Rain hits top of South Island, more on way for Far North
Several roads are already closed across the Tasman district. Photo: Tasman District CouncilThe Tasman District Council is asking people to stay off the roads as the storm battering the country hits the top of the South Island. Mārahau was currently inaccessible as Riwaka-Sandy Bay Road and Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road are closed due to flooding and rockfall. Further north, rain was starting to clear out from Northland this morning after it got a battering overnight. Makgabutlane says the areas most likely to experience downpours from those thunderstorms will be Northland, the central North Island and the west coast of the South Island.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 27, 2026 01:45 UTC
Threatened black-billed gulls found poisoned in Te Anau
The Department of Conservation is appealing for information on the poisoning of black-billed gulls in Te Anau this January. Photo: DOCTen threatened black-billed gulls are dead after being poisoned by a rapid-acting bird control agent on the Te Anau lakefront. Black-billed gulls are Protected Species under the Wildlife Act 1953, and it is an offence to hunt, kill, catch or possess them without authorisation. Te Anau operations manager John Lucas said the deaths were a disappointing blow for the Te Anau population. "They primarily eat invertebrates and fish and are less likely to be found scavenging than other gull species.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 27, 2026 01:33 UTC
Kaitāia flooding: 500 evacuated after Far North town drenched in rain
The Northland and Far North areas were the worst hit by this week’s weather, with 230-280mm of rain hitting the regions. The Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council remain in states of emergency. Shackleton, who has lived in her house for 20 years, believed the flooding happened after a riverbank failed. The Far North town received more than double its monthly rainfall in two days, said MetService. The Pak’nSave Kaitāia store and fuel site had some flooding.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 27, 2026 01:29 UTC
Coromandel flooding: Hahei darts player takes out the win for frozen chicken, but finds himself stranded by floods
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Weather conditions have eased in Northland, Trump insists Iran is engaged in negotiations. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Coromandel flooding: Hahei darts player takes out the win for frozen chicken, but finds himself stranded by floodsA keen darts player battled into the night to win a frozen chicken, even as floodwaters rose around him. When Hahei darts enthusiast Tim Stephens prepared to take home his hard-earned winnings, he discovered he was stuck. He put in a strong performance notching a 140 high score and winning the frozen chicken.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 27, 2026 01:21 UTC
Govt reveals details of fuel-rationing plan
Photo: RNZThe government has fleshed out its National Fuel Plan, outlining rationing measures that would be taken if supplies start running dry. Phase 3 would see fuel prioritised for life-preserving services and phase 4 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. "This is critical because the plan relies on fuel companies cooperating and working constructively with government," he said. "New Zealand has sufficient fuel stocks, but we are planning for potential scenarios where obtaining future supply could become increasingly difficult."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 23:33 UTC
Basketball star snaps up Dunedin pavlova makers
A Dunedin institution has been sold to a former New Zealand basketball star. When the Otago Daily Times attempted to contact Cowell’s Pavlova yesterday, a representative declined to comment. Cowell’s Pavlova was established in 1973 by Ron and Audrey Cowell, who sold franchises in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland in 1980. Kirk Penney, pictured in action for the Breakers in 2017, has bought a majority share in Dunedin pavlova makers Cowell's. He also won the 2011 ANBL championships as part of the New Zealand Breakers side.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 23:02 UTC
Small sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke risk
More sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfSmall sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke riskMore sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfAdding 11 minutes of sleep, five minutes of exercise and a quarter-cup of extra vegetables per day could cut your risk of a major cardiac event, according to a new study. Scientists found these changes to sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of things like a heart attack or stroke, in a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. For those who don’t get enough sleep, get minimal exercise and have a poor diet, this “optimal combination” could lower their risk of major cardiovascular events by 57%.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 20:50 UTC
Trump pushes back Iran strikes deadline
‘Too few soldiers’In a televised meeting at the White House, Trump veered between repeated threats to “obliterate” Iran and claims it was already on the verge of capitulating. Trump also said the United States might take control of Iran’s oil, comparing it to the deal Washington made with Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro. “I don’t think war is the solution to these conditions, but ending it won’t change much for us either,” he said. Iran has targeted Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launchpads for US strikes, including hits on oil and gas sites. Crude prices had fallen since last week, but the wavering messages on talks saw oil prices jump again Thursday.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 20:33 UTC
Nicholas Brendon found dead at home, coroner cites natural causes
Brendon’s family have told how he had a history of heart issues, including suffering a heart attack in 2023. Brendon – who played Xander Harris in the supernatural horror TV series – had also been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Nicholas Brendon, known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, had a history of heart issues. Photo / Getty ImagesThe actor’s family recently said he died “in his sleep of natural causes”. In a statement shared on Brendon’s Instagram page, his family wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 19:33 UTC
'Lifesaving' eating disorder facility remains without govt funding
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey.. Photo: RNZWarning: This story contains reference to suicide. A North Canterbury eating disorder residential facility that's proved a lifesaver for those admitted there can't attract government funding, leading to concerns about who can access care. The not-for-profit charity has a contract with ACC for sensitive claims patients, but has been passed over for Health NZ funding to open the service to more people. Because there's no funding to go through the public health system, Gabby's family dug deep to pay for her stay. Gabby said Recovered Living offered more than just eating and weight restoration, focusing too on exercise and reintegrating to everyday life after six months at the facility.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 18:43 UTC
Some fishers apparently miss memo on size, quantity rules
Otago/Timaru district manager Ian Henderson said some fishers were unaware of the reduction from 15 to 10 blue cod in the Southern blue cod management area south of Taiaroa Head, but there were very few incidents. ‘‘We have been made aware of a few fishers using undersized blue cod for bait and would like to remind fishers that undersize blue cod must be returned to the sea immediately and must not be used as bait.’’This behaviour threatened the sustainability of the blue cod fisheries. Mr Ham said set nets remained a focus for fishery officers. ‘‘We are confiscating illegal set nets regularly. ‘‘Recently, we found three set nets tied together, covering 160m in length.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:44 UTC
Stuff to close Petone printing press
Photo: RNZNews publisher Stuff Group has announced the closure of its Petone printing press and the loss of 30 jobs on site. Boucher said the Petone site was bought from Australia's Nine Media by new owners in November. "This did not factor into the future of the plant for Stuff, as the Christchurch option was already well advanced." She said the lease didn't expire for another year and consultation with the 30 people employed at the Petone site would take place over the coming weeks and months. "[We] will be looking for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at our Christchurch site where we will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:23 UTC
Concerns aired as miner outlines expansion plans
Millers Flat resident Marion Mewburn was the lone protester, but not sole objector, at a meeting yesterday where Hawkeswood Mining outlined its plans to extend its operation around the village. Hawkeswood Mining general manager Simon Johnstone said three areas on the outskirts of the town were earmarked for expansion. The expansion includes one block across from the existing mine area and two either side of the town. Protester Marion Mewburn asked when Millers Flat had agreed to become a mining town. They had moved to Millers Flat for the quiet, rural atmosphere and until now only heard birds.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:02 UTC
Swords and ploughshares
The document was drafted after the university responded to NZDF tender documents, which included a contract for weapons research. The question which arises from this dispute is why should it not sell the fruits of its labour to the New Zealand Defence Force — or to providers of defence technology in other countries for that matter? The university document went to say that it would be necessary to communicate to the public ‘‘the ethical values and necessity of the tech and the safer world it provides’’. The ethics of defence technology are in the morals of the beholder — which the institution acknowledges, noting that individual academics were free to abstain from such work. But defence technology is not exclusively used in war.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC