Rural health push can do more: study
Rural health professional programmes are successfully getting more doctors into rural medical practices, but research has found the programmes need to be expanded if New Zealand’s rural doctor shortage is to be addressed. In a world-first study, University of Otago researchers have analysed what factors increase the likelihood of medical graduates choosing careers in rural medicine. They found being of rural origin, being older than 25 when entering medical school, and participating in an extended rural medical school placement, such as Otago’s Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP), were independent predictors of entering rural practice. "More medical students need opportunities to be exposed to rural medicine, as we’ve found those working in rural practice come from all walks of life." She said the study also found students of urban origin, and those with no rural career intentions at the start of medical school, still made up more than half of the early career rural medical workforce.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:54 UTC
Kiwi merino marketer in total brand makeover
PHOTOS: ZENTERAThe New Zealand Merino Company has changed its name to Zentera in a major rebrand. NZM began 30 years ago by merino farmers as an industry organisation and has developed into a sales, marketing and innovation company for merino, halfbred and strong wool. He said this had been based on a data-driven approach as part of a three-year strategic reset to become the worlds leading wool company. Zentera Wool Company chief executive Angus Street is confident the name change for the industry body previously known as The New Zealand Merino Company will be positive for merino farmers. Wānaka-based merino activewear business Mons Royale New Zealand approved of the change as the largest buyer of merino wool by a New Zealand company.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:54 UTC
Former Games athlete denies murder
Photo: Getty ImagesA former Commonwealth Games athlete has denied murdering a Clutha vet and can now be named as her partner. Malcolm Boyd Duff, 65 — who represented New Zealand at the Melbourne Games in 2006 — had his case called before the High Court at Dunedin yesterday while he remained in hospital. He was charged with the murder of his partner Jillian Sherie Clark after she was found dead at their Crichton home on January 23. Duff’s identity had been subject to a suppression order since he was charged, but Ms Saunderson-Warner yesterday said she would not apply for an extension of that. At the 2006 Games, Duff competed in skeet shooting, singles and doubles, where he placed 10th and seventh overall.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:39 UTC
Man who flung dog through window gets pet ban
PHOTO: ROB KIDDA man who flung a dog and shattered a window has been banned from pet ownership for a year. Dakia John Henare, 30, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to ill-treating an animal. The court heard that on March 2, the defendant was at his then-partner’s Mornington home attempting to feed "Molly" the dog outside. When he was unable to wrangle the pet, he threw her into a patio window, causing it to shatter. Henare later admitted to police he had become frustrated with the dog, but had attempted to throw her through a doorway.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:37 UTC
Call for uni to cut ties with Israel-linked tech firm
PANW has ties to the Israeli Defence Force and government. But Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said he does not "accept the characterisation of the partnership" as being linked to warfare. Otago Staff for Palestine member Prof Richard Jackson said the agreement with PANW could pose a major "reputation risk" for the university. "This is a company that’s deeply embedded with the Israeli government and it’s deeply embedded with what the Israeli government’s doing. Mr Robertson said the partnership with PANW followed discussions with several technology companies about supporting the university in developing programmes in digital technology.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:37 UTC
Whitestone goes back-to-back
Simon Berry. Managing director Simon Berry believed it was the first time the same cheese had won back-to-back in the history of the awards. It was the third time Whitestone had won the award, having previously done so with its Windsor Blue cheese. Monte Cristo, named after the Berry family’s old farm at Maheno, also won the original cheese trophy. Increasing imports were in the market and that was a challenge for domestic producers across all primary manufacturing, he said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:37 UTC
McCain to close vege plant in further blow to growers
The McCain vegetable processing plant in Hastings. Photo: Google MapsMcCain has announced it will close its Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027. In a letter to growers, McCain said it reviewed operations at the site but was unable to find a sustainable pathway under the current model. It's not clear how many workers at the plant and growers this will affect. It comes as Wattie's proposes to stop all production of frozen vegetable lines in New Zealand, affecting 220 growers in Canterbury.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 15:12 UTC
Christchurch central city stabbing: Police appeal for CCTV and witnesses
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Nicola Willis is set to announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle income households today; Canterbury crowned top regional economy. Police investigating a violent central Christchurch stabbing are calling on the public to help identify a person they believe could assist in inquiries. Christchurch Metro CIB Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton said officers were called to Worcester St, between Latimer Square and Barbadoes St, around 10pm on Thursday, rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/christchurch/police-hunt-offender-after-woman-reportedly-stabbed-in-central-christchurch/CMG7QUVYJZEM3DFYDCIHP4BK5A/">following reports a person had sustained wounds consistent with being stabbed. A woman was taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery. “We are now working to identify the person pictured as we believe they were in the area at the time of the incident and have information that can assist our investigation,” Rolton said.
Source:Stuff
March 24, 2026 12:37 UTC
Large earthquake strikes Tonga, no tsunami threat for New Zealand
National Emergency Management Agency advises what to do if caught near the shore during an earthquake. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Large earthquake strikes Tonga, no tsunami threat for New ZealandTsunami sirens blared and residents told to evacuate after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga. The quake hit about 150km west of Neiafu, Tonga at a depth of 237km at 5.38pm NZ time, the US Geological Survey said. After assessment by the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and GNS Science, Nema said there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 24, 2026 12:35 UTC
A long walk hailed
Early starts always make long days feel possible, even if it’s hard getting ourselves out of bed initially. The way out of Piacenza is long, straight and ugly — industrial zones, slightly seedy truck stops, large areas of waste ground. Each long walk seems to confront me with a single fear to work through — often accompanied by black dogs on the path. We cross a broken bridge, walk on under the hum of the Autostrada del Sole and arrive at Fidenza. Tomorrow is a long one — another 30km or more — and after 77 days of walking, 33 is the new 23.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 12:08 UTC
Man tortured family cat as relationship broke down
Photo: Al WilliamsA man bought his partner a cat only to subject it to serious acts of cruelty as their relationship broke down, including pulling it’s teeth out with pliers. Two veterinarians examined Max, the first saying the injuries and circumstances leading to them would have caused the cat pain and distress. A vet who viewed the footage said holding the cat by its tail would have caused immediate distress, pain and discomfort. It was only three months earlier that the cat had been examined by a vet who discovered fractures to its teeth. When asked by his partner why he had broken the cat’s teeth, Feng said the cat had bitten him, and he was afraid the cat would bite their daughter.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 11:52 UTC
The five groups vying to take over Molesworth Station
Photo: Supplied / Pamu FarmsFive groups are vying to take over the country's largest farm. Molesworth Station, the iconic high country property, is run as a cattle farm by state-owned Pāmu. Applications closed last week with five groups putting forward applications to take over running farm operations at Molesworth. And we're looking forward to working through those and working out who the best and most appropriate person is to take Molesworth forward into the future." Jim Ward, former manager of Molesworth station.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2026 11:05 UTC
Brooke Van Velden Quits ACT In Shock Move
Brooke van Velden’s sudden departure from ACT raises serious political questions — not just about her own future, but about the stability of a party already under pressure in the polls. Pay equity reforms remain deeply contestedThe woman who destroyed pay parity and robbed the poorest working women with the most despicable move ever in NZ Labour relations history is quitting! Why this resignation raises questionsIt is an enormous and deeply suspicious move by Brooke, who is the only other Electorate holder in ACT. She is a radioactively toxic individual who is highly despised for her role in destroying working women’s pay equity. She has caused working women more damage than menopause and osteoporosis combined.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 24, 2026 11:04 UTC
Gold Hits 4-Month Low, Silver Drops 3% Amid Global Market Pressures
Gold prices fell to a nearly four-month low on Monday, with the Gold Hits 4-Month Low trend reflecting global market weakness, rising inflation concerns, and expectations of higher interest rates that pushed silver down over 3% and reduced demand for precious metals. Domestic Rates Edge Lower Across CitiesIn India, bullion prices followed global cues with modest declines in early trade. Silver prices dropped more sharply, declining Rs 100 to Rs 2,44,900 per kilogram. Silver prices remained largely uniform at Rs 2,44,900 per kilogram in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, while Chennai quoted higher at Rs 2,49,900. Rising crude oil prices are fueling global inflation concerns, increasing the likelihood of prolonged higher interest rates.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 24, 2026 10:54 UTC
"Not really a surprise": Dion Nash 'falls on his sword' as NZ20 receives NZ Cricket backing
NZ20 has triumphed, but the administration disaster at New Zealand Cricket continues. Former Black Cap Dion Nash —understood to have been against the local franchise league that has been provisionally accepted— has resigned from NZC's board. A statement says Nash was no longer aligned with the future direction of the organisation. NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge that it’s not surprising to see Nash falling on his sword. He says it was sort of known behind the scenes that he was the one board member really against NZ20, and without him, they could’ve come to this conclusion a few months ago.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 24, 2026 10:36 UTC