Crusaders legend Dan Carter, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were among the crowd that gathered to open the city's new stadium on Friday morning. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha was held before the first event takes place next month. Carter's dad Neville also held the ribbon as Mauger, Luxon and Arahura Araitia-Tau officially opened the stadium. Costing $683 million, the new fully covered stadium is Christchurch City Council’s largest project. I’m so proud of council staff and everyone who has contributed to delivering One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha – on time and within budget no less.

The South Dunedin supermarket was closed for 18 days in February last year following numerous sightings and captures of rodents. Supermarket giant Woolworths has been fined $33,000 after admitting it failed to control a rat infestation at one of its Dunedin branches. The company was hauled before the courts in December after Woolworths Dunedin South (formerly Countdown) was closed for 18 days in February 2024, following numerous sightings and captures of rodents. Yesterday, the court heard that between October 2023 and February 2024, at the Dunedin South store, rat sightings were reported to management, recorded in the relevant register and a pest control contractor attended. Between October and December there were approximately 112 rat sightings logged in the register.

The smell of coffee wafting from the Gregg’s factory in Forth St, Dunedin, could soon be a thing of the past. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYDozens of workers will lose their jobs with the closure of Dunedin's Gregg's coffee factory announced this afternoon. The company has declined to say how many roles will go with the Gregg's closure but the factory is believed to have a staff of around 50. It has been part of the city since 1862, when Irish-born William Gregg established the coffee and spice manufacturing business. "I think we’re all feeling incredibly sad because Gregg’s has been an iconic brand in Dunedin.

Several roads are already closed across the Tasman district. Photo: Tasman District CouncilThe Tasman District Council is asking people to stay off the roads as the storm battering the country hits the top of the South Island. Mārahau was currently inaccessible as Riwaka-Sandy Bay Road and Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road are closed due to flooding and rockfall. Further north, rain was starting to clear out from Northland this morning after it got a battering overnight. Makgabutlane says the areas most likely to experience downpours from those thunderstorms will be Northland, the central North Island and the west coast of the South Island.

The Department of Conservation is appealing for information on the poisoning of black-billed gulls in Te Anau this January. Photo: DOCTen threatened black-billed gulls are dead after being poisoned by a rapid-acting bird control agent on the Te Anau lakefront. Black-billed gulls are Protected Species under the Wildlife Act 1953, and it is an offence to hunt, kill, catch or possess them without authorisation. Te Anau operations manager John Lucas said the deaths were a disappointing blow for the Te Anau population. "They primarily eat invertebrates and fish and are less likely to be found scavenging than other gull species.

The Northland and Far North areas were the worst hit by this week’s weather, with 230-280mm of rain hitting the regions. The Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council remain in states of emergency. Shackleton, who has lived in her house for 20 years, believed the flooding happened after a riverbank failed. The Far North town received more than double its monthly rainfall in two days, said MetService. The Pak’nSave Kaitāia store and fuel site had some flooding.

NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Weather conditions have eased in Northland, Trump insists Iran is engaged in negotiations. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Coromandel flooding: Hahei darts player takes out the win for frozen chicken, but finds himself stranded by floodsA keen darts player battled into the night to win a frozen chicken, even as floodwaters rose around him. When Hahei darts enthusiast Tim Stephens prepared to take home his hard-earned winnings, he discovered he was stuck. He put in a strong performance notching a 140 high score and winning the frozen chicken.

Photo: RNZThe government has fleshed out its National Fuel Plan, outlining rationing measures that would be taken if supplies start running dry. Phase 3 would see fuel prioritised for life-preserving services and phase 4 would see stricter intervention in fuel distribution. Moving up or down levels is decided by a ministerial oversight group based on fuel stocks, restrictions and supply chain data. "This is critical because the plan relies on fuel companies cooperating and working constructively with government," he said. "New Zealand has sufficient fuel stocks, but we are planning for potential scenarios where obtaining future supply could become increasingly difficult."

A Dunedin institution has been sold to a former New Zealand basketball star. When the Otago Daily Times attempted to contact Cowell’s Pavlova yesterday, a representative declined to comment. Cowell’s Pavlova was established in 1973 by Ron and Audrey Cowell, who sold franchises in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland in 1980. Kirk Penney, pictured in action for the Breakers in 2017, has bought a majority share in Dunedin pavlova makers Cowell's. He also won the 2011 ANBL championships as part of the New Zealand Breakers side.

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image.

More sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfSmall sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke riskMore sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfAdding 11 minutes of sleep, five minutes of exercise and a quarter-cup of extra vegetables per day could cut your risk of a major cardiac event, according to a new study. Scientists found these changes to sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of things like a heart attack or stroke, in a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. For those who don’t get enough sleep, get minimal exercise and have a poor diet, this “optimal combination” could lower their risk of major cardiovascular events by 57%.

‘Too few soldiers’In a televised meeting at the White House, Trump veered between repeated threats to “obliterate” Iran and claims it was already on the verge of capitulating. Trump also said the United States might take control of Iran’s oil, comparing it to the deal Washington made with Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro. “I don’t think war is the solution to these conditions, but ending it won’t change much for us either,” he said. Iran has targeted Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launchpads for US strikes, including hits on oil and gas sites. Crude prices had fallen since last week, but the wavering messages on talks saw oil prices jump again Thursday.

Brendon’s family have told how he had a history of heart issues, including suffering a heart attack in 2023. Brendon – who played Xander Harris in the supernatural horror TV series – had also been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Nicholas Brendon, known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, had a history of heart issues. Photo / Getty ImagesThe actor’s family recently said he died “in his sleep of natural causes”. In a statement shared on Brendon’s Instagram page, his family wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey.. Photo: RNZWarning: This story contains reference to suicide. A North Canterbury eating disorder residential facility that's proved a lifesaver for those admitted there can't attract government funding, leading to concerns about who can access care. The not-for-profit charity has a contract with ACC for sensitive claims patients, but has been passed over for Health NZ funding to open the service to more people. Because there's no funding to go through the public health system, Gabby's family dug deep to pay for her stay. Gabby said Recovered Living offered more than just eating and weight restoration, focusing too on exercise and reintegrating to everyday life after six months at the facility.

Otago/Timaru district manager Ian Henderson said some fishers were unaware of the reduction from 15 to 10 blue cod in the Southern blue cod management area south of Taiaroa Head, but there were very few incidents. ‘‘We have been made aware of a few fishers using undersized blue cod for bait and would like to remind fishers that undersize blue cod must be returned to the sea immediately and must not be used as bait.’’This behaviour threatened the sustainability of the blue cod fisheries. Mr Ham said set nets remained a focus for fishery officers. ‘‘We are confiscating illegal set nets regularly. ‘‘Recently, we found three set nets tied together, covering 160m in length.