Samantha Gee
ED security boost helping to address violent incidents
Te Whatu Ora has said new additional security guards in Emergency Departments have helped address increasingly violent incidents against staff. The security boost was part of the government's five… Audio
Waimea Dam behind schedule as residents face dry months ahead
The long-delayed Waimea Dam in the Tasman Distrcit isn't finished or full, but local growers are likely to want to take water from it in the dry months ahead. It was hoped the $198 million dam would… Audio
Thousands head to Kaiteriteri for Christmas
In the lead up to Christmas, thousands of people will arrive at Kaiteriteri Beach at the top of the South Island, to camp near the sandy shores that are the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.
… Audio
Freight movers ask what's next for Cook Strait
Freight movers, businesses and passengers want to know how the crucial Cook Strait connection will be future proofed. The government has sunk Kiwirail's plans for a replacement of the clapped-out… Audio
Around the motu : Samantha Gee covering Nelson
It's the beginning of a hot, dry, El Niño summer for the top of the South Island and water restrictions have been introduced in Nelson and Tasman already, Sam talks to Kathryn about a group of… Audio
Family hope death of cyclist is a reminder of drink-driving dangers
The family of a man killed by a winery worker while cycling to Christchurch for his first grandchild's baby shower hope his death serves as a reminder of the dangers of drink-driving.
Andrew Milne… Audio
Kids Kapa Haka competition kicks off in South Island for first time
The country's biggest primary school kapa haka competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, is underway in Whakatū, Nelson. It's the first time the event has been held in the South Island, bringing competitors from… Video, Audio
Vacant Dunedin boarding house destroyed by fire
There are concerns a vacant Dunedin boarding house that was destroyed by fire Friday morning may have been used by homeless people.
The Fire Service was alerted to the blaze at the house in Phillips… Audio
Around the motu: Samantha Gee in Nelson
Samantha Gee discusses wastewater woes in Nelson - the Tasman District Council issued warnings against collecting shellfish or whitebait from the coastal area around the Motueka River last month… Audio
Noise, trucks, light pollution: Coastal community concerned about planned sand mine
The company behind a controversial sand mine at Cape Foulwind on the West Coast is now planning to establish another at Mananui, south of Hokitika. Last year, residents expressed their worry about the… Audio
Many in South Island potentially exposed to bacteria in drinking water
Hundreds of thousands of people in the South Island are potentially being exposed to bacteria and parasites in their drinking water. Regulator Taumata Arowai has singled out 27 councils without… Audio
National makes bid to reclaim Nelson from Labour
National is making a bid to reclaim the Nelson electorate seat that was blue for twenty-four years.
Labour's Rachel Boyack ousted Nick Smith in 2020 - and now Blair Cameron is vying for a shot at the… Audio
Half a century of Marlborough's Sauvignon Blanc
Half a century ago, Montana Wines founder Frank Yukich planted the first commercial wine grapes in Marlborough and declared wine from the region would be famous.
He was right - now the world knows… Audio
Around the motu: Samantha Gee in Nelson
Nelson City Council has voted to publicly notify a plan change that will enable greater housing intensification in the city. It aims to make building up easier - instead of just building out. Mayor… Audio
Some Nelson residents oppose housing intensification plan
There are fears six-storey apartment blocks will shade homes and destroy Nelson's sunny reputation. A proposed change in planning rules to enable greater housing intensification has drawn opposition… Audio
12 million to be paid out to flood affected Nelson homeowners
More than a year after the devastating Nelson floods, the government has announced $12 million recovery package that will include buyouts for the worst affected homes. Similar to the deal for Cyclone… Audio
Some Nelson residents still waiting for a decision on their property a year after floods
A year after flooding and landslides left their homes red-stickered, some Nelson people are still waiting for a decision on the future of their properties.
Thirteen houses in the region can't be… Audio
Nelson council votes for housing changes in bid to address crisis
Nelson City Councillors have voted for a plan change that would enable residential intensification at varying levels through three new zones. It's hoped the change will address the housing crisis by… Audio
Fatal Kaikoura boat accident may have been caused by fuel leak
An investigation into the fatal boat accident in Kaikōura has found a fuel leak may have contributed to the deaths of five passengers. The vessel i-Catcher - chartered for a birdwatching trip -… Audio
Around the motu : Samantha Gee in Nelson
The Nelson Hospital rebuild has been beset with delays, but last week, the Government announced $73m in funding to begin the long-awaited redevelopment. Audio