Basketball star snaps up Dunedin pavlova makers
A Dunedin institution has been sold to a former New Zealand basketball star. When the Otago Daily Times attempted to contact Cowell’s Pavlova yesterday, a representative declined to comment. Cowell’s Pavlova was established in 1973 by Ron and Audrey Cowell, who sold franchises in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland in 1980. Kirk Penney, pictured in action for the Breakers in 2017, has bought a majority share in Dunedin pavlova makers Cowell's. He also won the 2011 ANBL championships as part of the New Zealand Breakers side.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 23:02 UTC
Small sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke risk
More sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfSmall sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke riskMore sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfAdding 11 minutes of sleep, five minutes of exercise and a quarter-cup of extra vegetables per day could cut your risk of a major cardiac event, according to a new study. Scientists found these changes to sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of things like a heart attack or stroke, in a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. For those who don’t get enough sleep, get minimal exercise and have a poor diet, this “optimal combination” could lower their risk of major cardiovascular events by 57%.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 20:50 UTC
Trump pushes back Iran strikes deadline
‘Too few soldiers’In a televised meeting at the White House, Trump veered between repeated threats to “obliterate” Iran and claims it was already on the verge of capitulating. Trump also said the United States might take control of Iran’s oil, comparing it to the deal Washington made with Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro. “I don’t think war is the solution to these conditions, but ending it won’t change much for us either,” he said. Iran has targeted Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launchpads for US strikes, including hits on oil and gas sites. Crude prices had fallen since last week, but the wavering messages on talks saw oil prices jump again Thursday.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 20:33 UTC
Nicholas Brendon found dead at home, coroner cites natural causes
Brendon’s family have told how he had a history of heart issues, including suffering a heart attack in 2023. Brendon – who played Xander Harris in the supernatural horror TV series – had also been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Nicholas Brendon, known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, had a history of heart issues. Photo / Getty ImagesThe actor’s family recently said he died “in his sleep of natural causes”. In a statement shared on Brendon’s Instagram page, his family wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 26, 2026 19:33 UTC
'Lifesaving' eating disorder facility remains without govt funding
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey.. Photo: RNZWarning: This story contains reference to suicide. A North Canterbury eating disorder residential facility that's proved a lifesaver for those admitted there can't attract government funding, leading to concerns about who can access care. The not-for-profit charity has a contract with ACC for sensitive claims patients, but has been passed over for Health NZ funding to open the service to more people. Because there's no funding to go through the public health system, Gabby's family dug deep to pay for her stay. Gabby said Recovered Living offered more than just eating and weight restoration, focusing too on exercise and reintegrating to everyday life after six months at the facility.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 18:43 UTC
Some fishers apparently miss memo on size, quantity rules
Otago/Timaru district manager Ian Henderson said some fishers were unaware of the reduction from 15 to 10 blue cod in the Southern blue cod management area south of Taiaroa Head, but there were very few incidents. ‘‘We have been made aware of a few fishers using undersized blue cod for bait and would like to remind fishers that undersize blue cod must be returned to the sea immediately and must not be used as bait.’’This behaviour threatened the sustainability of the blue cod fisheries. Mr Ham said set nets remained a focus for fishery officers. ‘‘We are confiscating illegal set nets regularly. ‘‘Recently, we found three set nets tied together, covering 160m in length.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:44 UTC
Stuff to close Petone printing press
Photo: RNZNews publisher Stuff Group has announced the closure of its Petone printing press and the loss of 30 jobs on site. Boucher said the Petone site was bought from Australia's Nine Media by new owners in November. "This did not factor into the future of the plant for Stuff, as the Christchurch option was already well advanced." She said the lease didn't expire for another year and consultation with the 30 people employed at the Petone site would take place over the coming weeks and months. "[We] will be looking for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at our Christchurch site where we will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work."
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:23 UTC
Concerns aired as miner outlines expansion plans
Millers Flat resident Marion Mewburn was the lone protester, but not sole objector, at a meeting yesterday where Hawkeswood Mining outlined its plans to extend its operation around the village. Hawkeswood Mining general manager Simon Johnstone said three areas on the outskirts of the town were earmarked for expansion. The expansion includes one block across from the existing mine area and two either side of the town. Protester Marion Mewburn asked when Millers Flat had agreed to become a mining town. They had moved to Millers Flat for the quiet, rural atmosphere and until now only heard birds.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 17:02 UTC
Swords and ploughshares
The document was drafted after the university responded to NZDF tender documents, which included a contract for weapons research. The question which arises from this dispute is why should it not sell the fruits of its labour to the New Zealand Defence Force — or to providers of defence technology in other countries for that matter? The university document went to say that it would be necessary to communicate to the public ‘‘the ethical values and necessity of the tech and the safer world it provides’’. The ethics of defence technology are in the morals of the beholder — which the institution acknowledges, noting that individual academics were free to abstain from such work. But defence technology is not exclusively used in war.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC
Te Kaika chair takes aim at critics
Ms Matahaere-Atariki described him as ‘‘a little bit of a letdown, because I guess he didn’t get the values that we got’’. Mr Laurence firmly rejected that characterisation and clarified that he departed Te Kaika because he believed the vision for the project was changing. Mr Laurence said it was clear he was part of the inception, but refused to get dragged into a war of words. Te Kaika has come under scrutiny recently for its consistently late filing of annual audits, which Ms Matahaere-Atariki conceded was ‘‘regrettable and ... embarrassing’’. Ms Matahaere-Atariki, though, denied Te Kaika was under investigation.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC
Restored Tiger Moth gets to stretch wings over Taieri
Simon Spencer-Bower, of Wānaka, with his newly rebuilt Tiger Moth, which flew for the first time in 33 years over the Taieri Plain on Wednesday. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYAfter decades sitting idle, a brilliant-yellow Tiger Moth finally stretched its wings over the Taieri Plain. Owner Simon Spencer-Bower, of Wānaka, said the refurbished vintage biplane passed its first test flight on Wednesday with full marks. When it became surplus to air force requirements, the plane changed hands several times and was painted in civilian colours before Mr Spencer-Bower bought it in 1974. The plane was restored to its ‘‘particularly nice’’ Air Force colours when Mr Spencer-Bower was contracted to work on the 1981 film Bad Blood, based on the manhunt for mass-murderer Stanley Graham in 1941.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC
Fuel crisis may spur public transport rethink
Kate WilsonPetrol shortages could lead to the opening of new and desired routes for public transport in the South, one regional councillor has suggested. The Otago Regional Council discussed public transport at its monthly meeting in Balclutha this week, with the fuel shortage front and centre. Exact data for Queenstown was not availableShe was expecting more people to use public transport and was confident there was enough capacity in the system to cope. Council chief executive Richard Saunders said if measures around rationing or prioritising fuel were introduced then public transport would be seen as a critical service and should have access to fuel. The Oamaru trial was the council’s first entry into community transport, which is a not-for-profit transport service funded and operated by local organisations to improve transport access in areas where traditional public transport is not feasible.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC
Court chaos as defendant attacks cop and Corrections officer
Police stand outside the Dunedin Courthouse after a defendant allegedly physically lashed out at custodial staff. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONTwo people required medical attention after a defendant allegedly physically lashed out at custodial staff because his bail was declined. Turipa kicked a Corrections officer in the chest, knocking him over, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said. Both staff sought medical attention and the Corrections officer injured his ankle. When the alleged attack broke out, the court was cleared and Turipa was restrained by police, Corrections and court security staff and taken back to the court cells, he said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 16:40 UTC
Opinion: Volatile conflict beginning to bite
Combined with a forecast milk price of $9.70 per kilogram of milk solids, this is the kind of season where money starts moving again — through local businesses, local tradies, local towns. Conflict in the Middle East is having a global effect, and Kiwis are feeling it at the pump. Rising fuel prices hit every trip, every delivery, every time you fill up. New Zealand has close to seven weeks fuel supply, with more coming. The government’s also taken the practical step of allowing fuel that meets Australian specifications into the New Zealand market.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 26, 2026 15:26 UTC