SFF back in black after $29.1m profit
Anna NelsonSilver Fern Farms Ltd is back in the black, having posted a $29.1million net profit after tax for the year ended December 31 on revenue of just over $3m. ‘‘Cautious confidence’’ was being seen among farmers and there was a lot more work to be done to keep building confidence. The sector continued to face challenges across an increasingly volatile trade environment and plenty of scenario planning was going on. Mr Boulton said SFF was looking to finish the first quarter of 2026 on track. Silver Fern Farms Co-op, which jointly owns Silver Fern Farms Ltd with Bright Meat Group, recorded an after-tax net profit of $14.2m, after last year’s $10.9m loss.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Selecting wise and unwise energy priorities
Methanex gas has a much more strategic purpose than being squandered to produce and export methanol. The second foolish decision is to abandon the feasibility study for the Lake Onslow pumped hydro project. The government abandoned the Lake Onslow feasibility study with a lot of petulant rhetoric and shamefully misleading comment on costs. Investment in a facility such as Lake Onslow would immediately provide opportunity for new generator entrants to buy storage, or ‘‘firming’’. Because the Lake Onslow project sets out to correct a market failure, some regulatory or contractual changes would be needed for it to proceed.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
A bite-sized hit
Hot cross spice mix: Mix together the cinnamon, cloves and allspice in the given proportions. Cinnamon glaze: Sift the icing sugar and ground cinnamon into a bowl. Cross icing: Combine the icing sugar and water and whisk until smooth and pipeable. Cinnamon glaze: Mix icing sugar, water and cinnamon until smooth. Chocolate glazeSift the icing sugar and cocoa powder together into a bowl.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 17:02 UTC
Albatross colony may be relocated after mineral find
An albatross flies over Tunnel Beach. IMAGE: SUPPLIEDDunedin's world-renowned albatross colony could be relocated after the discovery under Taiaroa Head of a mineral from which several rare earth elements are derived. However, plans will first have to be hatched to move the royal albatross colony, which sits atop the Fergusonite strike. The colony, the only mainland royal albatross colony in the world, is regarded as the jewel in Dunedin’s tourism crown and is itself worth millions a year to the city in terms of visitor income. Further details of the Fergusonite discovery will be announced at a press conference at noon today.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:53 UTC
Backcountry to be turned into historic reserve
A winter view up the Hokitika River towards some of the Hokitika backcountry making up the Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve. PHOTO: ALLIED MEDIA FILESWork has started on a management plan for the new culturally significant stewardship land area, Tarahanga e Toru Historic Reserve. In an update to the Westland District Council last week Department of Conservation Hokitika operations manager Tim Shaw said the stewardship land review had identified the Hokitika backcountry to be gazetted as historic reserve — Tarahanga e Toru. The historic trails through the reserve were used as trading routes for pounamu and kai, serving as lifelines for Poutini Ngai Tahu. Certain areas that contain pounamu and links to historic pa sites will remain as stewardship land for further assessment.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC
Italian-style restaurant born of desire to do it from scratch
Buon appetito, Dunedin - a new 180-seat Italian-inspired restaurant is coming to a historic building in the centre of town. Located on the ground floor of the former A&T Burt Ltd building at the corner of Stuart and Cumberland Sts, Alondo Pizzetta & Pasta is expected to open in late June. Co-owner Mat Nicolson said that he was excited to show off the brand-new restaurant — ‘‘from the toilets, to the bars, to the booth seats’’. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH/SUPPLIEDThe restaurant was Italian-inspired and would serve hand-made pasta and authentic pizzetta, using proper Neapolitan dough, with an emphasis on a shared dining experience, he said. ‘‘And I didn’t have a Japanese background either, but I do love pasta and pizza — I think everyone loves pasta and pizza.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC
Concern over staff contracts
Resthaven Village in Main St is set to transfer ownership. Photo: ODT filesA workers’ union has become involved as a Gore rest-home prepares to change ownership. There are concerns the proposed sale of Resthaven Village in Main St could change staff contracts. Residents, staff and families were being consulted on the change in ownership, he said. ‘‘This news is understandably unsettling for workers, residents and their families.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:51 UTC
Reducing services floated, CEO says
Sandy GrahamThe Dunedin City Council has flagged service cuts may be in the pipeline if fuel costs and supply concerns continue to rise. Chief executive Sandy Graham outlined the possibility at last week’s council meeting and a newly released annual plan document has also indicated the potential for cuts. ‘‘But we’re doing what we can to manage costs, but also levels of service — that’s the bigger issue. The document, released Monday, said service levels may temporarily reduce under ‘‘national fuel pressures’’ and the government’s fuel traffic-light settings. Annual plan consultation closes on April 29, ahead of hearings and a decision on adopting the plan next month.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:37 UTC
Landers mid-term report: Must do better
Co-captain and centre Timoci Tavatavanawai has been the main man for the Highlanders this season. The numbersRecord: Played 7, won 3, lost 4, eighth in Super Rugby. He leads all Super Rugby players with 45 defenders beaten — a staggering 15 more than the next man on the list. TK Howden has proven an excellent lineout option and leads Super Rugby with 107 tackles. They are fifth in overall tries, but drop to ninth equal on tries per game.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 16:37 UTC
Taylor Swift sued over ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ trademark row
The column has since been developed into a podcast, plus a live show featuring pop and jazz music, and Wade’s trademark covers a range of things including theatrical productions, TV and live stage performances. Regarding the release of Swift’s album, The Life of a Showgirl, the complaint reads: “They did not do so quietly. It said it was declined because it was confusingly similar to the previous mark, with both names sharing the key “of a Showgirl” phrase. Wade has accused Swift of ignoring the trademark, arguing that consumers believe she has copied the pop star, which has undermined her brand. Swift could end up buying out Wade’s claim to the name or trying to fight the case in court.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 31, 2026 16:23 UTC
Fuel shock: Which big companies are easing staff travel costs – The Front Page
One NZ hasn’t gone as far as specific actions as a result of fuel concerns, but said it’s had flexible working policies in place for a long time. Westpac NZ offers hybrid working and some remote work options that help its people manage commuting costs. “Our standard operating model includes hybrid working arrangements, allowing employees to work flexibly between home and our offices. “Extraordinary lets you use pre-tax income to pay for your commute across NZ’s public transport networks,” they said. Genesis subsidises public transport costs by 50% for employees in their Auckland and Hamilton offices, through Auckland Transport (HOP card) and Waikato Transport (Bee Card).
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 31, 2026 16:03 UTC
Silver Fern Farms halts Middle East exports; returns to profit
But Silver Ferns Farms is also counting the costs of halting exports into its key Persian Gulf markets. Exports to Persian Gulf halted, for nowBut its agility was being tested by war in the Persian Gulf, as for other primary sector exporters. When the conflict broke out in late February, it had 140 containers in transit destined for the Middle East. Securing livestock supply when margins are tightBoulton said 2025 was a hard-fought year for the company dealing with low livestock volumes. Meanwhile, the Silver Fern Farms Co-operative earned $14.2m in financial year 2025, up from a $10.9m loss the year before.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 13:35 UTC
Fuel cost dire for farmers
Chris Dillon is facing the busiest time of year for his farm with an unwelcome guest in the form of gas prices nearly doubling for the farm in the space of three weeks. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERGArable farmers in Eastern Southland are facing the next few months with doubled fuel costs — inviting the question of whether it is possible, or even worth it, to harvest and plant new crops. The arable farming sector was critical to the livestock sector and what the government had done so far had not helped a single farmer, Riversdale grain farmer Chris Dillon said. Refined oil prices in New Zealand have skyrocketed in the past month following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key logistical route for oil products. All hands and tractors, will be on deck.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 31, 2026 10:43 UTC
South Auckland vehicle incident leaves one person seriously injured
“The car was going at speed and when it turned left into Myers Rd, he was flung off.”Allan said he pulled over shortly afterwards and looked in his rear-view mirror, where he believed he saw the man fall from the vehicle. “I saw a shoe and some clothing on the road, so he must have lost his grip.”Allan said he drove back past Myers Rd 15 minutes later and saw police vehicles, an ambulance and a helicopter responding. Hato Hone St John told the Herald they sent an ambulance and critical care unit to the scene at 7pm. Police are carrying out inquiries into what happened and to find anyone else involved. Cordons at the scene have since been removed.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 31, 2026 09:25 UTC