Latest from Otago

Police blocked from flats before collapse
Party-goers blocked police from entering some flats to get people off balconies and roofs ahead of a balcony collapse that injured 18 people in Dunedin.

Singer warned partygoers before collapse
Six60 supporting act told students to get off balcony just hours before it collapsed, injuring 18 people.

Balcony collapse teen: I got squished in half
A first-year university student has spoken about the terrifying moment a balcony came crashing down on top of her as she stood beneath.

Kia ora: Clyde
Cyclists are bringing the gold back to this former mining town, says Elisabeth Easther.

Probe into Dunedin balcony collapse
The Government has ordered an investigation into the collapse of a balcony during a Six60 concert which injured 18 university students.

Teen breaks back in 3 places
Family of a 19-year-old student who suffered spinal injuries in Dunedin's balcony collapse fear the teenager may never walk again.

'Broken limbs, hysteria and heroism'
Two victims of a balcony collapse during a Six60 gig in Dunedin remain in serious conditions in hospital this morning.

Five great walks in Queenstown
The Wakatipu Basin is a walker's paradise, offering a shed-load of stunning views.

Divers rescued after being swept out to sea
A big rescue effort was mounted in Otago last night after two paua divers were swept out to sea by a rip.

Three's a crowd on holiday
6-year-old identical triplets Olivia, Charlotte and Haylee have been excitedly counting down the days leading to their return to Milton Primary School.

Man suffers head injuries in crash
An Alexandra man has been taken to hospital with head injuries after a crash north of the Central Otago town early today.

Inmate who died at Otago prison named
David Joseph Jackson was found in an unresponsive state and given medical attention, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

'I thought I was going to die'
A Dunedin woman viciously attacked by dogs has recalled her horror as the dogs "tore strips" off her, ripping away her calf muscle.

Inmate dies at Otago prison
An inmate has died at Otago Corrections Facility near Milton today.

Guest nights rise for 20th month in a row
New Zealand guest nights rose in November for the 20th month in a row.

Japanese firm plans $23m Otago sawmilling expansion
The New Zealand forestry unit of Japan's Oji Group plans to invest $23 million to consolidate and expand capacity at its sawmilling and drying facilities in Otago.

Woman admits attempted murder
A woman who shot and seriously wounded a man outside his home near Dunedin earlier this year has been convicted of attempted murder.

Driver found asleep in middle of road
A man is facing charges after police say they found him drunk and asleep at the wheel of a car parked in the middle of rural North Otago road this morning.

Hit the trail this summer
An uneconomic railway line now inspires locals and tourists to get on their bikes.

Dunedin: Scarfing it down in scarfie town
Hungry, and perhaps a little thirsty in Dunedin? Anna King Shahab discovers 10 great places to sate your appetite.

Resits after exam papers stolen
Univerity of Otago dentistry students were forced to re-sit their last exam without being told why, after 98 unmarked scripts were stolen from the Clocktower building.

Exam papers stolen from Otago Uni
In what the University of Otago has slammed as a "reprehensible act", 98 unmarked student exam scripts have been stolen in a burglary at the campus.

Man charged over armed police callout
A man is facing several charges following an incident at the Tautuku Lodge in the Catlins, which involved armed police overnight.

Paragliders in trouble near Wanaka
Emergency workers are currently trying to get to two paragliders who got into some trouble while going over a mountain near Wanaka, in Otago.

Frost fighting trial for kiwi hot-air machine
A new frost-fighting invention known as the 'Heat Ranger' is being trialled, with the hope it will be able to protect crops next winter.

Unseasonable cold snap set to hit
A blast of cold weather will give New Zealanders, particularly those in the South Island, a flash back to winter, as snow flurries descend on parts of the country.

Central Otago: In the valley of exquisite pinot
In the heart of Central Otago Paul Davies is a little enclave that gives wine lovers a taste of heaven.

Mission begins prison literacy programme
Dunedin's Methodist Mission has begun a literacy and numeracy programme at the Otago Corrections Facility.