13 injured in Northland crash
Photo: ODT FilesMore than a dozen people have been injured in a crash involving a truck and van in Northland. Emergency services were called to the scene in Lamb Rd, near the town of Pukenui, about 7.45am today. Hato Hone St John said it looked at and treated 13 people in conditions ranging from minor to serious. It said seven had been taken to Kaitaia Hospital, three in a moderate condition. Three ambulances, one first response unit and one helicopter responded and police were also at the scene.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 06, 2026 00:18 UTC
$40 vehicle entry fee to start at end of month
Kevin Marlow with the group of stakeholders who signed an MOU late last year. After a stakeholders’ meeting more than a year and a-half ago, Queenstown 4WD enthusiast Kevin Marlow was appointed by the Mahu Whenua Tracks Advisory Group to find a solution. The solution is a gateway, about 3km from Arrowtown, which vehicle users can pass through with a permit bought online. Mr Marlow said the gate, which would be remotely monitored by CCTV, would be open until the system went live at the end of next month. The Mahu Whenua Tracks Advisory Group is made of of representatives from the Shotover 4WD Club, Queenstown Trails Trust, Arrowtown Village Association, Queenstown’s council and pastoral lessee Soho Property Ltd.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 23:42 UTC
Dozens join search for missing Dunedin tramper
Photo: NZ PoliceSearch efforts remain ongoing for a Dunedin man missing for a week after going tramping near Lake Ohau. "We remain closely connected with Connor's family and we continue to feel for them, and support them, as our search efforts continue." Mr Purvis, who works at Dunedin bike shop Bike House, is a cornet player in the Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass. Specialist search teams working today included Wānaka Canyon and Drone teams, the Dunedin Cliff rescue team, and a number of Land Search and Rescue teams. "We are also grateful for the efforts of the Ōamaru, Ōmārama, Twizel and Dunedin Land Search and Rescue groups, who are working in difficult and rugged terrain."
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 23:36 UTC
Helicopters and drones used in large-scale Mt Huxley search for missing tramper
“A continued effort again today will focus on Mt Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch and upper Ahuriri River. “Police want to thank the Ōmārama and wider Mackenzie community, along with the Ōmārama volunteer fire brigade for their outstanding support of the search effort. “We are also grateful for the efforts of the Ōamaru, Ōmārama, Twizel and Dunedin Land Search and Rescue groups, who are working in difficult and rugged terrain.”A large-scale search over a large area is ongoing for a missing tramper in the Mt Huxley region of the Southern Alps. “We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between December 28 and January 2 to make contact with police if they haven’t already,” Sheat said. A large search is underway for Connor Purvis, a tramper missing near Lake Ōhau.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 05, 2026 23:17 UTC
‘That’s enough’: Greenland PM urges Trump to drop annex threats
“We’ll worry about Greenland in about two months,” continued Trump. “Let’s talk about Greenland in 20 days.”Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen took to social media to tell the US leader: “That’s enough now. Aaja Chemnitz, an MP who represents Greenland in the Danish parliament, accused Trump of “spreading lies about Chinese and Russian warships”. “The people of Greenland should go into preparation mode,” she told AFP, adding that Greenlanders needed to start taking Trump much more seriously. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark” could decide the territory’s future – sentiments reflected in statements from the leaders of Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 05, 2026 23:17 UTC
Crews battle blaze at Mosgiel building
Fire crews were called to the Mosgiel building about 9am today. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYA fire investigator has been notified following a blaze in an Mosgiel industrial estate this morning. The fire was located in the roof of the commercial building, about 20m by 50m in size. At 11.30am, crews were beginning to scale down their response and return to station, she said. A fire investigator had been notified but it was not yet certain if they would attend the scene, the spokeswoman said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 23:07 UTC
Olympians take a dip in Clutha on festive break
Cyclists on the banks of the Clutha River were treated to an expert display of slalom kayaking yesterday morning, but most did not realise they were watching Olympic-level competitors. Coming back to Central Otago for a summer break was a welcome respite in a hectic calendar, Butcher said. Back where it all began are (from left), Finn Butcher’s father Dale Butcher, of Alexandra, Australian kayak cross Olympic gold medallist Noemie Fox, Olympic kayak cross gold medallist Finn Butcher and his partner fellow slalom canoeist Courtney Williams. Cyclists on the Alexandra-Clyde trail yesterday morning were mostly unaware they were watching top class athletes including two Olympic gold medallists. Winners in kayak cross at Paris in 2024 Alexandra-born Finn Butcher and Australian Noemie Fox were on the Clutha River along with Butcher’s partner and fellow slalom canoeist Courtney Williams.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 22:41 UTC
Teen dies imitating 'troubling' content viewed online
The coroner referenced Australia's recent decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms and that the New Zealand government was discussing a similar bill. Photo: Getty ImagesA coroner is calling for restrictions on the internet after a teenager accidentally died while imitating acts he saw online. The coroner referenced Australia's recent decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms and that the New Zealand government was discussing a similar bill. Robb said the teen's death "highlights the need for internet access restrictions being imposed, where a youth might access the internet" and that parental controls on residential modems didn't go far enough. "While controls can be applied to the device, the risk remains that tech-savvy youth can work around this," he said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 22:35 UTC
Mine application timeframe to be discussed
A meeting later this month is set to decide how much time will be needed for the controversial Santana Minerals Bendigo mine application but the company is sticking to asking for a 30-day timeframe. Panel convener Jane Borthwick, a retired environment court judge, had earlier suggested a timeframe of up to 120 working days. Ms Borthwick has now decided to have a meeting of parties to discuss the timeframe for the proposed application and also what qualities would be needed to sit on the panel hearing the application. It would not allow the panel to request further information or commission a report on matters relevant to the application. In a memorandum to the application filed last month by Santana Minerals’ counsel, the company said it favoured a 30-day timeframe, which was the default timeframe under the Act.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 22:32 UTC
Golf grand slam: Who can follow Rory McIlroy and complete the Grand Slam in 2026?
After a tie for eighth at the Masters last year, he made it five straight top 10s in majors, including the two wins. He’s a serious contender to complete the Grand Slam in the next few years, if not this year. Since that impressive run, which also included a second placing at the PGA, he’s been chasing the slam. Phil MickelsonNeeds: US OpenThe 55-year-old has seven majors, including three Masters, but he’s 0-34 at the US Open with six runner-up finishes. Koepka has four top 10s at the Open, including a sixth at Royal Birkdale, which hosts the event this year.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 05, 2026 22:32 UTC
Fewer Cows, Higher Returns: Friesian Genetics Pays Off
Their approach emphasizes cost control, pasture optimization, animal health, and nutrition rather than chasing maximum volume, reinforcing the economic value of high-performing cows in pasture-based systems. Genetics sits at the core of the farm’s success, driven largely by Michelle’s deep involvement in herd improvement and breed governance. Challenges with udder longevity in high-producing cows prompted the Burgesses to expand their gene pool using selected overseas Holstein genetics. While cautious due to historical limitations in New Zealand breeding value verification, improvements by NZ Animal Evaluation have made international genetics more usable. The couple now selects moderately sized, efficient grazers suited to seasonal calving and New Zealand pasture conditions.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 05, 2026 22:19 UTC
Climate Heat Threatens Italy’s Burrata Supply Chain
According to Umberto Bernabucci of the University of Tuscia, heat and humidity can reduce milk yields by 3% to 20%, and in some cases up to 30%, while also degrading protein and fat levels critical for cheesemaking. Analysis by dairy research centre CLAL shows Italian milk production fell an average of 17.2% between March and September from 2022 to 2024, compared with a 15.5% decline in the prior three-year period. Tourism and exports of Italian cheeses such as burrata and ricotta are surging, yet domestic milk supplies are tightening. Studies suggest cooling can offset at most about half of heat-related production losses, while rising energy and feed costs further erode profitability. Italy’s main farmers’ union, Coldiretti, warns that nearly one in 10 dairy farms nationwide risks closure.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 05, 2026 22:14 UTC
Great ad timing
Centrist Publishing has released:Centrist Publishing says it is prepared to respond to dozens of formal complaints following its television campaign forJacinda: The Untold Stories during the Graham Norton show on TVNZ 2, Friday night. The advertisements — which promote the book’s bestseller status under the tagline “The Real Story”, and reference discussion around a potential UN role and a US$20 million philanthropic gift from Melinda Gates — aired multiple times during Ardern’s interview with Graham Norton on TVNZ 2, and again later in the evening.
Source:Stuff
January 05, 2026 22:08 UTC
Injunction granted for hacked Stuff platform
Neighbourly was temporarily shut down on New Year's Day after the breach was uncovered. Photo: ScreenshotThe owner of a hacked social media platform say they have a court injunction to stop private information being released. Stuff Digital owns Neighbourly and co-owns the Stuff news website, which is reporting they have been granted a High Court injunction to prevent information being shared. The Neighbourly website was temporarily shut down on New Year's Day when the breach was discovered, but is back online. An IT security expert has previously told RNZ that the hack included GPS details which could identify people's homes.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 22:06 UTC
Appeal for info on 'assault' in Andersons Bay
The assault took place in a carpark near Bayfield Park yesterday, police say. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN (file)Dunedin police are seeking more information about an alleged assault in the Andersons Bay area. Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police received around 10 calls about a 38-year-old man assaulting his 39-year-old partner near the car park at Bayfield Park about 5pm yesterday. The man allegedly stole a push-bike from a member of the public, then continued to assault the female and drove off in a van. Police were seeking any other witnesses to the incident to come forward and contact them through the 105 number.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 05, 2026 21:58 UTC