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Photo: Melanie OldsAn Auckland fertility clinic has apologised after frozen embryos went missing and it still does not know what happened to them. In a letter today, Fertility Associates chief medical officer Dr Andrew Murray said a review was sparked after frozen embryos belonging to an Auckland patient went missing in 2025. "We understand the anxiety and concern a missing embryo would create. But all frozen embryos in Auckland would now be stored in a new, larger, dedicated area in a building in Greenlane, and the company would be "enhancing senior laboratory oversight and reinforcing training, quality assurance, and internal reporting mechanisms". The letter did not address whether the missing embryos had been located, but in response to further questions by RNZ, Murray confirmed that despite the investigation, the clinic had been unable to locate the patient's embryos or confirm how they went missing.

Photo: ODT FilesA woman who ‘‘smelt of alcohol’’ was caught driving over the legal limit after being spotted by a Dunedin shop worker, police say. Sergeant Matt Lee, of Dunedin, said police were called to the South Dunedin area about 11am yesterday. She was forbidden to drive for 12 hours and issued an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol, Sgt Lee said. A vehicle being driven by a 30-year-old man was travelling north when he ‘‘missed his intended exit’’, Sgt Lee said. One lane was blocked for some time until both vehicles could be towed from the scene, Sgt Lee said.

Smoke rises from an area near the Dubai International Airport after a drone attack hit a fuel tank, according to authorities. Photo: Reuters/StringerA New Zealand citizen living in Dubai has described constant missile activity, shortages and a lack of clear information. It's absolutely not business as usual," they said. The New Zealander described waking to "waves of bombs" and ongoing air defence activity in residential areas. "We encourage you to monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities."

Photo: Nathan McKinnon / RNZWattie's New Zealand's proposal to stop producing frozen vegetables is expected to impact the country's already-hurting vegetable growers and seed producers. A well-known packet of Wattie's frozen mixed vegetables of peas, carrots and corn for example, perhaps no more under new proposals. Heinz Wattie's previously said the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary step to position the company for the future. Clark said the decision was "probably a kick in the guts" for growers after such a tough season marred by wet weather, causing root disease. Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said growers supplying Wattie's now faced a great deal of uncertainty.

Flats on Forth St and Harbour Tce. Sergeant Matt Lee, of Dunedin, said police were called to an address in Forth St, North Dunedin, just after midnight yesterday. The occupants of the address discovered an unknown man sleeping on a couch in their front porch. Police found the 46-year-old man still sleeping on the couch when they arrived, Sgt Lee said. Sgt Lee said it was important for students to lock their flats.

Ther phone was handed in to police during St Patrick's Day festivities. Photo: Stephen JaquieryAn out-of-town student unwittingly dobbed himself in when his phone containing hidden drugs was handed to Dunedin police during St Patrick’s Day partying. A friend of the phone’s owner later called the phone and made arrangements with police for its return. However, the friend ‘‘failed to hang up the phone’’, Sgt Lee said. ‘‘He eventually came to police to collect his phone and received a formal warning.’’The ketamine was seized and destroyed, Sgt Lee said.

Robbie Williams on stage at the The BRIT Awards in Manchester last month. Photo: Getty ImagesGlobal popstar Robbie Williams will play at Christchurch's new stadium later this year. Williams will be one of the first international acts at the One New Zealand Stadium when he brings his BRITPOP World Tour to the city on 28 November - the singer's first concert in Christchurch in 25 years. The government said Williams was bringing his BRITPOP World Tour to Aotearoa with the support of its $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. In 2023, Netflix released a four-part documentary series, Robbie Williams, and in 2024 his Oscar-nominated film, Better Man, was released globally to critical acclaim.

The late Jock Davies’ family, (from left) brother Tom, mother Sarah, father Peter and brother George with Jock’s Otago Polytechnic bachelor of applied science degree, presented at a pre-graduation ceremony at the Sargood Centre on Friday. Photo: Gerard O'BrienWearing sandals, jandals or gumboots with a suit and tie or a formal dress may not seem appropriate footwear for an Otago Polytechnic graduation. But many graduands and staff wore the "unusual fashion" accessories on Friday as a tribute to their fellow student, the late Jock Davies, who was tragically killed in a hunting accident on Stewart Island in July last year. Many attending the posthumous presentation of Jock Davies’ Otago Polytechnic bachelor of applied science degree on Friday, wore sandals, jandals and gumboots as a tribute to the much loved student. The late Jock Davies, 21, who was tragically killed in a hunting accident on Stewart Island in July.

A hunting safety programme will take place in Balclutha this weekend. The Baden McNabb Memorial Firearms and Hunter Safety workshop is set for 10am, Saturday at the Deerstalkers Association Hall, 5 Glasgow St. Presented by the Baden McNabb Fund at the Clutha Foundation, the workshop is in memory of Owaka outdoorsman Baden McNabb, who lost his life in 2018. "Because when we just learn from our mates, sometimes important safety bases aren’t covered. Registrations are essential, by emailing givewhereyoulive@cluthafoundation.org.nz, or following the link from the Firearms & Hunting Safety Day on Clutha Foundation’s website.

Timoci Tavatavanawai. Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai is having a whale of a season — and that is backed up by the numbers. Tavatavanawai is in a three-way tie for first after the opening five rounds. Tavatavanawai picked up eight points from the voting panel for his fine effort in the loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch at the weekend. Player of the year votes are announced every week before voting goes behind closed doors following round 10.

The accused man, who has name suppression, pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection between 1994 and 1995. The complainant said he was put to bed by the accused, and woke to find he was being sexually assaulted. The complainant had earlier mentioned the alleged abuse to the writer of a pre-sentence report. On Tuesday, the accused's defence lawyer, David Stevens, asked the complainant about the timing of the complaint. I don't advertise my past, I don't pity myself for what has happened to me over my life time.

Photo: University of OtagoHeading off into the mountainous back country of the South Island is becoming increasingly dangerous as climate change increases uncertainty about snow and avalanche conditions. The NZ Avalanche Advisory provides widely recognised guidance on snow conditions and avalanche hazards across 13 alpine forecasting regions. Prof Cullen said avalanche risk was a complex interaction involving snowpack, weather, terrain and people, where terrain was the only factor that remained constant over time. University of Otago School of Geography researcher Prof Nicolas Cullen (left) and PhD student Phil Elder are developing a mapping system aimed at helping back-country visitors stay safe from avalanche danger in New Zealand. NZ-mATES would then use this information to identify locations where an avalanche might start, travel and dissipate, and calculate the risks accordingly.

PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIENA Mosgiel couple have given up the fight to remove a tree they say is threatening their family home, after a second bid for council permission failed. A poem to the pin oak and an AI-backed report have previously supported the couple’s efforts to remove the tree. However, the council’s hearing panel — commissioners Rosalind Day-Cleavin, Shane Roberts and Andrew Whiley — found the tree did not pose a significant risk. "The panel acknowledges there would be some benefit to the applicant and the neighbouring submitter from removing the tree. "However, no evidence was provided that any public benefit arising from removing the tree would be significant, nor that any public benefit outweighed the loss of the tree."

Cairnlea co-owner Sam Stevens, with his sheep dog Storm, has sold his Poll Dorset stud flock in Ida valley, as he prepares to exit farming. About 250 two-tooth and mixed-age Poll Dorset ewes, 85 Poll Dorset ram lambs, 30 Poll Dorset cross ram lambs and 30 Poll Dorset cross ewe lambs sold at an on-farm sale last month. Poll Dorset sheep thrived on the farm because they liked hot and dry conditions. Poll Dorset sheep, which sold at a Cairnlea dispersal sale and are destined for farms in Whangārei, Northland. Mr Peddie said he bought about 60 mixed-age Poll Dorset ewes and about 30 Poll Dorset ewe lambs.