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

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: mainly fine Tomorrow: Rain from afternoon Friday: mainly fine

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) tonight from 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: Mainly fine Tomorrow: Mainly fine Thursday: Rain from PM Friday: Rain clearing then fine

Fog Cannon Halts Teen BurglarA 14-year-old would-be criminal got more than he bargained for when he allegedly burgled the Otatara Four Square supermarket at around midnight last Sunday (22 June), a fog cannon deploying in his face and burglar alarm activated. Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Mel Robertson says the alleged offender, who’s been referred to Youth Services, unlawfully forced entry into the premises but thanks to the security measures put in place by the owners his takings were minimal.Police responded with a Police Dog Unit deployed. “The offender was located a short time later having been tracked by the Dog Unit and located by Police staff cordoning the area,” Robertson says.“Having the aid of alarm activation and burglary deterrent features, such as a fog cannon, significantly minimised the capability of the offender in removing items from the store, allowing Police to respond swiftly and successfully apprehend the offender.”No further details could be released because of the young age of the alleged teenage offender.Gore Police Urge ‘Tell Us Not Facebook!’Gore Police are urging rural Eastern Southland property owners and farmers to report any missing or stolen property to them asap rather than sharing it all over social media after the event.Eastern Southland area response manager Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten says they’re still finding out about suspicious behaviour in and around farms and rural properties. However, Police would far rather hear about any offending straight away from victims than read about it on Facebook.“We often find lots of social media talk, but the situations have gone unreported at the time,” Iddenten says. “Police are proactive, and we want to target these offenders and hold them accountable.”Property owners and farmers are urged to ensure all vehicles and properties are locked and consider security lighting and CCTV cameras which aid greatly in prevention of target burglaries. Victims of these burglaries, along with neighbours and passersby, are urged to ring 111 if they see any such suspicious activity at the time, or Crime Stoppers or 105 if it’s a delayed report.“Numerous” drugs in latest haulSouthland Police’s Organised Crime Group vow that they won’t be stopping any time soon in their ongoing Operation Strata investigations primarily targeting drug dealers with gang connections, after yet another arrest. Inspector Stu Harvey says just last week a search warrant at a Mabel Bush address found “numerous drugs, including LSD, MDMA and cannabis”, along with a shotgun and ammunition.A 40-year-old woman has been charged with offering to supply LSD, possession for supply of LSD, possession of MDMA and cannabis. She’s been remanded on bail, but Harvey says investigations are continuing.Police Out In Force in CBD These HolidaysPolice are warning they won’t be tolerating any unlawful, offensive or disorderly behaviour in Invercargill’s CBD this school holidays and they’ll out in force with increased visibility and foot patrols to stop it early. “We often see an increase in youth gatherings and disorder through these periods and Police will be out to interact and engage with the community in an effort to prevent this,” Robertson says.She’s warning any unruly or offensive behaviour, disorder and illegal activity can expect intervention from Police. “We’ll be working alongside our retailers to ensure our Invercargill CBD is a vibrant, welcoming and safe environment for all members of the community.”May Be ‘Plastic’ But They’re FantasticInvercargill’s volunteer Community Patrollers may be mocked as “plastic cops” by troublemaking boy racers but Patrol chairperson Brian Dunick says they’ve gradually earned their respect. “They’re getting better with us as they’ve realised ‘plastic cops’ can read number plates,” he grins.The Patrols – one in Invercargill, one in Gore and one in Riverton, are the “eyes and ears” of the Police around town on a Friday and Saturday night, with the Invercargill Patrol often clocking up to 100kms in a night, from 9pm until 2am. “Our 25 Invercargill patrollers head out in pairs and share once a month duty on a roster,” Dunick says. “We cover downtown, the airport, Otatara , parts of Lorneville and Oreti Beach, ensuring there’s no trouble or anything amiss,” he says.“If we find premises unlocked, or gates open, or lights on we let the property owners or Police know and we always check in with the Police at the station before starting duty to ask where they’d like us to be monitoring that night.”Thanks to some generous funding from Southland Community Trust and ILT, and local sponsors like Richardson Group’s Allied Petroleum and Rothbury’s Insurance the Invercargill Patrollers now have their own patrol car, which is a huge help.“It’s surprising how many people change their driving behaviour when they see us,” Dunick grins. The occasional drunk or person in strife is given a ride home but if the Patrols come across anything they always call Police.All three patrols are now on the hunt for new recruits to join their ranks, with a number of current Police having started out that way over the years, Dunick says.After the Pathway to Police initiative was introduced last year other would-be Police recruits have joined the Patrols to get a feel for what policing may be like. Ages in Invercargill range from a young Pathway to Police would-be recruit in his 20s to their late 70s.

Backcountry snow lovers, including ski tourers, mountaineers and trampers are warned that while it’s early in winter there’s already some high avalanche risk with more snow on the way.Southern Lakes Heli Air Rescue safety manager Richie Hunter says anyone planning to head into the backcountry to recreate should be well prepared and informed with a high level of skill.“From Green Lake north, near Borland Saddle up into the Darran Mountains is avalanche prone from this time of year onwards,” Hunter says. The Eyre Mountains and further east over the Routeburn are also popular and ones to watch. “Even though the Great Walks are great walks that are highly accessible to everybody that doesn’t mean they’re not at risk too,” he says.“We have a great network of these but just because they’re called that doesn’t mean they’re free of those winter hazards, with people still tramping the Routeburn, Kepler and Milford Tracks during winter, when there are no hut wardens on duty,” he says. “People have to be self-sufficient and experienced in managing alpine environments and avalanche terrain,” he says.Hunter’s warning backcountry punters to be cautious, vigilant and ensure they have an up-to-date avalanche forecast and information from avalanche.net.nz before they set off.There’s been a huge growth in the popularity of ski touring making the backcountry more accessible to many. “We’re seeing greater numbers heading in there with less knowledge and education. They’re going in and they’re not as well prepared,” he says.Even mountaineers and ice climbers are heading in without all the necessary knowledge, skills and equipment. “We’re still seeing an increasing number of people going climbing in winter with minimal experience,” Hunter says.“Be prepared. Watch the weather and avalanche forecast. Take, and ensure you, and all those in your party, know how to use an:Avalanche probe, a shovel, transceiver and personal locator beacon.Top tips for avalanche safety from NZ Mountain Safety Council Watch the Avalanche Tips and Terms video series Attend an official avalanche training course Check, discuss and understand the NZAA avalanche forecast for your area. Assess the conditions throughout your trip and be prepared to turn around. Carry avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe and shovel) and know how to use them.

A young man is in significant trouble after an ambulance was stolen in Invercargill overnight (29 Jun).The alleged antics have led to him being charged with two counts of kidnapping, driving while suspended, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and two counts of resisting Police.The early morning incident occurred after Police were called to assist an ambulance crew dealing with an agitated person on Elles Road, about 2.25am.Police said the man, who had injuries consistent with having been the victim of an assault, had been found on the street by a member of the publicWhile a police officer and an ambulance officer were speaking with a man in the back of the ambulance, he jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and allegedly began driving. The vehicle travelled about a block before the Police officer was able to knock it out of gear and stop it.After a brief scuffle, a 20-year-old Invercargill man was taken into custody. He was taken to hospital where Police said he currently remains (2 Jul).Police said the man had so far not provided them with any information around how he was injured.The man has been remanded to appear in Invercargill District Court on 15 July.Relieving Southland Area Commander Inspector Matt Scoles said the incident could have been tragic.“Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but there was a risk of serious injury to the people in that ambulance, none of whom were restrained, and a serious risk to the public.“This was an unpredictable situation and both the Police and ambulance officers involved acted swiftly, doing what they could to end it before anything worse happened.”Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) from 6.30pmComments:The Homer Tunnel will close Monday to Thursday nights (30th June - TONIGHT - 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: Partly cloudy with odd shower Tomorrow: Mainly fine Wednesday: Fine Thursday: Mainly fine

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel extended their winning streak to three in a row, with an impressive win over AVIS Magic to open Round 8 in Invercargill on Saturday (28 Jun).With both teams still well in contention for the Finals Series, the Steel's latest win secures, for the time being, their third-place ranking while also denying the Magic the opportunity to grab valuable points.Coming into the match after securing back-to-back wins as opposed to the Magic’s back-to-back losses, the Steel picked up from where they left off, exerting their extra overall polish across the opening three quarters to hold the Magic at arms-length for much of the outing.The Magic finished strongly with a last quarter flurry to win the final 15 minutes 18-11 but being outplayed across the first three-quarters, it was a case of too little too late.The Steel enjoyed 10 more attempts at goal with mainstay shooter Aliyah Dunn rock-solid under the hoop when providing a handy day’s work and converting 43 from 45.The Steel made the sharpest of starts to build an early lead through their flow and accuracy on attack. That was well supported by shooters Dunn and Georgia Heffernan who converted every opportunity that came their way.The Magic halted a four-goal run from the home side to come back into the game well. Stiffer defensive efforts paid off while the movement and athleticism of shooters Saviour Tui and Ameliaranne Ekenasio kept the contest close.It was shooting accuracy which proved the difference at the first break, the Steel leading 15-13 after nailing all their opportunities and the Magic missing two after both had equal attempts.Each side delivered exciting passages of flowing play at times on the resumption but as the respective defences tightened up, there was more strategy required and playing the ball around before the openings occurred.This opened the door for defensive opportunities to break the goal-for-goal impasse and it was the Steel who pounced with telling effect.The intense pressure employed by Carys Stythe and Abby Lawson under the Magic hoop resulted in turnovers while at the other end Dunn and Georgia Heffernan continued their recent strong form.The pair shared the load expertly and intuitively in feeding off each other with Dunn producing a standout first half through her positioning, pin-point shooting and rebounding ability.The Magic had their moments but were unable to stem a storming finishing from the home side, whose ability to disrupt and grab extra opportunities paid dividends when they completed a strong second spell when heading into the main break with a 33-25 lead.In a similar pattern to the previous quarter, the Steel made impressive impact in the latter stages of the third.With Ali Wilshier and Claire O’Brien delivering perfect ball into Tui, the Magic initially stayed in touch with their southern opponents but their ability to sustain and execute was eventually found wanting.The relentless focus from the Steel’s defensive patterns and easier through-court transition meant there was no let-up for the Magic with misguided passes and inaccuracies taking a toll. Lacking the same efficiency and accuracy the visitors were left playing catch-up.Dunn and Georgia Heffernan continued to stamp their mark at the Steel shooting end with Kimiora Poi marshalling the attack end in an impressive overall team effort.Relishing their dominance, the Steel rattled in the goals to keep building on an advancing scoreline when they led 53-38 at the last turn.

A third person has been sentenced in relation to a wildfire that burned through a peat wetland in Southland during a total fire ban.The person pleaded guilty to allowing a fire lit by another person to get out of control.She has been convicted and discharged in the Invercargill District Court.In January, one offender was sentenced to seven months' home detention, and to pay reparations of $10,000, and the other was sentenced to 200 hours' community work and 12 months' supervision, and reparations of $10,000.The fire was lit in the Awarua Wetlands in Southland on 2 April 2022 during a prohibited fire season which meant a total fire ban was in place.Fire and Emergency deputy national commander Steph Rotarangi said firefighters fought the fire for more than a week.It burnt through 1330 hectares and had environmental and financial consequences in an internationally recognised conservation area."Given the significance of the impact of the Awarua Wetlands fire, and the fact the area was under a total fire ban, we considered it appropriate to prosecute three individuals for the fire," she said.This was the second prosecution under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 - the first resulted in an $18,000 fine for an unauthorised burn-off.The Department of Conservation's southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said the fire caused significant damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the wetlands, released vast carbon emissions, and seriously set back conservation work in the area.Photo: Supplied / Ngāi Tahu"Awarua Wetlands is one of the largest remaining wetland complexes in this country and was recognised as New Zealand's first Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site of international importance in 1976," he said."The fire burned about 980ha of wetland plants, which is an important habitat for threatened species like matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern and other birds, plants, insects, lizards, and fish. It also injured or killed a high number of animals."Weeds like gorse and Spanish heath were already beginning to invade the burned areas, in some places outcompeting native plants.It was estimated about 104,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were released into the atmosphere from this fire - equivalent to driving about 409,829,000 kilometres in an average petrol car.Published by permission

Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark has hit out at his own council, saying its aversion to risk has resulted in an “eye watering” consultants bill.His comments follow the organisation revealing it spent more than $7.3 million on consultants in less than three years between July 2022 and December 2024.Clark said the council’s low tolerance for risk meant elected members didn’t “run against” advice from management, and management used consultants to “justify” the advice they gave elected members.“For me, personally, I think the risk should be higher. We should take more risk,” Clark said.“Because at the end of the day, you’ve got to balance it out against the cost of these consultants, which are eye watering amounts.”Clark said the only way to change the situation was to tell staff not to spend large amounts on advice, and for councillors to accept the risk.“And if we get it wrong, we get it wrong.”Invercargill City Council was approached for comment but did not respond in time for publication.The numbers were made public on the back of a LGOIMA request from the Taxpayers’ Union, which released the data on Friday.It showed $2.58 million was spent on consultants for the 12 months to June 2023, $3.23 million was spent for the 12 months to June 2024, and $1.52 million was spent for the six months to December 2024.The document showed more than 160 companies were used during the two-and-a-half-year period.Deloitte topped the spending with more than $424,000 for work on reviewing rates, contract compliance, internal audit support, and risk and assurance support.Stantec was next with a figure of more than $396,000 for support with the Bluff wastewater consent.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Manapōuri's new $3.6 million water treatment plant was officially opened today (27 Jun) by Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott.The new plant, featuring filtration and pH correction, back-up generator and larger pumps - for firefighting capacity, replaces the previous one built in 1969.Mayor Scott said it was always a proud moment when projects of this calibre come to fruition.It also reinforced Council’s decision that opting for the adjusted status quo model in Local Water Done Well - retained full responsibility and control for water services while adapting to legislative changes and evolving Southland communities - was the right one, he said."This [project] showcases we are very capable of delivering infrastructure and water services to Southlanders,” he said.“The ability of the locals to have direct input into what’s happening in their own backyard and working in collaboration with Council is incredibly important and we’ve proven in the Fiordland area through projects like this it is a priority for us."“While managed by Council, these assets are owned by the communities they serve and, together with the Fiordland Community Board, the residents of Manapōuri should be proud of what’s been achieved. We are building for the future.”Lead contractor Fulton Hogan, together with Murray Wallace Electrical, started construction of the upgraded asset in 2024, with the plant commissioned as fully operational in March. Space has been set aside to accommodate town growth and further water quality enhancements if required in the future.

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.   Westbound closure – SH1 East Road Invercargill is now completeThe initial PowerNet work on SH1 East Road is now complete, and the highway re-opened in both directions. There will be further work completed on the lines later in winter which will have traffic management in place - we will post an update at that time.. Highways South work with temporary traffic lights and temporary speed limits this week:SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway near Wairio-Wreys Bush RoadSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway near Te WaewaeSH99 Clifden highway between Lillburn Valley Road and Clifden-Blackmount Road Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Gore Mataura Highway, stop/goSH1 Main St Gore between Broughton and Hyde St, lane dropSH6 North Road Invercargill, lane dropSH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Lady Barkley Road, stop/goSH6 Athol Five Rivers Highway at Athol, stop/go for accessway constructionSH6 Garston-Athol highway at Athol, traffic lightsSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway at Walker Road, traffic lightsSH94 Waimea highway at Waimea stream, Mandeville, traffic lights Cycling EventThere will be a cycling event on SH96 between Deveraux Road and Limehills Browns Road on Saturday 28th June between 1pm and 3pm. Please travel with extra care during this time.  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.