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DunedinOctober 21

Plot twist at former Fortune — theatre could be back

The stage is set for Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre to have a dramatic second act.

Grant Miller

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DunedinOctober 21

Japanese restaurant in central Dunedin could lose liquor licence after 19 years ‘without issue’

A Japanese restaurant in the heart of Dunedin faces losing its liquor licence despite operating without any issues for nearly 20 years.

Tim Scott

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DunedinOctober 21

Dunedin man admits groping 14-year-old girl while she pretended to sleep

A Dunedin man has admitted groping a teenage girl while she pretended to sleep.

Felicity Dear

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DunedinOctober 21

Proposed tunnel could significantly reduce Dunedin wastewater overflows

Construction of a large tunnel could be key to a long-term fix for troubles dealing with Dunedin’s wastewater in wet weather.

Grant Miller

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SouthlandOctober 21

Invercargill cyclist sets world record at 95

Tayler Mutton

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North OtagoOctober 21

Rifle pointed at victims as cars smashed in late night Oamaru assault

Nic Duff

DunedinOctober 21

Sunny and warm Labour weekend promises 25°C days in the South

John Lewis

ODT QuizOctober 21

ODT quiz: October 22

Dunedin

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DunedinOctober 21

Dunedin man’s fight for 24/7 cath lab staffing after wife’s death turned down by minister

A widower’s year-long crusade to secure 24/7 staffing at Dunedin Hospital’s cardiac catheterisation laboratory has been rejected by the government.

Laine Priestley

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DunedinOctober 21

‘We’d be giving them a D’: Otago uni staff strike over pay, welfare concerns

Hundreds of university union members and supporters in Dunedin joined thousands striking nationwide over pay for tertiary workers.

Ruby Shaw

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DunedinOctober 21

Spring sunshine makes a great start to the cruise ship season

The day could not have been better weather wise for the first cruise ship of the season to sail into Otago Harbour.

Steve Hepburn

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DunedinOctober 21

Bus service to Balclutha and airport raised again but will not happen any time soon

A bus service between Balclutha and Dunedin is back on the agenda with a stop at the Dunedin Airport set to be included.

Steve Hepburn

Latest News

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Central OtagoOctober 21

Quacking effort: Contractors rescue ducklings from Alexandra drain

2

NationalOctober 21

Baby Ru: Police renew plea on three-year anniversary of toddler's death

3

NationalOctober 21

'We've been really generous': Qiulae Wong on Opportunity’s bottom lines

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NationalOctober 21

Puberty blocker restrictions for gender-diverse youth overturned by High Court

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WorldOctober 21

Australian MP loses both legs after vehicle attack in Victoria

Otago

Central OtagoOctober 21

Quacking effort: Contractors rescue ducklings from Alexandra drain

Roading contractors have rescued several ducklings trapped down a drain in Alexandra.

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North OtagoOctober 21

Race for Waitaki set to be lively

You’d better have your popcorn ready.

Ruby Shaw

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QueenstownOctober 21

Apartment owner must pay $30k in unpaid levies

A Fernhill apartment owner who withheld body corporate levies in protest at his concerns over management and maintenance has been ordered to pay more than $30,000.

Guy Williams

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South OtagoOctober 21

Kai Rulz the route as latest tourist hotspot

A “no bullshit” South Otago town is the latest addition to popular tourist drive the Southern Scenic Route, following extended lobbying from loyal locals.

Richard Davison

Editor's Picks

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BusinessOctober 19

Lawyer cheated on eight weeks before wedding turns personal pain into new career path

Southland-born relationship property lawyer Holly Egerton never expected her own harrowing personal experiences would shape the kind of lawyer she would become.

Sally Rae

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DunedinOctober 15

‘Incredibly exciting’: New hotel, rooftop bar planned for historic Dunedin building

Tim Scott

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BusinessOctober 19

Southland agricultural business goes bust owing $10m after death of co-owner

Sally Rae

Canterbury

ChristchurchOctober 21

‘Consequences could be devastating’: Hundreds of 3D-printed guns seized in police raid

A large-scale, illegal 3D-printed firearms operation has been busted in Canterbury as police seized more than 300 guns during a raid on Tuesday.

ChristchurchOctober 20

Emergency services radio system to go live in Canterbury first

A new communications system being built for police, ambulance and firefighters is expected to go live in Canterbury first and then all regions by 2028.

ChristchurchOctober 20

New naming rights sponsor for Hagley Oval

The Ara Institute of Canterbury has signed a major new sponsorship deal which includes naming rights at the Hagley Oval cricket ground.

ChristchurchOctober 20

Major award for Christchurch Airport

It has been named the best large airport in New Zealand for 2026.

Election 2026

NationalOctober 21

'We've been really generous': Qiulae Wong on Opportunity’s bottom lines

Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong says she would walk away from government rather than support through to first reading a policy that her party doesn't believe in.

ChristchurchOctober 20

The impact of AI ads on the election campaign

The AI generation of fear-based messages is finding an audience in this year's election campaign, a University of Canterbury professor of digital marketing says.

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DunedinOctober 20

‘Show up or shut up’: Young voters urged to enrol, have their say

As a deadline looms and enrolment rates lag, Dunedin’s young folk are being urged to resister to vote in next month’s general election.

Ruby Shaw

NationalOctober 20

Cost of living still Kiwis’ top concern

The cost of living continues to be New Zealanders' number one concern in the lead-up to the general election.

Southland

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SouthlandOctober 21

Man with 14-page conviction list back in court for burglary

A Invercargill man was sentenced on Tuesday to six months home detention after stealing from three different properties in rural Southland.

Tayler Mutton

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SouthlandOctober 21

Big weekend gets Teretonga season under way

Lindsay Beer

SouthlandOctober 21

Fundraiser to replace worn toys

Gemma Sinclair

National

NationalOctober 21

Baby Ru: Police renew plea on three-year anniversary of toddler's death

Police are urging people withholding information about Baby Ru to come forward on the three-year anniversary of the Lower Hutt toddler's death.

NationalOctober 21

Puberty blocker restrictions for gender-diverse youth overturned by High Court

The High Court has ruled regulations banning new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria were unlawful.

NationalOctober 20

Bungling base jumper causes $20,000 of damage to Auckland hotel

A base jumper who got stuck on the side of an Auckland hotel by his parachute has been arrested and is set to appear in court.

RNZ

NationalOctober 21

Evidence against Scott Watson still 'overwhelming', Crown says

Crown lawyers in the Supreme Court said on Wednesday a photo montage at the heart of Scott Watson’s appeal of his murder conviction is only one piece of evidence in the “overwhelming” case against him.

Sport

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RugbyOctober 21

Cult hero switches sprigs for steel caps

If Liam Coltman swings the hammer as hard as he tackles, then, oh boy, pity those nails.

Adrian Seconi

NetballOctober 21

Silver Ferns thump Australia to take Constellation Cup lead

The Silver Ferns will jump on the plane with a two-game lead as they head into their toughest battle against the Australian Diamonds.

Kayla Hodge

RugbyOctober 21

All Blacks back in red and black for NPC final

All Blacks Chay Fihaki and George Bell will return to Canterbury’s lineup on Monday as the red-and-blacks chase consecutive NPC titles.

Sam Coughlan

CricketOctober 21

Black Caps plot downfall of 'incredible' India teen at Hagley Oval

The Black Caps have done their homework on India prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and expect the home conditions in Christchurch will be a challenge for the 15-year-old batting sensation.

Lifestyle

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EntertainmentOctober 21

Being able to be yourself and finding a creative outlet key to Artsenta’s success

Dunedin creative space Artsenta is one of the longest running in the country and is celebrating its 40th birthday. Rebecca Fox talks to some of those who have been part of its history.

Rebecca Fox

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EntertainmentOctober 21

Artistic approach to film-making works within boundaries for Germany-based artist

Juliet Carpenter is fascinated with light in all its forms. Her latest and most comprehensive work to date, 'Heaven’s Blade' is being exhibited concurrently in Dunedin and Hastings.

Rebecca Fox

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EntertainmentOctober 21

Art Seen

James Dignan reviews three Dunedin galleries' new exhibitions

James Dignan

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EntertainmentOctober 20

Wildly creative WOW designs a challenge for Dunedin choreographer

Wellington’s World of Wearable Arts is where fashion and art collides producing fantastic creations that are showcased to the audience in a remarkable stage show. Helping choreograph the event was Dunedin dancer Jeremy Beck in just one of his many projects this year,

Rebecca Fox

Business

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BusinessOctober 21

‘I always thought I was unbreakable’: Mother’s cancer diagnosis forced Dunedin restaurant into sudden closure

A small, family-owned Dunedin restaurant was forced into sudden closure for nearly a month after a cancer diagnosis left its owner “mentally checked out”.

Tim Scott

BusinessOctober 20

Crowdfunding pledges for independent supermarket top $1.3m

Crowdfunding pledges for an an independent supermarket in Upper Hutt have grown by nearly $1 million overnight, its founder says.

BusinessOctober 20

‘I don't think there's a great future’: Ongoing cost increases behind cafe closure

A Whangārei cafe owner says the decision to close the business is the result of increasing cost pressure from multiple directions.

BusinessOctober 20

Labour Day: What's open, what's not and when you have to pay a surcharge

As Kiwis look forward to the long weekend, it's worth looking to see what's open and where they may have to pay a little extra.

Rural Life

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Red MeatOctober 21

A $46,000 sale of ‘one-of-a-kind’ yearling Angus bull sets stud record in northern Southland

A syndicate’s $46,000 bid on a standout yearling Angus bull set a new stud record in northern Southland.

Shawn McAvinue

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Rural EventsOctober 21

Committee seeks public feedback in face of rodeo code changes

A “fight” is on to keep rodeo part of rural communities, a cowboy says.

Shawn McAvinue

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HorticultureOctober 21

Recent heat helping, but damage from wet start to spring remains, southern growers say

A spell of sunshine has southern growers smiling, but the scars of waterlogged crops remain.

Shawn McAvinue

Rural EventsOctober 21

Call for more Otago farmers and growers to enter Ballance Farm Environment Awards

Southland farmers have put their hands up in strong numbers for the next Ballance Farm Environment Awards season, proving that even an atrocious spring cannot dampen their enthusiasm.

Alice Scott

Food & Wine

Food & WineOctober 20

Fond memories inspire chook book featuring NZ’s favourite protein

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Food & WineOctober 20

Picnic Salad

In Season — Alison Lambert

Food & WineOctober 20

Leek and ricotta tart with asparagus

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Food & WineOctober 20

New Zealand Chardonnays fit for seat at the table

Mark Henderson

World

WorldOctober 21

Australian MP loses both legs after vehicle attack in Victoria

Independent Australian MP Helen Haines has lost both legs in hospital after allegedly being rammed by a four-wheel drive outside her electoral office in Victoria.

AAP

WorldOctober 21

Accused in court, more charges possible after attack on Aussie MP

The man accused of deliberately running down independent Australian MP Helen Haines has appeared briefly in court, and police say more serious charges may follow.

AAP

WorldOctober 21

Trump promises cash for fraud tips, gives $10k to YouTuber

US President Donald Trump said he would reward tipsters who uncover fraud in government programmes, launching the initiative by announcing a cash prize for a conservative online influencer.

WorldOctober 20

France plans ‘massive’ troop deployment for next protests

France will reinforce police with troops and mount a huge security operation for more protests planned for next weekend, the government says.

West Coast

West CoastOctober 20

Teen has nightmares after three injured in 12m fall from Ferris wheel

A teenager has had nightmares since watching her friend fall 12m from a Ferris wheel at a West Coast agricultural show after a seat broke.

West CoastOctober 18

Backroads to the Beehive: Coal, politics and division on West Coast

The West Coast's wild ancient forests and vast mineral wealth gave rise to the country's labour movement.

Tim Brown and Nathan McKinnon of RNZ

Video

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DunedinOctober 21

Dunedin kids get down with earthquake drill

A national earthquake and tsunami drill is helping Dunedin school children feel more prepared for natural disasters.

Felicity Dear

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DunedinOctober 21

Tunnel Beach track starts a new chapter with upgrades and cultural focus

Dunedin’s Tunnel Beach track, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors per year, has a new look

Steve Hepburn

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DunedinOctober 21

‘Sizeable start’: Concrete pour at hospital

The first concrete for the floors of the new Dunedin Hospital inpatient building was poured on Wednesday.

Felicity Dear

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Red MeatOctober 21

A $46,000 sale of ‘one-of-a-kind’ yearling Angus bull sets stud record in northern Southland

A syndicate’s $46,000 bid on a standout yearling Angus bull set a new stud record in northern Southland.

Shawn McAvinue

Opinion

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OpinionOctober 21

Seeking order despite the universe’s best efforts

‘Order!’ cries the Speaker of the House, and he speaks for us all. We crave order.

Joe Bennett

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OpinionOctober 21

Israeli election: no change

According to the 1970s anarchist slogan, “No matter who you vote for, the government always gets in”.

Gwynne Dyer

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OpinionOctober 21

The fever dreams of exam season

Exam season is the time when each student feels estranged from life. The real world, outside of our fever-dream days filled with mechanical revision, is a foreign concept.

Eleanor Wong

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EditorialOctober 21

ED problems not going away

Editorial

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OpinionOctober 20

Solving the big sheep little sheep problem

Our wannabe leaders want us to believe they have the answer to everything but I was loath to set them loose on my big sheep little sheep problem.

Elspeth McLean

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OpinionOctober 20

Cartoonist’s view: October 21

Today's cartoon from Shaun Yeo.

YeoCartoonist

100 Years Ago

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NewsOctober 21

Ironing out the competition

100 years ago

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NewsOctober 20

Steamin’ and shovelin’

100 years ago

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NewsOctober 19

Dodgshun does OK at golf

A heavy sky with a very light wind greeted the ladies at Balmacewen links yesterday morning when the fourth round of the championship was played on a heavy course.

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NewsOctober 18

Waikato railway station flooded

Auckland, October 18: The flood in the Waikato River at Mercer reached its maximum height to-day, and remained practically steady throughout the day.