Elena McPhee

Members of the public will be seeing blue and gold in the Octagon on Queen's Birthday Weekend, as the University of Otago's 150th anniversary celebrations continue.

Giving flowers, making home-cooked meals and spending time helping those affected benefited not only the recipients of charity after the Christchurch attacks, but also the givers.

The university's $26 million music and performing arts complex is on budget and will meet its new deadline.

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation after a blaze in a garage on Pacific St, in Roslyn.

A 17-year-old who allegedly brandished an imitation firearm over his head in Dunedin's Meridian Mall will appear in court today.

A Kiwi nurse who hails from Dunedin has received the highest international nursing distinction for her work in troubled and war-torn regions.

Providing affordable parking for disabled students and their parents is key for a students' group, which has been seeking the opinions of people who flat and park in the University of Otago area.

Colourful flat signs are disappearing from student residences near the campus, and the University of Otago is encouraging anyone with information about them to come forward.

From smoothies to knitting, art therapy, and gadgets to play with, all sorts of items and treats to promote wellbeing were on offer at a mental health week mini-expo at the University of Otago.

Ramadan, the Muslim ''month of blessings'', officially began in New Zealand yesterday, following the sighting of the new moon on Monday.

Reports of a fire in the Logan Park High School grounds this afternoon were a false alarm, the school says.

An abandoned car found in central Dunedin near Jetty St bridge this morning is stolen, police say.

It is "imperative'' scholars stand up for academic freedom, a University of Otago lecturer says.

An outspoken University of Otago legal academic who has turned his focus to issues with the running of the university itself in the past year, says he has no plans to slow down.

From flowers to poignant notes and wreaths, tributes in the aftermath of a tragedy traditionally take tangible forms.

From bringing in religious leaders, to taking students sailing, keeping learners engaged is key for this year's recipients of the teaching excellence awards at the University of Otago.

Four New Zealand universities, including Otago, are considering resuming some ties to law firm Russell McVeagh in the wake of last year's sexual harassment scandal.

New parking costs in the university quarter have been described as "worrying" and "ridiculous" by students, as the idea goes out for public consultation.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford has criticised Dunedin property manager Cutlers after it asked for tenders to rent out a popular but notorious student flat.