Tiny extinct bat fossil fragments found at Central Otago site
An artist's impression of a short-tailed New Zealand bat, similar to the new Mystacina nymphe species discovered in Otago. Photo: Gavin Mouldey / suppliedA palaeontologist studying fossil fragments in Central Otago has identified a previously unknown, but now extinct, bat. She says the bat has been named Mystacina nymphe - 'nymphe' after the Greek word for a forest spirit. The new nymphe species are related to the modern short-tailed bat, but much smaller, weighing between eight and 10 grams. But working at the St Bathans site in Otago, Hand has found the country once had at least five different species of short-tailed bat.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 22:24 UTC
Two seriously hurt in Feilding disorder incident
Police say two people have been seriously injured following reports of disorder in Feilding, in the North Island. A spokesperson said police were called to Stafford St shortly after 7pm yesterday. The spokesperson said one person was found at the scene and another was located nearby in a vehicle, both with serious injuries. Police were working to locate all parties involved, and cordons are in place. Motorists have been advised to avoid the area if possible.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 21:30 UTC
The HUGELY problematic size of Government in NZ.
The size of the NZ Public Service workforce, as at December 31 2025, has just been released. The Public Service workforce grew by 1.6% over the previous 12 months. As of December 2025, approximately 13.2% of New Zealand’s working-age population (around 427,236 people) was receiving a main benefit, marking a 12-year high. The, also just released, GDP growth for the December 2025 quarter was 0.2%. Who will, with credibility, propose to shrink the size of government in NZ to a level that allows genuine comparison with the best of the OECD?
Source:Stuff
March 21, 2026 20:40 UTC
Auckland public transport hits 7-year high as fuel prices surge
Auckland Transport (AT) told the Herald this uptick was not entirely due to a response to the rising fuel prices. “This is more down to more people using public transport rather than a response to fuel prices,” AT said. AT said it was expecting more Aucklanders to use public transport over the coming weeks as fuel prices rose. Amid soaring fuel prices across New Zealand, Auckland recorded its busiest day on public transport in seven years. Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten told the Herald before the conflict began last month that the cost of public transport was roughly the same as the cost of driving a vehicle in Auckland, but things have changed.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 19:01 UTC
Addicted to sex: How hypnotherapy stopped a healthcare worker from cheating and sleeping with random strangers
She now helps Kiwis battling the same addictions she has previously, with her clientele also featuring some struggling with sexual addiction. “The most common way sexual addiction manifests in men is through an obsession with pornography and masturbation,” she said. “There has been a lot of research on perceived pornography addiction – ‘the feeling that you’re addicted,’” Taylor says. The mother says her sexual addiction escalated when she was feeling neglected by her partner. Photo / StockThe mother says the Covid-19 pandemic was triggering for her, and her sexual addiction escalated during that time.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 19:01 UTC
Family Court awards son cut from mother’s will 65% of estate originally given to uncle
Judge Moss said Roger’s uncle described him as “always a difficult child” who was “dishonest, unco-operative and very challenging”. Evidence to back his allegations was presented in the form of a claim for damages as a result of abuse in state care. Judge Moss noted his placement in state care happened before the Oranga Tamariki Act, and before a substantial amendment to the level of supervision of time in state care. Reconnection after mother left family homeThe pair later reconnected, and Roger married and achieved some success. Son acknowledged distress causedHe acknowledged his actions had caused her distress, but Judge Moss said criminal offending had “rarely justified a refusal to make provision”.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 18:47 UTC
Let’s learn Covid lessons and hold our nerve through this crisis – Liam Dann
And I do share the visceral fears of Kiwi motorists with regards to petrol supply and the possibility of shortages and restrictions. But let’s step back a bit and look at this crisis in the context of what we have just been through with Covid-19. There is a significant gap in the oil supply chain that could see us struggle to import enough petrol to meet normal demand. There’s some serious planning and risk management the Government needs to be doing right now. Nicola Willis is taking a laissez-faire approach to the crisis, Liam Dann writes.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 17:31 UTC
Historic Arrowtown cottage expected to fetch over $3m
Granny Dennison’s Cottage at 11 Wiltshire St, Arrowtown. One of the early cottages contributing to Arrowtown’s historic character is on the market. It’s ‘Granny Dennison’s Cottage’, on the prime, elevated corner of Wiltshire and Hertford Sts, opposite the fire station. She notes the cottage itself is protected as a Heritage New Zealand category 2-listed historic place, though there might be more leeway to alter the 1900s addition. If someone wanted an enlarged residence, ‘‘the existing cottage could be incorporated into some future development’’.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 16:35 UTC
Waiheke Island blaze: Firefighters contain Ōmiha house fire
A home has been engulfed in flames on Waiheke Island. A home has been engulfed in flames on Waiheke Island. Photo / SuppliedA home has been engulfed in flames on Waiheke Island, with thick black smoke visible across the water. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it received multiple calls about the blaze just before 3.30pm. Residents on a local Facebook page said they saw “big flames and a lot of black smoke”.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 16:34 UTC
Technical fault sees five Bluebridge Cook Strait sailings cancelled
8:15amPicton-Wellington2:30amPicton-Wellington2:00pmSunday 22 MarchWellington- Picton8:15amPicton-Wellington2:00pmThe operator said all affected customers will be notified by email and text. “Due to limited re-booking options, standby lists across subsequent sailings will be operating from each port for affected customers to be added to. “You can change your booking online or contact our Customer Service team on 0800 844 844 (8:30am-8:00pm)." People who booked through a third-part travel agent have been asked to contact them directly to reschedule. “We apologise for the disruptions this has caused to our customers’ travel plans and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”The website warns availability in March is extremely limited.
Source:New Zealand Herald
March 21, 2026 16:16 UTC
Macetown road permit system starts
Shotover 4WD Club member Pete Bersani, left, prepares to open the Macetown road gate this week as mountain bikers go through its squeeze barrier. PHOTO: KEVIN MARLOWMacetown road’s managed access system goes live on Monday. The main misconception has been that the track’s a legal road, but that’s never been the case, Marlow says. The need for a fee-based permit system was prompted by a Queens-town council decision in 2024 to stop funding maintenance and repairs to the road, which it’s been doing for years despite having no legal obligation. All revenue from the fees will pay for an annual programme of road maintenance and improvements, using the same experienced contractor, Jones Contracting, the council was using.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC
MS fundraiser a moving event
Organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Society Otago (MS Otago), the Move for MS event will be held next Sunday, March 29, from 9am-2pm at the Caledonian Ground, Logan Park. Organised by a committee including MS Otago community connector Katie Burns and volunteer Tillie Lassman, the Move for MS event will invite people to "Move for MS" in whatever way works best for them. Ms Burns said the Move for MS event would be an opportunity for MS Otago to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and its impact on people and families in the city. "Our dedicated team and wonderful MS Otago volunteers continue to work hard to help people living with MS to live well." To pre-register and buy tickets for the Move for MS event, visit the link https://events.humanitix.com/move-for-ms-2026, or the Facebook event page.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC
Trust hosts Samoan health leaders
The delegation includes Minister of Health Va’aaoao Alofipo, the minister also responsible for the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) of Samoa, Ms Fanene-Taiti said. ‘‘We have the pleasure to host the honourable minister who provides national leadership across Samoa’s health system, with a strong focus on strengthening public health, workforce development, and ensuring the wellbeing of communities across Samoa,’’ Ms Fanene-Taiti said. The Ministry of Health Samoa delegation included director-general Samoa June Scanlan Lui, deputy director-general for public health Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, nurse consultant Fauatea Henry Taylor and principal nurse Falelua Maua, and human resources assistant chief executive officer Lily Vaiotu-Leauga. It was ‘‘a fantastic opportunity’’ for ‘‘relationship building’’ and for international visitors to come to the region, Ms Fanene-Taiti said. ‘‘We feel very humbled and honoured they chose Waitaki for this visit, and the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust was proud to be hosting the delegates this week.’’
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC
Young shearers given a hand up via taskforce
Nine young Waitaki district shearers have received top›tier training in their field with support from the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), the council says. Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said local business owners Willy McSkimming and Phil Cleland worked with MTFJ ‘‘to help these young people’’. Mr Pestell said MTFJ’s role was to help young people into employment, support sustainable employment for young people and support local employers to develop and retain staff in the district. Each of the nine young shearers wrote an introductory letter about their ambitions for future employment as shearers, a statement from the Waitaki District Council this week said. ‘‘Backing initiatives like this and helping young people get a start in an industry like ours makes a real difference.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC
How a Dunedin drapery fortune left a lasting legacy
The Haynes Buildings on the corner of Moray Pl and Princes St are an enduring reminder of a drapery fortune. Photo: Sam HendersonThis week The Star reporter Sam Henderson uncovers how a drapery fortune left a lasting legacy on the city’s built heritage. Photo: Sam HendersonMr Hay left the merchant and drapers firm after a few years and Mr Herbert retired in 1872, leaving Mr Haynes as sole proprietor, although he continued with the name Herbert, Haynes & Co. The business was one of many affected by the massive Princes St fire of 1867 that destroyed their original wooden building. A witness, William Abbott, said he was behind Mr Haynes when he suddenly fell violently on his face.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 21, 2026 15:36 UTC