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Otago Daily Times
13-08-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Roles shift in Parliament
Party leaders in the New Zealand Parliament (from left) Prime Minister and Reform Party leader Gordon Coates, Leader of the Opposition and National Party leader George Forbes, Labour Party leader Harry Holland. ("National" was a name briefly used by the Liberal Party at the time, not to be confused with the modern National, a merger of United and Reform in 1936.) — Otago Witness, 27.10.1925 Thomas Wilford steps down Wellington, August 13: The House met at 2.30pm. Mr G.W. Forbes (Hurunui) occupied the seat of the Leader of the National Party. Mr Ransom moved that leave of absence be granted to Mr Wilford, Leader of the National Party, for the remainder of the session. Mr Coates, speaking to the motion, said he was sure every member would regret the necessity for such a motion, and the wish would everywhere go out that Mr Wilford would soon be restored to normal health. Mr Holland briefly but feelingly regretted the fact that Mr Wilford found it necessary to ask for leave, and expressed the hope that he would soon be sufficiently restored to health to resume his parliamentary duties. Mr Forbes, on behalf of the National Party, thanked the Leaders of the other parties for their kindly and sympathetic reference to Mr Wilford. He felt sure that Mr Wilford would deeply appreciate the kindly references which had been made to him by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Labour Party. The motion was agreed to. For some weeks now it has been apparent that the health of Mr T.M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, has not been satisfactory. He had taken the advice of medical men and it was certified that he was suffering from severe nervous debility. It was freely stated that it was more than probable that he would have to take a sea voyage, involving a somewhat prolonged absence from the House of Representatives. On the last occasion on which he made a speech in the House it was evident that he spoke with a considerable want of confidence in himself; as a matter of fact, he had difficulty in finishing his speech and nearly broke down. Since then he has been only once in the House. — by ODT Wellington correspondent Friending naval visitors A Dunedin soldier who achieved high honours during the war and a friend have adopted a very sensible method of entertaining our American visitors. They stroll along the street and the first two sailors they meet are invited to have lunch with them. The invitation is always gladly accepted, and the two Dunedinites are getting a more intimate knowledge of American life than most people. Beating Aussies at forestry In the matter of forest development, Australia has in all approximately 74 square miles of plantations. New Zealand has 100 square miles of plantations (one-third as much again as the whole of Australia), and this area is being added to at the rate of 17,500 acres, or over 27 square miles per year. 1.4m New Zealanders The estimated population of the dominion (including Maoris) as at June 30 last: Males 705,921. Females 676,015. Total 1,381,938. Parole system working There has been the shadow of a controversy concerning the methods of the Prisons Board in releasing offenders. The board acts on psychological and experimental grounds. It bases its decisions on the reports of officials upon whose fairness of judgment it has reason to rely. Speaking generally, we should be inclined to say that justice is done, and reasonable mercy afforded. Moreover, the records show that the clemency which it extends to prisoners has, as a rule, not been abused. — editorial — ODT, 14.8.1925 Compiled by Peter Dowden
Otago Daily Times
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Fashion for a cause
As Emerson's Brewery makes its annual transformation from taproom to catwalk, Josie Steenhart finds there's more to the much-anticipated Fashion for a Cure events than just fabulous frocks. Do not keep your finest just for events, get it out and wear it, is the advice of Christchurch-based personal stylist Lou Heller. Heller was in Dunedin for the annual Fashion for a Cure (FFAC) event last week. Decked out for the evening in a NOM*d merino House sweater and Maggie Marilyn skirt, Heller, whose work sees her travel regularly and who has been involved in other FFAC events in the past, agrees that Dunedin "absolutely" holds its own when it comes to dressing up. "I find each area has their own distinct style, and this can happen for many reasons, but to see everyone get behind this, put their finest on at events like these, is so cool to be a part of." However, one of her top tips from the evening was to "bring the runway to everyday" and "not keep your finest just for events — life is too short to keep it hidden away for special events!" She adds that two of her favourite trends — "oversized and layered" — work perfectly for fashion fans in the South. "They're such great ways to look chic and effortless — and warm." When layering, Heller says to think of textural dressing, "mixing say, leather and faux fur, wool knitwear and leather pants etc". Another trend she says is well-suited to Dunedin is wearing second-hand and vintage. "'Preloved' is a huge movement and is perfect for this winter. You can find some incredible pieces preloved, and virtually brand new, and in a city full of conscious students also, but really everyone ... this is a great sustainable way for us to shop." Heller says Dunedin's 2025 runway was "bursting with colour, which I absolutely loved". "My highlights included a stunning Hailwood mermaid skirt, a bold pink three-piece suit from Trelise Cooper and an edgy NOM*d bomber jacket." Media icon Petra Bagust, ever effervescent despite co-hosting Dunedin's 200-guest Fashion for a Cure event the previous evening, says: "It's one of those nights that's a magical win-win-win!" "A gorgeous, sold-out, entertaining evening celebrating scientific and fashion creativity while making a difference to anyone going through breast cancer or who will go through it — for me it's a great time that's good for our mental, emotional and physical health that simply wouldn't happen without the generosity of Dunners' Dunedinites. What's not to love?!" she says. "How many nights can you go out with your girls and be wowed with great fashion and food and drink and then also know you've made a difference in the lives of women who have breast cancer because your generosity is helping fund cures for breast cancer? "The collective women in the room: creators, survivors, supporters and ngā wāhine toa [strong women] who show up and celebrate the brilliant science we're producing in New Zealand and our powerhouse of creativity on display in the clothing — it's a generous night in all the ways, giving, eating, connecting while making a difference," adds Bagust, who donned Wynn Hamlyn for the day before slipping into NOM*d's Janus dress in navy sparkle crepe to MC the sold-out event at Emerson's Brewery alongside local radio host Patrina Roche. Fashion for a Cure, an initiative started in 2013 by New Zealand charity organisation Breast Cancer Cure, has raised more than $4.3 million for breast cancer research since its inception. "Dunedin was added to our annual nationwide event schedule in 2018," Breast Cancer Cure CEO Sonja de Mari says. "Over the last eight years at Emerson's we've raised almost $500,000." What has made Fashion for a Cure such a successful concept? De Mari says the events "have the perfect combination of purpose and passion, making the series wonderfully balanced". "We celebrate and showcase top New Zealand fashion designers and use the fundraising achieved to support and invest in dedicated New Zealand breast cancer researchers. "Guests leave having been part of something bigger than themselves, inspired by the fashion and the energy in the room. They head home knowing they've made a difference — it's pretty special." It's also an incredible team effort, de Mari says. "The collective community around Fashion for a Cure is extensive. Our tiny team grows exponentially at each event — add together 200-plus fashion-loving guests with 18-plus designers, 20-plus models, 10 super-talented hair and makeup stylists, dressers to match the models, eight-plus volunteers, our researchers who speak, ambassadors who MC, live entertainment who donate their time and talents, alongside our major partners and sponsors, plus individuals who gift us with the most amazing auction items and support." This year's Dunedin event on August 4, which included entertainment from party-starting DJs Sweet Mix Kids, was once again held at Emerson's Brewery, a partnership de Mari describes as "one of a kind". "Their support and commitment to our Fashion for a Cure event has stayed strong and in place for the past eight years — in fact it's the only partnership we have where we've created a home in their place of business, converting their taproom and restaurant into a fabulous runway each year." Do Dunedin guests hold their own in the style stakes on these evenings? "A hundred percent!" de Mari says. "Dunedin guests love fashion! It's exciting to see Emerson's fill up with colour and contrasts. There's always a combination of curated versus street, layering and texture in the room. The audience creates their own installation of what's hot and style that stands the test of time."
Otago Daily Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: Q'town, therapy dogs and elections
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including unsustainable housing in Queenstown, the joy of therapy dogs, and name recognition for electoral candidates. Vulnerable cash cow must be protected Queenstown and surrounds are heritage treasures of natural beauty. A cash cow, the area is vulnerable, endangered by tourism expansion and unrestrained development, unsupported by services and infrastructure. Just released for public comment is the Homestead Bay development on SH6 beyond Jack's Point. Part of Te Tapuae Southern Corridor development plan, this slick document claims to address points including: "For the landscape to retain its timeless identity and its connections between Tangaroa, Tāwhiri-mātea and Tāne, land and waters, people and place." Proposed development fulfils no stated aspirations with big interests and profits at play. Everyone interested in maintaining the area's unique beauty must comment. The uninterrupted view from the Remarkables across SH6 to Homestead Bay, majestic Cecil Peak and the Bayonets will be trashed by 2800 sardine dwellings and retail area. Infrastructure discussion is fanciful, with "active travel" (walking or bike riding) suggested. A moratorium on development must be placed, immediately. The region and country must decide, why and for whom development is proceeding, limits and the huge toll on this environment and landscapes. If rubber-stamped, then infrastructure, services, building and staffing a new hospital, must leap ahead and in place before encroachment from unsustainable housing. Elizabeth Corbett McCusker Eloquent art Excellent cartoon by Yeo in the ODT (20.6.25) — pictures speak louder than words. There is not enough money to build our new hospital but the person called in to progress the build will be paid $2500 per day plus expenses for the three months of his contract. I query how $2500 per day would not cover anyone's expenses. Yeo's cartoon (20.6.25) is what a lot of Dunedinites are thinking. It was absolutely mind-blowing to read the article about the appointment of Evan Davies. He said he was too busy to complete his previous time in the job because of a promotion. Apparently he still holds that job so how has the situation changed? His remuneration (plus expenses) surely requires his full attention, not an hour or two here and there. More than a hall As a Tahakopa Valley resident I must say that at no time have the locals been consulted regarding the last school reunion on March 29 2025. The Board of Trustees decided it was their school to make all decisions and they are upset about community money going back to the Ministry of Education. A trust account would have been sensible to have set up for such money. Is there not a rule whereby such money if singled out, should be shared in such a community, not just to one entity? There is the Our Hut heritage hub plus a local Sir Truby King railway bridge walking track which are visited by people from all over the world. Rachel Napier (Letters ODT 17.6.25) is making out that the community hall is the only entity in the district. Over the past 10 years the hub has funded renovation of its building and created a world class walking track. It is about to start a project doing a "Storymapp" about the Sir Truby King Track, and his life and work here in the Tahakopa Valley. Perhaps the Tahakopa Hall Committee will just have to do some work in raising some funds for the hall? Bedside visit from Staffy a delightful moment During a recent stay in Dunedin Hospital I had the most uplifting moment with a 9-month old Staffy dog named Nancy, brought in for patients who wished to spend a few minutes with her to pat and cuddle. For my interactions with Nancy, a therapy animal, I was rewarded with facelicks. Thank you to the hospital for permitting this, and very special thanks to Nancy and her owner, who brought myself and others a very real uplift. Cleaning bill The taxpayer should not have to pick up the bill from failed coal ventures. ( ODT 18.6.25). Compared to the budgeted $443 million the taxpayer is on the hook for to clean up the Tui oil field, the West Coast coal mess at less than $100m is relatively minor. How much will the taxpayer pay if Aussie miner Bathurst Resources decides destroying what is left of the Stockton and Denniston Plateaus is not economic? Bilious rhetoric re Bill decried Acting Prime Minister David Seymour's Facebook trolling of those exercising their democratic right to challenge the Regulatory Standards Bill reveals the extent to which he is not interested in any opinion other than his own. When any leader is unable to engage with and reply to others' expert opinions they reveal their lack of respect for everybody's democratic rights. We should all be very grateful that Seymour has exposed his narrow definition of democracy and the depravity to which he will stoop to obfusticate legal processes. How do you do? I read Brian Ellis' letter (25.6.25) with great interest and agree wholeheartedly with his observation that name recognition provides a real advantage in the upcoming 2025 local body elections. As he rightly points out, former MPs and high-profile sports figures benefit from this familiarity. To that list I would add incumbent councillors. The mechanics of the STV voting system only serve to amplify this advantage. Unfortunately, name recognition can sometimes save underperforming or fatigued councillors from being removed, limiting the opportunity for new people bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy to council. That is a shortcoming in the system which has not served Dunedin well. Mr Ellis goes on to criticise the campaign spending by myself and the Future Dunedin team, suggesting we are investing "vast sums of money". I'd like to reassure him and readers that this is simply not the case. Our campaign budget allocates approximately $9000 per candidate for media, considerably less than the $17,274.13 per candidate declared by Green Dunedin during the 2022 elections. If not through a media campaign, how else are new candidates to introduce themselves to voters? Our campaign addresses the very issue identified by Mr Ellis at the outset of his letter. Mayoral and council candidate, Future Dunedin Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
Otago Daily Times
18-06-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Opinion: need for AI privacy protections
Everything I touch now has AI embedded in it. The phone, the laptop, every online retailer. And if you listen hard, at least in Dunedin, you can hear the complaints of teachers and lecturers about the AI errors they're seeing in student assignments. Many Otago education providers are now making money teaching AI, so no irony! And there's to be a $50 million data centre built in Southland which will no doubt host AI processing, so some jobs at least will be created. Recently, one of the ''inventors'' of AI, Sam Altman, said his children will never be as smart as AI, and let me say: wow, is that worrying! The AI most of us access is built on the theft of hundreds of thousands of authors' and artists' work, including quite a few Dunedinites, and still produces pictures with six fingers and three hands, struggles with any skin colour darker than mine, and (if it's a large language model) can't add basic numbers. Among the variations on AI there are now transcription services spreading into mental health and some social services provision; taking notes and summarising conversations between client and worker to reduce the therapist/doctor/social worker's administration time, which is always under extreme pressure. So, potentially a useful productivity tool to free up time to work with patients/clients. But also, potentially a bit of a privacy risk, and perhaps at risk of some error. Good questions to ask, if you have a practitioner wanting to use one of these things include: Where are the recordings and analysis held (on or offshore) and for how long? What protections does the data storage have and who has access and for what? Can you have a copy of the transcript and any analysis? What is the practitioner's policy if you want to correct the transcript and request a review of the analysis? And then you'll know. Even if the AI doesn't. • If you would like to support the Mission's work with a donation, please visit and search for The Methodist Mission.
