Otago Daily Times News Feed

Gemstones found at Gemstone Beach in Southland. PHOTO: FLICKR People will be free to fossick at Gemstone Beach in Southland despite a mining permit for much of the beach being applied for.

Ben Nettleton. Photo: LinkedIn The man who has come in as the limited statutory manager at Waitaki Girls’ High School says he was impressed by the school while visiting the grounds over the past couple of days.

Private Matchil Du Plessis on an open country patrol as part of an exercise in Waiouru. PHOTO: NZDF Invercargill-based Private Matchil Du Plessis feels he has the best of two worlds.

Innocent ordinary facts like addresses, previous names and personal history could be compiled and used to breach privacy and security, police say. Photo: Getty Images Online crime is having an impact in Clutha, police say.

A diver weeds out lagarosiphon in Lake Wānaka. Photo: supplied Updated management plans have been released for Lake Dunstan, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Wānaka as part of long-term efforts to protect them from the aquatic weed Lagarosiphon major.

The trial is being held at the Dunedin District Court. Photo: ODT files ‘‘Earth-shattering’’ allegations of child abuse against a prominent sportsman do not match the character of the man, his lawyer says.

The Anderson Bay Bottle-O store. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN A problem-plagued Dunedin bottle store owner is struggling to renew liquor licences because of her previous bad behaviour.

The Konini School site in Bluff is ready for new owners. PHOTO: SUPPLIED There is now only faded memories of pupils slipping behind Bluff’s Konini School bike sheds for a sneaky puff or noisily playing bullrush on the field.

The services, which cover seven primary schools and Wakatipu High, have been facing the chop for four years. Photo: ODT files The partial removal of school bus services in Queenstown appears a step closer after Ministry of Education (MoE) officials visited the area’s schools last week.

Brett Cummings. Photo: supplied West Coasters will soon be able to find out online if their property or one they are thinking of buying, is at risk from liquefaction — or a host of other damaging events.

The ‘‘Southern Corridor’’ south of the Kawarau River, near Queenstown, could have more than 9000 homes in 15-20 years. PHOTO: ODT FILES A blueprint for the development of the ‘‘Southern Corridor’’ - a stretch of land south of Queenstown suitable for more housing - has been approved despite concerns about a lack of infrastructure funding.

Winnie Conlan (left) and Olivia Morriss work at Sublime Studios. PHOTO: CRAIG CONLAN Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Talent show winners Winnie Conlan and Olivia Morriss recorded their first EP with their dads playing back-up at the Sublime Studios last week.

Ministry’s new Queenstown-Lakes relationships manager Nick Plimmer. PHOTO: SUPPLIED One of New Zealand’s longest-standing design practices has put down roots in Queenstown.

Ben McLachlan plays a shot to Kai Milburn in a fundraising match at Queenstown Tennis Club last year. PHOTO: ODT FILES Queenstown-raised former tennis pro Ben McLachlan’s back in Japan’s Davis Cup fold, this time opening the playbook on his former doubles partner.

Linda McIntosh is joining Alpine Luxury Tours. PHOTO: SUPPLIED After six years with Destination Queenstown (DQ), Linda McIntosh is about to start a new adventure.

Janey Bytheway and Marty Newell, who each have multiple roles in Remarkable Theatre’s upcoming season of Take a Chance On Me. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Six singles are about to take us on a journey of the trials and tribulations of dating later on in life.

Dunedin was once the wild west of questionable remedies, Hannah Renwick writes.

PHOTO: IAN GRIFFIN In the small hours of Monday morning, September 8, the Moon will be slipping quietly into Earth’s shadow. From Dunedin, the eclipse begins well before dawn, though at first you’ll hardly notice.

Every millimetre counts when it comes to sea level rise.