An information technology expert warns the Manage My Health data breach may make victims vulnerable to bank account theft.About 125,000 Manage My Health users have been affected by a massive data breach, with hackers stealing hundreds of thousands of medical files.Those whose health records have been stolen in the ransomware attack are struggling to get any information, with the website repeatedly crashing and the 0800 number overloaded.Cybersecurity and operational technology expert Dr Abhinav Chopra told RNZ the information contained in the breach, like health and personally identifiable data, could be used to access bank accounts."Using this information, with phone banking and others, you can easily get access to a number of bank accounts and transfer money, even in this period," he said."Many banks and other institutions will just ask you, 'Hey, what's your name, what's your date of birth, what's your email address, what's your phone number', and some of that information or all of that information is basically in that app, Manage My Health."Chopra said the company's layers of security, like password protection and encryption, weren't appropriate for the level of sensitive data the company held.He said the company did not apply about 17 different controls, culminating in a security breach."These kind of 101 basics and this stuff, it does need some investment, but when you're holding critical information like health information and personally identifiable information, these should be your basics," Chopra said.On Friday, Manage My Health said it encrypted health data in its database and user passwords."[Manage My Health] is an ISO 9001 and ISO 27001-certified organisation," it said. "We have quality assurance processes with regular testing of our systems."Chopra said hackers often targeted people on holiday or out of business hours, so victims couldn't verify the information given with an official channel."Either you are busy doing something and you will just fall for that thing that they have said, or if they have created kind of an emergency kind of situation, then you fall for it," he said."If you even call your own bank or your agency, or someone else, you will be outside of office hours and you will not be able to get that answer back."Chopra urged people not to rush into answering what could be a scam email or message.Published by permission

"It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Sir Tim Shadbolt, " Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said today."I had the privilege of knowing Sir Tim for many decades and was honoured to work alongside him as he championed SIT’s zero fees scheme - a transformative initiative that helped rejuvenate our city.""He also successfully promoted the extension of the Invercargill Airport, supported the development of Stadium Southland and the SIT Velodrome, and oversaw renovations of the Civic Theatre and Splash Palace, receiving a knighthood in 2019 for his services to Local Government and the community.""He was a person of remarkable character—charismatic and engaging, yet also deeply caring, with an unmatched passion for Invercargill and its people.""Having served an extraordinary 24 consecutive years as Mayor, his contribution to the city is both significant and enduring.""A committed and proud advocate for the South, Sit Tim reshaped Invercargill’s image, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations""He was a valued colleague and a dear friend, and I firmly believe our city is the better for his leadership and service.""I extend my sincere condolences to Asha, Declan, and Sir Tim’s extended family, at this difficult time."

Police are concerned there’s an accident waiting to happen in the south with increasing numbers of drivers, many from overseas, speeding to get to Milford for boat cruises, another near miss head on collision today (9 Jan) near Deer Flat on the Milford Road.Sergeant Tod Hollebon says a tourist vehicle was allegedly passing a campervan on a straight section of road right into the path of an oncoming delivery truck heading into Milford.“The truck driver had to suddenly stop stationary on the road to avoid a head on collision,” Hollebon says.“This is a concern for Police. There’s no consideration for oncoming vehicles, especially from some overseas drivers who have an expectation that the oncoming driver will just pull over and let them in, as that may be customary practice in that driver’s home country,” he says.It was a huge concern for Police and obviously for other road users with a marked increase in driving complaints coming in via the Police Communications Centre.“Sometimes we get several complaints within an hour, at least several a day, and we encourage that,” Hollebon says.Cellphone connectivity has been very poor until recently but now that that’s improved Police have noticed a corresponding increase in unsafe driving complaints.The worst areas are around the Devil’s Staircase south of Queenstown, between Kingston and Five Rivers, and also on the Milford Road.One Te Anau officer driving an unmarked Police car recently was overtaken by a driver travelling into Milford who was allegedly clocked at over 150km/hr.Other officers have clocked drivers travelling at 130km/hr, Hollebon says.“Unfortunately, an oncoming vehicle is not necessarily a barrier to someone passing,” he says.“At times we’ve witnessed a complete lack of consideration for oncoming vehicles, which is very concerning.”Visitor numbers into Milford are higher than pre-Covid – “the highest we’ve seen”, with the number of visitors for last month (December 2025) alone up 13,000 on the previous December (2024), Hollebon says.The most common excuse is that they’re speeding to “catch the boat”. “They misjudge the time. They actually have time but don’t think they do. It’s like they’re rushing to catch the plane,” he says.“We stop large numbers coming into Milford.” Other excuses like ‘my wife needs to use the toilet’ just don’t fly, he says.Many motorists, in their rush to get to Milford Sound, are dicing with death by not adhering to the speed limit and road rules. Photo: Milford OpportunitiesMilford Sound visitor numbers increased almost 30% in December (last month) to 115,344, up from 89,958 in December 2023, and up 13% compared with December 2024. Great South general manager tourism and events Mark Frood says Milford Sound is definitely busier than pre-Covid and that’s expected to continue through the summer. A total of 476,636 visitors headed to Milford last calendar year (2025), according to the latest figures – a 105.71% increase on pre-Covid times, Frood says.“Anecdotally the feedback we’re getting is that there are more people travelling there in cars rather than as part of tour groups,” he says. “Our message is that people need to understand the road conditions, drive to those, and know the (road) rules.”While unsafe passing was the biggest issue, increasing numbers of motorists are ringing to complain about vehicles travelling too slowly with lines of traffic behind.“These people are generally unfamiliar with our roads. It’s often their first time driving in New Zealand and some just have limited driving experience,” Hollebon says.Many overseas tourists don’t pull over for the Police and emergency services despite full lights flashing and sirens blaring, whether that be to speak to the driver or get past to an emergency.“We’ve had cases where overseas drivers haven’t stopped for up to several kilometres despite sirens and flashing lights,” Hollebon says.“They don’t recognise it, that you pull over. It’s a cultural thing, but that also impacts ambulances and fire appliances trying to get past to a callout.”If it’s safe Police can sometimes pull up alongside these drivers and signal them to stop, or get in front of them to slow them down.“They have different rules and signs in their country. It’s just the volume at the moment, the share numbers of vehicles on our roads.""Some drivers are making good decisions and some bad.”Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Our team is back into our summer renewal programme in Southland; 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.  Tour of SouthlandAlso, a reminder that the postponed Tour of Southland takes place on local roads and highways across Southland from the 18th – 24th January. Please expect delays. Information regarding Tour routes and dates can be found on their website here. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – Construction work has begun and will continue over the next few months. Delays of 5-10 minutes.SH94 at Sinclair Road Te Anau – Construction work begins Monday 12th January and will continue throughout January. Delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway near Transmission Line Road - Construction work has begun and will continue over the next few months. Delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Zwies Road – Construction work has begun and will continue over the next few months. Delays of 5-10 minutes. Other maintenance work underway next week is listed below: Highways South/SouthRoads maintenance work:·         SH1 Bluff highway at various sites between McLauchlan Road and Kekeno Place, stop/go for resurfacing·         SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway near Wilson's Crossing Road, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairs·         SH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway at Five Rivers, stop/go for sealing·         SH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway at Jollies Hill, stop/go for sealing·         SH93 Old Coach Road at various sites between Owaka Valley and Kaiwera Downs Road, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairs·         SH94 Waimea highway between Croydon Bush and Otamita, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairs·         SH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway south of Orepuki, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairs·         SH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Waimatuku, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairs **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Upcoming renewal workSH99 Wallacetown – road renewal and bridge work - FebruarySH1 Waipahi Highway east of Pukerau – road renewal – dates to be confirmed  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.

Comedian Gary McCormick, a lifelong friend of Sir Tim Shadbolt, says the mayor was fearless but armed with "a landmark smile and laugh" that won people over.The former Invercargill and Waitematā mayor, who was also an activist and student radical, died on Thursday at the age of 78.McCormick told Summer Times it was a sad day for New Zealand.He said he was sitting looking at photos of Sir Tim who did some 60 shows with McCormick around the country."He had that landmark smile and laugh. It was impossible for him to be depressed, whether he was in jail, arrested by the police or undergoing the rigours of a council meeting."McCormick said Sir Tim had a rare gift for leadership."He led by example. he was charismatic and he cut through the nonsense," he told RNZ. It was a style befitting a man who had been in trouble as a student for using the word "bullshit"."There was no bullshit about him. He had a strange kind of fearlessness. He was not awed by people in high positions, whether that was police or anyone else. In jail, everyone liked him."McCormick met Sir Tim at a protest in front of Parliament when both were arrested by police in the mid-1970s."I was the first into the paddy wagon. My parents were deeply shocked, watching on TV at home in Titahi Bay. Tim was next in. We sent the day in the cells and became friends. We were eventually let go by a wise magistrate who thought if you can't protest at Parliament, where can you protest."'One of the great characters of his generation'Sir Tim was one of the "characters of his generation", former prime minister Helen Clark says.Speaking to RNZ, she said Shadbolt would have a go at anything and do it fearlessly and in good humour."I think we miss some of the characters now in politics, that humour - it has all got a bit more pedestrian."Clark remembered Sir Tim from his days as a student activist on the Auckand University campus in the late 1960s. He had formed a political party calling itself the Auckland University Society for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans - or AUSA POCPAH"They used to dress in big capes, looking like the Wizard of Christchurch, and he had an alsatian dog."You could never forget him, with his look and capes and dog."He was a very good humoured guy who did crazy things."Clark said he would take on any cause or role fearlessly."When he stood for the mayoralty of Waitakere council, I think a lot of people were probably aghast. But he formed 'Tim's Team' and it did very well for a while."And while his last years at Invercargill may not have been great for him, he always had the courage to give things a go. He was one of the great characters of his generation."Huge influence on Southland's fortunesThe former chief executive of Invercargill City Council says Sir Tim Shadbolt was central to efforts to turn around the city's fortunes.Richard King met Sir Tim at a rally in his student activist days, and later worked with him for more than 20 years.He told Morning Report Invercargill was once the fastest-declining city in Australasia, but Sir Tim helped attract jobs and people, in part by championing free tertiary fees."That had a huge boost to the city. You had more students spending money, you had people coming like outside investors, buying up houses so they could rent them to the students, and many students decided to stay," he said.Sir Tim loved people and was the kind of man who would "give you the shirt off his back."He could connect with anyone within minutes, King said."He was the sort of person [who] he could walk into a room without knowing anybody - and five minutes later, 95 percent of them were eating out of his hand," he said."When he came to Invercargill, people really rallied around and supported him big time."Although political opposition later took its toll, Sir Tim had a good run, King said.Published by Permission

People travelling around the South Island this weekend to take advantage of the warm weather are being encouraged to also plan for the impact of expected gale force winds and heavy rain, and to take extra care on the roads. MetService has a host of weather warnings and watches in place for the weekend, when temperatures are expected to tip over 30 deg C in some parts of the South Island. These include a strong wind warning for Canterbury about the high country and near the foothills from Saturday night through Sunday, while heavy rain warnings apply for Westland ad Fiordland between Haast and Doubtful Sound from 3am on Saturday, and from 11pm Saturday for the ranges of the Westland District about and north of Haast. Lesser wind and rain watches are in place for most of the rest of the South Island, including Otago and Southland. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi urges road users to plan ahead and adjust their driving to the conditions on the state highways. Heavy rain can cause surface flooding and slips, in addition to loss of traction. People should think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible. In gale force winds, those driving high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles should be especially cautious. State highways may have restrictions placed on them where obstructions arise or public safety is at risk.   Stay up to date on the weather conditions at the MetService site , and on the status of the state highways at our Journey Planner site.A messy picture of weather warnings and watches below for the South Island, from MetService. Photo: NZTA

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Minor delays with roadworks expected from mondayWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers clearing Tomorrow: Gale northwesterlies and heavy rain developing Sunday: Rain clearing Monday: Fine Tuesday: Showers

Former Invercargill and Waitematā Mayor, Sir Tim Shadbolt, has died early this morning (8 Jan) aged 78.Sir Tim, who was awarded the Knight Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List, served eight terms as Invercargill Mayor (between 1993 – 1995, and again between 1998 – 2022), and two terms as Waitematā (Auckland) Mayor, between 1983 - 1989: making him one of the longest-serving mayors in New Zealand.The Mayor’s partner of many decades, Asha Dutt, speaking on behalf of the family said “Today we lost the cornerstone of our family and the man who has devoted himself to promoting the City of Invercargill for almost 30 years.""Tim was a kind-hearted man who cared deeply about the people around him.""He was a champion for the underdog and an active political campaigner from his student days of anti-war protest, his activism for Māori rights, and his fight to keep the Southern Institute of Technology and Zero Fees autonomous.""Tim will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection for his commitment to the south and his passion for life.""The citizens of Invercargill can be proud of the enormous legacy he leaves.”Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell paid tribute to the former mayor, saying he extended his deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Sir Tim, on behalf of the entire community.“Sir Tim served an incredible eight terms as Mayor of Invercargill, and he leaves an enormous legacy within our community.""He was widely known, not only for his genuine pride in our community and the people within it, but equally for his colourful personality, infectious enthusiasm, and his tireless advocacy for Invercargill – both locally and throughout the country. His absence will be deeply felt,” he said.“Sir Tim’s political activism from the 1960s and 1970s shaped his strong sense of civic leadership and committment.""It was that lifelong affinity for supporting the causes in which he believed that helped Sir Tim become one of the most tireless champions of Invercargill."While our city was not originally the place he called home, Invercargill will always be proud to claim him as one of its own.“I did not have the opportunity to serve alongside him during his time on Council, but I recognise the profound impact of Sir Tim’s leadership across multiple terms, and the many relationships he built with Councillors, staff, and community members through his many years of service. Sir Tim’s enduring legacy has shaped the city we are today,” Campbell said.Among Sir Tim’s many achievements, some of those that were particularly profound included his fierce support for Invercargill Airport – he long called for it to be made an international airport, and served as Mayor when direct flights between the city and Auckland were first introduced in 2019 – as well as his championship of the Southern Institute of Technology’s ‘fees free’ policy. Both had played pivotal roles in revitalising the region’s economy, Campbell said.“It was while he was campaigning for his second stint as Invercargill Mayor that Sir Tim promised to put Invercargill on the map. There are very few people who could claim to have done that in a more genuine or memorable way than Sir Tim.”Invercargill City Council Chief Executive Michael Day said the organisation honoured the significant contribution Sir Tim had made to the city and its people.“On behalf of Invercargill City Council and the many staff who worked with Sir Tim throughout his years of service to our city, I extended my sincere condolences to his loved ones."“Many Councillors, Council staff, and community members had the opportunity to work closely with Sir Tim during his tenure as Mayor, and experienced first-hand his energy, conviction, and committment to his community.""His legacy is one that will endure across generations,” Day said.“Sir Tim was a true advocate for our community. His strong sense of pride, his life in public service, and his political activisim helped shape our city.""Sir Tim will forever be remembered as a defining figure in our city’s history and he will be deeply missed by many.”The Coat of Arms flag will be flown at half-mast at Invercargill City Council to mark Sir Tim’s contribution to the city and a Book of Condolence will be available for members of the public to sign, both at Te Hīnaki Civic Building and the Bluff Service Centre. Comments paying tribute to Sir Tim on Council’s social media accounts will also be compiled. A digital Book of Condolence will be available online at icc.govt.nz Day said floral tributes to Sir Tim can be left at the Blade of Glass sculpture outside Te Hīnaki in Esk St.The public is asked to avoid using plastic or non-biodegradable wrapping for these, so that floral tributes can later be composted by Council’s Parks team at an appropriate time.The Archives team will be responsible for preserving any cards or correspondence left with floral tributes to Sir Tim, he said.Funeral service details will be announced once confirmed.

Fire and Emergency is warning Cantabrians of extreme fire danger this Sunday as parts of the country are set to swelter under high temperatures.Canterbury is currently in a restricted fire season, which requires people to apply for permits to light open air fires. However, all permits will be suspended from midnight Friday until 8am on Monday.The move comes as an intense heatwave in south-eastern Australia fuels hot air across parts of New Zealand.While the hottest temperatures are expected in the East Cape of the North Island, Gisborne, Wairoa and Hastings, the east of the South Island is also in for above average temperatures.Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch and Invercargill are all expecting temperatures in the mid to late 20s on Thursday (3 to 5C above average), while Blenheim is forecast to hit 32C on Friday - 7.5C above average.MetService is predicting a high of 32C for Christchurch and strong northwesterlies on Sunday.FENZ Canterbury assistant commander Brian Keown said the combination of expected high nor'west winds, high temperatures into the early 30s and low relative humidity made for a high risk situation.FENZ Canterbury assistant commander Brian Keown. Photo: Nathan Mckinnon / RNZ.Relatively high grass "curing" (drying out) of 60 to 70 percent, in some cases higher, meant any spark of a fire would move relatively quickly with the wind pushing it along, he said.FENZ deputy chief executive of prevention Nick Pyatt said the greatest risk was in Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay, Tai Rāwhiti, and Northland districts."This weekend, many parts of the country will be experiencing elevated fire danger conditions, with temperatures expected to surpass 30C in some locations, wind gusts of 30km/h at times, and low humidity."These conditions are what we call a perfect storm for wildfire risk."Pyatt said it only took one spark to start a wildfire that could get out of control quickly.According to a FENZ research report, more than half of all wildfires in New Zealand are grass fires - the higher the curing, the greater the fire risk.Keown was confident FENZ had sufficient resources, and was getting in touch with contractors, volunteers and specialist personnel to let them know of the weekend's high risk potential.He said people should not hesitate to call 111 at the first sign of smoke.Anyone who had used a burn pile in recent weeks should check it was thoroughly extinguished, Keown said."One of our biggest risks and causes of fires in the last few months have been permitted - or non permitted burns in the open season - that had not been properly put out, and the wind has got in amongst it and pushed embers into vegetation."That's a real risk for us and there's been too much of it going on."FENZ had put a lot of "time and effort educating people that if they have been burning to ensure their fires are out", he said.Anyone who had burnt in the past two to three weeks should go out, inspect their heaps and give them a good rake over and ensure they were fully extinguished, Keown said.A wildfire that destroyed four homes, 29 structures and spread over an area of almost 200 hectares in Kaikōura in October was caused by a burn pile.Almost 200 volunteer firefighters worked over six days to extinguish the fires amid winds of 150 kilometres an hour.A FENZ spokesperson said it did not pursue a prosecution against the owner of the burn pile because it was an open fire season when the blaze began.Last year was the country's fourth-hottest year on record, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand's (ESNZ) annual climate report.Meanwhile, FENZ reminded people that firefighters in the union would be striking for one hour on Friday from 12pm-1pm.Volunteers will respond to incidents - but ther will be delays."Fire and Emergency urges the NZPFU to call off its strike given heightened fire risks and the fact both parties are due to meet for facilitation later this month."Published by Permission

UPDATE: 8 January, 2026A scheduling change means that roadworks affecting traffic on State Highway 94/Te Anau-Milford Highway will start later in January than originally planned. The work (highlighted below in the previous notification) on SH94, near Sinclair Road, is now due to start on Monday 12 January, rather than Monday 5 January. The expected end date for the work of Saturday 31 January is unchanged. In this work period, from 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays, road users can expect to encounter temporary traffic lights, a 30km/h temporary speed reduction, and delays of 5-10 minutes. 18 December, 2025 – Important work across Southland highways in New Year A series of roadworks to improve Southland state highways is due to kick off early in the new year, and people are being told to expect minor delays in their travel. Work to reconstruct sections of highway, including excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking – and associated traffic management – is scheduled to start on Monday 5 January 2026 at the following sites: State Highway 90/Waikaka Valley Highway, between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Tuesday 31 March, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway, at Heddon Bush Road – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 96/Winton-Hedgehope Highway at Zwies Road, Browns – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 94/Te Anau-Milford Highway, near Sinclair Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.  This work is subject to scheduling change in the event of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We will aim to notify people about any changes through our channels. Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site. We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as this work is carried out to ensure a safe and resilient highway network for Southland road users. 

Cycling Southland will host an afternoon of fast-paced racing on Saturday 17 January when the ILT New Zealand Criterium Championships are held, with a world-class line-up confirmed across all championship categories.Building on the success of last year’s event, the championships will be staged on the new fast, flowing 2.1km circuit incorporating Bainfield Road and Queens Drive. Featuring wide roads and excellent sightlines for spectators, the course is perfectly suited to aggressive, attacking racing and is expected to produce thrilling contests throughout the afternoon.The Elite Women’s championship will be headlined by Olympic medallist Bryony Botha, whose power and speed make her ideally suited to the demanding criterium format. She will line up against a strong national field as riders chase one of New Zealand cycling’s most coveted jerseys. The Elite Men’s race promises to be equally compelling, with a quartet fresh from the World Track Championships bronze medal win — Keegan Hornblow, Marshall Erwood, Tom Sexton and Nick Kergozou — all confirmed to race. Their proven ability to sustain high speeds and dominate fast circuits will add significant depth and quality to an already impressive field. They will be joined by James Fouche and James Gardner, both former stage winners at the SBS Bank Tour of Southland, along with New Zealand representative George Jackson, who has spent the past few seasons competing in Europe. As expected, a particularly strong field has entered the Calder Stewart Elite Men’s race, with many riders using the championships as a final hit-out before the 69th SBS Bank Tour of Southland begins the following day on the same roads. Cycling Southland President Julian Ineson said the quality of riders confirmed highlights the growing stature of the event. “To have Olympic medallists, world championship medallists, Tour stage winners and emerging New Zealand talent all lining up in Southland is incredibly exciting. The course really rewards speed and tactical racing, and spectators are in for a fantastic afternoon of cycling.” Racing gets underway from 2.00pm, with a strong contingent of local junior riders lining up in their respective championship events — an exciting opportunity for Southland athletes to race for national honours on home roads. Race headquarters will be based at the Waikiwi Rugby Club, providing an excellent hub for spectators, families and supporters, with food options, entertainment and outstanding vantage points around the circuit. EVENT SCHEDULE • UDC U15 Girls & GoodTech U15 Boys (Championship – separate podiums) 2:00pm – 15 minutes plus 2 laps • Real Estate South U17 Boys (Championship) 2:30pm – 20 minutes plus 2 laps • Mend Physio U17 Girls & U19 Women (Championship – separate podiums) 3:10pm – 30 minutes plus 2 laps • McLeay Jewellers U19 Men (Championship) 3:55pm – 35 minutes plus 2 laps • Calder Stewart Elite Women (Championship) 4:40pm – 50 minutes plus 3 laps • Calder Stewart Elite Men (Championship) 5:50pm – 50 minutes plus 3 laps Cycling Southland encourages the public to come along, support the riders and enjoy a showcase of New Zealand’s best criterium racing as national champions are crowned in Southland.

People whose GPs no longer use Manage My Health may still have had their historical data hacked.Hackers are threatening to release 400,000 files from 120,000 patients, if the health portal does not pay a US$60,000 (NZ$103,000) ransom.Manage My Health has begun telling general practices whether their patients have been affected, and it is working on telling individual patients via a Privacy Act notification.A number of people have told RNZ their GP had previously switched from Manage My Health to another platform, but they can still log in to Manage My Health and see their information there.Manage My Health chief executive Vino Ramayah confirmed the company holds on to records unless a patient cancels their account.It was up to patients to cancel their account, not their GP, he said."When... a practice leaves Manage My Health, the patients have a choice to continue to use Manage My Health or they can close the application, in which case we will delete the data," he said."It's essentially patient data - we need their consent because we'll be wiping out a lot of their historical data, so that is why it is stored."People can use the platform privately - they do not need to use it through their GP, he said.Ramayah said people should have "a level of personal diligence" with their Manage My Health accounts. Users should change their passwords regularly, and use two-factor authentication, he said."I would encourage everyone to consider security as a very key part of your thinking, especially when you put sensitive information in an application, irrespective of whether it's Manage My Health or... any other healthcare app."How long should medical records be kept for?The privacy commissioner's website said health agencies should not keep medical information for any longer than they have a lawful purpose for using it."The Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996 say that health agencies must keep any health records they hold for a patient for 10 years from the last time they provided services to that patient."However, this requirement doesn't apply if the health agency has transferred the files to a new healthcare provider or if they have given the complete file to the patient (or, if the patient has died, to the patient's executor)."Informing affected patients, GPsManage My Health said on Tuesday it was beginning to tell GPs whether their patients were caught up in the breach.It said affected GPs could log in to a portal to see which patients had their data stolen and what records were taken.It would also inform practices that no longer use Manage My Health, and it was working on notifying affected patients."The Privacy Act requires individuals to be notified when their information has been accessed in an unauthorised way," it said."[Manage My Health] is taking on this responsibility on behalf of the practices, to which the information is being provided so that practices can provide support after individuals have been notified."Privacy Act notifications will go to practices through Manage My Health, together with details of how more information and support can be accessed."Manage My Health would also establish an 0800 helpline for impacted patients, it said.Published by permission

On a mild evening in November, Dave Howard and John Wellington were out with their machetes and some pink ribbon bush-bashing a route for a new bike trail beside the Hawea River in Upper Clutha.They tied ribbon on scrappy broom bushes and laid low the pigfern as they went."That's kind of a fun part of it, just cutting a track, going, 'What are the cool things that we can see along here?', whether it's little plants or view-corridors," Howard said."So you might take them past cool rocks or trees or just, how the landform will feel when you move through it, thinking about what's the experience someone's going to have when they travel through here."So that's quite a fun stage despite the matagouri and the bush lawyer (two types of plants) and everything else that wants to kill you and prick you."Up until recently he had thornier problems to deal with. He had helped design the Kawarau Gorge trail from Queenstown to Cromwell, and the Roxburgh Gorge extension. By 2018 they were ready to go.Instead, they went nowhere, running smack-dab into a long-forgotten policy suddenly reactivated at the Department of Conservation (DOC)."Until recently, the current Conservation General Policy was applied quite rigidly in Conservation Management Strategies (CMS)," DOC told RNZ."This meant that unless the CMS listed a proposed location for biking, a (costly, multi-year) partial review or amendment process for the CMS was required, simply to consider the application on its merits."While the policy had slumbered, trail building had cracked on, the network and patronage expanding rapidly in the decade after John Key's government latched on to cycling in 2009 as a way to create jobs.Dave Howard. Photo: Supplied'Silly little thing written on a bit of paper'In 2019, DOC shifted suddenly and question marks appeared over existing trails' compliance, while new builds hit a brick wall. Many regions had few potential trails listed on the schedules in their various CMSs. They were going nowhere."It was horrendous," Howard said. "It was all consuming, all consuming. DOC was supportive of so many of the trails, but they just had to pull the handbrake on them because of this silly little thing written on a bit of paper."Pete Masters at Bike Taupō hit the wall too. So he joined with others to use a trail in Tongariro as a test case to help break the rigid grip.It worked - 11 out of the 16 DOC regions began easing up on trail building in the last year or so - but it took time and money."So we won that," Masters said. "Interesting thing is after the six years, they turned around and agreed on what we said on day one."Instead of having to be rigid, to have it on a schedule, it could be on 'effects-based', which is what we'd been arguing all the time."For trail builders in Te Anau and Gore the battle was far from won, but their experience was now more an exception than the norm.Rowan Sapsford at Bike Taupō sawthe flipside: He helped Masters with the test case, and now things were at "half full", he said."All our trails in Taupō are OK... we were able to secure access... we can carry on," Sapsford said.The application process had sped up."The last one I was involved in professionally, it went through an under 12 months, which was a bit of a record really."It can also be the difference between whether we're able to secure funding or not, and often, you know, the permissions process is seen as one of the key risks... for new trail development."Officials now saw biking in the bush as legitimate, not just tramping, he said.Recently he went to the annual national trails forum."It was probably the best representation from DOC in the odd 13 or 14 years I've been going to these forums."John Wellington. Photo: SuppliedIn a report in July, the Department of Conservation said its backlog of concession applications for cycling had been cut from 1300 to 550, and processing times were three times faster.It was now able to tap into co-funding too for new trails from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, that also had $8m a year to maintain the 23 Great Rides.'We're through the dark days'Otago was unusual among the 11 newly flexible regions, alone in undertaking a $500,000 review of its conservation strategy that ran for several years.This ended up last year in it designating a lot more potential trails, though only after volunteers spent thousands of hours mapping them out.Now those lines were down on paper, that allowed Howard and Wellington to bash them out for real along a simple 5km trail south beside the Hawea."We're through the dark days," Howard said."All those particular trails, they were part of connecting Wānaka, Queenstown through Dunedin, so they're all back on track and underway, which is fantastic. So there's been a massive swing, you know."The much-anticipated Kawarau Gorge ride would be steeper and more exciting than other Great Rides thereabouts, he said. E-bikers would love it, he predicted.The bill would be steeper, too: They had had to go back to where they got to in 2018 and "do a bunch of stuff again" which probably added several million dollars in costs.There was an up-side to this - Kawarau had become a bit of a test case for new thresholds around wildlife permits, lizard studies and relocations, and the like, Howard said.Yet the inflexible grip of the Conservation General Policy still held in five of the 16 regions.1"We can't consider new proposals for bike tracks for Waikato, Canterbury (Waitaha), Stewart Island/Rakiura, Otago and Southland," the July DOC report said."We appreciate this is frustrating," DOC told RNZ, "but it underpins the importance of progressing modernising and updating the legislation."Those changes would not deal just with CMSs - likely dumping them - but also with constraints other trail builders still face when they veer into national parks.The Mountains to Sea trail had the funding to build Te Hangāruru and Te Ara Mangawhero sections of Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, but needed to go through 200m of Tongariro National Park."That held us up for a number of years," central North Island trails promoter Lynley Twyman said."It meant that the value of the funding we secured diminished in its value. So that's been really, really tough... in a region where cycling and walking are the resilience for our tourism industry."Pete Masters, acting chair of Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trails. Photo: Supplied'Totally broken'Prime Minister Christopher Luxon seized on barriers to biking when in August he called the concessions regime on public conservation land "totally broken"."Outdated rules mean we've got examples of modern e-bike users being turned away from potential touring opportunities because they have to be considered as proper vehicles," Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said in a statement..One high-profile example is a ban on e-bikes on the Timber Trail near Taumarunui, though that is widely ignored and not impinging on business, operators said.The ministers' statement collided with DOC saying processing times had sped up by three times.And the press statement's title, 'Unleashing growth on conservation land', appears to invite a fight over the government's plans to reform the Conservation Act next year.DOC said this was about striking a balance."These improvements are aimed at making the system more enabling and easier to navigate, while ensuring any development does not compromise conservation values."Guided biking and e-biking might be allowed as part of low-impact activities exempt from needing a concession or pre-approved with a simple online application process, it said.The likes of the Timber Trail's e-bike ban looked likely to fall under the definition of "unnecessary and outdated restrictions" set for removal, plus the way trail plans could be amended would be streamlined under the reforms.A bill is due from ministers in the first quarter of next year. A new National Conservation Policy Statement might end up doing a lot of the heavy lifting.'Correct tracks in the correct places'Cycle trail builders and operators would not want any part in a fight over the reforms.The way they tell it, the argument over the economic benefits of trails to the regions has been well won, DOC is far more on board than it was, and the ongoing disquiet over environmental impacts is turning in favour of them being no greater than from tramping and needing to be assessed the same way."Really, the debate of a [new] trail or an existing trail being used by bikers and walkers should be on social interaction," Masters, who is also acting chair of New Zealand Cycle Trail Ngā Haerenga, said.Federated Mountain Clubs was watching the changes being made."Hopefully the new [flexible] rule interpretation allows the environment to continue to be cared for and make sure that the tracks are the correct tracks in the correct places," president Megan Dimozantos said.The Clubs group had not been consulted on by DOC about new trails being put in, but perhaps they had not needed to be."They don't consult us on every single concession. I would hope that if the particular track that was being built was going to affect other user groups, that they would come and ask us for our opinion. And I'd generally trust them to do that.""We are super supportive of people to get out and enjoy the ngahere, but our view has always been the right trail in the right place."'We're in a lot better space'The incredibly messy rules around trail building based in regulations and legislation not changed in decades have not done anyone any favours, yet even so the Great Rides alone had grown into a $1.3 billion industry that mostly benefitted the provinces.The system has reached a new, still messy halfway house where some regions remain largely locked up, while in others new trails are being assessed on a "case-by-case basis by district teams with strong local knowledge" about local needs, conservation considerations, and whether community or third-party partners bring forward proposals, according to DOC.It is not any sort of stable equilibrium though, and next year promises more, bigger changes."We're very pleased with what we've managed to achieve in the last few months, but we've still got some gaps and we need a sustainable, resilient solution," Twyman said."We're in a lot better space, they're [DOC] in a good space, and we want to work together to have good outcomes for all the cycling and walking community, because there's as many walkers on the cycle trails as there are cyclists," Masters said.Howard was just "super-stoked" to be route-blazing again."Someone was saying passion is the degree of suffering you're willing to endure towards a cause.So, if the amount of suffering and persistence required to pull a trail off, then I'm certainly passionate."Published by Permission

A 44-year-old man has been charged with the theft of veteran war plaques from St John Cemetery.Between 28 October and 22 November, nine plaques were taken, four of which were taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the World War I and II.Invercargill Police's Senior Constable Craig Colyer said all nine plaques have since been recovered, but, sadly, some were damaged beyond repair.“While we are pleased the plaques have been located, it is disappointing that not all could be restored to their original condition,” he said.“Theft at any time is appalling, but targeting a cemetery is a particularly low act."“We hope this arrest brings some comfort to the affected families, and we want to thank the public for their assistance with the investigation.”Police said the accused was scheduled to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 13 January.

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:Stay 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:NextGen Championship - Ascot Park Hotel Teretonga Park InternationalSouthern Field Days - WaimumuBest of the Bee Gees "Greatest" ShowThe Shepherdess Muster📢 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.

A project focused on maintaining a reliable and healthy water supply for Invercargill has been named a finalist in national awards recognising outstanding public works projects across New Zealand.The Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade was one of Invercargill City Council’s major infrastructure investments in the last decade. The project saw almost 11km of aged pipeline between the Ōreti River and the water tower in Gala St replaced with a modern, resilient new pipeline – which is now fully operational. The project has been selected as a finalist in the Excellence in Water Projects category – part of the the IPWEA Aotearoa New Zealand Public Works Excellence Awards. The annual awards, run by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, recognise innovation, sustainability, and asset management. Invercargill City Council Chief Executive Michael Day said the accolade was well-deserved recognition for the Branxholme project. “Water is a critical lifeline and essential to everything we do – our health, our homes, our economy, and our environment. The Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade was about making sure future generations of Invercargill and Bluff residents can rely on high-quality drinking water every day,” he said. The new pipeline has an expected lifespan of more than 100 years, ensuring long-term reliability for the city’s water network. Day said the project involved complex construction across urban areas, waterways, reserves and major transport routes, while maintaining water supply and minimising disruption to residents and businesses. “Delivering a project of this scale while keeping the city moving takes careful planning, strong partnerships, and clear communication with the community,” Day said. “Being recognised for the mahi undertaken is not only testament to the strength of the project itself, but to the collaborative effort that was poured into it along the way.” Council appreciated the patience and support the project received from the community, Day said.

Chief executive Willie Wiese is set to step down, Alliance Group announced today. Tom Moran, chairman of Alliance Group, said Mr Wiese has decided to leave the company after eight years, including almost three years as chief executive, to attend to some pressing family matters and focus on new opportunities. Willie Wiese 2025. Photo: Supplied“Willie’s decision to step down follows an intensive two-year re-set of the entire business, a pleasing return to profitability and the completion of a successful capital raise with Dawn Meats. “I would like to thank Willie for his leadership and commitment in leading the significant turnaround of the company alongside the Alliance team and the support of the farmer-shareholders. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.” Mr Wiese said he has delivered all his goals for the company and now was the right time to leave the company. “After much reflection over the holiday period, and in discussion with the Board, I have decided it is the right time for new leadership to lead the next phase of growth. “I’m proud of the hard work and support of the Alliance team and our farmer shareholders that has brought the company to this point, with the business now well positioned for the future. “I am delighted to have Dawn as a partner in the Alliance joint venture and have full confidence that this will be a successful partnership for Dawn and farmer-shareholders.” Niall Browne, group chief executive at Dawn Meats, has been appointed the acting chief executive at Alliance Group. “Willie has worked extremely hard over the last two and a half years to help find a suitable partner for Alliance and played an integral role in the successful capital raise,” said Mr Browne. Primal Cutter Technology. Photo: Supplied“Willie and the Alliance team have brought the business back to profitability and we thank him for his contribution. We wish him well for the future.” An integration process with Dawn Meats is underway with senior representatives from Ireland and the UK visiting New Zealand to share information, make plans for the future and secure further synergies with Alliance, he said. Mr Browne thanked farmers for their continued support of the company. “With the first quarter results under our belt, we are tracking ahead of budget, with supply from both current and returning shareholders and new suppliers. “As part of the completed transaction with Dawn Meats, Alliance farmer-shareholders will receive a $20 million payment scheduled for the end of the 25/26 season and a further $20 million scheduled at the end of the 26/27 season, subject to livestock flows.”

The rescue of two men stranded on a boat in Fiordland has prompted warnings to other boaties about the need to be prepared.The pair were on a fishing and diving trip south of Milford Sound when their 6.4 metre recreational boat broke down on Saturday night.Emergency SOS messages from their phones were picked up by the iPhone Emergency Comms Centre in the Netherlands, which then alerted New Zealand Police.Marine VHF radio broadcasts were then put out by Maritime NZ every hour, requesting assistance from any potential vessels in the area.These broadcasts went unanswered until Sunday morning, when a boatie heard the call for help.At the time, police and family members were arranging a float plane to fly replacement batteries to the stranded men.But the fisherman and his three passengers went to the pair's rescue and were able to tow the stricken vessel about 50 kilometres back to Milford Sound.Invercargill Police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Dougall Henderson said the men were equipped with lifejackets, two forms of communication and had not drunk any alcohol."Although the boys were well prepared... the incident highlights how difficult assistance can be if you have a mechanical failure or emergency situation," he said."It is a timely reminder of the golden rules of boating particularly in isolated areas like Fiordland."Police outlined outlined several key guidelines for boaties.They included: always wearing lifejackets; ensuring two forms of communication on board, including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB); checking the weather forecast, avoiding alcohol; ensuring others know where you are headed; and ensuring you had an auxiliary motor.Published by Permission

Environment Southland’s monitoring observations have found toxic algae in the Waihōpai River upstream of Queen’s Drive. Algae naturally occur in waterways and can flourish during fine conditions and stable river flows. Most algae are harmless. However, some species can produce toxins and rapidly bloom to high levels. What you need to know:Toxic algae are commonly identified in waterways as dark green/brown slime on rocks or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge.Water users should be vigilant and avoid contact with the algae.Environment Southland can’t monitor everywhere. Similar algae growth may be occurring in other waterways in the area and other rivers in the region.Toxic algae can pose significant health risks to people and animals if swallowed or through contact with the skin.Keep dogs on the lead and children away from affected areas.See a doctor immediately if you experience health symptoms after contact with contaminated water.Take your animals to a vet immediately if they have consumed toxic algae or contaminated water.We encourage river users to take the time to know what to look for and to keep informed via our website, www.es.govt.nz/toxic-algae Check the latest toxic algae alerts at: www.lawa.org.nz