Snow closes schools, roads in Dunedin

Heavy snow is causing major disruptions to the lower South Island with schools closing and drivers sliding on the roads.

In Dunedin, most schools are closing Friday because of heavy snow.

Buses around the hills are not running and the airport is cancelling flights.

Police said some cars are stuck on the roads but there have been no reports of any serious crashes.

The northern motorway, State Highway 1 is now open having been earlier closed because of snow.

Otago university is open but Otago Polytechnic is shut.