News | Lower South Island
18 Dec 2025 6:49
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > National > Lower South Island

    A man has U-turned on an allegation his cousin helped a father and step-son escape Southland in 2015

    A man has U-turned on an allegation his cousin helped a father and step-son escape Southland in 2015


    John and Mike Beckenridge were last seen near the Catlins, their car found in the sea below an 88-metre cliff, with no bodies.

    Coroner Marcus Elliot called for a second hearing - after evidence from Oliver Watson came to light last year.

    Watson alleged his cousin, Paul Watson, told him he helped the pair out and they're alive - during a phone call soon after the disappearance - which Paul Watson denies.

    Oliver has retracted the allegation in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

    He says Paul never said those things, but instead stated don't worry, they're alright.

    © 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Lower South Island News
     17 Dec: Two people are injured in Southland's Gore, with reports of a firearm being discharged
     17 Dec: Health officials have confirmed one new measles case in Queenstown - linked to overseas travel
     17 Dec: More details about a young Otago man's hunting death on Stewart Island in July
     17 Dec: The Highlanders have signed promising Southland playmaker Mika Muliaina for the next four years
     17 Dec: An Otago University student and rising rugby talent is recovering after a near-fatal fall from a Dunedin rooftop in September
     16 Dec: Flooding has partially closed State Highway 1 in Southland's Gore
     16 Dec: A man's pleaded guilty to causing the hunting death of an Otago man on Stewart Island
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Blues coach Vern Cotter is intrigued by the idea of cross-hemisphere rugby clubs swapping players More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Horticulture NZ's emphasising the importance of backing growers - as exports climb to record levels More...



     Today's News

    Cricket:
    Will spinner Ajaz Patel get a first chance since February 2020 to play a home cricket test? 6:47

    Entertainment:
    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to ex ecutive produce a new documentary called Cookie Queens 6:20

    Politics:
    Frydenberg calls for antisemitism royal commission after Bondi attack 22:07

    Law and Order:
    Two people are injured in Southland's Gore, with reports of a firearm being discharged 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Lili Reinhart has been diagnosed with endometriosis 21:50

    Entertainment:
    Taylor Swift leans on Stevie Nicks for life advice 21:20

    Christchurch:
    A crash involving a power pole's closed some southbound lanes on the Christchurch Southern Motorway 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Tate McRae relies on her alter-ego when she's on stage 20:50

    Entertainment:
    Pete Davidson can't wait to show his baby The Sopranos 20:20

    Entertainment:
    Charlotte Church "generally stinks" 19:50


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd