Ōtara preschool ruined
Police are asking for the public’s help for information into a heartless act which has ruined an Ōtara preschool.
Sometime between 9am on 7 December and 6pm on 8 December, Ōtara Community Preschool was broken into and windows and property smashed and items stolen.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says nine internal windows were smashed, along with a microwave and oven and computers being knocked to the ground.
“This type of behaviour is quite frankly disgusting.
“This is an awful situation, a preschool has been left footing the bill for this crime and children are now without their belongings and educational resources.”
Inspector Cook says the offenders acted in a mindless way, destroying property seemingly for the sake of it.
“We are working hard to identify and locate those responsible for this senseless crime.
“We are now asking for the public’s assistance for any information which may help us to hold this person, or people, to account.
“A number of people have come forward with information and spoken to Police since this incident, and we ask anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.”
Information can be provided by updating Police online now or by calling 105.
Please reference the file number 241208/6023.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.5% Yes
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46.5% No
Sonic Delusion at Hilltop 6/12/25
Come along tonight for this great gig! Too funky for folk and too folky for funk — that’s Sonic Delusion’s happy, funky, and groovy indie pop. 7pm for 7.30. Celebrating the release of André Manella’s (lead man of Turkey the Bird here with his solo performance) new single “Smoooth”, the vibrant Swiss-Kiwi performer is armed with his trusty loop pedal and an array of instruments. Sonic Delusion layers beats, baselines, and melodies into a boogielicious live performance “bursting with more funk than folk can handle.” André has built a reputation for turning every gig into a feel-good party — “funny, fresh and funky… a welcome breath of entertainment, joy, fun and smiles” Graham Reid – Elsewhere. From Taranaki to the lower North Island, the “Smoooth” release tour promises catchy hooks, infectious grooves, and the perfect excuse to shake your worries away. “catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance” Amy Maynard – NZ Musician Magazine
Enjoy the lovely vibe at Hilltop. Details and street number given with booking confirmation email. www.hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz.....................
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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