Latest fromOtago

Mystery deaths of extremely endangered birds: what's killing our gulls?
Second time there have been mass deaths of endangered species at NZ breeding colony.

Warnings as country bakes in 40C heat
Outdoor activities that were safe to do in cooler conditions could now become hazardous.

Both victims of fatal house fire named
The post mortems have been completed but an investigation is continuing into the fire.

Boy rides pogo stick up world's steepest street
Harry Willis had a steely look of determination as he made his way up the street.

Victim of fatal South Dunedin fire named
Police say the investigation involves several different versions of events.

Taxpayers to fund tree hut removal
Glenn Raymond illegally built on crown land. He's now left taxpayers with $10k bill.

Lindis River is dry, but fields still green
Otago rivers are dry in some sections but farmers are still fighting against restrictions.

Queenstown could be test for tourist levy
Queenstown Lakes mayor says local ratepayers not able to fund infrastructure needed.

Man's death highlights hospital failings
Wanaka man died in ambulance while being transported from Dunstan Hospital to another.

Possible human remains found in burnt-out house-bus
When firefighters arrived they found the house-bus engulfed in flames.

$662,800 in fines for Queenstown freedom campers
Breaking freedom camping rules this year in Queenstown resulted in $662,800k in fines.

Freedom campers breaking rules in Queenstown
Freedom campers were fined $662,800 by Queenstown's district council, but many didn't pay.

'Beautiful resting ground' for skydiver
Skydiver's family are prepared for the reality they might not be able to take him home.

'Ignorant pigs' defecating in trees prompt outrage
Queenstown Lakes District Council staff had pick up human waste left by freedom campers.

Police hold blessing for missing man Tyler Nii
Police hold blessing for missing American Tyler Nii after skydiving tragedy.

Impaled man taken to Dunedin Hospital
Impaled man sent to Dunedin Hospital with serious injuries

'Being a dick behind the wheel'
National touch player Mackenzie Haugh has been disqualified from driving indefinitely.

Haast: The town where cellphones are silent
A South Island town in the middle of a 244km reception black spot are desperate for help.

Total fire ban now in force across Otago and Southland
There is now a total fire ban across Otago and Southland.

Monolingual no more: kids lead the way
Diverse population spurs students to learn other nations' languages.

Skydiver's mother remembers 'loving son'
Missing skydiver Tyler Nii's mother says they are praying they can bring him home.

Our Jekyll and Hyde summer continues
Four seasons in one country - heat, thunderstorms and rain on way.

Mystery on the mountain: What killed five on Tasman Glacier?
Deaths of guide and his four clients in 1980 led to building of a new hut beside glacier.

Penguins under pressure from unruly visitors
People getting too close to blue penguins in Oamaru could be charged under Wildlife Act.

Lake plunge: Farmer tells of dramatic skydiver rescue
The man who rescued a skydiver who plunged into Lake Wakatipu shares his account of events

Summer bummer: Holiday spots in for another drenching
Uh-oh. Higher than normal rainfall forecast for most of the country in the next two weeks.

Lake plunge: Skydiving pair were last to leave plane
NZONE director dismissed a parachute malfunction as the potential cause of the crash.

Foreign man dies after skydiving accident
More than 20 rescue vessels scoured Lake Wakatipu in vain hunt for skydiver.