Longer format still work in progress for Otago
The twenty20 and one-day competitions produced quality cricket and strong results. Both were ended in playoff matches against Auckland. As well as Auckland being a quality side, he admits the longer format is still a work in progress for Otago. Neil Broom will bring up 100 matches for Otago, having been forced to wait an extra few months. It is more the amount of mental energy expended in the one-day playoff matches that may hinder the side.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 15:22 UTC
Hall options floated
Proposals to upgrade the Balclutha War Memorial Hall are included in the Clutha District Council’s annual plan document released today. PHOTO: JACK CONROYFinal options for a new "community hub" in Balclutha have been released by the Clutha District Council. The council favoured a rebuild, as option 1 "doesn’t address issues of low usage and income, and longer-term sustainability of the hall". "[I]t would provide a centrally located business hub ... with essential infrastructure to deliver a modern business environment that is currently missing in the Clutha district." Construction, including design elements to ensure it remained "focused" as a war memorial hall, would begin in 2022.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 15:22 UTC
Safety complaint at Wakari dismissed, despite concerns
A workplace safety complaint concerning Wakari Hospital has been dismissed, but the Southern District Health Board has welcomed the scrutiny of its procedures. In November last year WorkSafe carried out a proactive workplace assessment of health and safety matters at Wakari. "WorkSafe is satisfied there is a good strategic plan in place to address internal health and safety concerns and manage risk." SDHB health and safety general manager James Knapp said the complaint was unsupported by evidence, but WorkSafe’s involvement had been useful. Mr Knapp said the SDHB would have ongoing meetings with WorkSafe to monitor safety issues at Wakari.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 15:22 UTC
Winemaking need not drain reservoirs
Mr Dicey had seen non-irrigated vines in South Africa stop growing during droughts, but recover in the following season. The first benefit of dryland vines would be in the savings from not installing irrigation systems through new vineyards. Perhaps even more importantly, Mr Dicey predicted dryland vines would take the quality of the region’s wines to a new level. Mr Dicey said that irrigation systems meant the roots of vines stayed near the soil surface. Dryland vines were more resilient as their roots were "far more widespread and miles deeper".
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 15:22 UTC
Southern ultra race set for swansong
While he did not finish the gruelling 280km six-day unsupported race, he was questioned at length by other competitors who, after getting to know him, wanted to know why New Zealand did not have its own ultra race. Mr Sandri thought that was a very good question — the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to make it happen. "I think coming to New Zealand ... coming to a quirky wee town like Oamaru is quite different. Mr Sandri said the fact the final race was about to start had yet to sink in. I think once the last runner turns up down the re at the harbour I think the reality will set in."
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 15:22 UTC
Man jailed after using baton to beat man in front of children
The 38-year-old victim, who was also drunk, had been making "sarcastic and demeaning" comments to Lodge throughout the night. As soon as it became clear the defendant was going to react angrily, the victim pinned him to the ground. He told his girlfriend he was going to "get" the man and did not care there were children in his house. So the defendant smashed his window, grabbed an extendible baton and ran into the night. Mrs Stevens said her client was a young man who could be rehabilitated and urged the imposition of home detention.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 14:15 UTC
8-year-old 'high on drugs' during Wanaka festivities
An 8-year-old child was high on drugs as holiday celebrations at a southern resort town veered from underage drinking to drug use, it has been claimed. Agencies are responding to growing concerns about drug use and underage drinking in Wanaka after incidents over the New Year break. Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod said he understood volunteer support people dealt with an 8-year-old high on drugs one night over the New Year period. Their biggest concern was the stimulant of choice was "veering from alcohol to drugs", he said. Council spokesman Jack Barlow said meetings with the police, Wanaka Alcohol Group, Red Frogs, Kahu Youth Trust, contractors and the Southern District Health Board should start next month.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 14:15 UTC
Last chance to see exhibition
Tomorrow is the last day to explore the most isolated places on Earth via the James Cameron exhibition at the Otago Museum in Dunedin. The exhibition Challenging the Deep follows Cameron’s three expeditions to the sunken ship Titanic. Packing up the large exhibition was expected to take about two weeks. "The team from the Australian National Maritime Museum [where the exhibit came from] are coming to assist." "We have had lots of people travel to see the exhibition, as well as groups of cruise ship passengers take the opportunity while they have been in Dunedin."
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 14:15 UTC
Rare crabeater seal dies
A rare and special visitor to the New Zealand mainland — a crabeater seal — died at Tomahawk Beach yesterday, only about four days after arriving. "A special visitor, and I know a number of people connected with it will be sad to hear the news," Mr Fyfe said last night. The male seal might have been ill, had been seen eating sand, and had died about mid-afternoon yesterday. A crabeater seal was seen elsewhere on Otago shores last July — the first of the species on record to visit the region. "I know quite a few people made the effort to visit him over the week and took that very rare opportunity to see a crabeater seal," he said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 14:15 UTC
Crusaders claim dominant win over Highlanders
Cullen Grace of the Crusaders charges forward during the round four Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and Highlanders. Photo: Getty ImagesThe Crusaders have survived a Highlanders comeback on a weekend of celebration for the red and blacks which could have been spoiled by the visitors in Christchurch. This was the Highlanders' second defeat in three matches, while the Crusaders have dropped one – to the Chiefs – in four. Prior to Havili's try the Highlanders' comeback was led by halfback Aaron Smith, the Highlanders' most dangerous attacking weapon when he decided to put his boot away and back himself or the unmarked teammate next to him. It was some turnaround because until halftime it was all the Crusaders, although they were assisted by some substandard defending.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 08:08 UTC
Rescuers beaten back by waves as boy swept out to sea
Photos / Paul TaylorRescuers tried desperately to reach a boy who was snatched by a large wave at a Napier beach but were beaten back by huge waves. The 9-year-old boy drowned today after being swept out to sea as he played in the surf at Te Awa, Napier. The trio were all swept away before being plucked from the water by a rescue helicopter but the boy could not be revived. A witness who watched the tragedy unfold said other would-be rescuers who tried to reach the boy were beaten back by the "horrendously huge" waves. "They stayed with him while Coastguard and the rescue helicopter were deployed.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 07:30 UTC
Large fire in Christchurch seen across city
A fire and emergency spokesperson says they were called to the fire on Cass St in Sydenham just after 7.30pm. Photo / Mac NelsonSix fire crews are tackling a fire in a commercial building in central Christchurch. A fire and emergency spokesperson says they were called to the fire on Cass St in Sydenham just after 7.30pm. The spokesperson says Cass St is closed, which could be causing some traffic issues on Durham and Colombo Streets. He says there is a large amount of smoke across the city from the fire and people are advised to close their doors and windows.
Source:Otago Daily Times
February 21, 2020 07:07 UTC
Research explores settlers' route to a new home
Hanna Brookie, English Teaching College director of studies, Palmerston North, finds racism can be a barrier to belonging. Research into what helps migrants feel settled in Palmerston North has uncovered a vein of racism in the community despite some heart-warming experiences. It was presented by Massey University pro vice-chancellor for humanities and social sciences Cynthia White and English Teaching College director of studies Hanna Brookie. But he said the elements of racism exposed in the research had to be dealt with. Communities needed to understand their role in helping new migrants to reach a point where Palmerston North or New Zealand felt like home.
Source:Stuff
February 21, 2020 05:26 UTC
Be prepared for coronavirus, Reserve Bank governor warns businesses
Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr speaks to Christchurch businesspeople about handling the effects of the coronavirus. New Zealand businesses do not need predictions on the future of the coronavirus to prepare for its impact, Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has said in his first public address for 2020. READ MORE:* A year of anger between Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr and NZ Initiative's Roger Partridge* Reserve Bank doesn't hold miracle cure for coronavirus ills* Adrian Orr rips the band aid of bank capital off - just in time for the electionHe advised businesspeople to plan for scenarios that could affect them. Stacy Squires Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr in Christchurch on Friday. The Reserve Bank had so far based its own planning on the virus causing a six-week-plus business hiatus with some ongoing lagging effects, Orr said.
Source:Stuff
February 21, 2020 05:15 UTC
Young victim describes hate for sexual abuser
Mitchell Jack Laing has been sent to prison for six years for sexually violating and indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The victim told the court how she struggled to sleep, had constant nightmares and sometimes would wake vomiting. Laing called the victim into his bedroom, blocked the doorway and told the girl to take her clothes off. After the incident, he threatened the girl and told her not to tell anyone about what had happened. At sentencing, Judge David Ruth told Laing his offending was "entirely humiliating and degrading".
Source:Stuff
February 21, 2020 04:41 UTC