Two deaths still under investigation
Two Southern workplace deaths last year are among nine ongoing WorkSafe investigations in the regions, official information shows. Of the incidents that required investigation, last year, there were nine active cases, the documents said. The most recent investigation to open was of a Queenstown incident on November 14. In its response to the ODT, WorkSafe said it was unable to confirm whether one investigation had been closed as the matter was before the courts. Therefore, the list of closed investigations it provided was "incomplete", the work health-and-safety regulator said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 15:36 UTC
Staying on the right track essential for change
While National’s polling has been reasonably steady for the past two years its leader, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has not fared so well. Mr Luxon’s personal popularity remains stubbornly low, something which Mr Bishop however — often touted as a future party leader — dismisses as being of any concern. "What he would say is that he was elected to do a job and that he is there doing it", Mr Bishop said. Mr Bishop sympathises with that but argues that the government he has been an integral part of needed to address the long-term as well as immediate concerns. "People are pressuring us for change and what I would say to them is that we are on the right track, we are on a journey, and we need to stick with the plan."
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 15:36 UTC
Two airlifted after four-vehicle Tekapo crash
At least two people have been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries after a four-vehicle crash west of Tekapo this evening. A police spokesman said the crash between Tekapo Powerhouse Rd and Braemar Rd happened about 7pm. The crash had blocked State Highway 8 and emergency services were currently at the scene. ‘‘Three people are reported to have serious injuries, while another has moderate injuries.’’Three rescue helicopters were responding to the crash and the highway was expected to be closed for some time. A Hato Hone St John spokesman said, of the three people with serious injuries, two had been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 14:38 UTC
Former mayor of Dunedin Jules Radich dies
Jules Radich served one term as Dunedin's mayor. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONDunedin city councillor and former mayor Jules Radich has died. Mr Radich died peacefully about 12.50pm today, surrounded by family, the Dunedin City Council said. During his mayoralty, Mr Radich was both praised and criticised for his advocacy about construction of the new Dunedin hospital. "Thank goodness, we’re getting the full structure," Mr Radich said in January last year.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 13:45 UTC
Truck carrying house ploughs into motorway overbridge
Debris blocks lanes on the Southern Motorway in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / NZTA Waka KotahiA truck carrying a small house has ploughed into an overbridge on an Auckland motorway, piling debris onto the road. Police were called to the crash between the Papakura on-ramp and Manurewa and Takanini off-ramp just before 3.30pm. Two lanes were initially shut down while debris was cleared on lanes heading north. The Transport Agency says traffic in the area is very heavy, and drivers should allow extra time.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 13:18 UTC
Central Otago family distraught as beloved dogs stolen
Police are appealing for sightings of this white Holden Colorado ute. Photo: NZ PoliceA Central Otago woman whose two dogs are missing after a ute was stolen says their family is ‘‘beside ourselves’’. Police are calling upon the public to help locate the white Holden Colorado ute, one of two vehicles allegedly stolen following a burglary in Alexandra on Saturday. A second vehicle, a white Holden Colorado ute, was stolen from Ōmakau about 1pm — which police were seeking. ‘‘A trailer, and the ute owner’s dogs, were with the ute at the time it was stolen.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 12:50 UTC
'Significant injuries' after cliff fall
Taylors Mistake beach. Photo: SuppliedA person has been airlifted to hospital after falling off a cliff at Te Onepoto / Taylors Mistake, near Christchurch. They believed a boat was used to get the person to lifeguards, to then meet the rescue helicopter on land. "Sumner Coastguard and a rescue helicopter were also tasked." "Three surf lifeguards responded by IRB and rescue board, supporting a paramedic who had been winched to the location by helicopter.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 12:34 UTC
Code fixed after hack: ManageMyHealth
Photo: SuppliedThe operators of compromised patient data app ManageMyHealth say they have received "independent confirmation" from IT experts the flaws in its code have been fixed. On Saturday it said just one part of the app - Health Documents - had been accessed by hackers, and not the whole app. "This is a concerning breach of patient data and Health NZ is working closely with ManageMyHealth to ensure it is being appropriately addressed," he said. "At this stage, there is no evidence any Health NZ systems, including My Health Account, have been compromised as ManageMyHealth has separate systems." ManageMyHealth said it was working with the police, Health NZ and the privacy commissioner, and setting up a dedicated 0800 number and online helpdesk to help affected patients.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 04, 2026 10:16 UTC
State Highway 8 crash Tekapo: Road closed after serious injuries
NZ Herald Morning News Update | US forces capture Venezuela's leader and managers of Swiss Bar placed under criminal investigation. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Rescue helicopters are responding to a serious four-vehicle crash west of Tekapo this evening. The crash happened about 7pm on State Highway 8 between Tekapo Powerhouse Road and Braemar Road. Reports indicate that three people have serious injuries, while another person has moderate injuries.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 08:48 UTC
State Highway 4 in Waitomo closes after truck rolls, delays expected
State Highway 4 in Waikato is closed after a single truck crash. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. State Highway 4 in Waitomo closes after truck rolls, delays expectedState Highway 4 in Waikato is closed after a single truck crash. State Highway 4 near the Waitomo town of Aria is closed after a truck rolled on the Waikato highway. Diversions are in place at Kopaki Rd and Mangaiti Rd and motorists are urged to take alternative routes and expect significant delays.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 08:44 UTC
Finley Melville Ives continues Winter Olympics preparation with halfpipe World Cup podium in Canada
Finley Melville Ives in action in Canada. Photo / SuppliedTeenage freestyle skier Finley Melville Ives has continued his strong form ahead of next month’s Winter Olympics with his second World Cup podium of the season. The Wānaka 19-year-old finished second at the FIS Halfpipe World Cup Tour at Canada’s Calgary Olympic Park with a best score of 92.20. “I’m so stoked, I can’t believe it,” Melville Ives said. “It’s been an incredible start to the World Cup season.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 08:32 UTC
General Debate 04 January 2026
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Source:Stuff
January 04, 2026 07:29 UTC
Trump’s Venezuela move pushes the limits of his ‘America First’ doctrine
Asked how taking control of a South American country was “America First”, Trump told reporters it is because he wanted to “surround” America with “good neighbours” and “stability”. “We have tremendous energy in that country,” Trump said. Maga-aligned pollster Rich Baris warned that any brief “rally around the flag” effect from Trump’s announcement would fade if the Venezuela mission expanded. He has tied military action in Latin America to his top domestic priorities of reducing immigration and stopping the flow of drugs into the US. Today, he left the door open to further military action against the leaders of Cuba and Colombia, who have also opposed Trump and his policies.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 05:56 UTC
Billy Joel makes surprise performance after health diagnosis
Piano Man singer Billy Joel performing in New Zealand in 2022. Joel made a surprise return to the stage in the US this weekend in his first concert appearance since revealing he has a brain disorder. Piano Man singer Billy Joel performing in New Zealand in 2022. Photo / Dean PurcellBilly Joel made a surprise return to the stage this weekend in his first concert appearance since revealing he has a brain disorder. The 76-year-old music icon joined Billy Joel tribute band, Turnstiles, for two numbers at a show in Wellington, Florida, on Friday night, USA Today reported.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 04:58 UTC
Supermoon, Wolf Moon or full moon? Kiwis share their photos
On average, the moon is about 380,000km away from the Earth, but in the last few days it has been about 360,000km away, Davison said. Other well-known moons included the Harvest Moon and the Strawberry Moon. Kiwis have taken to social media to share their snaps of the moon, including Adrienne White, who posted perfectly timed shots of the moon rising behind Auckland’s Sky Tower. She shot her photo with a long focal point length and crop sensor, which created the magnified effect on the moon. “Nature never fails to amaze,” wrote another poster, sharing a video of the moon glowing brightly.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 04, 2026 04:49 UTC