Dunedin

Home-school students and their parents say the government’s decision to delay sweeping changes is a relief after being scared they would face ‘‘a ton of bricks’’ of rules and regulations.

 Intermediate aged pupils are being treated as ‘‘guinea pigs’’ and are being set up to fail when new tougher qualifications are introduced, a Dunedin teacher says.

Council costs for investigating Cr Benedict Ong’s behaviour have passed $17,000, but some around the council table fear the final figure and cost to Dunedin’s reputation could climb much higher.

A watching brief will be maintained over Mosgiel traffic issues before any substantial long-term fix is proposed, transport officials say.

Another day, another few car thefts in the city.