Dunedin cyclist James Gardner hoists the under-23 trophy in front of rivals Josh Heissenbuttel (second) and Lewis Bower after the New Zealand road race near Cambridge on Saturday. PHOTO: RUSSELL JONESVeteran Nelson professional George Bennett produced an ambitious and stunning solo effort to claim the New Zealand elite road championship on Saturday. The World Tour rider was never threatened from that point as he powered to an emotional victory, after a challenging 2025 season. A tearful Bennett, whose mother died last year, was overwhelmed with the win, his second national title — his first was in Cambridge five years ago — and earning the first victory for his revamped NSN Cycling World Tour team. "I am really proud to win this and take the jersey back to wear on the World Tour.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover used those numbers to show the breadth of service of retiring chief executive Mike Theelen at his final council meeting. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said councillors did not always fully appreciate the work it took for a chief executive to translate their ideas and directions into practice. Cr Cody Tucker told Mr Theelen he admired the "intestinal fortitude" he showed while doing his job. Former three-term councillor Craig Ferguson, who appeared at the meeting’s public forum, said he spoke for many former councillors in thanking Mr Theelen for the "knowledge and guidance" he had given them. The council’s strategy and policy general manager, Michelle Morss, has been appointed interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is recruited.

Instinct might be one way to successfully navigate the Riversdale Maize Maze, one young helper says. The maze, located in a McClintock Farming maize crop, is a fundraiser for the Riversdale Home and School and the Waikaia Trails Trust. Kristin Loferski, of Tapanui, who has previous experience organising a maize maze, agreed with Lachlan. Garth Cleland, of Riversdale, transports his granddaughter Pippa Stewart, 2, while his daughter Greer holds her son Elliot Stewart, 1, as they make their way through the Riversdale Maize Maze yesterday. PHOTO: SANDY EGGLESTONMaze convener Hilary Kelso said about 620 paying explorers, not including free-of-charge pre-schoolers, walked the maze yesterday.

Of those who pleaded guilty this week, all but one will face up to life imprisonment when they return to the High Court at Auckland in May for sentencing. Solomone – the highest-ranking of those who pleaded guilty but not the leader of the group – admitted to 24 charges. Photo / NZ PoliceIn addition to the 24 charges he pleaded guilty to, another 24 were withdrawn by the Crown. Polaulu, who pleaded guilty to seven charges, “acquired large amounts of methamphetamine to supply to lower-ranked members of the syndicate”, court documents state. Lea’aetoa, known as Rambo, is set to be sentenced for a single charge of conspiring to supply methamphetamine, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Cudby had strangled the woman more than 40 times over the course of their relationship, the court heard. Cudby then chased her with a spade, smashing a door in their Alexandra home, overpowering her before police arrived. Judge Elkin outlined how the abuse had started three months into the pair’s relationship and spanned 20 months. Judge Elkin said Cudby would be subject to a first strike under the new Three Strikes law. “If you commit a further serious offence, the consequences will be serious,” Judge Elkin told him.

“Many people arrived early and all at once.”The spokesperson said traffic volumes were affected by large numbers of people travelling to Te Arai Links, which was “likely also because of the public holiday”. Despite the slow start – and some festivalgoers spending up to four hours in traffic - the spokesperson said Shipwrecked’s traffic management plan had performed better than expected. Te Arai Links North Course. Some drivers heading into Shipwrecked Festival in Te Arai, Auckland, reported waiting in queues for more than four hours on Atkins Rd in the heat. Photo / Tiffany Firth“Shipwrecked is an annual event but the golf course and development traffic is ongoing.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley with Liberal and Nationals MPs behind her, during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday February 3, 2026. Photo / Getty ImagesOpposition leader Sussan Ley with Liberal and Nationals MPs behind her, during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday February 3, 2026. Photo / Getty ImagesAustralia’s right-leaning Opposition coalition reunited on Sunday after splitting in a public spat over the legislative response to the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The centre-right Liberal Party and the rural-focused Nationals, which have jointly governed Australia for most of the past century, said they had overcome their differences. We’re squarely focused on representing the Australian people and fighting for their needs,” Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley told a news conference in Canberra.

This isn’t climate denial. Why is Mathew Hooton the only one having an adult discussion about the reality of climate change? Yes, they are responsible for watering down all our climate change mitigation programs. Climate Change Is No Longer a Debate — It’s the Age of ConsequencesThe last 3 years are the hottest on record temperature wise, what do you think that means mathematically? The reality of climate change is that it means a vast reset of our culture, economy, society, community and politics.

Police said the road would be partially blocked while emergency services were in attendance. Hato Hone St John said two ambulances, one helicopter, and one operations manager were called to the scene about 4.45pm. “One patient in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition were taken to Dunedin Hospital via helicopter.”Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

A source told the Sun “he wanted it gone” because “there is so much hurt and pain on his side, it would not be genuine to keep such a tribute on his body”. Detailing the events of his 2022 wedding to the American actress, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham alleged his mother had cancelled making the bride’s wedding dress at the last minute and danced inappropriately with him at the reception. Brooklyn Peltz Beckham was last publicly seen with members of his family in 2024. Photo /AP Photo, Vianney Le CaerPeltz Beckham went on to allege that “Brand Beckham” has always come first, claiming his parents value “promotion and endorsements above all else”. They have talked extensively about it”, a source told the Daily Mail.

The lead vocalist and drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died. Photo / 3 Doors DownThe lead vocalist and drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died. Photo / 3 Doors DownThe lead singer and drummer of American rock band 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has died aged 47 after a battle with kidney cancer. In a post on Instagram, the band announced Arnold had died “peacefully” in his sleep on Saturday (local time), with his wife Jennifer Arnold by his side. “He was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humour, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Justice Ministry acknowledges issuesActing Ministry of Justice courts and justice services policy acting general manager Megan Noyce acknowledged van Rooyen’s concerns and apologised. “The ministry appreciates the effort and contribution members of the public make when serving on juries, as it is a crucial part of our justice system. “Is the jury system working at its best to ensure they are best reflection of the community? “This is not new, there have been a number of people looking at it.”Money said she did still see the importance of juries within the justice system. “Juries are really important in our justice system, but are we looking at them in terms of $31 for a half day, if someone can’t get childcare, are we excluding certain populations?

At St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2026, an eclectic crowd signalled loyalty to indie princesses and Soundcloud rappers. A near sold-out crowd amplified a sense of festivity through themed dress at Laneway Festival on Thursday. If last year’s Brat summer forecast big boots and micro shorts, Chappell Roan conjured something a little more fantastical. Photo / Felix JacksonPhoto / Felix JacksonPixie and BunnyBoth Pixie and Bunny don lace and high contrast makeup looks. At Laneway Festival 2025, Big Belts, Tiny Mini-Skirts & Leather Boots Displayed Uniformed Rebelliousness.

A vehicle was seen engulfed in flames on the Khyber Pass offramp on Auckland's Southern Motorway. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. A car has caught fire and blocked an off-ramp on Auckland’s Southern Motorway, sending smoke billowing over the central city. Police are at the scene of the incident and the off-ramp at Khyber Pass is closed to traffic. Video supplied to the Herald shows the front of the car completely swallowed by flames.

Residents have been told to prepare for evacuation as winds fan a vegetation fire near Clyde. Crews from Clyde, Alexandra, Dunstan and Tarras were called to a property near the intersection of Springvale and McArthur Rds about 1pm, following reports of a grass fire, a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said. "When they got there, they had a grass fire that was basically out, but it was into some pine trees," the spokesman said. People had been told to prepare for evacuation, but it was unclear if an order to leave had been given, he said. Although fanned by wind, the fire was contained and crews were working to extinguish it.