Sam Stevens

A demolition zone on High-gate, Dunedin, will soon become a construction site, developers say.

Newly appointed Waikouaiti School principal Trish Hodgson is aware being a school leader will be challenging at times, but says she will draw on 16 years' teaching experience after taking over the top job next term.

Flora and fauna is flourishing at the Orokonui Ecosantuary thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers, and the project will continue to take flight with commercial sponsorship, its managers says.

Contractors say a roading project near Portobello could be completed three months ahead of schedule.

Diners at KFC restaurants around Otago received a surprise side-order on Saturday morning when they were serenaded by finalists in a national music competition.

Ferries on Otago Harbour? Trains on the Taieri? What next, cable cars in Dunedin? Why not, say supporters of a plan to have cable cars reinstated on Stuart St for the first time since 1947.

A mission to put "Mosgiel Metal" on the map received a boost on Saturday night, when Incarnate took first place at the Otago University Students Association (OUSA) Battle of the Bands, held in Dunedin.

Tea was by far the most popular drink during Wednesday's citizenship ceremony at Dunedin's Municipal Chambers, and there was good reason.

The tattooist's ink may be indelible, but the stigma attached to the most permanent form of body art is wearing off, organisers of this weekend's Dunedin Tattoo Nations Expo say.

A rap on the door at Fairfield School yesterday was followed by a surprise visit from a well-known New Zealand rapper.

An information technology project completed at a Dunedin primary school recently has not only helped pupils and parents "get online", it has helped connect the school community, staff and organisers say.

If the goal of a school field trip is to stimulate interest in a subject, then a recent Columba College trip to China was a huge success.

Pine Hill School pupils set out to change the face of their Dunedin suburb yesterday, when 50 of them planted native species at an Allenby Ave reserve.

"Give 100%, if you are playing sports, at school, or even doing the dishes''.

They sorted, planted, weeded and sampled - and all the while 45 pupils from 19 Otago schools learnt ways of making their school more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Rural nurse specialist Kirsty Murrell-McMillan describes her recent appointment as chairwoman of the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network as a professional "coming of age'' in a career she has been passionate about for almost three decades.

Brighton School principal Robin Davidson will celebrate an independence day of her own on July 4, when she stands down as principal of the school.

Popping next door for a "cuppa" - it is a comforting image. But recently released research shows more than half of New Zealanders have little or no contact with their neighbours.

Popping next door for a "cuppa" - it is a comforting image. But recently released research shows more than half of New Zealanders have little or no contact with their neighbours.