Four Southland men have been fined a total of $36,900 following a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation into illegal seafood sales.Commercial fishers Michael Noel Hawke (61), Stuart Teiwi Ryan (48), and Peter George Fletcher (32), along with Duncan William Davis (39), who is not a licensed fisher, were sentenced in the Invercargill District Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges under the Fisheries Act.Greg Forbes, Fisheries New Zealand District Manager, said the investigation uncovered widespread illegal sales of kina, pāua, crayfish, blue cod, and oysters.“Our investigation found Mr Hawke sold about 1000 dredge oysters during the 2023 season that were not part of his allowable commercial take.""They were his allowable recreational take and should have been in his landing report." The oysters were valued at more than $3,000.The investigation also found a deckhand aboard the fishing vessel was selling his allowable recreational catch.“Mr Ryan was found to have sold 114 crayfish and about 40 blue cod. Crayfish retails at about $140 a kg and blue cod $75 a kg. Mr Ryan made around $2,250 in illegal earnings."Electronic evidence found Davis sold seafood including up to 400 punnets of kina roe, some pāua and blue cod on the black market he had either caught, or bought from Mr Ryan to resell. “This was up to $5000 of kina that was sold illegally and finfish valued at about $2000.""This was deliberate and the motivation was simply to make money,” Forbes said.Meanwhile, Fishery Officers found the third commercial fisher, Mr Fletcher, sold about 200 dredge oysters illegally on about six occasions.“These men had no permits to sell seafood and were not Licensed Fish Receivers,” Forbes said. “Poachers steal from all New Zealanders and undermine our Quota Management System.”The fines handed down were: Hawke – $6,000, Ryan – $13,000, Fletcher – $3,900, and Davis – $14,000.“Most commercial fishers follow the rules to protect the future of our fisheries,” Forbes added.“Black-market sales are a slap in the face to those doing the right thing.”MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

Riverton Coastguard volunteers have been saving lives in Foveaux Strait and around the tricky Riverton Bar for some 62 years, and this week they took delivery of a much-needed, flash new $1m, 10m hard-top Naiad rescue boat to do the job in.Long-time Coastguard member Noel Anderson, left, and president Ross McKenzie, right, in front of the newly-arrived $1m Coastguard vessel, Russell John Chisholm. Photo: SuppliedPurpose-built by Invercargill engineering firm, Gough Bros, and also named Russell John Chisholm as was its 8.5m open cabin predecessor, Coastguard Riverton president Ross McKenzie says the new boat was “exceeding expectations” during sea trials today (Thursday, 26 June).They’re hoping to have all the necessary approvals in place for the new vessel to be in service next week.Believed to be the Coastguard’s sixth vessel as it’s grown from strength to strength, McKenzie says the previous boat had served the crew well for 25 years, but a new larger, well-equipped vessel was needed to keep Coastguard crews safe in what can be very treacherous seas.Both boats are named after 7-year-old Russell Chisholm whose body was never found after a Cessna carrying 10 passengers plunged into Foveaux Strait in 1998.Both Naiad’s the new vessel, powered by twin V6 Yamaha outboard engines, has been fitted with the latest in navigation and night vision equipment, including Ray Marine electronics and FLIR thermal camera imaging which can sense solid objects and heat, also producing a coloured picture in the dark.McKenzie says it’s automated much of the manual work the volunteers have had to do up until now, including mathematically calculating search patterns.“This boat is going to vastly improve our search capabilities around the clock,” he says.“It will mean less time is wasted and more eyes looking out to the water.” Its larger size and hard top will make training for the crew a lot more pleasant, especially in winter too.It’s all part of a $1.6m upgrade at Riverton Coastguard Headquarters that’s taken over four years, 60% of the funds raised locally, including grant funding.“We’ve had very generous support from many parties, including continued support from the Chisholm family based overseas, the Fiordland Lobster Company and Coastguard NZ.”Locals have been hugely supportive too through the Coastguard’s donor support scheme.Ready for action, the new Riverton Coastguard vessel. Photo: SuppliedThe upgrade includes a brand new shed adjacent to the old one to be used for indoor training and to house the rescue jetski, a tractor, and extended boat ramp.The Coastguard now has 17 ‘wet crew’ volunteers, four of them trained skippers who are currently being re-certified for the new vessel.“All up, counting our shore crew we have about 25 volunteers, aged from about 30 through to nearly 70, but we’re always keen for more new younger ones,” McKenzie says.Noel Anderson has been a Riverton Coastguard volunteer for more than 50 years, joining up in 1972 with the original Taramea Bay Coastguard, as it was previously known.“I used to do sea rescue work on my father’s fast fishing boat out on the Bar when I was a kid.”The Taramea Coastguard first started in 1958 with a 15ft (4.5m) second-hand wooden clinker purchased out of local concern after two young Riverton boys in a dinghy that capsized drowned on Riverton Bar.“The parents had told the boys not to go out in the dinghy, but they sneaked and hid down so as not to be spotted,” Anderson recalls.It was a huge tragedy for the community and locals got together and raised funds for the first rescue boat.Anderson’s seen a number of terrible tragedies on the Bar and out on the Strait over the years, also including last year’s triple drowning on the Bar and three other separate drownings.The new Riverton Coastguard vessel heads out to sea trials. Photo: Supplied“Riverton’s one of the safest bars in New Zealand because of the small volume of water that exits over it but unfortunately it catches out the odd boatie,” he says.“The worst rescues I've been on are obviously the fatalities, compounded many times over when the victims are known to you.""We’ve had some shockers.”Many of those who’ve died have died of hyperthermia from the chilly waters.“That’s why our service has got to be quick and swift.”The Coastguard averages 12 to 14 rescues a year, with no set pattern between winter and summer, whether that be commercial fishing boats or recreational boats.There’s always a huge variation in calls from horses, dogs and sheep needing rescued to aeroplane crashes and capsized fishing boats.Anderson says the weather is the service’s biggest handicap, being based 46 degrees south.“Some of the wild weather can be quite challenging, hence our need for a bigger model of boat to ensure our own crew are safer.”Locals gather for an early blessing of the new Riverton Coastguard vessel. Photo: SuppliedRiverton Coastguard volunteers gathered last night (Wednesday 26 June) to celebrate the arrival of the new vessel with a special blessing by Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka kāhui kaumatua Teoti Jardine, with Scobies Transport supplying the pilot vehicle and Barret Ag the tractor to bring Russell John Chisholm home.An official blessing, launching and naming ceremony will be held on August 16 with the public encouraged to come and celebrate the new vessel and upgrade.

Southland female students got some hands-on experience recently at a tradie event at the Meridian's Manapouri Hydro power station and a trades day at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).Thirty female students and four teachers from Fiordland College, Wakatipu High and Blue Mountain College travelled to Meridian's Manapouri Hydro power station on 12th June as part of a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis (GWHV) event.Connexis (infrastructure) is a national industry training provider that gives young women the chance to check out industries that could eventually lead to careers in wind farms, hydro power stations, highway construction projects and water treatment plants.Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger said GWHV offered a unique opportunity for “real world” experience for young women who may not have considered the opportunities available to them as an infrastructure trade apprentice.“Our industries are keen to draw the attention of women toward infrastructure careers, as women have shown to add real value into the crews and teams they work with,” Gaukrodger says.“Women can bring a different approach to jobs which can benefit everyone.""For example, they might adapt physically demanding tasks to find a new way of doing them."A Meridian Manapouri Mechanical fitter helps Fiordland College student Veida Trevor Smith with some of the skills that will be needed to work at the power station. Photo: Supplied"That can reduce fatigue and improve safety onsite for everyone.""Other valuable skill sets they might bring are attention to detail and good communication skills,” she said.Gaukrodger says most of the infrastructure industries Connexis works with are facing severe skills shortages so they are reaching out to everyone in their local communities to make them aware of the career opportunities available.“Infrastructure apprentices and trainees have the chance to work on huge projects, operating impressive machinery with lots of opportunities to grow, while keeping our communities connected, healthy and safe."“The employers understand the opportunity that comes with bringing more females into their workforce, which is why so many of them have long supported GWHV.""Our job is to make sure infrastructure trades are front of mind for the next generation of young women when they’re making decisions about their future careers."CLICK HERE to learn more about Girls with Hi-Vis events.Some of the attendees at this year's SIT female trades day. Photo: Supplied Meanwhile in Invercargill around eighty secondary female students attended a trade career options at a Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) trades day held recently.Four trade stations, manned by current Level 3 trade students, answered questions on engineering, automotive, electrical and carpentry/joinery.A Tradie Panel also gave attendees a chance to talk with women already in a trade.SIT Tutor/Industry Training Manager, Kane Wyatt said it had been an excellent event for girls to figure out what they needed to take in terms of subjects and courses, to get into their trade of choice.“The girls enjoyed it, and it was great to hear the women’s experiences in the trades.”

Concerns over diversity information raised by Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark have further delayed the adoption of a council procurement policy.In May, Clark irked some elected members by stalling adoption of the council’s updated policy until he could meet with staff.The issue centred on the council now being able to ask businesses whether they recorded diversity data when making a tender, even though the answers would not impact their chances of securing a contract.On Tuesday, the policy was back on the table for another round of discussion.Council group manager finance and assurance Patricia Christie explained the 2025 policy allowed for social and sustainable procurement, but did not require it.Questions which could be asked under the updated policy included whether the business recorded diversity data, was local, or monitored carbon impact.The information received by the council would not form part of the tender assessment process, Christie said.Clark took exception to that point, saying if he didn’t collect diversity data and missed out on a tender, he would wonder if that were true.“If they’re not going to use it, why have it there?”But councillor Lesley Soper said the new policy was a first step in moving the council towards achieving goals of social and sustainable procurement — elements which were mentioned in an earlier version.The questions would not be asked for every contract, and staff would be trusted to make that call, she said.Councillor Alex Crackett sought confirmation that asking such questions was something the majority of councils and commercial entities were doing as part of the tender process.In response, council procurement manager Helen Hodgkinson confirmed that was the case, saying it was a global standard across both the private and public sector.Ultimately, adoption of the updated policy was lost after Clark used his casting vote to shut it down following a 6 - 6 split decision.The document will now go back to a committee which has both previously discussed it and recommended its adoption.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The lower South Island economy is to get a logistics and manufacturing boost through the integration of two separate developments.Developer Calder Stewart is planning to coordinate its Awarua Quadrant manufacturing and storage development near Invercargill with an inland port at Milburn near Milton in Otago.The privately funded projects have been costed to eventually cost as much as $5 billion, depending on the mix of tenants and activities.Lower South Island business development manager at Calder Stewart John D'Arcy said the projects would be operated as integrated export and logistics hubs with direct access to two deepwater ports, and close to Manapouri's renewable energy network.Awarua would have wind and solar power installations and function as a high-output industrial hub, while Milburn would handle logistics."The project aims to create long-term employment, diversify the regional economic base and strengthen Southland's role in New Zealand's national supply chain," D'Arcy said."While Awarua creates the volume, Milburn provides a staging area and facilitates the movement of hundreds of shipping containers by rail in alignment with vessel schedules.""We can offer tenants real-world export certainty even as shipping windows tighten and ports come under more pressure," he said.Cornerstone of Southland growthThe chief executive of Southland's Regional Development Agency Chami Abeysinghe said the proposed development had the potential to become a cornerstone of the region's long-term plan."Awarua Quadrant could provide much needed capacity for Southland as we diversify our economy and attract high-value industries.""It's also a strong signal to investors that Southland is open for business and committed to enabling innovation-led industries," she said.Calder Stewart's land delivery manager Mark Johnston said early discussions were being held with national and offshore businesses in various sectors, to attract high-value manufacturing to the region.He said the integrated approach to the two developments would ease pressures on port facilities through removing the need to store large numbers of empty containers.The Awarua development would also include a large native restoration project and public wetland and recreation reserve.Published by permission

Invercargill City Council has voted against cutting ties with companies that operate in illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.On Tuesday afternoon, councillors debated whether to change to the council's procurement policy, following a proposal brought by local residents and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.Similar spending bans have already been adopted by Nelson City Council, Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury, targeting companies listed by the United Nations Human Rights Council.Invercargill City Council was split down the middle - with six councillors in favour and six against - but Mayor Nobby Clark's casting vote ended the debate.He said the council needed to balance its ethical commitment to the United Nations with its responsibility to be frugal in procurement decisions.Councillor Allan Arnold was also opposed, arguing that such a move wasn't in the council's remit."We're the Invercargill City Council. Our job is to look after the water assets, infrastructure of Invercargill, and look after the people. This is far, far beyond our scope," he said."We're here to look after our community in Invercargill. I can't understand why this is something we're looking at, at all."However, earlier, councillor Lesley Soper said taking a stand on ethical issues was an important part of being part of the world community."We're not some isolated island, or some isolated council. Other councils have already taken the decision to make this inclusion on very valid grounds," she said.She noted the United Nations database would have made it easy to identify which companies to exclude.Councillor Darren Ludlow also wanted to see the council taking action."As pointless as it may seem, there is a point. And that's leadership," he said.Earlier this week, the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa said it would also present a proposal to Environment Southland, calling for a boycott of companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements.Published by permission

Location AreaSH 94 Te Anau to Milford (Homer Tunnel)DirectionBoth DirectionsLocation(s)094-0240/00.05-B - 094-0240/01.27-B ENTRANCE TUNNEL TO NAEvent TypeArea WarningEvent DescriptionRoad WorksEvent CommentsThe Homer Tunnel will close Monday to Thursday nights (30th June ? 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.ImpactCautionClosure Start Date30/06/2025 18:30Closure End Date11/07/2025 01:30Alternative RouteNo detour availableStatusScheduledExpected ResolutionUntil further noticeEvent Start Date30/06/2025 18:30Event End Date11/07/2025 01:30

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:The Homer Tunnel will close Monday to Thursday nights (30th June – 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Expect loose grit & a wet road with heavy rain from this afternoon – Drive with care.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, becoming heavy from afternoon Tomorrow: Heavy rain, easing to showers in morning Friday: Showers, mainly on East Saturday: Showers, clearing later

The intrigue of Tūātapere’s rich history and “Central & Western Archive” is capturing audiences from around the world with a Lotteries Grant-funded study now exploring ways to expand.Local CWA Online Museum and Heritage Hub manager Suzie Best says the town’s unique heritage efforts have even been featured in international studies on rural histories.More than 1600 people have visited the new Heritage Hub since it opened 18 months ago in a town with a population of only about 500.CWA manager Suzie Best (right) with a family history researcher at the Central & Western Archives. Photo: Central & Western Archives/Supplied“We get people from all over the world, from Invercargill and Bluff, all for a koha.""People are just fascinated with what we’re doing here,” Suzie says.“We’ve been told we’re the first little, not-for-profit community archive,” Suzie says.“It was a struggle to get funding to start, but then people wanted us to store their historical records so we’re now a Heritage Hub after being ‘gifted’ the Awhina Whānau old Plunket Rooms for $1.When Southland District Council staff members visited one said every wee town should have one of these to preserve their archives,” Suzie says, proudly.It's community owned and run by 15 local volunteers with other locals dropping baking off to the team and mowing the lawns, local schoolkids also volunteering after school.School lessons started at Tuatapere's Cymric Hall in 1910. Photo: Central & Western Archives/Supplied“We have a big historical library with thousands of research resources and people doing genealogy, families, school groups all come. We had a vision, but we never expected it to be as big as this. It’s blown our socks off,” she says.“We can get 25 people a day through the Hub, here on the State Highway 99 Scenic Route.”A generous $28,000 Lottery Community Facilities grant has enabled the group to hire a professional consultant to look at where to next for their building and liaise between the Hub committee and Southland District Council so that they have a case to apply for more grant funding to expand.To add to the already extensive collection and exhibits, more old photos and fun yarns are being called for as Suzie and others start planning yet another Tūātapere School Reunion.This one will mark 50 years since the combined school split in 1977 into a newly built Tūātapere Primary School and Waiau College was born, expanding on the original school site.Suzie has been passed the baton to kickstart reunion plans to mark the 50th Jubilee in 2027 after the recent passing of the town’s main preserver of school reunion history, local legend, Margaret Thomas.In 1911 school lessons were moved from Cymric Hall to the Methodist Church as there as better playground access and “less distractions”. Photo: Central & Western Archives/SuppliedAlso, the CWA Heritage Hub patron, Suzie says Margaret’s shoes will be big ones to fill but she urged them just before she passed away suddenly in April to get started with the 50th Jubilee celebrations.“We’re now seeking expressions of interest from anyone who can help, and want more old school photos, records and memories to contribute to our 2027 event,” Suzie says.“We’ll wait for feedback before determining the programme, but we’ve been given all of Margaret’s records and information.""We’re all at a bit of a loss without her. She did so much,” Suzie says.“As the school librarian for many years, Margaret helped organise past reunions, and the Waiau District Schools Centennial in 2010.”From popping in to mind the Hub while the volunteers had lunch to RSA secretary, and local Pottery Club organiser, Margaret also had a political side, a former teacher very involved regionally and nationally with the New Zealand Education Institute Te Riu Roa union of the day.She was also a former chair of the local community board, and much more.Suzie and her band of Hub volunteers have already gathered plenty of fascinating detail about the school’s, and the town’s, history.The original school opened on 19 June 1913, after lessons started at the back of the Cymric Hall in 1910, moving to the Methodist Church in 1911 with better playground access and “less distraction”.Tuatapere School in the 1930s. Photo: Central & Western Archives/Supplied“The Billiard Rooms were right next door to the back of the hall and the walls were thin back then so what the kids could hear wasn’t always desirable,” Suzie grins.The Southland Education Board had visited Western Southland in 1909 after concerns that there were “12 children within a mile of Tūātapere Railway Station”, with that number likely to be 30 within six months.With huge sawmilling growth in the area the school already needed expanding by 1914.The first head teacher was Hugh McFeely, who worked with infant mistress, Mary Irwin.Hugh had to take two years leave of absence to join the Armed Forces and fight overseas in World War I, a Mr McKenzie stepping in.Hugh’s own diaries outline arriving to his new job by 8pm train in June 1910, to discover there was no school building yet and he was to teach his “small flock” in the very chilly Cymric Hall.He recalls the community gala day opening, by which time the roll was already increasing rapidly.Stories from past reunions include those of a post-World War II teacher, who pupils, about to be disciplined, quickly learned to distract by asking about the war.This caused him to forget the discipline altogether.Waiau College was built in 1977. Photo: Photo: Central & Western Archives/SuppliedSpelling of pupils’ names was how it comes, some members of the same family to this day having different surname spellings.“The Births, Deaths and Marriages clerk in Winton mustn’t have known how to spell them so taken a guess,” Suzie chuckles.With 41 local students in high school outside the district, Waiau District High School was established in 1945 with Mr M.P. Lyng as principal.That opened with two box classrooms transported from other closed schools and, with a lack of room, classes were also held at the Buffalo Hall.There was no staffroom, nor any staff toilets.The new school was built in 1953 with multiple extensions over the years before Waiau College was started in 1977.

Lifelong Tuatapere resident 96-year-old Ngarita Dixon is likely to be the eldest surviving pupil of the original Tuatapere School, starting school there, aged six, at the height of The Great Depression.“I got the strap every day for a week because I couldn’t spell properly,” Ngarita recalls.Ngarita Dixon at Tuatapere School's 75th reunion in 1985. Photo: Central & Western Archive/SuppliedHowever, the boys in the class managed to escape punishment, their ink pen nibs thrown like darts and jammed in the ceiling above the classroom.“We had ink wells in our desks, and they’d toss them up, their nibs getting stuck in the ceiling above, but they never got caught,” she chuckles.The classroom was heated by a pot belly stove, teacher Jack Ford and the headmaster, George Higgins, nicknamed ‘Barney’, kept a billy of water boiling on the stove constantly to keep the room moist.Mr Ford doubled as the girls’ basketball ref, running the sideline in his collar, tie and hat. Tennis was also big at Tuatapere School.Ngarita biked home for lunch every day and grew up in the “mentality of The Depression years”.“You don’t spend until you can pay for it.”Her dad was the local baker and knew what it was like to have customers who couldn’t pay.“He started at 2am every morning, the fresh bread in the van by 8am and he delivered it around town to every house.""We had to be very quiet at night as Dad was in bed by 7pm,” she says.Thursday was ‘sale day’, when local farmers sold their stock at the yards, Ngarita helping make sandwiches in her parents’ tearooms.With no local high school education then and no boarding hostel at Invercargill’s Southland Girls’ High, Ngarita was sent to Waitaki Girls’ High for two years.“It was wartime, and we were only allowed to travel from Oamaru to Dunedin, never home, not until the end of the three-month term,” she says.“That was a big shock and very hard.”Ngarita then trained as a dressmaker at Invercargill’s Hollywood School of Dressmaking.“They had special rulers so that you could draft patterns.”Ngarita worked as a dressmaker back in Tuatapere before marrying a local sawmiller, starting their family of two while based in mill houses at Dean Forest Settlement near Lake Hauroko before moving back to Tuatapere.While she’s pleased the town is planning another school reunion, Ngarita’s not sure that she’ll make this one so isn’t busting out the sewing machine for a new dress yet.“I’m the last one you know.""I think I will be a bit too old to go this time.”

Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL), which provides visitor services and infrastructure in Piopiotahi Milford Sound, has announced two key leadership appointments to its operations team.Callum Webber has been appointed as MSTL’s new Operations Manager, while Ginny Christians will take on the newly created role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) from 28 July.Webber, who replaces long-serving team member Tony Woodham, is a 7-year local, former Operations Manager at Mitre Peak Cruises and a current volunteer with Fire and Emergency NZ in Milford.He has had extensive experience in asset management, maritime safety, and regulatory compliance, and having worked as a skipper, harbour controller, and contractor across multiple operators in the fiord, will bring a unique insight into Milford Sound’s complex operational environment.Webber role will see him oversee MSTL’s operations, including the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, parking facilities, and sustainable wastewater and recycling systems.Christians brings a wealth of experience in transport management, logistics, and operational leadership—most recently as National Transport Manager for Open Country Dairy Ltd.Her background also includes senior roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries, where she led large teams, managed complex budgets, and oversaw cross-agency projects.Christians holds a Master of Supply Chain Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Massey University.She also brings strong expertise in data analysis, contractor management, and strategic planning.As COO, she will lead initiatives focused on process improvement, project delivery, and both short and long-term operational strategy.MSTL CEO Haylee Preston welcomed the appointments and said she was looking forward to the value Webber and Christians would bring to her team and the wider Milford community.“Callum and Ginny’s energy, skills, and experience—from local knowledge and maritime safety to supply chain and project management—will play a key role in delivering safe, reliable visitor services and infrastructure in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic and sensitive environments.""Just as importantly, they share our deep sense of responsibility to protect this place and its people," Preston said.

A spike in incidents of dog poo at Te Anau's Ivon Wilson Park has the local kindergarten not only concerned for the safety of its young 3-4-year-olds, who regularly use it as an outdoor classroom, but also determined to do something about it.The 35ha Southland District Council (SDC) park is popular with both locals and tourists and is used for picnicking, dog walking, disc golf, mountain biking and as a venue for wedding photos.Fiordland Kindergarten pupils find another dog poo while exploring in Ivon Wilson Park. Photo: SuppliedFiordland Kindergarten (FK) head teacher Tracey Braven said they loved having people and their dogs but wondered if there shouldn't be more bins and signage."The dogs come to the shed and we are teaching the children, don't just run up to a dog and pat it, ask the owner."However she can't remember a time when she has seen more dog poo at the park, with 3, 4 or 5 dog deposits regularly left on tracks - either where it fell or in bags."Dog owners are probably getting their dogs to go under the trees to do it too, without realising our children are climbing the trees and crawling through the bushes."Determined to do something about the problem, FK Relief teacher/Kaiako John Carter and his young charges decided to speed up the decay of the unwanted poo by providing park visitors with free sawdust sachets."The idea is that people can take a bag off [the board] and sprinkle the sawdust on the poo, to help it break down faster," Braven said.A poster Fiordland Kindergarten have created to encourage the use of sawdust on dog poo. Photo: Supplied"It will be interesting to see, over the next couple of weeks, if anyone takes a bag."Braven said that potentially the exercise could become part of the children's lessons."I guess it's a good science experiement to see how long it takes too.""Some are right into poo at the moment.""We've had comments on how fluffy it is."Fiordland Kindergarten pupils with a poster and bags of sawdust they have created, to help clean up Ivon Wilson Park of dog poo. Photo: SuppliedSDC councilor Sarah Greaney said she wasn't aware of the issue but told the Southland App that lodging a 'request for service' with council, for things such as gardens or rubbish, would ensure that it was investigated.We certainly don't expect the public to have to address these issues, she said.

Following International Day of Play, the advantages of outdoor play are being highlighted, including increased confidence, improved problem-solving skills, and more confident and safer decision-making.Invercargill City Council Local Play Advocate Damien Puddle is encouraging children and families to embrace the outdoors and find opportunities to have fun in the city’s parks and natural spaces. “We have more than 150 parks, reserves and play spaces in Invercargill, including a dedicated Nature Play Area in Queens Park,” he said.“The Nature Play Area is an organic playground, where kids are given the freedom to engage with nature in fun and creative ways.” Made from recycled logs and loose materials, such as mulch and sticks, the Nature Play Area is designed to encourage climbing, jumping and unstructured play.“There is an element of risk, but it helps children develop confidence, problem-solving and safer decision-making,” Puddle said. “When we use specific, supportive language like ‘Is that log slippery?’ or ‘Do you have a good grip?’ we are helping our kids, rather than instilling fear in them.”Children from Active Explorers Invercargill enjoyo the Nature Play Area at Queens Park. Photo: SuppliedOtatara School Deputy Principal, Carla Werder, formerly with Active Southland, was an advocate for the creation of the space, and said it was an invitation to children to take the lead and embrace imagination, curiosity, and creativity. “I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of children being in the bush and having permission to engage with the environment in a fun way.”The Nature Play Area is bordered by footpaths, with surrounding plants forming additional shapes and spaces that can be incorporated into play. “The contained space is an environment where children can easily be supervised with some of the risks minimised, so it’s accessible for people who aren’t used to getting out into nature,” Werder said.“We need to remove some of the barriers for whānau and schools that discourage them from enjoying the outdoors and facing that element of risk.” The Nature Play Area at Queens Park is free to use during the park’s opening hours, or can be reserved on Council’s booking website for events like birthday parties or school groups exploring nature as part of their curriculum. International Day of Play, established by the United Nations General Assembly, was celebrated on 11 June.Werder said the theme for 2025 – Choose Play, Every Day – was a reminder to prioritise play all year round. “Every backyard, every tree and every bit of mud or puddle is a chance to play. Take the time to watch children and you’ll see that they spot the opportunities all around us.” You can find more information about Invercargill’s parks and reserves, including how to book the Queens Park Nature Play Area, on the Invercargill City Council website.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Expect ice & grit – Please take extra care. Homer Tunnel overnight closures for maintenance will recommence for a week from Monday 30th June. Timing to be confirmed in next email update on Wednesday 25th June. Any queries, contact 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Tomorrow: Cloud increasing, showers developing later Wednesday: Showers turning to rain, heavy at times Thursday: Heavy rain, easing to showers Friday: Occasional rain

With their season on the line, the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have scrapped to a crucial one-goal win over Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse earning maximum points for a move up the ladder.But it took everything from their squad to come from behind for the 58-57 victory over the Pulse at TSB Arena in Wellington, handing the hosts their third straight loss.Just one spot in the ANZ Premiership finals series remains free with the Tactix and Mystics having already sewn up two, currently holding down first and second place on the ladder with a points margin to ensure they will feature in the play-offs.The Steel, who now move into fourth place, went into the match knowing that nothing less than victory was needed to stay in the hunt for a top three spot and they continually surged against a Pulse team also looking to rediscover some form with only three games remaining in the regular season.Producing her best performance of their campaign, Steel goal attack Georgia Heffernan was instrumental in the result including landing a key two-point play in the dying minutes of the match and putting in a high work-rate both inside and out of the shooting circle.The Pulse looked to have grabbed the initiative in the deciding stanza and when Steel wing defence Renee Savai’inaea was suspended for late and dangerous play midway through the spell, many would have expected the hosts to march on.But in an indication of the ebbs and flows of the game, the Steel stepped up and hurried the Pulse into errors as the intensity lifted another notch – mammoth tussles across the court producing plenty of great moments.The Steel well-and-truly buried the 25-goal loss they suffered to the Pulse in Round 4 as both teams brought the desperation for maximum points as the business end of the season looms – the Pulse’s defensive efforts helping them to a stronger start on the scoreboard, as they showed greater connections up front to jump out to a 5-2 lead.Overcoming their early wobbles, the Steel settled into their work against the smothering Pulse defence, showing patience to work the ball into Aliyah Dunn particularly with goal keeper Kelly Jackson hunting outside of the circle for the hosts.The disconnect up front from the Pulse has been evident in recent weeks but both Tiana Metuarau and Maddy Gordon rediscovered their links to Amelia Walmsley in the opening stanza.The Pulse shooter was a key target as the hosts edged further ahead – the quick release, including 20 long feeds during the first quarter, into Walmsley proving difficult for the Steel to halt.While Walmsley landed the lion’s share of the Pulse’s points, the shooting load was evenly shared between Dunn and Georgia Heffernan in the Steel circle and the visitors went into the first break trailing just 14-16.Georgia Heffernan picked up from her first quarter efforts on the resumption of play as the Steel hit the front on the scoreboard for the first time and forced the Pulse into personnel changes with Gabi Simpson replacing Fa’amu Ioane at wing defence and the hosts snatching back a slim advantage.With five goals the difference, thanks to a messy patch of play from the Steel, the visitors used a timeout for a double change on defence with Kate Lloyd and Abby Lawson injected into the game.It did little to stem the flow of ball into Walmsley, who despite blemishing her accuracy record under the hoop, was still the main scorer for a Pulse team which enjoyed a six-point buffer heading into the super shot period of play.But knowing that nothing short of a win would suffice, the Steel surged again and a two-point buzzer beater from Georgia Heffernan left the visitors down 30-34 at halftime.Carys Stythe returned action for the Steel after the break, but the Pulse feeders continued to drive into the pockets for an easier sight of Walmsley as a six-point margin again opened up.But a timeout was needed from the Pulse as the Steel’s niggle started to take its toll and at the midway mark of the stanza the hosts pounced on two unforced errors to take some control heading into the deciding spell with a 50-41 lead.

Rakiura Stewart Island is set to reduce its reliance on diesel electricity generation after receiving a $15.35m government loan for a new 2-megawatt solar farm.The suspensory loan, from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, was announced at a public meeting on the island this afternoon (23 Jun) by Associate Minister of Regional Development Mark Patterson.The first stage of the new solar farm, including a 4-megawatt battery and island network upgrade is expected to begin this year.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds. Photo: SuppliedInvercargill MP Penny Simmonds said she was delighted that the community would benefit both financially and environmentally.“The island’s high-cost diesel energy generation has had its day – with this new environmentally sustainable supply fantastic for local people and for the many tourists who visit the island.""It will reduce diesel consumption by 200,000 litres within two years of beginning and massively cut energy costs for local people."“This really is a game changer for Stewart Island, and its 494 permanent electricity connections, taking energy generation into the future, and enabling a more reliable and most importantly, affordable electricity supply - that is renewable and fits with the conservation values of the Stewart Island community."Simmonds said the project would require 40 skilled workers during construction and once completed would support local economic growth through tourism, hospitality and aquaculture.“Stewart Island has great potential for growth and this project secures that future progress."Southland District Council Mayor, Rob Scott, said Stewart Island was a big jewel in New Zealand's crown and electricity prices at 85 cents have got to the point where it is impacting the small resilient community that lives there."This announcement is huge and will have a significantly positive impact, not just on the island but for New Zealand," Scott said.“I’m rapt that the government has recognised this and chosen to invest in Rakiura.""The community is long overdue for a solution, and I am looking forward to seeing it all unfold.”

The chair of a southern regional council says he is surprised by the number of available vacancies following a recent restructure.Environment Southland disestablished 51 roles and created 56 new ones in a shake-up which impacted almost a quarter of staff this year.When the proposal went live in February, a source told Local Democracy Reporting there were “lots of tears”.It has now been revealed 48 roles are yet to be filled, with the council indicating there's no rush for some.Council chair Nicol Horrell said he was under the impression the figure was in the 20s, but didn’t think the vacancies were impacting the day-to-day running of the council.“When you go through a restructure, there’s always a wee bit of settling in. A lot of people have changed jobs, and that takes probably a little bit of time to settle down,” he said.“But overall, no, I don’t have any great concerns.”Horrell said there were some positions the council wasn’t rushing to fill, and less people doing the work was positive from a ratepayer's standpoint.Environment Southland said in April it was creating 58 new roles as part of the restructure but has since changed that figure to 56.As of Monday, there were three positions advertised on its website.Council general manager people and governance Amy Kubrycht said some of the vacancies were being recruited under priority while others would be phased in under the long-term plan.The council was using contractors, third party suppliers and secondments to help in areas where there were vacancies, Kubrycht said.“Our people are continuing to deliver their work programmes and have been doing a great job as we transition to the new structure."The council previously said it would undertake a contestable selection and expression of interest process with open recruitment for unfilled positions.If employees were unable to secure new roles within the restructure, they would be made redundant and receive a payout in accordance with employment agreements.A proposal document from February showed there were 212 roles at the organisation.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) between 6.30pm & 11.30pm.Comments:Homer Tunnel closing tonight (Monday) for maintenance from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. No public access during this time due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, contact 03 249 7004. Expect ice & grit – Please take extra care.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine Tomorrow: Cloud increasing, showers developing later Wednesday: Showers turning to rain, heavy at times Thursday: Heavy rain, easing to showers

Fiery debates, sensational promises and an onslaught of grinning politicians. It’s time again for local elections.Nominations open on July 4, but there’s already dozens of people putting their hands up for councils across Aotearoa.So what do you need to know ahead of the October 11 local election?It's only the local elections, do they even matter?Well, from playgrounds to cycle lanes, roaming pets to stinky rubbish, local authorities are responsible for planning and managing your city, town or district.Councillors decide on rates and spending prioritises, including funds for libraries, local roads, recycling, pest control and events.Councils can also set rules, from inner-city booze bans to dog control.The elections are your chance to vote for the people who make decisions affecting your back yard. Elections are held for the regional, city and district councils.You can also vote for the mayor while some residents vote for local and community boards.Who gets to vote?You must be 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and you’ve lived in Aotearoa continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life.If you’re overseas, homeless or in prison, you may still be able to vote. Check all the criteria here.But I don’t think I’m enrolledIf you are registered to vote in Parliamentary elections, you are automatically enrolled.To enrol or check your details, visit the Votelocal website. You can change your details here too. [https://www.votelocal.co.nz/information-for-voters/]If you enrol after 1 August, you will need to cast a ‘special vote’.General or Māori roll?If you’re of Māori descent, you can decide which electoral roll you want to be on.If you’re on the Māori Roll and your local authority has a Māori ward or constituency, you’ll vote for a candidate in the Māori ward.You can change your roll type at any time except in the three months before local elections.How to voteYou will receive a voting document in the mail so that you can vote by post.Some regions will also have orange boxes set up in public places to cast your vote. Councils will release these details closer to the election.Local elections are on Saturday, 11 October, but you don’t have to wait until then to vote.Voting papers need to be posted back by October 7 or an orange ballot box by midday, Oct 11.Some people also get two votes, such as those who pay rates on two properties.You’ll need to check with your council.What if I want to run for council?Unhappy with the current bunch running your region? You could try for a seat at the council or local board table.Candidate nominations are open from July 4 until August 1.You must have nominations from two people - and you can’t nominate yourself. [https://www.votelocal.co.nz/information-for-candidates/]People who nominate candidates must be over 18 years old and enrolled to vote in the area the candidate is planning to stand.Candidates must be New Zealand citizens who are over 18 years old and enrolled to vote.How do I know who is running?Councils run the local elections and will provide information on the candidates.Typically councils are legally obliged to publish their candidate lists after nominations close.Look out for local debates, news stories and pamphlet drops. Once the election draws closer, the billboards and door knocks will begin.It's worth doing your research on candidates as disinformation can be circulated during election times.[SUBHEAD] When will we know the results?Progress results will start coming in from noon on 11 October.Declaration of results will be released from 16-22 October.Election timeline4 July: Candidate nominations open and roll opens1 August, midday: Candidate nominations close and roll closes6 August: Public notice of candidates’ names9-22 September: Voting documents delivered7 October: Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council’s ballot boxes.11 October: Election day – voting closes midday, followed by progress results16-22 October: Declaration of resultsOctober/November 2025: Elected members’ sworn inLDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air