Otago Daily Times:

Renowned Kiwi photojournalist dies

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:14:00 +1300

New Zealand-born internationally renowned photojournalist Margaret Moth has died, CNN reported.

NZ teenager killed in Perth named

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:12:00 +1300

A New Zealand teenager who had been living in Perth for only a few weeks has died in a road accident when he stepped out into traffic.

Air NZ apologise over dated drinking guide

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +1300

Air New Zealand has apologised for an old crew manual which suggested staff should keep an eye on Tongan passengers who could take advantage of free in-flight alcohol.

Silver Fern fined over gorse clearance

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 06:54:00 +1300

Silver Fern Irene van Dyk and her husband Christie have been fined by Greater Wellington Regional Council for clearing gorse on 2.5 hectares of erosion-prone land at their Upper Hutt property.

Govt increases private role in state sector

Dene Mackenzie — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Retail investors have the chance to own a piece of a school, prison or hospital through a $125 million fund launched by Craigs Investment Partners.

Safe after-ball party promised

Tracey Roxburgh — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Wakatipu High School pupils are asking the Frankton community for its support and understanding before this year's high school ball after-party this weekend.

Swimming spot recedes as water ebbs

Matthew Haggart — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

If you're thinking of going for one last dip in Lake Wanaka at the popular Bremner Bay swimming spot before the seasons change - you might have to go for quite a walk.

Men arrested after 'ruckus'

James Beech — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Two Queenstown men were arrested for fighting and a Queenstown woman was arrested for assault after an altercation at a Shotover St taxi rank early yesterday.

Jet skier trapped under outlet dam

James Beech — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

People taking craft on to Lake Wakatipu are being urged not to approach the Kawarau River dam at the outlet to Lake Wakatipu unless they are experienced with the structure, after a novice jet skier almost drowned yesterday.

Seizure suspected in car crash

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A seizure is suspected of causing a driver to lose control of his car and crash on York Pl, Dunedin, on Saturday morning.

DCC staff to get tips on driving

Chris Morris — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Dunedin City Council wants its staff to get behind the wheel with New Zealand rally ace Emma Gilmour, in an effort to cut the number of accidents involving council vehicles.

Gardies offered in deadline sale

Elspeth McLean — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Drinking at the Gardens Tavern in Castle St may be an endangered feature of student life in Dunedin.

Driver killed near Mosgiel named

Chris Morris — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

The truck driver who died after crashing off State Highway 1 south of Mosgiel, Otago, on Friday, has been named as Reagan van Welie (36).

Tour timing perfect for Hereford fan

Sally Rae — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:56:00 +1300

South American Hereford enthusiast Juan Andres Nin was thrilled to discover the national Hereford herd tour coincided with his working holiday in New Zealand.

Radio chief at TV helm

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:56:00 +1300

Sussan Turner loves the view of the Auckland skyline from wide open bi-fold windows at MediaWorks' radio offices in trendy Ponsonby Rd.

Calf prices steady at opening sale

Neal Wallace — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The new season weaner calf market opened at Owaka last Thursday with prices similar to last year's.

Industry ready for a change, Horn says

Neal Wallace — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Murray Horn is surprised his task to unite the strong wool industry has been compared with making peace in the Middle East.

Extension manager role part of new structure

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Aaron Meikle has been appointed Meat and Wool New Zealand's Central South Island extension manager, and supervisor for the other six extension managers based around the country.

Firm remembered with name of ship

Doug Wright — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Memories of the Furness Withy group, once a major British shipping empire whose interests included shipbuilding, will be re-kindled when the bulk carrier Furness Hartlepool visits Ravensbourne this week.

139-year-old church on move

James Beech — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Arrowtown parishioners are "delighted, relieved and looking forward" after commissioners last week approved the relocation of the 139-year-old Miller's Flat Church from beside St John's Presbyterian Church to a site near the historic miners' cottages.

Lake Esplanade revamp expected to start in spring

Henrietta Kjaer — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Work on a thorough upgrade of the busy Lake Esplanade in Queenstown is set to begin in October or November this year.

Gun club open to land swap

Henrietta Kjaer — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The Wakatipu Gun Club could relocate from its present site at the Shotover Delta to one near the Victoria Flats landfill area in Gibbston valley.

Cecil Peak concert on Saturday

James Beech — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Preparations for the first rock concert on Cecil Peak are under way, with a resource consent application for a temporary helicopter site at Jacks Point received by Lakes Environmental.

Anniversary Day muddles on

Tracey Roxburgh — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Which anniversary day Wakatipu businesses should observe - and when - has long been a contentious issue.

Day of festivity at museum reserve

John Gibb — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Several thousand people flocked to the Otago Museum Reserve yesterday for a "very festive" and successful family fun day, linked to Otago Anniversary weekend, organisers said.

Drinking in pregnancy a worry

John Gibb — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The long-term effect on children's developing brains arising from binge drinking during pregnancy is a matter of "serious concern", University of Otago researcher Dr Ruth Napper says.

Go Otago celebrated at Taieri A and P

Eileen Goodwin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Numbers were down at yesterday's Go Otago event, but an organiser called it a success.

Chin family to discuss future of Sammys

Chris Morris — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Dunedin's Chin family will today meet to decide what to do about their nightclub being ordered closed on Friday by the Dunedin City Council after being designated a fire risk.

Fringe short, sharp and gone in a blink

Nigel Benson — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The fringe is a blur. The festival is only four days old and it's already feeling like a ride on a runaway train in a burlesque fun park.

'Very good' atmosphere at keg party

Eileen Goodwin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Police are reasonably satisfied with the behaviour of University of Otago students at the Hyde St keg party on Saturday, making three arrests at the annual student event.

Building of hall can now proceed

James Beech — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:54:00 +1300

Approval to move Miller's Flat Church means construction of the $1.4 million Arrowtown community hall in its place next to St John's Presbyterian Church can proceed, after five years of planning.

Rare piece of aviation history taking to the skies

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +1300

A replica of a Southland monoplane that might have lifted off the ground 100 years ago is expected to fly again in July to mark the century of the "flight".

Wild weather predicted for much of NZ

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +1300

The MetService has predicted wild weather today over much of the South Island and the lower part of the North Island.

Two people die in vehicle crashes over weekend

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:58:00 +1300

Two people died on the roads this weekend.

Govt might change pension rules

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:56:00 +1300

The Government has indicated it might adjust its pension rules so New Zealanders, who have worked and paid taxes for decades, will be able to access their pensions from overseas.

Sharples talks of tensions with government

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:20:00 +1300

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says issues affecting his people had put pressure on his party's support arrangement with the Government.

Severe weather warning for South

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:34:00 +1300

Heavy rain and severe gales are expected to sweep over the country tomorrow, with forecasters issuing a severe weather warning and advising people to keep an eye on the weather.

Driver killed in Allanton crash named

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:16:00 +1300

The truck driver who died after crashing off State Highway 1 south of Mosgiel, Otago, on Friday has been named.

Kahui reward offer could get a result, says aunt

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:54:00 +1300

A doubling of the reward being offered for information leading to a conviction in the Kahui twins murder case could be enough to get a result, says their aunt.

Watermelon spill blocks Auckland motorway

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:26:00 +1300

Two tons of watermelons blocked Auckland's southern motorway after a truck rolled south of the Newmarket viaduct this morning.

Sick tramper rescued in night mission

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:22:00 +1300

A tramper suffering an allergic reaction was flown out of the Orongorongos, east of Wellington, overnight by Westpac rescue helicopter crew using night vision goggles.

Fraudster offers tips to prevent other rip-offs

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:02:00 +1300

Swindling ASB Bank out of $17.8 million was so "easy" that "anyone could have committed the offence", convicted fraudster Stephen Versalko has told his former employer.

Drunk drivers targeted on Auckland's North Shore

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:36:00 +1300

Drunk drivers have been targeted on Auckland's North Shore this weekend, with 69 people testing positive for excess breath alcohol.

Police search for missing woman in Wellington

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:04:00 +1300

Police are currently searching for a despondent 45-year-old female believed to be in Newtown, Wellington.

Earthquake shakes Central Otago

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:02:00 +1300

An earthquake of 4.3 on the Richter scale rippled across Fiordland, Southland and Central Otago last night.

Woman threatened in West Auckland store

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:48:00 +1300

West Auckland police are tonight hunting two firearm-toting youths who threatened a woman working in a $2 store in Swanson.

Thai protesters plan weekend 'blood-painting'

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:12:00 +1300

[image]Protesters in Thailand announced a full weekend of anti-government activities starting with a massive procession through Bangkok followed by "blood painting," their latest shock tactic aimed at forcing new elections.

Spectacular farewell for plane crash victim

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:38:00 +1300

The victim of a fatal air crash made a high-flying departure when his casket was strapped into a helicopter for a final

Sex worker's 'broken nails' prevented work, court told

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:52:00 +1300

A prostitute has been jailed for 21 days after complaining of breaking her nails at community work and failing to carrying out voluntary work at a Wanganui primary school.

Sex criminal attacked woman while on parole

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:18:00 +1300

A sex criminal attacked two women while he was on parole and under Corrections Department supervision.

False accusation of rape "destroyed" Waikato man

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +1300

A man from the central North Island township of Mangakino says a false accusation of rape levelled against him is a stigma he'll never be able to shake.

"Knight" owes millions, say investors

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:50:00 +1300

A man investors say owes them millions of dollars is pumping petrol in Otaki, north of Wellington, and says he is a knight.

Truck driver dies in crash near Mosgiel

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:26:00 +1300

A truck driver has died after crashing off State Highway 1 in Allanton, south of Mosgiel, Otago, about 11.15pm yesterday.

Woman dies as driver flees police checkpoint

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:20:00 +1300

A woman was killed when a suspected drunk driver fled a police checkpoint and crashed into her vehicle in Blenheim last night.

Fraudster's wife to stand by her man

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:18:00 +1300

As Stephen Versalko starts his six-year jail term for defrauding ASB bank of nearly $18 million, his wife has vowed to stand by him.

Safety fears close Sammy's

Chris Morris — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:02:00 +1300

Dunedin nightspot Sammy's has been ordered to close immediately, after being condemned by the New Zealand Fire Service as a potential deathtrap.

34 appeals against ODHB housework cuts

Eileen Goodwin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:10:00 +1300

Thirty-four elderly people in Otago and Southland have appealed health board housework cuts, according to Otago and Southland district health boards regional planning and funding manager David Chrisp.

Stolen geckos home; sentence 'joke'

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +1300

Watching a bright green and gold jewelled gecko climb on to a branch and disappear into the greenery gave their custodians some satisfaction yesterday.

Developers say plan 'world class'

David Bruce — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Dairy farms proposed for the Omarama and Ohau areas were "a world-class proposal" which was a victim of misinformation, the three companies behind the development said yesterday.

Charity a real estate powerhouse

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

By day, Henry Graciani oversees a 54-bed treatment centre for alcoholics and drug addicts who come to him broke and hopeless. After work, he makes a quick drive to the $US1.3 million ($NZ1.8 million) Santa Monica, California, home he shares with his wife and three children.

NHNZ gets new home

Neal Wallace — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

NHNZ, formerly Natural History New Zealand, likes to fly just under the radar, but its new premises at the southern end of Princes St, in Dunedin, will give it a higher public profile. Business Reporter Neal Wallace reports that NHNZ today has changed rapidly in the past few years.

Hospital staff want revamp questions answered

Joanne Carroll — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Doctors and nurses at Lakes District Hospital have concerns about the Southland District Health Board's (SDHB) proposed shake up of Wakatipu health services.

Hilton tight-lipped on Kawarau Falls site

Joanne Carroll — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Hilton hotel chain is remaining tight-lipped about whether it is moving into Queenstown's Kawarau Falls Station development, but confirms it is "in negotiations" to open a hotel in the resort.

Update of DQ rules advanced

Joanne Carroll — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The overhaul of Queenstown's promotions body Destination Queenstown's (DQ) rules is well advanced.

Action likely to continue

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Industrial action by medical radiation technologists across the country looks set to continue and will include Easter in some places, including Southland.

Community board has funds left to distribute

Ellie Constantine — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Saddle Hill Community Board has unallocated funding to allocate to small local organisations.

Pension demand 'blackmail'

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:30 +1300

A Dunedin man is accusing the Government of blackmail after he was told to apply for his British pension or risk losing his New Zealand superannuation.

Pension demand 'blackmail'

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:30 +1300

A Dunedin man is accusing the Government of blackmail after he was told to apply for his British pension or risk losing his New Zealand superannuation.

Court challenge of dairy-farm consents still on

David Bruce — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

The Waitaki District Council still faces a High Court challenge to resource consents and compliance certificates it issued last year for 16 new dairy farms in the Omarama and Ohau areas.

Asia Pacific forum putsmuseum on 'world stage'

John Gibb — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

The Otago Museum is moving on to the "world stage" by hosting the annual conference of an Asia Pacific science centre network, for the first time in New Zealand, organisers say.

Grant for misadventure research

John Gibb — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Research by University of Otago bachelor of medical science honours student John Zhang is likely to shed new light on medical misadventure cases, involving anatomical-based errors.

Scottish singer shows romance is alive

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Scottish 1980s hit-maker Eddi Reader packed the Otago Settlers Museum for her one-off concert on Thursday night.

First-night nerves over

Nigel Benson — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Well, that was nerve-racking!

BP, Shell fuel stocks replenished

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

BP and Shell are getting fuel from other centres to boost their dwindling Dunedin supplies.

Mixed month's weather leaves ground parched

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Rain is urgently needed in many places throughout Otago after a mixed bag of weather during February, resulting in a drier-than-normal month.

Contract signed 'under duress'

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Dunedin pharmacist Don Anderson says he has signed a contract with the Otago District Health Board, but did so under duress.

Cellphone tickets issued

Debbie Porteous — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Police issued tickets to six drivers using cellphones during a one-hour operation in central Dunedin yesterday.

Rural health appointment

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Balclutha general practitioner and Otago District Health Board member Dr Branko Sijnja has been appointed director of the University of Otago's Rural Medical Immersion Programme.

Museum position announced

John Gibb — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Maori elders from Whangarei are making something of a habit of ceremonially handing over directors of the Whangarei Museum to the Otago Settlers Museum.

East German symbol provides a lesson

John Lewis — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

It has a smoky two-stroke engine and a distinctive sound, but the Trabant runs on the smell of an oily rag, which makes it the perfect car to take on a road trip.

Dunedin scenes to go on web

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

An Australian media personality arrives in Dunedin today to film a series aimed at promoting the city and surrounding regions to Australians.

Film of day in life of worker screens

Elspeth McLean — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

Dunedin supermarket worker Peter Stevens got to see himself starring in a 15-minute documentary this week and declared the result "marvellous".

Assessment of heritage significance

Debbie Porteous — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

The former Dunedin prison may have more heritage value than initially thought, after the Historic Places Trust found the courtyard style of the building was a rarity in New Zealand.

Opinion: 'Hysteria' against mining has only scratched surface

John Armstrong — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Hysterical? Who's being hysterical? Not the media, Prime Minister.

Programme for young jobless is working

Ellie Constantine — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A government initiative to engage young unemployed people in their community and help them find work is proving a blooming success in Dunedin.

Ready to set the wheels back in ocean

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Rest assured - this is a very wheel boat.

Remains found following arrest of man over murder

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:03:00 +1300

Police have appealed for people with information about the disappearance of Harold Skudder, whose remains were found down a steep bank in Upper Hutt yesterday, to contact them.

Multi-million dollar donation for stem cell research

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:10:00 +1300

A foundation established by New Zealand's first honorary knight, Julian Robertson, has given $10.2 million to Duke University in North Carolina in the United States to advance the use of cord blood as a therapy.

Remains found following arrest over murder

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:30:00 +1300

Police believe the skeletal remains found down a steep bank today in Upper Hutt, north of Wellington, may be the body of Harold Skudder, who has been missing for more than three years.

Scott Technology's bonus issue allotment date changes

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:04:00 +1300

Scott Technology Ltd has changed the allotment date for its one-for-10 non-taxable bonus issue to March 26 from March 31 at the request of the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

Bee company stung for $78,000 after ATV death

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:04:00 +1300

A honey company which sent a novice worker on a quad bike without a helmet has been fined $78,000, in a sequel to the man's death.

Radiographers' industrial action continues

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:42:00 +1300

Radiographers, who have been taking action at District Health Boards across the country since late February over a 3 percent pay claim, are planning further strike action with talks having reached a stalemate, their union says.

Police amazed at driver swap

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:32:00 +1300

Hamilton police were amazed when they watched a driver swap places with his passenger while police were attempting to pull him over during a routine stop this morning.

Rapist hoped bail jumping would stop trial

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +1300

Pravin Kumar hoped his efforts to skip bail and miss his trial date might help him avoid a trial on two rape charges.

Police investigating flag burning protest

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +1300

Police have been called in to investigate a political stunt involving the burning of a New Zealand flag in the grounds of Parliament today.

Liquor baron flew executive chopper into cloud: CAA

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:56:00 +1300

Billionaire businessman Michael Erceg flew his executive helicopter -- and the Dutch businessman who was his passenger -- into treetops that he apparently failed to see in time, according to a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) report released today.

Navy's first offshore patrol ship heading for home

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:50:00 +1300

The first of the navy's two offshore patrol ships is about to head off on its maiden voyage to New Zealand.

Minister dismisses claims of cost blowouts at Housing NZ

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:44:00 +1300

Housing Minister Maurice Williamson has dismissed claims from Labour that costs of a business case for an IT system overhaul at Housing New Zealand are spiralling out of control.

Courier's first day results in conviction

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:18:00 +1300

A Palmerston North courier driver's first day on the job ended with a crash and ultimately a conviction for careless driving.

New school of public health launched

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +1300

A new school of public health at Massey University will bring together work on some of New Zealand's biggest health problems.

Most will benefit from tax changes: NZIER

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:42:00 +1300

A household with an income of $65,000 a year is likely to be better off by around $12 a week under tax changes in the upcoming budget, according to the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER).

Skeletel remains found

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:28:00 +1300

Police have found skeletal remains down a steep bank in Upper Hutt, north of Wellington, today and believe it may be the body of a man who has been missing for more than three years.

Mackenzie country faces more challenges, Greens say

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:20:00 +1300

Canterbury's Mackenzie country isn't safe despite a plan for intensive dairy farming being shelved, the Green Party says.

Environmental group ready to defend Bethune

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +1300

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) has Japanese lawyers lined up to defend incarcerated anti-whaling protester Peter Bethune, but hopes Japanese authorities will consider him a "hot potato" and send him home.

Friend struggles with news of missing boatie

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:10:00 +1300

A former Gisborne man who was one of the last people to see missing yachtsman Paul van Rensburg, is struggling to comprehend "what the hell has gone wrong".

Poachers nabbed through hotline calls

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:54:00 +1300

Poachers have been caught red handed through calls from the public to a fisheries hotline, Acting Fisheries Minister David Carter says.

Man in Lower Hutt court over historic murder

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:04:00 +1300

A Wellington man has been remanded in custody after an appearance in court for the historic murder of a Lower Hutt man.

Sex offender blames brain injury

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:46:00 +1300

A 46-year-old man has blamed a brain injury from his days tree-felling for his "failure to recognise proper boundaries" with years of sex offending against two girls.

Second death reported after Cyclone Tomas

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:44:00 +1300

A second person has been found dead in Fiji following Cyclone Tomas which hit the country earlier this week.

Finance company directors charged

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:42:00 +1300

The Securities Commission has laid criminal charges and issued civil proceedings against Capital + Merchant Finance directors Neal Nicholls, Owen Tallentire, Colin Ryan and Robert Sutherland.

Three years' jail for violent burglary

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +1300

A burglar who struck a 72-year-old rural Canterbury resident with a fence paling when he was trapped at the crime scene was jailed for three years at his sentencing in Christchurch District Court today.

Dunne signals personal tax cuts

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:38:00 +1300

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has added further weight to widespread expectations the tax system on property investment is to be changed, and personal taxes are to be lowered.

Mystery cyclist identified

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:34:00 +1300

A cyclist who collapsed while riding on Auckland's North Shore yesterday has been identified but remains seriously ill in hospital.

Kathmandu shines in NZ sharemarket

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:42:00 +1300

Kathmandu shares rose 7c to a new high in early trading on the New Zealand sharemarket, on top of a 19c gain yesterday after it reported its first interim result since being floated last November.

French court convicts woman of killing 6 newborns

Online editor — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:48:00 +1300

A court in Normandy has convicted a 38-year-old woman of killing six of her newborn babies - a deed she acknowledged - and sentenced her to 15 years in prison.

Pakatoa Island up for sale

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +1300

Pakatoa Island in the Hauraki Gulf is being advertised for sale, with the owner expecting a price between $30 million and $40m.

Shipley tipped for ECan role

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:02:00 +1300

A Labour MP says former National prime minister Jenny Shipley is to be put in charge of Canterbury's regional council but Environment Minister Nick Smith says such decisions haven't been made yet.

Witnesses to fatal crash say driver was drunk

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:56:00 +1300

Witnesses to a fatal road accident near the Northland town of Kerikeri earlier this week say a woman died when she was hit by a very drunk driver.

Domain name too hot to be sold, say Sex.com creditors

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:42:00 +1300

The suitors for Sex.com have been put off for now. An auction for the much-sought-after domain name was cancelled on Wednesday after three creditors filed a petition forcing the owner into bankruptcy.

Warships fight back against pirates

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:30:00 +1300

An international fleet of warships is attacking and destroying Somali pirate vessels closer to the shores of East Africa and the new strategy, combined with more aggressive confrontations further out to sea, has dealt the brigands a setback, officials and experts said today.

India's Commonwealth Games construction kills 43

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:12:00 +1300

A court-appointed panel says at least 43 workers have been killed building venues for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi because of dangerous work sites and a lack of proper safety gear.

Obama postpones Asia trip to focus on health care

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:56:00 +1300

President Barack Obama is postponing his trip to Asia until June so he can stay in Washington for a possible Sunday vote on his health care overhaul plan.

Elderly couple 'lucky to be alive' after yacht sinks

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:12:00 +1300

An elderly couple are lucky to be alive after their yacht hit rocks and sank in choppy seas north of Wellington last night, police say.

Search for yachtie suspended

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:08:00 +1300

The search for a South African yachtsman missing on a voyage from Tauranga to Gisborne has been suspended.

Man charged with murder after disappearance

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:06:00 +1300

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder after police received new information on the disappearance of a Lower Hutt man more than three years ago.

Anniversary holiday confusion reigns

John Lewis — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:59:00 +1300

Otago Anniversary Day will be just like any other day of the week for most businesses in the region.

Facebook considers 'panic button'

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:20:00 +1300

Social networking platform Facebook says it is considering installing a "panic button" on its British web site after government pressure.

Oversupply of properties lowers value

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:10:00 +1300

Queenstown has an oversupply of apartments, tourist accommodation and office space, which is forcing down some retail and office rentals, according to a national valuation company.

Mother continues fight over son's death

James Beech — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:10:00 +1300

The mother of the Royal New Zealand Air Force engineer who died when his motorcycle left State Highway 6 at Cromwell in 2005 has vowed to continue her battle for answers, despite a Queenstown coroner's verdict yesterday.

NZ economic improvement "impressive" - Mastercard adviser

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

New Zealand's economy has been dynamic in the last decade and comparisons with Australia are misleading, according to Mastercard Worldwide economic adviser Yuwa Hedrick-Wing.

Drugs aimed at Dunedin

Hamish McNeilly — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

Dunedin and Wanaka have accounted for nearly half of all New Zealand intercepts of the recreational drug mephedrone.

Drugs aimed at Dunedin

Hamish McNeilly — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

Dunedin and Wanaka have accounted for nearly half of all New Zealand intercepts of the recreational drug mephedrone.

Fonterra leads dirty dairying crackdown

Neal Wallace — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Dairy industry leaders have put farmers on notice to lift their game after a damning report showed many have substandard effluent management systems.

Opec maintains reduced output

Dene Mackenzie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Oil prices touched $US83 ($NZ117) yesterday, coming within $US2 of this year's high on a recovery in demand in the United States and Opec's decision to leave output targets unchanged.

Exporters find shipping space short

Neal Wallace — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Exporters are struggling to get shipping space due to reduced vessel capacity and the seasonal peak in production.

Kathmandu profit lifts shares 8%

Dene Mackenzie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Shares of clothing retailer Kathmandu improved 8% in price yesterday as investors reacted positively to the nearly 50% rise in operating profit.

Resort driving growth in Otago - report

Chris Morris — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Queenstown's position as the engine room driving growth in Otago has been underscored by a new report profiling the province's economic performance.

'Hilton Queenstown' advertises, speculation over site

Tracey Roxburgh — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

A Hilton hotel for Queenstown looks certain, with the company advertising on its website for a business development director and an operations director.

Shark study prompts warning

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Boat divers and kayakers are being advised to avoid areas around the Titi Islands, off Stewart Island's northeast coast, during the next fortnight as a multidisciplinary team researches great white sharks.

Situation deepens at transport and toy museum

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

When it comes to holes in the ground, Queenstown and Wanaka residents know how to dig them.

Prospect of job losses hard for staff to take

John Gibb — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:59:00 +1300

Some staff at the University of Otago College of Education are feeling "shell-shocked" by a review of college operations which aims to cut costs by $1.3 million and is likely to mean job losses.

Trinity top-scorers a rare threesome

John Lewis — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

"I used to stand on chairs at relatives' houses when I was little, and put on a bit of a play. I like the limelight - very much so."

Public say on parking

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

The community will get its say on future parking options in the Queenstown CBD, when a proposal from the Queenstown Lakes District Council is opened for consultation as part of the next draft annual plan to be released in April.

Police kept busy in town

Joanne Carroll — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

A 20-year-old Wellington man was arrested and charged with assaulting a woman who allegedly asked to stop him urinating on the street in Queenstown early yesterday.

Breakfast prompts call

James Beech — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

A trio of Queenstown men keeping warm and cooking breakfast on a brazier on their barge prompted a quick response from Queenstown police and fire brigade early yesterday.

Police car walked over

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

A man who allegedly walked up the bonnet of a police car in North Dunedin on St Patrick's Day will appear in court.

Colourful splodge launches festival

Nigel Benson — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:58:00 +1300

The 2010 Dunedin Fringe Festival began with a colourful splash in the Octagon yesterday.

Power plan caution call

David Bruce — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Federated Farmers is concerned having two competing electricity generators operating power stations on the Waitaki River could affect irrigation in North Otago and South Canterbury.

From 'fat' woman to catwalk

Tracey Roxburgh — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Twelve months ago Alison Beaumont looked in the mirror and asked herself a question which would change her life.

Community reserve taking shape

James Beech — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Gibbston valley residents could be playing their first friendly cricket match against Cardrona and Bannockburn rivals by Christmas, if the extraordinary pace of the development of the reserve keeps up.

Life Synergy Expo very inspiring

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Arrowtown book buyer Miranda Spary continues her regular column about her recommendations for a good read and life as she sees it...

System cuts power

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A power cut in Wanaka about 11am yesterday was caused by a fault in protection equipment at the Wanaka substation, Delta systems control manager Graeme Johnson, of Cromwell, said yesterday.

Not a cross word among them

James Beech — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Following a 40-date sold-out tour of the United Kingdom and a residency in London's West End, Grumpy Old Women are running rampant around New Zealand and head to Arrowtown this month.

Accident report due in June

Joanne Carroll — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

An investigation into a commercial jet-boat accident on the Dart River, near Glenorchy, last year has been completed, but a final report is still about three months away.

International party

Joanne Carroll — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Member's of Queenstown's Irish community were not the only people dressed in green and enjoying the craic, as hundreds of people from all over the world celebrated St Patrick's Day in the resort this week.

Improvements on way for Arrowtown street

Henrietta Kjaer — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Berkshire St, the main arterial road leading into Arrowtown from Malaghans Rd and the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd, is due for an upgrade.

Workshop studies gardens plan

Joanne Carroll — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Lighting, playground space, signs and parking were among the issues raised at a community workshop on the new reserve management plan for the Queenstown Gardens this week.

College 'responds to industry'

Tracey Roxburgh — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Today 49 students will graduate from the Queenstown Resort College.

Sacked hotel manager to be paid $10,000

Tracey Roxburgh — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Oaks Hotels and Resorts NZ Ltd has been ordered to pay a former Queenstown employee $10,000 in lost wages and compensation for unjustified dismissal in 2008.

Auckland fraudster lived high life after $18m con

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:05:00 +1300

The Auckland bank investment adviser who lived the high life for years on money stolen from clients was "nothing, if not resourceful in the way he presented the investment opportunities," the Serious Fraud Office says.

Unions give cautious backing to Productivity Commission

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:02:00 +1300

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) has cautiously backed the proposed Productivity Commission saying if it is designed properly it could help lift wages and living standards

Greens outraged by spy agency's changed role

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:02:00 +1300

The Green Party says it is an outrage that one of the country's spy agencies has changed its name and is going to have a new domestic security role, without Parliament even being told about it.

Labour claims National hypocritical over leaks

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:02:00 +1300

The National Party is being accused of acting in a hypocritical manner over its response to leaks of information contained in confidential Cabinet papers.

Backing for call to lift duck hunters ban

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:02:00 +1300

Fish and Game wants an iwi's duck shooting ban on Wellington's Pencarrow lakes lifted while an environmental impact study is done.

Shark research team heads south

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +1300

Uncovering the secrets of one of the most feared creatures of the sea, the great white shark, is the aim of a research team heading to Stewart island this week.

Waihopai trio may face new trial

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:58:00 +1300

The Crown may yet take another run at the Waihopai saboteurs who were acquitted yesterday of wilful damage and burglary charges.

Air NZ makes changes to Tasman, Pacific routes

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:52:00 +1300

Anyone flying to Australia and the Pacific on Air New Zealand from late this year will have four options of service priced accordingly, with the bottom option challenging budget airlines.

Tapper Transport sold for $15m

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:54:00 +1300

Port of Tauranga Ltd paid tribute to logistics industry figure Simon Tapper today as it announced the purchase of Tapper Transport for $15 million.

Dirtier dairying triggers call for regulation

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +1300

An environmental lobbyist says dairying is getting dirtier and the Government should intervene and set easily-enforced standards to fight contamination of waterways and groundwater.

Variety raises $400,000 for children

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:08:00 +1300

Children's charity Variety last week raised $400,000 for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Zion denies it sold tiger's body parts

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:06:00 +1300

The management of Whangarei-based Zion Wildlife Gardens have denied claims they sold body parts of the tiger that killed handler Dalu Mncube last year.

Further cuts will handicap TVNZ: MPs

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:54:00 +1300

Cutting back further on TVNZ's news and current affairs budget is short-sighted and will lead only to a downward spiral in the broadcaster's ability to operate in a competitive environment, Opposition MPs say.

Online advertisements show labour market is improving

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +1300

An increasing number of jobs being advertised online shows demand for skilled workers is steadily improving, says Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett.

Cyclone Tomas less destructive than expected

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:29:52 +1300

Homes have been destroyed, crops flattened and debris scattered across Fiji but Cyclone Tomas didn't cause as much damage as first thought, officials say.

Bank fraud spent millions on sex workers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:19:59 +1300

A former bank investment adviser who stole nearly $18 million and then spent $3.4 million of it on two sex workers will spend at least four years in jail.

Laws welcomes gang patch verdict

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:54:00 +1300

Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws has welcomed a court decision to uphold the city's anti-gang patch law.

Prison staff's suspicions lead to arrest

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:52:00 +1300

A visitor at Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prison was arrested after prison staff became suspicious about items he had in his car.

5 Americans face terror charges in Pakistan

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:49:47 +1300

A Pakistani court has charged five young Americans with planning terrorist attacks in the South Asian country and conspiring to wage war against nations allied with Pakistan, their defence lawyer said.

Cabinet leaks show high level of frustration: Labour

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:44:00 +1300

Leaks involving confidential National Party Cabinet documents shows there is a growing level of frustration at the secrecy surrounding issues which potentially have a big impact on the public, Labour MPs say.

Taliban wages campaign of fear in Afghan town

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:42:29 +1300

A month after losing control of their southern base in Marjah, the Taliban have begun to fight back, launching a campaign of assassination and intimidation to frighten people from supporting the US and its Afghan allies.

Russia must tap Arctic resources: Medvedev

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:37:08 +1300

Russia must defend its claims to mineral riches of the Arctic in increasing competition with other powers, President Dmitry Medvedev says.

Iraqi PM fights for survival

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:06 +1300

The man who has led Iraq for the past four years is battling for his political survival just as US troops are getting ready to pack up and go home.

SFO investigation Capital

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:38:00 +1300

The Serious Fraud Office has begun an investigation into Capital + Merchant Finance following a referral from Grant Thornton, the receivers of companies within the Capital + Merchant Group.

Man killed in bulldozer accident named

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:18:00 +1300

A farmer who died when a bulldozer he was using went down a bank into a gully has been named as Malcolm Alexander Squire, from Tokomaru, 21km southeast of Palmerston North.

Key opens Kupe Gas Project

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:56:00 +1300

The $1.3 billion Kupe Gas Project in Taranaki was officially opened today by Prime Minister John Key.

Two arrests after police seize drugs, firearms

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:16:00 +1300

Two women were arrested and drugs, firearms and stolen property valued at $15,000 seized in an armed police raid in south Auckland yesterday.

Minister demands action on dairy water pollution

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:10:00 +1300

Dairy farmers need to get their act together, Agriculture Minister David Carter said today after the release of a report showing unacceptable levels of effluent management.

Alcohol abuse in the Pacific on the rise: Report

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:06:00 +1300

Alcohol abuse is on the rise in the Pacific, and Australian and New Zealand beer is a large part of the problem, a new report has found.

Ageing trains to blame for latest faults: KiwiRail

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:58:00 +1300

An "aging train fleet" is the reason for cancellations and delays on Wellington's rail network this morning, KiwiRail says.

Teenager jailed for woman's manslaughter

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:38:00 +1300

A teenager who admitted his role in the arson death of a south Auckland woman last year has been jailed for two years, but given leave to apply for home detention.

Kathmandu reports half year revenues up 27.5%

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:18:00 +1300

Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu Holdings reported a 27.5% lift in half year revenues to $106.6 million, saying the result came in an improved retail environment and reflected new stores and a strong Christmas promotion.

Telecom creates website section for XT updates

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:06:00 +1300

Telecom has created a new section on its website to keep media and customers updated on its XT network during a review and improvements following a series of outages affecting thousands of customers.

Union group pleased National will not support youth rate bill

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:58:00 +1300

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) has welcomed the Government's decision not to support the reintroduction of youth rates.

Inquiries launched into Govt information leaks

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:26:00 +1300

The State Services Commission has launched inquiries into the unauthorised release of Government information including a Cabinet paper on the stocktake of Crown minerals.

Man killed in King Country crash named

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:08:00 +1300

Police have named a man killed in a car crash in the King Country yesterday.

Helicopter joins search for missing yachtie

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:08:00 +1300

A helicopter is to join the search today for missing yachtie Paul Rensburg and will scour the coast between Tauranga and Gisborne.

Strong version of party drug worries NZ police

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:52:00 +1300

Quantities of a party drug linked to the death of two teenagers in Britain have been intercepted by New Zealand Customs officials, with police fearing a strong version of mephedrone is in use here as a substitute for ecstasy.

Fire crews investigate cause of Marlborough fire

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:42:00 +1300

Investigators remain at the scene of a suspicious forest fire which forced the evacuation of about 40 people from their homes near Canvastown in Marlborough on Tuesday night.

US man finds cold intruder in bed with him

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:30:00 +1300

Police say a man broke into a Pittsburgh home and climbed into bed with its owner, apparently because he was drunk and cold following a rap concert.

NZ dollar rises through much of night, then falls away

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:06:00 +1300

The New Zealand dollar rose to an eight-week high against the greenback, as the United States currency fell against higher-yielding currencies after the Federal Reserve's commitment to low interest rates yesterday prompted investors to seek higher returns elsewhere.

Winery fined $50,000 for taking water

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:18:00 +1300

A judge who was "not impressed at all" has slapped a fine of $50,000 fine on a winery for taking water from a river in breach of water restrictions.

One dead after motorcycle and vehicle collide

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:16:00 +1300

One person is dead after a motorcycle and another vehicle collided in Waiuku, southwest of Auckland, soon after daylight today.

"Biblical" father who hit son with pipe avoids jail

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:12:00 +1300

A New Plymouth man who hit his son with an alkathene pipe, claiming he was following the Bible's teachings has avoided jail after admitting he was wrong.

Wellington train woes continue

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:04:00 +1300

Issues continue to plague Wellington's train network today after three separate faults caused cancellations and delays yesterday.

TVNZ news budget to be cut back

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:28:00 +1300

TVNZ news and current affairs is set to lose $5 million from its budget.

Search resumes for missing yacht

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:20:00 +1300

An aerial search was due to begin at first light again today for a yacht now four days overdue on a voyage from Tauranga to Gisborne.

Concerns held for diabetic man missing in Napier

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:56:00 +1300

Napier police are searching for a diabetic man who failed to return home from work yesterday.

Domebusters hailed after acquittal

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:56:00 +1300

A lobby group has called for the Waihopai spy base to be closed following the acquittal of three activists yesterday on charges of vandalising the base near Blenheim.

'Cave rave' shifted indoors

Chris Morris — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +1300

The "cave rave" planned for Long Beach will instead be held at Dunedin nightspot Sammy's after a safety inspection at the beach found revellers could be at risk from loose boulders perched high up a cliff face.

Park mining subsidy proposed

Hamish McNeilly — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Government proposes subsidising the survey work of mining companies in the Mt Aspiring and the Rakiura National Parks, apparently leaked documents suggest.

US economy key to pump prices in NZ

Dene Mackenzie — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

New Zealand motorists should receive some protection from sharp rises in the price of petrol at the pump as a sluggish United States economy and a continuing low dollar keep interest rates stable in the US.

Core costs push rates take to $1b

Chris Morris — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The cost of rebuilding New Zealand's core infrastructure - rather than shiny new stadiums or glory projects - is to blame for the country's first $1 billion rates bill, Local Government New Zealand says.

Keeping Carisbrook an option

Chris Morris — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

The Dunedin City Council may seek to retain ownership of Carisbrook and develop the site, rather than selling it, it has been confirmed.

Oil expert delivers harbourside warning

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +1300

Changing the zoning of harbourside land would "kill" Dunedin's chances of becoming the base for an offshore oil industry.

Man arrested over burnt car

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A 35-year-old Dunedin man has been arrested and charged with arson after his car was found burnt out late last year.

Larnach Castle buys nearby home

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Larnach Castle Ltd has bought a neighbouring 17.4ha property in a mortgagee sale.

Teen flown to hospital

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter flew to Macraes Flat, East Otago, last night to pick up a 15-year-old youth who had fallen from a tree.

Ratepayers will pay for cycleway maintenance

Mark Price — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

While taxpayers will pick up the tab for building the $6.8 million cycleway between Dunedin and Port Chalmers, Dunedin ratepayers will foot the bill for its maintenance.

Board copes with scanning workers' industrial action

Elspeth McLean — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Arrangements to cope with industrial action by medical radiation technologists (MRTs) at Otago District Health Board have gone smoothly so far.

ODHB to provide housework support update

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

Otago District Health Board managers will meet home support providers today to update them on plans to review housework support for some elderly.

Teen flown to hospital

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter flew to Macraes Flat, East Otago, last night to pick up a 15-year-old youth who had fallen from a tree.

Student knocked out in Hyde St 'brawl'

John Lewis — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +1300

A University of Otago student was knocked unconscious during "a brawl" in Hyde St, Dunedin, involving up to 50 people last night.

Competition keeps lamb prices artificially high

Neal Wallace — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Competition among meat companies for a diminishing number of prime lambs is keeping prices higher than they should be.

Consumers show less confidence

Dene Mackenzie — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Rising interest rates and petrol prices, along with worsening unemployment combined to knock the confidence of consumers in the March quarter.

Cavalcade gives groups $16,500

Marjorie Cook — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The Cavalcade Host Town Committee has given $16,500 to a range of Wanaka organisations for helping with the finale celebrations on February 27, which attracted thousands of spectators and featured more than 600 cavalcade participants.

QLDC taken to task over cabins

Henrietta Kjaer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The Queenstown Lakes District Council was yesterday described as a "slumlord" for allegedly neglecting formerly private cabins it bought in the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park and on nearby land and continues to rent.

Labour warns of deterioration in public services

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:06:00 +1300

The public will inevitably notice deteriorating public services because of the Government's job cuts, the Labour Party says.

Kerikeri blaze stretches firefighters

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +1300

A Kerikeri scrub fire which is threatening the local airport has been contained but it yet to be brought under control.

Bill runs into problems with Bill of Rights

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:20:00 +1300

A bill that would prevent any prisoner from voting in a general election has fallen foul of the Bill of Rights Act.

Govt has close call on mental health bill

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:12:00 +1300

A Labour MP's member's bill was defeated on the narrow majority of 62-60 in Parliament last night.

Wool row to go to Court of Appeal

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:10:00 +1300

A legal row which last year reached the highest court in the land -- a challenge by a small group of fine wool growers against the way they were treated by the former Wool Board -- will be tried again in the Court of Appeal on June 30.

Minister walks out after calling MP a liar

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:06:00 +1300

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman walked out of Parliament's debating chamber last night rather than apologise for calling a Labour MP a liar.

MP claims Aorangi School was closed too quickly

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:06:00 +1300

Children who were forced to leave Christchurch's Aorangi School when it was closed last year have inadequate facilities for bilingual education at Burnside Primary, Labour MP Lianne Dalziel says.

NZ to help Fiji for as long as necessary: McCully

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:12:00 +1300

The Government says it will provide assistance to cyclone-struck Fiji for as long as necessary.

Waihopai spy base trio found not guilty

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:25:00 +1300

Three peace activists walked free today even though they admitted breaking into a Government spy base near Blenheim and slashing an inflatable plastic dome covering a satellite dish.

Greens raise legal point over detained whaling protester

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:06:00 +1300

The Green Party says whaling protester Peter Bethune may have been legally entitled under international maritime law to attempt a citizen's arrest on the captain of Japanese vessel Shonan Maru, and that the New Zealand Government needs to act to assist him from a legal perspective.

Man wants to meet youth he assaulted

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +1300

A 19-year-old who beat up another youth in a violent street confrontation wants to meet his victim, a court was told today.

Jury retires in Waihopai spy base trial

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:38:00 +1300

The jury retired this afternoon to consider its verdicts in the trial of three men accused of breaking into and damaging the Waihopai spy base near Blenheim.

Govt appears to have problems filling the front line

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +1300

The Government has increased the number of positions for what it calls front-line staff, but figures released today show it is having difficulties filling them.

Second plane joins hunt for missing yachtie

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:08:00 +1300

A second plane has joined an Air Force Orion in the hunt for a yacht missing after leaving Tauranga for Gisborne on Friday morning.

'It has been a 15-year dream'

Adrian Seconi — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:03:00 +1300

Gayle Hall has been at her son's side cheering him on all his life but she has never yelled as loud as she did yesterday.

Produce growers say GST increase will hurt

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:50:00 +1300

Fruit and vegetable growers fear they will be the losers if a plan to increase GST goes ahead.

Student injured in welding workshop explosion

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:38:00 +1300

A student has been injured in an explosion in a welding work shop at a Taranaki polytech this afternoon.

NZ partners mimic pregnancy symptoms: study

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:08:00 +1300

Partners of pregnant women often get their own set of symptoms that mirror pregnancy - food cravings and weight gain, constipation, labour pains, headaches and toothache, a New Zealand researcher says.

Outrage at hoax mayday caller

Hamish McNeilly — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +1300

The man believed to be behind two bogus mayday calls in less than a week, has cost taxpayers thousands of dollars and outraged his would-be rescuers.

Stolen catamaran found in field

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:50:00 +1300

A home-built catamaran valued at $100,000 stolen from the yard of a Palmerston North engineering firm has been found in a north Waikato field.

Toddler murder trial abandoned

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:50:00 +1300

A woman's trial for murdering a three-year-old boy in her care was abandoned today after four weeks because a key medical witness was too ill to give evidence.

National rules out supporting youth rate Bill

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:42:00 +1300

The National Party has ruled out supporting a bill introduced to Parliament by ACT MP Sir Roger Douglas seeking to allow for the reintroduction of youth rates.

Fijian villager makes the first call out of Cikobia

Online ODT — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +1300

Cyclone Tomas uprooted trees and smashed houses as it tore through the Fijian island of Cikobia, a villager has told a local radio station.

Power prices need to rise: Contact

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +1300

Power prices will need to be raised by 4 to 5 percent a year to cover the costs of building new power plants, Contact Energy says.

Tourist fined after crashing into tour bus

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:16:00 +1300

A Canadian tourist who crashed his mini-van into a tour bus loaded with other tourists in Wellington yesterday has been fined $800.

Green party candidate and scientist dies

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +1300

A paua diver drowned in southern Hawke's Bay yesterday has been named as former Green party candidate and scientist Bevan Tipene-Matua.

Rising diesel demand could point to economic rebound

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:48:00 +1300

A 5 percent rise in diesel demand in the December quarter from a year earlier could indicate a rebounding economy.

$15,000 awarded to man sexually harassed at work

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:42:00 +1300

A restaurant worker sacked after being discriminated against because of his sexual orientation has been awarded has been awarded nearly $15,000.

NZ human rights record under scrutiny at UN

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:26:00 +1300

New Zealand's record on human rights and challenges it faced were highlighted today as Justice Minister Simon Power spoke at the United Nations.

Exporters have trouble shipping goods at season peak

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:08:00 +1300

Exporters are reporting difficulty in securing container space and are experiencing shipping delays of up to six weeks, according Export NZ, a division of Business NZ.

Maori language agency merger mooted

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:04:00 +1300

The idea of merging the various agencies responsible for promoting the Maori language has found some favour amongst them.

Health Ministry announces job cuts

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:38:00 +1300

One hundred and thirty jobs may be lost at the Health Ministry, Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan said today.

Shifting Maori programmes off TV One would cause concerns

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:32:00 +1300

Maori broadcasting agency Te Mangai Paho (TMP) would be very concerned if the programmes they funded on Television One were moved to TVNZ's TV6 and TV7 channels, MPs were told today.

Car fails to take bend

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:28:21 +1300

One person is dead after a car crash in the King Country today.

Cable-maker may lay off more workers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1300

Christchurch manufacturer General Cable is declining to confirm union reports it is to cut about 100 jobs as it sets out on an 18-month transformation process.

Faults plague Wellington rail services

Online ODT — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:38:00 +1300

A third fault on Wellington's rail network has further inconvenienced commuters, with a signal and points failure around 11am seeing trains replaced by buses between Plimmerton and Paraparaumu.

Govt commits $1m to Fiji after cyclone

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:04:00 +1300

The New Zealand Government has committed an initial $1 million in aid to Fiji after a devastating cyclone which has killed at least one person, destroyed homes and knocked out power and communications, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says.

'One of biggest pharmaceutical heists' ever, happens in US

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:54:00 +1300

In a Hollywood-style heist, thieves cut a hole in the roof of a warehouse, rappelled inside and scored one of the biggest hauls of its kind - not diamonds, gold bullion or Old World art, but about $75 million ($NZ145.6 million) in antidepressants and other prescription drugs.

Consumer confidence slips in March quarter

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:00 +1300

Consumer confidence edged lower in the March quarter but optimists continued to outnumber pessimists, a new survey shows.

Pope to visit England, Scotland in September

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:26:00 +1300

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Scotland and England in September in a four-day visit combining preaching and diplomacy, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday.

Powerco to repay $100m subordinated bonds

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:26:00 +1300

Gas and electricity distributor Powerco is to repay $100 million of subordinated bonds which mature next month, with its two shareholders injecting new equity into the business.

Resourceful villagers begin to rebuild after cyclone

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:14:00 +1300

Villagers on the cyclone-battered Fijian island of Koro had their chainsaws, shovels and assorted tools out today clearing roads, rebuilding homes and dealing with damage from winds which gusted to 240kmh.

Plane kills US man jogging on beach

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:11:38 +1300

Robert Gary Jones was a pharmaceutical salesman on a business trip, looking forward to getting home to celebrate his daughter's third birthday.

NZ sharemarket gains early

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:08:00 +1300

The New Zealand sharemarket gained in early trading following a rally by stocks in the United States, after the US Federal Reserve kept monetary policy unchanged, with a nod to an improving economic recovery.

Women, girls rape victims in Haiti quake aftermath

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:34:00 +1300

When the young woman needed to use the toilet, she went out into the darkened tent camp and was attacked by three men.

Helicopter rescues horse stranded on US sandbar

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:18:00 +1300

It's not every day you see a horse fly. But with the greatest of ease, a heavy-duty helicopter plucked a mustang named Colorado off an Arizona river sandbar on Tuesday morning, reuniting him with his owner.

Armed police raid suspected sth Auckland gang house

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:16:00 +1300

Armed police raided a suspected gang house in the south Auckland suburb of Takanini, before daylight today.

Hamilton police investigate sexual assault

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:14:00 +1300

Hamilton police are investigating the sexual assault of a woman in her early 20s last night.

Family of killed luger will get insurance payout

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:28:00 +1300

The family of the Georgian luger who died in a training crash on the Olympic track hours before the Vancouver Games formally opened last month will receive an undisclosed insurance settlement.

Air Force Orion joins search for missing yacht

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:06:00 +1300

An air force Orion has joined the search for a yacht missing on a voyage from Tauranga to Gisborne.

Unsuccessful bank robber jailed

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:36:00 +1300

A Jamaican immigrant who delivered a Christmas card to a bank teller with notes containing threats to kill her family and blow up the bank has been jailed for three years five months.

Hercules leaves for Fiji with relief supplies

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:34:00 +1300

A New Zealand Air Force Hercules carrying disaster relief supplies has left for Fiji after a devastating cyclone killed at least one person and knocked out power and communications to several islands.

Report points to need for action on Auckland environment

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:16:00 +1300

On average more than 50 new arrivals come to Auckland each day bringing 35 cars and needing 21 homes and this is putting stress on the city's environment, a new report says.

Distinguished NZ space scientist dies

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:08:00 +1300

Distinguished New Zealand space scientist Sir Ian Axford died at his Napier home on Saturday, aged 77.

Obstacles to mining on Great Barrier Island

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:04:00 +1300

An environmental lobby group says there is no point in the Government opening parts of Great Barrier Island to mining, because it would contravene the district plan.

Dementia patient found by family members

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:04:00 +1300

A dementia patient reported missing from a Napier hospital yesterday has been found, police say.

Gondola project shelved at skifield

Matthew Haggart — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:55:00 +1300

Treble Cone skifield has shelved plans for its $20 million gondola "indefinitely" and will instead spend $200,000 on a five-year project to install safety barriers on its 7.5km access road.

Joeli starts own relief mission

Ellie Constantine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:02:00 +1300

Distraught over the destruction Cyclone Tomas is bringing to his homeland, Joeli Vakalala could not concentrate at work, so instead began organising relief supplies.

Farm sales mirror national decline

Neal Wallace — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The number of farms sold continued to fall over summer, with just 205 sales in the three months to February, less than a third of the number of sales reported for the corresponding period in 2008.

Telecoms 'gravy train' ends

Neal Wallace — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Telecom has warned it is in for a multimillion-dollar earnings hit for three years as a result of the Government's rural broadband plans confirmed yesterday.

Scott shareholders' patience rewarded

Neal Wallace — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

A reporting season described by one broker as patchy, has received some welcome news as Scott Technology advised it was trading ahead of last year and would reward shareholders.

Challenge calls for bold women

Tracey Roxburgh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Some have completed Wanaka Challenge, or conquered the Lake Hayes Women's Triathlon, some have quit their jobs and travelled overseas.

Wakatipu art offered in society sale

James Beech — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

More than 600 pieces by 45 Wakatipu artists have been entered in the Queenstown Art Society's Mad March Art Sale, which opens on Friday.

100% pure Wakatipu in awards

James Beech — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Wakatipu locations feature in all five movies which competed in Tourism New Zealand's 100% Pure Your Big Break short film competition and which are posted for a worldwide audience online.

In rarefield company

Tracey Roxburgh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Queenstown's Taylor Rapley had two podium finishes in the United States at the weekend, finishing second in the slalom and third in the GS at FIS races in Eldora, Colorado.

Creative entertainment at Life Expo

Joanne Carroll — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

More than 40 wellness and health exhibitors came together at the Life Synergy Expo at the Millbrook Resort yesterday.

11,000 affected by cut

Tracey Roxburgh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

About 11,000 customers in the Wakatipu basin were left without power for just over an hour yesterday morning after a fault in a Transpower line.

Sharks in the park

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

The Durban-based Sharks Super 14 rugby team is training in Queenstown this week before its match against the Highlanders at Carisbrook on Saturday night.

Water services up to $1m over budget

Henrietta Kjaer — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

"Taking money from the renewals budget to cover over-expenditure for water services is a major concern", Queenstown Lakes District Council Councillor Cath Gilmour said at a council utilities committee meeting yesterday.

Sustainability focus for firms in resort

Henrietta Kjaer — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Eight Queenstown companies are taking their sustainable practices to new levels. They are taking part in a programme run through the Centre for Sustainable Practice at the Otago Polytechnic.

Vigilance needed as fire risk still high

James Beech — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Despite light southerly rain yesterday afternoon, the fire risk in Wakatipu will revert to "high" or "very high" status by the weekend, rural fire monitors predict.

Hypnosis, comedy to benefit school

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Wakatipu residents will have the chance to be hypnotised this week, in aid of Wakatipu High School.

Retiring, not relaxing

Matthew Haggart — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Long-serving Wanaka conservationist Stu Thorne has retired from his day-job of 40 years to volunteer for more of the same on a remote Pacific Island, 1000km away from New Zealand.

New building for DOC after blaze

Matthew Haggart — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +1300

Makarora's Department of Conservation staff have spent the past week moving into a new workshop depot, built on the site of the previous building, which was gutted by fire last July.