Fog Cannon Halts Teen BurglarA 14-year-old would-be criminal got more than he bargained for when he allegedly burgled the Otatara Four Square supermarket at around midnight last Sunday (22 June), a fog cannon deploying in his face and burglar alarm activated. Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Mel Robertson says the alleged offender, who’s been referred to Youth Services, unlawfully forced entry into the premises but thanks to the security measures put in place by the owners his takings were minimal.Police responded with a Police Dog Unit deployed. “The offender was located a short time later having been tracked by the Dog Unit and located by Police staff cordoning the area,” Robertson says.“Having the aid of alarm activation and burglary deterrent features, such as a fog cannon, significantly minimised the capability of the offender in removing items from the store, allowing Police to respond swiftly and successfully apprehend the offender.”No further details could be released because of the young age of the alleged teenage offender.Gore Police Urge ‘Tell Us Not Facebook!’Gore Police are urging rural Eastern Southland property owners and farmers to report any missing or stolen property to them asap rather than sharing it all over social media after the event.Eastern Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten says they’re still finding out about suspicious behaviour in and around farms and rural properties. However, Police would far rather hear about any offending straight away from victims than read about it on Facebook.“We often find lots of social media talk, but the situations have gone unreported at the time,” Iddenten says. “Police are proactive, and we want to target these offenders and hold them accountable.”Property owners and farmers are urged to ensure all vehicles and properties are locked and consider security lighting and CCTV cameras which aid greatly in prevention of target burglaries. Victims of these burglaries, along with neighbours and passersby, are urged to ring 111 if they see any such suspicious activity at the time, or Crime Stoppers or 105 if it’s a delayed report.“Numerous” drugs in latest haulSouthland Police’s Organised Crime Group vow that they won’t be stopping any time soon in their ongoing Operation Strata investigations primarily targeting drug dealers with gang connections, after yet another arrest. Inspector Stu Harvey says just last week a search warrant at a Mabel Bush address found “numerous drugs, including LSD, MDMA and cannabis”, along with a shotgun and ammunition.A 40-year-old woman has been charged with offering to supply LSD, possession for supply of LSD, possession of MDMA and cannabis. She’s been remanded on bail, but Harvey says investigations are continuing.Police Out In Force in CBD These HolidaysPolice are warning they won’t be tolerating any unlawful, offensive or disorderly behaviour in Invercargill’s CBD this school holidays and they’ll out in force with increased visibility and foot patrols to stop it early. “We often see an increase in youth gatherings and disorder through these periods and Police will be out to interact and engage with the community in an effort to prevent this,” Robertson says.She’s warning any unruly or offensive behaviour, disorder and illegal activity can expect intervention from Police. “We’ll be working alongside our retailers to ensure our Invercargill CBD is a vibrant, welcoming and safe environment for all members of the community.”May Be ‘Plastic’ But They’re FantasticInvercargill’s volunteer Community Patrollers may be mocked as “plastic cops” by troublemaking boy racers but Patrol chairperson Brian Dunick says they’ve gradually earned their respect. “They’re getting better with us as they’ve realised ‘plastic cops’ can read number plates,” he grins.The Patrols – one in Invercargill, one in Gore and one in Riverton, are the “eyes and ears” of the Police around town on a Friday and Saturday night, with the Invercargill Patrol often clocking up to 100kms in a night, from 9pm until 2am. “Our 25 Invercargill patrollers head out in pairs and share once a month duty on a roster,” Dunick says. “We cover downtown, the airport, Otatara , parts of Lorneville and Oreti Beach, ensuring there’s no trouble or anything amiss,” he says.“If we find premises unlocked, or gates open, or lights on we let the property owners or Police know and we always check in with the Police at the station before starting duty to ask where they’d like us to be monitoring that night.”Thanks to some generous funding from Southland Community Trust and ILT, and local sponsors like Richardson Group’s Allied Petroleum and Rothbury’s Insurance the Invercargill Patrollers now have their own patrol car, which is a huge help.“It’s surprising how many people change their driving behaviour when they see us,” Dunick grins. The occasional drunk or person in strife is given a ride home but if the Patrols come across anything they always call Police.All three patrols are now on the hunt for new recruits to join their ranks, with a number of current Police having started out that way over the years, Dunick says.After the Pathway to Police initiative was introduced last year other would-be Police recruits have joined the Patrols to get a feel for what policing may be like. Ages in Invercargill range from a young Pathway to Police would-be recruit in his 20s to their late 70s.

Backcountry snow lovers, including ski tourers, mountaineers and trampers are warned that while it’s early in winter there’s already some high avalanche risk with more snow on the way.Southern Lakes Heli Air Rescue safety manager Richie Hunter says anyone planning to head into the backcountry to recreate should be well prepared and informed with a high level of skill.“From Green Lake north, near Borland Saddle up into the Darran Mountains is avalanche prone from this time of year onwards,” Hunter says. The Eyre Mountains and further east over the Routeburn are also popular and ones to watch. “Even though the Great Walks are great walks that are highly accessible to everybody that doesn’t mean they’re not at risk too,” he says.“We have a great network of these but just because they’re called that doesn’t mean they’re free of those winter hazards, with people still tramping the Routeburn, Kepler and Milford Tracks during winter, when there are no hut wardens on duty,” he says. “People have to be self-sufficient and experienced in managing alpine environments and avalanche terrain,” he says.Hunter’s warning backcountry punters to be cautious, vigilant and ensure they have an up-to-date avalanche forecast and information from avalanche.net.nz before they set off.There’s been a huge growth in the popularity of ski touring making the backcountry more accessible to many. “We’re seeing greater numbers heading in there with less knowledge and education. They’re going in and they’re not as well prepared,” he says.Even mountaineers and ice climbers are heading in without all the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment. “We’re still seeing an increasing number of people going climbing in winter with minimal experience,” Hunter says.“Be prepared. Watch the weather and avalanche forecast. Take, and ensure you, and all those in your party, know how to use an:Avalanche probe, a shovel, transceiver and personal locator beacon.Top tips for avalanche safety from NZ Mountain Safety Council Watch the Avalanche Tips and Terms video series Attend an official avalanche training course Check, discuss and understand the NZAA avalanche forecast for your area. Assess the conditions throughout your trip and be prepared to turn around. Carry avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe and shovel) and know how to use them.

A young man is in significant trouble after an ambulance was stolen in Invercargill overnight (29 Jun).The alleged antics have led to him being charged with two counts of kidnapping, driving while suspended, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and two counts of resisting Police.The early morning incident occurred after Police were called to assist an ambulance crew dealing with an agitated person on Elles Road, about 2.25am.While a police officer and an ambulance officer were speaking with a man in the back of the ambulance, he jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and allegedly began driving. The vehicle travelled about a block before the Police officer was able to knock it out of gear and stop it.After a brief scuffle, a 20-year-old Invercargill man was taken into custody. He is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court today.Relieving Southland Area Commander Inspector Matt Scoles said the incident could have been tragic.“Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but there was a risk of serious injury to the people in that ambulance, none of whom were restrained, and a serious risk to the public.“This was an unpredictable situation and both the Police and ambulance officers involved acted swiftly, doing what they could to end it before anything worse happened.”Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) from 6.30pmComments:The Homer Tunnel will close Monday to Thursday nights (30th June - TONIGHT - through 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.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Partly cloudy with odd shower Tomorrow: Mainly fine Wednesday: Fine Thursday: Mainly fine

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel extended their winning streak to three in a row, with an impressive win over AVIS Magic to open Round 8 in Invercargill on Saturday (28 Jun).With both teams still well in contention for the Finals Series, the Steel's latest win secures, for the time being, their third-place ranking while also denying the Magic the opportunity to grab valuable points.Coming into the match after securing back-to-back wins as opposed to the Magic’s back-to-back losses, the Steel picked up from where they left off, exerting their extra overall polish across the opening three quarters to hold the Magic at arms-length for much of the outing.The Magic finished strongly with a last quarter flurry to win the final 15 minutes 18-11 but being outplayed across the first three-quarters, it was a case of too little too late.The Steel enjoyed 10 more attempts at goal with mainstay shooter Aliyah Dunn rock-solid under the hoop when providing a handy day’s work and converting 43 from 45.The Steel made the sharpest of starts to build an early lead through their flow and accuracy on attack. That was well supported by shooters Dunn and Georgia Heffernan who converted every opportunity that came their way.The Magic halted a four-goal run from the home side to come back into the game well. Stiffer defensive efforts paid off while the movement and athleticism of shooters Saviour Tui and Ameliaranne Ekenasio kept the contest close.It was shooting accuracy which proved the difference at the first break, the Steel leading 15-13 after nailing all their opportunities and the Magic missing two after both had equal attempts.Each side delivered exciting passages of flowing play at times on the resumption but as the respective defences tightened up, there was more strategy required and playing the ball around before the openings occurred.This opened the door for defensive opportunities to break the goal-for-goal impasse and it was the Steel who pounced with telling effect.The intense pressure employed by Carys Stythe and Abby Lawson under the Magic hoop resulted in turnovers while at the other end Dunn and Georgia Heffernan continued their recent strong form.The pair shared the load expertly and intuitively in feeding off each other with Dunn producing a standout first half through her positioning, pin-point shooting and rebounding ability.The Magic had their moments but were unable to stem a storming finishing from the home side, whose ability to disrupt and grab extra opportunities paid dividends when they completed a strong second spell when heading into the main break with a 33-25 lead.In a similar pattern to the previous quarter, the Steel made impressive impact in the latter stages of the third.With Ali Wilshier and Claire O’Brien delivering perfect ball into Tui, the Magic initially stayed in touch with their southern opponents but their ability to sustain and execute was eventually found wanting.The relentless focus from the Steel’s defensive patterns and easier through-court transition meant there was no let-up for the Magic with misguided passes and inaccuracies taking a toll. Lacking the same efficiency and accuracy the visitors were left playing catch-up.Dunn and Georgia Heffernan continued to stamp their mark at the Steel shooting end with Kimiora Poi marshalling the attack end in an impressive overall team effort.Relishing their dominance, the Steel rattled in the goals to keep building on an advancing scoreline when they led 53-38 at the last turn.

A third person has been sentenced in relation to a wildfire that burned through a peat wetland in Southland during a total fire ban.The person pleaded guilty to allowing a fire lit by another person to get out of control.She has been convicted and discharged in the Invercargill District Court.In January, one offender was sentenced to seven months' home detention, and to pay reparations of $10,000, and the other was sentenced to 200 hours' community work and 12 months' supervision, and reparations of $10,000.The fire was lit in the Awarua Wetlands in Southland on 2 April 2022 during a prohibited fire season which meant a total fire ban was in place.Fire and Emergency deputy national commander Steph Rotarangi said firefighters fought the fire for more than a week.It burnt through 1330 hectares and had environmental and financial consequences in an internationally recognised conservation area."Given the significance of the impact of the Awarua Wetlands fire, and the fact the area was under a total fire ban, we considered it appropriate to prosecute three individuals for the fire," she said.This was the second prosecution under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 - the first resulted in an $18,000 fine for an unauthorised burn-off.The Department of Conservation's southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said the fire caused significant damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the wetlands, released vast carbon emissions, and seriously set back conservation work in the area.Photo: Supplied / Ngāi Tahu"Awarua Wetlands is one of the largest remaining wetland complexes in this country and was recognised as New Zealand's first Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site of international importance in 1976," he said."The fire burned about 980ha of wetland plants, which is an important habitat for threatened species like matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern and other birds, plants, insects, lizards, and fish. It also injured or killed a high number of animals."Weeds like gorse and Spanish heath were already beginning to invade the burned areas, in some places outcompeting native plants.It was estimated about 104,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were released into the atmosphere from this fire - equivalent to driving about 409,829,000 kilometres in an average petrol car.Published by permission

Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark has hit out at his own council, saying its aversion to risk has resulted in an “eye watering” consultants bill.His comments follow the organisation revealing it spent more than $7.3 million on consultants in less than three years between July 2022 and December 2024.Clark said the council’s low tolerance for risk meant elected members didn’t “run against” advice from management, and management used consultants to “justify” the advice they gave elected members.“For me, personally, I think the risk should be higher. We should take more risk,” Clark said.“Because at the end of the day, you’ve got to balance it out against the cost of these consultants, which are eye watering amounts.”Clark said the only way to change the situation was to tell staff not to spend large amounts on advice, and for councillors to accept the risk.“And if we get it wrong, we get it wrong.”Invercargill City Council was approached for comment but did not respond in time for publication.The numbers were made public on the back of a LGOIMA request from the Taxpayers’ Union, which released the data on Friday.It showed $2.58 million was spent on consultants for the 12 months to June 2023, $3.23 million was spent for the 12 months to June 2024, and $1.52 million was spent for the six months to December 2024.The document showed more than 160 companies were used during the two-and-a-half-year period.Deloitte topped the spending with more than $424,000 for work on reviewing rates, contract compliance, internal audit support, and risk and assurance support.Stantec was next with a figure of more than $396,000 for support with the Bluff wastewater consent.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Manapōuri's new $3.6 million water treatment plant was officially opened today (27 Jun) by Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott.The new plant, featuring filtration and pH correction, back-up generator and larger pumps - for firefighting capacity, replaces the previous one built in 1969.Mayor Scott said it was always a proud moment when projects of this calibre come to fruition.It also reinforced Council’s decision that opting for the adjusted status quo model in Local Water Done Well - retained full responsibility and control for water services while adapting to legislative changes and evolving Southland communities - was the right one, he said."This [project] showcases we are very capable of delivering infrastructure and water services to Southlanders,” he said.“The ability of the locals to have direct input into what’s happening in their own backyard and working in collaboration with Council is incredibly important and we’ve proven in the Fiordland area through projects like this it is a priority for us."“While managed by Council, these assets are owned by the communities they serve and, together with the Fiordland Community Board, the residents of Manapōuri should be proud of what’s been achieved. We are building for the future.”Lead contractor Fulton Hogan, together with Murray Wallace Electrical, started construction of the upgraded asset in 2024, with the plant commissioned as fully operational in March. Space has been set aside to accommodate town growth and further water quality enhancements if required in the future.

A map of sites where you may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance or third-party contractor work can be found here, and these sites are listed below.   Westbound closure – SH1 East Road Invercargill is now completeThe initial PowerNet work on SH1 East Road is now complete, and the highway re-opened in both directions. There will be further work completed on the lines later in winter which will have traffic management in place - we will post an update at that time.. Highways South work with temporary traffic lights and temporary speed limits this week:SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway near Wairio-Wreys Bush RoadSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway near Te WaewaeSH99 Clifden highway between Lillburn Valley Road and Clifden-Blackmount Road Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Gore Mataura Highway, stop/goSH1 Main St Gore between Broughton and Hyde St, lane dropSH6 North Road Invercargill, lane dropSH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Lady Barkley Road, stop/goSH6 Athol Five Rivers Highway at Athol, stop/go for accessway constructionSH6 Garston-Athol highway at Athol, traffic lightsSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway at Walker Road, traffic lightsSH94 Waimea highway at Waimea stream, Mandeville, traffic lights Cycling EventThere will be a cycling event on SH96 between Deveraux Road and Limehills Browns Road on Saturday 28th June between 1pm and 3pm. Please travel with extra care during this time.  Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

Following a $3.6 million investment by Southland District Council, the water supply in Manapōuri has been secured for the future.Southland Mayor Rob Scott was joined by Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh, councillors, Fiordland Community Board members and contractor Fulton Hogan on site for the official opening of the new Manapōuri Water Treatment Plant today.Mayor Scott said the plant reinforced Council’s decision to opt for the adjusted status quo model in Local Water Done Well was the right option, ensuring it retained full responsibility and control for water services while adapting to legislative changes and evolving Southland communities.“It is always a proud moment when projects of this calibre come to fruition. This showcases we are very capable of delivering infrastructure and water services to Southlanders,” he said.Mayor Rob Scott at the opening of the new Manapōuri water treatment plant today. Photo: Southland District Council“The ability of the locals to have direct input into what’s happening in their own backyard and working in collaboration with Council is incredibly important and we’ve proven in the Fiordland area through projects like this it is a priority for us.“While managed by Council, these assets are owned by the communities they serve and, together with the Fiordland Community Board, the residents of Manapōuri should be proud of what’s been achieved. We are building for the future.”Lead contractor Fulton Hogan, together with Murray Wallace Electrical, started construction of the upgraded asset last year, with the plant commissioned as fully operational in March. It replaces the previous one built in 1969, which was approaching end of life, including the steel water tower.The new plant features filtration and pH correction to ensure compliance with the latest drinking water legislation. Firefighting capacity has been improved with larger pumps and a generator for backup power.Space has been set aside to accommodate town growth and further water quality enhancements if required in the future.

A 40-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with drug supply and possession, after Southland Police's Organised Crime Group executed a search warrant on a Mabel Bush property on Tuesday (24 Jun).During the search Police located LSD, MDMA and cannabis, as well as a shotgun.Fifteen warrants and ten arrests were made last week in the Southern district as part of Operation Strata, which is primarily targeting drug dealers with gang connections.Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird said he had a pretty simple message - if you sell drugs, expect Police to be in touch.“We simply will not tolerate drug dealers profiting from the suffering and harm of others.”The arrested woman has appeared in court and was remanded on bail.Police said further investigations were continuing.Operation Strata involves over 30 staff from a number of Police groups across the Southern District and South Island, including the Te Waipounamu Gang Disruption Unit based in Christchurch.If you have any information about the supply of illicit drugs, please contact Police through 105, either online or via phone.Information can also be reported to your local Police station, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.Police said they encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.

A previous verion of this story incorrectly stated campers would be able to stay in tents or temporary structures.Queenstown Lakes District Council has devised a new plan to manage freedom campers.The council intends to set aside 158 carparks across 14 sites for certified self-contained motor vehicles to use for free.That includes 52 carparks across six sites in Queenstown, 50 carparks at a site in Kingston, 28 carparks at three sites in Wānaka, 15 carparks at a site in Hāwea, and other smaller sites in Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Gibbston.Under the draft bylaw - adopted by councillors on Thursday afternoon to go out for public consultation - campers would be limited to stays of two nights within a 30-day period and would not be able to stay in tents or temporary structures.Freedom camping would be allowed on some rural roads, but it would have to be five metres from the edge of the road, on gravel or sealed surfaces.The council's old 2021 bylaw was quashed by the High Court last year after the Motor Caravan Association sought a judicial review.The High Court found that the bylaw was "tainted" because it tried to ban camping based on amenity values like views and noise, which wasn't consistent with the Freedom Camping Act 2011.Councillor Quentin Smith was the only one around the table on Thursday who did not support the new plan.He said he was not satisfied the bylaw "equally spread the pain across the district."While places like Arrowtown only had five freedom camping spots, the Upper Clutha area was bearing a heavier burden, he said.This summer, in the absence of restrictions, freedom campers arrived in Queenstown in force. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd.In addition to the council's proposed freedom camping sites, freedom camping was already permitted at the Luggate Red Bridge reserve between Cromwell and Wānaka due to a special Ministerial exemption to the ban on camping in the Reserves Act.Other councillors also expressed reservations about the plan before voting to put it to the public.Councillor Esther Whitehead said it was "massively complex", and she felt the public would say the same.Councillor Craig Ferguson questioned whether the proposal was about freedom camping or "free parking at the expense of residents.""Let's get it out for the community to have their say," he said.Councillor Matt Wong queried if the 158 spaces would be enough to meet camper demand - but policy manager Carrie Williams said it was hard to predict what freedom camper numbers would look like in the coming season."We're not here to respond to all demands of all freedom camping. We're here to provide an element to the response... to provide for some freedom camping," she said.Public consultation on the new bylaw will run from 8 July to 8 August, and is meant to come into force before summer.Separate from the bylaw, the council planned to investigate other options for low-cost and freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes District as part of its Responsible Camping Strategy.This summer, in the absence of restrictions, freedom campers arrived in Queenstown in force.Some locals reported growing frustrations over rubbish, overcrowded carparks, late-night partying and people urinating in bushes.The council banned overnight parking on two streets where residents claimed that dozens of campervans were staying every night.Published by permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Snow possible about the East Portal on Saturday morning - Please take extra care. 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. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Light rain developing later Tomorrow: Rain, with snow to 900m during morning (2 - 5 cm could accumulate on road), clearing later Sunday: Rain developing later Monday: Showers

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