Archives for Wed, Mar 11, 2026

Archives for 11 March 2026

Diabetic driver speaks for first time about fatal Victoria pub crash

William Swale suffered a severe hypoglycaemic episode and passed out while driving his white BMW SUV, causing it to fatally crash into pub-garden patrons.

Crime And Justice •Wed, Mar 11

Coffee hit: Wellington woman accidentally pays $700 for latte

Think you have it bad? A misplaced decimal point led to the most expensive brew in New Zealand history, probably.

Consumer Affairs •Wed, Mar 11

Guide dogs and handlers facing rising dog attacks

Blind Low Vision said it is having to turn down applicants that live in prone areas, pull dogs out of the programme and change training locations.

Disability •Wed, Mar 11

Uber's women-only option goes nationwide in the US

Uber's new feature has been praised by female drivers and passengers alike, especially those working late at night.

Business •Wed, Mar 11

'Teething issues': Concerns over placements of 120 new medical students

Otago University wrote to the Health Minister – and then to the Ministry of Health the next day – about potential issues with a new school in Waikato.

Health •Wed, Mar 11

Why some body areas smell more strongly than others, and what to do about it

The biology behind body odour, from sweat glands to skin bacteria.

Life Issues •Wed, Mar 11

Hegseth says today's strikes will be 'most intense' of Iran war

The war has entered its 11th day with no end in sight as its effects were felt across the region and beyond.

Middle East •Wed, Mar 11

Air Chathams announces $20 fuel surcharge on fares

In its statement, Air Chathams said aviation fuel prices in New Zealand "have risen significantly" due to the war in the Middle East.

Travel •Wed, Mar 11

Indian bowler fined for throwing ball at Black Caps' Mitchell

The International Cricket Council said Arshdeep Singh breached the Code of Conduct by "throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner".

Black Caps •Wed, Mar 11

Cyclists frustrated by drivers illegally parking on Auckland's bike lanes

"It's forcing people riding bikes, expecting the protection of a cycleway, to be forced out into the traffic. It's actually really unsafe."

Auckland •Wed, Mar 11

'Some dark moments’: Former Black Cap on terminal cancer diagnosis

Wellington stalwart Luke Woodcock knew something was seriously wrong late last year when he had trouble catching a cricket ball.

Wellington •Wed, Mar 11

DOC investigates after woman seen throwing seaweed at Kaikōura seal

The Department of Conservation has launched an investigation after social media footage showed a woman disturbing a fur seal at Kaikōura.

Animals •Wed, Mar 11

Swedish para alpine skier remains hospitalised after horror Super-G crash

Aaron Lindström of Sweden crashed during a jump in his run in the standing Super-G race, losing balance and going sideways in the air.

Paralympics •Wed, Mar 11

Dramatic video shows police car smashing into Sydney home

CCTV footage showed the car coming over a speed hump before hurtling towards the house and into the garage, causing significant damage.

Australia •Wed, Mar 11

Former NYPD officers accused of stealing brothel key, robbing sex worker

The two officers allegedly approached a woman leaving the building and took a key to the residence from her, as well as cash from her purse.

North America •Wed, Mar 11

KiwiSaver balances wobble: Is this time different?

Markets have been volatile this week as they digest the impact of the war in the Middle East.

Personal Finance •Wed, Mar 11

Two more Iranian football players seek asylum in Australia

There were fears for the women's football team's safety after they were labelled "traitors" by Iranian state media for refusing to sing the national anthem.

Australia •Wed, Mar 11

Closure of 'spectacular' sinkhole track stuns climber

Harwoods Hole lies in the Tasman District, within the Abel Tasman National Park, but the Department of Conservation closed the track to the site last month, citing safety risks.

Environment •Wed, Mar 11

US says 16 mine-laying vessels destroyed, Iran vows to block Strait of Hormuz

The concern was that mines could make it impossible for tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which was one of the world's important shipping chokepoints.

Middle East •Wed, Mar 11

Urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry into removal of schools' Treaty obligations

An urgent inquiry will look into the Government's decision to scrap school boards' legal duty to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reset Te Mātaiaho, the New Zealand Curriculum.

Te Ao Maori •Wed, Mar 11

Tropical low to graze upper North Island, prompting weather watches

Forecasters warn of strong winds, humid nights and possible thunderstorms as the system approaches, though the worst of the weather is expected to stay offshore.

Weather News •Wed, Mar 11

Spurs goalkeeper endures nightmare Champions League debut

Antonin Kinsky was culpable for two of Atletico Madrid's first three goals in his side's defeat and was replaced after only 17 minutes.

UK And Europe •Wed, Mar 11

Could you be a winner? $12m up for grabs in tonight's Lotto draw

Powerball's jackpot prize was not struck in Saturday's draw and has rolled over to tonight, giving players another chance to win big.

Wed, Mar 11

Pharmac to widen access to 'life-changing' cystic fibrosis drugs

Pharmac Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin said the decision meant more people, including young children, would have access to medicines earlier.

Health •Wed, Mar 11

Chris Hipkins reveals Labour caucus reshuffle

The changes come eight months out from the general election, and sees Willow-Jean Prime dropped from education.

Politics •Wed, Mar 11

NZ man seriously injured in reported 400m fall on Japan's Mt Fuji

According to Japanese outlet Asahi, the Fujinomiya Police department received a report on March 9 of two foreign climbers falling near the seventh station on the Fujinomiya Trail of Mount Fuji, which is closed at this time year.

Asia •Wed, Mar 11

At least six killed after bus catches fire in Switzerland

Police said an unspecified "voluntary act" could be the cause of the inferno.

UK And Europe •Wed, Mar 11

Towering 300m lava fountains of Hawaii volcano close highways

The fountaining of Kilauea, on Hawaii's Big Island, marked the eruption's 43rd episode since it began in December 2024.

Natural Disasters •Wed, Mar 11

'Heartbeaking': Woman dies after car crashes into cafe on North Shore

Police said a car had mounted the curb and hit two people before colliding with a building.

Accidents •Wed, Mar 11

Arrests, drugs seized after raid on Mob 'chop shop' in Canterbury

Police searched multiple properties linked to Mongrel Mob gang members, seizing stolen vehicles, methamphetamine and several firearms and ammunition.

Christchurch And Canterbury •Wed, Mar 11

Resident hits home invader with golf club after occupant attacked

"The victim sustained serious injuries, and both occupants are understandably very shaken by the incident," police said.

Crime And Justice •Wed, Mar 11

Vehicle seized after major burnout damage at Porirua cemetery

Police were called at around 7.30pm Monday after a blue Ford Falcon was reported speeding and performing burnouts within the grounds of Whenua Tapu Cemetery.

Crime And Justice •Wed, Mar 11

Teacher struck off after filming explicit videos at school

The school was alerted to the content after the deputy principal of the school was approached by a member of the public who had come across a video on TikTok and recognised the setting.

Auckland •Wed, Mar 11

Medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics shuts down

Auckland-based company was founded in 2018 and was one of the early players in the sector.

Business •Wed, Mar 11

'Gutted': Heinz Wattie's looks to ditch frozen veges, 350 jobs affected

The food manufacturing giant is also considering stopping production and sales Gregg's coffee and dips.

Food Drink •Wed, Mar 11

Five Big Things That Happened Today: Wednesday, March 11

Heinz Wattie's proposes major closures, 350 jobs affected; Teacher struck off after filming explicit videos at school; Former Black Cap on terminal cancer diagnosis.

Wed, Mar 11

'Happy it's over' - Beauden Barrett on All Blacks' coaching drama

Dave Rennie's appointment gets the thumbs up from the Blues and All Blacks playmaker, who says he will soon be in talks with the new boss.

Blues •Wed, Mar 11

Scotty Stevenson: Tana Umaga set to be named as All Blacks' assistant

Umaga, currently the Moana Pasifika head coach, is in frame to join Dave Rennie's team and will play an important role with the cultural reset.

All Blacks •Wed, Mar 11

More than 100 noise complaints after Whangārei rescue chopper moves

Complaints to Whangārei District Council referenced more than 200 individual noise events between August 11 and January 31.

Northland •Wed, Mar 11

Stood-down Napier deputy mayor doesn’t want the job back

The deputy mayor role is now up for grabs for Napier’s 11 councillors for the third time since Mayor Richard McGrath was elected in October.

Hawkes Bay •Wed, Mar 11

'Unacceptable': Foster kids in NSW placed with triple murderer

The children, aged 12 and 14, were put in danger by being allocated to the home where 78-year-old convicted killer Regina Kaye Arthurell resided.

Crime And Justice •Wed, Mar 11

Airfares had already gone up 77% – is another rise fair?

Air NZ's lifting the cost of its flights in response to a surge in jet fuel prices, and Qantas and Jetstar have followed suit.

Travel •Wed, Mar 11

Aucklanders grapple with housing intensification proposals

Auckland Council will be asking the Government to allow more housing density within 10km of the city, where there is good public transport and infrastructure.

Auckland •Wed, Mar 11