Preschool teachers censured after child found screaming in locked van
A screaming child was found locked in a preschool van 80 minutes after the class had returned from a trip. A compulsory roll check was not done on arrival, and Gray took two children inside, leaving Choi with the van and the remaining children. She continued unpacking the van and took bags and equipment inside while monitoring the child in the front. At 2.39pm Gray locked the van and went back into the centre, leaving the child in the back seat unattended. The child was found at 3.28pm when a parent arriving at the centre to collect their own child saw movement in the van and the child inside screaming.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 15:47 UTC
Warning signals loud and clear
The warming trend for Dunedin has actually been slightly lower than many parts of the world, at least until recent years. Motivated by these clear warming signals, a ‘‘climate emergency’’ was declared by the New Zealand government back in December 2020, with many other governments making similar judgements around that time. In fact, we are perilously close to exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold, with 2024 slightly above this point, and 2023 and 2025 hovering just below. Time will tell exactly what happens, but for now, the warning signals are loud and clear. If, as looks increasingly likely, we do exceed 1.5°C warming, then what next?
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 15:11 UTC
Pushing back against constant comfort
You still might not win, but you definitely won’t feel like a loser. ‘‘Events like the Hāwea Epic give us a chance to move towards what our survival instincts demand. For the Hāwea Epic, that community is the town, the biking community, the volunteers and supporters. ‘‘We don’t hide from the fact that the Hāwea Epic is a tough event, but with the right training anyone can do it,’’ Dougal says. I doubt there would still be a finish line by the time I got over it, two days later, in a rescue helicopter.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 15:11 UTC
Decisions made in distant rooms
Photo: Getty ImagesConversations about war, conflict, and global instability are no longer distant. For many whānau, the impacts are not abstract, they are real pressures and difficult decisions being made every day. Decisions made far beyond our control, in rooms we will never sit in, by people we will never meet, could bring all of our long-awaited plans to an end. When decisions are driven by power, control, or influence, rather than care for those most affected, it becomes harder to ignore what is really driving those decisions. The idea of others stepping into spaces that are not theirs, making decisions that reshape lives that are not theirs, is something we know all too well here in Aotearoa.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 15:11 UTC
Season's eatings
Seasonal fruit and vegetables are often cheaper to buy, last longer in your kitchen and taste better than out-of-season produce. Making the most of what’s in season works best when it’s paired with a bit of planning and smart storage in the kitchen. Apples and pears that have lost their crunch and have become floury are perfect for cooking — try making delicious, spiced apple fritters. Coat the fritters: Once the fritters are cooked, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm for a sweet, spicy finish. Serve and enjoy: These low-waste apple fritters are best served immediately, warm and crispy.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 15:04 UTC
Jacinda Ardern’s memoir adapted into children’s book What If You Could
“When I wrote my memoir, I told a friend that, in part, it was aimed at my 14-year-old self”, she wrote. “I never quite imagined having the opportunity to work with @rubyreadwrite and a group of amazing publishers to have it adapted into a book aimed specifically at young people. Her book A Different Kind of Power recently made headlines in New Zealand after a copy was burned at the Black Dog Tavern in Makotuku. At the time, there were more than 1000 comments on a photo of Ardern’s book on the brazier burn pile, while the book-burning video had more than 15,000 views. Black Dog Tavern owner Brendon Wilson refused to comment when contacted by Hawke’s Bay Today.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 14:57 UTC
United Nations Security Council delays vote on authorising force to protect the Strait of Hormuz
The draft resolution has been moulded in a bid to rally several countries that have appeared sceptical, including Russia, China and France. Revised wording no longer explicitly invokes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorise armed force to restore peace. It is not certain that Russia and China – who both wield veto powers – will back the draft resolution. Considering the possible Russian and Chinese vetoes, the text “faces tall odds to make it through the Security Council”, Daniel Forti, an analyst at International Crisis Group, told AFP. Security Council mandates authorising member states to use force are relatively rare.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 14:21 UTC
Couple discovered dead in Hamilton after child not picked up from school
A man has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder after a couple were found dead at a property in Hamilton East on Thursday. According to a report by Stuff, the bodies were reportedly discovered by a family member after a child was not picked up from school, according to information understood by Stuff. Emergency services responded to the scene on York St, with one nearby resident saying between eight and 12 police officers attended following the discovery. Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler said police were alerted after the two people were found dead at the address around 4 pm. “Later in the evening, an injured man presented himself at the hospital, and officers connected the man to the deaths,” said Ambler, Stuff has quoted.
Source:Stuff
April 03, 2026 13:32 UTC
World anxious to open shipping waterway
According to Iran's state media, eight people were killed and 95 others were wounded in the US attack. "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender," Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a statement. An Iranian military spokesperson said the strait would remain closed "long term" to the US and Israel. Trump in Wednesday's speech told countries that rely on fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to "just grab it". Iran's Fars news agency later listed several bridges in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Jordan, which host US military bases, as potential targets for Iran's military in response to the US attack on the B1 bridge.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 11:33 UTC
Warbirds welcome 1 millionth guest
Alicia Peebles, of Christchurch, was the millionth attendee of Warbirds Over Wānaka after entering town's airport just after 10am today. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYWarbirds Over Wānaka has welcomed its one millionth guest on the opening day of this year's event. The milestone attendee was Alicia Peebles, 38, of Christchurch, who was met at the gate by outgoing Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager Ed Taylor. It's the first time Ms Peebles has been to Warbirds Over Wānaka, and was delighted on hearing the news she was the popular event's million attendee. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYFor Mr Taylor, overseeing his fifth and final Warbirds Over Wānaka, the acknowledgement of the millionth guest was representative of the magnitude of the popular three-day event held at Easter.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 10:25 UTC
Flooding damaged sewage treatment plant's 'heart and nervous system'
Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneThe flooding of the Moa Point sewage treatment plant damaged its ''heart and nervous system", Wellington Water says. The catastrophic failure of the plant led to the significant, months-long discharge of untreated wastewater off Wellington's South Coast. In its latest update about the breakdown, Wellington Water said the February flooding of the plant damaged critical mechanical equipment, ''...including the odour treatment, sludge pumping and aeration equipment. Electrical damage included the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), MCC (Motor Control Centre) systems, control instruments and cabling — essentially the heart and nervous system of the treatment plant.'' The plant's failure continues to see untreated sewage discharged into the sea, almost two months since its breakdown.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 09:23 UTC
Fuel price rises hitting regions differently
Eaqub said the data some areas would be more exposed to fuel price rises than others. "What I was trying to get at is who are the essential workers, and how far did they travel, where are those people based? Rural essential sectors have double burden, economist saysOtago University economist Murat Ungor agreed rising fuel prices did not affect regions equally. He said essential workers in many areas had no practical alternative to driving so they were not able to avoid being subject to fuel price volatility. In Hamilton City, 83% of manufacturing workers drive, and in Tauranga City, 81% of transport workers drive.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 08:23 UTC
General Debate 03 April 2026
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Source:Stuff
April 03, 2026 05:40 UTC
Green light for Southland wind farm
A projected view of the Slopedown wind farm near Wyndham in Southland. Photo: Contact EnergyContact Energy has gained approval to build New Zealand's biggest wind farm in Eastern Southland. The wind farm, which situated on hills about 30km southeast of Gore, would consist of 55 turbines and has the potential to 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 was the country’s biggest wind farm.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 03:04 UTC
Arrest after two found dead at Hamilton property
Photo: RNZPolice investigating two deaths in Hamilton East have arrested a 34-year-old man. Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler said police were notified about 4pm yesterday that two people had been found dead at a property in York St.An injured man arrived at a hospital and "officers connected the man to the deaths", Ambler said. The man was due to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow and was facing two charges of murder. Cordons remained in place at the street and police would examine the scene today. "Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter," Ambler said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 00:38 UTC