When it comes to April Fools' Day, most people acknowledge practical jokes with a knowing chuckle.
But for some, the pranks cut close to the bone.
Yesterday's Otago Daily Times April Fools' Day gag elicited such a response from some of our readers.
The story was about a secret proposal to fund the rebuild of Dunedin Hospital by combining it with a five-star hotel in a $1billion development, split between two sites.
Some bought the gag hook, line and sinker on the ODT website.
One reader said: "This would be an amazing opportunity for Dunedin. Like they said, the New Zealand Government doesn't give two hoots about the future of Dunedin. With the forecast of jobs [sic] losses incoming, Dunedin should welcome this with open arms."
"This should draw better doctors and surgeons to Dunedin as well as retaining medical graduates in the city, instead of losing them to Auckland or overseas."
"Construction, medical care and tourism packaged in one investment. I'm all for it.''
But others did not see the funny side of the prank.
One woman called to complain about the story, saying it was "absolutely, totally, horrifically inappropriate'', and there were no words to describe how offensive it was.
Many of the city's residents were suffering because of a lack of medical facilities, and the prank "teased'' those people, she said.
Another reader said: "Crossing the line a bit, given Dunedin Hospital's current financial woes are well known, Otago Daily Times - but quite funny.''
Another prank raising the ire of some Otago residents was an online message from the Royal Albatross Centre, which showed webcam pictures of albatross and their chicks being attacked by sealions and wild cats.
One person described it as "a pretty awful April Fools' joke'' and the Royal Albatross Centre apologised, saying it highlighted the importance of predator control at Taiaroa Head.
"People are often careless with their dumped pets and unfortunately, we do have to be very vigilant and have tight controls in place. April 1 is a good date to make people think about their choices and their impact on the environment.''
Some other colourful, if not obvious, April Fools' Day jokes around the country included a story about Southland farmers putting high-vis vests on their sheep when moving them on public roads, to make sure they kept in line with the new health and safety legislation which comes into effect on Monday.
Many commercial enterprises also got in on the April Fools' Day action by placing advertisements, flogging strange products and deals.
An airline announced the first "Kids' Class'' cabin in the world, featuring "kickable seats, concierge Trunki service to the gate and an on-board teddy bear menu''.
Other ads offered freeze-dried Big Macs for trampers, a radio station for cows and noise-cancelling hammers.
Christchurch Airport said it was considering building a runway with ramps.
"This would aid take-offs because of a steeper ascent and would reduce the amount of fuel airlines need to burn to reach cruising altitude,'' the airport joked.
