More heat forecast today, with showersMetService forecaster Samkelo Magwala told the Herald temperatures were forecast to remain on the hotter side today, particularly in the North Island. “Heat alerts have been issued for most parts in the east and for the north of the North Island,” he said. Magwala said a front across the top of the South Island on Sunday would move towards the bottom of the North Island last night. SH1 WAIOURU TO RANGIPO (DESERT ROAD) - STRONG WINDS - 6:05AMThere is currently a strong wind warning in place along this route. pic.twitter.com/1vt2TsKRiL — NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) January 11, 2026Magwala said the top half of the North Island would remain mainly fine today, apart from one or two showers in Northland for the afternoon.

Like all foreign purchases of large blocks of land, Ingka’s purchases require government approval. Public records published by the Overseas Investment Office show Ingka has purchased 23,700ha of farmland for conversion to forestry and 18,600ha of existing forests – including the Greenheart Group forests. Wisp Hill was a sheep and beef operation with a small 53ha existing forest. The application stated, “The remainder of the land will be unplanted land including native bush [1021ha], potential regeneration land [892ha], buffer land, setbacks, riparian areas etc. “Our preference is to acquire existing forests where this aligns with our long‑term goals and values."

The sea lion entered a Dunedin takeaway shop last night, shocking staff and onlookers alike. Photo / Takeaways on MarlowThe sea lion entered a Dunedin takeaway shop last night, shocking staff and onlookers alike. Photo / Takeaways on MarlowA Dunedin fish and chip shop had an unlikely lock-in over the weekend as a stranded sea lion temporarily trapped them inside. Staff at Takeaways on Marlow were shocked last night when the marine mammal wandered into their shop off nearby St Kilda Beach. Owner Rachel told the Herald she was serving a local man at around 6pm when the sea lion decided to lie across the shop floor, blocking the front door.

Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is well aware of the risks Kiwis fighting in Ukraine – and their families back home – face from Russian supporters. Findings included the social media accounts of foreign fighters and their loved ones being “doxed” – an act that had them revealed on Russian online Telegram accounts – and then flooded with abuse. Kiwi aid worker Owen Pomana (right) has seen ghastly footage posted on Russian channels of some of his volunteers dying. The TracANaziMerc has also shared photos and details of the deaths of some of the four New Zealand soldiers killed in Ukraine. A 2025 study highlighted the nefarious ways “Russian or pro-Russian individuals” were using social media.

Increasingly, fashion choices are being used as a storytelling tool, linking in with promotional tours and awards season campaigns. The Marilyn Monroe homage brought together a bunch of the stylist’s influences: old Hollywood, bridal details and nostalgic romanticism. A move to Los Angeles saw her transition into red carpet styling, starting by dressing Calista Flockhart for the Emmys. Associated brands: Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Armani, Elie Saab and Gabriela Hearst. Photo / Getty ImagesAssociated brands: Valentino, Balmain, Schiaparelli, Prabal Gurung, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Christopher John Rogers.

PHOTO: NIC DUFFChildren with complex needs could fall through the cracks as long wait times for children referred to paediatricians cause issues in the classroom, a North Otago principal fears. Teachers and principals were already campaigning for more support in their classrooms because of the increasing complex needs they had with children, she said. Further, it was important for not just the referred child to be seen by a paediatrician — but all children in the classroom. "When children with complex needs are supported, that means that they’re not a distraction in the classroom for other children to be able to learn." They were down one senior medical officer at present and were actively recruiting to fill the empty position, he said.

Elina Svitolina, of the Ukraine, celebrates her singles final win in Auckland yesterday. The 31-year-old Svitolina claimed her 19th career title, improving her record in the WTA Tour finals to a robust 19-4 — a winning percentage just shy of 83%. Svitolina is projected to rise one spot to No 12 in the PIF WTA rankings as she continues to push towards a top-10 return. For the French player, the title carried added significance after a challenging 2025 season hampered by injury issues. She described the week in Auckland as a reminder of why she continued to play the sport.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED/CODCThe newly formed Southern Waters group has announced a couple of key foundational roles. Southern Waters said in a statement last week it had made two key appointments to lead the establishment of the new water services entity. Southern Waters will be the largest joint council water services entity in the South Island, delivering water, wastewater and stormwater services across the Central Otago, Clutha and Gore districts. He has advised numerous water reticulation businesses during his career, including assessing water and waste distribution assets for the Dunedin City Council and advising the Christchurch City Council on its interest in Central Plains Water. The programme director role was a fixed-term position, leading the establishment phase of Southern Waters through to December next year.

Cruise ships Seabourn Quest, left, and Azamara Pursuit at Port Chalmers yesterday. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSHDunedin has experienced something of a cruise bonanza over the weekend, after three cruise ships stopped at Port Chalmers, with two of those staying an extra night. When the cruise ships Seabourn Quest, Azamara Pursuit and Le Soleal arrived, it meant the city was looking after about 1420 passengers in total. The Seabourn Quest is a year-round luxury cruise liner, with capacity for about 460 passengers and is a frequent visitor of Australia and New Zealand shores. The Azamara Pursuit is a mid-sized cruise vessel with a capacity of 700 passengers, with its publicity detail describing the ship as a "luxurious boutique hotel on the sea".

The Waihola Swans defended the Burt Pringle Trophy with a commanding 186-run win over the Milton King Crabs in Milton. Milton asked Waihola to bat with plenty of moisture about, but it began to feel like the wrong decision as Waihola’s batters went to work. The only moderate highlight of the Milton innings came from lower-order batter Brad Milligan, who swatted 17 in a confident effort. The best partnership of the innings came at the death with Harjinder Singh and Daniel Johnston adding 16 runs with some lusty blows to the fence. Cameron Johnston showed that class is permanent with three fine overs after being away from cricket for at least a decade.

Boyd won the women’s singles at the national championships on Friday to claim her 10th national title. The victory marked Boyd’s first national singles title and capped off a stellar week in which she also won the women’s pairs alongside Kirsten Edwards. The 34-year-old now boasts a remarkable 10 national titles, made up of one singles, three pairs and six fours titles. "I’ve lost two national singles finals in the past so it’s nice to finally win one," Boyd said. In the day’s other final, Darron Wolland (Balclutha) was clinical to pick up another national title in the open disability singles, proving too good for Jono Radka (Papanui).

PHOTO: QLDCStrong winds and heavy rain around the South flooded roads and brought down multiple trees and powerlines, causing road closures and delays yesterday. Mt Aspiring Rd, Greenstone Rd and Paradise Rd were all thought to be affected by the flooding and crews were busy cleaning up and clearing roads of debris. The Clutha District Council closed the Mt Cooee landfill due to strong winds. It was another day of wild weather for many around the country, warnings of high temperatures, strong winds and heavy rain being in place. Flights out of Wellington Airport were cancelled due to strong winds.

Japanese exchange students (from left) Miyako Nakagawa, Sayako Uchiyawa, Anela Kurosawa, Mai Terajima and Akane Nozawa celebrate their Coming of Age Day in Dunedin. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHThere is roughly 10,000km of ocean separating Japan and Dunedin, but the distance did not stop University of Otago exchange students from marking their coming of age in traditional style. Japanese students gathered on Saturday to celebrate Coming of Age Day — a traditional ceremony, originating over 1300 years ago, to mark turning 20, the country’s age of maturity. Event organiser Shion Hashimoto said many of the 40 attendees were exchange students from Japanese universities at the University of Otago. The ceremony featured a speech from Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker and a koto (traditional Japanese instrument) performance.

PHOTO: LINKEDINThe strength of brain research in New Zealand, and at the University of Otago in particular, will be highlighted thanks to an international partnership with a global mission. The 10-year partnership will help bring together transdisciplinary teams to improve brain health research and treatment, the University of Otago said in a statement. She said the initiative would not only amplify the country’s brain research excellence but would improve the lives of New Zealanders. "This partnership is an investment in the future of brain research in New Zealand to ensure citizens have access to the best future therapies." University of Otago research and enterprise director Dr Martin Gagnon said brain research was strong and embedded across the university.

Contacted by the ODT, Mr Sneddon disputed the allegations saying the fault lay with the customers. He and his wife hired Mr Sneddon through Stonewood Homes Dunedin to build their then two-storey Karitane holiday home in 2015. For the better part of a decade, Mr Vallely said they pushed Mr Sneddon to get the certificate — taking matters into their own hands in 2025. They would not be working with Mr Sneddon again as they believed they had ended up with "the worst builder in Dunedin". Mr Klimeck admitted they were still holding back $5000 from their final payment to Mr Sneddon because there were still issues that needed to be fixed.