Nic Duff

5 days ago | odt.co.nz | Nic Duff

No surprises were sprung during the final round of the Citizens Shield on Saturday with the three leading teams all claiming wins. Excelsior beat Old Boys 33-22 to ensure they finish in second place on the ladder and earn a life when the playoffs start next weekend. However, Old Boys were the ones who started faster on Saturday. They dominated the opening 20 minutes with consistent pressure deep in Blues territory.

1 week ago | odt.co.nz | Nic Duff

Saturday, 21 June 2025 You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoTwo Waitaki fire brigades have welcomed new chief fire officers this month. Reporter Nic Duff caught up with the new men in charge. Richard CranstonWeston Volunteer Fire BrigadeWeston Volunteer Fire Brigade has a new chief fire officer for the first time in nearly 40 years.

2 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Nic Duff

Friday, 13 June 2025 You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. RegionsNorth OtagoFor the last 51 years Bevan Koppert has been a mainstay of the Weston Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was one of four founding members that started the brigade back in 1974 and has now called time on his firefighting career. Mr Koppert stepped down as chief fire officer at the end of last month, a role he had held for nearly 40 years.

2 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Nic Duff

Efforts to keep a lower speed limit in place across the Waitaki bridge have found an ally. Waitaki MP Miles Anderson met AA North Otago district council chairman Andrew Steel, vice-chairman Martin McFelin, Waimate district councillor Lisa Small and Waitaki district councillor Guy Percival last month. The group asked for Mr Anderson’s help in changing the speed limit from 100kmh back to 80kmh. The government announced the decision to increase road speeds on January 29.

2 weeks ago | odt.co.nz | Nic Duff

Winter was in full swing in North Otago on Saturday as wet and windy conditions welcomed all six teams back after they had last weekend off. Part two of the Battle of the Carpark featured Excelsior beating Athletic Marist 27-5. The opening 20 minutes were messy from both sides as heavy rain made handling the ball tough. Once it started to clear up, Blues were able to string some phases together in Athletic’s territory. Quick recycled ball allowed Tasilisili Ika to crash over in the corner.