Spear fishing risky, but not swimming
Seeing the teeth on a great white shark are about as rare as seeing hen’s teeth, University of Otago marine scientist Prof Steve Wing says. Photo: Mark EnarsonIn the wake of a Waitati spear fisherman coming face to face with a great white shark at the weekend, a marine scientist is reminding the public there is no need to be concerned about swimming at Otago beaches. That was what Waitati man Tom Brough was doing when a 4-metre great white shark came up behind him, about 50m off Huriawa Peninsula, near Karitane on Sunday. If a great white shark was encountered, he recommended staying calm, maintaining eye contact, and backing away slowly without splashing — they often mistake frantic movement for prey. She said the only time she had come face to face with a great white was while in one if the business’s cages.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC
Twice as many surf rescues so far this year
Surf Life Saving New Zealand has performed more than twice as many rescues so far this season compared with the same time last year. Between Labour Weekend and the weekend before Christmas, surf lifeguards across New Zealand performed 240 rescues — 127 more than during the same timeframe in 2024. Statistics are up in other areas, surf lifeguards performing 74 more assists, seven more major first aid procedures and eight more searches compared with the same period in 2024. "At the same time, conditions have seen dangerous rips and currents, particularly around sandbanks and channels." He said surf lifeguards would continue to actively engage with beachgoers, taking proactive actions to move people out of danger, and manage risk before it turned into an emergency.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC
Restricted fire season, fireworks ban begin
A short-term prohibition on the use of private fireworks in the Central Otago, Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas also comes into force today. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said the move to a restricted fire season brought the Queenstown Lakes area into line with Central Otago and Upper Waitaki. The restricted fire season and temporary ban on fireworks both reflect Fenz’s efforts to cut the risk of wildfires over the summer. Unfortunately, the same thing happened with outdoor fires — bonfires, campfires and land management fires, he said. In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC
Lennox gets maiden call-up
Central Districts left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox has earned his maiden call-up for the Black Caps. Lennox has been named in the ODI squad, alongside the uncapped Kristian Clarke, and emerging internationals Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, and the recent test debutant Michael Rae. Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to commitments in the SA20 league. Mitch Hay will keep wicket for the ODI series, whereas Conway will take the gloves for the T20s. This will allow them to feature in the back end of the T20 series in India ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC
Bret McKenzie on Flight of the Conchords plans and his Simpsons campaign to rehome greyhounds
Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie and Rhys Darby in Flight of The Conchords. With [Flight of the Conchords], it looks like we’re going to try and do something this coming year. I’ve never used one of those, but I think this year I’m going to try one of those. Santa's Little Helper from The Simpsons is one of the new faces of Greyhounds as Pets. And, luckily for me, I’ve done a few things with The Simpsons, and I’ve got friends there.
Source:New Zealand Herald
December 23, 2025 15:35 UTC
Lakeview Precinct progresses
A concept image of the Lakeview Te Taumata development above Queenstown’s CBD. The Queenstown Lakes District Council said in a statement yesterday that it and company Ninety Four Feet have completed settlement on the first stage of the land to be developed as part of the Lakeview Precinct in Queenstown. The development agreement, signed by both parties in October 2019, contractually binds Ninety Four Feet and council to a range of commercial terms. Settlement occurred yesterday and followed the developer meeting conditions of the agreement including design approval, consenting, funding, equity commitment, and contractor engagement. The Lakeview Precinct is said by the council to be a vibrant and complementary extension of the existing town centre.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:34 UTC
Controversial Albany Street Connection $1.8m over budget
Albany St. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIENThe controversial Albany Street Connection and safety improvements project has come in at nearly $5 million. Isaac Construction has been awarded a $4.8 million contract to deliver the Albany Street Connection project and the resurfacing of the road. Work on the Albany Street Connection involves pedestrian safety improvements including new crossings, as well as improved bus stops, new mobility parks and a two-way separated cycleway. The contract covers two pieces of work: $3.5m for construction of the Albany Street Connection and $1.3m to reseal the road at the conclusion of the work. Work to upgrade Three Waters infrastructure in part of Albany St — from Grange St to Forth St — will also be carried out in tandem with the Albany Street Connection project to minimise disruption in the area.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 15:32 UTC
Weight loss drugs in New Zealand: Benefits and risks of GLP-1s explained
Pharmac has funded dulaglutide and liraglutide for type 2 diabetes, but not for weight loss – so those who are prescribed them for weight loss must pay for them. GLP-1s offer some health benefits that come about as a result of weight loss, as well as other unexpected positives. By triggering rapid weight loss, GLP-1s can lower that risk, as well as that of stroke. That’s partly because obesity can impact fertility in both men and women, so rapid weight loss can boost it. According to Ministry of Health clinical guidelines for health practitioners around weight loss management, “people should always use weight-loss drugs in conjunction with lifestyle changes”.
Source:New Zealand Herald
December 23, 2025 15:09 UTC
Family pays tribute to Fiona Cameron and Tomi Muliaga after fatal Foxton Beach house fire
“Tomi treated mum like she was an absolute queen.”Fiona Cameron is being remembered as a caring grandmother by her 'devastated' family. Foxton Beach residents said they were awoken to loud bangs from the blaze. “We also want to acknowledge the authorities for their compassion, assistance and professionalism during this incredibly tragic time for our family,” Marsh told Stuff. Thomas Muliaga died in a Foxton Beach house fire that is thought to have started by the kitchen stove. Perkins said they were told by officials the fire was thought to have started on the kitchen stove, but no official report has been released.
Source:New Zealand Herald
December 23, 2025 14:30 UTC
8 modern rules for being a better houseguest
Ask the host their preferencesSome norms aren’t universal, but are common enough to warrant considering any time you stay with someone. If you’re not sure, follow the host’s lead by observing what they do, or ask them directly what they prefer. Also ask your host how they want you to handle your towels and bed linen when you leave. Help tidy up“If you’ve ever hosted, especially for a weekend, it’s so much work,” says Meier. “Make sure you’re independent and that you don’t ask people to buy tickets for you and things like that,” Meier says.
Source:New Zealand Herald
December 23, 2025 09:34 UTC
Police car involved in crash that closed Lindis Pass
The crash closed the Lindis Pass (SH8) until about 3pm. Photo: NZTA/Waka KotahiOne of the two vehicles involved in a crash that closed the Lindis Pass for five hours today was a police car. State Highway 8 reopened about 3pm following the two-vehicle crash near Omarama this morning. There were no serious injuries in the crash but it closed the pass for about five hours. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 08:16 UTC
Magic Moments: Share your favourite holiday photos
Last summer's winning photograph shows twins Peyton and Harper Lobb, 3, enjoying some summer sun at home just after Christmas. Delight your friends and family, captivate our readers and share your favourite holiday images in our Magic Moments competition. First prize: $100 voucher and an A3 canvas of the winning photographSecond prize: A3 canvas print of the second prize photograph. Another of last summer's entries shows Molly the golden retriever enjoying the Bunny Lane lavender farm at Patearoa. Please include:— The photographer's name AND phone number;— A description of who and what the photograph shows;— Where and when the photo was taken;— Ages, if relevant (especially children's ages).
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 07:44 UTC
Cheese shop owner 'devastated' dumped product resold
Photo: Screenshot / GoogleThe owner of a cheese company whose discarded product was stolen from a Waikato landfill and resold is worried the situation will damage its reputation. Owner Sue Arthur says she was horrified to learn that their discarded product was being resold. Owner Sue Arthur says she was horrified to learn their discarded product was being resold. Photo: suppliedArthur said the discarded cheese did not meet their internal quality standards, and there were no issues with their cheese sold by authorised retailers. "In this case, Over the Moon Cheese did all the right things as far as we can see.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 07:42 UTC
Drug deal in process busted: police
PHOTO: NZ POLICEPolice say they will not let drug dealers deal in peace after a Queenstown officer packing up a checkpoint unwittingly interrupted one in progress. The officer following his nose and trusting his instincts led to an unexpected haul of drugs and cash being seized and an alleged drug deal in the process being interrupted. Sgt Hannah-Jones and his team went to have a look, and his suspicions quickly proved correct when the cars hastily took off. ‘‘He was extremely uncooperative and was warned of arrest.’’A search was carried out and Sgt Hannah-Jones’ suspicions turned out to be correct once again. Police said the officers had interrupted a drug deal in progress.
Source:Otago Daily Times
December 23, 2025 07:35 UTC
British street artist Banksy unveils latest mural in Bayswater, London
A photograph shows a graffiti street art by street artist Banksy, in Bayswater, west London today. Photo / Carlos Jasso, AFPBritish street artist Banksy unveiled his latest work in central London today amid speculation over an identical second work which has appeared elsewhere in the city. The black and white mural painted on the side of an old building in Bayswater shows two people, probably children, in winter hats and wellington boots lying down, looking up and pointing to the sky. Banksy, whose real identity has not been revealed, posted an image of the work on his official Instagram account. In the photo on Banksy’s Instagram post, there is an overflowing skip in an alleyway next to the garage, spilling its rubbish onto the pavement.
Source:New Zealand Herald
December 23, 2025 06:02 UTC