1216 days ago

'I just saw them go': Photographer's wild ride as balloon crashes near Queenstown

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Rob Pine crawled out from a downed hot air balloon to see two seriously injured passengers had been thrown more than 100 metres away.

“The two that were next to me were the ones who got thrown out ... I just saw them go,” he said.

The injured pair were flown to Dunedin Hospital after the balloon crashed on Morven Ferry Rd, near Arrowtown in Otago, just before 10am on Friday. They remained in hospital in a stable condition, and were progressing favourably, a hospital spokeswoman said on Monday.

That was a relief for Pine, a Picton-based freelance photographer, who held on with only one hand as the balloon crashed. “I don’t let my camera go ... my camera is worth more than me.”

Read more about Rob's experience here.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.7% No
    33.7% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
1929 votes
21 hours ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Queenstown - Vet Partnership & Op Shop

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!

23 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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