Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:OPEN from Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive with careComments:No delays expected today. The Homer Tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday nights this week (7th July - through 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine. Tomorrow: Cloudy with possible showers. Wednesday: Rain developing.Thursday: Rain.Friday: Rain.

Australian street stuntman and visual artist Chayne ('The Space Cowboy') Hultgren's augmented reality (AR) artwork promises to be a major drawcard at this year's Riversdale Arts 52nd Mixed Media Exhibition, to be held from 18th - 26th July in the Riversdale Community Centre.The popular northern Southland exhibition is one of the highlights of the Southland arts calendar and draws mixed media artists from throughout New Zealand to show and sell around 500 pieces at the exhibition and in the gift shop.Riversdale Arts 52nd Mixed Media Exhibition's guest artist The Space Cowboy. Photo: SuppliedThe Space Cowboy is this year's exhibition guest artist, but he is better known for his daring street and freak-show performances, swallowing swords, juggling chainsaws and other extreme stunts, which have entertained crowds in over 40 countries and gained more than 20 million YouTube views. His extreme feats have also earned him 55-Guinness World records.The Space Cowboy's move into visual art, while more recent has been no less dramatic, with his first exhibition held in his own Byron Bay gallery last December (2024) including the artist creating art while using a Tesla coil to pass over one million volts of electricity through his body.His AR art, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork, has been described as bold, vivid and immersive, and is aimed at inspiring audiences to push their boundaries.Riversdale Arts administrator Lucy Leti said that while The Space Cowboy couldn't attend in person, they were privileged to unveil his unique AR artworks at this year's exhibition.Waka with Celtic Dogs "The Voyage" by Mike Cameron of Whangarei. Photo: Supplied"Looking at his pieces at face value, the artwork appears two dimensional- very vibrant, colourful paintings... while the quality & technique are unbelievable."'Then viewing the artwork through an app on your phone or tablet, the paintings come to life, each in their own unique way, with the characters, words & layers moving & evolving.''The artwork is fun & spirited, with the innovative style capturing the viewer's attention by requiring them to stop & interact with each piece, to fully appreciate the techniques The Space Cowboy has used.'  Other invited artists to this year's exhibition included the return of 51st Exhibition Guest Artist Linda Hannan, as well as Parksy Boy, Tasha Waterson, Natalie Salisbury, Gina Te Hira, Jackie Hancock, Vicki Hawkins, Jessie Bishell and Nicola Garlick.Shell #52, constructed from Kahikatea, meranti plywood & cardboard, by Richard Neighbour of Ruranga. Photo: SuppliedAnother regular highlight of the exhibition was the emerging artists' competition, where young Southland-resident artists, aged between 13 and 25 (as at the 18 July) vied for a top prize of $1000.This year has seen the highest amount of entries the award has received, with the ten finalists' artworks put on display in the exhibition & the overall winner announced at the Opening Evening.A series of workshops led by expert tutors, from Southland & Otago are held over the first weekend of the exhibition, the variety of workshops has something for everyone.A Decoy Flocking workshop led by Corey Carston, creates customised, true to life decoys using old decoys which have lost their markings, a Flax Weaving workshop held by Sarah Geary educates attendees in the tikanga surrounding traditional Maori weaving & the techniques of the art.'Spirited" a stainless steel sculpture by Nicholas Rumore of Metal Works of Wanaka. Photo: SuppliedInvercargill based Papa's Art Room will be hosting a Textured Floral Art workshop in a fun, relaxed class with all materials supplied.Anna King's bespoke mid winter Christmas Tree workshop will host one morning session & one afternoon session, & Rachel Hirabayashi's Wire Work class shares the popular artists skill & knowledge in combining a variety of materials in the wire wrapping technique.Children from the local schools & preschools display their artwork in the Mavor Room of the Riversdale Community Centre throughout the exhibition, this year's theme being 'Art Into the Future'.The Riversdale Arts committee members host the school groups throughout the week, giving each participating school a tour of the exhibition & the opportunity to see their exhibits on display.A gift shop, stocking a wide variety of art & craft items, sourced from throughout New Zealand, will be running during the exhibition, alongside food and drink from Lisa's Kitchen Cafe.2025 Riversdale Arts Exhibition ProgrammeThe 52nd annual Mixed Media Arts Exhibition opens at 7pm on Friday, Jul 18th with a gala evening in the Riversdale Community Centre, where guests can mix and mingle with invited and local artists and celebrate the presentation of the Emerging Artist award & Best Local Artist award.Thereafter the exhibition will be open daily to the public from 11am to 4pm.The exhibition closes at 4pm on Saturday 26th July.CLICK HERE for more information.

A man has died following a hunting incident near Lords River, Rakiura Stewart Island yesterday (5 Jul).Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy said Police were notified of the incident at around midday.A Search and Rescue team was deployed to the island via helicopter, and located the man deceased.Investigations are underway, which include speaking to those who were in the area at the time, he said.The Coroner has been advised.

Invercargill Airport has announced a $4m upgrade to its Sir Tim Shadbolt terminal.Improvements will focus on upgrading the airport's security systems for cabin baggage screening, but also include an expanded jet lounge, smarter passenger flow management and improvements within the existing terminal footprintCEO Stuart Harris said the project was not a luxury redevelopment but a compliance-driven functional upgrade."It’s also an unmistakable indicator of Southland’s momentum.""We’re affirming confidence in our region’s growth and ensuring Invercargill Airport can continue to connect Southlanders with Aotearoa and the world.""It’s about readiness, reliability, and reflecting the pride we have in our community,” Harris saidConstruction is expected to last six months and will be phased to ensure minimal disruption to customers.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has defended deep cuts to environment funding at a sometimes scrappy scrutiny hearing, which also saw opposition MPs challenging the government over weakening freshwater rules, bottom trawling near Auckland, and axing funding for Predator Free 2050.Green MP Lan Pham asked Simmonds what risks she saw from about $650 million in cuts to funding for the Ministry for the Environment across the previous two Budgets."When you compare that to an annual budget of $528m in total, you san see that it's significant," Pham said."Minister, you've been overseeing those cuts and some of the most damaging legislative changes we've seen in decades."Simmonds said budgets for the ministry were decreasing anyway under previous government."We are doing things like using the much greater waste levy to go across a range of environmental issues," she said."It's about getting value for money.""This country could not afford to keep spending the way it had been," Simmonds said.Labour MP Rachel Brooking said none of the government's strategic priorities for reforming environment laws talked about improving the environment and asked if a better environment was Simmonds' goal."Your strategic priority document talks about improving the RMA (Resource Management Act) to be more efficient and effective but... there is nothing here about improving the environment."Brooking said waste management policies had been weakened."You're consulting on removing the national bottom lines for freshwater," Brooking said."These are all things that seem to go in the opposite direction from improving the environment."Simmonds said she did want a better environment but was focused on action."The question highlights very clearly the difference between ideological statements and commentary and getting things done, and that's what this government is about, getting things done, getting product stewardship schemes in place, getting waste funding used to improve the environment," she said.The government reallocated much of the money from waste levies from purely funding waste-cutting schemes towards paying for broader environmental work in the Budget."You're quite right, we haven't indulged in ideological rhetoric of the previous government but we are getting on with doing the things [that will help]."Simmonds was asked by Pham for the evidence behind her statements that the balance had swung too far in favour of the environment."We are managing risk, risk if there is not economic growth, risk if there is not sufficient housing... there is risk of not having development and there is risk of any development that we do on the environment," Simmonds said.In a scrappy exchange over conservation, Minister Tama Potaka was asked about the decision to axe funding for Predator Free 2050 as well as changes to the protection of the Hauraki Gulf from bottom trawling.Green MP Celia Wade Brown said axing funding for Predator Free would only shift the work to an "overstretched" Department of Conservation and asked how volunteers were expected to keep investing their time in culling pests when the government was pulling funding out of conservation.Labour's Priyanca Radhakrishan asked Potaka how he squared the decision to disestablish funding for the Predator Free 2050 company with his statements a few months earlier about its crucial role in eradicating pests.Potaka said the Department of Conservation had had to go through a process of cost savings just as "nearly all portfolios have had to give up something"."One of those choices was to remove the funding for Predator Free 2050 Limited and disestablish that company."He said there had been some duplication between the company and the department, and "a lot of the mahi" could be undertaken by the department."I think it is important to delineate between opinions and facts," Potaka said."There is a strong opinion that we are not committed to Predator Free 2050 (the goal) and that is entirely inaccurate, we are consulting right now on a predator free strategy and... we have allocated a significant amount of money."He said 14 jobs would be lost from the closure of the company but some might be redeployed.Potaka accused Brooking of being "out of control" during a heated conversation about wildfire protection rules sparked by a herd of Wapiti deer, a type of elk, which the government recently decided to protect in Fiordland National park.Brooking asked Potaka if Wapiti ate the undergrowth of native forests in National Parks."Yes, they do eat undergrowth but they also contribute significantly to tourism and getting the economy moving again and we're really thrilled to have partnered with the [Fiordland] Wapiti Foundation... and others," Potaka said.Potaka said he was carrying out conservation reforms because of some "archaic arrangements".Brooking asked, "Is the New Zealand Conservation Authority an archaic arrangement?" and noted it was included in the proposed reforms."I've never said that, and you imputing that I did I think is out of control," Potaka said.Brooking could be heard saying "settle" during Potaka's answer.Potaka also defended changes to bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf under questioning from Green co-leader Marama Davidson, which became another heated discussion.Davidson asked if the minister had sought advice from officials "about the impact of continuing to allow for disruptive trawling and how that will impact on his purview of protection of ecosystems and indigenous species, and what further extra cost or work it might take to fix up that destruction?"."I'm not aware of any extensive advice that has been proffered to me on trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf but what I am aware of is extensive advice that's very celebratory of our tripling of the protection [area] in the Hauraki Gulf, which we are going to follow through," Potaka said.On freshwater, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard said he knew of a vegetable grower producing a quarter of the country's leafy greens who was operating illegally because the council couldn't give him a consent.He defended the proposal to get rid of national bottom lines for water quality."I'm aware of catchments where water is coming out of nature at quality worse than bottom lines.""We can't just live with no jobs, no economy in an idyllic little paradise."Published by permission

Nominations opened today (4 Jul) for New Zealand's 2025 local body elections.In Southland all elected positions to the Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Environment Southland are contestable.At this time nominations will also be sought for board members of the ILT, Mataura Licensing Trust and Gore and Districts Health.Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said the opening of nominations marked the official start of the local election period.“The election period is always a busy and exciting time especially as our passionate locals start to step up and put their names forward to help lead the city they love,” he said.“This year, we’re calling on people to back the place they love, not just in words, but with action. Standing for election is one of the most meaningful ways to show up for your community. If you care about Invercargill or Bluff, now is the time to show it.”Southland District Council deputy electoral officer Robyn Rout said being involved in local government could be a challenging experience but also extremely rewarding."It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community you care about.”Southland PositionsSouthland District: 1 mayor, 12 councillors and 56 community board members.Invercargill City: 1 mayor, 12 councillors, 5 (Bluff) community board members. ILT 6 board members.Gore District:1 mayor, 11 councillors and 5 (Mataura) community board members. Mataura Licensing Trust: 9 board members. Gore and Districts Health: 6 board members.Environment Southland: 12 councillors to represent constituencies across Southland.Important Dates4th July: Nominations and rolls open1st August (midday): Nominations & rolls close4 July: Candidate nominations open and roll opens6th August: Candidates' names published9th-22nd September: Voting forms delivered to voters7th October: Last day to vote by post11th October (midday): Voting closes16th - 22nd October: Results declared (provisional results may take place before this date)Elected members will be sworn in the weeks following the final declaration.

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: SH1/Tay St nightworks/westbound closure:Due to surfacing repairs on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th evening beginning at 6pm, SH1 Tay St will be closed to westbound traffic from Inglewood Road to David St. Detours:Light vehicles – use Inglewood Road/Otepuni Ave/Lindisfarne StreetHeavy vehicles – use Inglewood Road/Tweed St Highways South work with temporary traffic lights and temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Tay St Invercargill at David St, westbound closure/detour (see above)SH1 Tay St Invercargill at Lindisfarne St, lane shiftSH1 Bluff highway at McLauchlan Road, traffic lightsSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway at Nightcaps, traffic lights Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Gore Mataura Highway between Racecourse Road and Saleyards Road, stop/goSH1 Gore Mataura Highway between Falconer Road and Racecourse Road, stop/goSH99 At Orawia Road Tuatapere, stop/goSH6 Athol Five Rivers Highway at Athol, 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.

Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark has returned to hospital after being discharged earlier this week.Clark is recovering from a minor stroke on Sunday, with The Southland Times reporting he was initially unable to pick himself up after a fall.The mayor was getting ready to attend a Southland Sharks basketball game at the time, it was reported.Speaking from hospital, Clark said he hoped to be out on either Friday or Saturday following more monitoring and tests.“It sort of came as a bit of a surprise, but no, I’m okay,” he said of his medical event.Deputy mayor Tom Campbell confirmed Clark had returned home for one night but ended up back in hospital after feeling dizzy.Clark still intended to return to work next week in some capacity, Campbell said, although doctors had advised him to take two weeks off.It is not the first time the mayor has dealt with health issues, with a December 2023 heart attack resulting in surgery and several months off work.Clark first entered the council in 2019 with the most votes of any councillor before becoming mayor in 2022 by a margin of almost 3000 votes.He has ruled out a second term in the top job and plans to retire in October.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:OPEN from Te Anau to Milford SoundComments:The Homer Tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday night next week (7th July - through 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine Tomorrow: Mainly fine Sunday: mainly fine

You’d be hard pressed to find a local organisation Riversdale’s JD (John) Miller hasn’t been involved in.His extensive contributions were formally recognised with the presentation of a Community Service Award from Southland District Council and the Ardlussa Community Board today.Southland Mayor Rob Scott said he was honoured to recognise Mr Miller’s incredible dedication.“This community wouldn’t be the same without people like JD who take real ownership of it and lead by example,” he said.“These community service awards carry a lot of mana with them. When you look at the people they are presented to you soon realise that’s where the mana comes from.“Looking at the work JD has done across every single facet of the Riversdale community, he certainly is a deserving recipient of this award.”Having lived in the Riversdale area his entire life, Mr Miller’s involvement extends from the sports field to a range of key community organisations. Most notably, the Riversdale Cemetery Trust benefited from his dedication for over 50 years as sexton – a position he only recently resigned from.“I want your job next,” Mr Miller quipped to Mayor Scott, who in turn let him wear the mayoral chains – briefly.Mr Miller, who completed compulsory military training in his teenage years, joined the RSA in 1993 and has held roles including president of the Riversdale branch and parade marshal for 10 years each. He was awarded life membership in 2012. On the rugby field, his 21-year playing career led to 10 years of refereeing and various coaching roles with Riversdale teams and the Northern Colts. His administration duties included three stints as club secretary and president of the Northern Southland Rugby Union. Life membership was bestowed in 2009.“It was a terrific time to play rugby,” Mr Miller said. “You got to play with and against All Blacks.”Mr Miller has been involved with running the grounds for the Riversdale Combined Sports Association for over 30 years.In operation for 21 years, Mr Miller was the St John medic for the rugby club and was awarded a brother title for his contribution.“I joined St John with my wife Doreen as it was something we could do together. I used to carry the bag but Doreen did all the thinking,” he said.His commitment to the day-to-day running of the Riversdale, Waikaia and Wendon Presbyterian churches has been substantial for over 30 years, including 20 years as treasurer.

Police have today (3 Jul) charged a 20-year-old man with manslaughter following a fatal crash on Niagara-Tokanui Highway on 15 February 2025.At around 8.35pm, Police were alerted to a single-vehicle crash where a ute had rolled between McManus Road and Quarry Hills Fortification Road.20-year-old Jack Victor Hugh Stephens from Tahakopa subsequently died at the scene, while two other occupants received serious to critical injuries.At the time, the Serious Crash Unit conduced a scene examination and Police’s investigation was established.The charged man is due to appear in Gore District Court on Wednesday 30 July 2025.

A spate of incidents of animals found wandering on southern highways recently has the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging people to be vigilant about supervision and containment of livestock or pets. Sometimes it is wild animals such as deer also creating hazards on the highways, says NZTA maintenance contract manager Justin Reid. “There have been a number of recent incidents of livestock or other animals loose on Southland highways, and highways across the wider South Island, which have served as a reminder of the risks this can pose,” Mr Reid says. “Now that winter is here, the risk is greater when the days are shorter and visibility is reduced. The potential for serious injury or death is high when a vehicle collides at speed with one of these animals or takes evasive action to avoid a collision.”Owners may be held responsible when it comes to any damage caused by their animals. Police say it is considered an emergency when animals such as livestock are found on the road in uncontrolled circumstances, and people should call 111 to report it. “In the case of livestock, we would strongly encourage owners or managers to be mindful of their supervision, regularly checking their fences, and taking extra care when moving stock,” Mr Reid says. “Sometimes it will be beyond peoples’ control when an animal gets loose due to the actions of others or unforeseen circumstances, but it’s all about trying to reduce the potential for harm.” The impacts of wandering stock on motorists can be profound and long-lasting.

The Invercargill Harness Racing Club hold their final race meeting of the 2024/2025 season at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill on Sunday.Ten races are on the card with several of the races marking recognition of those who have contributed so much over many years.One of those races is dedicated to Invercargill trainer Murray Brown who passed away on 24 June. Brown trained over 500 winners, won the Southland Trainers Premiership seven times, and gave 40 years of service on various committees at the Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill.Several other races on the day acknowledge the contributions of those stepping down from their respective roles as the season end draws near.The first race is at 11.35am and admission is free.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:OPEN from Te Anau to Milford Sound closing 6.30pmComments:The Homer Tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday nights (30th June - through 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain from PM Tomorrow: Mainly fine Saturday: mainly fine

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark is recovering from a minor stroke.He spent two nights in hospital after a fall last weekend.Clark had surgery after having a heart attack in December 2023.Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell said the news came as a shock, but Clark was doing well and intended to return to work next week.Published by permission

Invercargill councillors have expressed a preference for separating glass from regular recycling amid concern the city has become an "outlier".Under the council's current system, a 240 litre recycling bin is collected fortnightly which mixes glass with other materials.But change could be coming as part of a region-wide review of waste collection which includes a public consultation.Invercargill’s consultation document is likely to include a preferred option of adding a new 80 litre glass bin to the status quo of weekly general waste collection and fortnightly recycling.Removing glass was the “absolute priority” for deputy mayor Tom Campbell, whose view was backed by others.Coucillor Lesley Soper said the city was beginning to look like an outlier for how it handled glass compared to other parts of the country.“It’s been quite well publicised at our recycling centre that we’re getting various accidents, people getting cuts, lots of problems with glass,” she said.Soper also felt the council should ask the public for their thoughts on handling green waste — another topic discussed at the meeting.An option for including an organics bin will also be consulted on which would add $35 to the current household cost of $376 if implemented.The appetite for that bin was not as strong among councillors.Meanwhile, an additional glass bin came at no extra cost to the status quo because separating glass from other recycling improved costs, council general manager infrastructure Erin Moogan said.The preferred options for consultation are yet to be confirmed by full council, with consultation set to run through the month of August.Other councils which will consult include Southland District Council and Gore District Council.Final decisions landed on by the three councils will be delivered by WasteNet — the councils' shared solid waste service.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Confirmation of an opening date for the long-awaited Te Unua Museum of Southland could still be six months away, and some councillors are growing impatient.Invercargill has been without a permanent museum since the Southland Museum and Art Gallery closed in April 2018 due to earthquake risk.On Tuesday, a report on its $87 million replacement was presented to elected members, noting a late-2026 goal for opening.But it also highlighted risk around the proposed date because of the complex task of fitting out the museum.Project director Nick Hamlin said although the structure was on track for a September 2026 finish, there were other factors at play.“It’s all the other elements that are really key. It’s not as simple as picking up an artefact,” he said.Hamlin said there were “huge” design elements to consider, such as heating, control and lighting.“Opening a museum is not as easy as opening a shop.”A plan which included an opening date would be brought back in the next three to six months, Hamlin said.Discussion amongst councillors canvassed a range of different views at the meeting.Lead councillor for the project Grant Dermody hoped to have the report back "a lot sooner" than what was suggested, while deputy mayor Tom Campbell pushed for an opening of the building and some displays by Christmas 2026.Barry Stewart said the opening date was important for the public.Darren Ludlow said there were “spillover tensions” about the timeline for opening, but warned costs could go up if it was rushed through.“I think there are risks in thumping the table and trying to put a magic date on it and get things to happen,” he said.“The risk is that it goes terribly wrong and we don’t meet it.”Steve Broad referenced the Titanic and said the project could be considered on-time when it was ready for the community.The new museum underwent a public consultation in 2024 due to budget issues, with the council opting to stick with its original plan.Construction began in November 2024 with a site blessing.Council chief executive Michael Day highlighted staffing gaps for the museum at Tuesday's meeting, saying recruitment would soon be underway.The project was deemed to be tracking on budget.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

After nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL) Chair Roger Wilson has retired. Over the years, he’s helped the organization navigate expansions, floods, economic ups and downs, a pandemic, and a surge in visitors. Roger officially stepped down on June 30. On July 1, Rex Williams took over as the new Chair. MSTL thanks Roger for his incredible leadership and welcomes Rex as he begins this new chapter.Roger Wilson. Photo: SuppliedWilson’s involvement with MSTL—formerly the Milford Development Authority—dates back to the mid-1980s. Over the years, he has worn many hats: company secretary, accountant, board director and, after succeeding former MP Jeff Grant in 2018, Board Chair. Through it all, he’s been a steady presence behind the scenes, helping to guide MSTL through decades of growth and transformation. “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride, to be fair,” Wilson reflects. “When I first got involved, fewer than 200,000 people visited Milford each year, and there was little in the way of operators or infrastructure. Now that we’re welcoming nearly a million domestic and international visitors annually, it’s a whole different ball game. What’s remained constant in all that time though, is how special Milford is. I’m proud that, despite the growth, visitor satisfaction has consistently remained above 94%. That’s a real testament to the community of people who work here and the natural beauty of the environment we’re all committed to protecting.” MSTL CEO Haylee Preston says Wilson’s departure marks the end of an era.“Roger is an absolute treasure trove of Milford history, stories, and lessons—his contribution has been extraordinary. He’s helped guide MSTL through some of the region’s most pivotal moments and we’re deeply grateful for his service and steady leadership. We wish him the very best for a well-earned retirement.”Incoming Chair Rex Williams, appointed by Southland District Council as its second independent community representative, brings extensive governance and leadership experience to the role. A civil engineer by profession, he has held senior roles across both public and private sectors, including two terms as an Environment Canterbury commissioner and as a government-appointed member of the West Coast District Health Board. He also served on the University of Canterbury Council, including three years as Chancellor. Rex Willilams. Photo: SuppliedWilliams currently chairs the Te Tai o Poutini Planning Committee and was a long-standing director and Chair of Invercargill-based H W Richardson Group Ltd (2006–2021). A Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, he also mentors government appointees and has a strong track record in voluntary governance roles across the cultural, environmental and community sectors. These include the Styx Living Laboratory Trust, the Southland Museum Redevelopment Panel, Canterbury Museum, and chairing the national Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN). Preston believes Williams is well placed to lead MSTL into its next chapter. “Rex’s governance experience, strategic thinking, technical expertise, and deep understanding of community will be a great addition to the Board. He’s also very mindful of the challenges and responsibilities involved in managing visitor services and infrastructure in a place as iconic and environmentally sensitive as Piopiotahi. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to support great visitor experiences and protect what makes this place so special,” she said.

Location AreaSH 94 Te Anau to Milford (Homer Tunnel)DirectionBoth DirectionsLocation(s)094-0240/00.05-B - 094-0240/01.27-B ENTRANCE TUNNEL TO NAEvent TypeArea WarningEvent DescriptionRoad WorksEvent CommentsThe Homer Tunnel will close Monday to Thursday nights (30th June ? 10th July) between 6.30pm & 1.30am. This is for maintenance work to be undertaken, with no public access due to heavy machinery operating. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.ImpactCautionClosure Start Date01/07/2025 18:00Closure End Date02/07/2025 01:30Alternative RouteNo detour availableStatusActiveExpected ResolutionUntil further noticeEvent Start Date30/06/2025 18:00Event End Date11/07/2025 01:30