A big hospital IT crash in the South Island in mid-January was caused by a third-party hardware failure, Health New Zealand says.It had earlier said a similar outage later the same month in Auckland and Northland was due to a technical failure at a commercial data centre.Health NZ's (HNZ) 10-year digital upgrade plan depends on external data centres doing better than it can.The southern outage on 13 January took out systems doctors and nurses need, forcing them to use paper for 36 hours at hospitals in Dunedin, Invercargill, Lakes and some rural areas. Systems were progressively restored through that period.It impacted "a range of clinical systems in Te Waipounamu", HNZ acting chief IT officer Darren Douglass told RNZ.The outage ran from 3.21am on 13 January until 3.30pm the next day."We are working with the vendor and internally reviewing opportunities to speed up the response and restoration," he said.A review was underway."All major incidents are subject to post incident reviews, which focus on root causes and corrective actions, and commence immediately following an incident once immediate response and restoration activities have been completed."It was not clear if that included debriefing staff to check what the impacts on them and patients were.HNZ was quick to downplay the impact of the four IT outages last month on patients, but unions said their members reported stress and chaos on themselves."We take safeguarding the integrity of public information and data very seriously," Douglass said.HNZ earlier said all four outages in January were due to technical issues, and three were due to "third-party vendor issues".The agency has been turning to external vendors, which include big cloud-computing operators, more and more.Key IT projects it has promised will cut wait times and boost care for patients have anchor contracts with US Big Tech companies.Published by Permission

A Southland man died trying to destroy old commercial explosives that he had not been able to safely dispose of elsewhere, a coroner has found.Donald Woodford tried to return the Powergel to the manufacturer and then hand it to police after years storing the explosives in a shed on his Mossburn property.In findings released on Monday, Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame said the manufacturer and police refused to take the Powergel and neither told him that he needed to contact the Defence Force to safely dispose of it.Woodford died on his 79th birthday from blast and shrapnel injuries while trying to detonate the explosives near a remote hut on 1 February 2024.The coroner said he had previously used the Powergel to blow up rocks in the ground while working as a fencing contractor."After he upgraded his equipment and no longer needed explosives, Mr Woodford stored the Powergel in a shed for many years," she said.When Woodford and his wife decided to relocate the shed to store firewood, they discussed a plan to move the explosives."As a child Mr Woodford had helped his father build a hut at Waterloo Station. The family had been going there ever since. Although they did not discuss it explicitly, Mrs Woodford understood that was where Mr Woodford planned to deal with the explosives from the shed," she said.Woodford left home on 31 January and planned to return the following day after 1pm, the coroner said.When he did not return as expected, Woodford's brother drove to the station where he found him lying a metre-and-a-half from a large hole in the ground."Most of the injuries were concentrated on the head and chest and the front of the thighs suggesting that Mr Woodford had the explosive in front of his chest while he was crouching down or sitting. Injuries to the left hand suggested that he was holding the explosive in that hand," the coroner said.The Defence Force bomb squad ensured the remaining explosives were safely detonated.They told police that explosives deteriorate over time, becoming less stable and more volatile and more sensitive to heat, shock and friction as they age."Had he taken advice from the NZDF Mr Woodford would not have tried to detonate the Powergel himself and the tragic consequence could have been avoided," the coroner said.Cunninghame said Woodford's family wanted others to learn from the tragedy to prevent it happening again.She wanted police staff to be reminded of the correct procedure for unused explosives.When a member of the public sought advice on how to dispose of explosives, the Defence Force's explosive ordnance disposal squadron should be contacted, she said.Cunninghame said police advised they were developing all-staff guidance on police-issued devices, with an advisory notice also shared on the police intranet.She commended the proactive approach.Published by Permission

Police want to thank Southland locals and visitors for excellent behaviour on the roads and at events over the Waitangi weekend.“We’re pleased to say there have been no real issues throughout the Burt Munro event, which is outstanding,” says Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman.“We want to thank our community and people that travelled to Southland for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.”As the weekend comes to an end, Police are reminding people to take their time and drive to the conditions.“There will be a significant visible Police presence on our roading network across Te Waipounamu, to monitor our roads and ensure people get home safely.”Inspector Bowman hopes that the good behaviour continues across the region.“Stay distraction free, take regular breaks, and wear your seatbelt - if you’re on a motorbike make sure you’re wearing the right gear and make good decisions,” he says.New and returning riders are urged to explore resources such as Ride Forever.

One lucky Lotto player from Invercargill will be in for a treat after winning $1 million with Lotto First Division in tonight’s live Lotto draw.The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto to a player from Invercargill.Powerball was not struck this evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $12 million.Strike Four has also rolled over tonight and will be $400,000 on Wednesday night.Anyone who bought their ticket on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible instore, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.Lotto NZ exists to return 100% of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.

A group of rangatahi pushing for better bus stops in South Invercargill have highlighted issues with safety, damage and graffiti.This week, a council committee heard from three youth about the issues, with one saying many stops were in a "visible state of neglect".“Graffiti, rusted metal, broken glass, and missing or damaged shelters are common,” Massey University student Mya Kairau told councillors. A lack of shelter and graffiti are just some of the issues at play. Credit: South Alive/Supplied.“This not only defeats the basic purpose of a sheltered bus stop, but it also quietly reinforces negative stereotypes. Particularly the idea that bus users are primarily from lower decile socio economic backgrounds and therefore less deserving of quality infrastructure.”Kairau said although bus stops were essential public infrastructure, their condition communicated neglect and a lack of investment.Aurora College head girl Ashe MacDonald had first-hand experience with bad bus stops, having previously endured long waits for a Kingswell service without shelter."During the hail, during the rain, we had to stand there," she said.MacDonald called for dry, sheltered and safe stops, saying people could feel "less than" when using versions which were dirty or unkempt.Former head student Keira Reece explained the push for better bus stops came about after transport repeatedly came up as a barrier to participation during Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation’s work with rangatahi and community organisations.The group has called for a trial of two bus stops in Invercargill in hopes it will inform future upgrades. Credit: South Alive/Supplied.Insights were taken to co-design sessions, and bus stops emerged as a theme, she said.“For many young people, the bus stop is where the stress starts, before the bus even arrives."A lot of stops feel unsafe, exposed to weather, poorly lit, uncomfortable, or just not designed for the people who actually use them.”Kairau said the group proposed a trial across two stops in Invercargill — one with a shelter and one with a pole.She said piloting changes allowed the council to gather evidence and feedback which could inform upgrades.The trio's presentation was well-received by councilors, with Grant Dermody saying it was the best summation on a public transport system he'd seen.Staff also appeared positive, with strategic asset planning manager Russell Pearson saying there were common goals.Pearson believed roughly a third of the city's bus stops had shelter.Chair Alex Crackett said a report would come back to consider the presentation.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

A Tokoeka, also known as the Southern Brown Kiwi, from the Haast region has surprised conservation workers with laying two eggs this season, which is uncommon for the species.Devon Collins from the West Coast Wildlife Centre, which helps to incubate and hatch Kiwis that are at risk to predators, said Tokoeka usually lay one egg per year due to the low food availability in the colder climate of the South Island. In comparison to the North Island Brown Kiwi, which can lay three to four eggs per a year.He said the centre received three Tokoeka eggs this season, including two from the same mother.Collins said the first egg from this mother was the second smallest Tokoeka they've ever successfully bred at the centre in 15 years, weighing 320 grams. Her second egg weighed 360 grams.While there are tens of thousands of Tokoeka on Stewart Island and in Fiordland, the Haast region has a much smaller population of around 400, said Collins."Every egg means a lot, every egg we can get our of hands on and get out of the hands of introduced predators, that would otherwise probably take that egg or that chick, is really important for us, so the difference between two and three eggs coming in per season is pretty massive," said Collins.Published by Permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No delays expected.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Becoming fine Tomorrow: Rain developing Sunday: Becoming fine Monday: Fine Tuesday: Fine

An Invercargill councillor has refused to apologise for words spoken during a tense public exchange this week.On Tuesday, elected members endured a 12 second wait for an apology from Ian Pottinger over a comment aimed at chair Alex Crackett during a committee meeting.But the six-term councillor could not be moved by the deafening silence, prompting Crackett to say she would take the matter up “offline”.Watch video here https://cdn.sanity.io/files/soyyp8a8/production/8f844f1fcaaf01e3029ccaf8611f864cf7f6c603.movCredit: Invercargill City Council. Caption: An Invercargill City Council meeting featured a tense 12 second stand off on Tuesday.The situation unravelled during discussion about a projects report when Pottinger criticised council spending on the town's historic clock.Crackett told Pottinger the matter was not up for discussion that afternoon, and debate would take place when the report came back.Pottinger then took exception to Crackett asking if he had a question.“Yeah I asked the question, were you listening?” he said.The comment drew disapproval from councillor Grant Dermody, who called for a point of order and apology from the councillor.“I think Mr Dermody, you just refrain and learn about council before making comments like that,” Pottinger retorted.Crackett told Pottinger she would appreciate an apology, leading to a standoff which was finally broken by Crackett saying the pair would talk “offline”.Both councillors have since confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting that an apology has not been made.Crackett said it was appropriate to keep discussion relevant and ask councillors to hold onto opinions until information was complete."As the chair, I was well in line to pull him up. Strong and robust debate is (a) really vital part of our democracy but it has to be conducted with professionalism and with respect."She indicated she might follow up on the matter, which would be handled through governance processes.Meanwhile, Pottinger was still unsure what he needed to apologise for.He pointed out Dermody could not raise a point of order because he was not a member of the committee — a detail which was confirmed by the council.It is not the first time Pottinger has caused a stir at a council meeting.In May, he irked councillor Darren Ludlow by saying he hadn't received the email that democracy was not in place that day.The incident followed a situation in March where he apologised for assuming the gender of mayors.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The High Court has dismissed an environmental charity's claim that an emergency ban on set net fishing around Otago Peninsula didn't go far enough to protect hoiho.The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) filed proceedings against Fisheries Minister Shane Jones last year, claiming the ban failed to protect hoiho from the risk of extinction.It said the closure should have encompassed the entire northern hoiho range, including North Otago, the Catlins, Stewart Island/Rakiura and Foveaux Strait.While the court recognised the severe risk facing northern hoiho, it found the temporary emergency closure lawful, as section 16 of the Fisheries Act gave the Minister significant discretion in establishing the parameters of an emergency closure.Hoiho, yellow-eyed penguins, are critically endangered. The northern hoiho population, which is found in and around Canterbury, Otago and Southland, has been in sharp decline in recent years.The court said hoiho were "priceless" and a taonga, and emphasised that their protection was essential, with the the minister required to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the survival of the nothern hoiho population.ELI senior legal advisor Megan Cornforth-Camden said it was important to challenge the decision, given hoiho numbers were declining and little had been done to protect hoiho at sea."The judgement contains some of the strongest statements written by the courts about the sustainability provisions in the Fisheries Act and how they apply to threatened species, so although ELI were not successful on the grounds of the judicial review we were very pleased with the outcome."Hoiho numbers have fallen by around 80 percent since 2008, with fewer than 150 breeding pairs remaining. Several factors are responsible for this collapse, one of which is commercial set net fishing. Every year the birds become entangled in fishing nets while foraging for food.Jones initially closed the set net fishery around Otago Peninsula in September for three months, before announcing in December it had been extended for a further nine months, to September 2026, with the public to be consulted during the closure on long term protections.Justice David Boldt said the decision to implement an emergency ban was a precursor to a set of longer-term measures that would be far more important to the long-term future of the northern hoiho."It is difficult to escape the conclusion that ELI, in its haste to do whatever it can to protect the penguins, has challenged the wrong decision."However, the court found potential economic detriment to commercial fishers could never be a justification for allowing the decline of the population to continue.11"There is no dispute that the [Fisheries] Act's sustainability imperative extends to the need to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the survival of the northern hoiho population."In practical terms, that means that if commercial fishing cannot occur in an environmentally sustainable manner - which in this context means in a way which ensures it poses no material risk to the survival of the northern hoiho - it cannot occur at all."Published by Permission

One international motor racing event has already been run and won at Teretonga Park in Invercargill this year but the Southland Sports Car Club are already looking to the next event featuring drivers from several different countries. The Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest will be held over the weekend of 21/22 February and one of the features will be the return of Formula Junior race cars as they commence their Formula Junior Platinum Jubilee World Tour at three meetings around the South Island in February, including the SpeedFest at Teretonga Park. Formula Junior race cars on their last visit to Teretonga Park in 2024 - Photo Dave Loudon.The international series of events celebrates the 70th anniversary of Formula Junior racing. Twelve international Formula Junior cars from the UK, Italy, USA and Australia are expected along with some kiwis and some illustrious names are among the entries. Other classes scheduled for the event are a diverse range such as Vintage Racing Cars, Classic Saloons, Sports & GT Cars, Racing Cars and the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloons. The Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest is always one of the most popular events on the calendar at Teretonga Park each year and presale tickets are available now from E Hayes & Sons, Dee Street, Invercargill and Harrisons Supplies, Mersey Street in Gore. Presale tickets are just $40 for a weekend pass plus any applicable charges while at the gate they are $50. Day passes at the gate for either Saturday or Sunday are $30 per day. Children 14 & under are free throughout the event as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Below is a list of programmed works on Southland state highways next week, and all known work on Southland state highways next week is mapped HERE.  Due to Waitangi Day, the team will be away on Friday and back on Monday 9th February. For any highway concerns during this time, please call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – Construction work will continue until late March. Delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road – one day’s work on Thursday 12th Feb only. Delays of 5-10 minutes.Upcoming renewal workSH99 Wallacetown – road renewal and culvert work – mid February/March *Possible SH99 road closure at Wallacetown – details will be confirmed next weekSH1 Waipahi Highway east of Pukerau – road renewal – late February/MarchSH6 North Road Waikiwi, Invercargill – road resurfacing – March/April  Highways South maintenance work:SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway near Thomsons Crossing Road, temporary traffic lights for resurfacingSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway at Andrews Road, temporary traffic lights for resurfacingSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway near Bixter Road, temporary traffic lights for resurfacingSH93 Old Coach Road between Cameron Road and Elliott Road, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near Elliott Road, stop/go for vegetation clearingSH94 Waimea highway near Mandeville, temporary traffic lights for drainage workSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway between Riversdale and Longridge, temporary traffic lights for resurfacingSH98 Lorne Dacre Road between Mill Road North Lorneville roundabout, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki and Orepuki-Riverton highway between Pahia and Waihoaka, temporary traffic lights for resurfacing Roadmarking (taking place under mobile traffic management)SH1 Bluff RoadSH1/6 Invercargill UrbanSH93 Mataura to Clinton SH96 Mataura to Ohai **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. More information at: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.

Detective Sergeant John Kean of Southland Police continues to search for Invercargill man, Kevin Belling, who was reported missing on Sunday 18 January.Kevin, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and has not been heard from for nearly four weeks now.Police Search and Rescue and Land SAR teams have conducted extensive searches, and last Saturday focused on his Caeser Road property in Kapuka.The search involved foot search teams and a drone.Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.Police urge the community to be vigilant and to check their rural properties for any sign of him.It is very unusual for Kevin to not be in contact with anyone for this long, and Police and his loved ones have serious concerns for his welfare.Anyone with information is urged to call 105 and reference file number 260118/6964.Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Entertainment and Info with the Southland App – Where Southlanders Stay Connected!Looking for what’s happening around our region - or wanting to share something of your own? The Southland App is your one-stop destination for everything local, from major events to everyday community news.🎉 Events:An Evening of Play ReadingsMLT Moonshine TrailAustralia's Thunder From Down UnderSouthland A&P ShowRace Ride and Slide + Colour RunStay up to date with Southland’s biggest occasions - concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Don’t miss out on the moments that bring our region together. Have an event to promote? Feature it here and reach thousands of locals.A taste of upcoming Events:📢 Public Notices:Find what’s happening closer to home - fundraisers, club meetings, school fairs, and community updates. It’s the perfect place to advertise your smaller events or share important local information.📲 Be Seen. Be Heard. Get Involved. Explore Events and Public Notices on the Southland App today - or advertise with us to make sure your message reaches every corner of Southland!💌 Want to advertise? We’d love to help spread the word for you. Email us at [email protected] to find out more.

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell has called for a backup water supply to be prioritised as his city continues to make do with a single source.On Tuesday, Campbell told a water committee there was strong public feeling around establishing an emergency supply and said it should be done urgently."I think as we’ve seen in the last few years, the number of serious emergencies that have been happening in New Zealand has meant that the public have become very attuned to what could happen here,” he said.The fragility of Invercargill's reliance on a lone water source, the Ōreti River, is not a new problem.In August, a report prepared for a committee meeting detailed “catastrophic” consequences in the unlikely event of prolonged drought or contamination.Issues included threats to public health and safety, sanitation, fire risks, and economic stability.The report also noted just two days' worth of water could be stored in the city's network.On Tuesday, council senior manager Alistair Snow provided an update on aquifer options which had been investigated in Awarua since 2018, saying additional wells were being installed to further understand extent and capacity.Clues from the August report show the aquifer could likely draw 3 - 5 million litres per day — below the requirement of a full alternate supply.For context, Invercargill has been known to draw up to 35 million litres per day from the Ōreti River during peak summer conditions.The aquifer water was deemed to be high quality, however, and sufficient for meeting basic needs should the Ōreti source go down.During discussion, mayor Campbell said there was a lack of clarity around whether an emergency or additional water supply was being talked about, and also felt the matter should go back to council.Councillor Steve Broad said it was his understanding the council was pursuing an emergency supply ahead of making a decision about what increased investment would look like.In August, the infrastructure and projects committee decided against speeding up emergency supply work and bringing budgets forward.The Ōreti water intake was set-up in the 1950s after quality and capacity issues surfaced with the Queens Park bores which were constructed in the 1880s, the council said.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Waitangi Day, marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, will be commemorated across the south on Friday (6 Feb) with community and family focused events.Invercargill's Waitangi Day Festival will be centered around Esk Street where, from 11am, families can enjoy live music, cultural performances and of course a great selection of food.Celtic fusion rock band Highland Storm will entertain on the main stage with a lively array of upbeat anthems and rock favorites that are bound to get the blood pumping.There will also be performances from Ngā Taniwha o Murihiku and Cook Islands cultural group Te Vaka O te Uki Ou.Te Anau's Waitangi Day Festival will start at 11.30am in Lions Park with an opening ceremony including a Mihi Whakatau/welcome and kapa haka performance by Ngā Herenga Waka Kapa Haka.This will be followed by a hāngi, arts and crafts stalls, Dr Rock with Tāne Tamati, and an afternoon of storytelling, entertainment, games, weaving, a giant sandpit and waterslide.Other attractions in the tourist town over the weekend include a Mixed Media Art Exhibition in the old Westpac building - hosted by the Fiordland Arts Charitable Trust, an art display by Mararoa School at the Wapiti Bakery, and bilingual storytime and a collaborative art workshop at Te Anau's Library.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Resurfacing works continue at the Homer Tunnel Tuesday and Wednesday, minimal delays expected - Please follow signage and directions.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Becoming fine Tomorrow: Fine Thursday: Showers developing Friday: Brief rain Saturday: Showers developing

The former owner of the luxury Fiordland Lodge near Te Anau is relieved a weekend fire did not completely destroy the building.Guests were evacuated when the fire broke out late on Saturday night, with crews from across Southland battling the blaze.Fire and Emergency investigators were examining the cause of the fire although it was not being treated as suspicious.Former owner Robynne Peacock and her late husband Ron, built the lodge in 2002 and ran the luxury accommodation for years until Peacock and her business partners sold it late last year.Peacock arrived at the lodge on Sunday afternoon where a fire inspector showed her the damage.The lodge was still intact despite part of the roof collapsing. Photo: SuppliedShe said most of the building was intact, despite part of the roof collapsing and damage to the kitchen and conference room, where the fire was believed to have started."I did not want to see it burning," she said."It all looks quite fixable and some of the lodge hasn't been touched at all so we were pleasantly surprised and thrilled to see it's not catastrophic."The fire inspector assured us that the structural integrity of the building was good in most areas."Peacock said it was a terrible blow for the new owners and she wished them well as they recovered from the fire.Owner Vicki Onions previously confirmed no one was injured but all guests were moved to local hotels in Te Anau as a safety measure.She was grateful for the swift response and support of emergency services, Onions said.A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire had badly damaged the building."However, firefighters were able to contain the fire which prevented some of the structure from being destroyed," they said.Published by permission

A good meal can make a big difference to how you feel, and a new partnership between Gore Health and local social enterprise Koha Kai is taking that impact even further by changing lives.Koha Kai is now providing both the Meals on Wheels and in-patient meals for Gore Health.Koha Kai founder and CEO Janice Lee said the change came about when Koha Kai were looking to diversify after news came they would be finishing their lunches in schools contract.Knowing they needed to diversify, Koha Kai general manager Sammi Lee emailed every organisation she could think of, and heard back from Gore Health within days.Gore Health CEO Karl Metzler said meals were of a similar cost but of wonderful quality, with people offered a choice of three meals.Koha Kai also shared similar values with Gore Health, making it an easy decision to make, he said.“We spend quite a bit on food every month, so we're delighted to be working alongside a social enterprise with a strong focus on supporting people,” he said.Koha Kai is work closely with Gore Health’s nutritionist, making sure the food available is able to be enjoyed by everyone no matter their dietary needs.“We’re getting lovely messages coming through to us from the Meals on Wheels,” Janice said. “One lady was so pleased with her Meals on Wheels because, being a coeliac, it had been the first time in three years that she had tasted gravy, and to have that gravy was just divine.“A lot of our elderly say they aren’t hungry but when they start eating the meals they end up finishing the lot,” she said.Karl said demand for Meals on Wheels referrals was increasing daily, and even he and his wife had bought some to have at home.“They are delicious, they’re just like mumma’s homemade meals.”Gore Health Ltd incorporates a hospital offering a range of public and private integrated services, including 20 inpatient beds, a 24/7 Emergency Department, maternity services, Gore Health Centre GP practice, dental clinic, specialist outpatient clinics, Allied and Community Health services, MoleMap, lab, radiology, and Mobile Surgical Services.

Southland households with solar panels will soon be able to export more electricity back to the grid, following PowerNet's decision to increase their limit from 5kW to 10kW.The announcement brings Southland into line with Otago's Aurora Energy who increased their limit to 10kW in August 2025.PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue said the increase was in response to customer demand and would enabling more power to be exported into the network which would also generate income for the householder.The decision also fit with the company’s long-term goal of a future-ready network, he said.PowerNet has undertaken extensive work to understand any risk this increase in capacity will have on the wider network and, while the 10kW limit won’t be available to every household, there should be widespread coverage, he said.“There will be some cases where large numbers of customers in one area all want to increase their limit and, depending on the specific circumstances of their connection and the infrastructure supporting it, that may not be possible.”Blue said PowerNet has a work programme that is committed to exploring new and emerging technologies and how these can benefit our customers and communities.“Solar generation is a big part of this, and these changes could make solar power a more economic option for people, enabling more power to be exported into the network and generating income for the householder.”World Solar owner Doon Morrell said people were using more power now and he expected PowerNet's decision would see households futureproofing themselves by installing more solar panels and bigger inverters.People may also start shopping around more for the best buyback rate, he said.New applications from households who wish to have an export limit between 5-10kW and from customers who already have a 5kW limit, and wish to have the new 10kW limit, will be accepted from 16 March 2026.CLICK HERE for more details.