When an aviation security officer drove a vehicle on to the active runway at Dunedin International Airport at night in heavy rain ahead of a landing aircraft, the consequences could have been disastrous.

A couple were forced to spend a 'tough' night out in the open after abandoning their boat in rough seas off southern Fiordland.

Canterbury firefighters continue to battle two major fires in the region, but both blazes are under control.

A massive blaze has engulfed the hills above Waimate in south Canterbury and tonight continues to burn.

Stretched Canterbury firefighters are battling two large scrub fires, one in Rolleston and one in Waimate.

Firefighters are continuing to battle a 120 hectare scrub fire in Waimate, which has now spread into forest.

New Zealand's top winemakers will battle it out at the inaugural Riesling Challenge today.

The death of a man whose breathing apparatus stopped during a power cut has been referred to a coroner.

Universal or voluntary membership? That was the question put to tertiary students in 1999 after the National Government passed a law insisting they choose how they should belong to their student association.

Dunedin's new stadium has attracted its first major singing act, with Sir Elton John set to perform late next year.

A climber is reported to have been killed and a paraglider has spinal injuries after accidents on two South Island mountains today.

The finalists for next year's iD International Emerging Designer Awards have been announced.

New Zealand sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke claimed a notable scalp when beating 49er world champions Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen at the Sail Sydney regatta yesterday.