PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESAn innovative pilot programme to help youth become leaders in addressing online harm and to identify the digital challenges that matter most to them is coming to Central Otago early next year. Netsafe’s Otago Young Digital Leaders Pilot has received a $350,000 grant from the Otago Community Trust to support the programme. Netsafe chief executive Brent Carey said recruitment for interested youth would begin in early in the new year, with Central Otago a part of the pilot from the outset. Central Otago would run alongside Dunedin for the first year of the programme. The programme would come at a critical time, as young people navigated an increasingly complex digital environment, he said.

Weka chicks on Lake Wanaka’s Mou Waho. PHOTO: ALLIED MEDIA FILESBoaties and lake-users are being asked to be extra vigilant when visiting the pest-free islands of Lake Wānaka this summer. Lake Wānaka is home to two pest-free islands, Mou Tapu and Mou Waho, providing a safe haven for native species such as buff weka, mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko. "The highest risk of a pest incursion to these islands is being carried unknowingly by boat or kayak. "With more boats on water and visiting islands during the busy season, there’s a higher chance of transporting a pest animal to the islands.

Showing he still has it is Dunedin-based Aaron Collins, who reclaimed the top spot at this year’s national cherry-pit spitting contest in Cromwell yesterday. That may be true, as it was a family affair at the national cherry-pit spitting competition in Cromwell yesterday. Michael was delighted to beat his son to second place in the men’s competition. Dressed to impress Billie Atkins (6) won the under-8 cherry dress-up competition. Women’s section winner Laure Veneilhan arrived from France yesterday and headed directly to the competition, cleaning up with a 7.93m effort.

Sparks batter Laura Harris celebrates after bringing up her half-century against the Magicians in their women’s Super Smash match in Alexandra yesterday. In her debut innings for the Sparks, she thrashed the equal-fastest half-century in the history of women’s T20 cricket. Australian import Laura Harris made a stunning debut for the Sparks as she led them to a six-wicket victory over the Canterbury Magicians in Alexandra yesterday. From there it was all about Harris, the hard-hitting veteran filling the sizable hole left by the injured Suzie Bates. SPARKSF Robertson b Banks 22 (20)B James c & b Banks 9 (8)C Blakely c & b Sullivan 22 (16)L Harris c Cox b Sullivan 52 (17)P Inglis not out 20 (19)A Browning not out 8 (9)Extras (5lb, 8w) 13Total (for 4wkts, 14.5 overs) 146Fall: 1-17, 2-46, 3-95, 4-122.

PHOTO: ODT FILESHomeowners in one of New Zealand’s most expensive streets are up in arms over plans for a multimillion-dollar Queenstown film production facility they say will spoil their pristine views. It proposes construction and operation of a film and television production facility, including studios, more than 200 worker accommodation units, and supporting facilities and amenities. The site for the proposed facility between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes has been described by its developer, Chris Meehan, as "the best part of the most expensive street" in New Zealand. Many of the directly neighbouring properties on Speargrass Flat Rd are estimated to be worth more than $5 million. It also noted the proposal was considered "inconsistent" with the intended rural open character and spatial logic for the surrounding area as zoned.

The $75,000 fund follows allegations of sheep mistreatment related to shearing practices which are still under investigation. Photo: RNZ/Sally RoundThe government and the shearing industry have announced a $75,000 programme to improve animal welfare in the industry. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard said New Zealand had a reputation for high animal welfare standards and it was important these were maintained and improved. "We've worked with industry to establish a $75,000 fund to support targeted training initiatives that build knowledge, skills, and best practice in animal care and welfare compliance in the shearing industry," he said. This followed MPI's $75,000 investment in June in The NZ Merino Company's Cadetship Programme, which expanded cadet training and included a dedicated animal welfare module.

A large oil spill is causing slippery conditions for vehicles on the road towards the West Coast of the South Island. A large oil spill is causing slippery conditions for vehicles on the road towards the West Coast of the South Island. Image / Google MapsA 10km oil spill is causing slippery conditions for vehicles on the main road heading towards the West Coast of the South Island. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the spillage reportedly extends from the Porter Pass summit along SH73/West Coast Road, to the intersection with Benmore Road, near Springfield. They said the combination of oil and rain had made for “slippery conditions for vehicles to navigate.”Crews have now been sent to the site of the spill to begin the cleanup.

When she is travelling, there are a few things Nabongo loves to do no matter the country she’s in." Investing in travel insurance when travelling solo means you can explore the world with confidence, knowing help is just a call away. As for her least favourite country to visit solo, there’s only one Nabongo is adamant she won’t return to." It’s interesting because I’ve talked to other women who’ve solo travelled in this country and they felt uncomfortable, but they still solo travelled there. Jessica’s story features in the book Lonely Planet: Women Travel Solo, out now.

A man was captured standing on the roof of a moving car as it circles an empty Franklin carpark. It prompts fresh warnings about dangerous “car surfing” trends. Video / FacebookBystanders have captured video of a man standing on the roof of a moving car as it circles an empty car park in the Auckland district of Franklin. It is prompting fresh warnings about dangerous “car surfing” stunts being shared on social media. In the video, a maroon car can be seen slowly driving in circles around the empty car park with a man in a singlet and a blue bucket hat stand on top of the vehicle.

In a joint statement, NPD and Gull said each of their combined 240 sites would retain their distinctive brand. AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins said both companies had a low-cost business model. When Gull first arrived with that model in New Zealand it became known as the Gull effect because it dropped the prices and competitors had to match it,” he said. “We’ve been tracking the price of fuel for the last couple of months and we’re watching as the international landed prices dropped, the retail prices haven’t dropped at the same level,” he said. “The price of oil has been below US$60 at some stages and we want to see those savings passed on to our motorists.”– RNZ

Twisted marked its 10-year anniversary last summer with a strong turnout, selling nearly 3,500 tickets, but Tait said it was not enough to clear its ongoing IRD debt. New Year's festival Twisted Frequency has sold about 1000 fewer tickets than last summer's event. Photo / Twisted Frequency FestivalCompounding operational costs have driven ticket prices to $500 this year, and without a significant turnaround in sales or new funding sources, Tait said the festival’s 2026 event will be its final edition. In interviews published on Twisted Frequency’s website, Tait and the organisers of independent festivals Shipwrecked and Aum criticised the Government’s approach to events funding, arguing it favours large, commercial events over grassroots festivals. “Throughout its life, Twisted has yet to receive a single dime or any kind of funding, and that is not for lack of trying,” Tait said.

The Australian-flagged ship was reportedly undertaking its first voyage since the death of an 80-year-old passenger in October. A spokesperson for the operator, Coral Expeditions, told news.com.au, “All passengers and crew are safe.”“An initial inspection indicates no damage to the vessel,” they said. News.com.au reported that an officer from the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre had boarded the ship and is providing assistance with the incident,. The luxury cruiser had reached Papua New Guinea waters on December 20 and was navigating the coastline throughout the week before Saturday’s incident occurred. News.com.au understands there is no damage to the vessel, and inspections and work to refloat the vessel are continuing today.

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Dry January participants reported better mood, improved sleep and weight loss, and had healthier blood pressure, blood sugar and liver function. And several of the studies found participants experienced some benefits from simply reducing their drinking, also known as “Damp January,” rather than abstaining entirely. About 54 percent of U.S. adults say they drink alcohol, according to a 2025 Gallup poll, the lowest that number has been since Gallup started tracking drinking behavior in 1939. How to reduce your alcohol consumptionStrowger sees Dry January as a helpful opportunity. There are also digital tools such as the Try Dry app that make tracking your alcohol use simple, Strowger said.

Photo: Getty ImagesCanterbury drivers are being urged to be cautious after an oil spill on State Highway 73, West Coast Rd near Porters Pass. The spillage reportedly extends from the Porter Pass summit to the intersection with Benmore Rd, near Springfield. Combined with rain, it is causing slippery conditions for vehicles. Crews have been sent to the site of the spill to clean up the spill. Road users travelling on this main link between Christchurch and the West Coast should drive with care and follow any directions given at the site.