Western Springs Bowl given green light in Auckland
Auckland councillors have finally decided what to do with Western Springs Stadium after years of debate. Photo: Auckland CouncilPlans to build a Hollywood Bowl-inspired structure for live music events at Western Springs Stadium have been given the green light by Auckland Council. Eccles said with a few tweaks, Western Springs could become a world-class concert venue, attracting overseas artists. The Speedway Association was represented by their lawyer Bronwyn Carruthers KC, who argued the council had not given speedway at Western Springs adequate consideration. That was despite an upcoming legal challenge over the decision to end Speedway at Western Springs.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 18:24 UTC
Bunsen burner, sink, folder mischief not rocket science
PHOTO: TONI MCDONALDThe long-awaited Sir Peter Beck Science and Innovation Centre opened at James Hargest College yesterday. The opening marked the end of a decade-long project and honoured one of the school’s distinguished former students, Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck. Deputy principal Anna McDowall said Sir Peter had immediately accepted the honour of the naming of the centre when asked. Sir Peter said returning to James Hargest felt ‘‘super weird to turn up back to school as an adult’’. ‘‘Never ever combine a Bunsen burner, a stainless steel sink and a manila folder in the science room.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 18:08 UTC
Mt Albert party violence: Councillors condemn ‘unacceptable’ street chaos
Dozens of police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters rushed to the incident, which spread across a number of streets. Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor Julie Fairey watched the full video and said the footage gave a sense of the chaos and violence. Photo / SuppliedFairey told the Herald that councillors were shocked by the street violence and thankful that emergency services attended. Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor and former Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher told RNZ the situation was completely unacceptable. Photo / Corey FlemingPolice investigations are continuing, with Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill saying the behaviour of some in attendance was clearly unacceptable.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 31, 2026 17:32 UTC
Sepsis admissions up 78% in 20 years
University of Otago (Wellington) researchers found hospital admissions for the condition rose 78% between 2000 and 2019, increasing from 217 admissions per 100,000 people in 2000 to 386 admissions per 100,000 people in 2019. Research leader and public health PhD student Sharla McTavish said Māori were 1.7 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with sepsis than non-Māori, and Pacific peoples were 2.3 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with sepsis. Globally, sepsis is estimated to be responsible for one in three deaths, and more than 166million cases were reported in 2021. Ms McTavish said the Otago study was the first to report long-term epidemiological trends for all public hospital admissions for sepsis in New Zealand. A long-term, comprehensive national sepsis action plan was needed, to address early recognition and treatment, careful use of antibiotics, wider public health surveillance and equitable and effective wraparound support for sepsis survivors.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:06 UTC
Last dip
The pool and Port Chalmers Pool both closed for the season yesterday, after opening in October and September, respectively. A Dunedin City Council spokesperson said attendance at the St Clair pool was down slightly compared with the previous season - 37,491 visitors this summer, compared with 40,250 in 2024-25. ‘‘There were fewer ‘bumper’ hot days compared to the previous season, reducing the number of peak visitor days,’’ the spokesperson said. In contrast, Port Chalmers Pool recorded a 19% increase in visitors from the previous season - 4975 visitors this season, compared with 4160 in 2024-25. ‘‘Highlights for the season included a number of school triathlon events at the pool and continued support from regular lane swimmers.’’
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Taxi driver denies assault, kidnapping claims
File photo: ODTA Dunedin taxi driver accused of detaining and sexually assaulting two women says the allegations against him are ‘‘totally, very untrue’’. The defendant, aged in his 30s, is on trial at the Dunedin District Court facing two charges of kidnapping, two of indecent assault and one of harassment. On Monday, the court heard from two victims who were passengers in the defendant’s car only two months apart in 2023. While nothing seemed amiss at first, the complainant told the court she became uncomfortable when the driver began complimenting her on her appearance. That’s totally, very untrue.’’The defendant told police the only kiss came from the complainant at the end of the ride.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Balanced performance wins
PHOTO: SUPPLIEDTapanui dairy farmers Luke and Nicole Kane were last night named the Otago regional supreme winners in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The couple were recognised for their farming system that balanced performance with environmental stewardship and respect for family legacy, a statement said. For nearly a century the Kane family have farmed their 668ha (580ha effective) property. Smart technology was used across the dairy herd to monitor animal health and performance, improving efficiency while reducing waste. Other award winners: —Ben and Rebecca Trotter (Black Peak Farming, Alpine Fresh and Red Bridge Berries, Luggate): Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award; Hill Labs Agri-Science Award; Beef+Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award; FMG Risk Management Award; NZFET Innovation Award.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
SFF back in black after $29.1m profit
Anna NelsonSilver Fern Farms Ltd is back in the black, having posted a $29.1million net profit after tax for the year ended December 31 on revenue of just over $3m. ‘‘Cautious confidence’’ was being seen among farmers and there was a lot more work to be done to keep building confidence. The sector continued to face challenges across an increasingly volatile trade environment and plenty of scenario planning was going on. Mr Boulton said SFF was looking to finish the first quarter of 2026 on track. Silver Fern Farms Co-op, which jointly owns Silver Fern Farms Ltd with Bright Meat Group, recorded an after-tax net profit of $14.2m, after last year’s $10.9m loss.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Selecting wise and unwise energy priorities
Methanex gas has a much more strategic purpose than being squandered to produce and export methanol. The second foolish decision is to abandon the feasibility study for the Lake Onslow pumped hydro project. The government abandoned the Lake Onslow feasibility study with a lot of petulant rhetoric and shamefully misleading comment on costs. Investment in a facility such as Lake Onslow would immediately provide opportunity for new generator entrants to buy storage, or ‘‘firming’’. Because the Lake Onslow project sets out to correct a market failure, some regulatory or contractual changes would be needed for it to proceed.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
A bite-sized hit
Hot cross spice mix: Mix together the cinnamon, cloves and allspice in the given proportions. Cinnamon glaze: Sift the icing sugar and ground cinnamon into a bowl. Cross icing: Combine the icing sugar and water and whisk until smooth and pipeable. Cinnamon glaze: Mix icing sugar, water and cinnamon until smooth. Chocolate glazeSift the icing sugar and cocoa powder together into a bowl.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Albatross colony may be relocated after mineral find
An albatross flies over Tunnel Beach. IMAGE: SUPPLIEDDunedin's world-renowned albatross colony could be relocated after the discovery under Taiaroa Head of a mineral from which several rare earth elements are derived. However, plans will first have to be hatched to move the royal albatross colony, which sits atop the Fergusonite strike. The colony, the only mainland royal albatross colony in the world, is regarded as the jewel in Dunedin’s tourism crown and is itself worth millions a year to the city in terms of visitor income. Further details of the Fergusonite discovery will be announced at a press conference at noon today.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:53 UTC
Backcountry to be turned into historic reserve
A winter view up the Hokitika River towards some of the Hokitika backcountry making up the Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve. PHOTO: ALLIED MEDIA FILESWork has started on a management plan for the new culturally significant stewardship land area, Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve. In an update to the Westland District Council last week Department of Conservation Hokitika operations manager Tim Shaw said the stewardship land review had identified the Hokitika backcountry to be gazetted as historic reserve — Tarahanga e Toru. The historic trails through the reserve were used as trading routes for pounamu and kai, serving as lifelines for Poutini Ngai Tahu. Certain areas that contain pounamu and links to historic pa sites will remain as stewardship land for further assessment.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC
Italian-style restaurant born of desire to do it from scratch
Buon appetito, Dunedin - a new 180-seat Italian-inspired restaurant is coming to a historic building in the centre of town. Located on the ground floor of the former A&T Burt Ltd building at the corner of Stuart and Cumberland Sts, Alondo Pizzetta & Pasta is expected to open in late June. Co-owner Mat Nicolson said that he was excited to show off the brand-new restaurant — ‘‘from the toilets, to the bars, to the booth seats’’. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH/SUPPLIEDThe restaurant was Italian-inspired and would serve hand-made pasta and authentic pizzetta, using proper Neapolitan dough, with an emphasis on a shared dining experience, he said. ‘‘And I didn’t have a Japanese background either, but I do love pasta and pizza — I think everyone loves pasta and pizza.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC
Concern over staff contracts
Resthaven Village in Main St is set to transfer ownership. Photo: ODT filesA workers’ union has become involved as a Gore rest-home prepares to change ownership. There are concerns the proposed sale of Resthaven Village in Main St could change staff contracts. Residents, staff and families were being consulted on the change in ownership, he said. ‘‘This news is understandably unsettling for workers, residents and their families.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC