Otago Daily Times News Feed

Health New Zealand chief executive Fepulea'i Margie Apa and Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher in Thames St on Thursday last week.PHOTO: SUPPLIED Waitaki’s mayor feels reassured Oamaru Hospital would be in good hands if returned to Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora after meeting the latter’s chief executive.

Gerry Slessenger inside his new Thames St shop. PHOTO: WYATT RYDER Over his lifetime, Gerry Slessenger has collected about 3000 rare and odd things. Now he wants it all gone.

The Salvation Army Youth band took to the stage last week in Oamaru. PHOTO: SUPPLIED It has been 20 years since the Salvation Army Youth Band brought their toe-tapping music and reflective messages of hope and faith to Oamaru, and they did not disappoint.

Oamaru-based artist Martin Horspool stands by his artwork with Wendy (left) and Judith Jones at the Clearspace Gallery. PHOTOS: JULES CHIN Eight artists were part of the collective exhibition, One in Five at the Oasis Clearspace Gallery opening last Friday night.

The current Dragon lineup of (from left) Mark Williams, Peter Drummond, Todd Hunter and Bruce Reid. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A two-for-one deal is what Oamaru audiences can expect next week when legendary rock band Dragon plays a sold out show at the Opera House with special guests Hello Sailor.

After the first black belt grading at Oamaru Aikido Club are (back row, from left) club co-founder Nicola Fitzwater, club co-founder Mark Fitzwater, Rotorua Aikido Tatsu Gi Kai sensei Dianne Haynes, (front row, from left) new black belts Oscar Smit and Carl Newton. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Oamaru Aikido Club is now home to two more black belts.

Representing the newly formed community-led advocacy group Health Action Wānaka are steering committee members (from left) Lucy Middendorf, Monique Mayze and Brigid Loughnan. PHOTO: REGAN HARRIS Wānaka’s struggle to increase healthcare services might be more akin to a marathon than a sprint, but a newly-formed community group have said they are ready for the challenge.

Roa Properties Ltd chief executive Mike Saegers at Three Parks, Wānaka. PHOTO: MARK PRICE/ODT FILES An artist’s impression of Aspiring House, a four-storey development in Three Parks, Wānaka. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A third health precinct is on the cards for Wānaka — plus some precedent-setting tall buildings. 

Shots have reportedly been fired in a New South Wales shopping centre. Photo: screenshot/Google Maps Multiple people have been stabbed and a man has been shot by police at a busy shopping centre in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Shots have reportedly been fired in a New South Wales shopping centre. Photo: screenshot/Google Maps Multiple people have been stabbed and a man has been shot by police at a busy shopping centre in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Will Harrison celebrates kicking the winning field goal in golden point for the Waratahs in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images A series of late mistakes cost the Crusaders dearly as they crashed to a 43-40 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney - their sixth defeat of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

West Coast Regional Council staff and elected officials viewing a hole in the Wanganui River northern stop bank on March 7, 2023. Just 48 hours later a moderately flooded Wanganui River broke through and flooded two farms. Photo: Brendon McMahon A need to increase flood protection spending on the West Coast has seen one regional councillor express scepticism over climate change as communities toss up what they need and what they can afford.

West Coast Regional Council staff and elected officials viewing a hole in the Wanganui River northern stop bank on March 7, 2023. Just 48 hours later a moderately flooded Wanganui River broke through and flooded two farms. Photo: Brendon McMahon A need to increase flood protection spending on the West Coast has seen one regional councillor express scepticism over climate change as communities toss up what they need and what they can afford.

Kaikorai have crushed Harbour 51-0 at Watson Park this afternoon.

Kaikorai have crushed Harbour 51-0 at Watson Park this afternoon.

Police are responding to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Bridge St and Seafield Rd in Netherby, Ashburton.

Police are responding to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Bridge St and Seafield Rd in Netherby, Ashburton.

Ian Johnson died in Wellington Hospital almost three weeks after the crash. Photo: supplied An unlicensed driver “panicked” and fled after she fatally struck and ran over a motorcyclist.

Ian Johnson died in Wellington Hospital almost three weeks after the crash. Photo: supplied An unlicensed driver “panicked” and fled after she fatally struck and ran over a motorcyclist.

The Ashburton District Council is one of the territorial authorities due to review its district plan, at the same time the government is planning another round of RMA reform. PHOTO JONATHAN LEASK/LDR A swathe of government reforms are putting councils at risk of either wasting time and money on a new district plan, or face potential legal issues.