Rosie Manins

Venezuela's first secretary to New Zealand and Australia Amaranta Leon (second from right) is welcomed to Dunedin by members of the city's Spanish speaking community (from left) Francisco Araya, Adelso Yanez and Rogelio Guedea at the University of Otago last night.

A programme to develop water safety leaders and reduce New Zealand's drowning toll is being launched in Dunedin this week.

At least one quality coat is essential for surviving Dunedin's winter. Rosie Manins explores the trends and options available this season.

The Ministry of Justice will spend millions upgrading Dunedin's historic courthouse, much to the delight of the city's legal fraternity.

Conditions of a $2.725 million government loan to the Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital Trust may be altered following consideration by Dunedin MP and new Veterans' Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

The Otago Regional Council is a step closer to retaining new public bus service contracts, following Labour Party support for an amendment to proposed legislation.

Thirty Dunedin City Council staff will be transferred to a contractor under the first phase of an overhaul of the council's water and waste services unit.

Macandrew Bay resident Laurie White can justify upgrading his Olympus Four Thirds camera after winning the main category of the Dunedin Botanic Garden Photographic Competition.

Dunedin youth are being encouraged to demonstrate their talent and creativity through various events organised by the Dunedin City Council's Youth Action committee this week.

An overcrowded Globe Theatre prompted inspection by firefighters on Saturday, after 20 extra people were allowed in to watch an adaptation of Peter Pan.

Advice on staccato, pitch and performance placement from some of New Zealand's top chamber musicians is helping Dunedin secondary school pupils prepare for national competitions.

Aggravated violence and cruelty against cats is on the rise in New Zealand, significantly since late January when Gareth Morgan launched his anti-cat campaign, SPCA national president Bob Kerridge says.

Strath Taieri, Queenstown and Central Otago landscapes are being showcased to the world in a new six-minute film clip included in all DVD releases of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

An increasing number of options for tourists in Queenstown is making it hard for some operators to thrive against fierce competition.