Wellington Phoenix Women clinch semi-final spot with win over Adelaide
“It felt like a much more collective effort. We put a lot of attention on people not trying too hard and doing their roles and being collective in doing that. Nunn scored from the resulting corner, heading home a left-wing corner from Elliott after again finding space at the near post. The Phoenix will now await the outcome of the remaining final-round matches to see when they will play in the finals. Wellington Phoenix Women 2 (Marisa van der Meer 30’, Brooke Nunn 34′)Adelaide Women 0HT: 2-0
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 18:02 UTC
Greyhound bosses admit battle to keep dog racing alive is over
Action had to be taken.”This decision reflects a wider global shift away from greyhound racing, with sport now surviving in only a small number of countries. Since New Zealand announced its intention to end greyhound racing, further jurisdictions, including Scotland, Wales and Tasmania, have signalled they will also end the sport, says Peters. It is a sad day for greyhound racing and we believe a warning to the two equine codes about their future.”Peters previously stated after announcing his intent to ban greyhound racing that horse racing will not be next and that industry is not under threat. Mental health and wellbeing support services for people whose daily lives have been closely tied to greyhound racing. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 17:26 UTC
Around the Leagues: Pre-season news (West)
Record-breaking New Zealander Brett Randell is back with top-flight Honley for the 2026 Huddersfield Premier League season. Like Moorlands, Kirkburton have plundered the Bradford Premier League, for Rishi Chopra (Bradford & Bingley) and Yorkshire wicketkeeper Harry Duke (Farsley). Pudsey Congs, the 2025 Division One champions, have brought in Ibrahim Ahmed, from Premier Division rivals Woodlands, and Max Berry, from the Huddersfield Premier League’s Slaithwaite. Heading the quartet is Pakistani overseas professional Muhammad Junaid, who shone last season with the Bolton Premier League’s Little Lever. Owing to Bradford Premier League rules, Batley are unable to field the Third XI, comprising mostly teenagers, in their ‘own’ competition.
Source:Stuff
April 03, 2026 17:23 UTC
CDC forum invitee criticises process
During the forum, Mr Castel and the mayor repeatedly interrupted one another, leading Mr Castel to level the accusation of a ‘‘beat-up job’’ by Mr Martin when he spoke to the Otago Daily Times on Thursday. In a civil exchange, Mr Martin said he believed the matter was already satisfactorily resolved and no further explanation was required. Mr Castel took a different view, questioning the mayor’s fitness to lead and suggesting he should consider resigning. He said he had encouraged Mr Castel to attend the forum so all councillors could hear his concerns. We encourage residents to attend and speak at the public forum with any concerns and I admire those, like John, who step up.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:12 UTC
Shuffling a fresh deck
Since that professional and personal disappointment Ms Simmonds has done a diligent job implementing vocational education reform. Six months will not give Ms Simmonds opportunity for wholescale reform, but she will need to ensure Dr Reti’s initiatives when he was in charge of these areas are implemented. Much of the post-reshuffle conversation has centred on senior minister Chris Bishop and his perceived demotion. That said, he remains a senior minister and indispensable workhorse. The reshuffle held little for the younger talent in National’s ranks, although Nicola Grigg did pick up the Environment portfolio that was formerly Ms Simmonds’.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:12 UTC
Pride in RSA grave cleaning
Verdon College students (from left) Joel Minani, Brandon Fabia, Gwenzey Bagaoisan and head girl Maia Garrett volunteered to help clean RSA grave plaques in preparation for Anzac Day cele brations this month. PHOTO: TONI MCDONALDVerdon College students rolled up their sleeves to help RSA volunteers clean and restore RSA graves at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery last week. They were joined by staff from Fulton Hogan, the Remembrance Army and RSA members. Verdon College head girl Maia Garret said helping with the cleanup was more than a community outreach. ‘‘Even just giving up our time for a couple of hours makes a big difference.’’During the process, students had access to military records.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:02 UTC
Trump fires attorney-general Pam Bondi, appoints ex-lawyer Todd Blanche
“Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney-General to the amazing Todd Blanche,” she said. The Epstein affair has been a major political liability for Trump, who was a longtime friend of the disgraced financier. Bondi has also fallen short with efforts to successfully prosecute perceived Trump opponents such as former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney-General Letitia James. According to The New York Times, Trump may name Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be the next Attorney-General. “Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice became a cesspool of corruption.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 17:01 UTC
NZ climber facing long road to recovery after accident: friend
However, Will Campbell, 25, who is understood to be from Dunedin, could face a long road to recovery. Mr Doell said they called for help about 2pm last Saturday (local time) and then awaited a rescue helicopter. Mr Campbell had since been cleared for release from hospital by doctors, but was told his recovery could take months, Mr Doell said. He considered Mr Campbell to be an experienced climber. The Otago Daily Times understands family are looking to fly to the US to see Mr Campbell.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 16:37 UTC
Wind farm consent process slammed
A wind farm. The wind farm, situated on hills about 30km southeast of Gore, would consist of 55 turbines and could generate up to 380MW and provide power for up to 150,000 households. Once commissioned, it would employ about 10 to 14 full-time equivalent staff to operate the wind farm. It would be the country’s biggest wind farm. West Catlins Preservation Society spokeswoman Natalie McRae said it felt like the entire fast-track process was loaded against them.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 16:36 UTC
Runanga welcomes guilty verdict for trying to export pounamu
Photo: ODT filesA landmark prosecution involving the illegal export of pounamu from New Zealand has been welcomed by Poutini Ngai Tahu. This followed an earlier attempt two months prior, when Zhang’s father and Li’s husband was intercepted trying to export two stones weighing a combined 61kg. The case is the first successful prosecution under the Customs Export Prohibition (Pounamu) Order 2021, which makes it unlawful to export 5kg or more of raw or partially processed pounamu without permission. Poutini Ngāi Tahu rūnanga co-chairmen Francois Tumahai (Ngāti Waewae) and Paul Madgwick (Ngāti Māhaki) said the verdict upheld the mana of pounamu. Regardless, the intent was clearly to remove raw pounamu from New Zealand for commercial gain.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 16:33 UTC
Input sought on speed limits
PHOTO: ODT filesWanaka residents are being asked for their views on a proposal to lower speed limits in the area. The proposed speed limits also include lowering a section of Cardrona Valley Rd outside the Cardrona Skifield access road intersection from 80kmh to 60kmh. A Wanaka Golf Club spokeswoman said they advocated for lower speed limits on Ballantyne Rd before the new crossing and traffic lights were put in place. Council strategic asset manager Alison Tomlinson said the council was responsible for setting safe and appropriate speed limits on local roads and people’s safety was a top priority. Feedback from the survey will be used to finalise speed limit changes in the speed management plan as well as to inform what should be included in the next iteration of the speed management plan.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 16:33 UTC
Ex-City Rail Link chief executive Sean Sweeney resigns as Dublin MetroLink director to return to New Zealand
Sweeney described leading the Metrolink project as “one of the greatest professional privileges of my career”. Dr Sean Sweeney said he was leaving the Dublin metro project to return to New Zealand. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien told Irish media that Sweeney had informed him of his resignation in a meeting earlier this week. Sweeney led Auckland's $5.5 billion City Rail Link project for six years through the height of its construction. In an editorial, The Irish Times – Ireland’s largest newspaper – called Sweeney’s departure a “significant blow” to the Metrolink.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 16:33 UTC
Gilmour taking new approach to NZ Rally Championship
Emma Gilmour will team up with Australian co-driver Ben Searcy for the Allcomers event at the Otago Rally in her Citroen C3 Rally2. PHOTO: PADDON RALLYSPORTEmma Gilmour has been a regular starter in the New Zealand Rally Championship for more than two decades, but she will take a different approach this season. Instead of contesting the full championship, Gilmour will run a mixed programme of events in both her Citroen C3 Rally2 car and her Suzuki Swift, with a renewed focus on enjoyment, balance and strong results. She will compete in the Allcomers field in her Citroen C3 Rally2, alongside Australian co-driver Ben Searcy. It’s the best rally in the southern hemisphere, and I’m incredibly lucky it’s my home event.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 16:32 UTC
Karitane man’s pension slashed due to ‘nasty’ NZ Super policy
To receive the New Zealand pension, she must have been living here for 11 years since the age of 20. Barry Walker and his partner Yan are surviving on one reduced income after Walker's pension was slashed under a Government policy. Barry Walker and partner Yan will be on a reduced income for the next decade. Barry Walker and partner Yan live in Karitane in the South Island. That policy was changed by the previous Government in 2020 with the reasoning it would make the system more equitable, she said.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 16:05 UTC