Latest from South Island

Heaphy Track closed by flood damage until May

The Golden Bay through hike is likely to be impassable until May.

'Where you're going to end up': Priest scared victims by showing corpses

Survivors tell of being shown dead bodies and being made to clean out coffins.

Hot humid weather here for days: Remnants of cyclone set to impact NZ

The muggy weather won't peak until Saturday.

Ōamaru's blue penguins combine tourism, conservation and science

A colony of kororā in Ōamaru has gone from being a nuisance to the stars of a show.

St John of God abuse at Marylands School focus of inquiry

The treatment of boys with learning disabilities at Marylands School is starting today.

South Island practices eager to get RATS

GPs anxiously wait for the arrival of rapid antigen Covid-19 tests at their clinics.

Alleged killer and victim named after suppression ends

Dunedin hairdresser and the woman she allegedly killed can now be named.

Lucky break: Off-duty surf life-saver rescues trio from rip

Rob Ratten decided to spend 10 more minutes at the beach - his decision saved three lives.

Person dies after dirt bike crash in Southland

Emergency services were called this afternoon, but the person died at the scene.

Police identify remains found on North Canterbury beach

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

West Coast downpour: State of emergency declared - residents told to prepare

Franz Josef and Haast are isolated due to the State Highway being blocked on either side.

The Kiwi school that's banned phones: 'They know it's good for them'

School wants students to focus on building relationships face-to-face.

Resort market welcomes unvaccinated, unmasked

No vaccine passports required for hundreds milling around Queenstown Community Markets.

Another one bites the dust: Popular festival cancelled for first time in 34 years

Organisers say restrictions and Covid in community makes it impossible.

Fake vaccine passes: Seven alleged fakes handed in to police; amnesty deadline extended

It comes after Canterbury signwriter accused of making fake passes.

Residents cry out for help as starlings bombard street in bird poo

Thousands of birds nesting in trees above Christchurch homes causing a health hazard.

Wild weather: Residents urged to prepare, pack getaway bag as heavy rain looms

Civil Defence emergency operation centres have opened in Westport and Hokitika.

Revealed: The city where beach-front houses cost less than $600K

"Anywhere else in the world a beachside suburb would be the best - not in Christchurch."