Latest fromSouth Island

Health scare sidelines Duncan for motocross champs
The four-time world champion is unsure when she will return.

How intense lobbying got ministers to back down on baby formula
New formula standards aimed to prioritise infant nutrition over profits.

‘Worst to come’: Largest weather system of the year to bring a month’s worth of rain
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for large swathes of the country.

Emergency on tarmac as ‘mist’ spotted coming from plane about to depart
The Air NZ flight was preparing to leave Auckland Airport when problems struck.

‘Girls do stupid stuff’: Accused cites jealousy in rape trial
Man initially claimed he could not recall meeting his accuser when probed by police.

‘Unbearable’: Long wait times push woman to seek private medical help
Nearly 500 patients have waited more than four months for their first appointment.

Kiwi hopes pinned on upset in $1m race against Aussie favourites
Local hopes include Republican Party and Chase A Dream, known for strong finishes.

Society Insider: Buyers of $45m Qtown mansion revealed; Kiwi model at Beckham’s A-list 50th
And, how to make your first million, according to 'Boss Babe'; event maestro's hospo foray

Eric Crampton: Planning reform needed for real supermarket competition
OPINION: Planning rules currently limit supermarket competition in New Zealand.

Opinion: Are New Zealand’s mining royalties too low?
OPINION: Mining contributes to the economy, but relies on foreign investment.

‘He was alone and unarmed’: MDMA deal ends with murder
One man was killed and another stabbed after a $150 drug deal went wrong.

All Blacks prop ruled out for remainder of Super Rugby season
All the ins and outs ahead of the eighth round of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

'We are still anti-vaccination': Destiny Church defends taking Covid grants
'We can account for where every dollar went.'

Tropical atmospheric river hits NZ, more than 24 hrs of rain forecast for some regions
Some parts of the Tasman District could get 500mm of rain or more, the council said.

Speed bumps or no speed bumps? Why not both? $500k for bizarre pedestrian crossing plan
Speed bumps will only be included on one side of the crossing.

Watch: Timelapse video reveals NZ’s tallest mural on side of building
Jacob Yikes used 250 litres of paint and 200 spray cans for the 55m mural.

‘They will go blind’: Healthcare too inaccessible for Wānaka patients, new report finds
Some residents travel seven hours for medical appointments.

Editorial: America’s Cup miss highlights need for new national event strategy
OPINION: Auckland won't host the 38th America’s Cup.

‘I wasn’t able to consent’: Abduction, rape complainant grilled on consenting during blackout
The man admits following her, picking her up and taking her to his home but denies rape.

Man travelled on fake passports between NZ, Australia and Fiji for three years
The passports contained his photo but the details of someone else.