Open rehearsal to attract new members
Dunedin choir Sunny Side Up and musical director Richard Holland, pictured after a recent performance at Otago Museum, are welcoming new members as they embark on another year of singing. Musical director Richard Holland said choir members, who sang unaccompanied from memory, enjoyed the experience of making a good sound together. Sunny Side Up will hold an open rehearsal next Wednesday, February 11, from 5.30pm at Dunedin South Presbyterian Church hall, 393 King Edward St, in the hopes of attracting some new members. "We are inviting interested people to come along, see what we do, join in and learn some songs — basically just come and have some fun," Holland said. Making a great sound is important, but enjoying ourselves making music together is our main priority."
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:02 UTC
Diving to success
PHOTO: SUPPLIEDNew Zealand Masters Games board member and competitor Katrina Pōtiki Bryant celebrates winning gold in the 50-plus springboard diving category at Moana Pool on Saturday. A former teenage New Zealand international diving representative, Bryant has competed in the Masters Games three times, first in 2004 and again at the last Dunedin Masters Games in 2024 where she won gold in both the 50+ and 30+ synchronised springboard diving category. Winning at the 2026 games was a "bit of a surprise" as she made a "last-minute decision" to enter. "The Masters Games is an amazing event for Dunedin and for people of all ages to see you can keep competing, training and being active," she said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:02 UTC
Sense of home, connection behind sculptures
Richard Wells stands beside the two bronze dog sculptures in Esk St, Invercargill. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDThe artist behind the bronze sculptures of two dogs in Esk St says a "sense of home" inspired the work. The name of the piece was Leaders and in many ways the artwork represented the Southland community where he grew up. "As a pair they reflect relationships, community and connection, all of which are vital to wellbeing and give you a sense of safety, security and solidity. "There were a lot of smiles in Esk St."In September last year city councillors approved the positioning of the sculptures in Esk St by a seven to six vote.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 16:02 UTC
Many activities on the agenda around region
PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONOrganisers of Dunedin’s Waitangi Day commemorations are hoping to mark the occasion under blue skies. Rūnaka manager Suzanne Ellison said Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki was looking forward to the commemorations. The rūnaka would also mark Waitangi Day by delivering a koha of a native plant to local residents, she said. "Native plants and seedlings will also be available from the Rūnaka Native Plant Nursery, giving community members the opportunity to plant a native shrub or tree to commemorate Waitangi Day." "Waitangi Day is a time for remembrance, kōrero and coming together — acknowledging our shared history and the ongoing commitments of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," Mr Costelloe said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 15:37 UTC
First concert of year for society
The Dunedin Musical Society has been a part of the city’s musical landscape for the past 85 years, providing performance opportunities for local musicians of all ages. The society will continue that kaupapa this year, with seven concerts planned, including leading local musicians, young players, trios, quartets and ensembles. Dunedin Musical Society concert co-ordinator Dr Mark Bevin, chairman John Colwill and a small core group of music lovers are working hard to keep the society thriving and encourage visibility for local musicians. The society began in the early 1940s as the Music Students Club, changing its name to Dunedin Musical Society in 1954. Dr Bevin, a retired GP, said several local musical societies went through tough times a few years ago, but after a concerted effort the Dunedin Musical Society recovered.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 15:37 UTC
Plea made for more dementia facilities
Photo: RNZA Wānaka man caring for his 65-year-old wife, who has dementia, has called on the government to explain what it plans to do about the "desperate shortage" of dementia-level care facilities in the southern regions. While Wānaka had a dementia-level care facility, it was full and had a long waiting list. "I can’t put myself in her place except to say that clearly, that’s the most unsatisfactory thing for someone to be housed and homed in a situation that’s far removed from all her social supports." The district is estimated to have about 500 people living with dementia and, based on projections, it is estimated about 630 people will be living with dementia in the area by 2050. He recently wrote a letter to Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey about the increasing number of people with dementia in the regions and the shortage of dementia-level care.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 15:37 UTC
Another lift in global dairy prices
Global Dairy Trade buyers are lifting their bids despite more milk being collected on dairy farms. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA third lift in milk prices on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction will be welcomed by dairy farmers hoping for a higher Fonterra payout. Prices improved by an overall 6.7% on Tuesday at an average price of $US3830 ($NZ6340) a tonne. At that stage strong milk flows locally and globally, particularly out of the United States and Europe, were continuing to put pressure on global commodity prices. The 2025-26 season started with Fonterra opening its forecast to a range of $8-$11 a kilogram of milksolids.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 15:37 UTC
Global Dairy Trade Auction: Whole milk powder up 5.3% as overall GDT index surges 6.7%
Butter milk powder lifted 6.4%, to an average of US$3147/MT, and anhydrous milk fat climbed 5%, to an average of US$6524/MT. Fonterra global ingredients president Richard Allen told The Country’s Jamie Mackay the strong auction was a clear sign that global demand was robust, and a “great result for our farmers back here in New Zealand”. Despite recent talk of a global milk glut, Allen said the picture was more nuanced. He said Fonterra would “run the numbers” — including the impact of recent foreign exchange movements — before making any call on revising the farmgate milk price. On December 18, Fonterra further narrowed its 2025/26 farmgate milk price forecast to a range of $8.50-$9.50/kgMS, with a midpoint of $9 per kgMS.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 14:23 UTC
Human Rights Watch: Trump turning US toward authoritarian state in rights report
Human Rights Watch repeated its finding that the US engaged in enforced disappearances – a crime under international law – by sending 252 Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. ‘Less free’ nowHuman Rights Watch pointed to metrics by which democracy has declined to the level of 1985 – when the Soviet Union still existed. “From our perspective, for such an alliance to be strong and lasting, it must be built on principles and values – democracy, international law, human rights,” he said. The 529-page report stands in contrast to the latest human rights report issued by the US State Department, which toned down sections on countries friendly to Trump. Israel has angrily rejected the Human Rights Watch genocide allegation first issued in December 2024, with the United States backing Israel’s stance.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 14:20 UTC
Man shot by police after allegedly brandishing shotgun
Photo: Libby Kirkby-McLeodA man is in a critical condition after being shot by police in Hamilton. About 10am, police swarmed a Hamilton street and closed off a hotel. When police caught up to the vehicle on Ulster Street in Hamilton, the man allegedly pointed a shotgun at police. "Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do. Loughrin said Ulster Street remains closed off from the Mill Street intersection and the public is urged to avoid the area.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 04, 2026 10:55 UTC
Pair face life imprisonment after allegedly trying to smuggle 36kg of meth into NZ concealed in green tea
“On examination, it was found that both passengers’ suitcases contained identical contents of vacuum-sealed bags, wrapped in towels,” Wells said. “Each bag was found to contain approximately 18 vacuum-sealed packets of the class A controlled drug methamphetamine, concealed within green tea packaging. The approximate total weight of methamphetamine per suitcase was 18kg, with a combined total of approximately 36kg between both.”Customs say the methamphetamine was found in two passengers' suitcases, wrapped in towels and concealed in Playboy-branded green tea packaging. The charges were laid under the Misuse of Drugs Act and carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Anyone with information about suspicious activity can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 09:30 UTC
Ex-husband of former US first lady Jill Biden charged in wife killing
The ex-husband of Jill Biden (left) has been arrested and charged with murdering his wife. Photo / Getty ImagesEx-husband of former US first lady Jill Biden charged in wife killingThe ex-husband of Jill Biden (left) has been arrested and charged with murdering his wife. Photo / Getty ImagesThe ex-husband of former first lady Jill Biden has been arrested and charged with the murder of his current wife at their Delaware home in December, say local police. William Stevenson, 77, was married to Jill Biden from 1970 until their divorce in 1975. Jill Biden married former President Joe Biden in 1977.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 09:29 UTC
Today Show host Savannah Guthrie pleads for prayers as sheriff treats mother Nancy’s disappearance as a crime
“Bring her home.”Her post came shortly after the Prime County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasised that Nancy “did not leave” the property alone. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said: “We do in fact have a crime scene. He also explained that Nancy had “no cognitive issues” and would not have been able to leave the property alone because of mobility issues. He explained: “You don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case, and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 09:23 UTC
Meloni fresco controversy: Basilica cherub sparks culture ministry inquiry
Valentinetti, 83, denied he modelled the cherub on the Prime Minister, saying he painted the exact face as the original from 2000. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to Instagram to distance herself from the work, saying she did "not look like an angel". The diocese said while it was aware the fresco was being restored, it had not approved any additions or changes. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli instructed “technical officials” to visit the basilica to observe the fresco and “ascertain the nature of the intervention”. The Guardian reported the basilica that houses the fresco was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III in 440.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 09:14 UTC
Man arrested, charged with murder after woman’s death in Clutha, Otago
A man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead and another person was seriously injured following an incident in the Clutha town of Crichton. Man arrested, charged with murder after woman’s death in Clutha, OtagoA man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead and another person was seriously injured following an incident in the Clutha town of Crichton. A man has been arrested and charged with murder after a serious incident in last month. Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh said a man has now been charged with murder after a bedside hearing today. “We understand this is a distressing event for the small community,” he said.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 04, 2026 09:14 UTC