Highways South currently has multiple major highway renewal projects underway, and once they’re complete, you’ll notice stronger and more resilient roads in these areas. While work is ongoing, we really appreciate your patience. Our crews are doing their best to minimise disruption, and the traffic management in place is there to protect both our crews and you. Even if the reason for a speed limit isn’t immediately clear, please know it’s there to keep everyone safe — helping to manage both the obvious and less visible risks around the worksite.Thanks again for your continued support as we work to keep improving the network. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway:SH1 Bluff highwayRenewal of almost 3km of SH1 between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road. Traffic lights in place when required, delays of 5 -10 minutes are possible.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH93 Old Coach RoadRenewal of almost 2.5km of SH93 near Slopedown-School Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5 -10 minutes.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH94 at The KeyRenewal of 3km of SH94 between Princhester Road and Blackmount-Redcliff Road. Traffic lights in place, significant delays. Please be patient at this site, the team are reassessing traffic management to ease frustration, however it is a long site.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highwayRenewal of almost 1.5km of SH96 between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5 -10 minutes.Underway and likely to continue until November. Other maintenance and contractor work underway next week is listed below and mapped HERE. Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway between Edendale roundabout and Downs South Road, traffic lights for test pits & surface repairSH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway north of Lumsden, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway north of Five Rivers, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway near Mossburn, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Hundred Line Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway near Nightcaps, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway at Pahia-Wakapatu Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway between McInerny Road and Tuatapere, stop/go for watercuttingSH99 Clifden highway between Tuatapere and Clifden-Blackmount Road, stop/go for watercutting**Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH6 Dipton-Winton highway south of Dipton, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Kaiwera Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Farm Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, alternating flowUseful 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. We appreciate your patience while we improve your journeys on Southland state highways.  

The final 2025 local body election results have been announced for the Invercargill City Council.Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said the final results – released just after 6pm today – confirmed that Allan Arnold, Andrea De Vries, Lisa Tou McNaughton and Barry Stewart had taken out the final few remaining spots around the 12-seat Council table, with 6,105, 5,920, 5,816 and 5,710 votes, respectively.They will join Councillors Steve Broad, Alex Crackett, Marcus Lush, Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Darren Ludlow, Ria Bond, and Ian Pottinger. Mayor-Elect Campbell said he would announce his new Deputy Mayor and Committee Chairs in the coming days.“It has been an anxious wait for a few of them, so it’s great to now be able to officially congratulate those successfully elected to the Invercargill City Council and Bluff Community Board.""I also want to extend a special congratulations to those who have been chosen by the people to lead our community for the first time.""I know what an immense honour and privilege that is,” he said.“I also want to sincerely thank and acknowledge past elected members – your dedication and service has helped shape the strong, resilient, and innovative community we are today.”Campbell said he was looking forward to settling into his new role and getting to work quickly.“I have an enormous amount of gratitude to have been chosen by the people of our community to represent them as Mayor.""Thank you for placing your trust in me, and in our new Council.""Your voice is at the heart of every decision we make and together, I am confident we will continue to build a community that reflects our shared values, supports our residents, and grows opportunities to thrive for generations to come.”Morris said a whopping 904 special votes were cast this time around, compared to just 594 at the same time in the 2022 Elections.Jo Eruera, Justin Sutherland, Ray Fife, Haylee Simeon, and Frazer Murdoch had been confirmed as elected to the Bluff Community Board.Meanwhile, Paddy O’Brien, Suzanne Prentice, Angela Newell, Graham Hawkes, and Sheree Carey would all return to the Invercargill Licensing Trust.They would also be joined by new member Nick Jeffrey. The new Council would be sworn-in on Tuesday, 28 October with the first meeting to be held on Tuesday, 4 November, Morris said.2025 Invercargill City Council Triennial Election ResultsThe final result for the Invercargill City Council elections held on Saturday 11th October is as follows.MayoraltyCAMPBELL, Tom 6,948CRACKETT, Alex (Independent) 5,202POTTINGER, Ian 2,322BOND, Ria (Independent) 1,803MORTON, Tom (Independent) 711CLARK, Andrew 291CHERNISHOV, Stevey 229MCCRONE, Gordon (Advanced Task Force Political Party) 66INFORMAL 75BLANK VOTING PAPERS 349Tom CAMPBELL is declared elected.Council - At Large (12 vacancies)BROAD, Steve 11,503CRACKETT, Alex (Independent) 10,056LUSH, Marcus 8,396DERMODY, Grant 8,321BOYLE, Trish (Integrity, Independence) 7,457BOND, Ria (Independent) 7,373LUDLOW, Darren 7,371POTTINGER, Ian 7,195ARNOLD, Allan 6,105DE VRIES, Andrea 5,920TOU MCNAUGHTON, Lisa (Positivity, Partnership and Progress) 5,816STEWART, Barry 5,710REEVES, Ian 5,689MCKERROW, Lynley 5,608MEADES, David (Independent) 5,414HERMAN, Karl 4,788KING, Terry (Advocate and Lobbyist for Invercargill) 4,691DAWSON, Chris 4,510COOTE, Jay (Independent) 4,137COOTE, Pania (Consumer Advocate) 3,904VAN DER LEM, Tony 3,749MORTON, Tom (Independent) 3,268HEENAN, Carl 2,979O'CONNELL, Dan 2,320LAURIE, Amanda 2,128PETERSON, Noel (Independent - Serving Community) 1,301JASPERSE, Carol (CJ) 1,005INFORMAL 51BLANK VOTING PAPERS 132Allan ARNOLD, Ria BOND, Trish BOYLE, Steve BROAD, Alex CRACKETT, Andrea DE VRIES, Grant DERMODY, Darren LUDLOW, Marcus LUSH, Ian POTTINGER, Barry STEWART and Lisa TOU MCNAUGHTON are declared elected.Bluff Community Board (5 vacancies)ERUERA, Jo 625SUTHERLAND, Justin 610FIFE, Ray 490SIMEON, Haylee (Community Voice) 414MURDOCH, Frazer (Bluff Promotions) 298GOODALL, Glen 249JASPERSE, Carol (CJ) 112INFORMAL 2BLANK VOTING PAPERS 18Jo ERUERA, Ray FIFE, Frazer MURDOCH, Haylee SIMEON and Justin SUTHERLAND are declared elected.Invercargill Licensing Trust (6 vacancies)O'BRIEN, Paddy 10,231PRENTICE, Suzanne 9,416NEWELL, Angela 8,153HAWKES, Graham (Hawksy) 7,577CAREY, Sheree 7,494JEFFREY, Nick 5,669JOHNSON, Kane (Big Daddy) 5,157DOUGLAS, Aaron (Ronnie) 2,522INFORMAL 5BLANK VOTING PAPERS 607Sheree CAREY, Graham (Hawksy) HAWKES, Nick JEFFREY, Angela NEWELL, Paddy O'BRIEN and Suzanne PRENTICE are declared elected.The voter return was 46.02%, being 17,997 votes, including special votes.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) From 5pmComments:No travel delays are expected until 5pm. Heavy rain is forecast tonight (Friday) that will require a precautionary closure for an increased avalanche hazard. Expected reopening will be approx 10am Saturday, after allowing the snow-pack to drain and inspections to be completed. Further update at 5pm.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers by PM, heavy rain overnight Tomorrow: Rain, clearing by AM Sunday: Mainly fine Monday: Rain Tuesday: Rain, snow to road possible

Dawn Meats Group plans to raise its proposed investment in Alliance Group by $20–$25 million after Alliance’s year-end results exceeded expectations.The increase brings Dawn’s total proposed cash investment to approximately $270 million in Alliance Group, should the proposal be approved by farmer-shareholders at the Special General Meeting in Invercargill on Monday October 20. Mark Wynne, chair of Alliance Group, said the additional investment has been triggered by an agreed adjustment mechanism between Dawn and Alliance, which rewards stronger-thanforecast year-end performance. “Alliance’s unaudited year-end profit projection of between $18 million and $24 million is above the agreed profit target, and the company’s net debt position is lower than forecast. Primal Cutter. Photo: Supplied“Under this adjustment mechanism, this means an additional $20-$25 million investment from Dawn. “This is a strong endorsement of Alliance’s performance and the proposed partnership with Dawn. It recognises the hard work of our people in turning the business around and the loyalty of our farmers over the past 12 months. “The adjustment ensures the final investment reflects Alliance’s improved performance. It’s a tangible vote of confidence in our business and in the proposed partnership with Dawn Meats.” Mr Wynne encouraged farmer-shareholders to vote on the proposed strategic investment partnership with Dawn. “This is a once-in-a-generation decision for our farmers. Every farmer-shareholder has a voice and a vote. “It is important farmers take the time to understand the details, talk to their fellow farmers, and make sure they have their say on the future of Alliance.” Mr Wynne said that as part of the purchase price negotiations with Dawn in July 2025, Alliance agreed to year-end profit and net debt targets. “These were designed to give both Alliance farmer-shareholders and Dawn Meats certainty -- farmer-shareholders about the $250 million investment amount, and Dawn about the value of its proposed shareholding. “Both parties recognised the potential volatility of trading conditions in the final quarter of the financial year and agreed an adjustment mechanism to account for over- or under-performance against the targets.” The additional payment will be distributed as a dividend from the joint venture to the proposed Alliance Investment Co-operative. This is in addition to the $40 million in loyalty payments already planned, bringing the total dividend distribution to approximately $60 million.

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), set to become independent in 2026, has announced the return of its Zero Fees Scheme to the Telford agricultural campus, making primary industry education more accessible.SIT Operations Lead Amanda Whitaker emphasized the scheme’s importance for the region’s agricultural heritage and its alignment with government priorities.“Zero Fees ensures more young people can train without financial barriers,” she said, highlighting SIT’s commitment to accessible learning through initiatives like HyFlex delivery and pastoral care.Domestic students enrolling in full-time Telford courses in 2026 will benefit from Zero Fees. Popular programs include the Certificate in Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) and the Massey Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5), which can lead to farm management roles.Faculty Head Hamish Small called the announcement exciting, noting its impact on making Telford a national leader in vocational education. Community stakeholders echoed the sentiment, praising the move for opening doors to farming careers and strengthening the region’s agricultural future.Linda Moore, CE of Clutha Development, said the news was a boost for the district: “Telford is a community asset. This allows us to grow our sector and embrace the future with confidence.”

A Southland solar farm with the capacity to power 1200 households per year has been given the green light, with site work expected to begin early in the new year. Invercargill-based Network Electrical Servicing (NES) has been granted resource consent for its 13 hectare solar farm at Makarewa, near Invercargill. The 8.4 megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar farm will feed into the local power grid. NES subsidiary NES Infrastructure and its retail brand Ernest Energy are developing the Makarewa project. Ernest Energy provides turnkey solar and battery storage solutions tailored for New Zealand’s commercial and agricultural sectors - giving farms and businesses full control over their energy use. NES general manager and Ernest Energy director Dr Hoani Cooper said the multi-million dollar project would support the local power grid, providing a renewable source of power, as part of solutions to growing power demand in the region. “Many businesses are facing challenges in the face of surging power prices, and locally-produced, alternative energy sources will be crucial to solving this issue,” he said. As the shift towards electrification accelerates, pressure on the national grid is an increasing concern. “The solar agrifarm will deliver renewable energy to Southland, which can be used to help protect local users from power price fluctuations, and increase our regional energy resilience.” Agriculture is a clear example of electrification in action, with the likes of electric quad bikes, tractors, irrigation systems, and milk chilling units already on the radar. “Increasingly, farmers are also turning to on-site generation. Ernest Energy is providing the solution with solar panels and batteries providing reliable, independent energy.” These solutions are helping farms take control of their power, cut operating costs, and build resilience for the future, he said. NES will meet the conditions of the SDC resource consent, considering the needs of the Makarewa community. The preliminary works will be the planting of trees to minimise the visual aspect of the solar farm prior to Christmas. Site works will begin early next year and are expected to take several months. The site will continue to be used for grazing sheep, meaning there is still an agricultural output making the land dual purpose. It would create economic opportunities for the region, opening up a pipeline of work both through the construction process and once it was operational. “We’re committed to working with local contractors and employing local workers wherever possible, supporting regional economic growth and development,” Dr Cooper said. The project, when announced in April, was welcomed by city and regional leaders who said it would create opportunities by supporting renewable energy, bolstering investment confidence in the region, and ultimately helping the region thrive. The project also aligns with the region’s wider transition into low-emission, future-focused industries. Ernest Energy was also using the solar farm as a platform to create awareness about renewable energy technologies within the community. Dr Cooper will be a guest speaker at Great South’s (Solar) Powering Southland event at ILT Stadium Southland on 29 October. Earlier in the year, he was a guest presenter at Thriving Southland’s 2025 Southern AgriTech and Innovation Day, speaking about Solar Opportunities for Southern Farms. “We really enjoy talking to people about the benefits solar power can bring to southern farms and businesses,” Dr Cooper said. NES has also partnered with South Alive, the community-led organisation in South Invercargill, to implement a solar energy solution that supported their long-term sustainability goals, designing and installing a 66-kilowatt solar system.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are currently expected today. Heavy rain is expected Friday night that may require a precautionary closure for increased avalanche hazard. Further update at 7.30amWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, clearing by PM Tomorrow: Showers turning to rain overnight Saturday: Showers Sunday: Mainly fine Monday: Rain

The Minister for the Environment has granted the Gore District Council's request for extra time to sort out its plan for the district.The proposed district plan sets rules that shape how and where Gore grows and develops, and what environmental protections are needed.It was due by late August.But in July, the council sought an extension, saying it was taking longer than expected because of the volume and complexity of submissions with more than 130 received.At the time, the council said that was exacerbated by multiple requests to pause or change the hearing timetables, legislative changes, delays in getting critical information including flood hazard mapping, and a nearly four month delay in starting hearings.Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds has granted an extension until the end of January.Council chief executive Debbie Lascelles welcomed the extension, saying it was an opportunity to complete the process thoroughly."We've had strong community engagement so far, and we want to make sure we honour that by delivering a plan that's both forward-thinking and grounded in local values," she said.It has been more than two years since the proposed district plan was notified.The current district plan came into force in 2006.Published by Permission

A major predator control operation on Rakiura/Stewart Island - involving the controversial 1080 poison - has hopefully delivered a boost to one of New Zealand’s most critically endangered birds, the pukunui (southern New Zealand dotterel), just in time for the spring breeding season.The Department of Conservation (DOC) has confirmed that an aerial 1080 drop carried out in August has successfully cleared feral cats and possums from a 40,000-hectare area encompassing vital pukunui breeding grounds in the Tin Range and surrounding forest.Initial monitoring results show that predator numbers have been reduced to undetectable levels for at least three weeks following the operation.DOC Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming said this spring would mark the first time in recent memory we’re entering a breeding season filled with cautious hope and optimism,”“Feral cats are the number one predator of pukunui. Every year, despite trapping, hunting and other ground-based measures, pukunui numbers were sliding closer to extinction.”With only 105 birds remaining, the species is still at risk, but Fleming says the operation has given them a fighting chance.“Clearing out feral cats across this important habitat will help improve the odds of survival and population growth for these ‘under-birds’,” he said.DOC deployed over 300 trail cameras to monitor predator activity before and after the operation.More than 400,000 images have already been analysed, revealing a dramatic drop in feral cat and possum presence.“Prior to the operation, feral cats and possums were widespread in the 40,000-hectare operational area. Following it, we’ve had no detections for at least three weeks,” Fleming said.However, he cautioned that reinvasion is inevitable.“Our cameras have picked up plenty of feral cats roaming outside of the control zone.""Over time, they will reinvade.""Our camera network will monitor this, and we’ll see if the operation covered enough ground to enable a successful breeding season.”DOC rangers are also maintaining an extensive trapping network to bolster protection efforts.Encouragingly, the operation has had no negative impact on the local kiwi population, as expected.The predator control initiative was led by DOC with support from Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), which also conducted a rat eradication trial across 6,500 hectares within the pukunui habitat.That trial aims to inform the broader Predator Free Rakiura project.New Zealand’s most critically endangered pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel. Photo: Glenda ReesTrail cameras are being used to assess the rat trial, with around 1.5 million images still to be processed—most by eye—to identify and differentiate between three rat species.Meanwhile, DOC rangers have begun surveying for pukunui nests across multiple breeding sites. So far, at least seven nests have been found.“Counting nests and eggs when there is a real chance they might survive through to adulthood is naturing at its very best,” Fleming said.“We’re thrilled to be starting this breeding season on such a positive note.”Nest surveying will continue through December, with more eggs—and hopefully chicks—expected.The Pukunui Recovery Project aims to rebuild the population from 105 to at least 300 by 2035.

A panel of independent commissioners has granted a 20-year resource consent for the managed opening of Southland’s Waituna Lagoon to the sea, a move hailed by environmental and iwi groups as a major step toward restoring the ecological and cultural health of the treasured wetland.The joint application—lodged by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Te Rūnanga o Awarua, and Environment Southland—sets out a long-term regime for lagoon openings based on environmental triggers such as water levels, biosecurity, and fish passage.Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell welcomed the decision, saying it “reflected years of collaboration and a shared commitment to restoring Waituna.”“The lagoon levels have been high recently and that has caused some concern amongst the community,” Horrell said.“This decision is timely and means there is certainty for how the applicants, alongside the community, move forward to care for the lagoon.”Te Rūnaka o Awarua Kaiwhakahaere Pania Coote called the decision “a meaningful step forward in a shared journey of restoration and protection.”“As mana whenua, Te Rūnaka o Awarua holds deep cultural and ancestral connections to this taonga,” she said.“We are proud to stand alongside our partners in securing a long-term, collaborative approach to its care.”DOC Murihiku Operations Manager John McCarroll said the consent “will bring certainty to the co-applicants, stakeholders and community for the next 20 years.”However not everyone is celebrating.Federated Farmers Southland executive member Maarten Van Rossum said the local community is “bitterly disappointed” with the ruling, which imposes tighter restrictions on when the lagoon can be opened to relieve flooding.“The applicants have been granted pretty much everything they asked for,” Van Rossum said.“Meanwhile, the arguments of the local community—the people who’ll have to live with more severe flooding and compromised catchment drainage—have been completely ignored.”He said farmers and residents have long supported the lagoon’s health but sought a balanced approach that also addressed flood protection and land drainage.“They put a lot of hours and effort into the hearings process, but it seems like we were wasting our time,” he said.Historically, the community-driven Lake Waituna Control Association has opened the lagoon to the sea during high rainfall events, with recent consents allowing openings at 2.2 metres.Under the new consent, the lagoon must reach 2.3 metres for three days in winter or 2.4 metres in summer before an opening is permitted—thresholds that will rise to 2.5 metres over time.“Landowners could reluctantly live with the 2.3m trigger but not the 2.4m mark,” Van Rossum said, warning that flooding at 2.5 metres would be “significant.”A community meeting is planned for next week to discuss the 113-page decision and consider a potential appeal.“There’s a lot of anger and disappointment, but we need time to absorb the decision and decide next steps,” Van Rossum said.Waituna Lagoon, part of the internationally recognised Awarua-Waituna wetland complex, is home to diverse native wildlife and holds deep cultural significance for Ngāi Tahu. It is also a popular site for trout fishing and recreation.The current application was publicly notified in August 2024 and attracted 51 submissions, of which 19 presented to the deciding panel.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are currently expected through to Friday based on the current forecast. The next weather system arrives from Friday evening and that may require an overnight closure. Further update tomorrow.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain Tomorrow: Showers then clearing Friday: Showers then rain Saturday: Rain, heavy falls possible in AM Sunday: Clearing

It may be a bittersweet ending to what has been more than 80 years of heartbreak for one Southland family, but they’re pleased that the partial remains of young Otautau World War II Air Force gunner Henry Pullar, unearthed in 2019, have finally been laid to rest in Germany.Just 25, Sergeant Henry Pullar (‘Mick’) was the eldest of the crew of seven on a bomber shot down over Germany in 1942.Part of the 75th NZ Bomber Squadron attached to the British Royal Air Force, the young men were on a mission to bomb an explosives factory that manufactured parts for the Luftwaffe.‘Uncle Mick’ – Sergeant Henry Pullar, left rear, 25, with the other members of the bomber crew who were shot down in Germany in 1942, including fellow Kiwis Sergeant Christopher Kendal, front left, and Sergeant Mervyn Clark, front right. Photo: SuppliedThe plane exploded into a fireball, plummeting into the ground tail first just outside Vechta - its rear, where Mick was positioned, laden with bombs.His partial remains were discovered with parts of the aircraft during an earthmoving job for a development in Vechta, Germany, in 2019, starting what became a long process for the family to confirm the young farmer’s identity using DNA testing.It’s thought the tail had burrowed some 4m into the ground where clothing and remains were found.Mick’s remains were finally interred with his memorial headstone by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, along with the rest of the crew, about six weeks ago in late August.His niece Pam Compton, formerly of Otautau now Queensland, says it was hugely satisfying for the family to finally have that closure.The family couldn’t be there for the interment, but the German recovery team had been extremely helpful throughout the archeological process, she says.Ex-Southlander Pam Compton, right, now of Queensland, with her Arrowtown sister Adrienne Chalmers on a visit to the Wakatipu. Photo: Supplied“Oliver Krebs, the forensic anthropologist, has been absolutely amazing and kept in touch the whole time. He’s become like an honorary cousin,” she says.Due to the delays caused by Covid Uncle Mick had been “sitting in a box” in a Hamburg laboratory so it was very satisfying to know he was now buried with the others, she says.“It would’ve been hugely moving to be there, for the other families too, but they can’t give that sort of access.“I’m very grateful and happy to have him found and now buried and to be able to get this done for my parents’ sake,” she says.“I’m also so very proud of him and love that our sons, nieces and nephews now know his story and are a part of it.""His medals will be proudly worn by our sons – one ex-Australian Army, on Anzac Day – ‘unknown uncle has become a family legend’,” she says.“All the people involved overseas, particularly the Germans, have been extraordinarily kind and helpful, and along with the CWGC, showed great respect and dignity.”Pam had begun researching the crash in 2016.The pilot had been thrown from the plane, items found on him helping the British RAF identify the crew.Sergeant Henry Pullar, in his RNZAF uniform during the war days. Photo: SuppliedAll were laid to rest in a communal grave with headstones – the pilot in his own grave, at Rheinberg War Cemetery in 1950, after the crew were initially buried by locals in Vechta in 1942.The discovery and confirmation of Mick’s bones came as an incredible surprise to Pam and her six siblings, all born and raised in Southland.“They originally found the plane and were contacting families of the crew members, then they found the human remains,” she says.“There wasn’t much push from the British Ministry of Defence but we said we wanted to know who it was.""Oliver Krebs liaised with them to get DNA testing for most members of our family.”When confirmation came that it was indeed their late mother, Olive Skegg’s (nee Pullar) brother – ‘Uncle Mick’, it was “incredible”, Pam says.“It was like we’d found him after all this time. We claimed him. It was like we knew him,” she says, the family all growing up around the tragic legend of ‘Uncle Mick’ who never returned from the war.“Mum never talked about him as it was too sad, but his photo was always there,” she says.A relative in Australia, who was on an ancestry website, had let a family member know that an archeology recovery group was trying to find their father, Errol Skeggs, who had passed on.The carefully decorated box carrying Sergeant Henry (‘Mick’) Pullar’s remains, featuring the 75th Squadron’s motto, a photo of him and fellow crew members, and his hometown, Otautau, to his final resting place at Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany. Photo: Supplied“I said we were happy to help, and they kept us updated throughout the whole archeology process,” she says.Her sister, Adrienne Chalmers (nee Skeggs), of Arrowtown, says the discovery was “a deeply moving time” and it was all thanks to Pam for persisting with the authorities that their uncle had been identified.Their grandfather, Otautau farmer Henry Pullar (Snr), had returned from the trenches of World War I in 1917 to a young Mick, and his wife, who died in 1926 of cancer, aged 35, leaving him by then with three young children.Grandfather Henry’s younger brother was killed in his second day of action in WWI, his commemorative medal treasured in their grandmother’s jewellery box, passed down to their mother.“Then about 25 years after returning from WWI son Mick is shot down and killed in Germany.""So much heartache for their family,” Adrienne says.The British RAF did a full investigation report into the crash in 1946.“Some small towns and families in Southland lost two generations within those 25 or so years,” Adrienne says.“Mum was in the Air Force; Dad was in the Army. We grew up under the shadow of war.”Otautau’s ‘Mick’ Pullar. Photo: SuppliedTheir uncle had worked on the family farm in Otautau before enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in March 1941, aged 23.He’d begun training in Levin, then joined the Empire Air Training Scheme in Canada.“Pam did so much work on this research too over the years.""It’s all credit to her, but we’re just so thankful the family has this closure now that his remains have finally been interred,” Adrienne says.Her youngest son, Hadley, 29, a Queenstown lawyer, London lawyer at the time, made the trip to Rheinberg Cemetery in Hamburg in May, back before the interment, to pay his respects to Uncle Mick, searching out his headstone with a mate.“I thought it was important to make the flight and represent the family being so close,” Hadley says.“There were just thousands of names, and they were all just boys, younger than me.""That was what really stuck with me,” he says.“Grandma never talked about him.""We knew who he was, but he was just a picture on the wall."To know he was going to be laid there was important,” he says.“It was very emotional, surprisingly emotional. It stuck with you….so many of them, so far from home.“They finally found him after all this time.”Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Fiordland's Climbing wall was a buzz on Saturday (11 Oct) with nearly 60 climbers attending the Otago/Southland Secondary Schools Climbing competition.This one was the biggest champs yet with students from James Hargest College in Invercargill, Queenstown’s Wakatipu High School, Lumsden’s Northern Southland College, Dunedin’s Otago Girls and Te Anau’s Fiordland College.There was no hometown advantage in this competition as, in the week leading up to the competition, the wall was completely stripped and new climbs were created.Thanks to some funding, FEAR Society was able to employ some experts - who put in some very long days - to set the wall up for an amazing competition. FEAR Society and the Fiordland Climbing wall's Andy Magness praised the finished product and the team that had created it.“[A] Huge thanks to the legendary Jon Seddon, the uber talented Nat Warburton and Oscar Wolff, and Dunedin Climbing's Tim Bartholomew for the top-notch setting."Action aplenty at last weekend's Otago/Southland Secondary Schools Climbing competition at the Fiordland Climbing Wall in Te Anau. Photo: Jeanna Rodgers"These young climbers are going to be challenged by some excellent routes, that's for sure,” Magness said.A big variety of climbers from each of the five schools attended with some real beginners and others who’ve been climbing since they could walk.The wall was divided into three sections for the day - Overhang, Slab and Bouldering.Students completed 10 routes over the day, gaining points for how far they climbed.One student, Josh Parkinson, Year 13 from Fiordland College, ended the competition with full points, managing to complete every route.Senior Girl winner, Alisa Schenk, Year 12 from Wakatipu High School (WHS) also had a good day, gaining 189 points out of the possible 200.Photo: Jeanna RodgersAs this is a Secondary Schools Competition, this is aimed at Year 9 to 13 but both Fiordland and Northern Southland Colleges have been climbing regularly and brought along several year 7 and 8 students as well and they certainly showed their skills!Fergus Oyston, Year 7 from Fiordland College was impressive on the wall and gained 122 points coming away with a well-earned Silver medal.In the past this has been attended by mostly Southland students but it was fantastic to have Otago Girls join in this year and the girls enjoyed the challenge of the day and said they would definitely be keen to come next year.Several parents watching praised the organisers and the volunteers who helped to run the event, saying how impressed they were to see the older and more experienced climbers encouraging and supporting the younger climbers.Manager of the Wakatipu High School climbing team, Janet Briscoe, said WHS had fielded a record number of 20 WHS climbers, from relatively new to national level."Every student approached the wall in their own way - challenging themselves while supporting one another.""It was a day that was about positive attitudes, participation, support, and friendly competition.""Big thanks to the FEAR team for their dedication in creating such an inclusive and well-run event,” Briscoe said.Fiordland College Teacher and climbing coach, Vaughn Filmer, said he was pleased to have had so many climbers during the day and hoped that this event would encourage even more to climb in the future.Competition ResultsSenior Boys winners. Photo: Jeanna RodgersSenior Boys year 11-13Josh Parkinson Yr13 - Fiordland CollegeRiley Bootsma Yr 13 - James Hargest College Dylan Lelievre Yr 11 - Wakatipu High SchoolSenior Girls winners. Photo: Jeanna RodgersSenior GirlsAlisa Schenk Yr12 - Wakatipu High SchoolJemima Hoskin Yr11 - Fiordland CollegeSofia Sharpe Yr 11 - Wakatipu High SchoolJunior Boys winners. Photo: Jeanna RodgersJunior Boys year 7-10Tommy Carlson Yr 9 - Wakatipu High SchoolFergus Oysten Yr7 - Fiordland CollegeFinlay Jones Yr10 - Northern Southland CollegeJunior Girls winners. Photo: Jeanna RodgersJunior GirlsSophia Oats Yr 10 - Otago Girls High School Piper Hoskin Yr 9 - Fiordland CollegeAbbey Jiwan Yr 8 - Northern Southland College

Here at Mataura School we started the term off with a splash! Our students spent the first week of term improving their swimming skills, this is an activity we do twice a year and the kids absolutely love it.We are fortunate that we are able to take buses to Gore and have lessons with the team at the Gore Muti-sports complex and Aquatic Centre. Starting the term with a splash. Photo: Supplied.This term we are continuing our learning from last term around natural disasters. It is great to hear our kids talking about the links between different natural disasters such as earthquakes causing tsunamis or that movement in the tectonic plates effects the volcanoes. Mataura Licensing Trust, Falls Hotel, proud sponsors of Mataura School."Earthquake's are caused by tectonic plates colliding together to make a shaking motion. Tectonic plates are part of the puzzle that make up the earth's crust... In Te Ao Maori, Ruamoko is the guardian of volcanos, earthquakes, and geothermal forces of the earth. He's the youngest out of all atua maori, because he's still unborn, he's still in Papatuanuku (the earth mother). He behaves like a baby. When he gets angry he makes a big fuss and twists and turns to create earthquakes, and sometimes volcanic eruptions..." Corbin, Rūma RuruDrop, cover and hold. Photo: Supplied.To support this learning we had the team from Emergency Management Southland bring the Earthquake Simulator out for the kids to experience. In room Kererū the children have worked very hard on making model volcanos. Completion of a model volcano. Photo: Supplied.With term 4 in full swing our students are very excited for the terms activities including various camps, sports competitions, trips, the end of term bike ride from Mataura to Gore and, of course, prize giving. Make sure you check out our social media for updates on what we have been doing both in class and out and about".

A house fire that killed a Southland woman and her 11-year-old son was potentially caused by a heater setting alight bedding, a Coroner says.Kellyanne Kemble, 47, and Kelly Kerr, 11, died when fire ripped through their Manapouri home early on July 4 last year.Fire investigators found the fire on View St, was caused by an industrial heater in the boy's bedroom.There were no working smoke alarms in the house.Coroner Heather McKenzie, in findings released on Tuesday, said the temperature was very cold at the time, dropping to -0.1 degrees Celsius overnight."[The house] was known to be cold and heaters and a wood burner were often used. The door to the wood burner in the lounge was often left open to extend the heat."There was an internal storeroom used as a garage which contained flammable fuels, tools, portable gas cylinders, paint, and other combustible materials."The Coroner concluded the mother and son died of smoke inhalation.Kemble also had an underlying heart disease which would have accelerated her death, the Coroner said.Jason Hoggard, Kemble's partner, also lived at the house but was away working on a charter boat at the time.The couple usually slept in the lounge where they had their double bed.One of the two bedrooms was used to store furniture and clothing, and Kelly slept in the other bedroom.Neighbours heard explosions and yelling and saw flames coming from the home about 3.35am that morning, McKenzie said.The single-storey house was badly damaged by the fire. Photo: Southland AppThe Manapouri and Te Anau volunteer fire brigades extinguished the fire, but the home was extensively damaged."Kellyanne was found in the lounge and Kelly was found in his bedroom under the bed. It cannot be known whether Kelly was sleeping under the bed (he sometimes slept on the floor) or if he was trying to escape to escape the fire and thought this to be a safe place."A Fire and Emergency investigation found four possible causes for the fire.It was possible the heater's cable or plug overheated; there was a fault with the heater; the heater igniting bedding; or combustible materials draped or falling on the heater igniting.Radiant heat played a major role in the spread of most fires."There was no evidence of LGP gas, connections, or cyclinders being involved in the fire. There were also no signs that the fire started near the wood burner or anywhere else in the lounge (in a context where it was common for the wood burner door to be left open)," McKenzie said."The fire's spreading was helped by a north-northeast wind and ventilation factors."There was only one way out of the house as other exits were blocked, the Coroner said.She did not make any recommendations but emphasised Fire and Emergency's fire safety messaging.Fire and Emergency's website provided information about fire alarms and the safe use of heaters, including not having combustible materials close to them, the Coroner said.McKenzie was satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances.Published by Permission

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are currently expected through to Friday based on the current forecast. The next weather system arrives from Friday evening that could bring disruption. Update tomorrow.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine Tomorrow: Rain Thursday: Showers then clearing Friday: Rain, heavy falls possible Saturday: Rain, heavy at times

Good morning. Scheduled upcoming works in Southland district include:WATER SHUTDOWNS86 Milton Street, RivertonWater will be shut down on either Tuesday 14 or Wednesday 15 October 2025. This is to make a repair at 86 Milton Street, Riverton. Properties affected are 35-122 Milton Street.Please expect interruptions between 9am and 2pm. This timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. Quintin Drive, Te AnauWater will be shut down on either Tuesday 14 or Wednesday 15 October. This is to make a repair in the Quintin Drive area. Properties affected are 8 Mokoroa Street, 58 Lakefront Drive, and 4-37 Quintin Drive. Please expect interruptions between 10am and 4pm. This timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. ManapōuriWater will be shut down on Tuesday 16 October. This is to make a repair on the water reticulation network. Properties affected are all Waiau Street, Home Street, Murrell Avenue, View Street, and all Motu-au Close. Please expect interruptions between 10am and 4am. Contractors are doing the work overnight to minimise disruption and inconvenience. This timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. 129 Te Anau Milford HighwayThere will be a water shutdown for Te Anau Milford Highway on Tuesday 21 October 2025. This is to make repair on the reticulation network. This will affect 129 Te Anau Milford Highway, all Patience Bay, Murchison Avenue, and Kiwi Burn Place. Please expect interruptions between 10am and 2pm. This timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. ROAD CLOSURESMair Road, Curio BayClosing Mair Road from Waikawa Curio Bay Road to through traffic between 8am and 8pm on Monday 20 October. The work is weather dependent, and the closure duration may need to be extended. The road will be reopened overnight. The closure is to install a culvert. As this is a no-exit road no detour is available and, given the nature of the work and limited access to the road above this point, once the contractor is on site the road will remain closed until the work has been completed and the road is reinstated. Winton Open DayCouncil proposes to close Meldrum Street and Wemyss Street from Park Street to Great North Rd (State Highway 6) to all traffic from 7am until 5pm on Saturday 15 November 2025. Through traffic along Great North Rd (SH6) from Bute Street to Winton New World and Brandon Street from Park Street to Great North Road can also expect a temporary closure between the hours of 2.30pm and 3.30pm. The closure is for the Winton Open Day. A detour for light vehicles will be available via Grange Street, Park Street and Bute Street. A detour for heavy vehicles will be available via Gap Road West, Winton Substation Road and Winton Wreys Bush Highway (SH96). Any person objecting to the proposal should lodge notice at the office of Southland District Council at 15 Forth Street, Invercargill, or 2 Wemyss St, Winton, of his/her objection and grounds thereof in writing before 5pm on 7 November 2025.Waghorn Road remains closed as the Waituna lagoon bridge is still under water. It will continue to be inspected a couple of times a week. Photo: Southland District Council.STATE HIGHWAYS (Highways South)It is now road construction season. There are a lot of worksites with traffic management. Contractors appreciate your patience at these sites. Highways South work with temporary traffic lights or stop/go and temporary speed limits in the district this week (weather dependent). Highways South work with delays and temporary speed limits in the district this week:SH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Mona Bush Road, pavement repairsSH1 Main Street, Mataura, between Glencoe highway and Bridge Street, test pitsSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway between Wilson Crossing and Makarewa, surface repairsSH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, road renewal - until late NovemberSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Bayswater Road, renewal of surface water channelSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Hundred Line Road, renewal of surface water channelSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road, road renewal – until late NovemberSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Wallacetown, pavement repairsSH99 Riverton to Tuatapere, surface repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway south of Orepuki, pavement repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway south of Orepuki, renewal of surface water channel Third-party work and events with traffic management in the district this week:SH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Ladbrook Road, stop/goUseful 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. To get notifications about road closures or water shutdowns in your area, download Antenno here: https://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/home/antenno/

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are expected over the next several days based on the current forecast. Please drive with care.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain at first then clearing through the day Tomorrow: Cloudy periods Wednesday: Rain Thursday: Showers Friday: Rain

Southland Football wrapped up a successful season with its annual awards evening, honouring standout players, coaches, referees, and volunteers from across the region.Development and Operations Manager Iain Walker praised the sport’s growth, saying, “Everywhere you look in Southland football, there’s exceptional talent, dedication and a genuine love of the game.”Top individual honours went to Queens Park’s Tyler Andrews (Women’s Player of the Year) and Winton’s Miguel Ortiz (Men’s Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner with 16 goals).Gore Wanderers’ Amiera Kortbaoui matched that tally to claim the Women’s Golden Boot and Youth Player of the Year. Old Boys’ Jayden Dawson was named Men’s Youth Player of the Year.Coaching accolades went to Darryl Hands (Community Coach of the Year), Morgan Greene (Women’s Coach of the Year), and Hamish Low (Men’s Coach of the Year).Volunteer awards included Cody Kinraid (Community Volunteer), Alex Sandiford (Youth Volunteer), and Craig Campbell, who received the Muriel Mathieson Award for outstanding contribution.Other winners included Gareth Scott (Official of the Year), Douglas Ballie (Administrator of the Year), and Nikolay Shevlyakov (Referee of the Year). Winton FC was named Club of the Year.Southland Football 2025 Awards Performance and Community Awards• Official of the Year: Gareth Scott – Thistle FC• Administrator of the Year: Douglas Ballie – Thistle FC• Referee of the Year: Nikolay Shevlyakov - Referees AssociationCoach of the Year Awards• Community Coach of the Year: Darryl Hands – Southland High Performance Football Academy• Women’s Coach of the Year: Morgan Greene – Gore Wanderers AFC• Men’s Coach of the Year: Hamish Low – Old Boys AFCVolunteer of the Year Awards • Youth Volunteer of the Year: Alex Sandiford - Old Boys AFC• Community Volunteer of the Year: Cody Kinraid - Winton FC Youth Player of the Year Awards• Women’s Youth Player of the Year: Amiera Kortbaoui - Gore Wanderers AFC• Men’s Youth Player of the Year: Jayden Dawson - Old Boys AFCPlayer of the Year Awards• Women’s Player of the Year: Tyler Andrews - Queens Park AFC• Men’s Player of the Year: Miguel Ortiz - Winton FCTop Goal Scorers• Women’s Golden Boot: Amiera Kortbaoui (Gore Wanderers FC) 16 Goals• Stu Munro Trophy: Miguel Ortiz (Winton FC) 16 GoalsClub of the Year: Winton FCMuriel Mathieson Award – overall contribution to football in Southland: Craig Campbell (Referees Association)Pre-season TrophiesReserve Grade Trophy/Div 1 – Thistle FC Men’s Premier Trophy – Winton FC Women’s Trophy – Gore WanderersDivision Three League Cup – Winton FCDivision Three Knockout Cup – Thistle FCDivision Two League Cup – Te Anau FCDivision One League Cup – Thistle FCWomen’s TrophiesKolk Cup – Gore WanderersOttley Challenge Trophy - Gore Wanderers AFCChurchill Rose Bowl (for going the furthest in Chatham Cup or Kate Sheppard Cup) Queens Park Men SPL (Level One)Premier Men’s TrophiesDonald Gray Memorial Cup – Winton FCGeorge Te Au Cup (runner up in Donald Gray) – Southern Steel Windows Old Boys AFCLarry O’Rorke Challenge Trophy – Southern Steel Windows Old Boys AFCEnd of Season CupsEdinburgh Trophy – BalcluthaSBS Bank Knockout Cup – IHire Thistle FCSBS Bank Super Cup - IHire Thistle FCCharity Cup – Old Boys AFCMen’s Super Cup – Old Boys AFC