Among the works to be displayed in the ‘‘Memento Vivere’’ exhibition will be these pieces created by Jane Siddall (left) and Timothy Peter Armstrong and James Sutherland. IMAGE: SUPPLIEDA trio of Dunedin artists have come together to celebrate the power of creativity with a new exhibition, ‘‘Memento Vivere’’, this month at Dunedin Community Gallery. The exhibition will run April 11-17 and open 10am-4pm daily at 126 Princes St.Armstrong said, in a statement, ‘‘Memento Vivere’’ was a testament to the power of creative kinship. ‘‘This reflects the conversations we had as we worked in parallel to create shared sinews of meaning. Sutherland studied drawing and painting at Edinburgh College of Art.

April 01, 2026 17:12 UTC

Photo: ODT filesWith New Zealand’s ageing population growing fast, and falls affecting a third of adults over 65, Hato Hone St John is stepping up to help people live strong and independent for longer. This week, Hato Hone St John launched its inaugural month-long April Falls campaign, aimed at working alongside partners like ACC, Osteoporosis New Zealand and communities to reduce the incidence and severity of falls and help New Zealanders age with strength, safety and dignity. Hato Hone St John Clinical Services deputy chief executive Jon Moores said, in a statement, ‘‘for many older people, a single fall can be the moment that changes their daily life, affecting their mobility, confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing”. Hato Hone St John is encouraging New Zealanders to take three practical steps: enrol a loved one in a strength and balance class, download ACC’s free Nymbl app for people aged 50 and over, and reduce hazards in the home using Hato Hone St John’s falls prevention booklet. Within ambulance data, most falls occur in older age groups, with a median age of 81 and over two-thirds involving people aged 75 and older.

April 01, 2026 17:12 UTC

(The Artist’s Room)The Artist’s Room is showing a joint exhibition by a well-known artist and an artist welcoming her maiden Dunedin exhibition. The well-known artist is Tyler Kennedy Stent, who has again produced a series of fine candid portraiture studies. Stent’s attention to detail and use of what initially seem unlikely colours make for captivating art, as does his use of watercolour painted in near-impasto opacity. Nacey presents a series of attractive oils in muted tones focusing on the play of light within a room. In her latest exhibition, the artist presents several of these works, but the exhibition is dominated by three installation pieces.

April 01, 2026 17:12 UTC

A free laundry service will offer a new point of connection for people experiencing hardship across Dunedin, an organiser says. Not-for-profit Orange Sky has announced its expansion into Dunedin with a volunteer-run laundry pod at the Salvation Army’s Crawford St site, which will begin operation late this month. Orange Sky national co-ordinator Emah Butler said for users, the pod’s impact extended beyond free washing and drying facilities. Orange Sky national co-ordinator Emah Butler at a new Dunedin laundry pod at the Salvation Army’s Crawford St site, which will launch later this month and operate for free twice a week. If the need was there, the organisation could look to expand services, Mrs Butler said.

April 01, 2026 16:35 UTC

The public have been urged to show caution while driving this holiday period. PHOTO: APNZPeople switching into holiday mode this long weekend are being urged not switch off on the roads as major events generate higher traffic volumes and risk of crashes. The Warbirds over Wanaka event attracts tens of thousands of visitors over the Easter weekend and this makes Central Otago a hotspot for travel and holidaymakers even more than usual. ‘‘It means busy roads leading in and out of Wanaka for the event, but also around Queenstown and other popular tourist regional attractions that people want to take in over the long weekend. ‘‘There’s no secret about the things people can do to keep themselves safe on the roads — it’s just about putting them into action.

April 01, 2026 16:34 UTC





Photo: RNZWinston Peters has accused the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) of "bordering on fascist" after it concluded it has jurisdiction over online media service The Platform. Peters told Plunket the move was one of "breathtaking audacity". Plunket - who disagrees with the BSA decision - told his audience he was frustrated by the lack of action from the government. The Act Party has a private member's bill to abolish the BSA, which Peters hinted his party would support. Act leader David Seymour told reporters at Parliament on Wednesday afternoon that it was time for the BSA to go.

April 01, 2026 15:24 UTC

Process Vegetables New Zealand chair David Hadfield said there has been a significant drop in the demand for frozen vegetables. Photo: GettyAt a time when both Wattie's and McCain have announced factory closures, supermarket retailer Woolworths says sales of frozen vegetables have been declining. Process Vegetables New Zealand chairman David Hadfield said there has been a significant drop in the demand for frozen vegetables, noting that diets and demographics were changing in New Zealand. "With Uber Eats etc, there's not a lot of vegetables in the package that you get to eat. He said with the current cost-of-living pressures they expect demand for cheaper frozen vegetables will increase, but added supermarket profit margins were not helping the situation.

April 01, 2026 14:01 UTC

Outside court, Mr Singh's father Nishan said he felt justice had been served and paid tribute to police, prosecutors and those who had supported the family during their ordeal. Mr Singh’s parents said the weight of losing their only son in such a callous attack was devastating. They had sold everything to enable Mr Singh to travel to New Zealand in 2016, study and establish a business for himself. Mr Singh’s body was found on his front lawn partially decapitated; at least 46 stab wounds were later identified by a pathologist. “It’s yet another lie from you to deflect responsibility for your crime,” she told Rajinder.

April 01, 2026 13:42 UTC

By Giles Dexter of RNZSome restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday alcohol sales could be gone as soon as this long weekend. Currently, bars or restaurants can only sell alcohol if the patron is "residing or lodging" on the premises, or "present on the premises to dine". Parliament treats alcohol legislation as a conscience matter, meaning MPs vote according to their personal view or what they think is best for their electorate or community, rather than as a party bloc. Luxton said it would mean punters coming to enjoy the new stadium were not kicked out at midnight for Anzac Day. Luxton's own member's bill to repeal alcohol restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday was voted down at first reading in 2024.

April 01, 2026 13:40 UTC

Stock photo: GettyA six-year-old who spent $800 buying "gems" for his video games left his father without enough money to pay for food. It said the man had loaded his credit card details on to his gaming computer, to pay for in-game purchases. But his six-year-old also used the computer and did not realise that he was using his father's credit card to buy gems for his game. He complained to the card provider, saying it should have noticed 100 small withdrawals but the provider argued it was not liable. FSCL ombudsman Susan Taylor said it highlighted how problematic it could be to store credit card details on a device.

April 01, 2026 13:13 UTC

Photo: RNZThere is a slight decrease in national fuel stock across petrol, diesel and jet fuel since the last update, but "supply remains within normal levels". That's according to the latest fuel stocks update, which says the change remains within expectations and shows normal patterns. Data released on Monday showed there was 59.3 days' cover of petrol, 54.5 days' cover of diesel, and 50.4 days' cover of jet fuel. Phase three would see fuel prioritised for life-preserving services and phase four 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.

April 01, 2026 12:30 UTC

Antoine Richard was last seen in Cromwell late on March 21. Photo: NZ PoliceA body believed to be that of missing 21-year-old French national Antoine Richard has been found in Lake Dunstan, police say. ‘‘While the formal identification process is yet to be completed, it is believed to be the 21-year-old man reported missing from Cromwell. ‘‘The death will be referred to the Coroner.’’Richard was reported missing in Cromwell last weekend. ‘‘Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.’’Earlier, his family appealed for more help in the search.

April 01, 2026 11:31 UTC

CCTV camera footage from the ferry confirmed the man went into the water just after 11pm - about two hours after the ship departed Picton. Photo: InterislanderPolice say it is extremely unlikely that a man who went overboard from an Interislander ferry in Cook Strait earlier this week has survived. "Initial enquiries were undertaken, including further searches of the vessel and attempts to contact the man," Gifford said. Gifford said CCTV camera footage from the ferry Kaiārahi confirmed the man went into the water just after 11pm - about two hours after the ship departed Picton. Expert advice received indicated survivability was extremely unlikely," Gifford said.

April 01, 2026 11:22 UTC

A load of cattle and a truck driver have managed to walk away unhurt after a stock truck overturned in the Catlins area this afternoon. A police spokesman said the truck and trailer rolled on to its side near the intersection of Catlins Valley Rd and Papatowai Highway about 5.20pm. ‘‘There was an initial call made to a vet, but they got stood down pretty much straight away when it was assessed and realised that the stock were all out and OK.‘‘The driver was also out of the truck and was OK.’’He said the stock were moved into a neighbouring paddock while they waited to be picked up by another stock truck. Police inquiries were continuing. john.lewis@odt.co.nz

April 01, 2026 11:13 UTC

Image: RNZ / UnsplashA trucking sector veteran says the soaring price of diesel is the worst he's seen in his 35 years in the industry. The price of diesel has nearly doubled in the space of a month since the conflict in the Middle East. She said they were also seeing a trend of people cancelling due to disruption the fuel crisis was having their travel plans. Finance Minister says tax relief won't workNicola Willis faces questions on the fuel crisis last month. She said officials have also been clear that there may come a time when road users would be asked to conserve fuel.

April 01, 2026 09:20 UTC