Photo: RNZ
Welcome to RNZ's weekly round up of Good News, a new feature where we'll be sharing some of the week's most uplifting stories featured on our website by RNZ reporters and partners.
Here's what caught our eye this week:
Flipping mad: Actor somersaulting for charity
Actor Bruce Hopkins, 68, planned to perform 68 somersaults off the newly constructed Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series platform. Photo: supplied
Bruce Hopkins has marked 68 years with 68 philanthrophic flips, leaping from a six-metre tower, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Auckland this weekend. He is raising funds for a cause that is close to his heart - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Border collie recovers after 'devastating' dog attack
Paul Gibbs and Molly, who has recovered after being attacked by two dogs. Photo: John Borren / SunLive
Border collie Molly's 'horrific injuries' have healed six weeks after her throat was 'ripped open' by two dogs that came onto her human Paul Gibbs' property in the Bay of Plenty. Molly required two surgeries and Gibbs estimates she needed at least 50 stitches. She also had daily vet visits to check the wounds.
Southland pub saved by friends reopens
A Southland pub was given new life. Photo: 123rf
Waikaka's Royal Hotel first opened in 1872, but when it looked at risk of closing down, a group of six local farmers and contractors banded together to keep their watering hole open. The local community pub - aka the pub - now has almost 200 owners and is open again with roaring trade and a new lease on life.
Search dogs Jeffrey, Red boast action-packed CVs
LandSAR dog handler Barry Dougherty plays with his two search dogs Jeffrey and Red. Photo: PETER MCINTOSH / ODT
Dunedin dogs Jeffrey and Red are two of only three South Island LandSAR search dogs and they are often called out to scour the island's varied terrain for missing people. Their owner, Barry Dougherty, said riding a biscuit behind a boat, getting packed onto their owner's motorbike and even learning to skateboard were all part of the dogs' years of training.
New piano festival brings major musical stars to Hamilton
Bonnie Wang was one of the students from New Zealand taking part in the festival. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod
This week's first-ever piano festival in Hamilton attracted international stars to the city. It was held at the University of Waikato's Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, where 40 piano students from China and New Zealand took part in masterclasses and performances with some of the world's best pianists.
Check back each Sunday evening for your Good News round up, and re-share and spread some good vibes for the week ahead.
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