Latest news with #SouthIslanders
1News
02-06-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Stunning aurora may dazzle southern skies again tonight
An aurora that lit up the South Island and reached as far north as Auckland last night could make another appearance on Monday night, though it's not expected to be visible as far north this time. Aurora over Houghton Bay, Wellington on June 1, 2025. (Source: Allan Scadden) South Islanders witnessed the light show earlier on Sunday night, while some North Islanders were also said to be experiencing the spectacle. Aurora over Auckland Muriwai Beach. (Source: Michael Schollum) Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre predicted the phenomenon was expected to be seen overnight and continuing into Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Amy Rankin) Predicting the exact timing and intensity was difficult, NOAA said, but it had the potential to become a "significant geomagnetic storm", though not on par with the May 2024 event. Aurora from Methven, Canterbury (Source: Taylor Harmer) The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle when there are more solar storms, aurorae and sunspots. Photo taken in Kaikōura Peninsula. (Source: Sai Shankar) Astronomer Rob Davison told 1News in May last year that there were a few key things to remember for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora. "Increased solar activity improves the chances of a good auroral display, but it does not guarantee it," he said. ADVERTISEMENT (Source: Sam Sword.) "Aurorae can also peak and then disappear in a relatively short amount of time. "Getting as far south and as far away from light pollution as possible will improve your chances. Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Rich Watt) "People should also remember to wrap up warm, as they may need to be outside for some time while their eyes adjust to the dark and while they wait for the peak of any display to appear." Photo taken from Kuri Bush, Dunedin. (Source: Cheryl Moeke) (Source: Aleisha Smith) Photo taken in Invercargill. (Source: Melissa Shuttleworth)
1News
02-06-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Photos: Aurora lights up night sky across New Zealand
An aurora dazzled South Islanders and was later visible across parts of New Zealand as far north as Auckland last night. Aurora over Houghton Bay, Wellington on June 1, 2025. (Source: Allan Scadden) South Islanders reportedly witnessed the light show earlier on Sunday night, while some North Islanders were also said to be experiencing the spectacle. Aurora over Auckland Muriwai Beach. (Source: Michael Schollum) Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre predicted the phenomenon was expected to be seen overnight. ADVERTISEMENT Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Amy Rankin) Predicting the exact timing and intensity was difficult, NOAA said, but it had the potential to become a "significant geomagnetic storm", though not on par with the May 2024 event. Aurora from Methven, Canterbury (Source: Taylor Harmer) The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle when there are more solar storms, aurorae and sunspots. Photo taken in Kaikōura Peninsula. (Source: Sai Shankar) Astronomer Rob Davison told 1News in May last year that there were a few key things to remember for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora. "Increased solar activity improves the chances of a good auroral display, but it does not guarantee it," he said. ADVERTISEMENT (Source: Sam Sword.) "Aurorae can also peak and then disappear in a relatively short amount of time. "Getting as far south and as far away from light pollution as possible will improve your chances. Photo taken in Dunedin. (Source: Rich Watt) "People should also remember to wrap up warm, as they may need to be outside for some time while their eyes adjust to the dark and while they wait for the peak of any display to appear." Photo taken from Kuri Bush, Dunedin. (Source: Cheryl Moeke) (Source: Aleisha Smith) Photo taken in Invercargill. (Source: Melissa Shuttleworth)
NZ Herald
01-06-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Aurora Australis lights dazzle NZ skies, South Island residents first to see the show
The Aurora Australis is lighting up New Zealand skies. Photo / supplied An aurora has begun to light up New Zealand skies with South Islanders already marvelling at the striking colours. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space weather prediction centre predicted that the phenomenon would likely be visible overnight.
Otago Daily Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
After-hours healthcare services to be improved
People in need of health services in Oamaru will find it easier to be assessed out-of-hours after a funding boost. As part of a number of key Budget 2025 initiatives announced by the government, Oamaru has been marked for improved after-hour services starting next year. Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher welcomed the news Oamaru would have its after-hours services improved. "The after-hours emergency department has always been a critical service provided by Oamaru Hospital, so it is great to see that Health NZ is making further improvements to support our wider Waitaki community. "A significant proportion of our population will benefit and, in a time when government funding is under huge pressure, it's awesome to hear that this service will be improved." Health NZ Te Whatu Ora acting funding and investment director Jason Power said the services would be tailored for local need and workforce availability. "This is about putting patients first — whether they live in a small rural town or a large city. "The government has announced significant investment to maintain existing urgent and after-hours care services and to deliver new and improved services where they are needed. "Health New Zealand will now work with providers and the workforce to ensure that these services can be delivered," he said. "This is a complex work programme and implementation will occur over the next two years. Our primary care teams will work with the sector and other key agencies such as ACC on key next steps. "We're modernising how care is delivered so patients can access urgent help more easily and reliably. That means flexible care teams, better use of digital tools and investing in the workforce to ensure services remain sustainable and available when people need them most." Health Minister Simeon Brown said the moves were about ensuring that people can get timely, quality care when they need it. "This investment means South Islanders will have faster access to care, with shorter trips and more treatment available locally — especially outside of normal hours — while reducing pressure on emergency departments." As part of the funding package a new after-hours service will be trialled in Twizel. "Budget 2025 is investing $164million over four years to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98% of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour's drive of their home," Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said. The funding includes targeted support for more than 70 rural and remote communities, including after-hours support, 24/7 on-call in-person clinical support and improved access to diagnostics and medicines.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Urgent Care Boost For Dunedin, Invercargill, And Timaru
Press Release – New Zealand Government This investment means South Islanders will have faster access to care, with shorter trips and more treatment available locally especially outside of normal hours while reducing pressure on emergency departments. Minister of Health South Island communities will have better access to urgent and after-hours healthcare as part of a nationwide investment, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 'Improving access to urgent and after-hours services is a key part of our plan to ensure all New Zealanders – whether they live in cities, towns, or rural areas – can get timely, quality care when they need it,' Mr Brown says. 'Budget 2025 delivers new and enhanced urgent care services across the South Island, making it easier for people to get the care they need closer to home. 'In Dunedin, a new 24/7 service has been identified to ensure the community has round-the-clock access to care every day of the week, easing pressure on the city's hospital. This means people in Dunedin will be able to get urgent care any time of the day and night, while our Government continues to prioritise delivering the New Dunedin Hospital. 'New daytime services have been identified for Invercargill and Timaru, building on existing after-hours services to offer more consistent, reliable care. 'Rural and remote communities will also benefit from improved urgent care access, including better access to diagnostic services, urgent medicines, and on-call clinicians. 'This investment means South Islanders will have faster access to care, with shorter trips and more treatment available locally – especially outside of normal hours – while reducing pressure on emergency departments. Key Budget 2025 initiatives for the South Island include: A new 24/7 urgent care service identified for Dunedin by late 2025. A new daytime urgent care service identified for Invercargill and Timaru, building on the existing after-hours services. Maintaining all existing urgent and after-hours healthcare services in the region. Improved after-hour services identified for Alexandra, Ashburton, Balclutha, Golden Bay, Gore, and Oamaru. Around 30 rural and remote communities to benefit from improved services, including better access to diagnostics, urgent medicines, and 24/7 on-call clinical support. 'This Government is investing more in health than ever before, with a record $16.68 billion over three Budgets to improve health outcomes for Kiwis. 'Alongside new and improved urgent care services, our investment will better support rural clinicians with tools, diagnostics, and more connected care – helping deliver timely, quality services across the South Island,' Mr Brown says.
