WATER SHUTDOWNSTimeframes are indicative only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. We apologise for any inconvenience. Te Anau, 6, 7 or 8 OctoberThis is to make a repair at 35 Quintin Drive. Areas affected are 8 Mokoroa Street, 58 Lakefront Drive and 4 – 37 Quintin Drive. Expect interruptions between 10am-4pm. Winton, 8 OctoberThis is to carry out works on Albert Street. Areas affected are 8 George Street, 4 – 20 Albert Street, 224 – 230 Park Street and 314 – 316 Great North Road. Expect interruptions between 9am-2pm. ROAD CLOSURESArdlussa: WendonsideFreshford Plains Station Road from Main Wendonside Road to Wendonside Church Road North will be closed between 8am Monday 6 October to 5pm Friday 10 October. Work is expected to take two days so the road may be open earlier. This is to install ducts across road for water and electricity.A detour will be available via Wendonside Church Road North and Maher Road. Residents will have access to properties either side of the work site. Northern: Hamilton BurnGoodall Road from Waterloo Road, will be closed from hours of 6.30am and 5.30pm daily from Monday 6 October until Friday 7 November. The road will be open if work is not happening due to weather conditions. This is to enable the felling of trees along road margin.As this is a no-exit road, a detour will not be available, but residents will have managed access to properties. Fiordland: Te AnauFergus Square from Matai Street (both ends) to through traffic between the hours of 7am Monday 6 October until 6pm Monday 3 November. Council will also close the western intersection of Fergus Square and Matai Street from 7am Monday 10 November until 6pm Friday 14 November. This is to upgrade the water main.No detour will be available, but residents will have managed access to properties. STATE HIGHWAYS WORKHighways South work with temporary traffic lights or stop/go and temporary speed limits this week:SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road, traffic lights for road renewalSH98 Lorne Dacre Road between Dacre and Mill Road North, stop/go for watercuttingSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway at Orepuki, traffic lights for pavement workSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Monkey Island, traffic lights for renewal of Surface Water ChannelSH99 between Wallacetown and Longwood, stop/go for watercutting Third-party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Browns, stop/go 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. 

The 2025/2026 motor race season kicked off at Teretonga Park in Invercargill at the weekend with two eventful days of action.Saturday saw Round 2 of the South Island Endurance Series with the 3 Hour race won by sixteen-year-old Matt Day of Auckland and the current Lamborghini Pro-Am Super Trofeo World Champion, Southlander Brendon Leitch, in their Lamborghini Huracan GT3. Day belied his lack of experience with a great drive in difficult, changeable conditions before Leitch stepped in to produce a classy drive to seal the win. Post race Leitch said the 16-year-old had done an “amazing job.”Another local driver, Glen Brazier, and his co-driver Andrew Waite of Auckland in a similar car were second with Aucklanders Sam Fillmore and Jonny Reid third in an Audi R8 after a dramatic race that saw two red flag stoppages and two safety car periods. In the 1 Hour race for Class 1, 2 & 3 competitors Jordan Michels of Invercargill led for much of the race only to suffer a gearbox problem. He pulled off the track in his Marc Mustang to reset it but in the slippery conditions his re-entry onto the track earned him a drive through penalty dropping him to fifth. Hugh Gardiner of Auckland, who had been chasing Michels in his Porsche 991.2 prior to the incident went on to win. The Matt Day/Brendon Leitch Lamborghini Huracan leads the 3 Hour field at Round 2 of the South Island Endurance Series at Teretonga Park in Invercargill on Saturday. The duo won an incident packed race – photo supplied.The Class 4/5 1-Hour race went to Dan Kelly of Prebbleton in his BMW M3.Dan Kelly of Prebbleton in his BMW M3, the winner of the 1 Hour race for Class 4 & 5 cars at Round 2 of the South Island Endurance Series at Teretonga Park in Invercargill on Saturday – photo supplied.On Sunday the circuit hosted a day of Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloon racing. A highlight came when Dave McLean of Balfour set a new lap record for the 1601-2500cc class in his Honda Integra, breaking the mark set by Rick Michels of Invercargill twenty-one years ago in September 2004. Dave McLean of Balfour in a Honda Integra. McLean won one race and broke a twenty-one-year-old lap record during Sunday’s Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloon racing at Teretonga Park in Invercargill – photo supplied.Michels time had been 1 minute 05.530 seconds and McLean lowered it to 1.05.006. McLean also took a race win in Group A in his Honda Integra with other victories going to Kyle Dawson of Invercargill (Jaguar XKR) and Brian Scott of Dunedin (Camaro). In Group B Porter Stevenson of Mosgiel (Mazda RX8) won on debut with other races going to Invercargill drivers Gregg Cooper (Capri) and Dave Robertson (Buckler Ace). Brian Scott won the marble draw grid start race while the Flying Farewell went to Kyle Dawson. The Teams Race was taken out by the combination of Bradley Dawson and Dave Robertson.      The next race meeting at Teretonga Park takes place over the weekend of 6/7 December.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) at 2pm today.Comments:Road CLOSING at 2pm between Hollyford Road Junction & Donne River Bridge due to heavy rain increasing the avalanche hazard, and overnight snow to road level. Expect to re-open around 10am Tuesday once inspections completed & snow cleared. Potential for overnight closure Tuesday if snow persists, with update at 2pm today to confirm. Disruptive weather forecast to continue this week.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain developing, with heavy falls from afternoon, turning to snow later Tomorrow: Snow to 600m at first, turning to showers Wednesday: Rain Thursday: Heavy rain Friday: Heavy rain

UPDATE: 6 October, 11.10am – SH90 reopened after flooding closure State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi in Otago has reopened this morning after a closure yesterday because of flooding. Road users are encouraged to drive with caution while heavy rain continues in places. MetService has an orange heavy rain warning in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from 1pm to 9pm today, while there is a heavy rain watch from 4pm today for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass. MetService also has wind warnings in place for much of the central South Island this afternoon, as well as road snowfall warnings for the Milford Road/State Highway 94, the Crown Range Road, Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass.UPDATE: 8.10pm – SH90 to remain closed overnight State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi is expected to remain closed overnight because of flooding. A further update is expected by 9am this morning. 12.55pm – Flooding in Otago & Southland impacting travel on highways Flooding from heavy rain is affecting state highways in Otago and Southland, with one highway closed and others partially blocked. State Highway 90 between Tapanui and Waikoikoi is closed due to flooding and a detour is in place. Southbound traffic should turn right onto Station Road, continue onto Seddon Hill Road, turn left onto Koi Road then back onto SH90. The reverse applies for northbound traffic. People should allow extra time for travel. An update will be provided when the road status changes. Other highways in the region may be down to one lane or partially blocked, and people should take note of signage and take care where there is water on the roads. MetService is forecasting rain to continue in some parts, with an orange heavy rain watch in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from noon tomorrow, and a heavy rain watch for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from 3pm tomorrow. On wet, slippery roads, motorists are advised to reduce speeds, increase following distances, watch their visibility, and brake carefully. More tips on driving in bad weather here. Strong wind watches are also in place for tomorrow in the Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Clutha District north of Tapanui and Southland north of Riversdale, and the Canterbury high country. Stay up to date on weather conditions at the MetService site , and on the status of the state highways at our Journey Planner site.

Members of the public are being encouraged by Health NZ to monitor themselves for measles symptoms and get vaccinated, after a confirmed case - following overseas travel - in Queenstown last Monday (29 Sep).Measles is described as a serious and highly contagious disease with symptoms including a fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash.Anyone at the following locations is also considered a casual contact and should monitor their symptoms for 21 days after exposure.Exposure locations - following the Queenstown case - include:Woolworths Five Mile Queenstown, Thursday 25 September (3.30-4.45pm)The Bakery Queenstown, Thursday 25 September (2.45-3.50pm)SPCA Op Shop Queenstown, Thursday 25th September (12.30-1.45pm)Salvation Army Thrift Store Queenstown, Thursday 25th September (12.15-1.45pm)BP Cromwell, Sunday 21st September (5.30-6.45pm)Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Sunday 21st September, (4.15-6.15pm)Yara Kebab Cromwell, Sunday 21 September, (3-5pm)Health NZ advise that the country is at a very high risk of a measles outbreak because of low immunisation rates.The best protection against measles is the free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, they said.The following locations in Central Otago offer vaccinations:A pop-up clinic offering MMR vaccinations will be available at Rees House, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton on: Monday 6 October from 11am - 4pm Tuesday 7 October from 9am - 4pm. There is no need to book just drop in, or if you would like to book an appointment call 03 450 9156.Central Otago Pharmacies may also offer vaccinations. CLICK HERE to find one near you.CLICK HERE to book your vaccination online.

Environment Southland (ES) has activated it's High River Watch today (5 Oct), following recent rainfall throughout the province.Below is the status of the following rivers at 11am:Waikaia River at Waikaia was 1.77 metres above normal, rising 21 mm/hour.Waikaia River at Mahers Beach was 1.72 metres above normal and steady.Ōreti River at Lumsden Cableway was 2.23 metres above normal, rising 41 mm/hour.Irthing Stream at Ellis Road was 1.98 metres above normal, rising 34 mm/hour.Orauea River at Orawia Pukemaori Road was 2.32 metres above normal, rising 218 mm/hour.Waiau River at Sunnyside was 2.84 metres above normal, rising 20 mm/hour.Waiau River at Clifden was 2.48 metres above normal, rising 43 mm/hour.Waiau River at Tuatapere was 2.16 metres above normal, rising 94 mm/hour.ES said that although rainfall was expected to ease this afternoon, further sites may reach watch levels as river peaks travel downstream.CLICK HERE for more information.

Bullying at Dunedin Hospital has been revealed in documents released following reports some staff at Southland Hospital had been told they couldn't chat to each other for more than five minutes.RNZ first revealed complaints flagged by the PSA union involving staff in Southland's clinical records and coding team in May 2025.But the problems ran deeper and wider than that, documents newly released under the Official Information Act (OIA) showed.In May, Health NZ Southern told RNZ it did not have a 'no talking' policy and it had held an "amicable" meeting with the union in March.But in June the talk was of "longstanding issues, which have remained largely unaddressed".One person who said they had worked there, told RNZ: "I have comforted staff while they cried about the bullying they received, and I was comforted for mine."The OIA documents also revealed the Dunedin investigation, triggered when some current and former members of its coding team made allegations against two senior staff just over two years ago.The investigation upheld an allegation against a senior staffer of "punishment and ostracism of staff and alleged bullying behaviours towards staff who raise concerns or are in conflict with management".A second complaint about denying staff the chance to discuss issues in performance appraisals, was also substantiated.Nine other complaints were not substantiated.Health NZ declined to tell RNZ what it had done next. "As this is an individual employment matter, we are unable to comment any further."'Live in fear' - Southern discontentAt Southland, the records newly released to RNZ showed staff complaints dating back to June 2024.A one-page document titled, 'Records Staff live in fear at Southland Hospital' was stamped as received on 15 May, 2025. The rest was blanked out by officials.A health district director Dr Hywel Lloyd handled the coding team's complaints.Commissioner Lester Levy. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroHe had told RNZ in May that, "There have not been any other concerns raised with HR in relation to staff for the past five years" and no personal grievances in the past year.After that, Lloyd received an unsigned note expressing anger at what he had said (this note was also mailed to RNZ)."There have been complaints about [redacted in OIA] (threatening), about the bullying behaviour of [redacted]," the notes said."If HR have lost them, there are plenty of former staff members who will resubmit them."It finished with: "Your lack of support for us is disappointing."Lloyd had made reasssurances the team's complaints were being dealt with in a routine way - though the PSA union at the same time said they were not resolved.The newly released documents show a week after RNZ's story, Lloyd travelled from Dunedin to Invercargill for an "emotionally challenging" meeting with the coding staff.He later told them, "I appreciate that the media attention as well as the longstanding issues, which have remained largely unaddressed, will be challenging and an unnecessary distraction from the important work you do."A few days later he had set up a workshop.He also escalated the matter to Commissioner Lester Levy's office for a culture and team dynamic review. This review was internal and would not be released, Health NZ told RNZ this week.Former staff reach outAfter the story in May, RNZ was contacted by half a dozen people claiming they had worked in the team or knew others who had and found it awful.Someone who said they had worked there wrote that the media reporting was "only the tip of the iceberg for some of the experiences I had in that office".Another sent a copy of a text apparently sent from a manager to staff in January this year."We discussed your office chats and that I am OK with you having a 5 minute catch up first thing in the morning but anything longer should be taken to your breaks for catch up," the text read.A month later came the complaints to the PSA, including about the five-minute rule, members not being "allowed to take their breaks together" and progression up the ranks.The OIA showed another text, by one manager to another, on the day story ran: "[It] seems to focus on not being allowed to talk which is 100 percent inaccurate."The subsequent messages to RNZ included an email saying, "Dozens of people were/are affected but are too scared to talk about it, or they want to put the trauma behind them."Another said, "There are consistent issues nationally with record keeping and coding specifically, due to issues with the specialist training coding requires and entrenched management issues."Health NZ and the PSA worked through the complaints. The former concluded that one member of the coding team had been struggling to get any training or progression, which was "very problematic".The complaint around breaks was sorted out, and Health NZ stated, "There is no restriction on team members talking reasonably."The OIA showed Lloyd's 28 May meeting with the staff generated its own formal complaint, but it was not clear about what.Health NZ working through recommendationsThe internal email record showed Lloyd on 13 June had suggested the media reporting was a "challenging and an unnecessary distraction from the important work you do that would upset staff".This week, he told RNZ in a statement that the team's concerns were appreciated and they were now working through the recommendations of the independent review conducted out of Levy's office."We are committed to working with the team to ensure a safe, supportive, high-performing environment aligned with organisational values," Lloyd said."Health New Zealand does not consider media reporting of these matters to be a problem. We do however acknowledge that staff may find the media attention on these matters to be unsettling and a distraction from the fantastic and important work they do."Published by permission

The age for free bowel screening will drop for people in Auckland, Northland, and the South Island from Monday.The Government announced the age would drop from 60 to 58 earlier this year.It also ended a pilot programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to access bowel cancer screening starting at age 50.Health Minister Simeon Brown said the age for free screening will drop for the rest of the North Island in March next year.He said this was the first step in the goal of lowering screening age to match Australia.Australia currently offers free bowel cancer screening to people aged 45 to 74."The first step is lowering the eligibility age from 60 to 58. This means thousands more people will now have access to lifesaving testing, giving them the best chance of having bowel cancer detected early, when it can often be successfully treated," Brown said.He said lowering the starting age to 58 will see 122,000 people become eligible for free screening in the first year, and over the next 25 years, this change is expected to prevent 771 bowel cancers and save 566 lives.Brown said the goal was to bring the age down even further, and building colonoscopy capacity was key to achieving that.The Government is also introducing a new nationwide pathway called the FIT for Symptomatic test.The test uses a stool sample to check for traces of blood - an early warning sign of bowel cancer."It will allow anyone of any age with bowel cancer symptoms referred to a specialist to quickly assess their risk without needing to wait for a colonoscopy," said Brown.The FIT for Symptomatic pathway has already been launched in Waikato and will be introduced in Counties Manukau, Waitematā, Hawke's Bay over the next two months, and then nationwide next year."This will free up specialist capacity by prioritising colonoscopies for those at highest risk and reducing unnecessary referrals, leading to shorter wait times, faster diagnoses, and more resources to expand screening," said Brown.Published by permission

From an 11-year-old innovator to an octogenarian conservationist, Southland’s environmental heroes were celebrated in style at the 29th Environment Southland Community Awards held in Invercargill on Friday evening (3 Oct).The event showcased a diverse group of winners whose ages spanned from primary school students to retirees, all united by their passion and commitment to protecting and enhancing the region’s natural environment.Among the standout recipients was Te Anau entrepreneur Zac Marsh, who received the prestigious 2025 Councillors’ Award. At just 11 years old, Marsh has single-handedly established a soft plastics recycling service in Te Anau, inspiring his community and the judging panel alike.Octogenarian Allan McPherson and the Friends of Kew Bush were also recognised for their decades-long dedication to restoring the rare kahikatea forest at Kew Bush.Their collaboration with the Southern Institute of Technology’s School of Environmental Management has transformed the area into a living laboratory and outdoor classroom. The Kew Bush Restoration and Education Programme took home the Environmental Action in the Community Award.Environment Southland chairman and awards judge Nicol Horrell praised the calibre of this year’s finalists.“Southlanders are humble and rarely seek attention for the remarkable environmental mahi they’re quietly working away at in our communities. It is our privilege to honour their achievements,” Horrell said.“Each finalist is a shining light that empowers and encourages others to follow their example.""This year we celebrate a diverse range of winners who, through dedication, innovation, and collaboration, are making Murihiku Southland a better place now and for future generations.”Marine scientist Rebecca McLeod was awarded the prestigious Kaitiaki Tohu Pou Award for her tireless work in preserving and protecting Fiordland’s marine ecosystems.Other winners included Duncan Jennings of Flaxhill Farm, who received the Environmental Action in Wetlands & Waterways Award for his family’s commitment to wetland development and water quality improvement.The inaugural Emerging Environmental Action Award went to Deer To Care, a group that provides meat from feral deer control to those in need—an initiative blending conservation with community support.Tuatapere Predator Free Team president Tony Shore inspecting one of the group's new AT220 automatic traps. Photo: SuppliedSouthland Carbon was recognised with the Environmental Leadership and Innovation in Business Award for its pioneering work turning forestry residues into biochar, a substance that helps reduce environmental harm when added to livestock feed, soils, and waterways.The Tuatapere Reserve Pest Control Charitable Trust earned the Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity Award for its volunteer efforts to protect rare native species in the Tuatapere Scenic Reserve.Mararoa School was celebrated for integrating kaitiakitanga into everyday learning, winning the Environmental Action in Education Award.Chris and Andrea Bulleid’s Glengordon Farm received the Environmental Leadership in Farming Award for their extensive on-farm environmental work.Cam McCulloch was honoured with the Individual Environmental Leadership or Action Award for his 19 years of service leading the Waiau Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Trust.Full list of winnersEmerging Environmental Action: Deer To CareEnvironmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity: Tuatapere Reserve Pest Control Group Charitable TrustEnvironmental Action in Education: Mararoa School; Highly Commended: Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust and Fiordland Marine Guardians – Fiordland Education ProgrammeEnvironmental Action in the Community: Kew Bush Restoration and Education Programme; Highly Commended: Waikawa Catchment GroupEnvironmental Action in Wetlands and Waterways: Flaxhill Farm – Duncan Jennings; Highly Commended: Wards WetlandEnvironmental Leadership and Innovation in Business: Southland CarbonEnvironmental Leadership in Farming: Glengordon Farm – Chris and Andrea BulleidIndividual Environmental Leadership or Action: Cam McCullochCouncillors’ Award: Zac Marsh – Soft Plastic Recycling Te AnauKaitiaki Tohu Pou Award: Rebecca McLeod

Tucked away in a quiet Invercargill suburb is one of Southland’s motorsport legends – a humble retired farmer who could’ve made his mark on international motor racing for New Zealand.The first car Barry Keen ever owned – his Ford 8 Special - 1956. Photo: SuppliedNow 86, Barry Keen was a very talented driver in his 20s, racing the legendary George Begg’s homebuilt cars all over New Zealand with great success.Introduced to motor racing one day by a contractor working on his parents’ Waicola farm, Barry took to the sport like a duck to water skinning possums and rabbits to buy his first car, a Ford 8 Special with a Austin chassis, at 16.“I wasn’t interested in car racing, but I went to a Hill Climb in Gore with this guy, who had a Mark 1 Ford Zephyr convertible,” Barry says.“I saw these cars screaming up the hill and I got hooked.”One in particular caught his fancy and a week later he’d earned enough money to buy it.“My first race was in 1956.""There was no Teretonga then, just grass tracks in paddocks or beach racing at Oreti Beach, sometimes the odd Hill Climb.”Barry Keen racing his Standard 8 at Ryal Bush road race in 1957, before Teretonga opened. Photo: Supplied“I’d take a burn down our No Exit gravel road past the Pickett’s place to the state forest bush where I’d roar around the paddocks,” he recalls.A makeshift racetrack at Ryal Bush in the late 50s saw the road between Invercargill and Winton temporarily closed, drawing in crowds of up to 18,000 spectators to watch.“They’d be lining the surrounding Ryal Bush paddocks and over the boundary fences, farmers allowing masses of cars to park in their paddocks.”Southland’s tiny Ryal Bush became renowned as a hot racing spot and was a regular on the national motor racing circuit, up there with Pukekohe (originally Ardmore) and Wigram.Barry was right there amongst it as a youngster, racing against some renowned overseas drivers and Auckland Sports Car stars at Ryal Bush from 1957 in his Standard 8.Rarely did he get a chance to test drive, straight onto the track.Teretonga was open by November that year when Barry won the Handicap Saloon Car Race.“Teretonga also attracted 18,000 to 19,000 in those early days,” Barry says.Barry Keen racing a Triumph Herald at Waimate in 1960. Photo: SuppliedHe’s been heavily involved in the Southland Sports Car Club since then, joining up at 17 and always on hand for working bees, track preparation and clean-ups after meets.Racing became his life in between working on the family farm, Barry spending weekends racing his Triumph Herald Coupe not only at Teretonga and Wigram but Dunedin and Waimate too.Born in 1938, Barry grew up in post war Southland between Wairio and Scott’s Gap, near Otautau, the youngest of four kids by 16 years.“I’d get sent to my retired bachelor uncle’s place in Riverton for holidays whitebaiting and fishing near Bluecliffs.“I had a great upbringing.”Surgery on his feet at eight, had left him out of action for six months and wearing callipers for two years but once that healed he made up for lost time.Barry biked or rode a horse 5.5 miles (8.8kms) to Wairio School, getting a ride with the mailman on his first day and walking home alone at five, as was the norm back then.Barry Keen driving the first Begg car that George Begg built – the Begg 650, in 1964. Photo: Supplied“I’d take a shortcut through the paddocks. If I was nice to the girl who lived down the road she’d double me on her bike,” he grins.Farmers were trying to recover their losses post war. Barry’s brother, 18 years older, had been shipped home after being wounded fighting in World War II.Barry travelled daily into Invercargill to Southland Technical College by H&H Bus, leaving school to work on the farm.Saturday motor racing was a light relief and some fun for the whole community.But much to his parents’ disgust, Barry was burning through his savings chasing his love of car racing and it was getting too expensive so in 1963 he gave up the sport he loved.Two years later he was back after legendary Drummond engineer George Begg asked him if he’d race the car he was building.Barry Keen, left, ready to start a race with George Begg, right, giving instructions. Photo: Supplied“I finished up racing seven cars he’d built through until 1967,” Barry says.“George never raced himself, but it was always a challenge to him to build a racing car.”The second car George built was for Winton doctor Dave Bruton.Barry raced these cars all over the NZ Sports Car Circuit, including the Begg sports car – a Chevvy with a V8 motor.They even raced in Levin and at the renowned Timaru Street Race.“Brian Nicoll was our mechanic and Brian and I towed the car to the North Island while George and his family followed and holidayed in their caravan.”Barry Keen in the third car George built – a Chevvy sports car that they raced for the NZ Series – Photo - 1966-67. Photo: SuppliedBarry was just 24 and they mostly always got at least a third place, clocking in second once at Wigram.The fastest speed he clocked was 160 miles/hr (257.4km/hr) but he never had a serious accident. “Once or twice, I’d spin off, but I never damaged a car.”The last car he drove for George ended up setting a NZ Land Speed Record – 178 miles/hr (286.4km/hr), driven by Lawrence Brownlie – no seatbelts back then. Barry had been invited to drive that day but was unwell.“That was a Crop Duster with an aeroplane engine, and he held that record for years.”By his mid-20s Barry had “become responsible” marrying wife of 56 years Shirley, an Oreti teacher he’d met through friends.With twins arriving making for three under three, Shirley’s pleased he’d given up motor racing.The McBegg - George Begg's seventh car and Barry Keen's last race. Photo: Supplied“If I heard ‘B.B. Keen’s in the pits’ in our dating days I’d be waiting and wondering what had happened,” Shirley says.“He could’ve raced overseas as George had been over there working at McLarens in England so there was that opportunity,” she says.They farmed at Waicola until 1990 then moved to Heddon Bush before retiring to Invercargill in 2002.Barry’s won a number of local championships but is equally champion for his services to the Southland Sports Car Club – a life member and patron, and until recently a flag marshal and First Responder for decades at Teretonga meets.Teretonga went on to host eight or nine world championships, Barry at the helm on regular working bees to get the track started and keep successful meets happening.He was honoured with a Historic Heritage Award at Te Papa in Wellington in 2019 for his long, distinguished career in motor racing, especially in Southland, long after he gave up motor racing due to those family commitments.Barry Keen receiving his Historic Heritage Award at Te Papa in Wellington in 2019. Photo: Supplied“It’s a very serious business now,” Barry says.“It’s changed a great deal with big money and a win at all costs mentality.""It’s not the same fun and camaraderie that we had. Money has ruined it to some degree.”Barry Keen, now retired in Invercargill, with his racing helmet from the early days and the special award he received at Te Papa. Photo: SuppliedThese days Barry’s still volunteering with Shirley at Southland Hospice where he’s been gardener for more than 20 years, gardens for elderly and is involved with the Southland Vintage Car Club.You won’t find him boasting though.“George Begg said in one of his books that if ever there was a prize for the ‘most humble man’ that had to go to Barry Keen,” Shirley says, proudly.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Invercargill City Council has joined forces with community groups, to ensure greater accessibility and convenience for voters during this year’s local body elections. A series of pop-up voting events had been scheduled to remove potential barriers preventing the community from casting their vote. Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said the pop-up voting events had been spread out across a number of locations and would be held at various times, to reach as many people as possible. This week, Council held a pop-up voting event at Te Tomairangi Marae in conjunction with Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust. Additional events alongside the Pacific Island Advisory Charitable Trust, Murihiku Marae, Southern Queens Boxing Gym, Mīharo Murihiku Trust, and the Southern Institute of Technology will be held in the final days leading to the election, he said. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with a variety of community organisations to make voting easier and more convenient, regardless of people’s circumstances. We really appreciate the support we’ve had from those organisations that have put their hands up to help,” he said. Previous pop-ups had also been held at Murihiku Polyfest, St Mary’s Basilica, Rowena Jackson, Walmsley House, Vickery Court, Eastside Baptist Church, Rangatahi Zone (Bluff), Splash Palace, the Southern Institute of Technology, and Stadium Southland. Voting for Invercargill City Council, Bluff Community Board, and the Invercargill Licensing Trust was set to close at midday on Saturday, 11 October. Local body elections are held throughout New Zealand every three years. “We wanted to look for ways we could meet people where they are, and at times that might be more convenient for them, to ensure that we can get as many people in Invercargill and Bluff out voting. Democracy is a hard-won right. The decisions made around the Council table impact us every day: from the roads we drive on, to the parks we visit, the water that comes from our taps, and the facilities available in our community,” Morris said. “By not voting you are allowing others in the community to decide our collective future, without you.” Votes could also be returned to the Election Hub in Invercargill Central, Te Hīnaki – Civic Building, Bluff Service Centre, and Environment Southland on North Rd. They can also be placed in the orange Vote Murihiku bins located at Invercargill City Libraries and Archives, New World Elles Rd and Windsor, Mitre 10 Mega, The Warehouse, Newfield 4 Square, Ascot 4 Square, Bluff 4 Square, Woolworths Tay St and Waikiwi, ILT Stadium Southland, E Hayes and Sons, and Plaza Supervalue. The final day to enrol to vote was Friday, 10 October. Those who had not received their voting papers, or had not updated their details on the electoral roll, were also able to cast a Special Vote, he said. For more information about candidates, special votes, and the elections, visit Elections 2025 - Invercargill City Council.Pop-up voting event details: Monday, 6 October: Murihiku Marae (Tramway Rd), 10.30am – 3.30pm Tuesday, 7 October: Mīharo Murihiku (Don St), 4pm – 6pm Wednesday, 8 October: Southern Institute of Technology (Tay St), 11.45am – 1pm Thursday, 9 October: Southern Queens Boxing Gym (Nith St), 7pm – 9pm

Alliance Group’s Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has gained international recognition, earning top honours at the prestigious World Steak Challenge in the Netherlands.The company was awarded one gold medal and two silver medals by a panel of more than 80 independent expert judges, who assessed over 500 entries from 25 countries during two rigorous days of judging. Alliance’s gold medal was awarded for a Ribeye (Cube Roll) with a marble score of 8, while Ribeye and Fillet steaks also earned silver medals. The medal-winning entries were processed at the company’s Mataura plant in Southland. Wayne Rollinson, global sales director beef at Alliance Group, said the recognition highlights the strength of the company’s premium beef programme. “Winning gold and silver at this highly respected global competition reinforces Alliance’s focus on excellence and innovation in beef production. “It’s also a reflection of the skill and dedication of our farmer-shareholders, whose livestock underpins the Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef range.“We are building a strong reputation in international markets for delivering consistently outstanding eating experiences, and these results provide further proof of the world-class quality of our product.” Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef is carefully selected by internationally-accredited assessors from prime cattle of any breed. Only a fraction of the very finest beef makes the grade and it is in demand by customers across the world. The selection is based on quantifiable meat quality characteristics including marbling, fat colour and pH. Selected cuts are then aged in vacuum bags.The quality of product and the aging process results in a milder beef profile with exceptional levels of tenderness.

A map of sites where you may experience delays on Southland state highways due to Highways South maintenance work next week, can be found here, and these sites are listed below:   Highways South work with delays and temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Bluff highway between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH6 North Road Invercargill at McIvor Road, traffic lights for drainage workSH93 Old Coach Road between Slopedown School Road and Hurst Road, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road, traffic lights for road renewalSH98 Lorne Dacre Road between Dacre and Mill Road North, stop/go for watercuttingSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway at Orepuki, traffic lights for pavement workSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Monkey Island, traffic lights for renewal of Surface Water ChannelSH99 between Wallacetown and Longwood, stop/go for watercutting Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week that we are aware of:SH6 Dee St Invercargill between Victoria Ave and Thames St, lane closedSH93 Old Coach Road near Jeff Farm, stop/goSH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Browns, stop/go 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.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:Ice / grit possible today. Please drive to conditions. Any queries please ring 03 249 7004 Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine. Tomorrow: Rain. Sunday: Showers clearing. Monday: Rain turning to snow. Tuesday: Snow showers to 700m.

Fundraising is getting underway to develop what could be a three quarters of a million-dollar, world class pump track for youth, families and visitors on the outskirts of Manapouri.Motorau Active Community Charitable Trust members are working hard on the plans and grants coordinator James Adie says they’ve had tremendous support from the local business community already.“We’ve already had really good professional support with people chipping in their time to help with the design and the project management,” he says.Trustees are now looking for some investment to kickstart the fundraising project and hopefully secure some good community funding grants.They’re hoping to establish a versatile, world class facility at the Te Aika Reserve, next to the new Lancewood subdivision where even more families will be building homes and moving into the area.Adie says it’s urgently needed not only as an asset and destination attraction for Manapouri, but for safety reasons with kids in the area desperate to get some air building their own makeshift jumps alongside the road.Darcy Adie, 9, shows how it's done. Photo: There And Back Photography“We’re hoping to help kids out offering somewhere safe to ride, but it’s not just about attracting and keeping kids safe,” he says."This will be a destination track that will attract riders too and we hope to host a variety of vibrant events, like community ride days, summer skill clinics, school excursions and regional competitions.”He says they’re hoping it will be used by the wider community and as a place that will entice visiting families to stay longer, and where locals feel pride and connection.A facility like this brings people together, promotes Manapouri and the wider Te Anau basin as a destination for active lifestyles,” he says.“It generates positive economic and social outcomes for the community.“Manapouri’s population is really expanding with so many more kids living in the area now,” Adie says.“We’re looking to create a versatile facility that caters for all wheels, from kids on their first balance bike to elite youth dirt jumpers, skateboarders and scooter riders.”A high-quality pump track would not only provide a “safe and engaging space” for these young people to ride and develop their skills, but it would also foster a sense of community and encourage healthy, active lifestyles, Adie says.At present he has to drive to Hanley’s Track, just outside Queenstown, to give his sons some fun riding time.“This would be the perfect end point for the Lake to Lake Cycle Trail connecting Manapouri and Te Anau.”Adie, whose background is in asset management, says the trust is planning a staged approach.The trust is gearing up for further community engagement and backing come summer when the travelling Tunatuna Pop Up Pump Track will be set up temporarily in January on the Te Aika Reserve.“We’re hoping to erect a billboard there and get that public backing and community engagement going for our project,” he says.Fiordland Community Board chair Diane Holmes says she personally is excited about the proposal, and the Community Board members look forward to meeting the trust for an update on its plans for community engagement and a way forward.The Te Aika Reserve would allow for a recreational proposal like this and she’s also looking forward to hearing any local feedback.The Southland District Council recently surveyed Southlanders as to what they’d like to see in their reserves and those results are currently being collated, she says.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

The public health research agency says environmental odour pollution in New Zealand can make people sick, and that current regulators are not doing enough to protect communities.The latest briefing released by the Public Health Communication Centre has looked into 36 odour pollution incidents in New Zealand, stretching from Thornbury in Southland, to Auckland.Meat processing (33 percent), waste water treatment plants (25 percent) and landfills (20 percent) were found to be the most common sources of odour pollution.A case study from 2014 showed the seriousness of health impacts, where 13 people in Eltham, Taranaki, reported to their GPs with odour-related symptoms, after Fonterra discharged 3 million tonnes of buttermilk and 150,000 litres of raw milk into a anaerobic digesting pond that did not work.Recent incidents include Christchurch's Bromley residents putting up with rancid smells coming from a wastewater treatment plant, after a fire in 2021 destroyed two filters.The briefing's lead researcher Dr Jonathan Jarman said he was surprised at how widespread the incidents were over the past 10 years, and found that it amounted to a significant public health problem in New Zealand."Things like prolonged stress, being unable to invite friends around, having to keep doors and windows closed in summer, and smells so bad that it made you want to vomit," he said.Jarman said international research over the past 50 years had found that prolonged exposure to foul smells could cause symptoms that were similar to that resulting from chemical poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, cough, loss of appetite and insomnia.Environmental regulators, namely the regional councils, were not taking foul odours as seriously as they should, he said.They were overlooking the impacts, when they only relied on indicators such as looking for toxic levels of chemicals in the air, he said.The briefing makes a number of recommendations, including calling for the National Public Health Service to proactively advocate for communities adversely affected.Jarman said public health officers should talk to communities, and encourage people to see GPs when they think they have symptoms relating to odour exposure.He said he hoped public health could work with regional councils and industries - the source of the pollutants - to get problems resolved quickly.The briefing also recommends GPs to notify all illnesses suspected to be caused by chemical contamination of the environment to their local Medical Officer of Health.Published by Permission

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:The road is open and is expected to remain open overnight. Ice/grit possible today. Please drive to conditions. Any queries please ring 03 249 7004Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain easing to showers. Tomorrow: Light showers. Saturday: Showers turning to rain. Sunday: Showers clearing to fine. Monday: Rain.

Road users should plan for further roadworks and traffic management due to begin soon at The Key, on State Highway 94/Te Anau-Mossburn Highway in Southland. Contractors are expected to shift from drainage to road renewal and resurfacing on the section of highway between Mararoa School and Princhester Road, and this new construction phase may start next week.Once underway, this work will happen Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 6pm each day, and is expected to continue through to the end of November. During this 7am-6pm period of work each day, stop/go traffic management will be in place. A 30km/h temporary speed limit will also apply 24/7 through the worksite. Delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected and people should allow extra time for their travel. These works are dependent on various factors and may be postponed at short notice. We thank residents and road users in advance for their patience while this necessary work is completed.Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Another big season of motor racing action will kick off at Teretonga Park in Invercargill on Saturday with the annual visit of the South Island Endurance Series.Saturday’s action will feature a 3 Hour race along with two separate 1 Hour races.The 3 Hour race is the feature on Saturday’s programme and will take place in the afternoon with a small but quality field featuring Lamborghini’s, Audi’s, Porsche’s, a Marc Mustang and a Volkswagen Golf Gti.Last year’s race winners Steve Brooks and Bill Riding of Christchurch in their Audi R8 return along with the two teams they shared the podium with here last year, Paul Rickerby/Graeme Rhodes in a Marc Mustang and Otago based brothers Allan and Martin Dippie.Brooks and Riding started their 2025 campaign with a win in Christchurch recently ahead of a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 driven by Christchurch trio, Kane Lawson, Hayden Knighton and Ronan Murphy which will also line up this weekend.Current Lamborghini Pro-Am World Champion Brendon Leitch will team up with 16-year-old Matt Day of Auckland in another Lamborghini while fellow Southlander Glen Brazier will share a similar car with Andrew Waite of Auckland.At the opening round at Christchurch recently Brazier and Waite failed to finish so will be desperate for points this weekend.One dangerous opponent for them all this weekend will be the formidable combination of Aucklanders, Sam Fillmore and Jonny Reid in an Audi R8, both winners of the 3 Hour race at Teretonga in the past, Fillmore three times and Reid on four occasions.Add in Paul Kelly of Christchurch and Kaleb Ngatoa of Marton in a Porsche 992, Luke Manson of Auckland and James Penrose of Kaiapoi in another of the Audi’s and the podium positions are wide open.Max Vidau of Australia from Porsche Carrera Cup and Super 2 racing across the Tasman will join Sam Cotterill in another Porsche 992. There are several others in the field capable of being prominent also.Earlier on Saturday morning two 1 Hour races will be held, the first for Class 4 & 5 cars.Dan Kelly of Prebbleton in a BMW M3 will be a favourite for Class 4 honours along with Duncan Cundall-Curry of Gisborne in a BMW M1 while in Class 5 Honda Civic’s should be to the fore with last year’s winner Chris Wall of Lower Hutt, Donovan Isted of Mosgiel and James Mitchell of Dunedin the main contenders.The other 1 Hour race for Class 1,2 and 3 cars will see a resumption of the Round 1 battle between Hugh Gardiner of Auckland in a Porsche 991.2 and local driver Jordan Michels in his Marc Mustang.Auckland driver Hugh Gardiner, the winner of the Class 2 and 3, 1 Hour race during Round 1 of the South Island Endurance Series at Teretonga Park last season. Photo: Supplied.They will each be gunning for overall and Class 1 honours while Jaden Ransley of Christchurch in a Falcon and Marco/Vin Schelp of Christchurch in a Porsche 997 will start favourites in Class 2 and Steve Scoles of Cromwell in a Ginetta G55 and Pel Arnott of Auckland in a Hyundai i30N will be frontrunners in Class 3.There are however plenty of others throughout the field that will keep them honest. One special highlight of the 1 Hour races is the fact that Scoles will also have his grandson, Nieko Scoles on the grid in the other 1 Hour race for Class 4/5 cars in a Mazda MX5.Tickets for Saturday’s Endurance races are on sale now at E Hayes & Sons at a cost of $15 plus any applicable charges while gate sales are just $20. Children 14 & under accompanied by an adult are free.On track action commences on Saturday with qualifying at 9.00am.The following day, Sunday 5 October, a day of racing for the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloons takes place at the circuit. Admission for the public will be free on Sunday with on track action from 10.30am.Races include a marble draw grid start contest and a team’s race.