Gore residents have been advised not to drink water from their taps until further notice, after Gore District Council issued a warning around 6.30pm this evening (18 Jul).Activities that you should avoid using tap water for also include food preparation and brushing teeth, they said.Parents with infants under 6 months and pregnant women are urged to be extra careful, the warning said.Boiling water does not remove nitrates, they said.The council said that the warning followed routine testing which detecting nitrate level of 11.4 mg/L, slightly above the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 11.3 mg/L for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand.While the health risk to the general population is low, the council said the warning had been issued as a precaution.Council water tankers, with fresh water, have been located at Eccles Street Playground, Hokonui Drive by the fire station, Grace Church on Hamilton Street, Wentworth Street outside the East Gore School, Eccles St playground and the Gore Trout.Water can still be used for washing, toilets, showers and baths (though care should be taken for young children who may consume some water while bathing), they said.Animals have a higher tolerance to nitrate but discretion is advised.The warning does not affect Mataura residents.

A map of sites where you may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance or third-party contractor work can be found here, and these sites are listed below.   **Please note that from Monday 28th July, the final leg of the Elles Road roundabout on SH1 Bluff Highway will be open, with access to Lake St from Bluff highway directly from the roundabout. Please be aware of this when using the roundabout until the new access and exit point becomes familiar. The ‘old’ Lake St access will be closed from Monday 28th also. Highways South work with temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Clyde St from Nith St to Grace St, southbound closure, detour (as above)Intersection of SH94/SH97 in Mossburn, stop/goSH96 Nightcaps township, lane shift Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Invercargill-Woodlands highway at Longwood, stop/goSH1 Gore Mataura Highway between Racecourse Road and Saleyards Road, stop/goSH1 Gore Mataura Highway between Falconer Road and Racecourse Road, stop/goSH1 Main St Gore, lane shiftSH99 Clifden highway near the Waiau river, 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.

A patient's round trip of seven hours for a gynaecological procedure was the spark that started Dr Helen Paterson's drive to treat women closer to where they lived. It took a number of years to get the Women's Health Bus - Te Waka Wahine Hauora - up and running. But now - 6 years later - the bus is taking clinics in rural towns and attending events such as A& P shows.Dr Helen Paterson, is a senior lecturer and Head of Department of Women's Health at Otago University, and she runs the bus with nurse practitioner Alice van Zijl. Helen Paterson joins Kathryn to talk about the health needs they are trying to answer. Published by permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Light snow forecast friday evening near tunnel , not expected to cause delays  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers developing turning to rain with 1-2cm possible snow friday evening Tomorrow: Partly cloudy Sunday: Partly cloudy Monday: Rain for a time Tuesday: Fine

The mother of a 10-year-old Australian girl who drowned during a visit to New Zealand says a coroner's report into her daughter's death has spurred feelings of overwhelming sadness as well as some comfort.Tegan Chen, of Lindfield, New South Wales, drowned in the fast-flowing Marian Creek in Fiordland National Park in January last year after she fell in and was swept downstream.In findings released 9 July, Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale described Tegan as "a very active and happy girl".Tegan's mother, Deb Fung, said she missed her daughter "every moment, every day".Fung said pictures in the coroner's report showed how easy it was to walk out onto the rocks from the track.The Department of Conservation installed warning signs immediately after the incident, with permanent signs installed later.A viewing platform that had been planned prior to Tegan's death had also been completed in June, covering the rocks that were previously accessible.Barriers had been constructed on all sides of the platform."I'm glad that they've done that and, gosh, if that had been in place before ... which, when you think about it," Fung said, tapering off as she considered other outcomes of their visit to the national park.She said the family had been processing their grief and were grateful for the support of their family and friends."Holding the memories of her very closely ... building memories with her in spirit differently," Fung said. "I guess facing the pain rather than trying to escape and trying to forget has been ... our approach ... and that's really helped."Fung said her daughter's passing had changed the family's perspective on life."Just learning to try and embrace whatever days we have ahead of us and projects or things that have meaning and purpose rather than just going about life like nothing has changed or nothing really matters," she said.Tegan's father, Adrian Chen, said the family were constantly reminded of what they had lost, but they were also looking at opportunities to make a difference to other people with what they had experienced."There is a lot of grief and a lot of traumas out there, not just for us, ... that a lot of people are going through," he said."If we can be an encouragement to others ... and I guess almost helping people to see difficult circumstances is not just something to mourn and grief, but something that can also reshape us."Like there's strength and resolve even amidst the tears and grief."Adrian Chen said it could be difficult for men to open up if they encountered difficult situations, but it was important for them to "take time out and to reflect and to face those emotions"."I think without the chance to do that, then ... I think what often happens is that we will bottle it up and then we'll have an eruption, like a volcano exploding," he said.The couple were planning to build a memorial garden outside of Sydney in which people could plant trees to mark the birth and passing of loved ones, which, at the same time, would be a reforestation project that helped the environment, Fung said.Aaron Fleming, director of operations in Southern South Island at the Department of Conservation, said the department looked closely at its facilities, systems and processes following a tragedy like this to identify room for improvement and ensure steps were taken to reduce the likelihood of similar things happening."On behalf of the Department of Conservation I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Tegan's family and acknowledge the terrible loss they have suffered," Fleming said."We have an ongoing programme of reviewing of similar sites across public conservation lands to identify any that need further hazard warnings in place."Published by permission

A Queenstown hotel has been fined $22,000 for illegally selling recreationally caught crayfish and failing to keep records.The Rees Management Limited, trading as The Rees Hotel, was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court on Monday (14 Jul) following charges brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries, under the Fisheries Act 1996 and Fisheries (Recordkeeping) Regulations 1990. The hotel had been offering a premium experience to guests called The Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish dining experience, which involved guests flying by helicopter to a West Coast beach to receive live crayfish - gathered by a diver - before returning to the hotel to have them cooked for them.Guests were charged between $4650 and $7750 for the total day's experience. However under the Fisheries Act, a commercial fishing permit is required to take any fish for sale. Fisheries New Zealand regional manager South Garreth Jay said any use of seafood as part of a business’ commercial activities is considered sale under the Act. “The rules are there for a reason – to safeguard the resource for current and future generations, protect the integrity of the fisheries management system, and ensure a level playing field for businesses’ using seafood as part of their commercial activities.""Where we find evidence of people breaking the rules we will investigate and take appropriate action." “In this case it is our view the offending persisted despite clear advice being given to the operators involved that the helicopter experience package did not comply with the Fisheries Act.” The hotel also did not keep required records of the crayfish, making it difficult to quantify the scale of the offending, Jay said. “We all have a role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries.""We encourage people to report suspected illegal activity through our free-calling 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24).” Fisheries New Zealand is also prosecuting another business in relation to the offending. The matter is still before the courts.

Gore mayor Ben Bell has labelled a recent account of his tumultuous first term as “bullying”.On Wednesday, a story about the mayor’s difficult few years in office was published by RNZ and re-used by other outlets.It covered a widely-publicised fallout with the former chief executive, a near vote of no confidence in Bell, and dirty politics.The story said numerous attempts had been made to interview Bell — including a trip to Gore to meet him — but the mayor pulled out at short notice and stopped responding.Bell wasn’t happy with what he read in the RNZ article.“I think it's an example of the bullying that I’ve experienced the whole way through,” he said.“I don’t think they’ve done a positive article on anything that we’ve done, and to get comments from the former mayor kind of shows their attitude towards us.”Bell also felt it was misreported that he didn’t want to speak for the story.“I’ve just actually been busy serving my community and schedules didn’t line up and they didn’t want to talk to me on the phone.“I think they said I was avoiding them, that’s not the case whatsoever.”In response, an RNZ spokesperson said the broadcaster stood by its article which included the perspective of a former Mayor and the current Deputy Mayor of Gore."As stated in the article, RNZ made numerous attempts to interview the current Mayor Ben Bell, even travelling to Gore to meet with him. We also made clear to Mr Bell that we wanted to give him an opportunity to respond to the comments of others."Mr Bell did not take up this opportunity and has not responded to RNZ’s subsequent efforts to make contact," the spokesperson added.Former long-serving mayor Tracy Hicks was a key feature in the piece and took his opportunity to jab at the mayor.Hicks wondered what Bell had achieved, questioned the mayor’s long-term commitment to the area, and said the council would have avoided reputational damage had he been re-elected.Bell disagreed with Hicks but said he was entitled to his opinion.The young mayor was seeking re-election and pointed to that decision as an example of his commitment to Gore.“In terms of my reflection, I think the first year and a half was a struggle. There was a lot of change brought about. A lot of councillors just getting used to me and my style," Bell said — a tamer view than what Hicks made of the first year: “a train wreck”.Bell said progress was being made with the new chief executive onboard and momentum was building.When elected in October 2022, the then-23-year-old became the youngest mayor in New Zealand history.He thwarted Hicks’ shot at a seventh term by just eight votes.Hicks told the Southland Times last election that he was running for the final time, but since indicated to RNZ he is reconsidering.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

An investigation has been launched by Environment Southland following the marine pest, Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii), being potentially found in Bluff Harbour this month (Jul).The Mediterranean fanworm, a segmented marine worm that forms dense colonies on solid structures, can displace native species and threaten fisheries like mussels and oysters as it competes for food.It is identified by its long, leathery tube that is pale brown with a muddy appearance and extending spiral fan of yellow-orange filaments.The worm can regenerate quickly and persist in a range of water temperatures and salinity, living for 2–5 years, while its larvae can remain in the water column for up to 20 days before settling.The worm that was discovered in Bluff Harbour measured 59 cm in length and was found under the town wharf at a depth of five metres followed routine surveillance carried out by NIWA between 7 and 11 July. It has been sent away for formal identification.Environment Southland acting general manager integrated catchment management David Adamson said that while no further specimens were detected during follow-up dives, the wharf’s extensive structure means further surveillance is required to determine the extent of the spread.“We’re unclear if the marine pest is more widespread in Bluff waters, so we’re planning further surveys to confirm its spread as a part of response planning.”Divers experienced in identifying Mediterranean fanworm will be brought in from outside the region, Adamson said.Environment Southland are also receiving support from Biosecurity New Zealand.“Our goal at the moment is to establish whether it is Mediterranean fanworm and if it has spread.We want the public to continue to be vigilant and report sightings, as well as ensure their gear and hulls are clean.“We also need to know if this pest is elsewhere in Southland.”Environment Southland is asking the public and marine industry to keep an eye out and report any suspected sightings.If you think you’ve seen it, please take a clear photo and email it to [email protected] with your contact details, Adamson said.Reports can also be submitted via Southland PestHub (pesthub.es.govt.nz).

Canine compliance has dropped-off in Invercargill with the council admitting there are issues with staffing.Challenges with dog registrations came to light at a Tuesday meeting, where council group manager consenting and environment Jonathan Shaw was candid about the struggles.“It’s a challenge to actually keep a track of it. It’s also a particularly hard area to recruit to. We are having a few struggles there at the moment,” Shaw said.“We are aware of it. We do our level best.”His comments followed concerns raised by councillor Ian Pottinger that the number of unregistered dogs was an unknown.Pottinger had recently paid his own dog’s registration fee but said it would be easy to slip under the radar if your dog wasn’t causing any trouble.Shaw said the council did rely on the community to comply.“We have seen something of a drop off in compliance, which we can possibly attribute to hard times,” he said.The report showed unpaid registrations totaled $62,155 for 634 dogs, as at 31 May.That sum would likely soon increase, with council group manager finance and assurance Patricia Christie noting annual registration bills were typically sent out in June.Christie said it was difficult for the council to “collect” the fee because of the possibility a dog had died.The number of dogs registered with the council was 9,257.Last August, missing data on the number of euthanised dogs from a control report irked deputy mayor Tom Campbell.The council later revealed 38 dogs were put down from 2023/24 — an increase from 25 for the previous reporting period.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Invercargill’s low-cost general practice, Te Hau o Te Ora, which also operates the city’s After Hours Service, is relocating to 65 Don Street and will begin welcoming patients from Monday, 28 July.The current Clyde Street clinic will remain open for after-hours care over the weekend of 26–27 July, ensuring no disruption to services.The move marks a milestone for the joint venture between WellSouth Primary Health Network, Te Rūnaka o Awarua, and Hokonui Rūnanga Inc., aimed at delivering accessible healthcare to the community, especially Māori and Pasifika whānau.“WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs said the shift was long overdue.‘After 18 years in the old premises, and following the opening of Te Hau o Te Ora a couple of years ago, we saw and took the opportunity to move the practice and PHO staff to a space that was better suited,’ he said.‘Finding the nearby premises has been fortunate, as we have been able to retrofit the existing building.’”Inside image (staff room) from left to right: WellSouth Primary Care Network Team Relationship Manager Daniela Duggan, General Manager Te Hau o Te Ora Amy de Vries, WellSouth Clinical Operations Manager Katrina Braxton. Photo: SuppliedWellSouth, which provides clinical services across Southland and Otago, will also move into the new Don Street facility, occupying the first floor, while Te Hau o Te Ora and the After Hours Service will be located on the ground floor.Hokonui Rūnanga Manager Terry Nicholas said the low-cost practice had met a lot of need and was fully enrolled."While the new clinic doesn’t necessarily enable more patients to enrol, it does ensure the current patient community has a more modern, more accessible, light space with all the same wonderful staff and services.”Around 50 staff from the PHO and general practice will move to the new site in the days leading up to the opening.Patients will benefit from free parking at the rear of the building, with additional council-paid parking and accessibility parks adjacent to the site.

Drummond Primary School had an action-packed Term 2! Some of our highlights included Camo Day, Winning Central Cup, Cross Country, and a lovely Community Afternoon. Please see below.Hardegger Ag proud sponsor of Drummond Primary SchoolCamo Day To celebrate the start of duck shooting, the children dressed in their best camouflage gear. They headed over to the Rugby Club, where they completed a series of challenges, including building a mai mai, bush first aid, and much more. Students dressed in their best camouflage for the day. Photos: SuppliedCentral Cup 2025What a fantastic effort this year! The year 7 & 8 won all four games and took 1st place—Drummond’s first ever win in this competition!Go Drummond! We’re so proud of our sports stars! 1st place awarded to year 7 & 8 after winning all four games. Photos: SuppliedZone Cross CountryIn mid-May, all the children headed to Waianiwa School for our annual zone cross country. They were split into age groups and ran alongside children from Heddon Bush and Waianiwa School, competing for a place in the Central Cross Country.We were very proud of their resilience and effort. The annual zone cross country. Photos: SuppliedCommunity AfternoonTo finish off the term and celebrate Matariki, we held a community afternoon. Parents, family, and friends moved around different activities at the school and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea together. Community Afternoon to celebrate Matariki. Photos: Supplied

Conservationists are delighted after a unique kiwi was rediscovered in Aotearoa for the first time in 50 years.The little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku, was first spotted in the remote Adams Wilderness Area in the West Coast by a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunter.It prompted DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham, alongside his conservation dog Brew, to fly in to locate the bird."I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said.He said the trip was a bit of rollercoaster."We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he said."I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out."Tiny feathers were collected from the small spotted kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku, the smallest kiwi species.Kiwi pukupuku are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators. Until now, it was believed they only survived in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites.An estimated 2000 of the threatened birds remain, though the population is increasing thanks to the conservation efforts of community groups, agencies, and tangata whenua, DOC said.Despite years of searching, the last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978."Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world," Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said.Kara Edwards, of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio, said the find was an opportunity for hapū to connect with what had been considered a lost taonga."Knowing kiwi pukupuku have survived this whole time in our takiwā is incredible. We are extremely excited and looking forward to working with DOC to secure the future of kiwi pukupuku."Since the sighting, Graham and Brew have returned to the area and captured a male kiwi."We'll wait for genetic analysis to confirm, but the measurements look right for a kiwi pukupuku," Graham said.DOC is gathering information to work with Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio to explore the future protection and management of these birds.Published by permission

Decades of dramatically misjudged healthcare demand is forcing thousands to travel beyond Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes for hospital treatment each year, including for half of all births, a health group says.The Southern Lakes Health Trust, whose steering committee includes Otago and Central Lakes MPs, mayors and clinicians believed a recent shift in approach from Health NZ could result in a new, local, publicly run and privately financed hospital.The trust wanted public health chiefs to back its plan, acknowledging existing healthcare services were long outstripped by the region's booming growth.The trust's clinical advisor Dr Jez Leftley said Queenstown's Lakes District Hospital was built in 1988 for 4500 people, so its 12 inpatient beds and 10 emergency department beds were not enough for the nearly 80,000 people living in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes."There's been a recognition amongst clinicians in the area for years the services are severely lacking and we're hugely under-resourced."More than 3000 Central Otago Lakes patients were admitted to Dunedin and Invercargill hospitals last year because of limited local services, the trust said.The trust said 49 percent of planned births in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago happened outside of the region, not including urgent transfers.About 300 people were transferred from Lakes District Hospital to other hospitals by helicopter in 2024 at a cost of $6.3 million, including visitors injured skiing, biking and taking part in Queenstown's adventure tourism offerings, according to figures supplied by Southland MP Joseph Mooney.Mooney - also on the steering committee - said that could have flow on effects for people in other regions waiting for elective surgeries."They get, effectively, bounced off the waiting list because of the urgent needs that are coming in from people who have bad injuries. So, it can mean people end up waiting a lot longer for health services in other parts of the broader southern region."Privately financed, publicly run - a new proposed modelEarlier this year the Southern Lakes Health Trust devised a plan to try to fix the region's healthcare woes.The trust wanted Health NZ and the government to consider a new, privately financed, but publicly run "Southern Lakes Hospital".Health infrastructure specialist Helen Foot said it was an outside-the-box solution to an urgent need."It's partly about getting creative in how you use your workforce and using them in ways where we're not stealing off the public sector to then pay more in the private."A lot of these private projects are being looked at anyway. People are talking about two potential private hospitals in Wānaka. The whole point of our project is to ensure that those are done in a co-ordinated way that doesn't affect the public system, and actually helps the public system."One of those hospitals was a $300 million, five level, 70-bed hospital proposed by property investor, Roa.It said last year it would be seeking fast track consent for the build, east of Wānaka.Leftley said the trust was not talking about a "true" public-private partnership where it would be contracting private services, rather solely hospital infrastructure.Foot said Health NZ was too busy "in the throes of delivering health services" to investigate the opportunities for partnership."It's not really on them to be doing the connecting and bringing parties to the table. So we decided that's work we could help with."Asked if it would consider a privately owned, publicly-run hospital for the region, Health NZ said it would not make any decisions until the completion of its clinical services planning.New clinical services plan underwayIn July Health NZ announced it would work on a clinical services plan for the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.Health NZ said it would study the region's current and projected health needs and report back by December."This planning will help to determine what future publicly funded clinical services may be required in the area and how they will be delivered across the continuum of care," it said.Leftley said the plan was a long-awaited step forward because Health NZ had recognised Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago's needs separately to those of wider Otago and Southland."We've needed them to be looking at the planning for the 14 years that I've been here, and they've always just been pushing it off, pushing it off, so to have made that step forward now, to actually committing to looking at this region and looking at what healthcare services we need in this region is huge," he said.Foot said the clinical services plan stopped short of a solution but might help to realise the group's vision."Our leadership group will be looking at funding and resourcing the plan so that we can get this, keep the momentum going, get this moving," she said.Mooney said the discussion seemed to be shifting from "if" there should be a new hospital to "where and when".'Third World' conditions and long-overlooked growthFoot said the health struggles of "ordinary New Zealanders" in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes region had long been overlooked."There's often a lot of comparisons around whether there's deprivation here, whether the community are deserving of health services being close to home - and we do have access to health services - but they're at such distance that it's causing real hardship."A couple of forums I've been in, clinicians have described the conditions here as 'Third World' in some areas."She said decision-makers had not acknowledged the rapid population growth of Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, instead relying on whole-of-New Zealand population projections."The data being relied on was woefully inadequate, frankly," Foot said.She noted Health NZ's 10-year health infrastructure plan released in April did not mention any plans for Queenstown Lakes or Central Otago beyond committing to a new rural health hub in the wider "southern" region.Leftley said waiting a decade before planning a new public hospital could be catastrophic."If we look at what the population of the Southern Lakes region would be at that stage - we would just fall over. It would be dangerous. There would definitely be some deaths related to not having the facilities in the region," he said.Minister open to alternativesThe trust said it was waiting for direct feedback from Health Minister Simeon Brown about the hospital plan and would seek an assurance he would investigate solutions.In a statement, Brown said ensuring health services kept up with population increases in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts was a priority for him."Earlier this year at the NZ infrastructure investment summit, I made clear that the government was open to all funding and financing proposals that will help us catch up on the infrastructure backlog," he said."I look forward to receiving Health New Zealand's clinical services plan for the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago once it's completed and reading through its recommendations."Published by permission

It's been a tumultuous three years at the Gore District Council with a heated election in 2022 ending in a close call and New Zealand's youngest ever mayor; a fallout between the new mayor and long-serving chief executive; scandal; division; and murmurs of central government intervention. But two-and-a-half years on, how is the council and the community faring now? And what does October's election hold? RNZ's Timothy Brown reports."The first year was a shambles. It was an absolute shambles - a train wreck."Former Gore mayor Tracy Hicks doesn't mince his words in assessing the reign of his successor.Hicks, a six-term incumbent, lost the mayoralty to then-23-year-old Ben Bell by only eight votes in October 2022.Gore Mayor Ben Bell. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonAbout 100 voting papers were left blank and more than 4300 eligible voters did not even bother.The tight contest followed an election campaign described by one veteran councillor as the ugliest he had witnessed.There were nasty rumours about salacious photos and Bell's sexuality, with mud slung at the opposing candidate by both camps.Following his election, Bell and then-chief executive Stephen Parry shared a fractious relationship which left the men unable to communicate without an intermediary.An aborted vote of no confidence in Bell followed, as did petitions calling on Parry to resign, failed mediation, and ultimately Parry's resignation and a new chief executive being appointed.RNZ has attempted to speak to the key players of the past three years and everyday Gore residents.Numerous attempts have been made to interview Bell about his first-term - even travelling to Gore to meet with him.However, on the morning of the agreed interview, Bell pulled out at short notice; was unable or unwilling to re-schedule; and has not responded to subsequent efforts to make contact.Parry told RNZ he has no interest in being interviewed on the situation either, saying: "I am enjoying a private life".Former Gore mayor Tracy Hicks was a six-term incumbent. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonBut Hicks and deputy mayor Keith Hovell have been happy to talk.Hicks gives the current council a low four-out-of-ten for its performance under Bell."You've got to give credit to a number of the individuals around the council table who have done sterling work and never been appreciated for it - in my view anyway - but there are a number that I wouldn't give much credit," he says.Without stating it explicitly, it seems Bell is not one of those whom he credits."I'm not sure - what's he achieved?" Hicks says."I've been thinking about that today - what has he achieved? I struggled to find anything concrete to point to and I guess I'm not surprised at that, because he came completely fresh to the scene and, like it or not, local government is quite a different beast and it's not a beast that moves quickly."So I do feel sorry for him and the fact that you can't make the changes you want quickly, but he promised changes and he promised a number of things along the way that - if I'm wrong, I'm wrong - but I don't see those changes happening."Hicks says if he had won a seventh term, the council would have been more functional and could have avoided reputational damage.Under Bell's watch, rates have risen an average of 11 percent in 2023, 21 percent last year and 8.8 percent this year.It is well in excess of the 5.9 percent, 8.2 percent and 5 percent for the three years prior, however, it is hardly Bell's fault alone and he even opposed the extent of this year's hike.But Hicks says despite escalating rates hikes, the council is still spending far more than it brings in."Just looking at what the costs of the council have been over the last three years, they're extraordinary," he says."That really worries me because ... it's something like a 59 percent increase in costs, not in rates, but in costs. In my time I don't know of that ever happening here or anywhere. I think that is a really telling statistic on how the council is functioning."But deputy mayor Keith Hovell, who is stepping aside from local politics after October's elections, does not shy away from the rates rises."We did what needed to be done to secure the financial stability of the council moving forward. And I would hope that the electorate recognises that," he tells RNZ.Deputy mayor Keith Hovell is stepping aside from local politics after October's elections. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonHovell was thrust into the role of deputy mayor after a majority of councillors called for Bell's first choice, Stewart MacDonnell, to step down.The retiring councillor defends the efforts of the council this term."There have been issues at a governance level and we've worked those through, but there are also some underlying issues that feed into that. As councillors, we believe that we were acting in the best interest of the community with what we've done over the last three years and particularly during that first six months," he says."We were seen as the bad guys, but we believe we were acting in the best interests of the situation that we faced at the time."Hovell has a "clear conscience" after his time around the council table and he says he looks back on his achievements positively."I think when you look at what we have managed to achieve over the whole three years, and setting aside the slow start that we had, the advances that we've made in the last two years in particular, I think are serving the community extremely well," he says.Hovell has often been at the frontline of ructions this term.He was instrumental in the call for Bell to step down as mayor, as well as the aborted no-confidence vote and in blocking the petitions calling for Parry's resignation."I guess I'd sum it up that I retired and retirement's about doing the things you want to do and I am - but not necessarily the way I want to do them all the time," Hovell says."We went through our initial period and have found a way forward. So we're working together professionally doing what we need to be doing."So what does he make of Bell's leadership?"Ben does bring a particular skillset, particularly what we're working through at present with the three waters. So from his technical background, he's not only able to provide the leadership that's necessary from a mayor, but also some technical input," Hovell says.But after previously leading a mutiny against the young mayor, does Bell now have his support?"The mayor has my confidence to do the job that we all need to do to see us through over the next four or five months."There is a sense among those in Gore, regardless of where they sit in the district's political spectrum, that time has been lost this term.Bell stood at the 2022 elections as part of the Team Hokonui alliance of candidates.In addition to Bell winning the mayoralty, Team Hokonui council candidates Robert McKenzie and Joe Stringer were elected on a promise of change.McKenzie tells RNZ there has been no discussion of resurrecting the group, though he intends to stand for a second term."I'm definitely standing and I fully support our young mayor Ben Bell," McKenzie says."I'm definitely standing because there's work to be done. We wasted the first 18 months on political bullshit."Bell also seems to have the backing of his community.Ratepayers and residents who spoke to RNZ outlined a litany of grievances with the council and the work it is doing, but are supportive of Bell and believe he is trying to do the right thing by ratepayers.While in no way a scientific measure of sentiment, those who spoke to RNZ rated Bell's performance between six and eight out of ten, with all unanimously saying fresh blood is good for the council and they are likely or certain to give Bell a vote for a second term - even those who admitted to not voting for him at the last election.Bell has publicly committed to seeking a second term and others are already putting their hand up to run.It is possible a familiar face will be among them."A month ago I would have said no, and I haven't made a decision, but I have been quite surprised at the number of people that have approached me," Tracy Hicks says."I'm fearful of where this community's heading, particularly on the fiscal front and I'm very mindful of what has been gained over the years - over almost a century and a half - developing this as a stunning community ... I think there's a lot to make sure that we don't lose."Hicks says his future is in Gore, but he is not convinced that is true for Bell."I guess I'd been there a long time - 18 years - you can see why people wanted a change, I don't blame them for that," Hicks says."But I'm not sure change has delivered anything better. In fact, I think ... it put us back."In saying that I hold no grudges against Ben. He's a young guy who was out to make his name and make a profile for himself, and he's done that. So good on him for that. Is his long-time future representing Gore district or the Gore community or the eastern Southland community? I'm not sure about that."Published by permission

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel wrapped up fourth spot on the points table after posting a closely-fought 61-55 win over Go Media Stars in Invercargill on Monday.Both teams were out to finish the season on a positive note, the Steel looking to get over the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the Finals Series while the Stars have not had luck on their side in an injury-ravaged campaign.Despite nothing riding on the final match of the regular season, with both sides already out of Finals Series contention, there was no lack of desire from either side, the Steel holding the edge in the second half to clinch the spoils on the back of a solid season.Closely contested throughout, the Steel held a two-goal advantage coming into the final quarter during which they took control and shut down any chance of a Stars comeback.Key targets at both ends, Aliyah Dunn for the Steel and the Stars Maia Wilson, did all that was asked of them from the goal shoot positions with Dunn nailing 42 from 43 and Wilson 44/45.In the end, the Steel won the moments that mattered while having slightly the better of the possession stakes.The Stars competed gamely but just lacked the consistency to keep the Steel under the pump.Both sides made solid and effective starts with the Steel managing to nose in front on the back of pacey and accurate attacking play which was expertly finished by shooters Dunn and Georgia Heffernan.The Stars also gained traction from the long game to bring the contest back to level terms.Defensive pressure from Carys Stythe and Abby Lawson created turnover opportunities for the home side in the Stars attacking zone, ultimately iced by a super shot from Georgia Heffernan to push the Steel out to a 14-10 lead at the first break.With defenders Lili Tokaduadua and Remi Kamo getting their hands to intercept opportunities on the resumption, the Stars clicked into gear.Converting their extra ball opportunities, the confidence levels lifted from the visitors.That resulted in finding their flow, speed and accuracy on attack where the movement of captain Wilson opened the space under the hoop with the ball landing perfectly via Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Lisa Mather.Starting with an 8-4 run against them, the Steel took a tactical time out before the Stars nudged into narrow lead, the last five minutes of the second stanza going goal-for-goal and ending in a 28-all stalemate at the main break.The Steel turned the tables during a high-scoring and entertaining third quarter. The home side needed no second invitation when pouncing on a couple of early lapses in the Stars scoring zone.The response was rapid and highly accurate through-court play where Kate Heffernan and Kimiora Poi worked the ball expertly to set up the shooting duo of Georgia Heffernan and Dunn.The shooters worked seamlessly in tandem, Heffernan sharing the load while Dunn continued her strong season with an impressive showing.The Stars hung on admirably, with midcourter Reuelu-Buchanan and Kate Heffernan having a mighty tussle while Wilson ended the stanza in style when sinking a super shot to narrow the Steel’s lead to 45-43 at the last break, leaving the game wide open.

The country's water regulator says a Southland councillor who refuses to boil his tap water could be risking his health.However, councillor Derek Chamberlain is standing by his decision to ignore a local boil water notice despite criticism from Taumata Arowai.Southland district councillor Derek Chamberlain says there is nothing wrong with the water coming out of his tap. Credit: Supplied.Chamberlain made headlines this week for saying he would sooner drink from his compromised Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat network than have Auckland water.[www.odt.co.nz/southland/%E2%80%98nothing-wrong-it%E2%80%99-southland-councillor-water-under-boil-notice]The district councillor lives on one of 54 properties in rural Southland which has been under a boil notice since July 2024.Taumata Arowai head of operations Steve Taylor said Chamberlain’s decision to ignore the notice was not safe, even though he was using a filter.There were a range of factors affecting a filter’s ability to remove microorganisms including type, pore size, and whether it was used in conjunction with other treatments like boiling or UV, Taylor said.“Your councillor may feel that their water is fine to drink, but they may be risking their health.”One of the main issues affecting the Eastern Bush/Otahu Flat supply was turbidity — or cloudiness — which became worse when rain dirtied the Wairaki River.Taylor said high turbidity impacted treatment and indicated a higher risk of protozoa, which the supply did not have a barrier to protect against.Even if the water was visibly clear, it could still contain pathogens which could lead to serious illness, he warned.In response, Chamberlain issued the regulator a challenge“If they’re that concerned about it, why don’t they come down and do something about it?” he said.“My argument’s at Wellington. I mean it’s alright for them sitting up there bloody making all the rules, someone’s got to pay for it.”The boil notice was issued in July 2024 and could be in place until as late as 2027 when the treatment plant is upgraded.On Monday, the council issued a reminder to residents that boiling was still necessary.The notice is the only active one across the entire region.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Southland became host to the Green Party on Saturday (12 Jul) when members of the Deep South Tauraka Waiwai Green Party, including MPs Lan Pham, Scott Willis and Francisco Hernandez, visited Riverton for their annual general meeting and a hui.Items on the agenda included the need for support and livelihoods for rural communities, the Dunedin Regional Hospital, clean energy, fresh water protections, the impact of the government’s Fast Track approvals regime on the environment, and the government’s move to break up the Polytech collective - Te Pukenga.Environment Southland Councillor Robert Guyton and Green Party MP Lan Pham discussing water issues at a Green Party local hui, following the group's AGM. Photo: SuppliedGreen MP Scott Willis told the Southland App that one of the big issues in our region was the lack of support and sustainable industries for rural communities."Our recently released Green Budget has a detailed plan for sustainable jobs based around clean energy and this includes reinvigorating of the Jobs for Nature programme.""This was a Greens-initiative that the previous Government took up, resulting in jobs in areas such as the Wilding Conifer Management Strategy," Willis said."The current Government has pulled the pin on that, along with the jobs that were part of it.""Letting wilding pines run rampant again makes no sense," he said.Willis said the Greens also have a plan to prioritise sustainable industries that would allow rural communities to thrive while also addressing the energy hardship that many households faced, with renewable energy playing a core role.“We also recognise that people of our region have been crying out for a new hospital for years, and we've had enough of a Government that makes promises about it and then breaks them time and again, trying to fob us off with half-pie solutions.""Our party has committed to working towards a full spec hospital for the deep South, and we have made provision for these plans in the Green Budget,” he said.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Brief snow expected tuesday afternoon near the tunnel , not expected to cause delays.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain developing, light snow possible near tunnel Tomorrow: Fine Thursday: Showers Friday: Periods of rain Saturday: Showers clearing

The public has three weeks to come up with ideas to enhance and retain Te Anau’s much-loved Bird Sanctuary with its future up in the air, and while the prized takahe will likely stay, DOC can’t confirm yet that the other birds will.A collaborative call for feedback was launched today (14 July) by the relevant agencies with submissions closing on 3 August.There’s been great concern in the Te Anau community that the birds, including Te Anau’s prized takahē – a local icon, may be moved elsewhere and out of the park with DOC opting out of the park’s management.Te Anau's popular Bird Sanctuary has suffered from a lack of direction and investment. In February 2025 DOC announced it was withdrawing its management of the facility and would be actively exploring alternatives. Photo: Southland AppA number of individual community interests have been exploring ways for locals to take over the operation, including the possibility of setting up trusts.DOC acting operations manager Te Anau Elicia Milne says, “at this stage there are no plans to rehome the takahē pairs at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary”, although details for any management transition are yet to be finalised.There are currently 16 birds at the park - four pāteke/brown teal, two kōwhiowhio/whio, four Antipodes Island kākāriki and six South Island takahē, two of which are chicks.Asked whether DOC was considering moving any other of the species out of the park, she said she couldn’t confirm that, or anything else, because “the transitional model” had not yet been confirmed.Once that was confirmed DOC would share the plans for the other birds with the wider community.“There’s still some thinking on that and working through within DOC what our next steps are, but we will communicate that within the coming weeks or next few months, before the next breeding season,” Milne says.She could not share anything else at this stage.“Any future transition will be managed with the wellbeing of birds, staff and Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu o Te Anau’s future in mind,” she says.At this stage DOC is supporting Ōraka Aparima, Great South and Fish and Game with technical advice for managing any captive species and with their scoping work. This Kākāriki (Antipodes Island Parakeet) calls the Te Anau sanctuary home. Photo: Chris Watson/ProfocusThere’s already been an overwhelmingly positive response to today’s call for ideas for the future of the park from manu whenua, key agencies and the community, Great South facilitating that process.The united regional effort is exploring opportunities to make the park viable on its present site.DOC, site owners Southland Fish and Game, iwi Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka and Great South have asked anyone interested to share their thoughts on what the future of this site could look like.People are encouraged to fill out a feedback form on Great South’s website – www.greatsouth.co.nzKen Brown, of the local Save Our Sanctuary group, says while he’s pleased there’s now a transparent process underway and a coordinated approach, the main concern has been that DOC may be trying to move some of the birds out the park.“That would be disastrous.""If the other birds are moved it will be impossible to build up the park as a sanctuary moving forward.”His group is keen to bring all the different agencies and local interest groups together to work on the best options moving forward.He says there are several individual groups working on proposals, such as setting up various trusts to save the park and its birds.Kōwhiowhio (Whio / Blue Duck) can be seen at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Photo: Chris Watson/Profocus“We’re hoping to pull a meeting together of all those interested,” he says.Their response would then be handed to local iwi during the submission and feedback process.“We’re happy though that things are moving in the right direction,” Brown says.Great South General Manager of Regional Strategy Bobbi Brown says her phone was already running hot within a short time of the news being announced on social media today (14 July), with three very good submissions arriving in too.“I’m absolutely happy with this process and the early response has just reinforced that the local community needs to be included in any plans.""It’s reinforced the depth of feeling and that it’s a topic that everybody cares about,” she says.“People want to know more and this way there will be balance.”It’s vital that the community get to put their ideas forward, she says.“I can guarantee that your feedback and ideas will get in front of the people that control the outcome.”The jewel in the crown - Takahē, can be seen by visitors all year round at the sanctuary. Photo: Chris Watson/ProfocusThere seemed to be a positivity and excitement coming through on options for the park’s future.“Everyone loves it. It’s such a valuable taonga, and some people see potential for what it can become in the future, opportunities to make it even better.”She’s expecting lots of quality submissions and feedback and she’d been encouraged already by ideas shared by those calling her, including local businesses, all emphasising the importance of the park as a local tourism gem.“I’m really pleased that people are thinking outside the square,” Brown says.Fiordland Community Board chairperson Diane Holmes says she’s relieved to see there’s a promising future for the park and that key players are interested in making it a sustainable operation.She was also pleased to see some public communication, “as in the absence of that people fill in the gaps with other scenarios”.Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka deputy chairperson, Sue Crengle says the joint call is “an important step toward a future that would be shaped by values of kaitiakitanga and community connection”.“Te Punanga Manu is a taonga – a treasure for our people and our region,” she says.“This is an opportunity to reset and reshape what it can be for future generations.""We’re looking forward to hearing from the community and working in partnership with others to realise that vision.”The Te Anau bird sanctuary is located within sight of the Murchison Mountains, the 1948 rediscovery location of Fiordland's takahē. Photo: Chris Watson/ProfocusThe insights gathered will be shared with Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka and Fish and Game New Zealand with technical advice provided from DOC.The group says the next steps will be made available publicly around the end of August, early September.The Feedback Form is available here or via Great South’s website www.greatsouth.nzFor further information or questions contact: Bobbi Brown at Great South E: [email protected] M: +64 21 241 7506.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.