Ben Morgan: Air battles, Belgorod and US grand strategy

Life on Earth is experiencing a sixth mass extinction, with over 60 species in Aotearoa extinct since human arrival. Conservation efforts in New Zealand have focused on predator control, but invasive species, habitat loss, climate change, disrupted ecosystems, and human interactions are also contributing to species decline. Three species facing survival challenges include the tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern), migratory galaxiids (whitebait species), and pāteke (brown teal), highlighting the need for a broader, research-backed...

A 32-year-old South Canterbury woman has been charged with the murder of Anaru Moana, who was reported missing in December 2021. She appeared in court and was remanded in custody, with a court date set for April 11. This brings the total to four people charged in connection with Mr. Moana's murder, as police continue to search for his body and urge the public to provide any information they may have. Full Article

Noraini Abbas Milne, who lost her son in the Christchurch mosque attacks, started the 51 Threads project, where community members create embroidered pieces for healing. Using a limited color palette, participants reflect on words like hope and peace while learning embroidery. The project provides therapeutic benefits and a sense of unity for those involved. Full Article

DOC has increased trapping at a wild takahē site in Greenstone Valley near Queenstown due to recent stoat predation resulting in four takahē deaths. Despite the challenges, efforts to establish new wild populations continue, with a population of 20 to 30 takahē thriving in the Greenstone Valley for over 18 months. Ngāi Tahu and DOC are committed to protecting takahē and finding new habitats, highlighting the need for predator control and ongoing conservation efforts to...

A grass fire at the intersection of Clifton Road and Whitford-Maraetai Road in Whitford engaged an unoccupied house on a farm property, prompting emergency services to respond. The fire was extinguished by four fire trucks and two water tankers, covering an area of 100 meters by 20 meters and involving a well-known abandoned building. Police assisted with traffic control and initial inquiries, with a fire investigator scheduled to inspect the site the following day. Full...

Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down its agritech subsidiary C-Dax due to declining sales, with operations ceasing for new customers on March 14. A managed sale of assets, including plant, stock, land, and buildings, is currently taking place. Despite being in business for over 30 years and producing award-winning products, increased competition offering similar quality products at lower prices led to the decision to wind down operations. Full Article