The Star

Fears as social programmes slashed at Otago prison

Creative and social programmes for prisoners have fallen by two-thirds at the Otago Corrections Facility, sparking concerns for prisoners’ wellbeing and rehabilitation.

By Sam Henderson

Fears as social programmes slashed at Otago prison

Constructive activities for prisoners at the Otago Corrections Facility in Milton have declined...

Fears as social programmes slashed at Otago prison

Creative and social programmes for prisoners have fallen by two-thirds at the Otago Corrections Facility, sparking concerns for prisoners’ wellbeing and rehabilitation.

Helping forge connections, relationships

Friends and members of Enabling Love & Friendship gather last Thursday for a summer barbecue...

Helping forge connections, relationships

Sizzling sausages and sunny skies marked the start of the social calendar for Enabling Love & Friendship.

Dunedin performer chases bright lights of London

Dunedin performer chases bright lights of London

Hot on the heels of winning the outstanding lead male performance award at the Dunedin Theatre Awards, Max Beal is embarking on the long journey to London.

‘Passion’ of theatre community honoured

Recipient of an award for individual community contribution, Ellie Swann (pictured with her dog...

‘Passion’ of theatre community honoured

Dunedin’s theatre community came out in force on Monday night to celebrate the achievements of their peers at the 14th Ōtepoti-Dunedin Theatre Awards.

Playing at festival ‘absolutely fantastic’

Conductor Brett Stewart leads the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra during the epic Synthony event,...

Playing at festival ‘absolutely fantastic’

Wellington-based conductor Brett Stewart and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra had an exciting time soaking up the major music festival vibes

Funding enables trust to expand youth support

Funding enables trust to expand youth support

Local charity the TJ’s Way Trust was the chosen recipient of funds from the 100+ People Who Care Group during its November funding round, receiving $5800 in donations.

Heritage festival revamped

Heritage festival revamped

A new city-wide festival celebrating Dunedin’s rich heritage and evolving cultural identity will launch in 2027.

Funding group keeps momentum going

100+ People Who Care co-ordinators (from left) Kerah and Nick Berryman are pictured with TJ’s Way...

Funding group keeps momentum going

Dunedin’s successful 100+ People Who Care project returns this month, offering charities another chance to come together with donors to raise awareness and funds

Fifty years of fun

Members of the Brighton Friendship Club gather at the Brighton Bowling Club to celebrate fifty...

Fifty years of fun

A 50-cent subscription and a $50 piano were the start of a half-century legacy.

Remembrance tree to be replanted

Dunedin woman Nikki Cockburn stands with the former suicide memorial tree in Mosgiel Memorial...

Remembrance tree to be replanted

A much-loved suicide remembrance tree in Mosgiel Memorial Gardens, which had to be removed due to damage from high winds, will be replaced with a new tree

Otago Peninsula Community Board

Former mayor and councillor Jules Radich was remembered at the board meeting. Photo: Peter...

Otago Peninsula Community Board

Sam Henderson looks at highlights from the Otago Peninsula Community Board.

First stage of trail to open

The planned path for a cycle trail north of Dunedin includes a Waitati property, in a section...

First stage of trail to open

The grand opening of a new 4.3km walking and cycling trail tomorrow will be a powerful example of the community pulling together.

The need for speed

The need for speed

Tickets are on sale as flocks of Fords, Holdens, BMWs and Porsches head south for the 2026 Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest over the weekend of February 21-22.

From garage to stage, rockers rise

Dunedin band The Shenatics — (from left) Colbie Hill, Jack Hobbs and Lana Clark — are set to...

From garage to stage, rockers rise

From a Port Chalmers basement, the sounds of 1990s-inspired rock roar out as an accomplished young group is set to launch its first single.

Ringing in lunar new year

Dragon Dancers perform during last year’s Chinese New Year celebrations at Yan Luan Dunedin...

Ringing in lunar new year

Ōtepoti Dunedin celebrates Chinese New Year 2026 with an expanded programme of events and a striking new lantern display

Book club on the airwaves

Parishay Khan hosts Parishay’s Book Club on OAR FM. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Book club on the airwaves

Grab your bookmarks and pack your imagination, Parishay Khan is seeking companions on her journey into the joy of reading.

Opinion: local power generation to keep cost low

Scott Willis. File photo: Gregor Richardson

Opinion: local power generation to keep cost low

What happened to our summer?!

Lifting, rowing, winning at 89

The New Zealand Masters Games has been a winning debut for Norma Riley. PHOTO: SAM HENDERSON

Lifting, rowing, winning at 89

Age is just a number for Norma Riley, who turned her first sports competition into gold-winning success.

Duo bring their folk to city

Canadian folk duo Scott Cook and Pamela Mae, on tour through New Zealand, will perform at Dunedin...

Duo bring their folk to city

Born in West Virginia and raised on the Canadian prairies, Scott Cook quit a job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan in 2007 to embark on the life of a fulltime troubadour.

‘QI’ staple set for full tour of NZ

Acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, writer and television personality, Alan Davies, will embark on an extensive New Zealand tour in July and August.

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