Another IT outage has struck southern hospitals, impacting access to patient health records for several hours on Wednesday.It was the latest in a series of outages that have impacted hospitals on both islands this month including South Island clinicians losing access to patient records that tracked medication and lab results for more than 12 hours last week.Health New Zealand (HNZ) said the latest outage impacted the hospital administration system across the South Island from early in the morning until it was restored before 9.30am, but patient care continued safely throughout.A HNZ employee, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said the most recent outage meant they could not access real-time data as they were left with paper forms.They were frustrated as they had been left in the dark about what happened, and no one seemed to follow up to find out how staff and patients were impacted or the clinical risk, they said.The outage alert, which RNZ has seen, told clinicians to use "offline downtime forms" as the South Island's patient care system was experiencing issues site wide with users facing error messages and delays.It was being treated as a high priority and was impacting applications including whiteboards and MedChart, the alert said.HNZ Te Waipounamu regional digital director Kirsty Martin said the outage was not related to previous outages or a cybersecurity incident."The system holds a record of the patient journey through the hospital and passes information to downstream applications such as Health Connect South, which were temporarily impacted," she said."Normal business continuity plans were enacted during the incident, which included manual processes to keep services running safely, while digital staff worked with vendors to fix the issue."HNZ was undergoing a debrief to identify the cause, the extent of the outage and potential ways to improve its systems, she said.Published by Permission

Plans to showcase F-22 Raptor fighter jets at Warbirds Over Wānaka have drawn condemnation from a former Doctors Without Borders worker, who says the display legitimises US military force and weapons used to kill civilians.Two Lockheed Martin aircraft will take part in the Easter show, flown by a United States Air Force demonstration team.Grant Kitto said a strike from a US Air Force gunship - also built by Lockheed Martin - killed his colleagues in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in 2015, at a Doctors Without Borders hospital.Forty-two deaths were reported, including 14 staff, in what the US Air Force later conceded to be a mistake."US forces fired 211 shells into the hospital," he said. "There were 105 patients in the hospital, 140 international and national staff, 80 were on duty - and the attacks took place despite the fact that the MSF [Doctors Without Borders] had provided GPS co-ordinates multiple times to the US Department of Defence and local forces.".The F-22 Raptors were widely considered the most lethal fighter jets ever built and putting them on show in New Zealand was not appropriate, Kitto said."Admittedly, they're amazing bits of kit, but they're amazing for the wrong reasons," he said. "It's not appropriate, in this day and age."It's emboldening and it's endorsing, and it's encouraging the US forces."Co-director of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago, Richard Jackson, said there was a difference between historic aircraft involved in conflicts "decades ago" and weapons of war still having an impact internationally."It seems odd that - at the moment when the United States is engaging in tremendous international aggression, attacking different countries, intervening in Venezuela to take oil, threatening to take Greenland, supporting Israel's genocide [a description used by some international observers, but contested by the Israeli government], and so on and so forth - we would invite people from that military to come to New Zealand and display their military wares in a way that kind of celebrates the technological prowess that they have in this area," he said.Lockheed Martin had been accused of violating human rights and causing a great deal of harm to civilians, Jackson said.The company did not respond to RNZ's requests for comment, but said on its website that a respect for human rights was at the heart of its work."We do have to ask questions around are we encouraging, are we accepting, are we signaling our agreement with the way in which these weapons are used?" Jackson said."Are we glorifying them to some degree, admiring them in certain respects, without acknowledging the serious harm that they cause in many parts of the world and the misuse to which they're often put?"Bringing two fighter jets to New Zealand also came with an immense environmental toll, he said."There are huge environmental implications of this. These machines are responsible for huge amounts of carbon emissions and, at a moment when we're beginning to really face the climate crisis, I mean, is it environmentally responsible to be engaging in these sorts of activities?"Taking concerns to supportersKitto said he had written to supporters of the show to share his concerns. One of them was Christchurch Airport, which will serve as the base for the F-22 Raptors during the event.An airport spokesperson told RNZ its role was "simply providing operational support to a flagship South Island event enjoyed by 65,000 people that injects over $40 million into the local economy"."In doing so, we are not endorsing any political position," they said.Kitto also contacted Queenstown Lakes District Council, which was one of the principal sponsors of Warbirds Over Wānaka.Mayor John Glover wrote back, noting that the decision to provide the event with $25,000 was "specifically to support a waste contractor to reduce some of the environmental impacts"."That decision was made by a panel that included elected members and it is worth noting that, at the time of the application, the F22s and Lockheed Martin weren't in the mix," he said.However, Glover agreed to meet with organisers that week to discuss the concerns."The success of the Warbirds event demonstrates its broad appeal and many would say it is not an endorsement of militarism per se, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be open to listening to other points of view or recognise that, at some point, geopolitical actions may impact social licence," he wrote to Kitto."A key question for this event is how to balance a celebration of aviation, its history and a commemoration of those who have served in conflicts against the danger that the harsh realities of war are minimised or potentially morphed into a thrill-seeking experience that normalises war."Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward councillor Niki Gladding said being contacted by Kitto about the F-22 Raptors had shifted her perspective on Warbirds Over Wānaka."If we weren't in the times that we were in, I don't think I'd be thinking about it the same way, but given what's going on in the States and the aggression, and the new kind of geopolitical context, it made me think about it in a different way," she said.Organisers respondWarbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow general manager Ed Taylor said the F-22 Raptor was not the first modern-day fighter jet to go on show.He said a Royal Australian Air Force F-111 and F/A-18, and a United States Air Force F-16 had featured at previous events."We also showcase advances in aviation technology through our Future of Aviation exhibition, and have exhibitors promoting aviation-related careers in both the military and civilian sectors," he said.In response to concerns about the environmental toll of the F-22 fighter jets, he told RNZ that Warbirds Over Wānaka was committed to sustainability, in part by reducing waste at the show, and encouraging public and active transport options for attendees."We also contribute to local organisations working on environmental and educational projects, such as local waterway planting projects," he said.In a statement, Staff Sergeant Michael Bowman, public affairs officer for the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, said Warbirds Over Wānaka would mark the first time the F-22 had been on the ground in New Zealand.The demonstration team performed at more than 20 air shows and special events around the world each year, he said.Responding to concerns raised by Kitto and Jackson, Bowman said the demonstration team offered the public an opportunity to experience combat capabilities up close and to witness the skill and precision of US Air Force personnel."In addition to participating in aerial demonstrations, the F-22 Demo Team visits local schools and hospitals and participates in various community events to increase community awareness and understanding of the U.S. Air Force's mission," he said."Our maintainers and pilots are dedicated to bringing the excitement of aviation to crowds around the globe in an effort to inspire spectators to follow their passions, just as we have."Government sign-off requiredAircraft of national air forces visiting New Zealand are subject to a diplomatic clearance process set out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The prime minister is also required to approve the visit under the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act.The ministry said that included F-22 Raptors, which would be regarded as state or military aircraft - but no requests had been lodged so far for the Warbirds Over Wānaka show."The ministry has not received a diplomatic clearance request from the United States for a visit by a United States Air Force F-22 Raptor."Published by permission

Four female shearers have established a new world record, shearing 1938 lambs in eight hours in a South Otago woolshed.Rose Lewis, Ariana 'Missy' Te Whata, Te Atakura Crawford and Pagan Rimene set the four-stand women's eight-hours strongwool lamb record on Tuesday at Melrose Station, near Owaka.No previous record existed for the category, which is recognised by the World Sheep Shearing Records Society.Crawford from Gisborne, who beat an otherwise all-male field to win the 2013 NZ merino shears senior title, topped the tallies with 530, averaging 54.34 seconds a lamb, caught, shorn and through the porthole.Te Whata - who grew-up in Mossburn, Southland, and is the niece of two world recordholders - was credited with 504, while master woolhandler and 2019 world teams woolhandling champion Pagan Rimene of Alexandra shore 481.The remaining 423 were accredited to Lewis from Manutuke, on the East Coast, who now lives in Dubbo, New South Wales, where she works shearing merino sheep.A fifth-generation shearer, she took up the sport six years ago at the age of 35, after working as a 'rousey' or woolhandler.The record attempt required serious training and Lewis was hospitalised with a condition called RCVS (Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome) five months ago, which meant she had to ease back on her training schedule, but she didn't let it stop her from competing.While she initially found it hard to find her rhythm on the cold Otago morning, she found her stride, and said it was overwhelming and exciting to be part of the recordsetting team."My father and his three brothers are in the world record book, so it was cool to be the first Lewis female to get in there and make my family proud."Rose Lewis was hospitalised five months ago, but returned to participate in the record attempt. Photo: Supplied/Rose LewisWhile it took some time to become a shearer, she said she now couldn't imagine doing anything else."It's a great job, great industry, you can go in so many different places."She hopes to set more records, including in Australia."I've got some pretty big goals on the world record stage, so setting one and with the team was definitely a cool start - you're not going into it alone."Referee Neil Fagan said more women were getting into shearing and the new record would give those entering the sport something to aim for."It's just great to see those four girls getting out there and setting [a record], inspiring another four girls to have a go one day."They've got a target to beat now, which is not an easy target, but it's something for them to aspire to."The event was the first of two multi-stand shearing record attempts in the southern regions this summer.On 31 January, Shane Ratima, Paerata Abraham and Leon Samuels will tackle the three-stand, eight-hours strongwool lambs record at Waihelo Station, Moa Flat, in west Otago.The current record of 1976 was set by Coel L'Huillier, Kaleb Foote and Daniel Langlands in 2019 at Puketiti Station, near Piopio.Published by permission

A new $13.6m industrial subdivision planned for the outskirts of Gore has just had a kick-start, with the government announcing yesterday (21 Jan) the project would be granted a $3.1m loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).The 43-hectare development is a 50/50 partnership between Ngāi Tahu iwi authority Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited and will be located on farmland next to State Highway 1.It is expected to create up to 50 jobs during construction and attract industries such as fertiliser distribution, farm equipment services, warehousing, and retail.Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson said the loan would tackle the critical shortage of large industrial lots in the Gore District, while also supporting the long-term prosperity for both partners and the wider Eastern Southland community.“Importantly, this development will provide Hokonui Rūnanga with a sustainable income stream through long-term leases, enabling it to fund vital health and social services for the community,”Patterson said the loan would help tackle a critical shortage of prime industrial land in the Gore District, which he estimates will ultimately need an additional 100 hectares to meet future growth."Southland already delivers 12 per cent of New Zealand’s pastoral exports with just two per cent of the population. This investment will help ensure the region’s economy continues to thrive,” Patterson said.Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, following rezoning and consents.The development marks the first stage of Hokonui Rūnanga’s 90-hectare master plan, with future stages set to include marae relocation, papakāinga housing, and a potential childcare facility.

A Southland town has overcome years of disagreement over people's privacy and public costs to proceed with new surveillance cameras.Winton is one of several spots grappling with whether and how to roll out new, more powerful cameras that police or volunteers monitor to combat crime.Police in the town say they are "elated" and the local business association call it a "massive relief"."The community has just thrown their hands in the air and said, 'Oh, when is this ever going to happen?'," said association president Daphne Fairbairn. "Commonsense has prevailed, thank goodness."The camera upgrade became a flashpoint for locals against a backdrop of community board ructions, including the ousting of the chair in 2024.Cattery owner Dave Diack was on the previous Oreti Community Board that twice vetoed an upgrade, despite overwhelming local backing - but said it was with good reason."The cameras were never declined in the sense that we voted, 'No, we don't want the cameras'," Diack said. "All we wanted was to have the proper privacy arrangements in place for people and to get some certainty around costs."They received some of that certainty with more info from a working group about a year ago, but in the run-up to the local body elections, they were still waiting for the old data protection rules around the old cameras to be overhauled.'Singing from the rooftops'Now, there is a new letter of agreement on privacy between the council and police, a newly-elected board and solid backing for a $65,000 upgrade plan that goes to Southland District Council for sign-off next week.The $65,000 covers four replacement cameras, and installation of a fifth in a new spot overlooking the playground and skate park."Put it this way, if I was on that board now and we had got it over the line, I would be out there singing from the rooftops that we probably would have the most comprehensive agreement with the ... regional police regarding the use of the CCTV cameras," said DiackBoard chair Margie Ruddenklau was sure it ticked all the boxes and did a favour for other towns looking at installing CCTV."Yes I think so, absolutely," she said. "There was a lot of work that went in behind it."It was a complete update of the agreement... in regard to the information that the CCTV cameras provide around privacy."Last month, the public was excluded from the community board meeting that discussed the plan and will be excluded again next week at the district council for commercial reasons.Diack hoped this did not signal any walking back on privacy or uptick in costs."I'm hopeful that the town has got an acceptable outcome, not only in terms of price... but also in terms of acknowledging that privacy is an issue", although he would wait to see the details.'Police are elated'Police Senior Sergeant Peter Graham began the push for new cameras in 2023."Police are elated the Winton community board have renewed CCTV public safety cameras," Graham told RNZ.The existing cameras had been "invaluable" for deterring and resolving crime, but were at the end of their life."I applaud the hard work of those who fought for the cameras and the current community board's decision to make their community safer."Although the former community board ran out of time to fully green-light the upgrade, in November, the district council felt confident enough to put out a tender.Fairbairn said the community would benefit hugely from the new cameras to deter and prosecute crime, including petty stuff.The upgrade had become too political and the previous community board was "overly cautious"."They've used it for all sorts of reasons and played around with the issue for far too long," Fairbairn said.Another problem was that the privacy protection agreement was not kept up to date with all the new tech coming on, she added.Security camera projects around the country have taken different approaches, but often hit problems.In Featherston, a community patrol group received grants to install cameras, but was now struggling with the ongoing fees from a security firm to monitor them.On the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland, a patrol group [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/580464/cameras-used-by-police-after-killings-but-who-covers-the-cost pulled out over cost complications], although the work is going aheadHorowhenua holds itself up as a model of what is affordable. A local trust has volunteers who monitor cameras - including some new ones for spotting number plates - from a room at Levin police station.Co-ordinator Ted Melton said Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers were in the room after a thousand boy racers and 200 cars descended on the town last King's Birthday, pelting officers with rocks and bottles.The Horowhenua Community Camera Trust gave nine hours of footage to police, which the district council called "crucial".Fairbairn said Winton businesses were OK with camera costs impacting rates."It's better to be safe."Funding was available to the upgrade three years ago, but costs had risen since.Published by Permission

The return of the Kingston Flyer and the iconic ‘Antlers Up’ featured on day four of the SBS Bank Tour of Southland as defending champion Josh Burnett climbed his way into the orange jersey.Burnett has made the stage from Mossburn to the Remarkables, near Queenstown, his own since winning his debut tour in 2022.The PowerNet rider made it three stage wins from three attempts today as he and Matthew Wilson (Advanced Personnel Cycling Team) stomped their way up the 6km ascent of the ski field access road.Cyclilsts making their way past Lake Wakatipu. Photo: Supplied.Burnett rolled around Wilson in the final meters after a slow motion sprint, but with enough time to throw the Anters Up sign made famous by his favourite rugby team, the Southland Stags.Earlier in the day, Alex Heaney (Pista Corsa-Spoken Cycles.co.nz) and Craig Oliver (Central Benchmakers-Willbike) were able to finally make a break stick after multiple attempts by would-be protagonists.As they worked hard around beautiful Lake Wakatipu and their advantage grew to more than three minutes, tremors of nervousness went through the peloton.A crash on the Falrlight straight, one of several this year, and the strongest cross-headwind this week, made life tough for all the riders. The climb saw a significant shake up of most of the race’s classifications.Burnett has a 15sec lead over Wilson, while Ben Dyball (Macaulay Ford-Good Tech Team) also produced a great climb to claim third place on the stage, along with third overall and the lead in the over 35 classification.Macaulay Ford-Good Team Team lead the team’s classification, with Noah Hollamby (Onya Bike) the leading under 23 rider in fifth place overall, James Gardner (Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project) leading the Sprint Ace standings and William Heffernan holding a one point lead in the King of the Mountain classification.Defending champion Josh Burnett outlasted Matthew Wilson on the climb to win this stage for the third time in a row. Photo: Supplied.“I just want to take my hat off to my team today,” Burnett said.“The expectation is on us to control and they did a fantastic job. Hagrid (Josh Haggerty), Ben (Airey) and Tom (Stephenson) took over quite early. Craig and Heaney built up quite a nice wee gap. Kiaan (Watts) hit the front and managed to pull back one minute really fast, which shows his class and his selflessness to do that for me while he was in the (orange) jersey.”It was PowerNet’s second stage win in succession, another strong result despite losing Ollie Jones to a serious crash on Tuesday. Jones was back in the team van for the Queenstown stage, albeit with a fractured wrist, elbow and hip.“I’m stoked that I could finish it off for them,” Burnett said.“Matt was super strong today, he did most of the work today. When we got to the bottom we had a pretty big gap and I was on the ropes for a little bit, but after that I felt quite controlled and approaching the top I was pretty sure I’d be able to come around.”Tour of Southland. Photo: Supplied.Oliver had tried to jump away from Heaney early in the climb and steal a march on the peloton before being overtaken, but he was rewarded for his hard mahi with the Most Combative jersey.“I knew going up the climb that I’d just put in my best effort after a hard day in the legs, and it wasn’t quite enough. I enjoy racing my bike hard and making a good race of it. I was glad to get a tiny bit of leash, even if it was a tight one today.”The other feature of stage four was the return of the historic Kingston Flyer, with the big, beloved steam train racing the riders along the Fairlight straight for the first time since 2008.The climb to win this stage. Photo: Supplied.PowerNet will be tasked with another hard day of keeping things on track in stage five, a lengthy 166km stage from Invercargill to Lumsden.The leader’s orange jersey has changed hands after every stage this week so far, including stints with Southlanders Marshall Erwood and Tom Sexton.“Marshall and Tom have had it over me this week, so it’s pretty cool to get a third Southlander in the orange jersey,” Burnett said.“To have all that support out on the roads and so many friends and family, it’s been super special and hopefully it’s more of the same for the next few days.”

Highly regarded Australian netball coach Jess Whitfort is set to add a wealth of experience to the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel this season.Whitfort, from Queensland, arrives in Invercargill today to link up with head coach Wendy Frew, creating a formidable pairing to steer the franchise’s 2026 ANZ Premiership campaign.“I’m most excited about working with Wendy - a legend of the club and an outstanding coach. She’s got a strong vision for the future of Steel, and the opportunity to be part of that and help drive what’s next really drew me in,” she said.“I can’t wait to get started with Wendy and the crew, get into the work early, and help build a big 2026 campaign — day by day, week by week.“It’s a big move, but it’s an opportunity I’m ready for. I’m looking forward to settling into Invercargill, connecting with the Steel community, and being all-in for the season.”With over 20 years’ experience in the high performance environment, Whitfort’s strengths include driving athlete progression, tactical innovation and fostering team success.“I’m aiming to bring strong technical and tactical expertise, plus my experience from Australia developing ‘thinking’ athletes – players who are highly skilled, composed under pressure, and able to read and solve the game in real time,” she said.A national selector and specialist pathway coach for Netball Australia since 2023, her impressive resume features several key appointments, including head coach of the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy for the past two years and coach of Australian Netball League 2019 premiers Victoria Fury.Testament to her coaching prowess, Whitfort was pathway lead of Swimming Australia’s high performance programme in 2022, managing the Junior Dolphins, Australia A and Australian Dolphins international and domestic campaigns.Professional development has included immersion with the Australian Diamonds during the Constellation Cup in 2024 and 2025 and a range of Australian Institute of Sport programmes.Frew described Whitfort’s recruitment as “a real coup”.“Jess brings a wealth of experience across all formats of the game. As I move into my second year in a coaching role, her knowledge and support will be incredibly valuable,” she said. “I’m very grateful for the sacrifices she is making to join our Steel family. Moving away from loved ones is a big ask and I have a lot of respect for her because of that. Even in the short time we’ve known each other, it’s clear we share the same values, work ethic and principles.”Steel’s pre-season campaign kicks off on Monday with the full squad set to assemble in Invercargill.The 2026 Steel roster comprises shooters Georgia Heffernan, Aliyah Dunn and Josie Bingham, midcourters Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea, Serina Daunakamakama and Ashleigh Poi, and defenders Carys Stythe, Khanye-Lii Munro-Nonoa and Jess Milne.

Southland's regional council is ramping up monitoring of water levels as the region dries out and river levels lower.Environment Southland is shifting to a [www.es.govt.nz/low-water-levels water shortage watch], which means staff are doing more assessments of water levels, soil moisture and groundwater, and analysing weather forecasts after a spate of warm, dry weather.Science general manager Karen Wilson said they were monitoring the situation closely."We are slowly getting drier and current monitored levels of some rivers are starting to get low. Earth Sciences New Zealand is predicting a drier phase with less rainfall in late January and early February."That would likely mean rivers would continue to drop over the next month.Currently the worst affected rivers were the Ōtapiri Stream and Makarewa River around the Hokonui Hills, she said."There is no immediate concern for our main water supplies or rivers predicted in the next couple of weeks."But she said the council would keep the public informed as well as working with key groups to work out how to best conserve water.Published by Permission

Twelve specialist surveillance cameras were flown deep into Fiordland National Park at the weekend as part of seasonal monitoring of an area where Fiordland moose researcher Ken Tustin believes the elusive animals annually frequent to forage.Fiordland moose researcher Ken Tustin does a final check of one of his team's surveillance cameras. Photo: Steve Couper PhotographyMoose where first released into Fiordland in 1910 however despite some early hunting successes, their long-term fate has remained a mystery. However sightings as recently as last year (2025), along with distinctive calls, browsing sign and two positive DNA hair samples, have kept hopes alive that a remanent population still exists.On Sunday (18 Jan) Southern Lakes Helicopter pilot Ben Young, who’s sure he spotted a moose while flying north of Doubtful Sound in 2020, flew Tustin, experienced moose hunter Matt Ellis and Queenstown film-maker Steve Couper into an area of interest in a tributary of Dusky Sound.It’s an area where Mountain Ribbonwood – a deciduous plant that moose like to feed on, grows in abundance and where there’s been evidence on the leaves and stems of their feeding for at least four summer seasons now, Tustin says.“We’ve been monitoring this site as it’s in use every season.""We can see it’s been used four years in a row, and we had cameras there last year but we’re now in the best position to capture some photos,” he says.A Southern Lakes Helicopter flew a Moose tracking team into a location of interest in Dusky Sound last Sunday (18 Jan). Photo: Steve Couper Photography“People demand photos to believe, but I work with the biology of the animal.”Tustin says deer feed at around 2.1m and nibble on leaves and foliage whereas moose feed at around 2.7m.“The forage zone of a red deer can’t reach to where a moose can,” he says.Mountain Ribbonwood typically grows in small to medium stands to about 7m tall at the bush edge, around rockfall and disturbed sites, high in a basin.It’s a great seasonal forge source for moose, especially in forests deleted by red deer overpopulation.“It’s equivalent to the willow they feed on in their northern habitat,” he says.Experienced big game hunter Matt Ellis has joined forces with Ken Tustin to help solve the mystery of Fiordland's elusive moose. Photo: Supplied“We’ve learned it’s an important seasonal forage for this animal.""Moose are solitary and have a seasonal beat around their home range,” he says.“We had cameras in there last year, but we’ve been smarter this year.”He says moose leave distinctive feeding evidence.“This plant resembles a poplar, and is of a material that, with its weight and strength, it can break a stem, about the size of a broom handle, and strip it of leaf with a sideways swipe of the head,” he says.Twelve hi-tech surveillance cameras were installed last weekend in a thicket of ribbonwood - know to a popular food of the elusive Fiordland moose. Photo: Steve Couper Photography“That’s how we identify moose browse. We can separate the two species (red deer and moose) by their feeding alone.”Young, then 24 and having flown northern summers in Canada, spotted his moose in February 2020, north of Doubtful Sound and says he knows what he saw, having seen plenty of moose before, Tustin says.That’s been added to by two people – one an American vet, sighting an adult female moose in March last year while walking the Kepler, and another nearby sighting by a French-Canadian trio of a young male.More recently a New Zealand zoology professor and his scientist daughter spotted browse evidence on a family trip down Dusky Sound.“All of these moose will still be alive, so we’ve had some really positive stuff,” Tustin says.He’s very grateful to Hamilton hunting accessories and camera equipment retailer Allan Foot, who generously donated six of the cameras installed on Sunday, and to Rotorua wildlife park operator Stuart Hamlett, who donated another three.Moose researcher Ken Tustin and helicopter pilot Ben Young, following Ben's moose sighting in 2020 while flying north of Doubtful Sound. Photo: Southland AppThe other three are on loan.Tustin says the work has also received “serious support” from Sir Richard Hayes, of Southern Lakes Helicopters, who’s been backing the research for some years.These latest cameras will be picked up to track the footage in about July.Couper, of Stealth Films, has been filming the various installations and findings and flew in to document this latest phase on Sunday. His footage will likely go up online in a week or so, Tustin says.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL), the organisation who manages Milford Sound's visitor infrastructure including the terminal building and wharf, carparks, staff accommodation and services, was yesterday (20 Jan) granted a long-term concession - through to 2050, by the Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka.MSTL is currently owned by key Milford Sound operators Real Group (Real NZ) - 49%, Skeggs Group (Southern Discoveries) - 49%, and the Southland District Council (SDC) - 2%. However this will change from 31st March 2026 when Ngāi Tahu takes a 33% shareholding in MSTL and the SDC exits the company.Potaka said his focus was on fixing the basics by making sure core visitor infrastructure worked well, while also providing certainty for future planning and invest.‘We are focused on protecting our world-class natural environment, supporting jobs and regional economies, and ensuring visitors can experience Milford Sound Piopiotahi safely and responsibly.”Potaka said the concession came with expectations to work transparently with the community and the Department of Conservation to realise the government's aspirations for this special place.“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is a taonga for all New Zealanders, and it is important we get the balance right between conservation protection and safe, well-managed access.”Potaka welcomed MSTL's recent partnership with Ngāi Tahu and said it strengthened alignment with Tangata Whenua and recognised the deep cultural significance of the place.“I have asked officials to progress this work over the coming months, including appropriate measures to carry out statutory obligations, provide for the capital investment the area needs, and to consider wider tourism system interests,” Potaka said.The decision builds on the Government’s wider commitment to conservation and tourism in the Milford corridor, including an $8.2 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, he said.“This decision ensures Milford Sound Piopiotahi is cared for properly, now and into the future.”

Southlanders are in for a treat this weekend when the Ascot Park Hotel Teretonga Park International meeting takes place at Teretonga Park in Invercargill. The best line up of international drivers for several years, the return of a competitive big banger saloon category, a great line up of support classes and exhibition laps of two former race winning Gen 3 Supercars – both a Mustang and a Camaro – along with an opportunity to win a hot lap in one add up to the best January international line up for many years. Teretonga has a track record of bringing some of the biggest names in world motorsport to the south over its long history and with drivers from eleven different countries lining up in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy this weekend it is entirely possible there are future Formula 1 stars in their midst. The United States, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Finland, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan and China are all represented on the grid. Almost all come from success in some of the top motor race series around the world. As the series comes to Teretonga Park, Ugo Ugochukwu, an 18-year-old from New York leads the points from Japanese driver Kanato Le and kiwi star Louis Sharp. Ugochukwu was until recently part of the McLaren Development Driver Programme. One aspect of this year’s series is the fact that so many of the drivers have shown pace to run at the front in a field that contains two Red Bull Junior drivers, European Champion Freddie Slater of the UK, kiwi Supercars star Ryan Wood, who has rapidly adapted to single seater race cars, and two-time World Rally Champion, Kalle Rovanperä of Finland, making his circuit racing debut. The supporting races feature one of the strongest line-ups of categories for several seasons with the SP Tools TA2 NZ Championship making its first appearance at Teretonga Park with big saloons powered by 6.2 litre custom built LS3 V8 engines in which competitors run either Ford Mustang, Chev Camaro or Dodge Challenger bodywork. The Bridgestone GR86 Championship features plenty of talented up and coming kiwis while the Summerset GT NZ Championship features exotic race cars such as Porsche, BMW, McLaren, Mercedes and more. The opening round of the Napa NZ Formula Ford Championship featuring Winton driver Jacob Begg and the Nexen Tyre Mazda Racing Super Series round out an exciting programme. The action starts at 9am on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday. Full information and tickets are available at nextgennz.co.nz and by booking online on their website you could go in the draw to win one of those Gen3 Supercar hot laps.

Police can now name the woman who died following a fatal crash on State Highway 6, Winton on Thursday 15 January.She was 75-year-old Patrizia Botti, from Balano, Italy.Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

It was a bitter-sweet day for the PowerNet team on day three of the SBS Bank Tour of Southland today.PowerNet, with defending champion Josh Burnett on the books and a target on its back, managed to bank its first stage win of the week when Taupo’s Kiaan Watts sprinted his way to victory on the Te Anau lakefront.Watts’ second stage win in his seventh Southland tour saw him move into the overall lead, but his team were also made to work hard throughout the 148km stage from Riverton and lost key rider Ollie Jones after he crashed heavily and had to be taken to Southland Hospital.Stage winner Kiaan Watts celebrates with teammate and defending champion Josh Burnett before wearing the tour leaders' orange jersey. Photo: Supplied.Watts has been in good form this week, with PowerNet finishing second in the team time trial before he finished third in the street race and second on the Gore stage.He was part of a big breakaway group which did its best to stay away today, and then found his way to the front again with George Jackson (Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project) after they caught leaders William Heffernan (Macaulay Ford-Good Tech Team) and Luke Burns (Couplands-Cycling Tom Cycling Team) after the Blackmount hillclimb.“It was just chaotic right from the start, lots of people jumping, breaks going back,” Watts said.“I think it was a hard stage for everyone, no matter where you finished, so I’m glad I managed to finish it off.”The four-strong break had a 1min 40sec lead over the peloton as they turned with 20km to go at Manapouri. While all four riders had different agendas for the stage finish, they were coordinated enough to stay away until the end.“I didn’t want the break to win, to be honest,” Watts admitted.Tour of Southland Cyclists. Photo: Supplied.“I was really concerned about Luke Burns being in the front with us because he’s a big threat on GC for Josh. The team was concerned about keeping him close so I just had to sit on and play the game a little bit. We are here to win the tour overall. The stage win is great, I’m stoked, but I’m also pleased we could keep GC close.”In many ways the tour starts tomorrow for PowerNet, with two-time winner Burnett getting the chance to test his outstanding climbing legs against the rest of the field on the exhausting 6km ascent of the Remarkables ski field access road.Only 61sec separates the top 10 riders in the general classification, with Burnett poised at 1min and 1sec in ninth place.“It wasn’t an ideal day (today) for PowerNet, but it was the best it could have been,” Watts said.“It’s a shame losing Ollie, he’s on his way back to Invercargill for scans so that’s a really big loss. Like always we are going to really throw the kitchen sink at it and really look after Josh. We’ll let him loose and see how good he can go up the climb.”Meanwhile, James Gardner (Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project) continued a strong tour that he almost didn’t get to start.Photo: Suppliled.The big Dunedin cyclist crashed heavily when he clipped a pedal in Saturday’s national criterium championships. An x-ray later ruled out a broken shoulder and meant he was able to line up the next day with a sprained AC joint and a range of other war wounds.He spent more than 100km riding through the pain in the breakaway on Monday and by the time he unclipped in Te Anau was leading in both the Sprint Ace and King of the Mountain jerseys.“I’m super stoked. It’s definitely unpredictable how all this plays out. These jerseys have the potential to change many times throughout the week so I’m just enjoying my time with them.”Australian rider Burns was rewarded for his efforts in the break with the Most Combative jersey, while his team mate Glenn Haden retained the over 35 jersey and compatriot Heffernan is the leading under 23 rider. Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project lead the teams classification.Stage four of the rescheduled tour gets underway in Mossburn at 10.30am tomorrow.Results available Here

Invercargill’s new mayor Tom Campbell has spent the most of any Southland mayoral candidate this election, topping the list at close to $20,000.Figures show his spend nearly matches the combined total of six other Invercargill hopefuls.“I had no social media presence prior to the campaign, and I knew that if I wanted to get the message across I would have to use, you know, more conventional media to do that,” Campbell told Local Democracy Reporting.Campbell's donations and expenses return shows he spent $19,516.91 with his main costs being a billboard, newspaper ads, website advertising, placards, flyers and car wraps.He rejected donation offers and used his own money on the campaign.“I never took it, because I didn’t need to. But I support anybody who does. Because any democracy, if you don’t allow people to accept donations, then only wealthy people would be able to stand.”The second-highest election spend belonged to councillor Alex Crackett, who totaled $7,189.59, while councillor Ian Pottinger came in at $6,400.Councillor Ria Bond was the only mayoral candidate to declare a donation, noting $3000 had been gifted towards her $5,277.55 campaign.Further down the list, Andrew Clark spent $2,181.84, Tom Morton $955, Stevey Chernishov $90.80, and Gordon McCrone not a cent.At Southland District Council, campaign spending was more subdued.Mayor Rob Scott’s main expense was car signage of $970 on way to a grand total of $2,644.50.Gary Tong spent $513.50, while Wendy Baker tallied $98.41.Ben Bell secured a second term as mayor of Gore with a campaign spend of over $6000. Credit: Peter McIntosh/ODT.In Gore, mayor Ben Bell spent $6249.99 on his campaign while Nicky Davis forked out $4335.75.Candidates are required to declare both donations from individuals and anonymous donations of more than $1,500.An Invercargill City Council spokesperson said the rules for election returns were set out by the Local Electoral Act.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Police investigating a car fire in Gore are appealing for information from the public to assist in our enquiries.On Monday 19 January, Police were called to a well-involved car fire on Frank Street at around 1am.Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney says on arrival, a black 2018 Holden Captiva was fully alight, and was subsequently destroyed by the fire."Yesterday, Police and Fire Investigators completed a scene and vehicle examination."We are now following several lines of enquiry to determine what has happened."Police are now appealing for any information that may assist in our enquiries."If you have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Joseph, Frank, and Thomas Streets from around the time of the incident, we would like to hear from you."We would also like to speak with anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour or activity before or after the car fire in the Frank Street area."If you have any information that can assist in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking 'Update Report' or by calling 105.Please use the reference number 260119/7266.Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or via 0800 555 111.

Deer-free status has returned to two Fiordland island sanctuaries after checks by the Department of Conservation (DOC) led to the successful removal of three wild deer.Pukenui/Anchor Island, located in Dusky Sound, had two deer removed, while Indian Island in Preservation Inlet had one.DOC conducts annual checks of these islands along with the surrounding islets to ensure they continue to provide safe, intact habitats for native plants and wildlife.Anchor Island, which received wild deer-free status in 2007, is one of Fiordland’s most treasured islands and home to the critically endangered kākāpō and kākāriki karaka. . DOC Project Lead Biodiversity, Monty Williams, said protecting vegetation was critical to maintaining these ecosystems."If left unchecked, even a few deer can quickly rebuild a population — potentially undoing decades of conservation gains”. “Acting now prevents a far bigger and costlier problem later.""This investment secures the islands’ long-term ecological health and ensures Fiordland’s unique biodiversity continues to thrive.” However he said removing deer from such remote and rugged locations was hard and expensive work as the islands lie deep within Fiordland and are anly accessible by boat or helicopter.DOC contractors used a combination of aerial hunting with thermal technology and ground hunting to locate and remove the animals.Every step required precision planning to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats and ensure staff safety. “But the cost of inaction would be far greater — both ecologically and financially.""By stepping in early, we’ve avoided repopulation to two of New Zealand’s most important sanctuaries,” says Monty. “We prioritise keeping areas such as Coal Island, Chalky Island, Anchor Island, Indian Island, Secretary Island, and the Cleddau Valley catchment near Milford Sound wild deer-free as part of our wild animal management within Fiordland National Park." “New Zealand’s island sanctuaries are internationally recognised as models for species recovery and ecosystem protection.""Maintaining a wild deer-free status doesn’t just safeguard wildlife — it demonstrates how targeted, science-led action can contribute to biodiversity protection worldwide.”

"We are focused on making sure the food we rescue does more than just feed people - providing a hand up, not a handout." - Jennifer, KiwiHarvest InvercargillIn Murihiku, food security doesn’t just hinge on what we grow or sell – it’s also about what we save. Every day, perfectly good food is pushed aside by specs, shapes, dates, and margins.And every day, families across Southland are quietly doing it tough.This is where KiwiHarvest Invercargill steps in. Not simply as a food rescue operation, but as a crucial connector in our local food system.They play a key role in ensuring good food that can’t be sold by food businesses doesn’t end up in landfill but instead helps feed families struggling with food security.The distinction between a handout and a hand up matters to KiwiHarvest, meaning they never work in isolation.The food they rescue is distributed through a network of trusted community organisations as part of wrap-around support, helping people stabilise, not just survive.Supporting those closest to the needKiwiHarvest currently works with 38 recipient organisations across Murihiku, supplying food either weekly or fortnightly, depending on need.Those organisations support people in women’s refuge, alternative education settings, foodbanks, marae, and community groups and services such as the Salvation Army.In some cases, the impact is immediate and measurable including education programmes where attendance improves when young people are fed. In others, it’s about consistency and reducing stress on already stretched households.KiwiHarvest supports local organisations including Awarua Whānau Services and PIACT.Mataura is one community benefiting from this kai support. Nicky Coates from ‘The Bunker’ says KiwiHarvest is helping address food poverty for those most in need within the Mataura Community.“Their vital support has enabled an outreach programme where volunteers cook fresh, healthy meals in our kitchen and share recipes, knowledge, and education on reducing food waste.The generous assistance we receive from KiwiHarvest truly makes our community a better place.”The Bunker also provides food parcels for struggling families and offers free meals to individuals attending programmes at the facility, all utilising kai supplied by KiwiHarvest.And right now, the need is growing.Jennifer says, “The cost-of-living crisis is driving an increase in demand. Families with both parents working who have never had to reach out for food support before have had to access food parcels for the first time.”With over 21% of children in Aotearoa living in households where food runs out, food insecurity is no longer a fringe issue. It’s happening next door.KiwiHarvest Truck. Photo: Supplied.A year of scale, impact, and momentumIn 2025, to help meet the need, KiwiHarvest Invercargill quietly scaled up its impact in a big way.A larger refrigerated truck made possible thanks to Rio Tinto funding has allowed the team to collect more food, more efficiently, across the region.And a new walk-in freezer, thanks to the Hugh Green Foundation, has dramatically improved storage and flexibility, ensuring less food is lost and more is shared.But the true scale of KiwiHarvest’s work is best understood through the numbers and what they represent for whānau across Murihiku.In 2025, KiwiHarvest Invercargill say they:Rescued and redistributed over 327,000kg of foodSupplied 705,000 meals into the Southland communityDelivered food with a retail value of $2,205,000Prevented 960,000 kg of CO₂ equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphereBehind every statistic is a human story fueling KiwiHarvest’s mahi, including one from a solo mum supported through the Murihiku Young Parents Centre, who said:“It really helps me with my budget, and my son is trying lots of new foods that are healthy for him. It is great to be supported with this food as we all really need it. It has made a huge difference to us.”KiwiHarvest. Photo: Supplied.Jennifer says the freshness and quality of the food rescued often comes as a surprise to people.“Often it is simply out of spec, too big, too small, wrong shape or colour, or is close to its use by or best before, otherwise perfectly good. Fresh fruit and veges are often not affordable to families who are on a tight budget, and we know having access to healthy kai is a game changer for health and nutrition.”Food rescue and the bigger pictureKiwiHarvest is clear in its role. Food rescue is essential now, but it’s not the end goal.“Our vision is to play a role in making Aotearoa 100% food secure and achieving zero food waste… until then we will work to rescue the good food that is destined for waste and get it to those families that are struggling with food insecurity.”Woolworths, one of several local supermarkets donating kai to KiwiHarvest weekly. Photo: Supplied.How you can helpThere are practical ways to support KiwiHarvest Invercargill right now:Volunteer: extra hands make a real difference every weekBusinesses can talk with KiwiHarvest about funding or donationsDonate: for every $5 donated, KiwiHarvest can rescue and distribute enough food to feed a family of four, three meals for a day. https://www.kiwiharvest.org.nz/Get involved in the Southland Community Challenge: KiwiHarvest is one of three local charities the Challenge is supporting this yearAnd at home, there’s a challenge for all of us:“We can all personally work to reduce our own food waste. The average household throws out over 10% of their annual spend on food.” Jennifer says.Dwight, the man behind the daily pick-ups and drop offs. Photo: Supplied.Showing up when it matters mostAs we head into 2026, KiwiHarvest Invercargill reminds us that the answers to big, systemic challenges don’t always come from somewhere else.Often, they are already here, in local relationships, meaningful action, and people quietly showing up for their community every day.By rescuing good food, supporting whānau, and strengthening the organisations closest to the need, KiwiHarvest is doing far more than diverting waste.They are helping hold our community together during a time when many are under pressure.This is food rescue focused on dignity and locally-led climate action.This is our community, showing up when it matters most.

Former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark disputes claims made at Sir Tim Shadbolt's funeral that his colleagues have blood on their hands.Sir Tim's partner, Asha Dutt, told mourners on Friday that his health turned due to the extreme stresses placed on him by people who should have had his back.However, several councillors have questioned her account, saying Sir Tim was supported and had friends around the council table in his final term.Dutt promised some parting shots, when she publicly farewelled her partner - and she did not hold back.She described his final term as mayor - from 2019-22 - as truly awful and detailed accusations she promised Sir Tim she would raise, including that she believed the 2019 council had blood on their hands."It wasn't Tim who ailed and wasn't capable of doing his job," she said. "It was the extreme stresses that were placed upon him by people that should have supported him that turned his health and turned my own."Sir Tim Shadbolt. Photo: Supplied/LDR - ODT/Stephen Jaquiery.A tumultuous term was marked by talk of possible government intervention, after rising tensions between elected members and a 2020 review finding a leadership void and saying Sir Tim was increasingly unable to do his job.At the time, Sir Tim said the report scapegoated him for the failings of council, which was not giving him enough support.Dutt said his colleagues should be ashamed.Former mayor and Sir Tim's deputy, Nobby Clark, disagreed that the long-serving mayor lacked support."That's not the truth at all," he said. "He had failing health and that's just the fact of it."Everybody in Invercargill knows that. He struggled through the last term, so you try and help."He believed most councillors supported him, and pointed to the findings of the 2020 independent Thomson report as evidence of the leadership issues they faced and the steps they sought to take."The comments she made were inaccurate," Clark said. "It just showed that she was angry right til the very end, which is a shame, because Tim was not like that."Tim was a really nice guy and a pleasure to sit with. He was a great orator."He described Sir Tim as a man who commanded the attention of everyone when he walked into a room and really connected with others, particularly people who were disadvantaged.Former councillor Peter Kett, who considered himself a true friend of Sir Tim, even before he became mayor, said Dutt's words were hard to hear."I'm really gutted at what she said," Kett said. "Some councillors had blood on their hands, but the way it sounded that all of us had blood on our hands, like myself, I just wanted to help him."Some councillors treated Sir Tim like rubbish, but he did have friends in the council chambers, he said.Kett was disappointed to be painted with the same brush."Just so sad that she had to say that, because she knows that I'm a true friend of his and, when he went in to full time care, Asha gave me permission with the people at the rest home to go and visit Tim whenever I liked."He described seeing Sir Tim shuffle out of one difficult council meeting, before going into the mayoral lounge."He was crying and I put my arm around him. I said, 'Tim, what can I do?'"He said, 'Oh, get me a sandwich or something'. I said, 'There are some sandwiches and cakes in the committee room'."He said, 'I'm not going back in there, would you bring me some food please?', so I went and got him some food, asked him if he wanted a drink and then I drove him home."Kett laid the lack of support and stress at the feet of then-chief executive Clare Hadley, saying she regularly met with committee chairs and deputy chairs, and decisions were made in those meetings, before being taken to council.In response, Hadley said she was happy to leave that term behind her and she had no comment.Former councillor Graham Lewis said he was surprised and hurt by Dutt's remarks.She did not mention that several councillors tried to help Sir Tim through some of the council agendas before meetings or that he would drive him home after meetings, he said."Asha was obviously going through a lot of grief and a lot of upset," Lewis said. "I'm not putting her down, I've got a lot of respect for her and also had huge amount of respect for Tim."That's basically all I can say. It was troubling times."Former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark insists Sir Tim still had support on the council. Photo: ODT/Supplied.Councillor Allan Arnold did not believe Sir Tim lacked support, but declined to describe his final term."It's water under the bridge, as far as I'm concerned," he said. "I have fond memories of Sir Tim personally."Councillor Ian Pottinger said his only comment was "de mortuis nil nisi bonum - do not speak ill of the dead".The Invercargill City Council said it did not wish to make any comment.Published by Permission

An ambitious $3m campaign to tackle all of Fiordland National Park's 'out of control' red deer, has been launched by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF).Red deer numbers have been increasing exponentially since commercial helicopter recovery operations ceased in the early 2000s, threatening both the park's native vegetation and vulnerable ecosystems.The FWF is a hunter group internationally recognised for its management of New Zealand's wild Wapiti deer herd within 175,000 hectares of the Fiordland National Park's 5.5 million hectares.Fiordland Wapiti Foundation general manager Roy Sloan is fronting an ambitious plan to control Fiordland National Park's 'out of control' red deer population. Photo: FWFFWF general manager Roy Sloan said the campaign was being crowd funded, with 60% already raised, and would see a 350sqm venison plant built and operated off Te Anau’s Sandy Brown Road, to process the red deer from the wider national park for domestic markets.Some 20% of the meat would also go to foodbanks around the country.Sloan says the foundation now had wapiti under control, but red deer numbers were “out of control, big time” in the other 1 million hectares where there’s “very minimal management”.These rapidly increasing red deer populations are causing major havoc, destroying the park’s vegetation and ecosystems and the foundation has “serious concerns” that they need to be brought under control.He says DOC and the government recognise, and have acknowledged, the problem but there’s no funding to deal with it.“We have been talking to them as we think there’s an opportunity for them to get involved with this project,” Sloan says.“We’re challenging them to have a crack and take a risk on us as we’ve shown we can do it with wapiti.”Sloan says the foundation’s wapiti control work is now regarded as the best deer management programme in the world.“If we could spread our work to the rest of the park, we could greatly reduce those red deer populations,” Sloan says.An artist's impression of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation processing plant in Te Anau. Graphic: FWFIn the meantime, the 1.2million-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Park’s future is under serious threat due to mismanaged red deer populations that are damaging native flora and placing immense pressure on the park’s ecosystems.The meat will be sold to the domestic market, as has been done with the wapiti - served up in top restaurants, on Air NZ International and at Burger Fuel.It’s hoped 20% of the venison production can go to foodbanks around the country to feed those in need, as has also been done with the wapiti.In the past 20 years the foundation has made massive inroads in the Wapiti Area of the park and Sloan says that species is now under control.It’s time to turn their attention elsewhere.They’ve already got a quantity surveyor offering to help and a large, national construction company, Apollo Projects, based in Christchurch and its sub-contractors have pledged $2m in building materials, design work and services.“We’ve only just gone public and that $2m has come in. Somebody there saw the work we’ve done, and they were inspired by it,” Sloan says.“This is a large NZ company and the subbies who work for them, plus others in the industry. It’s great to have that support.”The foundation is now encouraging other NZ companies, particularly Southland companies, to get on board and donate to the project.A Wapiti bull within Fiordland National Park's FWF managed area. Photo: FWFIt’s gone international to connections around the world to find more corporate or international sponsors.Fiordland National Park is a special place for the south and for Te Anau, Sloan says.“It’s a community project so we’re hoping Te Anau and Southland will get behind it.”The plant is expected to process 5000 to 6000 deer a year, and Sloan says they hope it will be up and running by the end of this year.They’ve already purchased the land.“We’ve had this idea for several years but have been waiting on the right timing.""It’s another progression to deer management in Fiordland.”At its full capacity the plant will employ seven people.Deer recovery and logistics staff will also be required and there will be business opportunities with retail staff needed.He says there’s just no other financially viable way to control deer numbers in 70% of the park.“So, we need a funding mechanism, and our charitable trust will go to the source,” he says.“There are just too many deer and they’re having a real environmental impact.”Last year the foundation removed 1300 deer from its Wapiti Area.“Since Covid we’ve given 30 tonnes of venison (wapiti) to foodbanks around NZ,” Sloan says.The foundation also does a lot of predator trapping.To help or donate to the project see: Back the Project — The Fiordland Project – www.fiordlandproject.co.nzView a video presentationSue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.