Daylight saving time 2026: When the clocks change and what it means for your long weekend
A New Zealander is credited with first coming up with the idea for Daylight Saving. Daylight saving time 2026: When the clocks change and what it means for your long weekendYour outlook should be a little bit lighter and brighter when you wake up on Sunday morning. At 3am, clocks across Aotearoa fall back by an hour as daylight saving time begins, meaning a 7.30am wake-up will feel like 8.30am. Daylight saving time ends every year at 3am on the first Sunday in April – this year that falls on April 5, which is also Easter Sunday. The twice-yearly time adjustment is a good time to check your home’s smoke alarms are in proper working order as well.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 19:49 UTC
Easter weather forecast: Heavy rain warnings for South Island holidaymakers
A heavy rain warning is in place for part of Westland, with a heavy rain watch also in force for river spillover in areas of Canterbury as a rain band crosses the South Island. Image / MetServiceA heavy rain warning is in place for part of Westland, with a heavy rain watch also in force for river spillover in areas of Canterbury as a rain band crosses the South Island. Image / MetServiceHolidaymakers making the most of the Easter long weekend can expect dreary weather, with a heavy rain warning in place for areas in the Westland district and a heavy rain watch for parts of Canterbury. MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley told the Herald most of the country will be relatively gloomy today, with conditions expected to be particularly soggy in the south. “In general, it’s looking pretty wet for the South Island,” he said.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 19:04 UTC
Why business can’t stay quiet on the India trade deal – Fran O’Sullivan
It’s obvious political support for the Indian deal is not wholehearted. The Modi visit will be embraced by the Indian business community, which has played a strong leadership role in Auckland through driving support for the deal. It is a truism that New Zealand businesses regularly lobby for market access, streamlined regulation, and investment in trade infrastructure. This was obvious during crunch times in the early days of the China free trade agreement, where business leaders often hid behind the backs of lobbyists instead of openly advocating for the bilateral relationship. It would be refreshing for chief executives, chairs, and industry leaders to say – clearly and on the record – whether they support the India FTA and why.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 19:02 UTC
NZSAS exclusive: Inside the secret missions where Special Air Service soldiers risked everything in Kabul
It does not include the controversial Operation Burnham mission in which civilians were killed by a United States helicopter gunship supporting the NZSAS soldiers on the ground. They were scenes repeated in the other engagements highlighted – confusion, chaotic Afghan control, NZSAS soldiers running towards danger through hails of gunfire. Eventually, amid the live threat of suicide vests, NZSAS soldiers stormed the roof. Crosby’s interviews with NZSAS soldiers who were there report a hail of gunfire, through which the New Zealanders dashed to get closer to those needing help. As to why he wrote the book, Crosby said recruitment was one benefit.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 19:02 UTC
Youth services delivery at risk
Photo: ODT filesTe Kāika risks being prevented from delivering key government-funded services for children and youth due to an investigation of its suitability as a service provider. Oranga Tamariki is also assessing whether OHL is appropriate to run any of its childcare and protection services. Three contracts funded OHL staff to support of children and young people in the community. A similar list of OHL contracts held in 2025 was provided by Oranga Tamariki stating six of the contracts had ‘‘funds reconciled in 2023-24 due to underutilisation’’. The day before, Te Kāika youth justice staffer Allan Haua had assaulted, in the street, a 16-year-old who had been placed previously in the youth residence where Mr Haua worked.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 19:01 UTC
Hype here second time around
The path of the total solar eclipse over Dunedin calculations tell us it happened on December 27, 1163.IMAGE: SUPPLIED / IAN GRIFFINDunedin is preparing itself for a magnificent celestial event. All this for the total solar eclipse of July 22, 2028 — a rare and rather beautiful interruption to the usual order of things. It will be the first total eclipse visible from Dunedin since December 27, 1163. Just a quiet South Island evening, the Sun about 20° above the western horizon, and then — for 1 minute and 29 seconds — darkness. The same mathematics that lets us reconstruct that forgotten evening also tells us, with quiet certainty, that another shadow is coming.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 18:47 UTC
Lower Hutt homicide: Young person charged as police probe death
Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to the Lower Hutt death. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to the Lower Hutt death. Photo / NZ HeraldA young person has been arrested and charged as the investigation into the death of a Lower Hutt man continues. While his death was initially being treated as unexplained, police are now investigating it as a homicide.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 18:15 UTC
Gang member records rap lyrics for songs while behind bars serving drug sentence
He has featured in five music videos posted to YouTube over the past six months, each with at least 50,000 views. The Department of Corrections has confirmed staff are now investigating the music videos “that appear to use the voice of a prisoner”. Rosemary Firth, the general manager of Waikeria Prison, said no contraband - such as a smuggled cellphone - was found when the prisoner’s cell was searched. The senior Head Hunter gang member whose vocals feature in popular rap songs posted online, despite currently being a prison inmate, is depicted by a balaclava-clad actor in the accompanying music videos. The senior Head Hunter gang member whose vocals feature in popular rap songs posted online, despite currently being a prison inmate, is depicted by a balaclava-clad actor in the accompanying music videos.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 18:04 UTC
Wellington Phoenix Women clinch semi-final spot with win over Adelaide
“It felt like a much more collective effort. We put a lot of attention on people not trying too hard and doing their roles and being collective in doing that. Nunn scored from the resulting corner, heading home a left-wing corner from Elliott after again finding space at the near post. The Phoenix will now await the outcome of the remaining final-round matches to see when they will play in the finals. Wellington Phoenix Women 2 (Marisa van der Meer 30’, Brooke Nunn 34′)Adelaide Women 0HT: 2-0
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 18:02 UTC
Greyhound bosses admit battle to keep dog racing alive is over
Action had to be taken.”This decision reflects a wider global shift away from greyhound racing, with sport now surviving in only a small number of countries. Since New Zealand announced its intention to end greyhound racing, further jurisdictions, including Scotland, Wales and Tasmania, have signalled they will also end the sport, says Peters. It is a sad day for greyhound racing and we believe a warning to the two equine codes about their future.”Peters previously stated after announcing his intent to ban greyhound racing that horse racing will not be next and that industry is not under threat. Mental health and wellbeing support services for people whose daily lives have been closely tied to greyhound racing. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals.
Source:New Zealand Herald
April 03, 2026 17:26 UTC
Around the Leagues: Pre-season news (West)
Record-breaking New Zealander Brett Randell is back with top-flight Honley for the 2026 Huddersfield Premier League season. Like Moorlands, Kirkburton have plundered the Bradford Premier League, for Rishi Chopra (Bradford & Bingley) and Yorkshire wicketkeeper Harry Duke (Farsley). Pudsey Congs, the 2025 Division One champions, have brought in Ibrahim Ahmed, from Premier Division rivals Woodlands, and Max Berry, from the Huddersfield Premier League’s Slaithwaite. Heading the quartet is Pakistani overseas professional Muhammad Junaid, who shone last season with the Bolton Premier League’s Little Lever. Owing to Bradford Premier League rules, Batley are unable to field the Third XI, comprising mostly teenagers, in their ‘own’ competition.
Source:Stuff
April 03, 2026 17:23 UTC
CDC forum invitee criticises process
During the forum, Mr Castel and the mayor repeatedly interrupted one another, leading Mr Castel to level the accusation of a ‘‘beat-up job’’ by Mr Martin when he spoke to the Otago Daily Times on Thursday. In a civil exchange, Mr Martin said he believed the matter was already satisfactorily resolved and no further explanation was required. Mr Castel took a different view, questioning the mayor’s fitness to lead and suggesting he should consider resigning. He said he had encouraged Mr Castel to attend the forum so all councillors could hear his concerns. We encourage residents to attend and speak at the public forum with any concerns and I admire those, like John, who step up.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:12 UTC
Shuffling a fresh deck
Since that professional and personal disappointment Ms Simmonds has done a diligent job implementing vocational education reform. Six months will not give Ms Simmonds opportunity for wholescale reform, but she will need to ensure Dr Reti’s initiatives when he was in charge of these areas are implemented. Much of the post-reshuffle conversation has centred on senior minister Chris Bishop and his perceived demotion. That said, he remains a senior minister and indispensable workhorse. The reshuffle held little for the younger talent in National’s ranks, although Nicola Grigg did pick up the Environment portfolio that was formerly Ms Simmonds’.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:12 UTC
Pride in RSA grave cleaning
Verdon College students (from left) Joel Minani, Brandon Fabia, Gwenzey Bagaoisan and head girl Maia Garrett volunteered to help clean RSA grave plaques in preparation for Anzac Day cele brations this month. PHOTO: TONI MCDONALDVerdon College students rolled up their sleeves to help RSA volunteers clean and restore RSA graves at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery last week. They were joined by staff from Fulton Hogan, the Remembrance Army and RSA members. Verdon College head girl Maia Garret said helping with the cleanup was more than a community outreach. ‘‘Even just giving up our time for a couple of hours makes a big difference.’’During the process, students had access to military records.
Source:Otago Daily Times
April 03, 2026 17:02 UTC