Otago Daily Times News Feed

Workers at the Finegand freezing works practise the 2m social distancing rule while working for an essential service. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Some workers at the Silver Fern Farms Finegand freezing works say they are not receiving the correct protective gear to work during the Covid-19 outbreak and keeping a distance of 2m between staff was not realistic.

Glide Omarama plans to be back in the air by September, albeit in an initially reduced capacity.

A hostel in Queenstown has implemented stricter lockdown measures after police were called to reports of a large party in a park on Sunday.

Luca Moynihan (4) has been asking for a bike like this for more than a year. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Luca Moynihan is a 4-year-old boy from Invercargill who does not let cerebral palsy stop him doing the things he wants to do.

Danish exchange student Caroline Berg (bottom) with her host family on summer holiday in December last year, at the top of the Crown Range (from left) Karen, Molly and Phil Pasco, all of Invercargill. PHOTO: SUPPLIED As many overseas visitors planned their way back to their home countries before the Covid-19 shut down, one would be particularly missed in Southland. Her adoptive mum, Invercargill bureau chief Karen Pasco reports.

James Johnston completed his Five Passes hike in Kinloch, to find New Zealand in lockdown and masked figures approaching him. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A solo hiker had the shock of a lifetime when he returned from a five-day tramp to find New Zealand in lockdown.

Proposed rates increases in Central Otago are being revised in the wake of anticipated hardship brought on by the impact of Covid-19 on the region’s economy.

Chris Skellett explores the role of trust as we battle the Covid-19 outbreak.

Our basic decency is clear. But a good society needs more than decency, writes Kenan Malik.

Even  on the darkest of days there is usually a glimmer of light, a spark of humour, a surprisingly upbeat moment.

Wool-laden wagons leaving Takapau Station, Poverty Bay district for the shipping port. — Otago Witness, 30.3.1920. For a considerable number of years the settlers of Clutha Valley have been placed at a great disadvantage owing to the poor and uncertain river steamer service by which their needs are supposed to be met. 

Jim Boult. Lakes District Hospital was cleaned from top to bottom last night and 36 staff were tested for Covid-19 after a nurse at the Queenstown facility tested positive to the disease driving lockdowns around the world.

The Higham family is in lockdown at a Newhaven crib following prescient spiritual advice. From left, Jonah (7), Joshua (9), Katie (1), Lana-Grace (6) and Nina (4), and parents Rob and Bianca. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Divine intervention may have led to a Northland family’s recent timely arrival in the South.

Bernadette Farnan It was a case of bubble, bubble, bail and trouble in the Invercargill District Court yesterday, when people who had been arrested overnight went before Judge Bernadette Farnan.

Wanaka’s Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village has introduced tight security following a staff member testing positive for the Covid-19 virus. PHOTO: KERRIE WATERWORTH Family and support people are now the only visitors allowed into the Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village in Wanaka after a staff member tested positive for the Covid-19 virus on Friday.

ICU is a priority in the Covid-19 health response Photo: RNZ file picture Dozens of new intensive care beds are being fast-tracked at Christchurch Hospital's new Hagley building so they are available to treat Covid-19 patients.

Water restrictions have been lifted across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Water restrictions in place across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lifted.

The Covid-19 lockdown will delay the installation of heat pumps in social housing homes across Christchurch. PHOTO: Newsline The Covid-19 lockdown has forced a temporary halt on the installation of heat pumps and better ventilation in hundreds of social housing homes in Christchurch.

Family and support people are now the only visitors allowed into the Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village in Wanaka after a staff member tested positive for the Covid-19 virus on Friday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged AU$130 billion over the next six months to help Australians who have found themselves out of work. Photo: Getty Images New Zealanders living in Australia on 444 visas will be able to access the AU$1,500 fortnightly payments, the Australian government has confirmed.