Universities welcome the class of 20026 with live music and course schedules.

Students 'cannot survive' on allowance payments, leader says

While preparing for a new year of study, many students say they are struggling to pay for basic essentials such as rent, power and groceries.

7:20pm

2:08

Samson Aruwa on the seat dedicated to Sophia Crestani in Dunedin. (Source: RNZ / Tess Brunton)

'Burned in my memory': Man who pulled Sophia Crestani out of deadly party

Samson Aruwa carried the 19-year-old University of Otago student away from the five-to-six people-deep pile at the overcrowded party in October 2019.

6:08pm

Some of the drugs found by police.

Man caught with car full of drugs on his way to Dunedin O-Week

The driver, and alleged drug dealer, was caught speeding, and an "unmistakable" smell led police to find a haul of drugs.

3:41pm

The man had been sought in relation to a series of offences committed in the Otago Coastal Area over recent days.

Police fire as vehicle driven at patrol during dramatic arrest in Dunedin

Officers involved in the "very dramatic incident" deployed a range of tactical options, including firing one shot from a police pistol.

Thu, Feb 26

1:31

Fire in the Springvale area of Central Otago.

Evacuations as large blaze threatens properties in Otago

"The grass fire is emitting a lot of smoke which is drifting towards Alexandra. If you are in the vicinity of the smoke, please stay inside and keep windows closed," FENZ said.

Wednesday 5:58pm

A growing number of tour groups on buses and shuttles are driving by Dunedin's Castle Street – with domestic and international sightseers wanting to head to the student quarter.

Dunedin's 'notorious' Castle St becomes attraction for international tourists

A growing number of tour groups on buses and shuttles are driving by Dunedin's Castle Street – with domestic and international sightseers wanting to head to the student quarter.

Sun, Feb 22

Castle St, Dunedin.

Officials brace for Dunedin's O-Week after raucous Flo-Week partying

The signs of Saturday's Flo-Week blow-out remained on Castle Street the next day, with shattered glass, bottles, boxes and rubbish lining the road.

Mon, Feb 16

Ben Campbell in Hong Kong in November 2024.

Kiwi shares lead with golf greats at LIV Adelaide

Thirty-four-year-old from Queenstown birdied the par-four 4th as he chases the biggest cheque of his career.

Sat, Feb 14

Highlanders Caleb Tangitau scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific - Highlanders v Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin on the 13 February 2026.

Highlanders score massive upset over Crusaders in Super Rugby opener

Jamie Joseph may well have a new job next by weekend, but he can enjoy a brilliant start to his unfancied Highlanders side's season for now.

Sat, Feb 14

Detective Kevin Kirkman said officers were called to Chelmsford St at around 11.50pm on Tuesday, with a property found to have it ceiling on fire.

Flares spark late-night fire at Otago home, damage parked car

Officers are seeking CCTV or dashcam footage after flares fired into a Hampden street ignited a home and damaged a vehicle.

Thu, Feb 12

Tilly Cambie is remembered as a typically adventurous three-year-old who loved climbing and adored her big sister Lainey.

How many kids have to die from window blind cords, mum asks

Three-year-old Tilly was found by her then-five-year-old sister in the family's lounge in Hāwera on January 1, 2023.

Thu, Feb 12

Caution is needed when meeting new people online or through dating applications.

Auckland woman arrested over $500k romance scam lasting 18 years

Police alleged the woman, a now 44-year-old from Ellerslie, began communicating with the Dunedin man online in 2006.

Wed, Feb 11

Person in critical condition after fall from Otago University building

Person in critical condition after fall from Otago University building

Hato Hone St John told 1News it was notified of the incident after 12.13am today.

Wed, Feb 11

Tongariro Mayor Weston Kirton wants the government to consider a proposal to return Chateau Tongariro to its former status as a hotel. (Source: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham)

Proposal to restore Chateau Tongariro should be considered – mayor

Heritage building has been sitting empty since it was closed in February 2023 due to its earthquake risk.

Wed, Feb 11

A vehicle of the New Zealand police has pulled over a vehicle for speeding in Cromwell in central Otago in the South Island.

'Distressing event': Man in hospital bed charged with Clutha woman's murder

A homicide investigation was launched after the death of a woman in the Otago settlement of Crichton on the evening of Friday, January 23.

Wed, Feb 4

Heavy rain for parts of the South Island on Monday and Tuesday.

Rain watches for parts of the country, other areas set to hit 29C

Metservice says New Zealand can expect two very different sets of conditions across its two islands in the coming days.

Sun, Feb 1

January 2026
One dead after crash in Dunedin overnight

One dead after crash in Dunedin overnight

Emergency services were called to Wickliffe Road in Port Charlmers at around 9.10pm.

Sat, Jan 31

Elliott,22, was killed in a frenzied attack in her Dunedin home in 2008.

Sophie Elliott's killer Clayton Weatherston denied parole

Parole Board cites narcissism, neurodiversity and "offence paralleling behaviour amongst other dynamic factors" for denying the murderer's release.

Fri, Jan 30

‘Absolutely unreal’: Otago family claim $5.3m Powerball win

‘Absolutely unreal’: Otago family claim $5.3m Powerball win

The prize was made up of $5 million from Powerball First Divison and $333,333 from Lotto First Division.

Thu, Jan 29

Sophie Elliott

Sophie Elliott's killer up for parole 18 years after her murder

Clayton Weatherston fatally stabbed the 22-year-old in 2008.

Wed, Jan 28

Global voyagers brought back from the brink with the successful colony on Taiaroa Head near Dunedin. 

'Amazing': Jubilation as 1000th toroa/albatross chick hatches in Otago

Global voyagers brought back from the brink with the successful colony on Taiaroa Head near Dunedin.

Tue, Jan 27

1News' Dunedin reporter Sam Olley reports.

Otago scientists examine microplastics in bowel tissue cancer study

Medical researchers in Christchurch are investigating whether microplastics found in human tissue are contributing to rising bowel cancer rates among younger people.

Sun, Jan 25

Police were called to the incident on Adams Flat Rd at around 6.10pm on Friday.

Homicide investigation launched after woman dies in Clutha

A man remains in a critical condition after police were called to a property on Adams Flat Rd on Friday evening.

Sat, Jan 24

Queenstown, Central Otago.

Concern 'ghost houses' will 'hollow out' Queenstown

Data suggests more than a quarter of the district's properties are unoccupied at any given time.

Tue, Jan 20

Smoke billows from a building fire in Kaikorai, Dunedin.

Large building fire sends thick smoke billowing over Dunedin

Residents in the Kaikorai area have been warned to stay indoors.

Wed, Jan 14