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Petition for southern sealing proves too ambitious
Petition for southern sealing proves too ambitious

01 April 2025, 11:00 PM

Invercargill councillors have rejected a petition to seal two roads on the outskirts of the city due to competing demands.In February, a submission was made that Fowler Rd and Staunton Rd be sealed to address issues with dust and damage to cars.But a committee meeting on Tuesday which discussed the cost of the work proved the matter was a bridge too far — for now.Deputy mayor Tom Campbell began discussion by saying it was the wrong year to consider the task from a financial perspective.He believed a complete job was preferable to cheaper options but felt there was not enough money to do it.A report prepared by council staff showed it would cost $108,000 to complete Otta sealing on 1km Fowler Rd — a semi-permanent surface that would suppress dust for about five years.That was in comparison to a regular seal which would cost more than $466,000 to complete.The longer Staunton Rd, 3.3km in length, would cost $297,000 to Otta seal and more than $778,000 to fully seal.Mayor Nobby Clark said interim measures were undesirable while highlighting other roads also needed attention such as Omaui Rd, Huruhuru Rd and part of Black Rd.Lesley Soper was pleased submitters had raised the issue but said the council needed to prioritise.“My feeling would be addressing one isolated one at this time is not the way to proceed when we know we’ve got several to prioritise,” she said.Infrastructure and projects committee chair Grant Dermody summarised the sentiment of elected members as agreeing the work needed to be done while acknowledging there were competing demands amid a tough financial time.Ultimately, the committee decided it would look to place the road on a list for consideration alongside others at the next long-term plan review, which runs at a similar time to the National Land Transport Programme funding round.Contribution from residents as part of a joint-funding option would also be considered.The roads in question are in West Plains, about 15 minutes north-west of the city centre.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Class Action: Fiordland College off to a racing start!
Class Action: Fiordland College off to a racing start!

01 April 2025, 2:22 AM

Term 1 is always a busy term and 2025 has been no exception.The first big event of the year was the Academic Honours Assembly, for students who achieved to a very high standard in 2024.Hunter Ledington Year 12 Photo by student Wade Parkinson Year 12. Photo: supplied.The criteria to gain Fiordland College Academic Honours is:Year 11 - Criteria 18 Overall module grades at Merit/ExcellenceLevel 2 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsLevel 3 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsFergus MacPherson-Martin Year 9. Photo: supplied.Then we had a string of events including the school Athletics Champs, Swimming Champs and Kaiārahi Team Triathlon. Our first Autumn Co-Curricular Week involved each year level participating in school-based activities, water skills, tramping, camping, biking, kayaking and climbing to name but a few.Josh Newton & Morgan Adie - Year 7. Photo: supplied.Co-Curricular Week is a great time for students to excel in areas they are passionate about and spend a week learning outside of the classroom. We also held a Careers Expo with over 15 exhibitors coming to Te Anau to discuss career options with students.Fiordland College proudly supported by Ray White Te Anau - Shannelle Scott.Students have been competing in a wide range of sporting activities including Northern Primary School Athletics, South Island Secondary Schools Orienteering Champs, Southland Otago Secondary Schools Downhill Mountain Bike Champs, South Island Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Champs, Southland Secondary Schools Triathlon Champs, New Zealand Track and Field Champs.Year 8s learning to surf. Photo: supplied.Our students have excelled in some of these events. You can see all the results in our newsletter on the school website or Facebook page.Hamish Fuller dissecting a heart for Year 9 Science. Photo: supplied.In the junior Science class they have been learning about hearts and had the opportunity to dissect one.Definitely a busy term!

Class Action: Wallacetown School back with enthusiasm
Class Action: Wallacetown School back with enthusiasm

01 April 2025, 12:41 AM

Hi EverybodyWe are well and truly back into the swing of school life! It’s been great to catch up with everyone about their holidays, what they are looking forward to this year and hear some of the ideas students have come up with over the holidays that they think would work here at school.There is a nice ‘hum’ around the school and our students are back in the rhythm of work and learning.On Monday classes had their first Kiwi Kaha (Kiwi Can has had a name change) session for the year with our leaders.Back into the swing of school life. Photo: supplied.In week 1 we welcome some new faces and families to Wallacetown School: Arlo and Rosemary have both joined Room 1, and we have welcomed Amelia to Room 2. We hope you enjoy your time at Wallacetown School and all the awesome opportunities and experiences that come with being part of a small school. Arlo and Rosemary have both joined Room 1. Photo: supplied.We have also welcomed Arnika Thompson – Whaea Arnika who is joining us in Room 4. Arnika is in her third and final year of her teacher training at the University of Otago. Arnika will be in for blocks of time throughout the year on placement as well as a number of Mondays.On Fridays we hold our whole school assembly – We also live stream our assemblies on our school Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/wallacetownschool/.This is great for whānau and extended family members who can’t make it/live away etc.Life Walk - This year we continue our partnership with the service Life Walk – and have Glenys Fairhurst onsite on a Tuesday as our Life Walk Chaplain. Life Walk Chaplains are dedicated volunteers and we are proud to be one of 250 schools in New Zealand to establish a partnership with them.Glenys’s role is to help us to support our students when they may be having a tough time and a listening ear to share their thoughts/worries with or maybe are wanting to talk to someone.Wallacetown School proudly supported by Pypers Produce.A number of schools in Southland employ counsellors through private providers or make use of the ChatBus South service that provides free counselling to students. In the past when we have been asked by families about counselling services on offer in Invercargill for support, a number of these services are under pressure, have long wait lists or are costly.Knowing that tough things/times happen for some of our kids, being able to support them is important to us as a school team. Glenys is a regular face around school each week and she enjoys coming out to join in the different events we have at school; craft days, pet day etc.Athletics - Winton. Photo: supplied.Glenys is on site from 10:15am on a Tuesday each week and is out and about in break times. She has a wee box in the office so if students want to chat to her when she is in on a Tuesday, they leave her a note and she will make time to catch-up with them while she is here. If you are wanting to read a bit more about Life Walk their website is www.lifewalk.org.nz.Athletics – Monday 3rd March in Winton - despite it being a wet start to the day, we all arrived at Winton , and had a fun day.A big congrats to the following students who have made it through to Central on Friday 7th March: Max, Axton, Harry, Archie, Pyper, Bethany, Jacob, Ryder, Jack, Cody, Henry, Rowan, William, Eden, Georgia S, Eliza, Nixie, Sienna & Olivia.Central Athletics 2025 Friday 7th March.Upcoming 160th Celebrations. Photo: supplied.An absolute pleasure to spend the day cheering on and watching our athletes in action at Central Athletics! A number of our students made it into the finals for their track events and we had some top 2 spot finishes in the field events - with some students being selected for Southland Athletics coming up on Saturday 22nd March!Nikau and Amelia wearing olden day school clothes, and carrying their school bags. Austin and Louie sitting on one of the tractors! Photo: supplied.‘Olden Time’ – this is in place of our normal Golden Time for Term 1 and the start of Term 2. With our upcoming 160th Celebrations we decided to use our Golden Time slot to take part in a range of activities that school students in the late 1800’s early 1900’s would have experienced! Everyone has chosen an activity and over the 6 different ‘Olden Time’ sessions students will get to take part in each one! There even has been ice-cream made the old-fashioned way – with a hand beater!!Hokonui Pioneer Museum 10 & 11 March.Lilly, Eliza and Mitchell checking out the different artefacts and the old bank. Photo: supplied.What a great start to the week we’ve had with each class getting to visit the Hokonui Pioneer Museum in Gore to experience what school/life was like back in the day. We all really enjoyed looking at all the old artefacts and experiencing a classroom lesson – oh how times have changed! Thank you to the parent helpers that came along both days and to Miss McDonald for organising such an awesome opportunity for our students. Thank you to the Fundraising Group for covering the cost of the buses.Spencer trying one of the old phones!! Photo: supplied .We have had a very busy start to the year, and time has flown. We still have a packed few weeks coming up to finish off term 1, so keep an eye out on our School Facebook page , and our website https://www.wallacetown.school.nz/home.

Class Action: 240 Attend Mataura Schools 150th Jubilee.
Class Action: 240 Attend Mataura Schools 150th Jubilee.

31 March 2025, 11:51 PM

This year Mataura School celebrated our 150th Jubilee on the 15th of March. We had over 240 attendees ranging from past students, staff, friends, family and community members (our oldest attendee was 99 and our youngest had not yet turned 1).Students performance of waiata and haka. Photo: suppliedOur students put on a wonderful performance of waiata and haka, we unveiled our new school mural and planted an Oak tree just like they did during the 1975 Jubilee. Oak tree ready for planting. Photo: supplied.New school mural unveiled. Photo: suppliedOur students have spent the lead up to the Jubilee learning about our school's rich history and creating beautiful work to be displayed throughout the school.Mataura School page kindly supported by Mataura Licensing Trust.Paul McLaughlin did an amazing job completing our new mural with the help of many of our students. We had our new tukutuku panels blessed by Matu Coleman-Clark, these panels were completed at the end of last year and were made by every student and staff member in the school, each doing at least 1 stitch. Thank you to our house leaders for their mahi in this area.New tukutuku panels blessed by Matu Coleman-Clark. Photo: suppliedThis has been an amazing start to our school year and we are excited for all of the wonderful things we have planned for the rest of the year including swimming this week, discos, camps, bike rides and more!.150th celebrations. Photo: supplied.Website: https://www.mataura.school.nz/homeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/matauraschool/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matauraschool/Linkedin: https://nz.linkedin.com/company/mataura-school

Local Legend: Shona Sangster - Stewart Island gets under your skin
Local Legend: Shona Sangster - Stewart Island gets under your skin

31 March 2025, 6:54 AM

A born and bred ‘Westie’ growing up at remote Anawhata near Auckland’s Piha Beach, the Waitakere Ranges at her doorstep, Shona Sangster was always bound to end up in the bush, by the sea, protecting the planet, and saving rare species.Instead of Sunday drives, Shona grew up roaming West Coast beaches with her avid Forest and Bird conservationist parents looking for dead birds and documenting their finds.As a child conservation was already instilled in Shona – a member of Forest and Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club for kids.With a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Auckland University you’d think Stewart Island and its wild coastal spaces were a long way from home.But for the past 10 years they’ve been home, and you won’t catch Shona – a passionate tramper, diver, fisherwoman, beekeeper, conservationist and community advocate leaving any time soon. “Stewart Island gets under your skin,” she smiles.Within a few years of moving to the Island to be with partner Ben Hopkins – a fifth generation Islander, Shona had been co-opted onto a myriad of conservation trusts and groups.She’s now chair of the Stewart Island-Rakiura Community and Environment Trust (SIRCET) which controls predators on 310ha of land on Acker’s Point and Horseshoe Peninsulas.Five years ago, she was appointed chair of the Southland Conservation Board which meets around the province six times a year.Stretching from the Sub-Antarctic Islands and Stewart Island through to Slope Point in the Catlins, and including Fiordland National Park, Southland’s area is the biggest of all of NZ’s conservation boards.Thrown in the deep end, after outgoing chairman John Whitehead approached her to take over at 41, Shona says it’s been “very full on” but extremely rewarding.“My leadership is a different style to others. I believe you’ve just got to be yourself,” she says.A young Shona, with her father, at Anawhata, near Auckland. Photo: SuppliedWhen you live on Stewart Island you’ve got to adopt a bit of Kiwi No.8 wire, ‘can do’ mentality.“There’s no point in wishing you had something you haven’t got so you get on with it and make the best of what you do have,” Shona says.Also volunteering as cook for DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme, mostly on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Shona assures she can rustle up a feed in the bush no problem.Even the kākāpō eat macadamia nuts from her hand.She’s also volunteered for DOC on its Southern NZ Dotterel/Pukunui Recovery Project at Mason Bay on the Island and Awarua Bay and was also a strong advocate on the Southland Aquaculture Reference Group when islanders opposed a salmon farm proposed at Port Pegasus, and won.“I suppose I’m a voice for the community,” she laughs.“They poke me with a stick and send me out front.”Shona’s also a huge supporter of Predator Free Rakiura, which is aiming to rid the island of rats, possums and cats – an extension of the work SIRCET has been doing for 22 years, Shona often there on the frontline setting traps.Shona and her father at her university graduation. Photo: Supplied“You can’t let your foot off the gas with these programmes,” she says.It’s all stuff her grandparents and parents would be, and are, proud of. Shona, an only child, recalls having to stay with her grandmother once, aged five, while her parents did a stint volunteering on the Chathams, working to save one of NZ’s rarest birds, the taiko (magenta petrel).The third musketeer wasn’t impressed at being left behind.Growing up amongst the Bohemian West Auckland artist community, Shona’s schooling was in Oratia then Henderson High where she developed a love of writing and literature.She had a forward-thinking principal for the 90s, her school running a Māori language immersion unit, Pasifika language nests and a teenage mums’ education programme, complete with creche.“I learned a lot about understanding the diversity of people’s experiences and creating a structure to meet people’s needs, rather than telling them what they need,” Shona says.At uni her activist muscle was flexed, Shona joining political movements and protests.“Many of the campus student politicians from my day are now actual politicians.”Shona Sangster with one of her nieces. Photo: SuppliedUni was so good that she ended up working there in admin for a few years.The OE had partially been achieved – Shona’s dad was an Air NZ avionics engineer so the family flew for free, holidaying in the USA, UK, Aussie and Canada.“Dad was a ham radio enthusiast, so we’d end up in random places like Boise, Idaho, at ham radio meets, Mum guiding us with her large road map and no sense of direction.”Shona’s Scottish grandmother had travelled widely with her university professor husband, but hadn’t been permitted into the Soviet Union with him.“She’d always wanted to go and maybe that piqued my curiosity,” Shona says.At 26, Shona set off for two years teaching English in Russia, having already done two short uni exchanges to Moscow.“The Rule of Law there was a bit of a shock,” she says.“We take for granted how honest our Police system is.”Shona and her parents. Photo: SuppliedThe internal visa system meant her documents were regularly checked as she moved between locations.“I’d keep a 100 Ruble note hidden in my passport then when they checked it they’d take the 100 Rubles and nothing was said,” she says.“It was pretty shocking for a little Kiwi girl, but once you got to know the Russians they were very kind.”She missed the ocean, the warmth and openness of Kiwis, and the safety of home, so it was back to Auckland to teach English where she met Stewart Islander Ben, then in the Merchant Navy, his father a fourth-generation fisherman.It didn’t take long to convince Shona to move south and before long she was co-editing the Stewart Island News.Her co-editor Jess Kany got press accreditation for Prince Harry’s visit in 2005.While the old hacks from the notorious British tabloids, The Mirror and The Sun, looked down their noses at their small-town colleagues, Harry came to the pub with the locals and won the weekly quiz.Shona even got to share her environmental interests with him in the community hall.Shona Sangster. Photo Laire Purik/SuppliedPrince Harry’s Land Rover had been pulled apart for the two-day visit, then put back together, just to ensure nobody had planted explosives in it on the boat over.“It was all quite surreal,” Shona recalls.“A bloke stepped outside a function at the community hall for a pee, looked up and his eyes locked with a security sniper. Iroquois were flying about everywhere.”Since then, she’s worked at the local council office-library and Glowing Sky Merino.Regularly gathering paua, scallops, mussels and blue cod, Shona had thought she didn’t like fishing.“That was sitting in a boat in the Hauraki Gulf for four hours catching nothing, but this is not like Auckland,” she says.“You can go out and get a feed and be home in an hour.”Just as well, as she’s still got to make time for her beekeeping, print making art, which she exhibits, and tramping with the girls.And when it’s time to wind down, there’s always a homegrown Third Island gin, infused with local botanicals, courtesy of Ben and his Rakiura Distilling Company business partners.Life really is a beach.

Two new trucks helping drive Kiwiskips’ waste reduction mission
Two new trucks helping drive Kiwiskips’ waste reduction mission

31 March 2025, 6:10 AM

One of Southland’s favourite family-owned businesses is expanding further with two new trucks. The only issue now is finding people to drive them. Kiwiskips managing director Dan Butterfield, who runs the company with wife Kereana, has added two shiny new six-tonne trucks to the Invercargill-based fleet this month as the company continues to expand its share of the Southland waste collection market. “We are definitely putting in the hard yards, and we are planning to expand further,” Dan said. Since Kiwiskips started in 2017, with one truck, it has grown rapidly, now numbering 14 trucks and 14 team members. The company’s success was built on great service and some consolidation among local waste collection businesses that had seen a lot of new customers come their way, Dan said. “Southlanders have embraced Kiwiskips and trust us to do the right thing with their waste as much as we can.” It remained a very competitive market and Kiwiskips would continue to work hard to cement its place, he said. One of the biggest issue facing them was having enough drivers. “We’ve got eight truck divers, nine including myself. We’re really trying to encourage more people into our industry.” They have a strong emphasis on waste reduction and work hard to find markets for seperated waste such as textiles. “We still haven’t found a home for textiles. We’ve been knocking on doors, because we get tonnes of clothes every day.” Kiwiskips plan to set up several different bunkers for wood, concrete, metal, and window glass. They have one team member whose full-time role is seperating waste. “We’re big believers in reduce and reuse. If you can avoid buying something, or find new uses for materials, that’s great.” Kiwiskips were working with Naylor Love at the Te Unua Museum of Southland building site and the waste minismisation efforts were inspiring, Dan said.“They’re the best to work with on this, because their approach to waste managment is so good. They’re so efficient.” Seperation of waste on site was encouraging reuse of materials where possible, he said. “We’ve got more and more people talking about waste diversion. Everyone wants to do better.” The KiwiEnviro brand, set up in 2024, was also going really well, Dan said. “My main driver was to give Southlanders another option down here for liquid waste and hydro excavating,” he said.

Twelve young athletes join Academy for its 20th Year
Twelve young athletes join Academy for its 20th Year

31 March 2025, 4:30 AM

ILT Academy Southland will welcome in a new cohort of Foundation Year athletes this week as the successful programme brings up a significant milestone.Fiona Van der Poel (Central Southland College) rugby. Photo: suppliedThe programme, which provides a range of support for many of Southland’s most promising young sportspeople, will celebrate its 20th birthday in 2025.Jacob Anderson (Central Southland College) trampoline gymnastics. Photo: suppliedManager Jason McKenzie said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the role the Academy has played in helping young Southlanders reach their potential across two decades.“Along with their families, coaches, schools and sports it’s been a privilege to walk alongside these young people as they branch out in life,” McKenzie said.Katy Brown (Southland Girls’ High School) tennis. Photo: supplied“We always say, this isn’t just about getting young people onto podiums, it’s about helping to grow good people who are ready to achieve in all walks of life.”ILT Academy Southland provides development across a two year period in mental skills, athlete life, strength and conditioning and nutrition, amongst other support for talented athletes who have the potential to compete at a high level in their chosen sport.Sarah North. Photo: suppliedFive graduates of the programme competed for New Zealand at last year’s Paris Olympics, including cyclists Nicole Shields, Tom Sexton, and Corbin Strong, Black Ferns sevens player Alena Saili, and javelin thrower Tori Peeters.Programme coordinator Carly Anderson said the 2025 Foundation Year intake had involved a challenging selection process.Joanna Ellenden (Southland Girls’ High School) netball. Photo: supplied“After receiving applications we talk to regional sports organisations and, where applicable, the national sports organisation, to understand where an athlete sits. We also have a relationship with a number of athletes who are already utilising the Mike Piper Training Centre,” Anderson said.William Jack (James Hargest College) basketball. Photo: supplied“It’s an exciting group for 2025, but I’d also encourage those who missed out to apply again next year because not all of our athletes do get in the first time.”This year’s intake features a diverse range of sports, with 11 codes across the 12 athletes, and five high schools from across Southland.Millie McFadzien (St Peter’s College) athletics. Photo: suppliedThe Foundation Year intake gets underway from this week with an introduction to the programme’s service providers, including Commonwealth Games badminton representative and physiotherapist Anna Rankin, and Youth Olympic triathlon gold medallist and chiropractor Aaron Barclay, both successful graduates of the programme.Hector O’Rourke (James Hargest College) athletics. Photo: supplied2025 Foundation Year ILT Academy Southland:Jacob Anderson (Central Southland College) trampoline gymnasticsKaty Brown (Southland Girls’ High School) tennisEmmerson Dickson (Southland Girls’ High School) artistic swimmingJoanna Ellenden (Southland Girls’ High School) netballLilah Jack (James Hargest College) rowingWilliam Jack (James Hargest College) basketballDani Kramers (Southland Girls’ High School) sport aerobicsMillie McFadzien (St Peter’s College) athleticsTarryn McLatchie (Southland Girls’ High School) rugby leagueHector O’Rourke (James Hargest College) athleticsAlex Smith (Menzies College) clay target shootingFiona Van der Poel (Central Southland College) rugby

Roadworks Update 31/3/25
Roadworks Update 31/3/25

30 March 2025, 8:31 PM

ROAD CLOSURESBridge Inn Road: 10 March-1 MayClosing Bridge Inn Road from Clark Road to O’Rourke Road between 7am Monday 10 March and 5pm Thursday 1 May. The closure is to replace the bridge over the Waikiwi Stream. A detour will be available via O’Rourke Road, King Road, Caulfield Road, Rakahouka Grove Bush Road, North Makarewa Grove Bush Road, Macadam Road and Coveney Road. Residents will have access to properties on either side of the bridge.Derby Road (Limehills): 11 March-30 AprilClosing Derby Road from Pisa Road to Dipton Winton highway to through traffic from 6.30am Tuesday 11 March until 6pm Wednesday 30 April. The closure is to enable pavement rehabilitation. A detour will be available via Dipton Winton highway, Pisa Road and Ayr Street. Residents will have managed access to properties.Rowley Road (Tuatapere): 24 March-4 AprilClosing Rowley Road from Te Tua Road to Block Road to through traffic between 7am on Monday 24 March and 6pm Friday 4 April 2025. Alternative dates are Monday 31 March to Friday 11 April. The closure is to replace two culverts. A detour will be available via Tuatapere Orepuki highway and Block Road.McDonald Road (Dipton West): 31 March-4 AprilClosing McDonald Road from Break Neck Road to Lang Road between 7am and 6pm, Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025. The closure is to carry out repairs to the bridge approach just past #45. A detour will be available via English Road and Lang Road. Residents will have access to either side of the bridge.Otautau Tuatapere Road: 7-11 AprilClosing Otautau Tuatapere Road from Carlyle Street (Tuatapere) to Devery Road (Merrivale) will be closed between 6am Monday 7 April and 8pm Friday 11 April 2025. This is to replace a culvert. A detour will be available for vehicles from Otautau via Devery Road, Ohai Clifden Highway, Clifden Highway (SH99) and Bridge Street (SH99) and vehicles from Tuatapere via Bridge Street (SH99). The detour will be signposted. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGLeamington Street, Waikaia: 14-28 AprilA new pedestrian crossing will be installed on Leamington Street, Waikaia, outside the Waikaia School. Work is scheduled to begin on 14 April with the aim of being completed two weeks. It may take longer depending on the weather. The road will not be closed during this work but will be controlled by single-lane traffic management. RESEALS (Downer)The Downer sealing team are programmed to be working on the following district road sites this week (weather dependent):Reseals:Thornbury Waimatuku RoadHomestead Road (Te Tipua ward)Lady Barkly Road/Forrester Road/Devereux Road intersectionWoodfield Street (Wrights Bush area) Repairs:Dacre Mortain Mains Road remedial scab repairsWyndham Road scab repairsSandston Kingston Crossing repairs STATE HIGHWAYS (Highways South)Highways South work with temporary traffic lights or stop/go and temporary speed limits in the district this week (weather dependent): SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway at Lochiel Bridge Road for chip seal resurfacingSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Transmission Line Road for pavement repairsSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Webb Road for chip seal resurfacing Road marking:SH6 Winton to Invercargill – mobile operationSH93 Mataura to Clinton– mobile operationSH99 Invercargill to Tuatapere – mobile operationSH97– mobile operation Third-party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway between Woodlands and Forbes Road, stop/go for tree workSH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway north of Dipton, stop/go for tree workSH96 at Tinkertown, stop/go for tree workSH96 at Winton, stop/go for tree workSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Winton, stop/go for tree workSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway at Orepuki, stop/go for powerlines maintenance Upcoming work/eventsApril – SH99 at Lorneville, asphalt resurfacing Useful linksNZTA 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.  WATER SHUTDOWNSTe Anau, Tuesday 1 April: Water will be shut down on Kepler Place, Te Anau, between 9am and 2pm on Tuesday 1 April, to carry out repairs on the reticulation network. Properties affected are: 5-15 Kepler Place. The timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.To get notifications about road closures or water shutdowns in your area, download Antenno here: https://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/home/antenno/

Charity Bike Ride delivers bikes to schools
Charity Bike Ride delivers bikes to schools

30 March 2025, 6:36 AM

The grounds at Te Anau School were buzzing with excitement on Saturday afternoon (29 Mar).A crowd of Lycra-clad cyclists basking in the sun were resting after their 120km bike ride from Milford to Te Anau mingled with school children and Fiordland locals, some also on their bikes.Ride Holiday bikers cross the finish line at Te Anau School. Photo: Jamie Dale/Southland AppThe smell of barbecued sausages wafted through the air. Te Anau School was the final destination of the Ride Holidays Fiordland Classic 2025 charity bike ride.Ride Holidays, a bike tour company which organises cycle tours all over the world, has taken it upon themselves to put bikes in schools, targeting kids that need them the most.For the last 10 years they’ve been organising charity bike rides to raise money for schools.Karl Woolcott, Dean Mills and Chris Wood are the driving force behind Ride Holidays and the Bikes For Schools charity events.“As a kid I took riding bikes for granted. It was an everyday thing for me. I believe all kids should have that opportunity,” Woolcott says.So far 1500 bikes in New Zealand schools have been funded by Ride Holidays. Each school gets 30 bikes to keep and use for PE and during lunchtime.Pictured (left-right) at the celebrations are DJ Norris, Kate Norris, Te Anau School principal Grant Excell, Paul Norris, Chloe Harden, Chris, Ride Holiday organiser Karl Woolcott, Amelia Meffan, Todd, and Max Meffan. Photo: Jamie Dale/Southland AppTe Anau School and Invercargill’s Fernworth School are the lucky recipients of 30 brand-new bikes for their pupils this year.Woolcott explains that they select low decile schools, where families can’t always afford buying bikes for their children. They also need a principal who is enthusiastic, very active and into cycling.“Te Anau School was a good fit, and the principal, Grant Excell, also fits the bill. During Covid I spent a lot of time in Te Anau where I met Steve and Kate Norris of Trips and Tramps and Realnz CEO Dave Beeche,” Woolcott says.These and many other Te Anau-based companies helped to organise the Fiordland Charity Bike Ride and donated money towards the bikes. One has to also acknowledge the Milford Classic Charity Bike Ride participants who by paying their entry fees contributed to the funding of this project.According to Woolcott, 100% of profit from this year’s charity bike ride went to schools.“But charity events are not the only source of funding for the bikes for schools. All of our cycle tours also contribute to the funding,” he adds.A selection of the new bikes now available to Te Anau School. Photo: Jamie Dale/Southland AppIn addition to supplying the bikes to schools Ride Holidays set up a maintenance gang to regularly visit the schools they've supported to make sure all the bikes are working properly.The 30 shiny new bikes needed a shed to store them, which prompted another project for Te Anau School. As is usual for this town, a range of organisations and businesses came to the rescue.“We received funding from Meridian Energy’s Power Up Fund, Trips and Tramps have helped again, a bequest in a will was made from long-time local Jan Vermeulen along with our board putting up funds,” Principal, Grant Excell says.“On top of that, the local Flower Show Committee has given us funds to fit the shed out with bike racks and equipment. This really is a community project, thank you to all of those involved.”Excell says that having the bikes will also help those kids, particularly the younger ones, who can’t get their bike to school, like those who live on a farm and come to school by bus.“All our Tamariki will benefit from the bikes, whether at lunchbreaks or on school trips utilising the many cycle trails our area has to offer."A biker gets a well-earned post ride massage from Fiordland Massage Clinic. Photo: Jamie Dale/Southland App"Our learners are incredibly lucky to be part of such an amazing project in such a supportive community.""We would like to extend a huge thank you to Ride Holidays and to the local organisations and businesses who helped and supported us,” he said.Now that it’s all said and done, it’s time for a bike ride.CLICK HERE to learn more about Ride Holidays or contact Karl Woolcott by email [email protected] or phone on 021 272 4522Photo: Jamie Dale/Southland App

Fresh moose sign & sighting raises excitement
Fresh moose sign & sighting raises excitement

30 March 2025, 4:28 AM

There's renewed excitement that moose still exist in the Fiordland National Park, with two independent reports this month offering the most credible evidence since the last recorded sighting in 2020.Norbert Nigon, of Minnesota, USA – A vet for almost 40 years and very familiar with wild moose – says he spotted the distinctive moose features looking at him across a river on the Kepler Track on 13 March when he stepped off the track to get a better river view.Specialising in large animal medicine like cattle, horses, bison and white tail deer, Nigon’s credentials are strong. He says he’s observed cow moose and calves in the wild during holidays to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Glacier National Park.The site (identified by a superimposed star) near the Forest Burn, just 30-40 minutes walk south of the Rainbow Reach swing bridge and next to the Kepler Track, where a cow moose was seen on 13th March by Minnesota veterinarian Norbert Nigon.Now Kiwi-born Aussie Matt Ellis, who has hunted moose in North America and enthusiastically supports Fiordland 'Moose Man’ researcher Ken Tustin, says just two weeks ago he too found more signs that moose had been in the park.Ellis, who works in the defence industry, says he found moose teeth and mouth marks high in the bark of a tree, well above where a deer could reach. He estimated the marks had been made about six months prior.An experienced hunter and part-time Te Anau resident who’s hunted moose and grizzly bears in Alaska, Ellis says he also found what he believes were moose droppings a year ago in the park. Unfortunately, DNA testing was inconclusive due to heavy rainfall.“We’ve got photographic evidence of bite marks on trees from last year,” Ellis says.“I’ve seen what’s likely to be moose signs on the bark of trees. It’s totally different to the damage that a red deer would cause. These have been bite driven, not antler driven, as they’d be with deer.""There’s no question these were from moose. We have a lot of photographs.”Experienced hunter Matt Ellis. Photo: SuppliedEllis says he first became interested in Fiordland moose in the mid-2000s when he heard the very distinctive call of a female moose twice in the park.“I know absolutely without a doubt that that was a moose. I know the female moose call. I know what I know,” Ellis assures.He introduced himself to Tustin and, along with experienced Fiordland helicopter pilot Sir Richard Hayes, whose Southern Lakes Helicopters has been sponsoring Tustin’s research for 25 years, they’ve been working on the moose quest.Moose were introduced to the park from Canada in 1910 – four males and six females released at Supper Cove, Dusky Sound. The first one was shot in Fiordland’s Seaforth Valley in 1929, the second bull moose shot in 1934.This month’s (March) sighting has sent a flurry of excitement providing the strongest anecdotal evidence in recent history that a remnant population still survives in Fiordland.“If animals have been living on for 115 years, why would they become extinct now?” Ellis asks. “It’s an incredible animal with an amazing tale.This is not just a Fantasyland thing,” he says.“I’m trying desperately to get conclusive evidence for my young son so that the next generation will know.”The Tustin trio have three central areas of the park being closely monitored and under surveillance in a bid to gain photographic evidence.Fiordland 'Moose Man' and researcher Ken Tustin (right) meets up with Virginia and Norbert Nigon, after Norbert's moose sighting off the Kepler Track on 13th March. Photo: SuppliedThey’re all “very excited” about Nigon’s sighting and trying to get some “rock solid evidence”.“This is the most bizarre project,” Ellis says. “I’ve done a lot of surveillance and if you miss something it can be incredibly difficult.”Hayes says this latest sighting has great credibility and Tustin has done amazing work. Southern Lakes and the Hayes family have sponsored Tustin’s work helping with helicopter time and camera installations. “Watch this space,” he says.Tustin is renowned as Fiordland’s leading moose authority, a former biologist who’s spent decades researching their local existence and trying to gain photographic proof that moose still roam the park.An elated Tustin says he spent 90 minutes interviewing Nigon about his recent sighting and says it’s one of the most compelling sightings locally in years. “100% bang on!”Equally significant was the 2020 sighting by Southern Lakes Helicopters’ pilot Ben Young of a cow moose standing in a small clearing in the park, while he was a rear seat helicopter passenger.Ken Tustin talks with helicopter pilot Ben Young in March 2020, after Young spotted a moose in Fiordland National Park. Photo: Kirsty Macnicol/Southland AppBack then Young, who’s very familiar with moose, told Advocate South (now The Southland App) the moose shook its head, and he “recognised its big ears”. Young had previously worked as a hunting guide in northern British Columbia, Canada.“Significant for moose identification is the distinctive rump patch, totally different to deer,” Tustin, who’s now writing his third moose book, says.”The animal Norbert disturbed revealed its rear end as it vacated. The rump patch, as nature intended, is extraordinarily conspicuous."He says some sceptics reckon Nigon saw a red deer or wapiti but that would have flashed a hugely conspicuous rump.“He saw a big, dark brown rump, no rump patch. So now we’ve got someone seeing the front end and back end – both ends makes one very great moose,” Tustin says, delightedly.However, there’s no convincing Te Anau DOC boss John Lucas: “I have no doubt that Mr Nigon believes he saw a moose. Unfortunately, without photographic proof we may never know,” Lucas says.“Based on current knowledge, the location where the moose sighting occurred, and without any actual evidence to prove otherwise, the Department still holds the view that what Mr Nigon observed was likely to be a red deer, or possibly a red/wapiti cross.”Moose were believed to be extinct in Fiordland and the location at Balloon Loop on the Kepler was “a significant distance from where moose were originally released”.Tustin says it was “very disappointing” that DOC staff had been so “dismissive” about Nigon’s sighting, but the “powerful story” he’s telling “becomes more powerful the more that people scoff at it”. Biologist, Moose researcher and author, Ken Tustin, presents the evidence before a gathering in Te Anau. Photo: SuppliedHe and his team spent two and a half hours at the 13 March site searching for some forensic DNA.The Kepler sighting is far away from where they and others have found small clues like hair caught in foliage and high teeth and mouth marks in the bark of trees, plus possible poo.“There would be no food for them by the Kepler so we’re guessing this one was likely in transit. It may well be seen again,” he says.“Distances aren’t great in animal terms, and they are incredible swimmers.”A remote camera photo taken in Fiordland National Park in July 1995. Two positive DNA moose samples were subsequently identified. Photo: Supplied/Ken TustinWhat is the difference between a cow moose and female deer (hinds) in Fiordland National Park?A cow moose is 0.3 metre taller and at 450kg, up to three times heavier than a red deer hind and twice as heavy as a wapiti hind. A cow moose has a dark brown to black coat, long legs, a humped back, a large elongated muzzle and a distinctive dewlap (bell) hanging from their neck, while a red deer hind is much more slender looking with a reddish-brown coat. A wapiti hind's coat is a light brown with a distinctive white rump patch.

Fiordland Wapiti ballot attracts 600 hunters
Fiordland Wapiti ballot attracts 600 hunters

29 March 2025, 12:30 AM

Fiordland Wapiti bulls are about to come into the crosshairs as 600 eager hunters, each selected by ballot from all over Australasia and around the world, each try to bag a trophy this rut season.The season, commonly known as the 'bugle' - after the unique high-pitched roar a wapiti bull makes, starts in late March or early April and lasts for around a month.Organised by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation as a means of managing Wapiti populations, general manager Roy Sloan says The Wapiti Ballot has become extremely popular drawing hunters from all over the globe.Several thousand hunters, some from as far away as the US and even Sweden, apply for the 600 places, going into the park in 150-strong lots of 10 days, spaced over 40 days. The ballots were drawn several months ago and there’s an education process,” Sloan says.Hunters are encouraged to shoot only older male trophies. “There have been a couple of beauties shot already,” Sloan says.It's an expedition-style trophy hunt and usually about 80 quality bulls come out, but this one’s not for the fainthearted, he says.“You need to be fit. These guys have been training for four or five months. They’ve got packs on and they’re climbing mountains rising from sea level to 5000 feet (1524m), pushing through rainforest in an area subjected to 8-metre rainfalls annually,” he says.“Those who’ve been on hunting expeditions in Alaska and to the world’s top hunting destinations say, ‘We got our bums kicked in Fiordland,” he says.“One was even a well-known, professional American gridiron player.”Spaces are highly sought after with successful hunters always chomping at the bit to get going, Sloan says.“They’ll be so excited they won’t hear a word in our briefing.”Early in the rut – from mid-March, is the most exciting time of the year – the wapiti bugle when the bulls are most vocal.“They come crashing in at you and fight.”The number of female hunters bidding for a spot is rising rapidly each year with about 120, or 20%, of the hunters now women, Sloan says.“It’s usually 80% male and 20% female but that gap is shrinking big time,” he says.Fiordland Wapiti Foundation general manager Roy Sloan. Photo: FWF“It’s a changing space and we’re getting more and more very capable ladies.”The first 150 hunters come out of the bush today (Saturday, 29 March) while the second 150 head in.Successful hunters pay $200 each to go in and it’s $100 to enter with those funds used for the foundation’s conservation work.The event is now in its 20th year.Sloan says the foundation and its management programmes are now renowned.“We’re probably viewed as the most successful management programme in NZ,” he says.“We’re the only Wapiti Foundation in the country and the only foundation in the history of NZ to manage a deer species on conservation land,” he says.The foundation manages deer populations in the area while protecting native species.“We’re now recognised internationally for how we do that.”The foundation shoots about 1200 deer a year for environmental outcomes and the quality venison is sold to the likes of Air NZ and top restaurants, also helping fund the work.Wapiti were first introduced into NZ as a gift from US President Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, who gave 18 Wapiti to NZ, brought over on a steamship from the US and released into George Sound.

Remote village fights for survival
Remote village fights for survival

28 March 2025, 12:29 AM

A local historian is among those advocating for the long-term future of a remote village situated precariously within an Invercargill reserve.Homeowners may eventually need to abandon their cribs in Coopers Creek — a small, quirky settlement surrounded by bush within Sandy Point Domain.On Tuesday, councillors heard from a range of people who supported the unconventional settlement and the residents' unique traditions.Cribs have inhabited the area since around 1950 and were allowed to stay on under an annual licence arrangement after the domain gained reserve status in 1992.In September, councillors voted to replace those licences with a single 21-year licence — including rights of renewal to a maximum of 35 years — in hopes it would put an end to the anomaly.That approach was consulted on as part of the domain’s management plan, which went to a hearing this week.Proceedings began with a submission from local historian and former-councillor Lloyd Esler, who hoped there was a long-term future for villagers.“I’m pleased that the council has decided to extend their mandate to stay on. [I'm] disappointed in the way that it’s not indefinite, because they’re continuing a very useful tradition.”Esler’s written submission said the council had flexibility over the interpretation of rules.The village is home to some unique structures, including this miniature stone cottage. Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDRHe felt having residents in the area afforded security which outweighed any non-compliance.Kath and Brian McDonagh also believed the village should exist in perpetuity, saying it was possible if the council amended its 10-year management plan.“That may seem radical to some, however it will eliminate any need for revocation or freehold, not to mention the years-long battles between council and villagers that wear everyone down," Kath said.The pair felt the council prioritised conservation over people when it came to the domain.Kerry Hapuku and Bob McMurdo also submitted in unison, saying the tenure options preferred by villagers had not been considered.“At what point will our own elected members take into consideration what the residents want?“We want the village to remain in perpetuity.”They pointed out in their written submission that the council had created the “dilemma” by granting reserve status to the domain after the village had already been built.At the September meeting, mana whenua representative Evelyn Cook said leaseholders should be aware of limitations in living there.Cook said mana whenua had a vested interest in the area, and was concerned issuing a longer lease with a right of renewal was a decision stretching beyond one generation.There are 17 leaseholders at Coopers Creek.A total of 51 submissions were received during the consultation process which ran from November 9 to January 31.Other topics raised included vehicle access, dog walking, horse trekking and a visitor centre.The recommendations of the hearings panel will return to full council for either approval or rejection.Final sign-off for the council’s management plan is required from the Minister of Conservation.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Stoat targeted after 4 takahē deaths in Greenstone valley
Stoat targeted after 4 takahē deaths in Greenstone valley

28 March 2025, 12:17 AM

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has ramped up trapping efforts in the Greenstone Valley, near Queenstown, following the deaths of four takahē, attributed to stoat predation.Eighteen takahē were first released on Ngāi Tahu tribal property, Greenstone Station, in 2023 to establish a new wild population. That number has now grown to between 20-30 after 18 months of successful breeding.DOC Takahē Recovery Operations Manager, Deidre Vercoe, said that while predation was anticipated, the cluster of deaths over five weeks is concerning.“DNA analysis and necropsy results point to a stoat, and we have since spotted a likely culprit multiple times on a camera in the area.' “A fifth takahē with an unknown cause of death could also have been a victim.'“Stoats can be extremely trap shy and take some time to catch, so more takahē deaths could become a reality,” Vercoe said. In response, DOC has increased monitoring, installed extra traps, deployed a stoat detection dog, and is using baited trail cameras. The existing trapping network is also being rebaited more frequently.Nationwide, more than 500 takahē exist, with many living in wild sites where stoats are present.Ngāi Tahu representative on the Takahē Recovery Group, Gail Thompson says these recent deaths highlight that, despite their large size, sturdy beaks and claws, takahē remain vulnerable to introduced predators wherever they are in the wild.A takahe is released in the Rees Valley. Photo: RealNZ“This reinforces the importance of continuing to find new wild habitats for our taonga species while also collectively striving for a predator-free Aotearoa New Zealand,” Thompson said.”Efforts to establish a population of up to 80 takahē in the nearby Rees Valley began in February this year (2025) with a release of 18 birds, with further releases planned for April and Spring.

Roadworks Update 28/3/25
Roadworks Update 28/3/25

28 March 2025, 12:03 AM

Work on state highways in Southland from 29 March to 4 AprilMany of these are subject to good weather, so dates may change if this is not the case.Highways South work with temporary traffic lights or stop/go and temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Bluff highway from Greenpoint to McGorlick St Bluff for pavement repairsSH1 Clyde St Invercargill between Troopers roundabout and Tweed St roundabout – directional closures for asphalt renewal (nightworks)During nightworks, HPMV detour via heavy traffic bypass or TweedSt/Rockdale Road, or if over 4.3m high via Tweed St/Inglewood RoadSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway at Lochiel Bridge Road for chipseal resurfacingSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Transmission Line Road for pavement repairsSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Webb Road for chipseal resurfacing Roadmarking:SH6 Winton to Invercargill – mobile operationSH93 Mataura to Clinton– mobile operationSH99 Invercargill to Tuatapere  – mobile operationSH97– mobile operation Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Clyde St/Tweed St roundabout, lane drop for kerb and channel repairsSH1 Edendale-woodlands highway between Woodlands and Forbes Road, stop/go for tree workSH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway north of Dipton, stop/go for tree workSH96 at Tinkertown, stop/go for tree workSH96 at Winton, stop/go for tree workSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Winton, stop/go for tree workSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway at Orepuki, stop/go for powerlines maintenance Upcoming work/events:April – SH1/SH6 Troopers roundabout, asphalt resurfacing (nightworks)April – SH1 at Kekeno Place, asphalt resurfacingApril – SH99 at Lorneville, asphalt resurfacing Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight. Have a great weekend and travel safely. 

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