Dunedin

Performing at the Te Hautoka kapa haka contest felt a little bit sad for Archibald Valentine, 16, because he knew it was going to be his last time.

Handsprings, tucks, rolls, roundoffs and high-flying stunts took over a Dunedin secondary school's gymnasium as cheerleaders from around the city showed a packed room what they could do.

The cutting of a wide-ranging government science fund is another blow for the University of Otago, academics say.

Sophie Barker has put a stop to all the rumours and speculation by announcing her campaign to be mayor of Dunedin.