Dunedin and Otago

Emergency services were notified of the two-vehicle crash at Beachlands Speedway at around 7.10pm on Saturday.

Driver killed in crash during racing event at speedway near Dunedin

"Speedway NZ extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to our wider speedway community during this difficult time."

Sun, Mar 29

Sandal found as police search for missing French national in Cromwell

Police say the item was found on the shoreline of Lake Dunstan as water and land‑based searches continue for 21‑year‑old Antoine Richard, last seen on March 21.

Fri, Mar 27

Kaitāia assesses damage as roads reopen across Northland

The clean-up has begun after a subtropical storm brought large downpours and strong winds to much for the country, with States of Emergency declared for the Far North District and Whangārei District.

Fri, Mar 27

While Dunedin South Countdown was initially supposed to be closed for 48 hours, the store’s reopening date was constantly being pushed back – as more rodents were found.

Woolworths fined $33,000 over rat-infested Dunedin store

The supermarket chain’s Dunedin South branch, then called Countdown, was shut for nearly three weeks in February 2024.

Fri, Mar 27

Heinz Wattie’s has confirmed it will close four New Zealand operations, with around 300 jobs expected to be lost over the course of the year.

Heinz Wattie’s confirms closure of four NZ sites, about 300 jobs to go

The company will close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, along with frozen packing lines in Hastings, following a company-wide consultation.

Fri, Mar 27

Driver killed in crash during racing event at speedway near Dunedin

"Speedway NZ extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to our wider speedway community during this difficult time."

Sun, Mar 29

Sandal found as police search for missing French national in Cromwell

Police say the item was found on the shoreline of Lake Dunstan as water and land‑based searches continue for 21‑year‑old Antoine Richard, last seen on March 21.

Fri, Mar 27

Kaitāia assesses damage as roads reopen across Northland

Fri, Mar 27

Woolworths fined $33,000 over rat-infested Dunedin store

The supermarket chain’s Dunedin South branch, then called Countdown, was shut for nearly three weeks in February 2024.

Fri, Mar 27

Heinz Wattie’s confirms closure of four NZ sites, about 300 jobs to go

The company will close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, along with frozen packing lines in Hastings, following a company-wide consultation.

Fri, Mar 27

Sergeant Matthew Lee said the highest recorded speed, up to 170km/h, was logged on Wednesday.

Rental car seized after speeding more than 100 times

A rental company contacted police after tracking dozens of speeding alerts across the lower South Island over the past week.

Thu, Mar 26

Dunedin councillor Benedict Ong has been asked to step down by his colleagues.

Controversial Dunedin councillor asked to resign, reads Kafka extracts

First-term Dunedin councillor Benedict Ong has been asked to resign by his colleagues for breaching the code of conduct.

Wed, Mar 25

Te Whatu Ora has called on people in the community to be alert for symptoms.

Student meningitis outbreaks: What you need to know

After a meningococcal disease outbreak among Dunedin students, and two deaths at a UK uni, an expert explains all.

Wed, Mar 18

Meningococcal cases being treated as outbreak among Dunedin students

Health NZ believe infections may be spreading asymptomatically within the student population, with pharmacies reporting heavy vaccine demand.

Sun, Mar 15

Crashes have been reported up and down the country.

Three dead in separate crashes across New Zealand

Police are investigating three fatal crashes in Hastings, Mangaweka and Lindis Pass today, with multiple roads closed and serious crash inquiries under way.

Sun, Mar 15

'Bloody incredible': Southern lights stun across Otago-Southland

Kiwis from across the region sent photos to 1News, showing the celestial phenomenon in all its glory.

Sun, Mar 15

Keith Andrew Wicks-Cairns was sentenced at the High Court in Dunedin on 10 March 2026.

Dunedin rapist Keith Andrew Wicks-Cairns sentenced to preventive detention

The crown prosecutor described Wicks-Cairns as at very high risk of reoffending, stating "he had no real insight, remorse or empathy for the woman, rather self pity for getting caught".

Tue, Mar 10