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RNZ News
13 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Patient accommodation building in Dunedin 'beyond economical repair'
By Tim Scott , Otago Daily Times Oamaru House, Dunedin. Photo: Google Maps A Dunedin hospital patient accommodation building earmarked for demolition is in such a poor condition it is "beyond economical repair", Foodstuffs says. The supermarket giant said its planned demolition of Oamaru House, at 95 Hanover St, to add "much-needed" car parking at New World Centre City was a decision that had not been taken lightly. It announced last month it had lodged applications with the Dunedin City Council for building permits to demolish the building, as well as another structure at 121 Great King St. Operated by the Oamaru House Trust, the volunteer-run facility provides affordable accommodation for patients and their families, particularly those based rurally. Its lease is due to be terminated on 31 October. A Foodstuffs South Island spokesperson said it understood Oamaru House held a special place in the community and some people would be disappointed to see it go. As the landlord, it had a responsibility to ensure the spaces it managed were of a reasonable standard for people to live in, the spokesperson said. "A recent building survey unfortunately confirmed that Oamaru House was in particularly poor condition and was beyond economical repair. "That assessment, along with the fact that two floors have remained vacant for over a year, reinforced our decision not to renew leases and to proceed with plans for its removal. "We truly appreciate the community's connection to this site and hope people will understand why we had to make this difficult decision." The spokesperson did not confirm how many carparks the demolition of Oamaru House was expected to generate. Murray Radka, 77, of Alexandra, said he was "appalled" Foodstuffs planned to demolish the site for additional carparks. "What a huge difference it's going to make for thousands of sick people from out of Dunedin who are going to have to make other arrangements." Radka said he had travelled to Dunedin hospital for treatments, including for permanent lung issues, an aneurysm in a carotid artery, prostate cancer, and a rheumatoid arthritic condition - and more recently a hernia surgery. He was often not strong enough to walk long distances unassisted, so relied on his wife, who had mobility problems of her own. If Oamaru House did end up relocating, he could not think of any other site in the vicinity of Dunedin hospital that was as convenient as the current premises. Before he started staying there, Radka said he would book Airbnbs or other private accommodation. But these could be quite a way out of Dunedin and lacked the support services Oamaru House offered, he said. "You can't put a value on a facility like this, and to think that it will be replaced by a few carparks which I think are going to make very little difference to the operation of Foodstuffs." Oamaru House Trust chairman Tony Caldwell said while the decision was disappointing, Foodstuffs had treated the trust well and he did not begrudge them for it. The trust was given notice on 13 May. Unless a "very big benefactor" came along, the trust was not in a position to lease or buy another building, Caldwell said. "In all probability, if we'd found another building, it would have required a reasonably significant refit or fit out or improvements made to bring it up to standards, of which we didn't have the finances to be able to do that." - This story was first published by the Otago Daily Times
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Taieri too slow to catch swift Dunedin
Dunedin 38 Taieri 35 Dunedin came out of the blocks like Usain Bolt and in just over 20 minutes were up 33-0. Dunedin midfielder Tayne Harvey started the action with a colossal hit on fellow midfielder Matt Whaanga, the ball jolted free and ended up in the hands of flying winger Oscar Schmidt Uli and he cantered 70m for the try. Fullback Kyan Rangitutia found space on the blind to put winger Joe Parkinson away on an angled run for the touchdown. The Eels were forced into errors and flanker Jarius Losefa kicked through a charge down and won the race to the ball and Dunedin were 19-0. Dunedin scored the try of the game as they went 90m, and fly half Cam Burgess scampered the last 20m. Then after a Losefa break Schmidt Uli again had too much pace. Taieri finally started holding on to possession and flanker Tom Bolton found himself in space out wide and with a nifty chip and chase gave the Eels a much-needed try. He was back in the action soon after halftime when he made a break to put halfback Jac Morton over. But the killer blow came minutes later when Rangitutia found space to put Schmidt Uli over for his third to extend the lead to 38-14. Taieri's pack took control of the game when Dunedin lost some heavyweights, including 150 game man Hame Toma and lock Josh Tengblad, and the Eels took full advantage. They scored from a lineout drive. They pounded away at the Dunedin line and only resolute defence held them out. Whaanga finally took a quick tap from a penalty to put replacement Caleb Leef over and the lead was down to 10. Dunedin were reduced to 14 when Parkinson was binned for a high shot and Whaanga found a hole on the inside to put fullback Reef Newdick over and the lead was down to three. But with a couple of late lineout steals to big Reuben Palmer the Dunedin defence held and they won the Speight's Jug as the first round winners. For Dunedin Schmidt Uli was the best back, up front lock Palmer went the full 80 and was a tower of strength, won his lineout ball and crucially a few of theirs. For Taieri prop Cam Allan McNeill was their best up front and was powerful with ball in hand. In the backs Whaanga inspired the comeback with some telling breaks that got them oh so close to snatching it. — Paul Dwyer University 48 Harbour 46 The lead changed seven times in a thrilling high-scoring encounter between University and Harbour at the University Oval, in a match honouring the recent passing of All Black, Otago and University rugby player Tuppy Diack. Indeed it was a match Diack would have savoured given its free-flowing end-to-end nature. Diack's No 14 jersey was retired for the match. Right wing Aaron McMurray played in the No 22 and proved a standout, scoring two tries and always posing a threat with the ball in hand. University captain and No 8 Lanson Randell left nothing on the park. He scored twice as well and led a solid forward pack to the breakdown. Harbour's Nathan Hastie may have found a new calling at first five. The Highlanders halfback made the inside back spot his own, scoring a hat-trick of tries within his tally of 31 points for the match. His third try was nothing short of sensational. He burst up the guts from his own 10m line and broke through 10 tackles to score under the bar. He made some clever kicks in behind as well. Harbour led 20-14 at the break and extended that to a 32-14 lead 10min into the second half. But University scored five tries in 20 minutes to snatch a 45-32 lead. Then in the blink of an eye Harbour scored twice and headed into the final few minutes 46-45 up. Rico Muliaina kicked a late penalty to seal a thrilling 48-46 victory. — Wayne Parsons Southern 85 Alhambra-Union 12 Southern ran in 13 tries to destroy Alhambra-Union 85-12 at Bathgate Park. Outside backs Josh Buchan and Harrison Martin bagged three tries apiece in the one-sided romp. The Magpies led 40-7 at halftime. AU enjoyed their best patch during the opening quarter of the second half. The Thode twins William and Oliver scored on either side of the break. But the visitors faded badly. They lack fitness. They cannot seem to catch. They certainly cannot tackle and their offloads went to no-one or worse — the opposition. And they tend to go backwards when they have the ball. AU has conceded more than 500 points in eight games. There is no way to put a positive spin on that. Southern, however, looked a million bucks albeit against a feeble opponent. Mackenzie Palmer slotted into first five and created chaos. Second five Justin Malifa collected a couple of his kicks ahead to either score or set up a try. He proved elusive as did Buchan. The best of his three tries was a brilliant piece of skill. He put in a grubber, scooped it up and sprinted 50m to score. Replacement back Martin skinned Charles Alston twice to score two of his three tries. Openside Harry Taylor was everywhere again. He won a lot of lineout ball and led the forward effort. — Adrian Seconi Kaikorai 43 Zingari-Richmond 22 Kaikorai took some time to get rolling at Montecillo Park. Zingari-Richmond have some big ball runners and they put them to good use. But the Demons have Ben Miller and the veteran fullback scored three tries, including one on either side of halftime. That created some breathing space for the visitors. They had been under pressure. Powerhouse No 8 Tofatuimoana Solia barged over early and Jerome Buckley-Faatoia, who had a strong game, got across the line as well. But Miller scored just before the break to give Kaikorai a 19-12 lead and he dotted down again shortly after the resumption. Impressive loose forward Lucas Casey added another five-pointer midway through the second spell and Rico Fisher scored as well to settle the contest. The game got loose and the Colours scored a couple of tries in the final quarter of the game. Solia and Buckley-Faatoia were among their best performers. The Kaikorai front row put in an improved display this weekend. They were routed by Southern last week but made the adjustments, although hooker Ben Hellriegel got 10 minutes in the bin. Miller put in a consummate display. He missed a few conversions but his tactical kicking game was solid and he popped up where he was needed in the backline. Halfback Dylan Pledger made a big impact when he came off the bench. — Adrian Seconi Round 9 The scores Dunedin 38 (Oscar Schmidt Uli 3, Jarius Losefa, Joe Parkinson, Cam Burgess tries; Burgess 4 con) Taieri 35 (Tom Bolton 2, Jac Morton, Caleb Leef, Reef Newdick tries; Samuel Waitia 5 con). Halftime: Dunedin 33-7. Southern 85 (Josh Buchan 3, Harrison Martin 3, Justin Malifa 2, Lotu Solomona, Josh Timu, Harry Taylor, Wyndham Patuawa, Bede Dodd-Edgar tries; Patuawa 6 con, Mckenzie Palmer 4 con), Alhambra-Union 12 (William Thode, Oliver Thode tries; William Thode con). Halftime: 40-7. Kaikorai 43 (Ben Miller 3, Henry Cleaver, Lucas Casey, Rico Fisher, Tori Randell tries; Miller 4 con), Zingari-Richmond 22 (Tofatuimoana Solia, Jerome Buckley-Faatoia, Isaac Dolan, Flavius Roberts-Vili tries; Buckley-Faatoia con). Halftime: 19-12. University 48 (Lanson Randell 2, Aaron McMurray 2, Jake Evans, Rico Muliaina, Warren Loulanting; Muliaina 5 con, pen), Harbour 46 (Nathan Hastie 3, Toni Taufa, Ben Fakataha, Aleki Morris-Lorne; Nathan Hastie 5 con, 2 pen). Halftime: Harbour 20-14. Standings P W D L F A B Pts Dunedin 8 6 0 2 272 132 6 30 Taieri 8 5 0 3 270 174 8 28 Southern 8 5 0 3 323 173 8 28 Green Is 8 5 0 3 269 199 7 27 Harbour 8 5 0 3 235 255 6 26 Kaikorai 8 5 0 3 300 209 5 25 University 8 4 0 4 296 269 6 22 Z-Richmond 8 1 0 7 201 370 4 8 AU 8 0 0 8 126 511 1 1
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Flight to Dunedin unable to land due to high winds
Strong winds have buffeted some flights around the country today including causing a rocky approach at Queenstown Airport. Photo: 123RF High winds have made it challenging for passengers aboard flights in some parts of the country today. An orange strong wind warning was in place for Hawke's Bay, from Napier southwards and the Tararua District until 10pm on Saturday night. A similar warning was in force until mid-afternoon for Southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin. And Wairarapa was under a strong wind watch until mid-afternoon. At least one flight had to return to Auckland on Saturday morning after being unable to land in Dunedin. Passengers said it was a rocky approach to Queenstown Airport because of the winds. It comes after a tornado hit Hamilton on Thursday night, damaging houses in Nawton including throwing a trampoline into powerlines. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Strong wind warnings for lower North Island, parts of South Island
Strong wind warnings and watches are in place in parts of the South Island and lower west North Island. Photo: MetService Firefighters have attended multiple weather callouts overnight as strong winds batter the lower South Island, including for fallen trees and roofs lifting off houses. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it had received 10 callouts in Invercargill since 2am on Saturday, and a few in Dunedin since 5am. A strong wind warning was in force for southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin until Saturday afternoon, where severe gale southwesterlies could gust up to 130km/h in exposed places. MetService said the strongest winds were expected overnight on Friday and during Saturday morning. Squally thunderstorms were also possible near the coast during Saturday morning. It said the possible impact was damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Motorists were warned that driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. "Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously" A wind warning was also in place for part of Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District until Saturday night. The weather warnings follow a tornado in Hamilton on Thursday night that caused property damage including a trampoline lifted into powerlines, and a hailstorm that pelted Cambridge that afternoon. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Chiefs secure Super Rugby top spot, Crusaders win battle for second
SYDNEY :Lock Tupou Vaa'i scored a hat-trick of tries as the Waikato Chiefs locked up top spot in the Super Rugby Pacific standings and home advantage throughout the playoffs with a 41-21 victory over the Otago Highlanders on Friday. The second-placed Canterbury Crusaders later closed out their regular season by edging the third-placed ACT Brumbies 33-31 in a Canberra thriller to ensure New Zealand teams would own the top two in the standings for a fourth straight year. The Chiefs, runners-up for the last two seasons, thrashed Moana Pasifika 85-7 last weekend and looked like running rampant again at Dunedin Stadium when they scored three tries, two from Vaa'i, in the first 13 minutes. The young Highlanders side gradually worked their way back into the contest, however, and co-captains Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai both scored tries to cut the deficit to 19-14 at halftime. Scrumhalf Xavier Roe raced away down the blindside to give the Chiefs the perfect start to the second half and replacement back Manasa Mataele gave them a 31-17 lead heading into the final quarter, but the Highlanders would not lie down. Sam Gilbert ran onto a clever Tanielu Tele'a kick to score a try in his final appearance for the Highlanders seven minutes from time and they would have got closer had Cortez Ratima not come up with a brilliant try-saving cover tackle. All Black Vaa'i was not done yet, however, and he pounced on a loose ball from a goal-line drop out in the final minute to condemn the Highlanders to the wooden spoon for the first time since the second season of Super Rugby in 1997. "Although the game wasn't perfect, we got the win," said Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson. "We got the four points, and we're at the top, and we can change our focus to what's in front of us in the quarter-final next week now." The Brumbies also got off to a flying start when prop Feao Fotuaika went over in the second minute but the Crusaders, clinical every time they neared the try line, were soon in front after Christian Lio-Willie and Ethan Blackadder crossed. The hosts hit back with a fine backline try from centre Len Ikitau but the Crusaders were happy to take the points however they came and another close-range effort from Rivez Reihana as well as a Sevu Reece drop goal put them 25-14 up at the break. Flyhalf Reihana kicked a penalty to extend the lead in the 47th minute but replacement prop Rhys van Nek ground over and winger Andy Muirhead finished off a flowing move to lock up the scores at 28-28 with 24 minutes to play. Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio slotted a three-pointer in the 72nd minute but Crusaders replacement hooker George Bell crashed over the line from a rolling maul five minutes later for the match-winning try. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game," said Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor. "Seems to be a common trend for us leaking points in that second half but hey, it's always hard fought over here."
