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Steel needs a bit of Magic
Steel needs a bit of Magic

11 July 2025, 2:19 AM

It is quite literally going to take some magic for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel to keep its 2025 ANZ Premiership season alive.Perhaps one of the worst feelings in sport, the Steel’s future lies firmly in the hands of one it its rivals, the Avis Magic.It’s a simple scenario. If the Magic beat the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on Saturday, the Steel can cement a place in the playoffs with a win over the Go Media Stars at ILT Stadium Southland on Monday night. Alternatively, if the Pulse win or get a bonus point by finishing within five goals, the Steel’s campaign effectively grinds to a halt. Not being in control of their own destiny doesn’t sit well with head coach Wendy Frew but you won’t hear any excuses.“We probably wish we had another round to be honest. We lost a couple of games on the trot earlier in the season and that’s really affected us now on the table,” she said.“We’ve done that to ourselves with some of our performances. There’s a couple of games where we could have hung in there for the bonus point or that Mystics game in Dunedin that we could have taken and got the three points. It just comes down to so many little moments that make such a big difference.“It is all valuable learning. As a player, if you’ve never been in a situation where you’ve missed out on goal differential, or by one win, or by one or two points, those experiences are really important. You build from it and make sure you’re ticking every box in the future to ensure we have the best opportunity to make that top three. “This group of players, and us as coaches, will be a lot better for those learnings going forward in the future.”The Steel hasn’t wavered in its approach to Monday night’s clash. “For us as a team we’re just ensuring we are purely focused on the Stars and putting in a good performance against them. Obviously, we’ll be watching the Magic-Pulse game but really it’s out of our control so we’re just concentrating on bringing the intensity to training and doing all the prep we can do to be ready for the Stars,” Frew said.When it comes time to reflect, she already knows it will evoke immense pride in the team’s progress. “They’ve worked really hard. Even though it was a new coaching group and new players, everything gelled pretty nicely. ‘It’s certainly been an enjoyable season so far watching the players grow on the court with their combinations and the culture we’ve created off the court – it’s been such an enjoyable ride and I hope we get the opportunity to make that top three and push on because I feel like the potential of this team is really huge and I would love to have the chance to play in that top three and see what’s possible.”Scenes of the bench erupting when the Steel beat the Pulse in round seven were a highlight. “I’ve looked back at that moment and watched it quite a few times and that was just pure emotion right there of getting over the line after being down by nine in the last quarter. It was a whole team effort and those girls on court were just true professionals and put everything out there to execute those last 15 minutes so well,” Frew said. “You just can’t script those moments – it was just pure emotion. That’s why we play.” Frew was eager to see a packed house at ILT Stadium.“Nothing beats playing in our Steel fortress with a full crowd of our loyal fans. We need everyone out in force – the noisier the better.”Tickets are on sale from the venue or online at www.southernsteel.co.nz.

Family of Kiwi woman killed by elephant thankful for support
Family of Kiwi woman killed by elephant thankful for support

10 July 2025, 6:37 AM

The family of the New Zealander killed by an elephant in Zambia have told RNZ they are thankful for the support they are receiving as they work to bring their loved one home.Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from Porirua, was attacked by a female elephant on 3 July while walking on a safari in South Luangwa National Park, along with another woman from the UK.Her brother Bill Taylor said the other woman who died was his sister's longtime friend and second cousin Janice Taylor Easton, also known as Janet.Bill Taylor said the family's focus was currently on repatriating his sister and her belongings back to New Zealand.He said they were thankful to the many people who were providing them with assistance during "this difficult process".He said Alison Taylor grew up in Southland and after attending Otago University, spent the majority of her working life in Wellington, where she lived.Alison Taylor was the deputy chair for Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Porirua.On Wednesday, CAB Porirua said Alison Taylor was "a valued and highly effective volunteer" and would be profoundly missed.Porirua councillor Geoff Hayward said Alison Taylor was a cheerful, compassionate and helpful person."I think of her as an inspiration that we can all do more and be more kind in this world," Hayward said.The two women were near big Lagoon Bush Camp in South Luangwa National Park when the elephant, which was with its calf, charged at them.Shots were fired at the elephant, wounding the animal and ultimately stopping the attack.However, Eastern Province Police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed both women died at the scene.Two others travelling with the group were uninjured.A farewell is expected to be held for Alison Taylor on 15 August in Wellington.The family were requesting privacy at this time.Published by arrangement

Te Anau kids successfully complete boating safety session
Te Anau kids successfully complete boating safety session

10 July 2025, 2:56 AM

A group of Fiordland kids are now better prepared to enjoy boating thanks to a kids' boat safely session held on Lake Te Anau yesterday (9 Jul).The event, covering basic boat handling, man-overboard drills, life rings and jackets, flares and signaling equipment, was the brainchild of Cruise Te Anau tourism operators Erica and Chris Musgrave.The Musgraves are both commercial skippers who have not only operated a 24m catamaran servicing the Taranaki oil fields but also - for 15-years - run power boat training courses for schools in Auckland and around the country.Cruise Te Anau's Chris and Erica Musgrave. Photo: SuppliedChris, a Coastguard tutor and examiner, said that after moving to Te Anau in November, they recognised there was a huge boating public here but no training courses, so thought they would try it."It's really important when kids are going out on boats with their parents... the kids know what to do," Erica said.The couple said up to 30 people had initially showed an interest, with 4 eventually turning up for yesterday's session.The couple said they took both their boats out - 'Flyby', an 8.5m Protector and 'Matai', a 5.5m Stabicraft.That way the kids got one-on-one training, and by taking two boats out also meant they got more exposure and time on the wheel, the couple said."With the older kids we did a little bit more about awareness - if you turn this way... if the fog comes in, how do you find your way home," Chris said."We [went] through all the safety equipment every boat should have, which is recommended by Maritime New Zealand.""We had a really in-depth discussion about life jackets, because there is a lot of misnomers around about life jackets - a lot of really bad information out there, so [we] dispelled a few myths," he said."Then [we did] some basic boat handling.""We had one 7-year-old girl swinging the boat around and parking by the wharf like a champ," he said."I reckon they could drive and park boats better than most adults now," Erica said.As the formal session ended the kids were treated to half an hour fishing in Lake Te Anau's South Arm.After session wind-down. Photo: SuppliedThe Musgraves said the day had been a bit of a pilot run and they would look at repeating it later in the year, maybe when the lake was quiet and to coincide with the school holidays.They said if there was enough interest they would look at running two sessions in a day which would further help reduce the cost.The couple said they had also appreciated Fiordland Marine's help sponsoring yesterday's session which meant all the kids also got to take home a hat and compass.

Southland councils' merger moves closer
Southland councils' merger moves closer

08 July 2025, 10:08 PM

Southland District Council (SDC) Mayor Rob Scott's vision of just two councils governing Southland moved a step closer yesterday (8 Jul) after the Local Government Commission (LGC) announced it would be formally investigating the proposal.Southland is currently governed by three territorial councils - Southland District (SDC), Gore District (GDC) and Invercargill City (ICC), and one regional council - Environment Southland (ES).SDC Mayor Rob Scott made his initial proposal in August last year to reorganise local government in Southland into two unitary authorities – one rural based and one for Invercargill city.The proposal was subsequently formally lodged with the Local Government Commission (LGC) by the SDC.Yesterday's LGC announcement follows preliminary consultations with all four affected councils and Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku.Scott said he was pleased the Local Government Commission had seen merit in the proposal.“There’s definitely a need for change in local government in Southland.”“The people of Southland deserve relevant representation that is connected to their communities and is efficient and affordable."“I’m looking forward to working with the commission over the coming months,” he said.In April and May respectively, both ICC and ES councilors supported the further investigating the proposal, although ICC councilors preferred a single unitary authority.GDC Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said in May that while there had been some interest from both the community and council to the current proposal, for Gore to give up its local voice and control the proposal would need to demonstrate considerably more financial benefits.She said the GDC believed a much bigger proposal needed to be explored.The commission said in its announcement that the initiative set out potential benefits for the Southland region, and some concerns of the other affected councils.“Each council and Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku will have the opportunity to feed into development of the investigation process document, which may assist in allaying some concerns,” the LGC decision said.The LGC process is expected to take between three and five years to complete.

New KiwiRail director Scott O'Donnell linked to NZ First donation, government loan
New KiwiRail director Scott O'Donnell linked to NZ First donation, government loan

08 July 2025, 7:54 PM

A newly-appointed KiwiRail board director is associated with a company which donated to NZ First.Scott O'Donnell is one of the four directors of Dynes Transport Tapanui, which donated $20,000 to NZ First in July 2024.The company is also involved in a project which recently received a government regional infrastructure loan of $8 million.Political scientist Bryce Edwards said even though party donations are not considered to be a conflict of interest, he believed it was a "perfect storm" of factors, which can erode trust in the political system."It's definitely this type of relationship that leads to, at the very least, a perception of a quid-pro-quo arrangement whereby donations give the donors special treatment in government."Minister for Rail Winston Peters' announcement of Scott O'Donnell's appointment to state-owned KiwiRail last week noted a conflict of interest plan was in place related to O'Donnell's business interests."The company's road freight operation is primarily south of Oamaru, and as such Mr O'Donnell will recuse himself from KiwiRail activities in this part of New Zealand," said Peters in the press statement.He said O'Donnell "brings actual experience to the role" and would bolster KiwiRail's freight expertise and that his commercial interests were disclosed during the appointment process.Information about the donation was not included in Peters' announcement."Dynes Transport is a company, not an individual, and its donation was declared to the Electoral Commission and in full public view while Mr O'Donnell's directorship was considered," said Peters.Dynes Transport was also a recipient of a government loan for a transport hub project in Mosgiel.The Southern Link Logistics Park received an $8 million loan towards creating an "inland port". The project would connect Dunedin's Port Chalmers to Mosgiel by track and potentially cut 19,000 truck trips through Dunedin streets a year.The hub would be developed by Southern Link Property Limited, which is owned by Port Otago and Dynes Transport.NZ First's Shane Jones announced the government loan for the project days after a competing project was revealed.Calder Stewart had plans for a 55-hectare development on heavy industrial-zoned land near Milton, which would be approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Dunedin. It would be connected to State Highway 1 and the South Island's main trunk line and its development would be privately funded.Jones told RNZ to the best of his knowledge he was not aware of another proposal for an inland port. He said five ministers were involved in making the decision regarding the Regional Infrastructure Fund loan, including National's Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, Tama Potaka and Simon Watts.Conflicts of interest regarding donations were handled in a similar manner to Fast Track Applicants, said Jones, where only donations made to candidates directly were considered to be a conflict. "Just because someone contributes to the party doesn't necessarily mean that I, as a member of New Zealand First, one of five ministers would be in a conflict situation."KiwiRail's executive general manager freight markets supplied a letter of support to Dyne Transport's unsuccessful fast track proposal in April 2024.Are party donations a conflict of interest?A recent investigation regarding the handling of conflicts of interest and the Fast Track Approvals Act conducted by the Office of the Auditor General backed Jones' stance, that party donations are not currently considered to be a conflict of interest.The report, however, noted that further thought could be given to making decisions which tangibly benefit a party donor, rather than confer a generalised benefit, and recommended the Cabinet Manual could provide more guidance on the matter.The Auditor General stated: "These issues are beyond my mandate, but I note that the recent Independent Electoral Review considers that there is a need to protect against the perception that large political donations are a way to obtain undue access and influence."Edwards said he believed situations like this can dent public confidence in the coalition government, "especially because it's a donation to the party that has the two ministers that have been making these decisions".He would like to see some debate about reforms to the way donations and conflicts of interest are handled.He believed there was a case for more transparency around party donations when announcements about loans, or board appointments were made."We might even need to start talking about cooling off periods whereby, when companies make donations to political parties, especially those in government, they shouldn't be eligible for government contracts or funding for a period of time."He agreed with the Auditor General's suggestion that new conflict of interest procedures could be instituted when companies or people who have donated to a party may benefit from government decisions.RNZ has requested comment from Scott O'Donnell.Published by permission

'Very active and happy' girl died in accidental Fiordland drowning, coroner says
'Very active and happy' girl died in accidental Fiordland drowning, coroner says

08 July 2025, 6:51 PM

A 10-year-old tourist died in Fiordland National Park due to "an accidental slip, during a happy family journey which had appalling consequences", a coroner says.Tegan Chen, of Lindfield, New South Wales, last year drowned in the fast-flowing Marian Creek, in the Hollyford Valley, after she fell in and was swept downstream.In findings released on Wednesday morning, Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale described Chen as "a very active and happy girl"."She was brave and expressive. She loved horse riding, dancing, and performing for her family and friends. She had written many song lyrics," Borrowdale said.The fall happened on Lake Marian Falls Track, in the company of Chen's two older brothers, parents, two grandparents and an aunt, the coroner said.The family were on holiday and were returning to Te Anau after an overnight cruise in Milford Sound.The track - a popular 20-minute, 360-metre walk - had been recommended to the family.At about 11am on 25 January, the group walked to the end of a boardwalk, where a large, smooth outcrop of rocks jutted into Marian Creek, Borrowdale said.Marian Creek was an alpine, very cold, fast-flowing river fed from Lake Marian - "not a 'creek' in the usual use of that term", she said.The three children walked onto the rocks, which were not separated from the boardwalk by any structures.Chen had been squatting by the river's edge when her father saw her try to stand up, slip and fall into the river.As she was carried downstream, she was initially able to hold onto a rock and raise herself up, but was quickly swept off the rock and out of sight, Borrowdale said.Other visitors helped the family to look for Chen and emergency services were called.She was found unresponsive by a logjam about 420 metres downstream.Chen could not be revived, despite bystanders performing CPR as well as a doctor, who was winched in by an emergency helicopter.A pathologist found Chen drowned and had also sustained bruises and abrasions consistent with being tumbled in a rocky river.Borrowdale said the track was on public conservation land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).The department had "comprehensively investigated all factors within its control that may have been influential in the tragedy", she said.The track was well-maintained at the time of the accident and there was no prior history of serious reported incidents at the site where the boardwalk met the rocky outcrop.However, the department found storm damage in 2020 had subtly changed the track, and washed away some moss and ground cover that "may have been acting as a natural boundary between the walkway and the outcrop".Following the accident, DOC upgraded the track to include a platform that covered the rocks, with barriers on all sides and prominent signage warning of a drowning risk.It also internally reclassified the track to cater for less-experienced walkers and "short stop travellers".Borrowdale said in light of the significant safety improvements at the site, she had no further recommendations.Published by permission

Southlander Neryda Duncan crowned New Zealand's Champion highland dancer
Southlander Neryda Duncan crowned New Zealand's Champion highland dancer

08 July 2025, 7:42 AM

Southlander Neryda Duncan has been crowned New Zealand's top highland dancer, wining the overall title at the 2025 NZ Highland & National Dancing championships held on 5-6 July in Christchurch.Thirty-year-old Duncan competed against 23 of the country's top senior dancers, all of whom were between five and twelve years younger than her.New Zealand champion Neryda Duncan. Photo: Bret Watkins/SuppliedDuncan said her win had been a pretty overwhelming and humbling experience, but to be recognised had also been very cool.She admitted she had been dancing for quite a long time and estimated there had probably only been one or two others who had ever competed to the same level at her age.Duncan, who now lives in Christchurch, said she had had a good build-up to the championship."I went to quite a few competitions throughout the year with my dancing teacher Mrs Jacqueline Jones.""It's definitely been a huge help.""I got Most Points at most of the competitions," she said.Neryda Duncan at age 5, following her first competition in 2000 in Invercargill. Photo: SuppliedWith her mother a highland dancer and father a bagpiper - Duncan was always destined to follow in the family tradition, so at age 4 she began highland dancing lessons at Pukerau with Susan Harris.Following the family's move to Invercargill, 7-year-old Duncan continued her dancing under the tutorship of Dorothy Thomson, before eventually gaining her dancing diploma.When Duncan moved to Christchurch for university she also enrolled with JJs School of Dance - a studio she continues to attend to this day.Duncan credits her continued involvement in dance to her passion - which is still there - the enjoyment of still wanting to do it, and her involvement with the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand (HDCNZ)."We (HDCNZ) do a lot of performances overseas and within New Zealand""There's a really awesome group of dancers we get to travel with."Neryda Duncan, aged 12, winning her first Under 16 South Island Under Championship event at the 2007 Nelson NZ Championships. Photo: Supplied"I'm a mother-hen - which I really enjoy.""We have a [HDCNZ) Heart of the Highlands tour of the North Island in August and then we go to the Belgium Tattoo in October," she said.Duncan said taking on highland dancing's pinnacle award, the Solo Seal examination, was not on the radar for this year because of the HDCNZ overseas tour, but she didn't rule out looking at it for next year.When not dancing, Duncan works for a Christchurch medical device company. She also holds the rank of Captain in the New Zealand Army reserves.Other Southland highland dancers to be nationally ranked following the national competition last week were Invercargill's Rachel Checketts who placed 9th equal in the 18 years and over competition, and Alex Glover of Garston who got 7th in the under 18 competition. Arrowtown's Isla Couldstone placed fourth equal in the Under 16 championship.

Invercargill set to lose two long-serving councillors
Invercargill set to lose two long-serving councillors

08 July 2025, 2:40 AM

Invercargill will lose the services of two long-serving councillors following the October election.Peter Kett and Lesley Soper have ruled out returning to the table after serving seven terms and three terms respectively.Their decisions come at a time when the majority of current councillors are putting their hands up for another stint.Kett made up his mind three years ago that this would be his last and said that wouldn't change.“I’d always go out in person and talk to the people that called me, so I’ll miss all that.“I’ll miss most of the councillors,” he added with a laugh.It had been a difficult 2024 for the councillor who faced both the death of his wife and numerous health difficulties.Multiple knee operations late last year and two heart attacks under anesthetic forced him to step aside from council duties while he recovered.Despite the setbacks, he was now feeling “bloody good” and was sad to be leaving.“With all my health issues since October, it’s a wise decision,” he said.Also finishing up is Soper, whose nine years at council ends a long political career.Soper spent time on the district health board and had two stints in Parliament as a Labour MP — first in 2005 and again from 2007 - 2008.She said she made the decision to finish up at council “some time ago” and wanted to leave with dignity.“Very early in my career I discovered you can help individuals, but if you want to make really lasting changes for large groups of the population, then get involved where the power actually is,” Soper said.Her highlights on council included fighting to keep the children’s library in its current location, the council's credit rating, and supporting the appointment of mana whenua representatives.Mayor Nobby Clark's recent use of his casting vote to not update council's procurement policy in support of Palestine was a lowlight for the councillor.“It was a definite low point. It was a very straightforward, principled decision for council to make.”Soper said she would likely do more travel alongside her husband, David, once she had finished up.Four current councillors have put their name forward to become Invercargill's next mayor. Credit: ODT/SuppliedWHO IS STANDING AGAIN?Invercargill will be in for a new mayor with Nobby Clark repeatedly ruling out the possibility of a second term.The mayoral race includes four current councillors: Tom Campbell, Alex Crackett, Ria Bond and Ian Pottinger.Deputy mayor Campbell is all-in with his bid having ruled out running for council, while Crackett is also leaning in that direction while keeping her options open.Crackett recently quit her job to focus on her campaign.Town crier Lynley McKerrow and TikTok enthusiast Tom Morton are also throwing their hats in the ring for mayoralty.Other councillors standing again include Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Steve Broad, Barry Stewart and Darren Ludlow.Allan Arnold could not be reached for comment.Nominations officially opened on Friday and candidates have until 1 August to put their name forward.Voting documents will be sent out in September ahead of election day on 11 October.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Conservation land use applications processed faster with help from AI
Conservation land use applications processed faster with help from AI

08 July 2025, 12:48 AM

The government is celebrating faster processing of applications for the use of conservation land, including by using AI.In a statement, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the application backlog had dropped from 1300 last September, to 550 now - with processing times improved by 180 percent.He said AI had been used to help scan documents, and one-off drone permits now took just five working days, compared to the previous "weeks"."We're achieving these results through a data-driven approach and smarter, more efficient systems and processes, including new technology such as AI tools helping to scan statutory documents," he said."Processing applications quicker means businesses get certainty faster. DOC is enabling a wide range of activities that connect people with nature and support local economies, while more quickly declining proposals where the effects on nature or heritage cannot be avoided, remedied, or mitigated."Around a third of the applications DOC has processed since February are related to tourism, the country's second-largest export earner, where more than 380 tourism related applications in the last three months were processed, including guiding activities in Fiordland and Heli hunt and fish concessions for helicopter landings in the North Island."Most applications for use of conservation land are for tourism operations, but the Department of Conservation this month also approved Kokiri Lime's application to quarry 1ha of rock needed for critical roading and flood protection infrastructure projects in South Westland.Published by permission

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