Shawn McAvinue

Dunedin store Hallenstein Brothers is on the move.

Police are considering charging a 72-year-old Dunedin man with careless driving after a head-on collision in the city about 6pm yesterday.

A violent street brawl ''erupted'' in central Oamaru early yesterday. Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said two police officers ''stumbled'' across 20 people fighting in Wear St at 12.20am yesterday.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce speaks to about 100 people at the New Zealand International Science Festival opening in Dunedin Railway Station's Hope Gallery last night.

Boarding houses may help to keep people from living rough on Dunedin's streets but also present challenges in the community. Shawn McAvinue investigates.

When 30 firefighters from Riverton, Colac Bay, Otautau, Thornbury and Wallacetown arrived at a John St house (below) in Riverton about 3.30pm yesterday, an interior fire was well involved, Riverton Fire Station deputy chief Allen Eastwood said.

A four-level car park to be built behind the former chief post office in Dunedin has been put on hold.

Low-income motorists driving older vehicles will avoid the warrant of fitness inspection price rise by driving illegally, Anglican Family Care director Nicola Taylor says.

An innovative bike track in native bush and a wetland view will attract people to the upgraded Walton Park, Saddle Hill Community Board chairman Scott Weatherall says.

Most pupils can continue to curl up and dye but more extreme styles and colours are still banned despite a High Court ruling yesterday, Otago principals say.

A parish is selling two churches because insurance costs have doubled and an earthquake-strengthening bill looms.

Work and Income has approved emergency dental treatment for invalid beneficiary Paul Whiteman, who has also accepted a free set of dentures.

A pensioner frustrated with his daily delivery of mail declaring lottery wins wants to warn others of the scams.

A surprise swirling wind stopped fireworks soaring on Saturday but the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival attracted a large crowd.

An invalid beneficiary wants an ''inhumane'' government agency to stop his pain and lend him the money to remove his rotting teeth.

Dogs teaching compassion to underprivileged children are set to be joined by more cuddly staff.

A Dunedin robotics competition attracted more entrants than its rival cities and had more girls making machines than boys.

Nick Chisholm is more nervous about unveiling his muscled new body than his wedding.