

It comes after a complaint against Strath Taieri Community Board chair, Barry… Audio

Farmers are bracing for hotter, drier and windier months ahead as the return to El Niño heralds possible drought conditions for parts of Aotearoa. NIWA predict El Niño will be declared in the coming… Audio

The chair of an Otago local board is refusing to explain his racist comments towards a staffer at a local pub. Strath-Taieri board chair, Barry Williams, has been censured by Dunedin City Council for… Video, Audio

Glenorchy residents are grappling with how to protect their community from floods and earthquakes.

They've recently learnt their Otago town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is at risk from liquefaction… Audio

The danger of wildfires is on the rise with forecasts of a hotter, drier, windier summer.

Fire and Emergency says the wildfire season could kick-off earlier this year, and people should prepare their… Audio

Tourism is riding high on the West Coast, with visitors and workers returning in droves.

The region was hit hard during the pandemic, and it struggled to attract staff once the tourists did return.

… Audio

It's hoped a new Otago trail extension will get thousands on their bikes and take local communities along for the ride. The Clutha Gold Cycle and Walking Trail has nearly doubled in length with the… Audio

Day turned into night and swamps on fire, that's what New Zealand firefighters faced while battling blazes in Canada. Wildfires have caused tens of thousands of people to evacuate, destroying homes… Audio

Expectations were high ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and tourism businesses say the tournament has definitely exceeded them. Aotearoa hosted 29 games, drawing some record football crowds and… Audio

Otago correspondent Tess Brunton discusses another temporary closure of Oamaru Emergency Department, due to doctor shortages. And down in Gore, an $11,000 attempt to patch up relations between mayor… Audio

Snow is falling in Dunedin after a cold front has hit the South Island.

Air New Zealand has also cancelled or delayed half a dozen flights because of ice on the runway of Dunedin Airport.

Reporter… Audio

Disappointed but proud - that's how many Football Fern fans are feeling after last night's nail-biting nil-all draw against Switzerland.

The Dunedin game means the Ferns are out of the FIFA Women's… Audio

While they only managed one goal in the tournament, the Football Ferns also only conceded one goal.

A big part of that was due to defender Rebekah Stott, who spoke to reporter Tess Brunton after the… Audio

Dunedin football fans are fizzing ahead of hosting the Football Ferns' crucial showdown against Switzerland on Sunday. The match could make or break the home team's hopes to make the knockout round of… Audio

Maori tourism operators are welcoming more public awareness and interest in Matariki. Last year was the first time it was marked with a public holiday. This Friday Matariki events are organised across… Audio

Emergency healthcare in Christchurch is at breaking point. The hospital's emergency department this week saw a record 412 people in a 24 hour period. Some patients are waiting weeks to see their GP… Audio

Southland has unveiled a bright vision for its future regardless of whether Tiwai Point aluminium smelter closes or not.

Beyond 2025 is the long term plan for tackling the region's challenges and… Audio

Invercargill's mayor Nobby Clark has been lambasted by local iwi over his attitude towards giving civic buildings a Māori as well as an English name.

At a fiery meeting yesterday he put forward a… Audio

RNZ reporter Tess Brunton joins Kathryn to talk about the decision to cut a multi-million dollar centre that would've housed teaching and professional development from Dunedin's new health precinct… Audio