Latest fromSouth Island

'Balm for the community': Historic lodge to rise again after fire
'The new build will enable us to continue the legacy of the grand old homestead.'

Clutha siege death: Armed offender involved in previous stand-off with police
Farm worker named after being found dead following armed standoff.

Pretty with a purpose: How sunflowers are helping bring back the goodness to cyclone-hit soils
The crop will never be harvested, but it serves a very important purpose.

Person dies in workplace incident near Queenstown
Police said WorkSafe would be notified of the death.

Original painting for Split Enz album cover to be auctioned
A painting featuring Split End band members, including Neil and Tim Finn, is up for sale.

'Pukekos love it': Growing wasabi in Canterbury
Growing wasabi started as a hobby for Fenton Wood; now it's a fully-fledged business.

Cat crackdown could be on the way for Mid Canterbury
Ashburton District Council asked to investigate introducing a cat management programme.

Devastated local reflects on 70-year connection to historic hall gutted by fire
Douglas Dance, 84, has been connected to the cinema and hall since he was just 13.

‘Plenty of concerns’: Residents vow to fight solar farm proposal near homes
Neighbours are planning to gather evidence - 'feelings don't mean as much as facts'.

‘A piece of nothing’: A high-country family’s ambitious farm succession plan
Susan and Willie MacDonald weren't the chosen ones – but their children might be.

'So cheerful': Sunflowers bring joy despite tough growing season
Sunflowers can help supplement farm incomes or fundraising efforts for growers.

‘Definitely a little unusual’: Summer snow surprises South Island
Snow is falling on Mt Hutt as cold southerlies sweep across the South Island.

Govt hints at ‘major’ mining announcement next week
Christopher Luxon acknowledged sensitivity but emphasised the need for growth.

‘Appalling’: Grazing firm fined $48k after hundreds of cows left to wallow in mud
Two workers resigned after being told to return the cows to muddy paddocks.

Tall Timber: NZ’s biggest 20 forestry companies
Who are the companies behind New Zealand's third biggest export trade?

Faint stirrings of optimism as Richie McCaw statue saga rumbles on
Plans for the rugby legend statue in Kurow began almost a decade ago.

Kiwi woman wins 'World's Ugliest Lawn' award
A Canterbury woman wins 'World's Ugliest Lawn' for water conservation.

Thundestorm alerts issued around NZ, motorists warned to take care
Motorists are being warned to drive 'carefully' as heavy falls start in Rotorua, Taupō.

North Island braces for thunderstorms, hail and heavy downpours
Motorists are being warned to drive 'extremely carefully'.

'Festive spirit may be dampened': Thunderstorms, tornadoes possible in grim leadup to Xmas
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and elevated humidity levels are tipped for the next week.

Canterbury on fire: Behind the scenes with the volunteer firefighters
Firefighters battled wind, heat and exhaustion across Canterbury this week.