Tess Brunton

Immunocompromised people say looser mask exemption criteria means they may need to further restrict their activities in order to stay safe.

Under the new rules, exemptions can be handed out for those… Audio

The traffic cones are out and barriers are up as Dunedin's Retail Quarter undergoes a face lift.

The George Street revamp was prompted by the need to replace old water, wastewater and stormwater… Video, Audio

Queenstown tourism businesses aren't expecting Australians will return en masse until they hear the ski slopes calling this winter.

Australians are now allowed back in without isolating with the… Audio

Southland firefighters are warning the fire burning in peat under an internationally significant wetland could keep smouldering for weeks if not months.

The fire at Awarua now covers more than 1300… Audio

Kaikōura businesses remain optimistic about the future despite the return of tourists predicted to be still months away.

The borders start reopening from next week.

But for the seaside town renowned… Audio

The tourists are coming back, but will one of the country's most iconic destinations - Fiordland - be ready for them?

Tourism reporter Tess Brunton found out. Audio

A government tourism fund that handed out hundred of millions dollars is being criticised for a lack of transparency and clarity.

An Auditor General's report released today confirms many of the… Audio

The Mackenzie District, with its snow-capped Aoraki, turquoise lakes and star-filled night skies, has been a favourite with international visitors.

And when the borders slammed shut, it suffered… Audio

Auckland businesses are calling it a lifeline - a voucher scheme that's got locals exploring their own back yard.

The government funded $9 million programme kicked off late last year offering… Audio

The Prime Minister has gone on a marketing blitz to reel Australians to our shores.

Tourism operators are racing to ramp up in time - with less than four weeks to go before those crossing the Tasman… Audio

South Westland businesses say the border reopening dates mean they can start edging out of survival mode after two years of hanging on by their fingernails.

Close to 400 jobs were lost in the area… Audio

Financial uncertainty hasn't stopped some West Coasters who have taken the plunge and set up shop in the midst of the pandemic.

There was nearly a 70 per cent drop in spending by visitors to Franz… Audio

Tourism operators are hopeful the border could be open in time for Aussies to eat our hot cross buns this Easter.

The Prime Minister is due to announce plans to fast-track the reopening of the border… Audio

Tourism businesses in the five regions hit hardest by the pandemic say targeted government funding has been a boon but not a silver bullet.

Last year, Minister Stuart Nash unveiled a $200 million… Audio

The cruise ship industry is urging the government to hurry up and reopen the maritime border.

The government has announced a phased reopening of the border but it's focused on air, not sea travel.

… Audio

Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.

By the end of the week, self isolation will be a thing of the… Audio

With borders closed, more New Zealanders have been ticking the Chatham Islands off their bucket list than before the pandemic.

Air Chathams visitor arrivals were up 80-percent last year compared to… Audio

This year's Orientation Week at Otago University is like no other, with hundreds of students stuck isolating due to Covid.

The southern city recorded its first community case of the latest outbreak… Audio

Now to Oamaru, where a colony of Little Blue Penguins has gone from being a nuisance to the stars of a show that helps to support their own conservation.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is managed by… Audio