Latest news with #Southlander
Otago Daily Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
NZ heads to infinity and beyond
It was difficult not to stifle a snort of derision when the government announced last week that New Zealand was about to set up a dedicated "space unit". The kiwi is, famously, a ground-dwelling bird, so the notion that the nation's military was about to be tasked with responsibility for preserving our place in the stratosphere — at first glance — seemed worthy of high comedy. And yet, for all the comedic potential that Defence Minister Judith Collins' announcement offered, on closer consideration it may well not be such an out-of-this-world idea after all. New Zealand's stake in outer space is one well worth protecting. A recent report estimated that — thanks to the likes of Southlander Sir Peter Beck's company Rocket Lab — that the space sector contributes about $2.5 billion annually to the New Zealand economy. There are also about 17,000 jobs connected directly or indirectly to the space sector, and they are local jobs: there are Dunedin firms, especially engineering companies, which have valuable and ongoing contracts with the space industry. Thus far New Zealand has mainly been engaged with sending technology and satellites from other countries and companies into space. Given we already have rocket launch sites and gifted innovators in the fields of high tech and manufacturing, it is not too far-fetched to think that the days of the country launching its own orbiting machines are to come. The fact that New Zealand is a small country should be a driver rather than a deterrent in this respect. As Ms Collins pointed out, the country relies on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions. While the country can rely on satellite coverage from elsewhere to a certain degree, we are in a far distant corner of the planet and others will not prioritise what is going on in our backyard. Satellites are increasingly being used in fields like agriculture, for example, and Nasa is not as likely to be interested in tracking stock to pasture ratios on the east coast of Otago as we are. And, as Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrated, reliable satellite-derived communications will be vital during and after future natural disasters. It would be preferable to have our own resources to fall back on rather than relying on the future profitability of Elon Musk's companies. "The squadron's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to safeguard national and international interests," Ms Collins said. Those words are bland and unspecific, but given the international intelligence sharing agreements that New Zealand is party to, let alone the involvement of the New Zealand Defence Force, it would be safe to say that border security — both economic, in terms of things like fisheries surveillance, and military in terms of keeping an eye out for unwanted visitors —will be high on the agenda. New Zealand, through the space squadron, will be one of a dozen Pacific countries monitoring the region and sharing information. While distance has protected New Zealand thus far, even a cursory glance at how war is being conducted these days in the Ukraine, Gaza and the wider Middle East is instructive as to how being far away from a potential assailant can no longer be relied upon to keep the country safe. There is a pleasing synchronicity in No 62 Squadron being reactivated as New Zealand's "space squadron". During World War 2, 62 Squadron operated radar systems — ground-breaking surveillance science then. It will be using infinitely superior technology now, but its basic mission will remain the same: to preserve New Zealand's best interests. The space unit is not about an astronomical police force using rockets and rayguns. It is about sensible precautions fit for the modern world and the uncertain future ahead. With a dozen personnel it is not an extravagant luxury. And although a defence force endeavour it comes with the promise that it will work alongside business, industry and academics to also advance peaceful endeavours.
Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Side shows value Robertson places on versatility
There will not be too many people accusing Scott Robertson of being a touch conservative this week. The All Blacks coach might have stuck with the tried and true for most of his first season in charge but he has provided plenty of talking points in the first selection of his sophomore season. Robertson yesterday named four new caps — two in the pack and two more forwards on the bench — and made two major positional switches for the first test against France at Forsyth Barr Stadium. There was exciting news for Otago fans as rising lock Fabian Holland and hard-working No8 Christian Lio-Willie were named to make their test debuts. Holland, 22, will become the first Dutch-born All Black. The Highlanders sensation came to New Zealand at the age of 16 to pursue his rugby dream, and he will have his mother and younger brother with him on Saturday night to see a dream become reality. Holland will partner All Blacks captain Scott Barrett in the second row. Incumbent lock Tupou Vaa'i has been switched to the blindside flank with Ardie Savea at openside. That means the All Blacks will have an exceptionally tall lineout, and there will be immense interest in whether the mobile Vaa'i, while widely regarded as the country's leading lock, can provide the answer to the blindside conundrum. It also means a rapid promotion at No8 for Lio-Willie, who was initially in the squad only as injury cover. The 26-year-old qualified dentist is now an established member of the Crusaders but he has been a regular for Otago in the NPC, and he is still warmly embraced by the Kaikorai club. Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot fell out of favour at the end of last year but, with incumbent loosehead Tamaiti Williams scratched with injury, de Groot gets another test start with a bit to prove. The big Southlander joins veteran hooker Codie Taylor and, unexpectedly, Fletcher Newell in the front row. Newell, who had a big workload for the Crusaders this season, starts as regulaghthead Tyrel Lomax is battling a calf issue and is considered a week-to-week prospect. The backline features one major positional switch. Rieko Ioane returns from centre to the left wing, where he made such an impact in his first couple of seasons with the All Blacks. There is no doubt Ioane is still seen by Robertson as a midfield option but, equally, the popular opinion is that the Blues man is simply a better fit on the wing at the top level. That means Billy Proctor earns just a third test start, outside Jordie Barrett, and will be charged with igniting the outside attack. Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett form the halves combination, and Sevu Reece and Will Jordan complete the backline. The bench features two new caps, Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, while midfielder Quinn Tupaea is poised to make his first test appearance in three years. Robertson has preached the importance of versatility at test level and that underpins the selection of Vaa'i at No6 for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. "We're looking at options ... the ability of guys to play in two positions," the coach said in Dunedin. "He's got the skill set. He's quick enough, as he keeps telling us, and he can play on the edge well. "Test footy's a big man's game. He can start there, finish there, and this week he's starting." Likewise, Ioane — though almost exclusively a starting centre in recent times, he has occasionally finished tests on the wing — is seen as someone capable of wearing either 13 or 11. "He's competent in either position, and he can start or finish in either," Robertson said. "This is an opportunity to get on the wing and do some finishing for us. "It's exciting. He's keen, he's up for it, whatever the team needs." Proctor, who scored a try on test debut against Fiji last year and went on the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks but left early to be at the birth of his first child, gets his biggest chance to impress at centre. He had been consistent, he was strong on both sides of the ball and it was hoped he could help the attack unleash, Robertson said. It could be another season featuring debate over the No10 jersey but for now it appears the 34-year-old Beauden Barrett's to lose with the mercurial Damian McKenzie on the bench. "Both have had good seasons. We just felt it was Beauden's opportunity. "The good thing is it's one of those ones where both have got genuine options. Beaudy's led the group really well, and DMac can come on and change games or finish games." Robertson said he wanted to see consistency from de Groot for the whole time he was on the field. "Get his core role right, which is obviously around set piece, and get back to his best." There is no place yet in the match-day squad for Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai. "We'll give him a week to understand and embed himself and get up with our calls. "The first week or so can be a little bit of a heavy load."
Otago Daily Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
NZ keen to regain Wayleggo Cup
Winchmore farmer Mark Copland expects the New Zealand and Australian rivalry will be as strong as ever when the first whistle is blown in the transtasman sheep dog trials at Ashburton. The veteran dog triallist, who has captained New Zealand five of the nine times he has represented the team, has been named to lead the side again for the annual grudge match from the end of October to November 1. Mr Copland and heading dog Guy will be joined by fellow Cantabrian Ben Millar and King, Waikato's Leo Jecentho and Jake and North Otago's Lloyd Smith and Code. Southlander Brian Dickison and Dan are the travelling reserves. The Wayleggo Cup has been to-ing and fro-ing between the countries in the past few years, Australia winning last year. The Ashburton Showgrounds are a winning venue for New Zealand after they convincingly beat the visitors in 2023 when the late Neil Evans led the side. New Zealand triallists will have him in the back of their minds as well as Mr Smith whose wife Linda died earlier this year, when they step on to the course. Mr Copland said the team had a good blend of youthful enthusiasm and real experience. He said a lot was at stake. "That goes without saying that we will be trying to beat the Aussies. We are down parked in our part of the world and we are like-minded people, but like other sports we don't hold back, do we?" He said the team members possessed top dogs, Mr Jecentho's Jake achieving the uncommon feat of being in all four run-offs this year. Mr Smith had faced a tough year and it showed his character that he had so much strength within to perform well in competitions. "We will have Neil in mind and no doubt Lloyd's wife, Linda, of recent times so it's not been easy for people. You try and beat everyone else in normal times, but you also have a quiet thought for them too." Mr Copland said his own black and white heading dog Guy had just turned 5 and was a "hard case" after going though a tough run of problems thrown at him. "He's had a lot of adversity and has had a foot problem with his toenails, a broken tail and only two months ago he had a cut above his pupil in his eyeball. Christchurch vet Kirsten Wylie basically saved it by stitching the eye and grafting something over it to enhance the blood flow and then stitched the eyebrows together. I went back a week later she undid the stitching and said this looks promising and the eye looks very much normal." Mr Copland had a five-year stint from the mid-2000s as captain with a dog called Mary. He said the Australians liked competing in Ashburton because it was near Christchurch airport and they could be shown good dog country in the Rakaia Gorge area. They would also be able to "sink their teeth" if they wanted to enter a Tux yard dog competition also being held at the showgrounds. "We used to go there years ago when the manager was Tony Sheild, from Marlborough. Ironically, our team will be managed by one of his sons, David, who is now the new president of the NZ dog trial association. The acorn hasn't fallen far from the tree because he definitely looks very similar." He and wife Robyn have just moved off the family's Westmere farm in Dromore between Rakaia and Ashburton to make a new home on a 20ha block at upper Winchmore where, as well as running a few sheep and finishing cattle, he has bought a few stags and got his velveting licence. Their son, Hugh, and his wife, Kylie, have taken over the farm and the plan is to spend more time on dog trialling. Mr Copland was runner-up to winner Lindsay Wink from Weber in the national long head competition and also finished runner-up to Mr Jecentho in the South Island long head, at Lochiel Station. He was just outside of the main placegetters with fourth in the national short head and yard won by Mr Jecentho and was seventh overall in the South Island long short. Results NZ sheep dog trial championship results at Lochiel Station near Hanmer Springs: Long head: Lindsay Wink (Weber) Ghost, first round, 93.25 points, second round, 93.50pts, total 186.75pts, 1; Mark Copland (Methven) Don, 92.50pts, 94pts, 186.50pts, 2; Stuart Child (Te Anga) Carl 97.50pts, 88pts, 185.50pts, 3. Short head and yard: Leo Jecentho (Karioi) Jake 97.50pts, 98pts, 195.50pts, 1; Ben Millar (Glenroy) King 94.25pts, 93pts, 187.25pts, 2; Stuart Millar (Glenroy) Laddie 95.75pts, 87pts, 182.75pts, 3; Mark Copland (Methven) Guy 96pts, 84pts, 180pts, 4. Zig zag hunt: Samantha Shaw (Matawai) Rogue 96.75pts, 96pts, 192.75pts, 1; Andy McNab (Mt Nessing) Kahn 97.80pts, 91pts, 188.80pts, 2; Sam Jamieson (Mackenzie) Gary 95.75pts, 82pts, 177.75pts, 3. Straight hunt: Steve Murphy (Whangamomona) Bridge 98pts, 97pts, 19pts, 1 ; Grant Plaisted (Waikari) Coke 97.50pts, 96.50pts, 194pts, 2; Dan Jury (Petane) Ice 97.25pts, 95pts, 192.25pts, 3.
Otago Daily Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Outstanding international season recognised at awards
A breakout summer has resulted in Southland cricketer Jacob Duffy being named Southland senior sportsperson of the year for the second time at an awards ceremony on Friday night. The Lumsden-born fast bowler, who also won the award in 2021, had an exceptional domestic campaign with the Black Caps in series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Duffy, 30, was named New Zealand's player of the series against Sri Lanka, before turning his sights on the touring Pakistan team, from whom he snared 13 wickets in five matches, including a New Zealand record performance in a T20I of four for 14. Duffy was ranked the world's No 1 T20I bowler by the International Cricket Council, and he was later named New Zealand Cricket's T20I player of the year. Duffy, who has been playing county cricket in England during the New Zealand winter, said the past summer had been one to remember. "To get consistent game time ... has been pretty cool. When you are out there in the big wide world against international teams you don't know if you are quite good enough, but you get to prove to yourself that you are good enough to compete against, literally, the best in the world." "I've always appreciated my support from down south. I'm very proud to call myself a Southlander. All the people through my upbringing, schooling and at Southland Cricket have played a huge part in where I've got to today and I'm forever grateful." A new format for this year's ILT Southland Sports Awards led to 90 nominations from nearly 30 sporting codes for the awards at ILT Stadium Southland on Friday night. Motorcycle racer Cormac Buchanan won the Te Rourou junior sportsperson of the year category. Middle-distance runner James McLeay, the first New Zealander in several years to qualify for the world under-20 1500m final, was recognised with a new distinction award. Golfer Robyn Boniface claimed the masters achievement award after winning her sixth national senior women's golf title. The Inclusive Activity Murihiku athlete with a disability award, a new category for 2025, was won by lawn bowler Julie O'Connell after she helped the New Zealand Black Jacks to a series win over Australia. Maadi Cup-winning under-18 double scullers Harry Lightfoot and Sebastian Watson won the Southland team of the year category, and a distinction award went to the Hokonui under-18 marching team which won a third consecutive national title. Julian Ineson, coach of New Zealand representative cyclist Marshall Erwood, claimed the coach of the year award. Erin Criglington, the chief judge at the 2024 junior world track cycling championships, won the official of the year award, while Nicky McNaught, the only New Zealand referee selected for the world squash teams event in Hong Kong, received a distinction award. The community impact award was won by the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club, for its commitment to breaking down barriers to participation. Southland Sports Awards Senior sportsperson of the year: Jacob Duffy (cricket). Te Rourou junior sportsperson of the year: Cormac Buchanan (motorsport). Distinction: James McLeay (athletics). Coach of the year: Julian Ineson (cycling). Team of the year: Harry Lightfoot and Sebastian Watson (rowing). Distinction: Hokonui Under 18 Marching Team. Official of the year: Erin Criglington (cycling). Distinction: Nicky McNaught (squash). Masters achievement: Robyn Boniface (golf). Community impact: Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club. Inclusive Activity Murihiku athlete with a disability: Julie O'Connell (lawn bowls). Services to sport: Murray Heath (bowls), Tim Ward (swimming), Craig Smith (football), Danny Young (rowing). — APL
Otago Daily Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Politicians need to appreciate fine New Zealand literature
Jacinda has written a book, and most bookshops have it in their non-fiction shelves, unlike all political parties' election manifestos which are, quite rightly, to be found in the fiction section. But do our politicians know of other New Zealand fiction? You may recall the politician who is his party's spokesman on the arts being unable to name any New Zealand novelists. Act New Zealand's Todd Stephenson, a mere list MP of course, has been reported as "taking 20 minutes to think of a single New Zealand author and the only artistic experience he could think of was that he went to see the musical Hamilton in New York". It is a painful duty to be obliged to poke the borax at a Southlander, but Mr Stephenson's ignorance is appalling. Mr Stephenson was educated in Invercargill the hometown of Dan Davin, one of our best writers, but seems unaware of Davin's work. He studied law at the University of Otago but Dunedin's status as a Unesco-designated City of Literature has not ignited a love of books in Act's spokesman. Many law students leaven the drudgery of their subject by slipping in a paper from the English syllabus, but that option may have also passed him by. While Mr Stephenson is merely the Act spokesman on the arts and can thus never have any real input into government policy, his literary lapse is of wider concern. Can it be that MPs are Philistines who read only order papers, the race results and recipe books? Some would say that it is asking too much of a busy politician to spend time reading novels but some of our earlier politicians actually wrote some very passable fiction. Sir Julius Vogel's Anno Domini 2000 is regarded as among the better utopian novels and Vincent Pyke churned out a couple of good books including Wild Bill Enderby, which is not a bad read. Even two-term Otago MP William Baldwin (of steepest street fame) produced a novel of some merit called Tom Hungerford. In later times, John A. Lee added greatly to our literature, some of his best-known works being actually produced during his time as an MP. Some would say that the procession of biographical works by Robert Muldoon smacked of fiction but then how many political autobiographies tell the whole truth? Mention must be made of another lover of good literature, Prime Minister Keith Holyoake, who once told an interviewer that one of his favourite books was On the Origin of the Species by Charles Dickens. It would be unfair not to include ex-MP Michael Laws, who now graces the table at Otago Regional Council meetings and is no literary slouch. He wrote a novel, Dancing With Beelzebub, which is described by one reviewer as "a sleazy crime novel set in Whanganui", of which city Mr Laws was once the mayor. And what about Mr Laws' biography of a hooker — Gladiator: the Norm Hewitt Story? Mr Stephenson's literary ignorance may well be matched by a similar lack of knowledge among MPs generally and this needs to be rectified. You will be aware that the government has decreed that from now on students from years 0–8 are to be given an average of one hour a day of reading, writing and maths. I've already suggested to the Minister of Education Erica Stanford that a new clause be added to that edict which requires, "every member of Parliament to attend four one-hour sessions each week to improve their knowledge of New Zealand literature and the arts and to learn to use a more acceptable form of the English language". The minister is enthusiastic about the proposal — although she doubts if her colleagues will ever handle the language requirement — and she has suggested the programme be handled by a "Kiwi Kulture Kommittee", which she has offered to chair. Ms Stanford reminded me that she has a first-class honours degree in political studies with a minor in Maori studies and has been involved in export sales roles for local manufacturers. I was loathe to point out that such an impressive resume may well have left some gaps in her knowledge of New Zealand writers, artists and film-makers but it seemed churlish to quiz her on the subject and there is always the chance I'd be left with egg on my face if she canvassed my opinion on the works of, say, New Zealand author Eleanor Catton who is world famous but whom I've never read. I'll send Mr Stephenson a couple of books to start him on the road of remedial reading. Lynley Dodd's Hairy Maclary From Donaldson's Dairy and Barry Crump's A Good Keen Man are both excellent examples of their genres and ideal for an unlettered politician trying to come to grips with our country's literary heritage. — Jim Sullivan is a Patearoa writer.
