Man sentenced for child abuse images
A Canadian national caught with child abuse images and videos has been sentenced to 10 months' home detention before being deported. The judge said his then-partner found a deleted folder containing a video of child exploitation material on his laptop and questioned him about it last March. Kuyten was arrested and his devices were seized with a search uncovering 2680 images and 357 videos that were identified as objectionable. Kuyten previously admitted to buying and saving two separate packages of child exploitation material about a year prior, but denied looking at every video or image. She also ordered that the devices and child abuse material were destroyed.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 19:31 UTC
‘Massacre’ feared as Iran tries to crush protests; US weighs military options
Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. In the past, Iranian security forces have shot protesters in the eyes with metal pellets and rubber bullets. By Friday, other human rights groups said that security forces had already killed dozens. Radan also acknowledged deaths but implied that they were at the hands of coordinated agitators rather than security forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a government meeting that Israel is “closely monitoring” the events unfolding in Iran.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 19:23 UTC
Firefighter flown to hospital after North Canterbury blaze, crews spend night at fire site
A firefighter was flown to hospital after a blaze in North Canterbury in searing temperatures. Crews from the Waiau, Culverden, Lyford, Hanmer VRFF, Hawarden, Wigram, Hurunui, Christchurch City, Canterbury High Country, and Pines Beach stations were called to the blaze. The sweltering temperatures and high winds kept emergency services on alert. Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue confirmed a firefighter was taken to Christchurch hospital from the scene of the fire. A Fire and Emergency (FENZ) spokesperson said 17 fire engines and several helicopters were sent to the scene.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 19:19 UTC
Teen brothers in armed group that stormed Hamilton flat and robbed victims at knifepoint sent to prison
The court heard that the young pair had a positive, well-supported background, which included a Year 13 education. ‘Knives held to throats as threats made’It was unclear exactly how many people stormed the house that early morning. Two victims were sleeping, but three were awake and spotted the group outside. Judge Kim Saunders said it was “easy to forget the sheer terror that was inflicted on the victims” that night. “While you, Noble, agreed to pay reparation, I’m not going to make an order for it, and the reason I’m not going to is because you are going to be sent to prison.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 19:16 UTC
Slavemaster to be sentenced
Moeaia Tuai will be sentenced next month for enslaving a young woman who he forced to work and sexually abused. Slavemaster Moeaia Tuai is a Samoan chief or matai, who took possession of his victims' lives and raped one victim, who had been forced to pay him her wages for four years. At the 63-year-old's trial, his own diaries were used to document the hours the young woman worked, her pay and when she was punished with beatings. The young male victim dreamt of finishing school, before he was put to work for 50 to 60 hours a week. She was sentenced to more than 10 years' imprisonment for dealing in slaves and dealing in a person under 18 for sexual exploitation, while Lata's partner Avneesh Sehgal sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for his part in the offending.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 19:03 UTC
Cats pose threat to native wildlife in Queenstown wetland
Photo: Supplied/Whakatipu Wildlife TrustA restored wetland on the edge of Queenstown is drawing rare native wildlife back to an area once dry and barren, but conservationists say roaming pet cats could undo years of community-led work. Just after a rare and elusive bird species was spotted at the Shotover Wetland, the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust said trail cameras detected 44 cats over three weeks. "Fancy breeds, long hairs, ragdolls with collars - you could tell they were pet cats. However, pet cats roaming near towns could complicate trapping efforts, Harding-Shaw said. Whakatipu Wildlife Trust asked Queenstown Lakes District Council to make microchipping and desexing mandatory, partly because some feral cat traps switched off, if they detected a microchipped pet cat.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 18:37 UTC
As sure as Night ’n Day: Family-run business that rose from a corner dairy to 54 franchise stores – can it disrupt supermarket duopoly?
Rising from a corner dairyFamily connections and community links run deep at Night ’n Day. Alan and Hamish Garrick outside their Kawarau Night 'n Day store, near Queenstown. The grocery challenges have meant some Night ’n Day stores lost the ability to hold liquor licences. They value their time a lot more.”Sukhwinder Singh and Manjit Kaur own two Night 'n Day stores, at Mt Maunganui and Rotorua. It has not stopped yet.”Disclaimer: Night ’n Day recently sponsored the NZ Herald’s Great NZ Road Trip project.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 18:18 UTC
US President Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal, before it is too late’
A week ago, Trump stated that “Cuba is ready to fall”, noting that the island’s economic crisis was worsening and that it would be difficult for Havana to “hold out” without receiving heavily subsidised Venezuelan oil. Earlier on Sunday, the President reposted a message suggesting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio – a child of Cuban immigrants – could become the President of Cuba. Trump shared that post with the comment: “Sounds good to me!”In a separate message soon afterwards, Trump said that “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. Some Republican US lawmakers on Sunday lauded Trump for his aggressive comments on Cuba, including Mario Diaz-Balart, a US congressman from Florida. “The tyranny in Cuba will not survive the second term of President Trump, and Cuba will finally be free after decades of misery, tragedy, and pain.”-Agence France-Presse
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 17:57 UTC
Weather: Forest fires force evacuations, high temperatures to remain for North Island
More heat forecast today, with showersMetService forecaster Samkelo Magwala told the Herald temperatures were forecast to remain on the hotter side today, particularly in the North Island. “Heat alerts have been issued for most parts in the east and for the north of the North Island,” he said. Magwala said a front across the top of the South Island on Sunday would move towards the bottom of the North Island last night. SH1 WAIOURU TO RANGIPO (DESERT ROAD) - STRONG WINDS - 6:05AMThere is currently a strong wind warning in place along this route. pic.twitter.com/1vt2TsKRiL — NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) January 11, 2026Magwala said the top half of the North Island would remain mainly fine today, apart from one or two showers in Northland for the afternoon.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 17:55 UTC
See all of Ikea’s New Zealand forestry land
Like all foreign purchases of large blocks of land, Ingka’s purchases require government approval. Public records published by the Overseas Investment Office show Ingka has purchased 23,700ha of farmland for conversion to forestry and 18,600ha of existing forests – including the Greenheart Group forests. Wisp Hill was a sheep and beef operation with a small 53ha existing forest. The application stated, “The remainder of the land will be unplanted land including native bush [1021ha], potential regeneration land [892ha], buffer land, setbacks, riparian areas etc. “Our preference is to acquire existing forests where this aligns with our long‑term goals and values."
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 17:34 UTC
Dunedin fish and chip shop staff trapped after sea lion waddles in
The sea lion entered a Dunedin takeaway shop last night, shocking staff and onlookers alike. Photo / Takeaways on MarlowThe sea lion entered a Dunedin takeaway shop last night, shocking staff and onlookers alike. Photo / Takeaways on MarlowA Dunedin fish and chip shop had an unlikely lock-in over the weekend as a stranded sea lion temporarily trapped them inside. Staff at Takeaways on Marlow were shocked last night when the marine mammal wandered into their shop off nearby St Kilda Beach. Owner Rachel told the Herald she was serving a local man at around 6pm when the sea lion decided to lie across the shop floor, blocking the front door.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 16:59 UTC
‘Stay below the radar’: Why Kiwis fighting in Ukraine and their loved ones have been urged to avoid social media
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is well aware of the risks Kiwis fighting in Ukraine – and their families back home – face from Russian supporters. Findings included the social media accounts of foreign fighters and their loved ones being “doxed” – an act that had them revealed on Russian online Telegram accounts – and then flooded with abuse. Kiwi aid worker Owen Pomana (right) has seen ghastly footage posted on Russian channels of some of his volunteers dying. The TracANaziMerc has also shared photos and details of the deaths of some of the four New Zealand soldiers killed in Ukraine. A 2025 study highlighted the nefarious ways “Russian or pro-Russian individuals” were using social media.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 16:27 UTC
Celebrity Stylists: The Hollywood Red Carpet Power Players To Know This Awards Season
Increasingly, fashion choices are being used as a storytelling tool, linking in with promotional tours and awards season campaigns. The Marilyn Monroe homage brought together a bunch of the stylist’s influences: old Hollywood, bridal details and nostalgic romanticism. A move to Los Angeles saw her transition into red carpet styling, starting by dressing Calista Flockhart for the Emmys. Associated brands: Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Armani, Elie Saab and Gabriela Hearst. Photo / Getty ImagesAssociated brands: Valentino, Balmain, Schiaparelli, Prabal Gurung, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Christopher John Rogers.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 11, 2026 16:19 UTC
Wait time for paediatrician of concern
PHOTO: NIC DUFFChildren with complex needs could fall through the cracks as long wait times for children referred to paediatricians cause issues in the classroom, a North Otago principal fears. Teachers and principals were already campaigning for more support in their classrooms because of the increasing complex needs they had with children, she said. Further, it was important for not just the referred child to be seen by a paediatrician — but all children in the classroom. "When children with complex needs are supported, that means that they’re not a distraction in the classroom for other children to be able to learn." They were down one senior medical officer at present and were actively recruiting to fill the empty position, he said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 16:02 UTC
Svitolina resets fortunes with 19th title
Elina Svitolina, of the Ukraine, celebrates her singles final win in Auckland yesterday. The 31-year-old Svitolina claimed her 19th career title, improving her record in the WTA Tour finals to a robust 19-4 — a winning percentage just shy of 83%. Svitolina is projected to rise one spot to No 12 in the PIF WTA rankings as she continues to push towards a top-10 return. For the French player, the title carried added significance after a challenging 2025 season hampered by injury issues. She described the week in Auckland as a reminder of why she continued to play the sport.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 11, 2026 16:02 UTC