Global Dairy Trade buyers are lifting their bids despite more milk being collected on dairy farms. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA third lift in milk prices on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction will be welcomed by dairy farmers hoping for a higher Fonterra payout. Prices improved by an overall 6.7% on Tuesday at an average price of $US3830 ($NZ6340) a tonne. At that stage strong milk flows locally and globally, particularly out of the United States and Europe, were continuing to put pressure on global commodity prices. The 2025-26 season started with Fonterra opening its forecast to a range of $8-$11 a kilogram of milksolids.

Butter milk powder lifted 6.4%, to an average of US$3147/MT, and anhydrous milk fat climbed 5%, to an average of US$6524/MT. Fonterra global ingredients president Richard Allen told The Country’s Jamie Mackay the strong auction was a clear sign that global demand was robust, and a “great result for our farmers back here in New Zealand”. Despite recent talk of a global milk glut, Allen said the picture was more nuanced. He said Fonterra would “run the numbers” — including the impact of recent foreign exchange movements — before making any call on revising the farmgate milk price. On December 18, Fonterra further narrowed its 2025/26 farmgate milk price forecast to a range of $8.50-$9.50/kgMS, with a midpoint of $9 per kgMS.

Human Rights Watch repeated its finding that the US engaged in enforced disappearances – a crime under international law – by sending 252 Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. ‘Less free’ nowHuman Rights Watch pointed to metrics by which democracy has declined to the level of 1985 – when the Soviet Union still existed. “From our perspective, for such an alliance to be strong and lasting, it must be built on principles and values – democracy, international law, human rights,” he said. The 529-page report stands in contrast to the latest human rights report issued by the US State Department, which toned down sections on countries friendly to Trump. Israel has angrily rejected the Human Rights Watch genocide allegation first issued in December 2024, with the United States backing Israel’s stance.

Photo: Libby Kirkby-McLeodA man is in a critical condition after being shot by police in Hamilton. About 10am, police swarmed a Hamilton street and closed off a hotel. When police caught up to the vehicle on Ulster Street in Hamilton, the man allegedly pointed a shotgun at police. "Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do. Loughrin said Ulster Street remains closed off from the Mill Street intersection and the public is urged to avoid the area.

“On examination, it was found that both passengers’ suitcases contained identical contents of vacuum-sealed bags, wrapped in towels,” Wells said. “Each bag was found to contain approximately 18 vacuum-sealed packets of the class A controlled drug methamphetamine, concealed within green tea packaging. The approximate total weight of methamphetamine per suitcase was 18kg, with a combined total of approximately 36kg between both.”Customs say the methamphetamine was found in two passengers' suitcases, wrapped in towels and concealed in Playboy-branded green tea packaging. The charges were laid under the Misuse of Drugs Act and carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Anyone with information about suspicious activity can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The ex-husband of Jill Biden (left) has been arrested and charged with murdering his wife. Photo / Getty ImagesEx-husband of former US first lady Jill Biden charged in wife killingThe ex-husband of Jill Biden (left) has been arrested and charged with murdering his wife. Photo / Getty ImagesThe ex-husband of former first lady Jill Biden has been arrested and charged with the murder of his current wife at their Delaware home in December, say local police. William Stevenson, 77, was married to Jill Biden from 1970 until their divorce in 1975. Jill Biden married former President Joe Biden in 1977.

“Bring her home.”Her post came shortly after the Prime County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasised that Nancy “did not leave” the property alone. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said: “We do in fact have a crime scene. He also explained that Nancy had “no cognitive issues” and would not have been able to leave the property alone because of mobility issues. He explained: “You don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case, and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”

Valentinetti, 83, denied he modelled the cherub on the Prime Minister, saying he painted the exact face as the original from 2000. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to Instagram to distance herself from the work, saying she did "not look like an angel". The diocese said while it was aware the fresco was being restored, it had not approved any additions or changes. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli instructed “technical officials” to visit the basilica to observe the fresco and “ascertain the nature of the intervention”. The Guardian reported the basilica that houses the fresco was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III in 440.

A man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead and another person was seriously injured following an incident in the Clutha town of Crichton. Man arrested, charged with murder after woman’s death in Clutha, OtagoA man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead and another person was seriously injured following an incident in the Clutha town of Crichton. A man has been arrested and charged with murder after a serious incident in last month. Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh said a man has now been charged with murder after a bedside hearing today. “We understand this is a distressing event for the small community,” he said.

The Prime Minister says his meeting with Māori leaders ahead of Waitangi Day was "positive and constructive". Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Potaka said the meeting was "robust" and "interrogative", but also an "exchange." Christopher Luxon is in Waitangi with a contingent of government ministers ahead of the political pōwhiri taking place on Thursday, which he will attend. Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith said this issue wasn't raised directly. As well, local government and diplomatic corps representatives were welcomed onto the Treaty Grounds with a pōwhiri for the Kiingitanga taking place this afternoon.

An Invercargill councillor has refused to apologise for words spoken during a tense public exchange. The situation unravelled during discussion about a projects report when Pottinger criticised council spending on the town's historic clock. Crackett told Pottinger the matter was not up for discussion that afternoon, and debate would take place when the report came back. The comment drew disapproval from councillor Grant Dermody, who called for a point of order and apology from the councillor. Crackett told Pottinger she would appreciate an apology, leading to a standoff which was finally broken by Crackett saying the pair would talk “offline”.

Dr Jillian Clark. Photo: suppliedA man is facing a murder charge after a veterinarian was found dead at her South Otago home last month. Milton vet Dr Jillian Clark was found dead at her rural home. In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh said a man has been charged with murder following a bedside hearing today. • More in tomorrow's ODT and ODT Online- Allied Media

Photo: ODT filesA child has died following a serious crash in a small rural town Canterbury's Selwyn District. In a statement, police said they were called to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Leeston Rd, Springston, about 3.30pm today. "Police can confirm that the pedestrian was a child, who, despite best efforts of emergency services, sadly died at the scene." Leeston Rd remains closed between Goulds Rd and Bethels Rd while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were continuing.

Officers were able to track the vehicle to nearby Alfriston Rd. “From there a combined effort between the Eagle helicopter and ground units directed our focus to Ellen St in Manurewa,” said Paea. The alleged offenders were found inside the property, where the till and other stolen items were recovered. The 17-year-olds were charged with aggravated robbery, with the 16-year-old facing an additional charge of assault with a blunt instrument. Mahia Superette thanked community members who had checked in on them after the incident.

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