PM rejects claim govt anti-Treaty
Earlier, Hipkins had called the government "anti-Treaty", referring to the controversial Treaty Principles Bill that seeks to define what the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are. Hipkins said his discussions with the forum had been "constructive" but acknowledged the iwi leaders would work with whoever the government was. When asked whether the government was "anti-Māori" Luxon accepted "ACT's Treaty Principles Bill was incredibly challenging". He said despite tensions through challenges like the Treaty Principles Bill, the government had continued the conversation with iwi leaders at the same time. Iwi leader Tukoroirangi Morgan echoed that sentiment, calling the meeting "productive" and saying iwi leaders were in a position where "we need to get stuff done".
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 17:08 UTC
Charged ex-chef still on the run
Former head chef of The Bunker, Ben Norfolk, in 2022. FILE PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA former Queenstown chef and hospitality owner apparently on the run from serious drug charges remains wanted by police. Ben Norfolk, 43, left the country before he was due to appear in the Queenstown District Court on December 1 on charges of administering and supplying LSD. Allied Media understands one charge came from an alleged drink-spiking incident in the town in August, 2023. Norfolk has also been charged with the burglary of a house in Dunedin on October 24 last year.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:48 UTC
Residents angry at inaction on 300m-long patch of oil
A sign warns drivers of an oil spill in Jackson Rd, near Waitaki Bridge. The 300m-long patch of oil — which the resident believed was an "oil spill" — was dangerous, they said. "It was really bad, predominantly on the upper end of Jackson Rd near the highway. The matter had been raised with the Waitaki District Council, the Otago Regional Council and police. Waitaki District Council network manager Erik van der Spek said the oil in Jackson Rd had been reported to council and staff were investigating its source.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:48 UTC
Weather to be mixed bag this weekend
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESPlanning to get out of town for a short break over the long Waitangi Weekend? MetService has some good news and some bad news to share, which may or may not change your plans. But the good news was, most of that rain would fall early in the morning or late in the day. "We could see a front with some showers moving on to Southland, but that looks more likely for the night time. "And then that front continues late Saturday into Sunday across the rest of Southland and into Otago."
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:26 UTC
Coalition criticised over job figures
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the latest unemployment figures are "incredibly embarrassing" for the coalition government. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said while she would prefer the unemployment rate was lower, the underlying details were positive. Finance Minister Nicola Willis. But Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the latest unemployment figures are an indictment on the coalition. Photo: RNZGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson said the figures showed the three party coalition of National, New Zealand First and Act was a "government of despair".
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:18 UTC
Escaped parolee returns to prison
Levi James Newport, 34, appeared in the Dunedin District Court last week and admitted breaching parole. The Parole Board considered he was no longer an undue risk to the community, despite a Roc*Roi (risk of re-conviction and risk of imprisonment) score of 0.94. At a hearing in October, the Parole Board noted Newport had a criminal history that filled 21 pages. Since then, he had changed his tune, the Parole Board heard. After his escape, he was recalled to prison to serve his sentence.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:15 UTC
Kent police officer fired after false child abuse claims against driving school
A Kent police sergeant has lost his job after he accused a local driving school operator of child sex abuse. Photo / Jordan Pettitt, PA Images via Getty ImagesA Kent police sergeant has lost his job after he accused a local driving school operator of child sex abuse. Photo / Jordan Pettitt, PA Images via Getty ImagesA Kent police officer has lost his job after he harassed his son’s prospective driving school with unproven allegations that staff were involved in child sex trafficking. Sergeant Gabriel Chandler was sacked in December after an inquiry into false claims he made against Mark Elliot, the owner of Intensives UK, Metro reported. In emails, he made several claims about Elliot, alleging the other man had sexually abused children and was involved in human trafficking linked to the dark web.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 16:05 UTC
Light-hearted take on romantic advice
"Agony Aunts" Kelly Hocking (left) and Harriet Moir will present a special Valentine’s Day edition of their fun show Agony Pants on February 14. Photo: suppliedDunedin audiences are being urged to get ready for "some of the worst advice you’ll ever receive", courtesy of a returning comedy-theatre show. "Agony Aunts" Kelly Hocking and Harriet Moir will bring back their Agony Pants show for a special one-night Valentine’s Day edition, on February 14. Harriet Moir is a well-known Dunedin performer, whose performances include stand-up comedy, musical theatre, MC work, and corporate entertainer. Tickets for Agony Pants are available via eventbrite.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
Authentic Baroque experience
tc22baroque_0.jpg Czech soloist Julie Brana will perform with a top-notch ensemble in the Baroque Unbound concert at St Paul’s Cathedral on February 11. Photo: Michael RomanovskyLovers of early music can step into the vivid world of the Baroque in the Baroque Unbound concert tour , presented by the Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand. Performed on authentic period instruments by leading Baroque musicians, the Baroque Unbound concert will be performed at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, February 11, at 7pm. The performance ensemble will comprise Julie Brana (baroque flute), Szabolcs Illes (baroque violin), Bethany Angus (cello/keyboards), Tomas Hurnik (baroque cello), Rakuto Kurano (baroque violin), and Sara Kadas (baroque viola). Together, these works promise an immersive journey into the richness and emotional depth of Baroque music, performed in a historically informed style.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
Festival to showcase Indian culture
star5holicolour1.jpg The local Indian community gather during a previous Holi celebration. Bayfield Park will be a kaleidoscope of movement and music as the Dunedin Indian Association prepares to host the Holi Festival of Colours on Sunday, March 8. The organisers want to showcase the diversity of the local community through events such as traditional folk dance, Bollywood routines or musical performances. Dunedin Indian Association president Dr Rohit Jain said the group was planning one of the largest Holi celebrations the city had ever seen. The festival, which is free to attend, is based on the legend of Prahlada and Holika, representing the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
City full of events for weekend
Dunedin is ready for a bumper Waitangi Day weekend of culture, sport and street festivities. The CBD becomes the main attraction on Saturday, as the George Street Market returns. Shoppers can browse stalls from 10am to 5pm, while a new "Eats and Beats" zone on Bath St promises to keep the atmosphere alive until 8pm. Free• George Street MarketSaturday, 10am-5pm, George St• Eats and Beats on Bath StSaturday, Noon-8pm. Bath St, Frederick St, George St, Octagon• Summer CricketSaturday, 10.30am.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
Shakespeare musical showcase
Local musicians will join forces to bring 14 of Shakespeare’s many songs to life in this month’s Dunedin Summer Shakespeare showcase "If Music Be the Food of Love — Shakespeare in Song". Image: Matthew MorganDunedin Summer Shakespeare is planning something very special for its seventh season — a showcase of some of the Bard’s many songs. Dunedin Summer Shakespeare director Kim Morgan said local musicians had worked over the summer to create 14 original, modern versions of Shakespeare songs — drawn from across the Bard’s plays. Kim Morgan said staging the musical showcase, rather than performing a play, was another aspect of the Dunedin Summer Shakespeare kaupapa. As always, Dunedin Summer Shakespeare audiences are invited to bring along their blankets, chairs and picnics to enjoy the show.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
Opinion: buzz now anxiety, not excitement
Photo: suppliedGrowing up, I spent Waitangi Day volunteering at my local marae in Whakatū (Nelson). It was a day I eagerly counted down to, one that made me feel connected and proud. Each stage of my life has since reshaped my relationship with Waitangi Day. This year, I feel a familiar buzz as Waitangi Day approaches — but it is no longer excitement. Instead, this Waitangi Day is about acknowledgement.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:04 UTC
Blast not to be thing of the past
The Southern Blast will live on, after Netball South reversed its decision to cull the team. Netball South has confirmed the Southern Blast will take part in this year’s National Netball League, which acts as a feeder competition to the ANZ Premiership. Late last year, Netball South emailed Blast players informing them the organisation would not be entering the team in the NNL this season. That sparked public backlash from former Blast coaches and staff, as well as netball centres within the Netball South zone, who were concerned about player pathways and limited opportunities. Netball South will now form a working group to identify alternative methods to reduce costs involved in the NNL.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:03 UTC