Baltej Singh revealed as mastermind in major drug case
Singh’s case drew additional attention due to his family history. He is the nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin, Satwant Singh, one of the bodyguards responsible for her killing in 1984. Prosecutors argued that Singh’s identity was already known internationally and that public interest in transparency outweighed any risks. The Court of Appeal agreed, stating there was an “appreciable public interest” in revealing his identity given the scale of the offending. By early 2023, Singh and his associate, Himatjit ‘Jimmy’ Singh Khalon, were unpacking thousands of cans and bottles at a rented industrial unit in Auckland.
Source:Stuff
March 29, 2026 05:38 UTC
Financial boost for some Kiwis
Photo: RNZPolicy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than 1 million Kiwis from mid-week, the government says. In a statement this afternoon, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries would get a boost from Wednesday, April 1, as the as conflict in the Middle East continued to impact Kiwi wallets. The changes include:• Around 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. “We recognise that many Kiwis will not feel able to make that choice right now. “These KiwiSaver changes are all about lifting savings and helping Kiwis become more financially secure in the longer run."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 03:33 UTC
Auckland fog lifts
Photo: ODT filesFog restrictions have been lifted at Auckland Airport after many flights were affected this morning. The restriction had been in place since 4.42am. More than 50 flights were affected during the morning including cancellations and delays, RNZ reported. Dunedin, Queenstown and Christchurch flights were affected. Auckland Airport advised passengers to check its website or app for the latest information.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 02:44 UTC
Govt wants feedback on fuel barriers
Photo: RNZRegulatory feedback is being called for as the government looks to tackle global fuel uncertainty. The government has laid out its response plan to the rising fuel costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. The Ministry for Regulation is now urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators and the wider public to report any barriers that could stand in the way of the government's response. "That's why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?" If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 01:23 UTC
Anti-Trump rallies held in thousands of cities
The two previous No Kings events attracted millions of participants. In Minnesota, a flashpoint in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, a massive rally was held outside the state capitol building in Saint Paul. "You're damn right we've been radicalised - radicalised by compassion, radicalised by decency, radicalised by due process, radicalised by democracy, and radicalised to do all we can to oppose authoritarianism." “We’re just doing it again.”On the National Mall in Washington, the crowd chanted pro-democracy slogans and held anti-Trump signs. Trump's policies have galvanised the opposition, Dallas protester Chris Brendel said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 00:52 UTC
Call for action after wild party at short-stay house
Phyllis St residents say the party house is listed on short-stay accommodation platforms. Photo: RNZPolice say violence at an Auckland party that saw a young person hospitalised is an isolated incident, but neighbours maintain it's an ongoing issue that needs action. Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said some what unfolded at the party was unacceptable. However, neighbours say problems with out-of-control parties in the small street were ongoing. "It is cheap and easy for teenagers to book this property for one night to have a house party that, as demonstrated last night and many times before, can get quickly out of hand.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 00:33 UTC
Violence against paramedics: Inside rising assaults on ambulance crews
Hato Hone St John area operations manager Adrian Gavin says almost every shift has some violent incident towards staff. Hato Hone St John supports the Crimes Amendment Act, which would increase penalties for attacks on paramedics. This is the second attempt at a “ride-along” with Hato Hone St John. In the week between, Hato Hone St John gave an oral submission to a Parliamentary select committee hearing of the Crimes Amendment Act. Hato Hone St John national deputy chief executive of ambulance operations Dan Ohs.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 29, 2026 00:31 UTC
Beachlands driver death 'huge loss for Otago'
Contact reporters@odt.co.nzThe New Zealand speedway community is mourning the death of a well-known racing driver at Beachlands Speedway near Dunedin. Speedway writer Jody Scott told the Otago Daily Times today he had known the driver for about 30 years. He was a pioneer in streetstocks and a huge loss for Otago, he said. Speedway NZ investigatingSpeedway New Zealand general manager Zoe Irons said in a statement the death of a driver was being investigated. In April 2024, a car racing on the Waldronville track catapulted over a safety fence, almost landing on top of spectators.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 00:30 UTC
Houthi rebels fire missile towards Israel as Red Sea shipping risk grows
Houthis brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, in the Yemeni capital Sana'a. During Israel’s recent war in Gaza, the Houthis, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, forcing companies to take costly detours. Red Sea shippingWith Hormuz all but impassable, many Gulf shipments have been rerouted through Oman’s Salalah port on the Arabian Sea, but Danish shipping giant Maersk said operations there were temporarily suspended after a drone attack. A boy shouts slogans as Houthis rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, in the Yemeni capital Sana'a. In Israel, hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities for protests against the war, which security forces sought to disperse.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 23:47 UTC
Weather: MetService issues heavy rain watch for central North Island
MetService Heather Keats with the weekend weather outlook for your region. A burst of heavy rain is set to hit the central North Island overnight with the possibility of thunderstorms. MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupō with heavy downpours expected between 1am and 8am Monday and possible thunderstorms. There is a low risk of localised downpours, with rainfall rates ranging between 25-35mm per hour. Meteorologist Silvia Martino said while there might not be a large accumulation of rain, the central North Island may see very heavy rain in a short span of time.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 23:21 UTC
General Debate 29 March 2026
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Source:Stuff
March 28, 2026 23:04 UTC
In support of bras as essential sports kit
For an athlete constantly chasing the “one percenters” that drive performance gains, Aitchison has found proper breast support to be critical. The institute’s research shows poorly fitted bras can cause runners to shorten their stride by up to 4cm – the equivalent of running an extra 1.5km over a marathon. The Black Ferns are fitted with bras for their touring kit and receive bras of their choice, with a range of training gear, through sponsor Adidas. Dr Helen Fulcher is the athlete performance support lead at High Performance Sport New Zealand. Aitchison advocates for recognising bras as essential sports equipment and emphasises early education on breast health.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 22:06 UTC
Auckland Airport fog restrictions lifted after 48 flights cancelled
One passenger said his flight from Christchurch had circled Auckland for an hour before being diverted to Wellington. Another person said they waited in their plane on the tarmac at Auckland Airport for nearly two hours. They said their flight was supposed to take off at 7.15am but at 9am, they were still waiting. Auckland Airport said passengers travelling today should check the airport’s website for the latest flight arrival and departure information. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 21:58 UTC
All Whites v Finland: New Zealand player ratings from Fifa Series defeat
Lost Joel Pohjanpalo at set-piece time for Finland’s opener and couldn’t provide his trademark attacking delivery from the left. Lachlan Bayliss (on for Thomas after 64’) – 6Gave his all on his All Whites debut. Curled a shot wide late on but lost his man for Finland’s second goal. Kosta Barbarouses (on for Waine after 64’) – 6Added impetus and nicked possession to set up Old for a half-chance. Joe Bell (on for Stamenic after 79’) – no ratingLogan Rogerson (on for Just after 79’) – no ratingAndre de Jong (on for Old after 79’) – no rating
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 21:52 UTC
Celebrity real estate agents in New Zealand: Sports stars and actors signing up to sell homes
“That’s the reason why we chose Tremains to begin with, because of that, parallels from sport to real estate and the family aspect of it as well. Photo / PhotosportThe people aspect, according to Harris, is one of the biggest parallels between real estate and professional sport. They get along, they enjoy each other’s company and things like that, and it’s the same in real estate too. “I think this is why you see a lot of sports people go into real estate; there’s a certain amount of discipline that they have,” says Vaughan. “I felt that once I moved away from acting altogether and focused totally on [real estate], it went better for me.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 28, 2026 21:31 UTC