Rebecca Fox

Experiencing real family life in the countries you visit rather than just the tourist spots is just one reason Rona Potiki extol's the virtues of a little known club.

Feeling guilty for speaking out publicly on the Project Hayes issue, Otago Regional councillor Gerry Eckhoff has asked the council for clarification of his role.

Mike Teasdale admits he and wife Lynne are "terrible softies" Their three children are grown up but they still require the services of a babysitter only now it is for their favourite pet - a curly coat retriever named Wilson.

He is not a runner, but that has not stopped former Oamaru man Darren Foss signing up to help his best friend run 52 marathons in 52 weeks around the world.

Though Emeritus Prof Sir Alan Mark was reluctant to become a knight, he says his honour recognises conservation as deserving of the same honours as other aspects of New Zealand life.

Otago residents have a big decision ahead of them - deciding what level of water quality is acceptable.

Pikao, a plant which has almost disappeared from Otago's coast, has won the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network's 2009 favourite plant poll.

Otago Regional Council's "unseen" contribution to economic development has become clearer, with the development of a policy for promoting economic development and community prosperity.

John Bradley has been collecting weather data for more than 30 years, mostly from his home in Balaclava.

A major breakthrough in the fight to preserve the critically endangered kakapo has been made, with paternity tests revealing artificial insemination has produced two chicks, the Department of Conservation says.

Dunedin shoppers are joining the national trend of spending the same or less on Christmas gifts this year.

A lack of protection for fisheries at risk of collapse along the East Otago coastline during the busy summer fishing season has led Karitane recreational and customary fishermen to implement voluntary restrictions for a second year.