This week marks 100 years since the memorial commemorating the ultimate sacrifice made by Southlanders serving during World War I was officially unveiled in Invercargill.The Southland Cenotaph, on Gala St, was officially unveiled to the public on Sunday, 6 December, 1925 by then-Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Charles Ferguson.The crowd gathered for the occasion was reported to number more than 6000 people, including nearly 1000 returned soldiers.Photo: Supplied.Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said 100 years on, the cenotaph remained a powerful symbol of the respect and gratitude the community felt for those who had lost their lives in the war.“The Southland cenotaph is an enduring reminder that we must continue to honour those who served, and ensure their stories are never forgotten,” he said.“A century later, the cenotaph does more than honour the legacy of those who lost their lives. It challenges us as a community to live in a way that reflects upon and respects the sacrifice made in the past, for our future.”At the end of WWI, the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Committee was formed in Invercargill. The committee aimed to raise funds for a memorial commemorating those Southlanders who served and died overseas.The eventual Southland Cenotaph was designed by Dunedin architectural firm Coombs and White.The memorial was heavily influenced by The Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1920 as the United Kingdom’s national memorial to the fallen of Britain and the Empire.Its 10-foot-high statue of a soldier was cut and sculpted by G. Cancare, with the entire memorial itself carved from Bluff granite.As well as the names of Southland soldiers killed in action during WWI, the cenotaph also bears the names of Southland nurses who also lost their lives overseas during the war.The wider community was asked to submit the names and details of those soldiers and nurses who had lost their lives during the war.Photo: Supplied.The programme for the ceremony noted that the memorial was ‘Erected by the People of Southland in Grateful Remembrance of those who, at the call of Duty, left all that was dear unto them, faced danger, endured hardship, and finally laid down their lives for their Country in the Great War, 1914 – 1918’.The unveiling ceremony also included renditions of the hymn Nearer, my God, to Thee, the Last Post and God Save the King, as well as an address from the Invercargill Mayor of the time, Andrew Bain, who served two terms in the role (between 1923 to 1925, and 1925 to 1927).Mayor Campbell said the sizeable crowds who gathered at the cenotaph every year, for occasions including ANZAC Day, showed the community still held a deep level of respect for those who had served in conflicts throughout the world."While the world has changed enormously since 1925, the horror at the human cost of war still resonates deeply. Looking at the cenotaph today, we are not just remembering names carved in granite – we are mourning those whose contribution to our community was cut tragically short.”The word cenotaph is derived from the Greek word kenos and taphos, meaning ‘empty tomb’.

Below is a list of programmed works on Southland state highways next week, and all known work on Southland state highways next week is mapped HERE.* Please note there will be a closure SH1 between Liffey and Palmer St between and 12 noon. Detour for SH1 north and southbound via Liffey, Foyle and Onslow St. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH1 Bluff highway – Stage two from Clifden to Duck Creek is underway. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH94 at The Key – Stage two at the Mararoa School end is underway and will continue until mid-December. Traffic lights in place, 10-15 minute delays. SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – earthworks and drainage underway until late December. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Construction will begin in new year.SH94 Te Anau-Milford highway at Sinclair Road – begins Monday 1st December and will continue until prior to Christmas. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway at the bend prior to Ohai - begins next week and will continue for 2-3 weeks. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Other maintenance and contractor work underway next week is listed below. Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Bluff highway near Kekeno Place, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Bluff highway at Awarua, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Bluff highway between Awarua and Greenhills, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Longbush South Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Mona Bush Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Main St Mataura, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pioneer highway at Brydone, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pukerau to Charlton, stop/go for watercuttingSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway south of Thompsons Crossing, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Hundred Line Road, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway between Lumsden and Lintley Road, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway just north of SH94 turnoff, stop/go for resurfacingSH93 Old Coach Road from Mataura to Clinton, stop/go for watercuttingSH93 Old Coach Road near River Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road from Clinton to Mataura, stop/go for watercuttingSH94 Waimea highway from Croydon to Mandeville, stop/go for watercuttingRoadmarking taking place on SH1 between Invercargill and Gore, SH98 at Mill Road, SH96 at Winton, SH94 at Riversdale and SH93 at Owaka Valley Road under traffic management – delays should be minimal. **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH1 Gore St, Bluff between Liffey and Palmer St, Closure of SH1 between Liffey and Palmer St for event. **Sunday 7th December onlySH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway at Two Chain Road, stop/go for powerline workUseful 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.

Beginning 1 January 2026, Mr Bharat Guha will step into the position of Chief Executive at SIT, as confirmed by the newly appointed Council.Council Chair, Mr Rex Chapman, said Mr Guha was chosen for his proven leadership, financial expertise and clear vision for SIT’s future. “Bharat brings a wealth of experience in tertiary education and a genuine dedication to our community and to SIT. His leadership will help SIT empower every student to thrive in a world that’s always changing,” Mr Chapman said. “We were pleased by the strong level of interest in the role and very impressed by the calibre of applicants.” Mr Guha, currently the Chief Financial Officer of ILT, said he is honoured to take up the role. “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to lead SIT. Our priority is to ensure the Zero Fees Scheme continues, while delivering programmes that reflect both existing and emerging industries across Southland.” “SIT’s strength comes from its partnerships with iwi, industry and our vibrant community, and I’m committed to continuing to build these connections. We will also focus on expanding international education and embracing innovation and flexibility in programme delivery to position SIT as a leader in vocational education,” said Mr Guha. Mr Guha is no stranger to SIT, having previously served as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer. He was the financial architect of the Zero Fees Scheme and played a pivotal role in developing SIT’s domestic and international markets.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are expected over the coming days.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain clearing in evening Tomorrow: Rain developing Sunday: Rain Monday: Becoming fine Tuesday: Rain possible

Invercargill’s Splash Palace has faced the unfortunate task of cleaning up two code browns on the same day.Last week, the learners pool closed for 1 hour 45 minutes due to a faecal contamination incident, reopened for swimming lessons, and closed again due to contamination.The double dose of doo-doo comes at a time when details have surfaced about an uptick in code browns at the pools.Council manager aquatic services Stephen Cook said the recent incident involved a “small amount of additional matter” being found which prompted the pool’s closure for a further half hour."It is not clear whether this was from a separate incident or was overlooked due to its small size."Staff acted quickly in both instances and followed standard procedures, he said.That involved closing the pool, cleaning the material and super-chlorinating the water.A pool could remain closed for anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours, with the amount of time dependent on the “type of material”.Local Democracy Reporting spoke to a source who claimed the second piece of faecal matter was stepped on by a swimming instructor who then smeared it "slightly" across the bottom of the pool.Cook said there had been no reports of faecal matter being stepped in or transferred to the bottom of the pool.Recent information provided by the council showed the number of code brown incidents at Splash Palace had exceeded 2024 numbers with two months to spare.As of 31 October, there had been 30 incidents resulting in 58.5 hours of unplanned pool closures compared to 28 incidents and 59.4 hours lost in 2024.The leisure pool was the most common location for code browns.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

As the festive season approaches, Police in the Southland Area are gearing up for an operation to make sure punters don’t end up on Santa’s naughty list as they partake in revelry and merriment.Area Manager for Prevention (Community) Senior Sergeant Brent Kingsland says the initiative, which begins this week and runs through to New Year, is about keeping people safe while supporting responsible celebration.“We know that end-of-year functions, such as the Christmas at the Races, Crate Day, Tradie Day and other Christmas parties are a time to unwind and connect – but they can also lead to risky behaviour, especially when alcohol and driving are involved,” says Kingsland.“Our teams will be out talking to people, offering advice, and intervening early where needed.”Police will be conducting roadside breath testing checkpoints, targeting drink and drug driving, and working with Road Policing teams to ensure drivers are fit to be behind the wheel.“We can’t say it enough – if you’re drinking, don’t drive.Plan ahead, use a sober driver, or arrange alternative transport.“This is traditionally a happy and festive time of year, and I can’t imagine anything worse than your loved ones hearing that you won’t be coming home for Christmas.”Police will also be enforcing the Invercargill City Council’s 24/7 liquor ban, which prohibits the consumption and possession of alcohol in public places within the Central Business District (CBD) and designated parks and reserves.“The liquor ban is in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and disorder in public spaces.We’ll be actively monitoring these areas and taking enforcement action where necessary,” Senior Sergeant Kingsland adds.Police will have additional foot and vehicle patrols in key areas, including nightlife establishments, and popular gathering spots.“We’re here to support safe celebrations and respond quickly when needed.“We’re not here to spoil the fun – we’re here to make sure everyone gets home safely.”Police encourage anyone hosting an event to plan ahead, look after their guests, and report any concerning behaviour.If you see something that doesn’t feel right, call 111 in emergencies or 105 for non-urgent matters.

More than a million dollars' worth of trucks and equipment have been destroyed in a suspected arson in a popular Invercargill park.Police are investigating after the fire was reported early on Wednesday morning in Queens Park.Invercargill City Council confirmed the gear was owned by arborist Treetech and was essential to the ongoing efforts to restore the park after extensive storm damage.Treetech managing director Chris Walsh said the company would need to bring in replacement equipment to get the job done."If someone has intentionally set fire to our trucks and equipment, that would be devastating for our team. It's more than a million dollars' worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going."We're a resilient bunch, and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the job done."Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said the fire would very likely delay the reopening of the final section of Queens Park.It was incredibly lucky that the fire did not spread further beyond the maintenance yard, she said."It's distressing to think that someone would deliberately destroy the tools we need to reopen the rest of this beloved park."Our staff and contractors have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure Queens Park is safe for the community."Anyone with information relating to the fire was encouraged to contact police.Published by Permission

The much-anticipated reopening of Invercargill’s award-winning Queens Park following October’s storm will likely be delayed, following a suspected arson attack. Police are investigating after four trucks and equipment owned by arborist company Treetech were destroyed by fire in Queens Park’s maintenance yard on Tuesday night. Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the suspected arson was incredibly disappointing, as the trucks and equipment were essential in the ongoing efforts to restore the park after extensive storm damage. “Our staff and contractors have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure Queens Park is safe for the community,” she said. “It’s distressing to think that someone would deliberately destroy the tools we need to reopen the rest of this beloved park. “We’re not yet sure how this will affect the ongoing programme of recovery, but it will very likely mean a delay in reopening the final section of Queens Park.” Photo: Invercargill City CouncilTreetech Managing Director Chris Walsh said the company would need to bring in replacement equipment from outside of Invercargill to finish the recovery work. “If someone has intentionally set fire to our trucks and equipment, that would be devastating for our team. It's more than a million dollars’ worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going. “We're a resilient bunch and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Rain said it was incredibly lucky the fire did not spread further into the park. “The people of Invercargill are already processing massive changes to Queens Park following October’s extreme winds. “We’re still assessing the full extent of the damage to the trucks and the surrounding area, but we’re relieved and thankful the fires didn’t spread beyond the maintenance yard.” Council’s Parks and Recreation team would be working closely with Treetech and New Zealand Police to determine the next steps, she said. “Despite this setback, we’re committed to getting the rest of Queens Park open as soon as possible” she said. Anyone with information relating to this incident could contact Police on 105, referencing case number 251203/6122, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire which damaged four vehicles at Invercargill’s Queens Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning.The trucks belonged to Christchurch company Treetech, which was assisting with storm recovery at the park.A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency NZ said the incident was notified by Police at 12:18am and had been flagged as suspicious.In a statement, Treetech chief executive Chris Walsh said it would be devastating for the team if the trucks had been set on fire intentionally.“It's about a million dollars worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going."Walsh said he was raised in Invercargill and started his climbing career in Queens Park, so the area was dear to his heart.The site has been cordoned off, and a crime investigation is underway. Credit: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR.Gear would arrive from other depots in the coming days so they could get back up and running, he said.Invercargill City Council manager parks and recreation Caroline Rain said the incident happened at the park's maintenance yard and confirmed the area was now a crime investigation scene.“We are still assessing the extent of the damage to the trucks and surrounding property, and working with Treetech on the next steps forward.“This incident is incredibly disappointing, especially given the tireless work of our staff and contractors in recent weeks to ensure the trees in our parks and reserves were made safe for the community following October’s storm.”On Wednesday morning, the site was cordoned off by a gate and emergency tape.It was not clear how the incident would affect recovery, which included reopening the remaining closed part of the park, Rain said.Queens Park suffered major damage when strong winds toppled trees in October.Walsh believed the opening of Coronation Drive in Queens Park by Christmas may no longer be possibleTwo fire investigators are working alongside Police.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Big fields of cars in almost every class guarantees two days of action-packed motor racing at Teretonga Park in Invercargill this weekend.The OSCA Super Saloons always create plenty of excitement which will be full on this year with twenty cars entered. Two rounds into their championship, Tim Dossett of Pleasant Point leads the points in his EVO5 ahead of Kris Brown of Timaru, a race winner here last year in his Nissan Skyline, and Callum Stocker of Rolleston in a Mazda RX8. However, it is two Jaguar drivers, last year’s round winner, Steve Ross of Dunedin, and Kyle Dawson of Invercargill who will be expected to be at the front of the pack this weekend. Steve Ross of Dunedin, expected to be at the front of the OSCA Super Saloon field this weekend at Teretonga Park in Invercargill. Credit: Dave Loudon.In the separate OSCA Lite Championship Matthew Cronin of Timaru leads the way from local driver Rachael Beck.Marco Manson of Auckland has so far proven to be the man to beat in South Island Formula Ford this season. Manson and Dylan Petch of Christchurch are the only race winners in the series to date but the field is full of exciting talent including the winner of the recent FIA Arrive and Drive World Karting Senior World Cup, Zach Tucker of Prebbleton. Last year’s New Zealand Formula Ford Championship Rookie of the Year Jacob Begg of Winton will be very much to the fore at home while Matthew Basso of Australia joins the grid.The Pro8 NZ Series is another class that brings great racing and with last year’s round winner Corban Sprague of Timaru plus Jared Pyke of Rolleston on the grid along with local drivers Jeremy Dawson and Jeremy Skeggs this year should be no exception.Leon Hallett of Mosgiel will be one to beat in his Ford Falcon in the HVRA races with competition coming from the likes of Invercargill drivers Scott O’Donnell and Gregg Cooper in their Ford Capri’s and Gary Johnstone of Rolleston (Jaguar XJS).The 2K Cup Teretonga Challenge sees a massive twenty-five car field ready to do battle, with last year’s winner Jonathan Prince of Christchurch (Toyota Corolla) back with other top runners including Greg Mitchell of Darfield in his Toyota Sprinter and Greg Barclay of Woodend (Toyota MR2) plus any number of others ready to pounce.SS Cup have an even bigger entry of twenty-eight cars. Dave McLean of Balfour in his Honda Integra comes to the round on a hot run of form while Josh Mitchell of Christchurch (Subaru Impreza) and Ross Jones of Waikouaiti were prominent last year. Lynden Prebble, the current SSCC Race Champion and local youngster Nieko Scoles are also in the field.Dion Dawson and Jordan Michels looks likely frontrunners in the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloon races with the toughest opposition looking likely from Brian Scott of Dunedin in his Camaro.The action starts at 9.30am on Saturday and 9.00am Sunday. Pre-sale tickets are available from E Hayes & Sons, Invercargill at a cost of $35 for a weekend pass. Weekend passes at the gate are $45 while Saturday only tickets which are only available at the gate are $25 and Sunday $35. Children 14 & under are free if accompanied by an adult. 

Detective Sergeant John Kean, from the Invercargill Criminal Investigations Team is investigating a fire early this morning in Queens Park, Windsor, around 12.20am.It appears four vehicles were deliberately set alight.Thankfully, no one was injured.Police would like to speak with anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the area last night or early this morning.Information can be provided through 105, referencing case number 251203/6122.You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The boss of a Southland RSA is not pulling his punches, after thieves stole burial plaques off soldiers' graves at an Invercargill cemetery.Police believe they were stolen from the St Johns Cemetery sometime between 28 October and 22 November.The brass plates marked the graves of World War One and Two veterans, and those who served in the Korean War.St Johns Cemetery. Photo: Supplied / Invercargill City CouncilAwarua RSA president Ian Becker told Checkpoint he was gutted by the theft, which he said showed a complete lack of respect."All they're interested in is getting their grubby little hands on some easy cash, but I think they might finding they're now holding onto a wasp's nest and somebody, somewhere, is going to tell us who it was."Becker said he had done a bit of digging since the plaques was stolen and had found out one of them belonged to "one of their own"."It belonged to Rose Hinchey, who was born in Bluff, her father was a mayor of Bluff, and she attended Bluff school."She trained as a nurse in Invercargill... and joined the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service from 1937 to 1949, serving during the Second World War.Then she was in the Queen Alexandra Royal Army nursing core 1949 to 1965 and served in Korea."One of the missing plaques. Photo: Supplied / Invercargill City Council.Hinchey's plaque was one of nine that has been stolen."I just feel gutted that some person just felt they had a bigger, a stronger need to take away somebody's identity."She's a real person and she's one of ours."Becker said the brass plaques are issued by Veterans Affairs, and recorded the persons rank, regimental number and the conflict they were involved in."It's the last official recognition that they gave up their youth for the service of their country."He said he had been in touch with Veterans Affairs to see if all nine plaques can be replaced.Becker said the whole affair has made him both upset and angry."Why would you steal someone's identity?"St Johns Cemetery Photo: Supplied/Invercargill City CouncilHe said he was aware of similar thefts that have occurred previously in other parts of the country, and believed the thieves were looking to make some money off the plaques.Becker was now appealing to them to drop the plaques back."Anywhere, even if it's a service station, a milk bar, just hand it back. It's no good to you, It's no good to anyone else. Give it back so we can reinstate the person, give them back their identity and give them back the ability to sleep peacefully.Acting area prevention manager Inspector Mel Robertson said Invercargill Police were investigating the theft of a number of burial plaques from grave sites at St Johns Cemetery.She said several of the stolen plaques were taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the First and Second World Wars, making this a particularly distressing crime for families and the wider community.She urged anyone with information regarding the stolen plaques to contact Police via 105 and quote event number 251125/6603.Published by Permission

A man is in custody after Police used road spikes to stop a fleeing driver on SH6, near Lochiel, last night (2 Dec).About 5pm, Police went to speak to the man about a driving matter when the vehicle fled.Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said a pursuit was authorised, but later abandoned when the fleeing vehicle’s driving deteriorated.“Officers have used their training and co-ordinated their response.""That allowed other units to get into place ahead of the vehicle.”About 6pm, the car ran over road spikes on State Highway 6, south of Winton, near the intersection with McKenzie Road.A short time later, the vehicle crashed into a water table on McKenzie Road.“Thankfully the male suffered only minor injuries and two other people in the vehicle were uninjured,” Bowman said.State Highway 6 was closed while The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination. but reopened again at 10.25pm.Police said inquiries were ongoing and charges were being considered.

From Local Legend to National Triumph: H &J Smith Book Tops NZ ChartsSouthlanders have rallied behind one of the regions most iconic stories with the H & J Smith commemorative book soaring to number one on the New Zealand Paper Plus Top 20 best selling books chart. The achievement is remarkable given the book is available exclusively through only nine Paper Plus stores across Southland and Otago along with a small selection of independent retailers.The book was published to honour one of Southlands most loved institutions and the generations of people whose lives were shaped by the H & J Smith experience. Photo: SuppliedFrom family outings to special purchases and the iconic tearooms the book has become a symbol of shared memory, pride and connection.Acton Smith says the response has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful for the family.“It is incredibly moving to see how strongly Southlanders have embraced this book. H & J Smith has always belonged to the community as much as it belonged to our family. This milestone shows how deeply people care about the legacy and the stories held within these pages.”Managing Director Jason Smith says the book was never created to chase commercial success but to preserve an important part of Southlands identity.“To see it reach the top of the national best seller list is humbling and powerful. We wrote this book to capture the heart of a place that shaped all of us. This result tells us the heart still beats strong.”Author Clive Lind whose long career in journalism and storytelling has captured many defining Southland moments says the public response reflects the depth of connection people have with the store and its legacy.Naked Creative director Carla Forbes who led the PR campaign for the launch says the community response is a reflection of Southlands pride in its own narrative.“The level of engagement has been extraordinary. People have shared beautiful heartfelt stories about what the building and the store meant to them. For many this was where they had childhood adventures, bought their first suit, met loved ones or gathered as families. Southlanders do not just remember H & J Smith they feel it. This book has tapped directly into that sense of belonging and community identity.”Carla says the success demonstrates the strength of regional storytelling and the value placed on preserving history.“This milestone shows that Southland celebrates its own history with pride. It reminds us that our stories matter and that when we tell them well the community responds.”With demand continuing the book is expected to remain a treasured keepsake across the region capturing a chapter of Southlands heritage that continues to resonate with thousands.

Some of Invercargill's most prominent trees are set to be removed due to safety concerns from October’s storm, following a recommendation by Invercargill City Council’s Infrastructure and Growth Committee. At its meeting today, the Committee voted to recommend the removal of the macrocarpa trees from two sections of the Town Belt, at the intersection of Elles Rd and Tay St, and on Queens Dr at the corner of Don St. Infrastructure and Growth Committee Chair Alex Crackett said the decision ensured the community’s safety was prioritised. “These are some of our biggest trees next to some of our busiest streets,” she said. “Our people are our greatest treasure. Ensuring everyone is safe in their city is a key driver for all of our decision-making.” The future of the large trees had been called into question after the extreme winds in October caused a 25-metre-high tree to fall onto the street. “While the likelihood of another tree coming down is low, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Crackett said. “The only way to completely eliminate the risk is to have the trees removed.” Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said Council recognised the ecological and amenity value of the trees, but this needed to be balanced with the safety of the community. “We will refresh the reserve, guided by our Tree Plan, and make sure it remains a valued inner-city public space,” she said. “It’s about having the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose.” Crackett said feedback from the community clearly favoured removing the trees as the simplest and safest option. “The wider community has indicated quite clearly that their preference is to remove any trees that pose a threat to public safety,” she said. “Today’s decision is about taking action to keep the public safe.” The estimated overall cost of the tree removal would be approximately $500,000, although a portion of this cost could be offset by selling any timber suitable for milling. A second option – to retain the trees and manage them using emergency controls, including road closures during severe weather events – was also considered by Committee members. However, the report noted that this option would mean a residual risk remained. “Ultimately, public safety has to come first,” Crackett said. A local state of emergency was declared throughout the Southland region, including in Invercargill and Bluff, after a severe wind event struck on 23 October. Thousands were left without access to critical infrastructure, including electricity, for extended periods following the storm. The state of emergency was lifted on 7 November. The Committee’s recommendation to remove and replant the trees on Elles Rd and Queens Dr would be voted at the next full Council meeting on 16 December. If the recommendation is agreed upon at Council level, the next steps would involve engaging a contractor to remove the trees, completing a landscape design for the affected sections of the Town Belt and replanting the area.

Potential issues with tree removals following severe weather in the south have been highlighted in a new report.In November, arboriculture consultancy Paper Street Tree Company expressed concern about how a section of Invercargill's Otepuni Gardens had been managed following the October storm.Company founder Richie Hill wrote in his report there had been “significant ground disturbance” there, plus a torn root from machinery.“Evidence is apparent throughout the site that the focus of tree removal has overtaken any consideration for long-term impacts on retained trees.”The council needed to be able to show difficult choices were being made with a retention-first approach, Hill said.He warned that "overzealous” tree removal would be harder to defend if adequate controls were not in place.Hill also took issue with how some work had been carried out on the tree canopy in the gardens, saying it had left poor structural outcomes and load transfer issues.On Tuesday, an Invercargill City Council committee will receive Mr Hill's report and meet to discuss reserve areas with large trees near the Otepuni Gardens at the intersections of Elles Rd and Tay St, and Queens Drive and Don St.One option put forward is to remove all the trees at those sites and replant.Hill told Local Democracy Reporting replanting had the potential to be a better outcome if there was a robust planting plan or vision."But with anything, you need to do that sort of decision analysis . . . to see whether that cost outweigh the benefits."In a previous report from 2024, Hill said a section of trees opposite Mitre 10 on Elles Rd — the Elles Rd and Tay St site — were in “very good health”.His new report acknowledged some tree failures were unpredictable. It also noted the perceived risk of trees was often much higher than the actual risk of harm.The upcoming decision for council aims to address public safety concerns given the proximity of the trees to key roads.The council is exploring two options for responding to that risk — remove and replant at the Don St and Tay St sites to the tune of $500,000; or activate emergency controls such as road closures in the event of weather warnings.There had been "several significant tree failures" in the city area over the past seven years, but none had led to a fatality, the council report noted.An increase to the frequency and severity of storms was a contributing factor, consistent with climate change projections, it said.The council was approached for comment but did not wish to do so ahead of Tuesday's meeting.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Takahē released in 2023 in to two valleys in the Upper Whakatipu continue to successfully breed according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).18 Takahē were released into the Greenstone Valley by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ngāi Tahu in August 2023.This was followed by a further 18 into the Rees Valley, near Glenorchy, in February this year.DOC Takahē Recovery Sites Project Lead Jason van de Wetering said the first chicks of the season had started hatching in the Greenstone Valley, while the recently released Rees Valley population has started laying eggs.These chicks and nests are another great sign for an iconic species once thought to be extinct, he said.“Careful management, collaboration with our partners Ngāi Tahu, the efforts of groups like Southern Lakes Sanctuary, and support from national partner Fulton Hogan, have made the longstanding goal of returning takahē to more of their natural range a reality."“For a long time, the only place takahē could be found in the wild was the remote Murchison Mountains in Fiordland, with most takahē otherwise living in predator free sanctuaries and offshore islands. Now, more than half of all takahē live across four wild sites.“While it’s still too early to say whether takahē will establish here for the long term, to have takahē nesting at these new wild sites is a strong sign the habitat is supporting them well.”The Greenstone population, released onto Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station in 2023, successfully raised chicks that summer, but not in 2024.The Rees Valley takahē are younger and less experienced, so may not be as successful at raising chicks this year. However, the presence of fertile eggs so soon after their release is an exciting first step towards a self-sustaining population, van de Wetering said.“Takahē are far from secure in the wild and it takes patience and perseverance to establish these wild sites for the long-term. It is thanks to the hard work of Southern Lakes Sanctuary and their effort to suppress predators that we can have takahē in the Rees Valley.""Success is never guaranteed. For now, all eyes will be on the nests over the coming weeks and months to see how things progress.”Southern Lakes Sanctuary’s Paul Kavanagh said the nesting showed what was possible when sustained conservation efforts and good science come together with genuine partnership."The land custodians, our partner group Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, and our team have worked hard for years to give taonga like takahē a fighting chance, so to witness them settling and nesting, is incredibly special for our team and our community.”As takahē become more established in these locations, sightings are likely to increase.van de Wetering said the recovery programme’s goal of having people see a once-thought extinct bird in the wild is happening, with plenty of reported sightings along the Rees-Dart track.“As the population grows, they will start popping up in all sorts of places. If you’re lucky enough to see one while out naturing or in your backyard, give it space, keep any dogs away, and admire the return of one of Aotearoa’s iconic species to their former natural range.”If you see a banded takahē, take a photo or make a note of the coloured leg bands.People can report sightings to [email protected]

Road OpenNo Avalanche Hazard Comments:No travel delays are expected over the coming days.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Cloudy periods Tomorrow: Fine in the west Thursday: Showers from evening Friday: Showers easing Saturday: Showers turning to rain

Invercargill Police are investigating the theft of a number of burial plaques from grave sites at St Johns Cemetery. The plaques were stolen between 28 October and 22 November 2025.Acting Inspector and Area Prevention Manager Mel Robertson said several of the stolen plaques had been taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the First and Second World Wars, making this a particularly distressing crime for families and the wider community. If you have any information regarding the stolen plaques, please contact Police via 105 and quote event number 251125/6603.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.