1717 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
11 hours ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 33.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    33.7% Complete
  • 65.2% No, I enjoy it
    65.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
187 votes
20 hours ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 39.7% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    39.7% Complete
  • 20.9% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    20.9% Complete
  • 35.8% I prefer calling the clinic
    35.8% Complete
  • 3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.6% Complete
330 votes
9 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

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Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.3% Inside!
    76.3% Complete
  • 23.7% On top!
    23.7% Complete
1243 votes