Otago Daily Times:

'Dirty highs' ruin Kiwi summer

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:54:59 +1300

It was the summer that never was.

Families slam ex-mine manager's 'unforgivable' email

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:33:11 +1300

Angry Pike River Mine families have slammed the former mine manager for sending an email about a new job 17 minutes after the explosion that killed 29 men underground.

Positive feedback for police over Dotcom raid

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:51:10 +1300

The police say they have had "positive feedback'' from international law enforcement agencies on the way the raid on Megaupload millionaire Kim Dotcom's mansion was carried out.

Decision on deaf MP's funding defended

Amelia Romanos — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:01:38 +1300

Speaker Lockwood Smith has defended a decision not to grant special funding for deaf MP Mojo Mathers' parliamentary note-taker, saying he does not have the authority to approve it.

Zion big cats hearing postponed

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:46:29 +1300

A two-day defended hearing to determine the ownership of the big cats at Zion Wildlife Gardens has been postponed.

Woman found dead in Ruahine Ranges named

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:43:07 +1300

The woman who was found dead in the Ruahine Range near Palmerston North last night has been named.

World Cup boosts visitor numbers to record levels

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:10:48 +1300

The Rugby World Cup helped take international visitor numbers to record levels last year - but they watched their pennies while they were here.

Mathers named first 'profoundly dead' MP

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:48:19 +1300

Green Party MP Mojo Mathers this afternoon was proclaimed the country's first "profoundly dead MP'' - courtesy of a typo in a New Zealand First press release today.

Abandoned yacht found near Tauranga

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:29:29 +1300

A yacht has been found abandoned with its motor running 11 nautical miles east of Mayor Island off the coast of Tauranga.

Urewera jurors shown police footage

Edward Gay — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:25:50 +1300

Surveillance video footage showing people in balaclavas with rifles walking through the Urewera bush has been played to the jurors in the Urewera trial.

Defence 'word-smithing' in Bridgecorp trial: witness

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:18:11 +1300

A Crown witness in the trial of three former Bridgecorp directors said the defence was "word-smithing'', during his cross-examination in the High Court at Auckland this morning.

Maori unhappy with PM's leadership

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:10:18 +1300

The majority of Maori are unhappy with Prime Minister John Key's leadership on Maori affairs, according to a new poll.

Real estate agent suspended over breach

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:39:55 +1300

A multimillion-dollar-selling real estate agent has had her licence suspended and been ordered to pay $15,000 after pleading guilty to a charge of misconduct.

Emergency food flown into stranded European towns

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:16:09 +1300

Military planes and police helicopters have flown in tonness of emergency food to snowbound villages and ships in the Balkans, after blizzards so fierce that some people had to cut tunnels through 4m of snow to get out of their homes.

One dead, two serious after crash near Paekakariki

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:51:01 +1300

A 28-year-old woman is dead and two men are in serious conditions after a head-on crash near Paekakariki last night.

Fruit, vege prices rise, meat falls

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:47:02 +1300

An increase in the price of fruit and vegetables was the most significant element of the New Zealand food prices index that showed no overall change in January, after consecutive rises in November and December.

Birth induced so dying dad can hold daughter

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:37:42 +1300

Diane Aulger was about two weeks from her delivery date when she and her husband decided there was no time to wait: Mark Aulger had only days to live, and he wanted to see his child.

Man jailed for organising sex tour

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:40:20 +1300

A man who organised an underage sex tour to Thailand has been jailed for three years.

$1bn IRD computer upgrade flagged

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:24:11 +1300

Prime Minister John Key said that modernising the IRD computer system as part of an efficiency drive in the public service could cost up to $1 billion.

Seatbelt could have prevented garage death

Sharon Lundy — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:15:46 +1300

The "tragic'' death of a Christchurch man who died when he lost control of his car while backing out of his garage could have been avoided had he been wearing a seatbelt, the coroner says.

Syria emboldened by diplomatic deadlock: UN

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:01:21 +1300

The UN human rights chief accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of launching an "indiscriminate attack" on civilians to end pro-democracy protests and said he had been emboldened by the failure of the Security Council to condemn him.

Dad shoots laptop after daughter's Facebook complaint

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:13:08 +1300

A 15-year-old girl in North Carolina complained on Facebook about the chores she has to do.

Recalls after metal found in Fonterra butter

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:58:57 +1300

Fonterra has recalled two of its butter products and is investigating, after two customers each found metal objects in their butter.

Wet weather dampens Valentine's Day

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:32:48 +1300

Valentine's Day will be wet for many today, with rainclouds forecast for most of New Zealand and thunderstorms for the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne.

High-flying real estate agent in misconduct probe

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:17:45 +1300

A high-flying real estate agent known as 'million-dollar-Marnie' has appeared before a disciplinary tribunal to defend claims of misconduct over a mansion in Auckland's eastern suburbs.

Murdoch facing hostile staff in Sun showdown

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:46:11 +1300

Rupert Murdoch will face hostile and angry staff when he arrives in Britain this week seeking to face down a growing rebellion within his newspaper business and end the talk that his flagship Sun could close following a string of arrests.

Residents vow to resist state house evictions

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:37:24 +1300

Almost 300 state house tenants - many of them elderly or in wheelchairs - cheered last night as speakers at a public meeting vowed to defy Housing New Zealand plans to clear them out of their Auckland homes for redevelopment.

Key signals more public service job cuts

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:32:47 +1300

Prime Minister John Key says the Government makes no apology for what promises to be a new drive for efficiencies in the public service.

Court rejects top barrister's case for name secrecy

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:29:02 +1300

A barrister fighting disciplinary charges can now be identified after the Supreme Court said it was "untenable'' that professional people with high public profiles should be given name suppression as of right.

Radical plan to overhaul jury system

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:26:50 +1300

The Law Commission has proposed ditching trials by a full jury of 12 in favour of trials by a judge and two semi-professional jurors to allow more evidence, such as previous convictions, to be used.

Israel blames Iran as diplomats targeted

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:22:28 +1300

Israel accused arch-enemies Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of being behind twin bomb attacks that targeted embassy staff in India and Georgia, wounding four people.

Walker hit by car in critical condition

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:41:43 +1300

A woman is in critical condition in hospital after she was hit by a car while walking home last night.

Bouncer remanded without plea

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:37:00 +1300

"Tindallgate" bouncer Jonathan Dixon was remanded without plea in the Queenstown District Court yesterday when he appeared on two charges of assault and causing grievous bodily harm to two men outside a resort nightclub.

Hotel guests flee fire

Hamish McNeilly — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +1300

A sleeping teenager was rescued by a friend after a fire which forced guests and staff to flee broke out in a major Dunedin hotel last night.

Greek austerity deal settles markets

Dene Mackenzie — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Financial markets are expected this week to show continued enthusiasm for the latest round of drastic austerity measures approved yesterday by Greek lawmakers.

11 incidents at resort breach airspace rules

Matthew Haggart — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Airspace rules were broken 11 times at Queenstown Airport last year by light aircraft and adventure-related activity operators, figures from New Zealand's national air navigation provider service show.

Woman taxi driver assaulted by passenger

Matthew Haggart — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Security camera footage from inside a City Taxis cab is being reviewed by police in a bid to identify a male passenger allegedly involved in an attack on a female driver on Saturday night.

First residents submit on draft spatial plan

David Loughrey — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Dunedin city councillors took in their first days of a week-long hearing on the future of the city yesterday, the first 30 or so residents giving their thoughts on a draft spatial plan.

Asset sales consultation moves south

Dene Mackenzie — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Finance Minister Bill English is likely to face protests today when the asset sales consultation processes moves south to the Murihiku marae in Invercargill.

Freightways pulls ahead of forecasts

Dene Mackenzie — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Listed logistics firm Freightways yesterday reported a six-month profit ahead of market expectations and declared an interim of 8.5c per share, again ahead of expectations.

Police drink-driver chase ends when engine cooks

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A drunk Cromwell teenager drove up roads between Queenstown and Wanaka one night at speeds of more than 180kmh and sparked a police chase which only ended when the fleeing vehicle's engine blew up.

Inquiry hears of backpacker's death

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The mother of an American backpacker killed by falling debris in the February 22 Canterbury earthquake has welcomed the royal commission of inquiry, saying it has helped "bring closure" to her family.

Students urged to get involved

Matthew Haggart — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Orientation events at Otago Polytechnic got under way yesterday with a welcome and barbecue lunch held to greet hundreds of new and returning students at the campus.

Florists and drivers rushing to meet demand

Rosie Manins — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Florists and courier drivers throughout Otago are scrambling to meet Valentine's Day demand as thousands of roses and other romantic gifts are exchanged between loved ones.

New principal determined to shape citizens of the world

John Lewis — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

It may be her first principalship, but the way Bayfield High School's new principal talks about her goals for the school, one could not be blamed for thinking she has done it all before.

Mother will also be sentenced: judge

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A 50-year-old Wanaka resident was sent to Whangarei to live with his mother by Judge John Clapham in the Queenstown District Court yesterday, after admitting his fourth drink-driving offence.

Health panel 'pleased'

James Beech — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Queenstown's fledgling health watchdog says it looks forward to the outcome of a clinicians' forum on the controversial issue of where a diagnostic scanner should go to serve both Central and Lakes districts.

Students are back: the influx begins

Matthew Haggart — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The northern suburbs of Dunedin are reawakening from their summer slumber as University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students move back into the area to prepare for a new academic year.

Ex-volunteer fireman admits lighting fatal blaze

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:08:58 +1300

A former volunteer fireman accused of lighting a Black Saturday fire that claimed 10 lives told a number of lies to cover up his crime, prosecutors say.

Fire crews battle central city blaze

Chris Morris — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:51:50 +1300

Firefighters and police are at the Kingsgate Hotel in central Dunedin after a large fire broke out this evening.

Top suspect in Bali bombings goes on trial

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:54:10 +1300

The Muslim militant suspected of building the bombs used in the 2002 Bali attack went on trial today on terrorism charges, a year after he was arrested in Pakistan while apparently trying to meet Osama bin Laden.

Heavy rain on way for much of NZ

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:15:26 +1300

The same weather system which brought flooding to parts of southeast Australia last week is drifting towards New Zealand.

Elderly man dies in scooter crash

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:35:58 +1300

An elderly man died after losing control of his scooter and crashing into a fence this afternoon.

Bridge jump teen's body found in river

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:35:46 +1300

The body of a 13-year-old boy who went missing after jumping into the Waikato River on Friday has been found.

Govt advised against 'Monday-ising' holidays

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:13:25 +1300

The Department of Labour has advised the Government against "Monday-ising" Anzac and Waitangi Day holidays when they fall on the weekend, citing economic costs of up to $400 million.

Kiwi nurse linked to missing others: inquest

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:06:35 +1300

A New Zealand nurse who disappeared from Sydney's north shore in 1980 has been linked to two other missing women, an inquest into her death has heard.

Former Act MP notches up three strikes

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:59:14 +1300

Three strikes law champion and former ACT MP David Garrett has notched up his own third offence after today admitting drink driving.

Vandals wreck couple's 'piece of paradise'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:52:20 +1300

A rural Carterton house has been trashed in what police have described as the worse case of home vandalism they have seen, causing at least $20,000 worth of damage.

Urewera raids defendants plead not guilty

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:35:02 +1300

The four defendants in the Urewera raids trial have pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges of belonging to an organised criminal group and possessing guns.

Bail for Dotcom co-accused

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:46:18 +1300

Kim Dotcom's co-accused Finn Batato has been bailed.

Man charged over Hubbard death crash

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:24:21 +1300

A man is due to appear in court on Friday charged in connection with the fatal crash that claimed the life of South Canterbury financier Allan Hubbard.

Health scare passengers allowed to leave airport

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:52:27 +1300

A group of passengers from Japan at the centre of a health scare on an Air New Zealand flight from Tokyo earlier today have now been allowed to leave the airport.

Dixon remanded on assault charge

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:05:21 +1300

'Tindallgate' bouncer Jonathan Dixon was remanded without plea in the Queenstown District Court today when he appeared on two charges of assault and causing grievous bodily harm to two other men outside a resort nightclub.

SCF fraud accused all named

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:57:55 +1300

The case against five people charged with committing New Zealand's biggest white-collar fraud went back to court this morning and now all defendants' names are known and a date was set for the next stage.

Man admits cricket bat murder

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:14:20 +1300

A 25-year-old today admitted murdering his defacto step-dad by bludgeoning him to death with his cricket bat - and then playing cricket the next day.

Urewera raids trial begins

Edward Gay — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:35:39 +1300

The Urewera trial has been adjourned for two hours after a short legal argument in chambers at the High Court in Auckland.

Key blames popularity dip on election campaign

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:31:50 +1300

Prime Minister John Key has blamed a slip in his popularity on a "bruising'' election campaign with lots of attack advertisements.

Militaries scramble for new skills in cyber era

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:17:59 +1300

With growing worries about the threat of "cyber warfare", militaries around the world are racing to recruit the computer specialists they believe may be central to the conflicts of the 21st century.

Dozens bare all in the name of art

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:44:44 +1300

Dozens of naked bodies were draped over one another on the rocks of a rugged Auckland beach yesterday.

Winery drunks force bar to close early

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:42:41 +1300

Organisers were forced to close the bar early at an 80s-themed concert at one of Auckland's top wineries because revellers reliving their youth were "staggering around'' drunk.

Christchurch restaurant owner told diners to f*** off

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:21:12 +1300

An Italian chef who kicked an argumentative diner out of his Christchurch restaurant says he is not New Zealand's answer to celebrity chef and famed foul-mouth Gordon Ramsay.

Name suppression lifted in South Canterbury Finance case

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:14:55 +1300

All five defendants in the Serious Fraud Office prosecution of South Canterbury Finance associates have now been identified.

Athens ablaze as protesters battle police

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:06:17 +1300

Historic cinemas, cafes and shops went up in flames in central Athens as black-masked protesters fought Greek police outside parliament, while inside lawmakers looked set to defy the public rage by endorsing a new EU/IMF austerity deal.

Fisherman dies after falling from boat

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:05:49 +1300

A fisherman died yesterday after falling from his boat about 150 metres off Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Arab League backs Syria opposition

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:02:44 +1300

The Arab League has thrown its support firmly behind the opposition mounting an uprising against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, and called for the UN Security Council to send peacekeepers to halt bloodshed.

Teenage window cleaner's survival 'extraordinary'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:44:46 +1300

The 18-year-old abseiling window-cleaner who fell four storeys remembers a sense of weightlessness as she plummeted about 30m to the ground.

Families will pay extra for backyards and good schools

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:43:00 +1300

New Zealanders want safe backyards for their children and access to good schools - and will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for them.

Waka banned from Queen's 60th Jubilee pageant

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:40:39 +1300

A traditional Maori war boat has been banned from taking part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant for fear it may capsize or lose control in strong currents, say news reports in London.

Disorderly weekend keeps police busy

Nigel Benson — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:35:00 +1300

Dunedin police were grateful for the assistance of out-of-town reinforcements during a busy weekend.

Bride gets her big fat (beautiful) dress

Hamish McNeilly — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +1300

This was a big fat Port Chalmers wedding like no other.

Concert draws bigger crowd than Highlanders

Olivia Caldwell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

Organisers of the Gibbston Valley Winery Concert at the weekend are already planning another for next year after a successful day on Saturday, which brought an estimated 14,000 people through the gates.

50 years of memories at Brockville

Nigel Benson — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

The days of the old schoolyard were remembered in Brockville at the weekend.

Dunedin market day attracts thousands

John Gibb — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

Thousands of people packed themselves, mostly cheerfully, into the inner-city streets of Dunedin for a colourful Thieves' Alley Market Day on Saturday.

Recalling the cute and nasty, birds and bees, gorse and trees

Janice Murphy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Right when we want to be basking in summer sun, here comes the long white cloud.

Biodiversity post established

Sally Rae — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Waitaki District Council has appointed Margy Gaynor as its first biodiversity co-ordinator.

Helping farmers achieve results

Sally Rae — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Murray Cockburn likes nothing better than seeing previously unproductive farmland transformed into a productive oasis.

Most wools cheaper, bidding subdued, at Christchurch

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Bidding was subdued with only selected bidding on better coloured and prepared lots at the wool sale in Christchurch last week.

Pair passionate about rural NZ

Sally Rae — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Tony Glynn and Sarah Perriam are on a mission.

KiwiSaver default options not always best choice

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Morningstar research report for KiwiSaver returns to December 31, 2011 make interesting reading.

Confidence in housing prices falls

Simon Hartley — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Confidence in house buying continues to slide - for the third consecutive quarter - and there remains a continued decline in new house listings.

More creations for Art2Wear

Olivia Caldwell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Arrowtown Autumn Festivals Art2Wear competition has attracted an impressive 28 entries from locals and afar this year.

Re-enactment needs residents

Tracey Roxburgh — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Arrowtown residents are being asked to join forces to pull off what is set to be one of the highlights of the Arrowtown 150th celebrations - joining in an historical re-enactment of the discovery of gold.

Plenty of reminiscing by thousands of fans

Olivia Caldwell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Residents and visitors were spoilt for choice and faced with big decisions on the weekend with two of the Queenstown Lakes region's favourite spectating pastimes going head to head - this time around, rugby was not the winner.

Driving club has much to offer

Olivia Caldwell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Queenstown Car Club is welcoming more members to its growing group and the club's director says it is a good opportunity for learning drivers to join in a safe environment.

Over-irrigation 31-year irritation

Marjorie Cook — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Hawea Flat property owner Maire Matheson has endured 31 summers of irrigation flooding on her property without adequate resolution and now says, "Enough is enough".

An appetite for the deadly sins

James Beech — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

One of Queenstown's finest chefs has explored the dark side of culinary desire to create a tantalising degustation inspired by "the Seven Deadly Sins" to inflame the senses of diners on St Valentine's Day.

Romance gets emergency help

James Beech — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

St John Queenstown ambulance officers are used to getting hearts pumping and never more so than on St Valentine's Day, when crews spread the love around Wakatipu.

Holiday proposal

James Beech — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A proposed law to "Monday-ise" Waitangi Day and Anzac Days when they fall on weekends will stimulate domestic tourism, the lobbying Tourism Industry Association New Zealand says.

Queenstown lawyers on the wagon

Tracey Roxburgh — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Two Queenstown solicitors are putting their money where their wine glasses used to be, abstaining from alcohol this month to help young people with drug and alcohol problems.

Abseiling window cleaner's survival 'extraordinary'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The 18-year-old abseiling window cleaner who fell four storeys remembers a sense of weightlessness as she plummeted 30m to the ground.

Stowaway happy in Antarctic

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The so-called accidental stowaway on a Norwegian sailor's expedition to the Antarctic is said to be a Maori political activist who has planted a Mana Party flag in the ice.

Outrage over running with bulls; Pepsi withdraws option

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A Pepsi New Zealand competition promising to send four people to the Running of the Bulls in Spain has been dropped amid outrage from animal activists.

7 hurt, 2 helicopters needed

Allison Rudd — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Two helicopters flew seven people to Dunedin Hospital after they were injured in separate incidents during a motorcycle trail riding event near Lawrence.

Loud bang at substation

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Maintenance work at the Wakari substation may have created more work for TrustPower electricians after a transformer tripped about 8.30pm on Saturday.

Garage fire started with lighter

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A single-level domestic garage in District Rd, Green Island, was extensively damaged by fire on Saturday afternoon.

Former Dunedin man UK New Zealander of Year

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A former Dunedin man who has helped raise funds for the Canterbury earthquake appeal has been named the UK New Zealander of the Year 2012.

Booked-out tattoo artworks show takes off

Allison Rudd — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

When all 600 tickets to Dunedin's first tattoo and art show sold out a month before the event, organiser Macaela Manuel knew she was on to a winner.

Cruise crew lose 8-2

John Gibb — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

They may not all become All Whites, but Green Island Football Club members enjoyed their own passionate international sporting encounter with a composite overseas team from a visiting cruise ship on Saturday.

DCC spatial plan hearing begins today

David Loughrey — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A major Dunedin planning document being developed to deal with everything from a rising population to global warming will be the subject of a week-long hearing starting today.

No decision yet on future of headquarters

Alistair McMurran — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Forsyth Barr Stadium was used as the headquarters of the New Zealand Masters Games for the first time this year but there is no guarantee it will be used again in two years.

Student discipline to be discussed behind closed doors

Matthew Haggart — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:15:00 +1300

Student disciplinary matters at the University of Otago will be discussed behind closed doors at its first council meeting of the year this week - three months after criticisms were made by a council member about how disciplinary outcomes were being ignored by media.

Man to face court after fatal Sydney brawl

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:30:07 +1300

An off-duty security guard is set to face a Sydney court after a brawl led to the drowning of a 19-year-old man at Darling Harbour.

Video: Christchurch earthquake - a survivor's tale

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:33:33 +1300

[video]

Bonnie Singh, a survivor of the February 22nd earthquake in Christchurch, explains the continuing impact of the tragedy on her life one year on.

Search for bridge jump teen scaled back

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:38:01 +1300

Police say they are committed to finding a 13-year-old boy missing in Waikato River but have scaled down the search.

Missing Mangere girl found

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:29:51 +1300

A 20-month-old girl who was taken away in a car in Mangere this morning has been found.

Hardship drives many to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:15:55 +1300

Thousands of withdrawals are being made from KiwiSaver funds every year as New Zealanders struggle to cover the costs of living.

Jonah Lomu needs another kidney transplant

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:40:54 +1300

All Black great Jonah Lomu's transplanted kidney has failed, leaving him needing intensive dialysis and another new kidney to survive.

South Island tickets share Lotto prize

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:49:56 +1300

Two South Island Lotto winners will be able to go the extra mile on Valentine's Day after winning a $1 million share of the first division prize last night.

Police arrest 5 at Murdoch's Sun newspaper

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:47:40 +1300

British police have arrested five senior staff at News Corporation's tabloid newspaper The Sun as part of investigations into journalists paying police for information.

Missing intoxicated' man found

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:42:46 +1300

A 20-year-old man who was apparently drunk when he went missing on a Northland bush walk has been found.

Photos: South Westland beach cleanup

Marjorie Cook — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Otago Daily Times reporter Marjorie Cook travels South Westland with a team cleaning plastic debris from remote beaches.

Cleaning up the back of beyond

Marjorie Cook — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

It seems inconceivable South Westland's rugged, remote, boulder-piled beaches should be polluted by plastic. But at the foot of most driftwood mountains, there's a drink bottle, a sea-battered fishing float, or a tangle of ropes and nets. Marjorie Cook reports.

Tour firm Contiki returns to city

Hamish McNeilly — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The return of the world's largest youth tour operator to Dunedin will help boost visitor numbers to the Speight's Brewery by 15%.

Family vigil for missing teen

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:03:29 +1300

The family of a 13-year-old boy who went missing after jumping off a bridge into the Waikato River yesterday are holding vigil on the shore, knowing that they are now looking for a body.

One dead, two injured in crash

Hayley Hannan — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:51:23 +1300

A serious Hawkes Bay crash that claimed the life of one and left two injured has shocked locals.

Convicted Madonna stalker who escaped hospital caught

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:57:37 +1300

A man who was convicted in 1996 of stalking and threatening pop star Madonna has been caught, one week after escaping from a Los Angeles-area mental hospital, police said.

Obama shift seeks to defuse birth-control fight

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:32:27 +1300

President Barack Obama, in an abrupt policy shift aimed at quelling an election-year firestorm, has announced that religious employers would not be required to offer free birth control to workers and the onus would instead be put on insurers.

Search resumes for missing woman

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:20:54 +1300

A search resumes this morning for a woman reported missing south of Featherston.

World is happier place than 2007 - poll

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:49:38 +1300

Despite economic woes, wars, conflicts and natural disasters the world is a happier place today than it was four years ago and Indonesians, Indians and Mexicans seem to be the most contented people on the planet.

Plan for Moana Pool climbing facilities

Nigel Benson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +1300

A proposed $2.6 million climbing facility planned for Dunedin's Moana Pool could make the city a world leader in the growing sport, local enthusiasts believe.

Case of shot sea lion dismays

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +1300

The shooting of a young New Zealand sea lion - a species as threatened as the African elephant or the kakapo - has shocked and dismayed those who work to ensure its survival.

Property management traps aplenty

Sally Rae — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Dunedin firm Keogh McCormack has expressed significant concerns surrounding the lack of regulations in the property management industry. It believes monies are at greater risk than most landlords and tenants perceive, as Sally Rae reports.

Tramper's rescue challenging

Marjorie Cook — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A 56-year-old nelson man who badly fractured a leg and injured his head when he fell about 5m in the Gorge River valley during a tramping trip in South Westland is recovering in Dunedin Hospital after a challenging helicopter rescue on Thursday afternoon.

Waipori fund policy change mood evident

David Loughrey — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Policy changes could be in store for the $67.6 million Waipori fund, which provides an annual cash return to the Dunedin City Council.

Elton John provided $14.9m boost

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The Elton John concert at Forsyth Barr Stadium is estimated to have pumped $14.9 million into the wider Dunedin economy, a survey reveals.

Campus incident results in arrests

Eileen Goodwin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A police officer interviewed members of Campus Watch after an incident yesterday about 8.10pm at the University of Otago, near the St David lecture theatres, which resulted in two arrests, Senior Sergeant Craig Brown said.

Big versus small battle on forest levy

Simon Hartley — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Big business forestry owners and farmers with small forestry interests are on a collision course over a proposal for an industry-wide compulsory levy order.

NZX appointed to operate Fonterra Shareholders Market

Simon Hartley — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Fonterra is appointing NZX to operate the Fonterra Shareholders Market as part of Trading Among Farmers.

Southern block included in new exploration tender

John Lewis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The southern Great South Basin is included as one of 25 offshore and onshore oil and gas blocks being put out to tender for exploration, under five-year permits.

$20,000 for track

Lucy Ibbotson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Mountain biking enthusiasts will soon have another Wanaka track at their disposal, this time right in the centre of town.

Cycle helmet law-death link report rejected

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A controversial report concluding cycle helmet legislation actually increases deaths overall has been rubbished by experts.

Bid for biggest radio telescope

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Earthquake prediction will be a step closer if New Zealand wins a bid to host the largest radio telescope built.

Breastfeeding helps reduce asthma: study

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Breastfeeding has a protective effect against asthma and wheezing for children aged up to 6, University of Otago research shows.

Policeman off duty but not off watch

Hamish McNeilly — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

An off-duty policeman helped rescue two struggling surfers at St Clair this week.

Scouts occupy the Octagon

John Lewis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The Octagon is once again occupied by people in tents - this time scouts.

Laser shone at helicopter

Debbie Porteous — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A Taieri helicopter pilot has warned of the dangers of shining lasers at pilots, after he was targeted while flying over Mosgiel this week.

Masters Games: Aerobics team going for gold

John Lewis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Moments after completing a four-minute aerobics routine, Fred Millar gathers his breath and says: "There's nothing we won't do - as long as we can get back up afterwards".

Legal process under discussion at gathering

John Gibb — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Thirty legal scholars, including people from Australia, South Korea and the United States, have converged on the University of Otago to take part in a two-day discussion on aspects of "adversarialism" in the legal system.

Cull takes to bike to raise awareness

John Lewis — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Dunedin's mayoral car park has undergone a subtle refurbishment this week.

Violin in hand, Dunedin muso has world at her feet

Nigel Benson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Dunedin violinist has the world at her feet after being invited to complete her post-graduate music studies at four different universities in England, Wales and Scotland.

Extension to track commissioned

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Work will begin next week on a $1 million extension to the shared walking and cycling path beside State Highway 88.

'Honoured' by appointment as national judge

Sally Rae — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

When Fiona Walker found out she had been selected as a judge for the world shearing and woolhandling championships, she "did a jig" at the mailbox.

Church morphing into new cinema

Lucy Ibbotson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Renovations to Wanaka's former Catholic church in Brownston St have begun as the owners of Cinema Paradiso prepare to begin a gradual relocation process to the building.

Sludge disposal possibilities appear numerous

Marjorie Cook — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The search for solutions to an accumulation of sludge is looking promising, solid wastes manager Stefan Borowy told the Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure services committee this week.

Little River Band frontman cool with resort's change

Olivia Caldwell — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

They have been on the radio since 1975, their oldest member is 61 and by their own account they now sound better than they look, but the Little River Band still manages to get an old fashioned mosh pit formed in front of the stage - 40 rows long.

Recycling revised

Marjorie Cook — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Smart Environmental's recycling services begin in Wanaka on March 5, with new crates to be delivered to eligible properties from Monday, February 20.

First filtration results positive

Marjorie Cook — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Favourable progress has been made with attempts to reduce the amount of algae in Wanaka's domestic water supply, following the trial of a filtration plant at the western intake, project manager Ken Gousmett reported this week.

Launch of trades training

John Gibb — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A new foundation programme launched as part of an Otago Polytechnic Maori trades training initiative will help counter New Zealand's significant skills shortage, polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker says.

Sins of the father

Mark Price — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Joe Karam has another book out on the Bain murders. And this time it's about guilt, not innocence, Mark Price reports.

Key seems more wary now the honeymoon is over

John Armstrong — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

So it's goodbye Mr Smile and Wave, and hello Mr Grumpy. Or so the Prime Minister's critics would have you believe.

Philanthropy's 'new face'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Somewhere between his treatise on government transparency and soliloquy on human rights, Pierre Omidyar paused.

Woman horrified after witnessing teen's four-storey fall

Matthew Theunissen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:08:48 +1300

A woman who witnessed a teenage window cleaner plummet four stories in Auckland yesterday afternoon is struggling to come to terms with what she saw.

Potentially toxic algae in Sth Island rivers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:07:55 +1300

Potentially toxic algae has been found in the Ashburton, Waimakariri and Ashley Rivers.

Wife turned 'blind-eye' to bigamy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:24:51 +1300

On December 17 last year Rodney Peach married his partner in front of her family and friends, while still married to his unsuspecting wife of 28 years.

Man drowns trying to help young relatives

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:19:59 +1300

A 57-year-old man has drowned trying to save two young relatives who got into trouble collecting pipi in Tauranga Harbour.

Boy missing after jumping into river

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:18:14 +1300

A 14-year-old is missing and another person has been taken to hospital following an incident in Huntly.

Woman critical after four-storey fall

Matthew Theunissen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:14:25 +1300

A woman who witnessed a teenage window cleaner plummet four storeys in Auckland this afternoon is struggling to come to terms with what she saw.

PM remembers Infratil founder

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:24:03 +1300

Prime Minister John Key has remembered businessman Lloyd Morrison as a passionate New Zealand who "threw everything he had'' at life.

'Humiliated' casino workers wins $12,000 payout

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:31 +1300

A casino worker made redundant while on parental leave to have a baby has been awarded $12,000 in compensation for "humiliation and distress''.

Radio divorce stunt under fire

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:18:47 +1300

A Valentine's Day radio stunt where a woman will be told her husband is divorcing her live on air will go ahead in the face of opposition, an unrepentant station boss says.

Families of CTV victims split over charges

Kurt Bayer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:04:14 +1300

High-profile Christchurch broadcaster Mike Yardley says families of those who lost their lives in the CTV building collapse are split over whether charges should be sought against any accountable parties.

Mornington man takes the power back

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +1300

Dunedin man David Baird is celebrating an unusual achievement this week: two years of living "off the grid".

Helensville houses evacuated over gas leak

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:29:36 +1300

Six houses were evacuated after workers ruptured a gas pipe north of Auckland this afternoon.

Body confirmed as missing woman

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:43:39 +1300

A body found at a popular Wellington beach yesterday has been confirmed as that of an elderly woman who had been missing for several days.

Downtown Auckland blaze thought suspicious

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:04:04 +1300

A large fire that tore through an unoccupied downtown Auckland building is being treated as suspicious.

Intersection dispute angers businesses

Bruce Munro — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:36:36 +1300

Businesses on the "wrong side of the tracks" are frustrated an ongoing dispute between Dunedin City Council and landowner Doug Hall has kept a portion of the Anzac Ave-Ward St overbridge closed for more than six months.

Residents' group welcomes quake home rezoning

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:43:18 +1300

The Government's decision to rezone another 255 orange zone homes in quake-ravaged eastern Christchurch has come as a "huge relief'' to many homeowners, a residents' society said.

Fight over right to see sea monster

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:38:41 +1300

Qasim Khan has waged the unlikeliest of battles with Pakistani authorities over the right to charge hundreds of curious visitors the equivalent of 26 cents each to see a huge whale shark he bought from a fisherman.

Boy killed in log accident named

Abby Gillies — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:24:09 +1300

The five-year-old boy killed while playing near a stack of logs on the grounds of a Motueka school last night was Glen Eric Takaro Temiha-Barlow.

255 more quake houses rezoned

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:15:12 +1300

The Government today rezoned another 255 orange zone homes in quake-ravaged eastern Christchurch.

More arrests likely over $25m drug seizure

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:59:46 +1300

Police expect to make more arrests after seizing 70kg of drugs worth $25 million that were imported from Iran in juice containers.

Woman jailed for $170K apple theft

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:47:08 +1300

A woman has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for stealing more than $170,000 worth of apples from the Hawke's Bay company that had employed her for 15 years.

Worker seriously hurt in scrap metal explosion

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:23:22 +1300

A man suffered serious head injuries following a gas explosion at a Tauranga scrap metal yard this morning.

Police name suspect who died during arrest

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:13:52 +1300

A man who collapsed and died while he was being arrested in a Levin block of flats has been named by police.

Family pleads for life of dog that attacked man

Edward Gay — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:20 +1300

A family is fighting to stop its boxer-cross dog being put down after it bit a man on their property.

Boy (5) killed in log pile tragedy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:28:35 +1300

There was no fencing around a stack of logs in the grounds of a Motueka school where a 5-year-old was killed last night, police said.

Businessman Lloyd Morrison dies

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:57:54 +1300

Infratil founder and Wellington Phoenix co-owner Lloyd Morrison has died.

Tramper in Dunedin after chopper rescue

John Gibb — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:33:23 +1300

A 56-year-old Nelson man who badly fractured a leg and injured his head when he fell about 5 metres from a track during a tramping trip in South Westland was in Dunedin Hospital last night after a "challenging'' helicopter rescue.

Kodak to shutter camera business

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:39 +1300

Eastman Kodak, the inventor of the digital camera, plans to get out of that business in the first half of the year as the bankrupt company looks to cut costs.

Cameron hits back at Argentina over Falklands

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:23:06 +1300

Prime Minister David Cameron has hit back at Argentina over its plans to protest to the United Nations against British "militarisation" of the Falklands, saying islanders would have London's backing for as long as they wished to remain British.

Cyclists rubbish helmet claims

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:06:26 +1300

A controversial report claiming helmets increase cyclists' injuries has been rubbished by experts.

Families want answers over substandard CTV building

Jarrod Booker — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:52:47 +1300

Victims' distraught families want police to find who is responsible for the substandard Canterbury Television building that collapsed in the February earthquake, killing 115 people.

Afghanistan says children killed in NATO airstrike

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:42:49 +1300

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai accused NATO on Thursday of killing a number of children in an airstrike, a case which could stoke tensions between the government and its western backers over a mounting civilian death doll.

$1.24m spike in MPs' travel costs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:42:06 +1300

The Prime Ministers' limousine bill topped $100,000 for the last three months of 2011 - part of a total $1.24 million increase in the cost of MPs' travel and accommodation during the election campaign and Rugby World Cup.

Man admits attacking tourists

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:40:30 +1300

A man pursued and attacked two United States tourists' van with a metal bar after earlier arguing with them over a run-in they had with his children, a court heard yesterday.

Feral cat fears in north Dunedin

Bruce Munro — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:02:19 +1300

The Dunedin City Council has nothing in its budget with which to tackle the potential feral cat population problem in North Dunedin.

Fears ban will move problem

Debbie Porteous — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:35:00 +1300

An inner-city Dunedin resident is concerned the extension of the liquor ban to North Dunedin will cause more problems in streets like hers - those that border the city centre, but fall outside the ban area.

Referendum sought on forest levy

Simon Hartley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A referendum of forest owners is being sought by the Forest Owners Association which is proposing an industry-wide compulsory levy order under the Commodity Levies Act, to replace largely voluntary annual donations.

Decision against development

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A six-house development proposal for Damper Bay, criticised by the Wanaka Residents Association last year for its "industrial scale", has been refused by two Queenstown Lakes District Council commissioners.

Principals dispute poor findings in sun sense study

John Lewis — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

New Zealand primary schools still lag behind their Australian counterparts when it comes to being sun smart, and it may be influencing the lifetime risk of melanoma in future generations, University of Otago research shows.

Culture key to stopping child abuse

Eileen Goodwin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Mandatory reporting is not the magic answer to preventing child abuse, public law lawyer Mai Chen told a child welfare seminar in Dunedin yesterday.

Employment weakness to continue, economist says

Simon Hartley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Weakness in employment growth continued through the last quarter of 2011 and the outlook for New Zealand's labour market recovery remaining "gradual", ASB economist Jane Turner said.

BNZ sees continued softening in lamb price

Sally Rae — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

In-market lamb prices are continuing to retreat from their record highs in mid-2011.

Millions of dollars go into mine plans

Simon Hartley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Coast coal miner Bathurst Resources expects to spend potentially up to $A6 million ($NZ7.8 million) this financial year in coal exploration, assaying and mine design concepts.

Nod for Panorama Tce plans

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Detailed designs will be drawn up for road rehabilitation works in Panorama Tce, Queenstown, following the Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure committee's approval of concept plans on Tuesday.

Process approved for engaging council consultants

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The process for procuring the services of council consultants was approved by the Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure services committee this week.

Platinum Estates puts 18-lot subdivision development case

Olivia Caldwell — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Developer Platinum Estates Ltd has put its case forward to the Queenstown Lakes District Council for a proposed 18-lot subdivision at Dalefield, near Arrowtown.

SFO investigating bullion investor

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A family with more than $340,000 invested with a gold bullion trader say they have been told by its owner they will not be getting it back.

Inequality affecting health

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Infectious diseases associated with child poverty and overcrowding are approaching a peak not seen since the epidemic of meningococcal disease a decade ago.

Police reject claims

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Waikato Police are rejecting claims of misuse of force against a 56-year-old Chinese woman visiting from overseas who suffered a dislocated elbow and a cut to her left cheek during an incident earlier this month.

One for the money, two for the show ...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Rehearsing for the Waitati Summer Music Festival this week are (from left) Tania Turei, Mihai Whitaker (8), Amanda Morrison, Rose Haining (8), Atawhai Turei (3) and Carl Stevens. The festival will be held at Bland Park, in Waitati, tomorrow.

Rumours go Gaga on who's coming to Dunedin stadium

Hamish McNeilly — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) is remaining tight-lipped over the next big name act to perform at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Callers equivocal on park tourist fees

Hamish McNeilly — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Public responses appear to be evenly split on whether international tourists should be charged for access to the country's national parks.

Water plan changes effective March 1

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Two plans changes affecting the use of water in Otago will become operative on March 1.

Lucky break as $25,000 seal swims south

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A Kaikoura fur seal's decision to take a holiday down the coast of the South Island, complete with baggage - $25,000 in research equipment - ended with the seal's capture on an Otago Peninsula beach this week.

Police support wider ban

Debbie Porteous — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Extending the Dunedin permanent liquor ban to cover the North Dunedin student area would be welcomed by Dunedin police, as they would be pleased with any measure that reduced alcohol related-harm, the city's police commander said yesterday.

SPCA grant to be part of annual plan

Chris Morris — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Otago SPCA will be encouraged to apply for a three-year civic grant from the Dunedin City Council as part of this year's annual plan process, despite withdrawing services previously offered to the council.

Additional acute surgery list soon

Eileen Goodwin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Dunedin Hospital will be running an additional acute surgery list by the end of next month if all goes to plan, Southern District Health Board chief operating officer (Otago) Vivian Blake says.

Research opportunities a key

Ellie Constantine — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

When her father's illness prompted an interest in neurology, Irene Mosley had no idea how important the medical field would be to her and those she loved.

SDHB disputes claims no plan or action on emergency dept staff

Eileen Goodwin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Southern District Health Board seems to have "no plan" to increase Dunedin Hospital emergency department (ED) staffing, and it feels like nothing is being done until the new chief executive arrives next month, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) representative and ED specialist Dr John Chambers says.

Hollywood star hopes for Hills

Olivia Caldwell — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Organisers of the New Zealand PGA and celebrity golf championship are calling for Queenstown to get in behind the event as they hope to sign up the tournament's first Hollywood star.

Hot tip: The Bitches' Box and Mel Parsons' Woolshed Tour

James Beech — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A winning combination of original music, theatre and comedy will delight heartland New Zealand audiences, including Queenstown, on March 7.

South Island debut for artist

James Beech — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Queenstown is the natural place for a Tauranga artist to make her South Island exhibition debut, Susan Harrison-Tustain says.

First two bikes given away

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Element AvantiPlus and Alpine Aqualand have given away the first two of four bikes in the Summer Swim and Slide promotion, with Juliana Souza (28), of Queenstown, and James Muir (3), of Hawea Flat, the first winners of an adult's and child's bike.

Starring role for resort in movie

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Queenstown hit the big screens yesterday, with the resort landing a "cameo role" in Any Questions for Ben?.

Parks tax plan worries businesses

Joe Dodgshun — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Queenstown officials say it is too early to comment on a mooted access charge for international tourists to New Zealand's national parks, but some Glenorchy residents are concerned.

New lease on life for Speedy

Miranda Spary — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

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

5-year-old dies playing in school ground

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:15:09 +1300

A 5-year-old has died while playing at Motueka High School.

CTV report has implications for whole country: Brownlee

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:45:43 +1300

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Department of Building and Housing's report into the collapse of the CTV building would have implications for structures of the same age throughout New Zealand.

Search suspended after body found at beach

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:45:33 +1300

The search for a missing elderly Wellington woman has been suspended after a body was found at a popular beach in the city.

Police may probe CTV Building collapse

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:35:45 +1300

Police will work their way through masses of evidence as they consider whether to investigate the collapse of the Canterbury Television Building, where 115 people were killed during last year's February 22 Christchurch quake.

Police reject tourist's brutality claims

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:42:23 +1300

Waikato Police are refuting claims of misuse of force against a 56-year-old Chinese woman visiting from overseas who sustained a dislocated elbow and a cut to her left cheek.

Two Megaupload accused granted bail

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:58:55 +1300

The head programmer of the Megaupload website has been granted bail on the condition internet access is blocked to all members of his household.

Sperm whale dies on Belgian beach

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:40:14 +1300

An injured sperm whale has drifted ashore on the Belgian coast and died before it could be rescued.

Pike mine sensor in 'sad state of repair'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:36:16 +1300

The Pike River Mine relied on a gas sensor that was in a "sad state of repair'', the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the disaster heard today.

Prince Harry qualifies as chopper pilot

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:52:55 +1300

Britain's defence ministry says Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, graduating as the best co-pilot gunner in his class after 18 months of training.

Man dies during arrest

Matthew Backhouse — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:20:52 +1300

Police are investigating why a man in his 60s collapsed and died as he was about to be arrested for disorderly behaviour at a block of flats in Levin.

Rally driver destroys Dad's classic car

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:01:40 +1300

An Australian driver flew off a road at a speed of 130kmh and landed in a riverbed but was not injured during the Tasmanian state rally.

Auckland port workers announce week-long strike

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:01:10 +1300

Ports of Auckland workers are set to strike for a full week in a new escalation of their long running employment dispute.

One dead in Auckland car crash

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:37:32 +1300

A 63-year-old man died after a two-car crash in suburban Auckland this morning.

Police seek missing man

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:12:37 +1300

Dunedin police are seeking 25-year-old Jordan Marcus Quinney, who is wanted after he failed to appear in court on a threatening behaviour charge in January.

Unemployment rate drops to 6.3%

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:57:50 +1300

There were 7000 fewer people unemployed in the December 2011 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Teen in court over Hayden Miles murder

Kurt Bayer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:37:35 +1300

An 18-year-old woman accused of helping the man charged with the murder of Christchurch teenager Hayden Miles to evade police was back in court today.

Dotcom-owned mansion seized

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:33:08 +1300

The $4.3 million home where Kim Dotcom's pregnant wife and three children live has been seized by New Zealand authorities.

Brownlee sorry for Bob Parker 'clown' remark

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:53:39 +1300

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has apologised for an astounding shot at Christchurch mayor Bob Parker, after calling him a "clown".

Former hospital damaged in Taranaki blaze

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:55:01 +1300

A disused former hospital suffered extensive damage in a blaze in Stratford, Taranaki, overnight.

Police target drivers near schools

Hamish McNeilly — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:48:00 +1300

Dunedin police are cracking down on poor driver behaviour outside city schools.

White House stands by contraceptives rule

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:42:50 +1300

US President Barack Obama is determined to implement a controversial new rule on contraceptives in a way that ensures women have access to birth control while also seeking to allay concerns of opponents of the measure, the White House says.

Air travel prices slashed

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:40:00 +1300

Hundreds of dollars are being slashed from the price of international flights.

Key's radio show broke law, commission finds

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:49:57 +1300

An Electoral Commission ruling due out today has found the Radio Live show hosted by John Key last September was an election programme and therefore a prohibited broadcast.

Russians reach ancient Antarctic lake

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:35:44 +1300

Russia says it has pierced through Antarctica's frozen crust to a vast, subglacial lake that has lain untouched for at least 14 million years hiding what scientists believe may be unknown organisms and clues to life on other planets.

Victoria nurses ready to quit in thousands

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:30:28 +1300

Frustrated nurses are ready to quit en masse as their bitterly fought industrial campaign with the Victorian government drags on.

Five flee Sawyers Bay house blaze

Debbie Porteous — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +1300

Five people escaped a house fire in Sawyers Bay that destroyed most of a dwelling on Reservoir Rd yesterday.

Turkey seeks world action as Syria's Homs bleeds

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:32:59 +1300

Syria's army has pounded the rebel city of Homs as Turkey seeks international action to protect civilians from former ally President Bashar al-Assad, a move that risks the wrath of Russia and China.

Tourist tax mooted for national parks

Hamish McNeilly — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +1300

International tourists could be charged for access to the country's national parks.

Inquiry into wreckers yard blaze

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:31:48 +1300

The Fire Service is trying to determine what caused a blaze at a car wreckers yard in Onehunga last night.

Extended liquor ban gets DCC tick

David Loughrey — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +1300

The Dunedin City Council, police and the University of Otago have student street parties like the Hyde St keg party - which Mayor Dave Cull yesterday labelled "too dangerous to continue" - firmly in their sights.

Cheap milk likely to trigger price war

Sally Rae — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A speciality grocery retailer's decision to slash the price of milk to $1 a litre has been praised by Federated Farmers for "kicking off a supermarket price war" - at least in one location.

Harvard fund turns around Big Sky

Simon Hartley — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The multibillion-dollar Harvard University endowment fund has achieved what the former owners of the Maniototo's Big Sky dairy farm only envisioned - profitably milking more than 6000 cows in a "super herd".

Feedback 'astounds' minister after Dunedin visit

John Gibb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Continuing problems with poverty and ensuring care reaches the "invisible" needy were highlighted in Dunedin yesterday during a discussion, initiated by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, focusing on a green paper about vulnerable children.

Retail profit margins under pressure

Simon Hartley — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The changing dynamics of retailing and recession-led volatility have been reflected in a cautionary Warehouse profit downgrade and an expectant sales and profit boost for Hallenstein Glasson.

More students apply for emergency grants

Matthew Haggart — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Students around New Zealand, increasingly struggling to make ends meet, have claimed almost $3.5 million in emergency financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Development during the past three years.

Holocaust remark irks

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A Maori academic has been criticised for saying that the colonisation of New Zealand resulted in a holocaust for his people.

Keri Opai, a Taranaki-based language teacher, told a Radio New Zealand discussion that Maori had been through some "awful stuff that really does break down to a holocaust".

Snr doctors' pay up with all but Aust

Eileen Goodwin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

New Zealand has kept pace internationally with senior doctors' pay, except compared with Australia, Dunedin Hospital emergency specialist and Association of Salaried Medical Specialists representative Dr John Chambers says.

Tourists warned of rise in thefts

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Travel advisories have been issued in Europe that theft is on the rise in New Zealand, as more visitors tell of holidays ruined by criminals targeting campervans.

'Proof in the practice' commentator says of student media watchdog

Matthew Haggart — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A media watchdog entity being formed by the University of Otago to monitor contentious student magazine Critic and Radio One should not compromise the independence of the two outlets, a New Zealand media commentator says.

Family street names approved

Chris Morris — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The developer of a Mosgiel subdivision has won approval from the Dunedin City Council for family-themed street names, despite concerns the council's road-naming policy was failing its first test.

'Fantastic response' to refuge publicity

Debbie Porteous — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Women's Refuge residential services workers Kerri Oliver (left) and Darlene Gore with some of the donations made to the refuge since two articles about it appeared in the Otago Daily Times last month.

Tourism Dunedin jobs response to opportunities

Hamish McNeilly — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The potential of Forsyth Barr Stadium and the lucrative Chinese market has resulted in new appointments for the organisation charged with marketing Dunedin to the world.

Concern about forest access

Allison Rudd — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A Wingatui man says he is disappointed but not surprised City Forests will not change its policy and allow him access to a lakeside fishing spot during the week.

Historian shoring up sister links

John Gibb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Otago Settlers Museum curator and historian Sean Brosnahan will attend an international workshop in Edinburgh next month as the museum continues to build closer links with Dunedin's Scottish sister city.

Car park option for building kept

Rebecca Fox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Council has decided on a "pathway" towards solving its accommodation problems which includes providing for a temporary council chamber in its Stafford St car park.

Peninsula cycleway still on track

Chris Morris — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Dunedin city councillors have moved to allay community concern over delays to Otago Peninsula cycleway and roading improvements, by bringing forward about $3.3 million worth of work on the next two stages.

No DNA recovered from death-threat letters

Debbie Porteous — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Forensic testing of letters threatening the life of euthanasia advocate Sean Davison has failed to provide DNA evidence of who wrote them.

Feedback 'astounds' minister after Dunedin visit

John Gibb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Top shearers in action

Sally Rae — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

It is a big week in the South for shearers and woolhandlers.

Police have naked ambition

Lucy Ibbotson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Police in Wanaka are determined to "get to the bottom" of a series of incidents involving a naked man engaging in recreational pursuits in public places.

Opposition to lodge in remote spot

Lucy Ibbotson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Upper Clutha Environmental Society (UCES) has objected to a proposed ski lodge development below the Cardrona skifield access road and above a recently consented alpine village, saying it would have "significant and adverse" visual and amenity effects on natural landscape values.

Historic magazine's contents far from explosive

James Beech — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Generations of Arrowtown children let their imaginations run wild guessing what was inside the locked and abandoned historic magazine, at the Malaghans and McDonnell crossroads, but conservationists found nothing other than two copies of the Otago Daily Times, straw and broken beer bottles.

Heritage features inspire

David Bruce — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Victorian education was experienced by 38 Oamaru Intermediate School pupils who toured Historic Oamaru yesterday.

Putin warns against outside interference

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:45 +1300

Vladimir Putin says the world faces a growing "cult of violence" and Moscow must not let events like those in Libya and Syria be repeated in Russia, warning the West against interference in a country he intends to lead for years to come.

Still swinging at 93

Alistair McMurran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Ivan Elder wears Bermuda shorts and long socks to his knees. It is golf attire from an earlier time. But there was nothing ancient about the golfing style of the 93-year-old retired Gore accountant yesterday.

Strong field for farming contest

Sally Rae — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Telford will host the Otago-Southland regional final of the National Bank Young Farmer Contest this Sunday.

Water supply assurance agreed

Marjorie Cook — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A group of Wanaka landowners would be reassured the council would protect their rights to an unrestricted water supply, in accordance with an Environment Court ruling, the Queenstown Lakes District Council's infrastructure committee agreed this week.

CTV collapse report due tomorrow

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:04 +1300

A technical report on the deadly collapse of the Canterbury Television building is set to reveal what caused the structure to fail in last February's Christchurch quake.

'Sharp' aftershock jolts Christchurch

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:07:04 +1300

Christchurch was jolted by a 4.2-magnitude aftershock this evening.

Police unfazed by capital robbery spike

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:34:30 +1300

Wellington police say robberies in the capital have spiked after appealing for public help with at least four incidents, three involving weapons, in the past two days.

Cruise ship captain kept under house arrest

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:50:28 +1300

An Italian court has refused to lift an order of house arrest for Francesco Schettino, the captain of Costa Concordia cruise ship that ran aground off a Tuscan island last month.

Facebook facing challenge in China

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:34:22 +1300

When it comes to China, Facebook should consider itself forewarned.

Minimum wage increase falls short: critics

Amelia Romanos — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:13:00 +1300

Low-wage workers are getting a pay top-up of 50 cents an hour, but unions and opposition parties say the increase falls well short of what's needed by those struggling to get by.

Wins revive Santorum's White House hopes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:50:45 +1300

A resurgent Rick Santorum has won Republican presidential caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado, a stunning sweep that raised fresh questions about front-runner Mitt Romney's appeal among the ardent conservatives at the core of the party's political base.

Fatal house fire not suspicious

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:51:16 +1300

Formal identification of a woman who died in a house fire in Christchurch yesterday could take some days, police say.

Truck driver charged over school bus crash

Hayden Donnell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:56 +1300

A 42-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving over a horror school bus crash last year which left more than 30 children injured in Ruatoki.

Man trampled by half-tonne bull

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:21:57 +1300

A man was trampled by a bull, believed to have weighed up to 500kg, at a farm in Peel Forest, Canterbury this morning.

Frozen sauerkraut causes chaos on motorway

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:51 +1300

Piles of sauerkraut tumbled out of a truck on a busy German motorway and quickly froze to the autobahn surface, causing a massive traffic jam near Frankfurt during Tuesday's morning rush hour, police say.

Attacks resume in Homs after Russian peace foray

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:18:05 +1300

Armoured forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have thrust deeper into the central city of Homs, firing rockets and mortar rounds to subdue opposition districts, activists said, a day after Russia said Assad wants peace.

Seven-tonne shark pulled from sea

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:16:34 +1300

A 10m long whale shark is to be put on display after being found dead in the sea near Karachi, Pakistan.

Gurney accepts diversion over crash

Kurt Bayer — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:11:50 +1300

Multisport great Steve Gurney has accepted a police offer of diversion after pleading guilty to careless driving when he smashed into a speeding train at a level crossing.

Getaway car also used in bag snatch

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:33:08 +1300

A stolen getaway car used in a robbery in central Auckland has been linked to an earlier bag-snatching incident.

'Tell us where she's buried' pleads murdered woman's brother

Matthew Theunissen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:54:38 +1300

The brother of a woman murdered by her estranged husband has made an emotional plea for the killer to reveal where her body is following his release from prison today.