Fuel costs behind air force no-show
Ed TaylorThe New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed the rising cost of aviation fuel is what grounded the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) participation at the Warbirds Over Wānaka this Easter. A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman said the RNZAF’s participation in displays and flypasts was always contingent on ‘‘operational considerations’’. ‘‘We always ensure our resources are focused on maintaining operational readiness, and given the current international fuel situation, all RNZAF activities have been reviewed. He said the air force’s engagement with communities and aviation events was important to the Defence Force, and it was not a decision that had been made lightly. ‘‘The RNZAF and the American Air Force and the Australians and Singapore, they all put a lot of effort into working up displays for the airshow.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 16:59 UTC
Poor forecast puts paid to cruise ship visit
Today's scheduled visit of the cruise ship Anthem of the Seas, carrying more than 4000 passengers, has been cancelled due to the forecast weather conditions. It is the second time the 350m-long quantum class cruise ship, owned by Royal Caribbean International, has been plagued with misfortune since it left Sydney Australia last week. Police were notified of an unexplained death on board the vessel, about 1.40am last Wednesday, as it headed towards Waitangi. Last Friday, New Zealand police said they were still investigating the cause of the death. On the Royal Caribbean website, a spokesperson confirmed there had been a sudden death on board.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 16:59 UTC
Helping child walk the icing on the cake
Port Chalmers and District Lions Club past district governor Ella Butson holds the Milton Lions Club entry into the cake auction, which depicts an albatross flying over Otago Harbour. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONSpending over $1000 on a singular cake is no big deal when each slice sold is going towards helping an Oamaru child one day walk unassisted. Port Chalmers and District Lions Club past district governor Ella Butson said all the funds raised in the auction would go towards getting an Oamaru child with mobility issues a Hart Walker. ‘‘A Hart Walker is a hands-free walking device so they don't have to hold on to any handles. Ms Butson said children using a Hart Walker could end up walking unassisted as they helped grow muscle.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 16:59 UTC
Tongan tornado takes his place
Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa is braced for action during a game against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2016. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHThere is absolutely an alternate world in which Malakai Fekitoa is still playing for the Highlanders. That he was so young when he left yet holds such a high place in our 30 Greatest Highlanders series indicates what an impact the Tongan tornado had on the club while he was here. Fekitoa grew up on the Tongan island of Ha'apai and was one of 14 children in his family. His Tongan eligibility was restored and he has now played 12 tests for his homeland.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 16:56 UTC
NZ Post reverses decision to pull services for 10 lucky stores
NZ Post received requests from 26 stores to review its decisions, with 10 stores successful. However, not all postal services will be offered at these stores, with some not offering parcel collection or lockboxes. The Karori community came together to push for the reversal, making submissions to NZ Post directly opposing the decision. Hogg understood her post shop to be the more popular of just two services in Karori, home to 18,000 residents. The petrol station down the road was initially chosen by NZ Post as the only shop in the suburb to keep its postal services.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 29, 2026 16:37 UTC
Veteran remembered with 25-pound salute
Otago Gunners Incorporated members Robbie Gardiner (left) and Brian Donaldson fire a 25-pound field gun in honour of the late Warren Douglas Sapsford. The 78-year-old died on January 7 this year, but was given his final send-off with the firing of a 25-pound field gun as a mark of respect. In September 2013, the organisation held its 150th anniversary and Mr Sapsford was one of the 70 people who attended from around New Zealand. He was a keen gunner and in his retirement, he and his colleagues maintained a 25-pound field gun under orders from the former Governor-General, to be used at ceremonial services such as Armistice Day and Anzac Day. After the Last Post and reveille was played, two rounds were fired from the 25-pound gun, Mr Cunningham said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 16:35 UTC
Fog and safety works disrupt Auckland Airport flights
“Auckland Airport’s priority is safety and all operational decisions are made with this in mind,” it said in a statement. The upgrade programme is part of planned work to strengthen the safety and resilience of the airfield. However, because the work is being carried out while the airport remains fully operational, extra precautions are required in certain conditions. This morning, those procedures added further constraints on flight movements already limited by fog – a “necessary and considered response” to maintain safety across the airfield, the airport said. The airport emphasised that while the lighting upgrade introduced additional operational considerations, it was essential work designed to ensure long-term safety for airlines and passengers.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 29, 2026 15:49 UTC
Missing American tourist found after police appeal
Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Police say the American tourist who went missing in Auckland has now been found. He had last been seen at the Auckland Botanic Gardens at around 1pm today. Police issued an appeal for sightings and said his family were worried about his wellbeing. In an update at around 6pm, police said he is now safe and is being reunited with his family.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 29, 2026 15:38 UTC
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New Zealand lifts name suppression on nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Satwant Singh in ₹180 crore drug case
New Zealand media unmasks Baltej Singh, nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Satwant Singh as mastermind of Rs 180-crore meth empire, largest in Kiwi history after court ends name suppression on March 29, 2026. New Zealand media on March 29, 2026, publicly named Baltej Singh as the alleged kingpin behind the country’s largest-ever methamphetamine seizure. Singh is the nephew of Satwant Singh, one of the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADFrom name suppression to global exposureNew Zealand media have identified Baltej Singh as the mastermind behind a ₹180-crore (NZ$36 million) drug operation after he withdrew his bid for permanent name suppression. Legal experts said that name suppression orders in New Zealand apply only domestically and lose effectiveness once identities are widely reported abroad.
Source:Stuff
March 29, 2026 15:02 UTC
Good Sorts 6pm news segment, Re: News youth brand in firing line
Good Sorts presenter and former Fair Go host Hadyn Jones. “Good Sorts is a commercial segment, and we contract Hadyn to host it,” said a TVNZ spokeswoman. Good Sorts - anecdotally, a popular segment that screens just after the weather and before Country Calendar - started more than 16 years ago. Media Insider analysis: TVNZ’s decision to press pause on Good Sorts is likely to provoke a strong viewer reaction. O’Sullivan told the Herald he had confidence in the TVNZ newsroom going forward.
Source:Stuff
March 29, 2026 05:40 UTC
Baltej Singh revealed as mastermind in major drug case
Singh’s case drew additional attention due to his family history. He is the nephew of Indira Gandhi’s assassin, Satwant Singh, one of the bodyguards responsible for her killing in 1984. Prosecutors argued that Singh’s identity was already known internationally and that public interest in transparency outweighed any risks. The Court of Appeal agreed, stating there was an “appreciable public interest” in revealing his identity given the scale of the offending. By early 2023, Singh and his associate, Himatjit ‘Jimmy’ Singh Khalon, were unpacking thousands of cans and bottles at a rented industrial unit in Auckland.
Source:Stuff
March 29, 2026 05:38 UTC
Financial boost for some Kiwis
Photo: RNZPolicy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than 1 million Kiwis from mid-week, the government says. In a statement this afternoon, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries would get a boost from Wednesday, April 1, as the as conflict in the Middle East continued to impact Kiwi wallets. The changes include:• Around 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. “We recognise that many Kiwis will not feel able to make that choice right now. “These KiwiSaver changes are all about lifting savings and helping Kiwis become more financially secure in the longer run."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 03:33 UTC
Auckland fog lifts
Photo: ODT filesFog restrictions have been lifted at Auckland Airport after many flights were affected this morning. The restriction had been in place since 4.42am. More than 50 flights were affected during the morning including cancellations and delays, RNZ reported. Dunedin, Queenstown and Christchurch flights were affected. Auckland Airport advised passengers to check its website or app for the latest information.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 29, 2026 02:44 UTC