The Gore Harness Racing Club celebrate 125 years this weekend with a special function on Saturday evening (14 Feb) while on Sunday (15th) the public are invited to come along to this significant milestone race meeting and celebrate 125 years of trotting. Adding to the significance of the occasion is the fact that the Gore HRC was the first Harness Racing Club formed in Southland. In addition to a classy race programme which features the Kim McDowall Painting & Decorating Ltd 125th Anniversary Gore Trotting Cup and the Gore Town & Country Club 125th Anniversary Summer Cup there is a great day of entertainment planned. Ladies can enter the Frocks At The Trots fashion competition with the theme of a Summer Touch of Teal. The teal theme is part of a national initiative that harness racing carry out in aid of the fight against Ovarian Cancer each year. Gore is just one of three heats in the country for Frocks At The Trots with the top two placegetters receiving a trip to Christchurch for the big final at Addington on Friday 13 March. The winner of the final in Christchurch will win flights and accommodation to the Mooloolaba Peninsular Resort in Australia. Gore Harness Racing Club celebrating 125 years this weekend. Credit: Monica Toretto. There is also prize for third place and the Best Hat while in keeping with the 125-year celebration there is a special vintage section, although the winner of that does not qualify for the Christchurch trip. Entries for the competition will be taken on course at the Secretary’s Office after Race 2. There is much, much, more happening on the day. There are two Olympic watches to the value of $500 to be won as well. Just pick the first three past the post in order in the Olympic Watches at Van De Water Jewellers race. Should more than one person pick the order all correct entries will go in a draw to find the winner. Someone will leave the course with a $250 Prezzy card after the popular Heads & Tails game. It could not be easier. Just pick heads or tails each coin toss until finally our winner remains. The club’s history will be on show with a special easily accessible memorabilia display. The display will include the 1914 New Zealand Cup trophy. Kidz Kartz pony racing will complement the on-track the programme with the Robin Dundee Cup up for grabs while there will be a special Dual Sulky race featuring a lucky auction winner and one other recipient. For the kids there is a free bouncy castle, sumo suits and bumper balls plus a lolly scramble in what will be a great day out for the whole family as the club celebrates their history in style. Entry to the course on the day will be free with the first race expected to start at 12.20pm.

Brent Win, an Invercargill teacher and former Navy member, says a recent Defence Force camp has provided him with the expertise to better advise students on career options aligned with their skills.Mr Win, a secondary school teacher at Aurora College, was one of around 30 educators who took part in the School to Skies/Seas teachers’ live-in camp hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The camp offers teachers of Years 5 to 13 students insight into the world of the NZDF. Over six days at Devonport Naval Base and RNZAF Base Auckland, they were given hands-on experience in the maritime and aviation industries, designed to provide them with new educational tools and ideas, as well as demonstrate career opportunities for their students. Mr Win, Ngāruahine and Te Atiawa, grew up in Taranaki and joined the RNZN after finishing at Opunake High School. More than three decades on from his own time in the Navy, he was impressed by the extensive array of career pathways available across the Defence Force. Mr Win said the Navy, Army and Air Force were able to effectively switch between a wide range of activities. “It highlights the clear leadership and disciplined collaboration required to execute complex tasks, ranging from defence operations to emergency humanitarian aid.” Mr Win said if his students asked him about the modern Defence Force, he would talk up the vast amount of trades available and the transferable skills that can be gained.Brent Win (second from left) and teachers pose for a group photo behind a C-130J Hercules. Photo: Supplied. “There is exceptional support for career progression combined with financial stability, debt-free education, full healthcare benefits and cost-effective housing options.” He said he would take some aspects of the course back to the classroom to use with his students. “I liked how they demonstrated strong organisational skills by adhering to workshop protocols, such as utilizing a tool tagging system to ensure all equipment was tracked and accounted for.” The teachers had some long days, from 6am to 8.30pm, but it was worth it, he said. “The chance to fly in the C-130J Hercules and tour HMNZS Aotearoa were distinct highlights of the experience. “It was an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with former comrades after 35 years. I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism displayed by both services and the hands-on experiences provided.” When asked to rate his experiences out of 10, Mr Win said “I would give a score of 10 for all of them.”

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain with some heavy falls, then thunderstorms possible late afternoon and early evening, all clearing late evening. Tomorrow: Cloudy periods and the odd shower. Thursday: Cloud increasing and patchy rain developing. Friday: Rain, briefly heavy, clearing around midday. Saturday: Mainly fine, but one or two showers possible in the afternoon.

This month, Southland Football has begun work on its brand-new all-weather turf, marking a major advance for the sport in the southern region.After years of planning, funding applications, and launching a fundraising campaign – Pitch in Southland – the organisation has secured the $970,000 needed to bring the long-awaited project to life.Work has already started and, all going well, it should be complete in March – ready for another exciting football season.The new turf will replace the existing surface at Turnbull Thomson Park and be faster, softer and more environmentally friendly with no rubber infill. It will be capable of hosting multiple games a day and, with advances in technology, will considerably reduce the risk of injury.While it has been years in the planning, the project has only been made possible thanks to generous funders, including the Lottery Grants Board, ILT Foundation, Invercargill Licensing Trust and the Rio Tinto NZAS and Murihiku Rūnaka Community Development Fund. Southland Football contributed its own funds, too, however with a shortfall remaining it appealed to the public to get it across the line.The new turf will replace the existing surface at Turnbull Thomson Park. Photo: Supplied.Along with many individual and family contributions – including a significant donation from Southland Football life member and long-time football administrator Bill McLean – it was the local business community that really heeded the call, with a number of businesses opting to support via sponsorship packages. Just some of the sponsors who pitched in included Invercargill Motors, Aotea Electric, Embrace Orthadontics, NAS Orthapedics, Deep South Glass, Maxis Projects and WM Environmental, with many others also contributing.Southland Football Football Development and Operations Manager Iain Walker says it has been heartening to see how many local businesses stepped in to offer support.“We’re really very grateful to our local funders, local businesses and individuals and families for sharing our vision for this new community asset and supporting it not only financially but really advocating for the sport in general,” he says.“Football is in a great place and it’s only getting better. The new turf will make a significant difference for our local players – from those in our first kicks programme to our high performance academy players – but it's also going to make Invercargill a really appealing place to host tournaments, so that’s exciting.”“We’re more than happy to collaborate with other sports and organisations, too, who want to use the space – we see it as a real community asset.”“We can’t wait to get players out there to experience the new space; it’s going to be fantastic,” Iain says.

A new Invercargill Dialysis Unit, which opened at Southland Hospital today, will meet a growing demand and provide much-needed care closer to home for Southland people, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.Ms Simmonds opened the $440,,000 facility in Invercargill today."This is a wonderful development for our province, addressing growing demand and making life easier for those living with kidney disease.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds joins Health NZ Southern project manager Jason Holder and Charge nurse manager Nic Holborow at the opening of the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit - Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis.” Photo: Supplied.“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make this happen here in our city - allowing Southlanders access to healthcare where and when they need it.“This new dialysis unit is significant because it allows local people access to much-needed care right here in Invercargill - rather than enduring regular travel to Dunedin Hospital.“At present some patients must travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis, while comprehensive training for home-based dialysis can take up to 12 weeks - again requiring patients to stay in Dunedin.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds joins Health NZ Southern representatives, Southland Hospital staff and local iwi, at the official opening of Invercargill’s new Dialysis Unit - Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis.”.“I think it’s a gamechanger that these services can now be offered locally. I know that they will make a huge difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families in this province.“I would also like to acknowledge the many people and organisations who have advocated tirelessly for this service and also the dedicated local clinicians and staff who work alongside patients with great care and compassion.“And we’re not wasting any time – the official opening today concluded at 9.30am, with the first patient care starting half-a-hour later at 10am.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and Southland MP Joseph Mooney, with Health NZ Social chief medical officer Dr David Gow (left) and Health NZ Social group operations manager Craig Aston, at the opening of the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit. photo: Supplied.“It’s also positive to note that the unit is fully staffed, with a doctor who is trained both in General and Renal Medicine and an associate charge nurse manager who was recruited to work at the unit - previously a charge nurse manager from Dunedin managed Invercargill operations. “We now have a new unit that features five haemodialysis spaces, previuosly there were two, in modern facilities designed to treat both outpatients and inpatients. Southland hospital staff from the new Invercargill Dialysis Unit, Te Waka Whakaora Takihi “the vessel that holds the essence of dialysis,” celebrating its opening today. Photo: Supplied.“The unit also includes a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.“Construction began in November last year and was completed ahead of schedule and $40,000 budget on 4 February 2026. The work was undertaken by local contractor ABL (Amalgamated Builders LTD).”

After being named Otago Southland’s top young farmer, another dairy farmer is now in contention for the national title.Thomas Slee, 28 from Nightcaps, was announced as the winner of the Otago Southland FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a series of challenges at the Gore A&P Showgrounds in Southland.The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a highlight in the rural calendar, boasting a strong track record of showcasing the rising stars in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector – igniting contestants’ competitive streak and setting the bar for excellence in agriculture.Thomas Slee, winner of the Otago Southland FMG Young Farmer of the Year. Photo: Supplied.“It’s pretty surreal. I guess the prep starts now for Grand Final”.Three age-based categories were featured in the competition. Primary school pupils tackled AgriKids NZ, high school students competed for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year title, while eight finalists battled for the coveted Young Farmer of the Year crown.Slee clocked up the most points on the day with 271, defeating Henry Smith (258) from Clinton and Harry McCallum (234) from Te Anau.The competition featured 5 grueling challenges including the always intense Agri-Sports and an intense ‘buzzer-style’ quiz that rewarded quick thinking. Each task was crafted to expose how well contestants could apply their practical skills and technical knowledge while working against the clock.Thomas was calculated throughout the day, making sure to focus on the detail across his modules and the always exciting Agri-sports.. The head-to-head featured the contestants making a possum trap after being given a trap to look at the start of the challenge.It was a great day with hundreds turning out for the Final, as well as more spectators casting their eye over as they walked around the rest of the Gore A&P Show.The AgriKids NZ competition saw New Zealand’s youngest farmers share their new-generation know-how across a series of modules, with the top teams then competing in the infamous race off.AgriKids competitions. Photo: Supplied.The NSC team (Northern Southland College, Slade, Fletcher and Lucian) took out the top spot for the AgriKids NZ, followed by the Limehills Young Farmers (Limehills School, Angus, Will and Hunter) and Drummond Duck shooters (Drummond School, Toby, Jack and Cole) rounding out the top 3.Meanwhile, Lara Heiss and Emily Reid from Blue Mountain College took out the Junior Young Farmer of the Year title for Otago Southland and Jack Horrel and Hunter Norman from Southland Boys High School came in second.Along with Slee, the top 3 AgriKids NZ and top 2 FMG Junior teams will now compete in July’s Grand Final in New Plymouth.New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly says it’s been great to see friends, family, and Young Farmers club members supporting their fellow contestants, with Season 58 turning over the highest attendance of entrants in recent years.“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it. From the youngest contestant just beginning, to the oldest who is giving it their last shot, the strength in which people show up for their community makes me so proud of what Young Farmers represents.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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