The released emails show Krauss discussing a possible move to New Zealand and privately seeking support from Epstein while negotiations with Otago were still uncertain. Dr Lawrence Krauss later resigned from Arizona State University in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Later emails show the university ultimately declining to proceed, citing significant budget constraints following government funding decisions. There is no indication in the released material that any funding from Epstein was provided to the University of Otago, or that the proposed appointments progressed beyond preliminary discussion. Krauss later resigned from Arizona State University in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied.

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Ethel St in Wakari, Dunedin. Photo: Google MapsPolice are investigating an alleged aggravated robbery in Dunedin which left two people injured. A police spokeswoman said they were called to a report of an aggravated robbery in Ethel St, about 8.10pm on Sunday. A young person was arrested and was before the Youth Court in relation to the matter, the spokeswoman said. Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said police’s criminal investigation branch was investigating the incident.

Police say it was ‘‘very lucky’’ no one was injured after a trailer swung into the side of a ute and flung building materials across a Dunedin motorway. A 21-year-old man was driving his work vehicle to the speed limit when his trailer began swaying side-to-side. The building materials were tied down but the movement caused them to fall off the trailer. The trailer then ‘‘fishtailed and that has jack-knifed the ute’’, Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said. ‘‘It's very lucky nobody else was injured or caught up in the loss of the materials," he said.

Waituna Lagoon forms part of the much larger Awarua-Waituna Wetlands, a 20,000ha area. PHOTOS: SUPPLIEDImprovements to the health of Southland’s "resilient" Waituna Lagoon have been tentatively welcomed by the Department of Conservation’s (Doc) top science adviser. Researchers (from left) Pat Hoffmann (Doc), Chris Owen (Southern Waterways) and Inigo Zabarte-Maeztu (Earth Sciences NZ) during this year’s Waituna Lagoon survey. The lagoon level was 1.4m, which meant more water and habitat for plants to thrive, Mr Robertson said. Doc’s annual survey was undertaken across 47 sites at the lagoon and showed low levels of algae.

The expanded butter line at Clandeboye will significantly boost capacity and product diversity, allowing the site to produce a wider array of butter formats, including those that meet halal and kosher standards, to satisfy growing international demand. Clandeboye currently serves as Fonterra’s sole butter production site in the South Island — and this expansion positions it to better support global supply chains and professional kitchens worldwide. The increased capacity aligns with global trends showing stronger demand for dairy fats, particularly butter, in foodservice and export markets. The project is expected to have a positive local economic impact, with site manager Ross Burdett noting the creation of 16 new jobs and strengthened manufacturing infrastructure in the South Island. Deliveries from the new line are anticipated to begin in about 15 months, reflecting a medium-term investment in premium dairy processing capability.

Photo: SuppliedA man found dead after a shooting in Waitārere Beach last month was actually stabbed, police say. The man, identified by his sister as 60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins, was found dead and three others with gunshot wounds on 14 January. "The three people who received wounds consistent with being shot remain in hospital in a stable condition." "Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support," they said. Police earlier revealed a dismantled gun, parts and ammunition were seized from the property a few hours before police returned to find the dead man and critically injured people.

Dr Krauss forwarded his proposal and the email exchange with the university to Epstein, who replied saying "I can’t get behind it". Dr Krauss said it was a shame, as Epstein could have visited him while in Dunedin. Prof Blaikie replied two days later, saying he was sorry but likely could not commit to the role as there was no funding. She asked Dr Krauss to keep her posted "as the picture emerges", and signed it off "fingers crossed". The same day, Dr Krauss emailed Epstein, saying he would "love to talk" after his discussions with the university.

A 22-year-old Australian woman died after her backpack caught on a ski lift in Japan. Photo / Getty ImagesA 22-year-old Australian woman died after her backpack caught on a ski lift in Japan. Photo / Getty ImagesAn Australian woman died after her backpack caught on a ski lift on a Japanese mountain and she became suspended mid-air, police have said. The 22-year-old woman was preparing to get off the lift on Friday morning at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley, a popular ski destination in the central region of Nagano. But a loose buckle from her backpack became caught in the lift chair, according to the lift operator Tsugaike Gondola Lift.

Photo: RNZThe pilot and passenger killed in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill last week have been named. The pair were pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully. Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said emergency services, aviation authorities, local iwi and regional partners have worked closely in extremely challenging terrain. The helicopter wreckage was removed on Friday. Perkins said police, Civil Aviation Authority and Victim Support are supporting the families affected.

This followed the choppy trading session on Friday following Trump’s pick of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. US Treasury yields are up 3bps across the curve since Friday’s close, with a nudge higher after the ISM report. The NZD has been oscillating, with a few unsuccessful attempts to fall below 0.5990, where there has been some support. The Australian 10-year bond future has traded an 8bps range overnight, but the net move from the NZ close is little changed. The US JOLTs report will no longer be released tonight and the January jobs report (due Friday) will also be delayed.

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneOpposition parties are criticising the coalition for having "secret" talks with the United States about the supply of rare and critical minerals. "Most New Zealanders would be upset that talks about mining and exporting critical minerals are taking place without transparency or accountability." Photo: RNZGreen Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the critical minerals discussions were happening "largely in secret and on terms dictated by the United States". Coalition parties' positionsNew Zealand First's and self-proclaimed "pro-mining Minister" Shane Jones said the talks followed the coalition releasing its mining strategy and critical minerals list. ACT was also supportive of New Zealand's critical minerals talks with the US.

Photo: CC 2.0 BY-SA / Gavin Treadgold via RNZA major insurer that put a halt to new home insurance policies in Westport has also stopped issuing them in a second town, in North Canterbury. The company confirmed to RNZ that it was not currently offering new home insurance policies in the township, which is about 25 kilometres north of Christchurch. AA Insurance head of underwriting Dee Naidu said limiting cover was "never something we do lightly". "They went through all their latest updates around natural hazard risk that they have - they could find nothing that pinpointed any increased natural hazard risk for Woodend." There is no increased natural hazard event risk in Woodend, Canterbury - yet that is what they're telling people."

Dr Krauss forwarded his proposal and the email exchange with the university to Epstein, who replied saying "I can’t get behind it". Dr Krauss said it was a shame, as Epstein could have visited him while in Dunedin. She asked Dr Krauss to keep her posted "as the picture emerges", and signed it off "fingers crossed". The same day, Dr Krauss emailed Epstein, saying he would "love to talk" after his discussions with the university. Earlier document releases show Dr Krauss reached out to Epstein for advice while facing the initial accusations.

It also found the lawyer had overcharged Mr Smith and ordered Mr Laws to pay him $25,000. Mr Smith said he was pleased with the outcome after a long journey that "certainly had its ups and downs". Mr Laws was ordered to waive the outstanding portion of the bill and refund Mr Smith $10,000. After Mr Smith was convicted, he served his sentence of seven months’ home detention and 100 hours’ community work pending his appeal. In reaction to the decision, Mr Smith said it was a "fantastic result".