The death of a 79-year-old Southland man, caused by old explosives, was a tragedy that could have been avoided, a coroner says. Mr Woodford had worked with his brother as a fencing contractor for 50 years and used the substance during his work to blow up rocks in the ground. In 2023, Mr Woodford attempted to return the explosives to the store where he purchased them but staff would not accept them. When he did not return, she contacted Mr Woodford’s brother who went to investigate. The coroner recommended police issue a reminder to staff that when a member of the public reported unused explosives, the NZDF explosive ordnance disposal unit be contacted.

Lake Onslow. So, it turns out, they are all avid Otago Daily Times readers. However, that proposal could soon be joined in the fast-track process by another major Central Otago project — the Lake Onslow pumped storage scheme. The Lake Onslow scheme should be judged similarly. Earl BardsleyUniversity of WaikatoAddress Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin.

PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHHopefully the Southland-inspired jersey will help the Volts roar into life against Canterbury in Invercargill tomorrow. Otago remain winless and rooted to the bottom of the Ford Trophy one-day competition after their 56-run loss to Wellington at the University Oval on Saturday. Six losses and a no-result mean the Volts are playing only for pride over the final three rounds of the competition. Canterbury (28 points) lead the Ford Trophy standings from Central (23), Wellington (17), Auckland (14), Northern (12) and Otago (2). Bowling: M Bacon 10-0-43-3 (1w), D Ferns 7-0-59-1, B Lockrose 10-1-41-2 (1w), Z Cumming 8-0-44-2 (3w), T Johnson 7-0-23-0, J McKay 8-0-53-0 (3w).

The Otago Sparks dropped both games in their doubleheader against the Wellington Blaze in the Hallyburton Johnston Shield at the weekend. The Sparks came agonisingly close, falling by two runs on Saturday and then lost by 35 runs in Wellington yesterday. Jess Kerr was the anchor with 51, but the Blaze lost wickets in clumps through the middle order. Jess McFadyn (43) carried the Blaze through, but the Sparks fought back at the death. But Browning was the real shining light, doing everything she could to get the Sparks home with an unbeaten knock of 53.

Dunedin cyclist James Gardner hoists the under-23 trophy in front of rivals Josh Heissenbuttel (second) and Lewis Bower after the New Zealand road race near Cambridge on Saturday. PHOTO: RUSSELL JONESVeteran Nelson professional George Bennett produced an ambitious and stunning solo effort to claim the New Zealand elite road championship on Saturday. The World Tour rider was never threatened from that point as he powered to an emotional victory, after a challenging 2025 season. A tearful Bennett, whose mother died last year, was overwhelmed with the win, his second national title — his first was in Cambridge five years ago — and earning the first victory for his revamped NSN Cycling World Tour team. "I am really proud to win this and take the jersey back to wear on the World Tour.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover used those numbers to show the breadth of service of retiring chief executive Mike Theelen at his final council meeting. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said councillors did not always fully appreciate the work it took for a chief executive to translate their ideas and directions into practice. Cr Cody Tucker told Mr Theelen he admired the "intestinal fortitude" he showed while doing his job. Former three-term councillor Craig Ferguson, who appeared at the meeting’s public forum, said he spoke for many former councillors in thanking Mr Theelen for the "knowledge and guidance" he had given them. The council’s strategy and policy general manager, Michelle Morss, has been appointed interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is recruited.

Instinct might be one way to successfully navigate the Riversdale Maize Maze, one young helper says. The maze, located in a McClintock Farming maize crop, is a fundraiser for the Riversdale Home and School and the Waikaia Trails Trust. Kristin Loferski, of Tapanui, who has previous experience organising a maize maze, agreed with Lachlan. Garth Cleland, of Riversdale, transports his granddaughter Pippa Stewart, 2, while his daughter Greer holds her son Elliot Stewart, 1, as they make their way through the Riversdale Maize Maze yesterday. PHOTO: SANDY EGGLESTONMaze convener Hilary Kelso said about 620 paying explorers, not including free-of-charge pre-schoolers, walked the maze yesterday.

Of those who pleaded guilty this week, all but one will face up to life imprisonment when they return to the High Court at Auckland in May for sentencing. Solomone – the highest-ranking of those who pleaded guilty but not the leader of the group – admitted to 24 charges. Photo / NZ PoliceIn addition to the 24 charges he pleaded guilty to, another 24 were withdrawn by the Crown. Polaulu, who pleaded guilty to seven charges, “acquired large amounts of methamphetamine to supply to lower-ranked members of the syndicate”, court documents state. Lea’aetoa, known as Rambo, is set to be sentenced for a single charge of conspiring to supply methamphetamine, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Cudby had strangled the woman more than 40 times over the course of their relationship, the court heard. Cudby then chased her with a spade, smashing a door in their Alexandra home, overpowering her before police arrived. Judge Elkin outlined how the abuse had started three months into the pair’s relationship and spanned 20 months. Judge Elkin said Cudby would be subject to a first strike under the new Three Strikes law. “If you commit a further serious offence, the consequences will be serious,” Judge Elkin told him.

“Many people arrived early and all at once.”The spokesperson said traffic volumes were affected by large numbers of people travelling to Te Arai Links, which was “likely also because of the public holiday”. Despite the slow start – and some festivalgoers spending up to four hours in traffic - the spokesperson said Shipwrecked’s traffic management plan had performed better than expected. Te Arai Links North Course. Some drivers heading into Shipwrecked Festival in Te Arai, Auckland, reported waiting in queues for more than four hours on Atkins Rd in the heat. Photo / Tiffany Firth“Shipwrecked is an annual event but the golf course and development traffic is ongoing.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley with Liberal and Nationals MPs behind her, during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday February 3, 2026. Photo / Getty ImagesOpposition leader Sussan Ley with Liberal and Nationals MPs behind her, during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday February 3, 2026. Photo / Getty ImagesAustralia’s right-leaning Opposition coalition reunited on Sunday after splitting in a public spat over the legislative response to the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The centre-right Liberal Party and the rural-focused Nationals, which have jointly governed Australia for most of the past century, said they had overcome their differences. We’re squarely focused on representing the Australian people and fighting for their needs,” Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley told a news conference in Canberra.

This isn’t climate denial. Why is Mathew Hooton the only one having an adult discussion about the reality of climate change? Yes, they are responsible for watering down all our climate change mitigation programs. Climate Change Is No Longer a Debate — It’s the Age of ConsequencesThe last 3 years are the hottest on record temperature wise, what do you think that means mathematically? The reality of climate change is that it means a vast reset of our culture, economy, society, community and politics.

Police said the road would be partially blocked while emergency services were in attendance. Hato Hone St John said two ambulances, one helicopter, and one operations manager were called to the scene about 4.45pm. “One patient in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition were taken to Dunedin Hospital via helicopter.”Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

A source told the Sun “he wanted it gone” because “there is so much hurt and pain on his side, it would not be genuine to keep such a tribute on his body”. Detailing the events of his 2022 wedding to the American actress, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham alleged his mother had cancelled making the bride’s wedding dress at the last minute and danced inappropriately with him at the reception. Brooklyn Peltz Beckham was last publicly seen with members of his family in 2024. Photo /AP Photo, Vianney Le CaerPeltz Beckham went on to allege that “Brand Beckham” has always come first, claiming his parents value “promotion and endorsements above all else”. They have talked extensively about it”, a source told the Daily Mail.

The lead vocalist and drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died. Photo / 3 Doors DownThe lead vocalist and drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died. Photo / 3 Doors DownThe lead singer and drummer of American rock band 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died aged 47 after a battle with kidney cancer. In a post on Instagram, the band announced Arnold had died “peacefully” in his sleep on Saturday (local time), with his wife Jennifer Arnold by his side. “He was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humour, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.