A Southland farming family face a stressful wait with their much-loved Manapouri holiday home, now under a dangerous building notice, perched on the edge of a large landslide which has closed the main street accessing Manapouri’s Pearl Harbour.Authorities have been at the site assessing safety and trying to mitigate the problem since being alerted after the slip occurred yesterday afternoon.Waiau Street was closed after the landslide, restricting access to the main wharf area.With another even more significant dump of rain on its way for Manapouri and Fiordland, along with strong northwest gales, MetService is warning of more potential slips and flooding in the area.Forecaster Heath Gullery says another front will hit from tomorrow night (Wednesday) and last into early afternoon Thursday, dumping between 150mm and 200mm of rain on Fiordland and about 100mm of rain on Manapouri township.“This will be significant heavy rain and with the combination of heavy rain and northwest winds we’re expecting localised flooding and slips,” Gullery says.That’s prolonging what’s already been a difficult wait for the Blair-Edie family, of Birchwood Station near Ohai in Southland.Owner Steve Blair-Edie says fortunately the house hasn’t moved at all and the Southland District Council has been “fantastic” in supporting them, even offering counselling if they had wanted it.The council dangerous building notice placed on the property means nobody can enter the home, which has been a family holiday escape for almost 32 years.Blair-Edie, who was alerted by mates in Manapouri straight after the slip occurred (Monday, 20 October), says he rushed to Manapouri as soon as possible.“I arrived at the same time as everybody else.”They’re hoping they can get some retaining support for the bank under the front of the house, he says.It’s a real blow with Labour Weekend and the summer holidays approaching.“It’s not good,” he says, of the situation.“The original house was built way back and we’ve refabricated it over the years. It’s now double the size it was.”The latest renovations are thought to have only been completed recently.Blair-Edie says Real Journeys, which has its tourist boat operation and wharf just beneath the house at Pearl Harbour, pumped all of its fuel out from where it’s stored below the slip.Southland District Council strategic communications and engagement manager Louise Pagan says the containers, containing concrete, are being put at the bottom of the bank to mitigate risk to the buildings.“Bulk fuel has been removed, and the fuel tank, bunding and residual fuel are secured in consultation with RD Petroleum, Environment Southland, and us,” Pagan says.“Council has cleared up the slip at the bottom and is working with the house owner on any mitigation that can happen, but it will not be a fast solution,” she says.The council doesn’t believe any other homes in the area are at any risk.“A previous consent stated the site is not subject to any known natural hazards,” she says.The council is also looking into whether the house and garage are fully consented, she says.RealNZ chief tourism officer Hannah Ballantyne says staff witnessed the landslide come down above Pearl Harbour yesterday afternoon due to the heavy rain and “escalated immediately” to their operations and asset leaders.“As a precaution, our team at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre and the Waiau St café were evacuated and the building closed to all personnel – with everyone safe and accounted for.”She says they have safe access to the wharf area and at this stage RealNZ operations continue with minimal disruption.“Our guests are checking in directly on the vessels.”Access has been isolated or restricted to certain areas in consultation with the District Council and Geotech professionals, including to the Visitor Centre and café building, to ensure the safety of guests and RealNZ staff, she says.“Temporary protection measures have been in place today enabling normal access to our sites.”Parts of the RealNZ carpark area will remain isolated until the landslide area can be stabilised.The Southland District Council is investigating the site with experts,Environment Southland compliance manager Donna Ferguson says there is “currently no natural hazards comment” on the property from Environment Southland.“However, this isn’t uncommon for the age of the house.”Emergency Management Southland’s on-duty officer alerted the Environment Southland compliance officer to the slip last night.“The fuel storage facilities are managed by RealNZ and their team has done a great job of managing that risk by removing as much fuel as they can,” Ferguson says.“We’ll continue to support RealNZ and the Southland District Council on this situation.”A spokesperson for Meridian, which uses the wharf to access its boats to and from the hydro station, says the slip has had no impact on their operations.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

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.A taste of upcoming Events:Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Challenge 2025Bill Bailey – VaudevilleanFaulty Towers Dinner Theatre Show!Last Night of the Proms📢 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. Download the Southland App today!Explore Events and Public Notices on the Southland App - 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..

Please be advised that Bluff will experience a power outage today between 4pm and 7pm due to a broken power pole near Greenhills. The PowerNet team are out on-site now, installing a replacement pole nearby.The outage will take place while their team transfer the power lines from the broken pole to the new pole. The work is being undertaken approximately 15 metres away from State Highway 1, and they do not anticipate that any road closures will be required, however there may be some traffic management in place. While it remains unclear what has caused the damage to the pole, high winds and precarious weather conditions make these urgent repairs challenging for the team. PowerNet appreciates your patience and care while they work to undertake these urgent repairs. The team are confident power will be restored no later than 7pm, however they will provide updates on our website and Facebook page if this changes. 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer in men in this country - that’s why it’s excellent that services are being strengthened in Southland and Otago.New Zealand’s first Advanced Practitioner Radiation Therapist, specialising in prostate cancer, is transforming care for men in the lower South Island.In fact, this role is helping transform prostate cancer care in the region, giving men faster access to treatment, more personalised support, and improved outcomes.It means that patients have consistent support throughout their treatment journey, while also freeing up specialists to see more people who need care.The Advanced Practitioner runs review clinics during treatment, leads six-week post-treatment follow-up clinics on behalf of radiation oncologists, and completes pre-first specialist assessments to prepare men before they even see a specialist.In August alone, around 60 patients received care through this role, demonstrating the value of this model.This new approach is already showing tangible benefits for patients and clinicians alike.It’s a great example of how innovative models of care can improve patient experience and ensure more Southlanders receive timely, quality healthcare.While the role is currently focused on prostate cancer, there are already plans to extend it to a wider range of urological conditions in the future.Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among New Zealand men, with more than 4000 cases confirmed each year. Tragically, around 700 fathers, brothers, husbands, and friends lose their lives to it annually. The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are far higher.That’s why awareness, early testing, and access to treatment are so important – they save lives.Early detection, combined with innovative models of care like we’re seeing in the South, give men the best possible chance of living longer, healthier lives.Funded by Parliamentary Services

Alliance Group farmer-shareholders have voted in favour of a proposed $270 million strategic investment by Dawn Meats, one of Europe’s leading red meat processors.The deal will see Dawn Meats acquire a 65% stake in Alliance, with farmer-shareholders retaining 35% ownership and governance rights.The vote saw strong participation, with 2,675 shareholders representing over 88% of shares on issue. More than 87% supported the proposal, meeting the required threshold under the Takeovers Code.Alliance Chair Mark Wynne said the result reflects strong confidence in the company’s future and marks the culmination of a two-year reset and recapitalisation process.Mark Wynne. Photo: Supplied.He described the partnership as a strategic fit, combining Alliance’s lamb expertise and global reach with Dawn Meats’ strength in beef and European market access.“This investment strengthens our financial position, enhances operations, and preserves farmer ownership,” Wynne said. “It sets a solid foundation for long-term growth and value creation.”Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne welcomed the outcome, praising Alliance’s legacy and the opportunity to build a year-round supply chain across hemispheres.He said the joint venture will create a globally competitive business with shared values and complementary strengths.Around $200 million of the investment will reduce Alliance’s working capital facility, with the remainder funding strategic capital projects.Handpicked Beef. Photo: SuppliedFarmer-shareholders will receive up to $20 million in distributions in both FY26 and FY27, split between dividends and supply-based rebates.An additional $25 million dividend will be paid to the proposed Alliance Investment Co-operative following stronger-than-expected year-end results.Wynne said the partnership positions Alliance to thrive globally while delivering greater returns to its farmer-shareholders.

Road OpenModerate Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) 5pmComments:The road is open. Overnight closure at 5pm tonight for snow. Reopening Wednesday morning after snow clearing has been undertaken. Another expected closure at 5pm Wednesday night and an all-day closure on Thursday is highly likely with another large abominable weather system forecast which will increase the avalanche hazard. The rest of the week into the weekend is also looking unstable. Any queries, please ring 03 249 7004Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Snow showers. Tomorrow: Snow showers.Thursday: Very heavy rain, turning to showers later with snow about the tunnel.Friday: Snow showers.Saturday: Snow showers.

A slip today (20 Oct) above Manapouri's Pearl Harbour has not only closed Waiau Street, restricting access to the town's wharf, but also threatened a house on neighbouring View Street.A slip in Manapouri has put a house at risk, as well as threatened operations at the town's wharf. Photo: SuppliedFiordland has been lashed by heavy rain over recent days, forcing the closure of the Milford Road (SH96), and now a street in Manapouri.Southland District Council Chief executive Cameron McIntosh said the slip of the bank above Pearl Harbour happened around lunchtime, with the hillside coming down and going across the road.The slip caused a house at the top of the hill on View Street to be sitting on the edge of the bank now, he said.Building control officers from Council have been out to inspect the area and a dangerous building notice, which means no one can live in the house, is likely to go up tonight, he said.The owner of the house has been notified and has been at the property this afternoon, McIntosh said.Powernet has also been on site to fix the power poles damaged in the slip, and a geotech engineer was called in to inspect the area.Manapouri's Wharf Street is the scene of a slip today (20 Oct). Photo: Fiordland Community Board/FacebookMcIntosh said that Waiau Street has been closed indefinitely while consideration is given to what mitigation can be carried out.The walkway going up to the top carpark is closed as well, as it was damaged in the slip.Staff from various companies have been on site to manage the situation as it pertains to them, and Council is working to ensure businesses can continue to operate, he said.

Scheduled upcoming works in Southland include: WATER SHUTDOWNTe Anau Milford highwayNotified water shutdown between 10am and 2pm for Te Anau Milford Highway on Tuesday 21 October. This will affect: 129 Te Anau Milford Highway, all Patience Bay, Murchison Avenue and Kiwi Burn Place. This is to make repairs to the reticulation network. Please note that this timeframe is an indication only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. ROAD CLOSURESTramway Road East/Dobbie RoadEdendale: Tramway Road East from Dobbie Road to Edendale Seaward Downs Road will be closed to westbound traffic, and Dobbie Road from Matai Road East to Tramway Road East will also be closed to southbound traffic between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday 27 October 2025. Traffic will be directed one way eastbound on Tramway Road East and along Dobbie Road to Matai Road East. This is to allow the Tulip Day event to take place. A detour will not be available, but the road will reopen as soon as safely possible in the event of an emergency. Hillary Street/Airth StreetWinton: Hillary Street from Airth Street to #48 Hillary Street and Airth Street from Waterford Drive to Hillary Street will be closed between the hours of 7am and 6pm, Tuesday 28 October to Friday 31 October 2025. This is to carry out test drilling in the carriageway. Residents will have access to properties either side of the work zone, and the road will be reopened nightly. Birchwood RoadOhai: An emergency road closure put in place on the road outside 88 Birchwood Road has been extended until 29 January 2026. This is to ensure safety around the building located at 88 Birchwood Road. A detour is not available as residents can access properties either side of closure. PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ROADWinton: Council proposes to close Meldrum Street and Wemyss Street from Park Street to Great North Road (SH6) to all traffic from 7am until 5pm Saturday 15 November 2025. Any person objecting to the proposal should lodge notice at the office of the Southland District Council at 15 Forth St, Invercargill, or 2 Wemyss St, Winton of his/her objection and grounds thereof in writing before 5pm 7 November 2025. ROAD REOPENINGPiano Flat: Old Snow Pole Track from Canton Road and continuing along Old Snow Pole Track to the boundary of the Southland District Council with the Central Otago District Council is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Friday 24 October 2025. STATE HIGHWAYS (Highways South)It is now road construction season. There are a lot of worksites with traffic management throughout the Southland region. Contractors appreciate your patience at these sites. Key renewal sites in Southland currently under way:SH1 Bluff highwayRenewal of almost 3km of SH1 between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road. Traffic lights in place when required, delays of 5 -10 minutes are possible. Under way and likely to continue until mid-December. SH93 Old Coach RoadRenewal of almost 2.5km of SH93 near Slopedown-School Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5 -10 minutes. Under way and likely to continue until mid-December. SH94 at The KeyRenewal of 3km of SH94 between Princhester Road and Blackmount-Redcliff Road. Traffic lights in place, significant delays. Please be patient at this site, the team are reassessing traffic management to ease frustration, however it is a long site. Under way and likely to continue until mid-December. SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highwayRenewal of almost 1.5km of SH96 between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Under way and likely to continue until November. Other maintenance and contractor work under way this week: Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway between Edendale roundabout and Downs South Road, traffic lights for test pits and surface repairSH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway north of Lumsden, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway north of Five Rivers, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway near Mossburn, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Hundred Line Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway near Nightcaps, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway at Pahia-Wakapatu Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway between McInerny Road and Tuatapere, stop/go for watercuttingSH99 Clifden highway between Tuatapere and Clifden-Blackmount Road, stop/go for watercutting *Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH6 Dipton-Winton highway south of Dipton, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Kaiwera Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Farm Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, alternating flow Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight. 

Invercargill City Council has finalised its key leadership positions, appointing Grant Dermody to the role of Deputy Mayor.With final results from Elections 2025 now confirmed, the successful Council candidates are set to be officially sworn-in on Tuesday, 28 October. The first full Council meeting for the new triennium would be held the following week on Tuesday, 4 November, at it's inaugural meeting, the incoming Council will receive a report and will be asked to formally adopt the proposed committee structure and positions.Mayor-Elect Tom Campbell said those elected to Council brought with them a high calibre of skills and experience across a diverse range of backgrounds.This year’s local body elections saw Councillors Steve Broad, Alex Crackett, Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Darren Ludlow, Ria Bond, Ian Pottinger, Allan Arnold, and Barry Stewart returned to the Council table alongside new elected members Andrea De Vries and Lisa Tou McNaughton. Marcus Lush, who served as a Councillor between 2021 and 2022, was also returned to the role.The Mayor-Elect had met with Councillors in the days following the election, to discuss the make-up of the new Council and its various Committees. He had also advised them of his decisions regarding the Deputy Mayor and Committee Chair positions, before the announcement was made public.“During the past week, I have spoken to all incoming Councillors about their aspirations for the term ahead. All of Council’s committees govern critical work needed for the future of our city, and the people who call it home,” Campbell said.“In each case, I have appointed the Councillor who I judge to have both the capability and the relevant experience to hit the ground running, and effectively lead that work with urgency. I look forward to working with all elected members closely, and I am excited to see what we can achieve on behalf of our community together.”The Deputy Mayor, Grant Dermody, would also be Chair of a new Water Committee. “This committee will oversee all matters relating to our Water Services Delivery Plan, which was approved by the Department of Internal Affairs recently. The largest capital and operating investment for Council in the next three years will be heavily concentrated in this area, and Grant was deeply involved in the development of that Plan, so he will continue to lead the governance of that work.Grant will also continue to take the lead governance role overseeing Te Unua Museum of Southland, until at least the physical completion of our new facility. Once the build is complete, accountability for Te Unua will transition to the Community and Regulatory Committee,” Campbell said.Meanwhile, Alex Crackett had been assigned the Chair of the Infrastructure and Growth Committee. “This Committee will govern non-water infrastructure planning and delivery, and will play a lead role in driving growth and major projects in our community. Included in that remit will be housing and climate change adaptation projects.“Alex is a former deputy chair of our infrastructure committee, who I know is passionate about not only driving growth but also about ensuring our infrastructure – such as affordable housing – is able to match the pace of that growth."Darren Ludlow had been offered the role of Chair of the Community and Regulatory Committee.“Darren proved a seasoned and effective leader of that Committee last term. In the context of Council focusing on non-capital ways to improve peoples’ lives, this Committee will play a key role in leading those initiatives. I have also asked Darren to take on the work of providing governance mentoring for our new Councillors,” Campbell said.The Finance and Policy Committee would be chaired by Trish Boyle. “Trish has had an extensive career in senior management and governance, but in particular her past role as Chair of Community Trust South has prepared her well for the critical work of ensuring public money is spent well, and spent efficiently,” he said.The Audit and Risk Committee would continue to be chaired by an external appointee, to ensure this specialist work was governed professionally, Campbell said.He had invited Ross Jackson, who chaired the Committee during Council’s last term, to continue in that role. All of the structures and roles would be subject to a review after 12 months of operation, he said. Incoming elected members will be sworn-in to Council on Tuesday, 28 October.The first full Council meeting will be held the following week, on Tuesday, 4 November.Jo Eruera, Justin Sutherland, Ray Fife, Haylee Simeon, and Frazer Murdoch were successfully elected to the Bluff Community Board.The board’s first meeting would be held on Monday, 24 November. At this meeting, members would elect their Board Chair.

The New Zealand Media Council has determined that two complaints against RNZ do not have grounds to proceed to a full hearing.The first was lodged by a mayoral candidate for the Southland District Council, Wendy Baker, against The Southland Times (Stuff), the Otago Daily Times and RNZ.The complaint about RNZ was in reference to the headline for the story, which was published on 1 August.The Media Council said it did not believe Ms Baker has provided evidence to show how the story, the headline or the re-use of her portrait photo breached any of the journalistic Principles cited in her complaint. Accordingly it ruled there were no grounds to proceed.The second complaint was lodged by David Maclennan against RNZ and Stuff for articles published on 18 August, reporting an announcement by the Minister for Building and Construction of plans to change building-consent liability.Mr Maclennan argued that the articles misrepresented the history of liability under New Zealand's weathertightness crisis and failed to represent the majority-affected group: homeowners.However, the Council said it did not believe a case had been made to show the coverage had been inaccurate, unfair or unbalanced, and there were no grounds to proceed with the complaint.Published by permission

Lachie Hayes is the 2025 SIT Southland Entertainer of the Year.On a night of glittering Southland music stars, Hayes won the premier award at the ILT Southland Entertainment Awards Show on Saturday night.Photo credit: Precision PhotographyIt is the second time the accomplished Wyndham singer/songwriter has been recognised as Southland’s Entertainer of the Year, previously having his name etched on the trophy in 2018.Hayes also took out the Window Motors Honda Album of the Year, with his critically acclaimed release Subsatellite.Rima Barlow. Photo: ILT Southland AwardsThe awards show, organised by the Southland Musicians Club, was rebooted for this year’s event, combining with the Southland Music Hall of Fame and moving to ILT Stadium Southland.A sold-out crowd voted for the six Entertainer of the Year finalists and were treated to epic performances by SBS Bank Southland Music Hall of Fame inductees Michelle Lange, Rima Barlow and Leon McElhinney.Lachie Hayes Performance. Photo: ILT Southland Awards ShowThe full list of winnersSIT Southland Entertainer of the Year: Lachie HayesMalloch McClean and More Vocalist of the Year: Khellsey-Anna AtleyLa Muse Special Achievement Award: Steven PageArts Murihiku Frank Prattley Award: Lachie McGregorAmplify Coffee Bass Player of the Year: Leon McElhinneySelector Uniforms Southland Music Ambassador: Darren MatthiassenGig Guide Band of the Year: Khellsey-Anna BandWindsor Motors Honda Album of the Year: Subsatellite/Lachie HayesKennedy School of Music Keyboardist of the Year: Daniel MonteathTeam Hannah, James & Bridget at Ray White Real Estate Drummer of the Year: Jacob HewtonJason Taylor Vehicle Sales Guitarist of the Year: Leon WilksSBS Bank Southland Music Hall of Fame 2025 inductees: Michelle Lange, Leon McElhinney, Rima Barlow

MetService is warning most of the country is heading into a "fairly volatile looking weather week", with the first of two systems hitting New Zealand on Monday.Head of weather news Heather Keats said much of New Zealand will be impacted, with a vast number of significant orange warnings for both heavy rain and northwest gusts issued on Sunday."We're talking gusts up to 130km/h for the Canterbury high country and the foothills of the Canterbury Plains, as well as Wellington, Wairarapa, and the Tararua district," she said."120km/h for Otago, for the deep South, and for Marlborough."The heavy rain is expected to be the most significant for the western side of the Alps, as per usual, however, there will be spill over into the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers."Heavy rain warnings stretch from Fiordland to parts of Marlborough.Keats said the front will move up the South Island on Monday before starting to weaken as it crosses over the North Island in the early hours of Tuesday,But that was not the worst of it, with "an even more impactful weather system arriving on Thursday," Keats said."As that system moves up and over the country, it will weaken as well but it's going to take a little longer to weaken. So, we are expecting some more widespread heavy rain and some gale nor'westers to the North Island as well on Thursday and Friday," she said.There would be more warnings issued closer to the time, she said."The potential is there for this to be a highly impactful event.""Gale northwesterlies tied in with a very significant front and a deep low pressure system to the far south of the country which will bring cold southwesterlies. Thursday will be a big day in the south and for central New Zealand.""On Friday, that front will move over the North Island, it is weakening, but still some wet and windy weather to track with it," Keats said.Keats said the weather the country is experiencing was typical spring weather.But she says with little reprieve between the fast moving fronts, it is feeling like a very active spring."Yes, it will calm down, but it doesn't look likely this week and maybe even to next week as we see again those fast fronts as they cross over us," Keats said.Published by Permission

Road ClosedHigh Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) Reopen TuesdayComments:The road is closed and will remain closed all day today due to heavy rain increasing the avalanche hazard. It is likely the road will reopen late Tuesday morning after avalanche debris has been cleared off the road. Overnight closure expected at 5pm Tuesday for snow. Reopening on Wednesday when snow clearing allows. An all-day closure on Thursday is probable with another large volatile weather system forecast which will increase the avalanche hazard. Any queries, please ring 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, heavy and with snow. Tomorrow: Snow showers.Wednesday: Snow showers.Thursday: Heavy rain.Friday: Snow showers.

New data from TradeMe shows job listings surged 13 percent last quarter, signalling a potential rebound in the job market - especially in the South Island.Total job listings nationally are still 0.8 percent lower than a year ago.TradeMe Jobs head Nicole Williams said the South Island was powering ahead and leading the job recovery."The strong listing growth in regions like Southland - up a huge 25.1 percent - Otago - up 7.1 percent - and Canterbury - up 6.1 percent - is offsetting the quieter markets in our two biggest cities."Canterbury hit a record number of job listings in the quarter, rising 22.4 percent.By contrast, major cities showed annual falls - Auckland down 5.9 percent and Wellington 6.8 percent lower.Williams said job seekers were finding it tough, but believed the tide was turning, even if job seekers did not feel that way."The slowing decline in job listings and especially the 13 percent quarterly jump suggests the market is beginning to show some confidence coming into spring, which will be welcome news for job hunters."She said the number of applicants per job vacancy was also falling, another positive sign the market was starting to improve.Industry hotspots, higher wagesVacancies were strongest in sectors that relied on consumer activity and infrastructure spend.Hospitality and tourism listings rose by 16 percent, construction and roading by 13 percent, and trades and services by 8.3 percent.Williams said the jump in hospitality listings was good news for school leavers looking for entry-level jobs, with the number of applicants down on last year.The roles that saw the most applications on the site were a pick packer and chief gaming officer in Auckland, dairy assistant in Waikato and Highlands Motorsport media maverick in Otago.The average salary of advertised jobs was $72,820, up one percent on the previous year, but with wide variations depending on sector."This indicates that, for roles requiring specific skills, especially those seeing high growth, employers are prepared to offer a premium to secure the right people," Williams said.The top-paying sectors were in IT, finance and business analysts, averaging about $130,000, with manufacturing the weakest in the mid-$60,000 range.Auckland, Wellington and the West Coast have the highest average salaries at just less than $76,000.Published by permission

Environment Southland has announced the official results of the 2025 local elections, introducing a combination of new and returning councillors to represent communities throughout Murihiku Southland.Elected members are: Hokonui constituency: David RoseInvercargill-Rakiura constituency: Eric Roy, Lyndal Ludlow, Maurice Rodway, Roger Hodson, Geoffrey Young, and Phil MorrisonFiordland constituency: Paul Evans (elected unopposed)Eastern-Dome constituency: Alastair Gibson and Jeremy McPhail (elected unopposed)Western constituency: Ewen Mathieson (elected unopposed)Southern constituency: Jon Pemberton (elected unopposed) Environment Southland acting chief executive Rob Phillips congratulated the successful candidates and acknowledged everyone who put their hand up to stand. “Standing for council takes real commitment and a strong desire to make a difference for your community,” he said. “Councillors play a vital role in shaping the direction of environmental management and the work we do across Southland, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both new and returning members as they begin their work for the next three years.” Rob Phillips also paid tribute to outgoing councillors Nicol Horrell, Robert Guyton, Neville Cook and Peter McDonald, who together have given over 50 years of service to Environment Southland. “Nicol, Robert, Neville and Peter have each made an enormous contribution to this organisation and to the people of Murihiku Southland,” he said. “Their collective experience and leadership have guided the Council through times of change and challenge. Their commitment and stewardship have left a lasting legacy.” He also thanked everyone who had voted in the local elections. Official election results were declared today, with the new Council to be sworn in and chair elected at the inaugural meeting later this month.

Highways South currently has multiple major highway renewal projects underway, and once they’re complete, you’ll notice stronger and more resilient roads in these areas. While work is ongoing, we really appreciate your patience. Our crews are doing their best to minimise disruption, and the traffic management in place is there to protect both our crews and you. Even if the reason for a speed limit isn’t immediately clear, please know it’s there to keep everyone safe — helping to manage both the obvious and less visible risks around the worksite.Thanks again for your continued support as we work to keep improving the network. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway:SH1 Bluff highwayRenewal of almost 3km of SH1 between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road. Traffic lights in place when required, delays of 5 -10 minutes are possible.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH93 Old Coach RoadRenewal of almost 2.5km of SH93 near Slopedown-School Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5 -10 minutes.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH94 at The KeyRenewal of 3km of SH94 between Princhester Road and Blackmount-Redcliff Road. Traffic lights in place, significant delays. Please be patient at this site, the team are reassessing traffic management to ease frustration, however it is a long site.Underway and likely to continue until mid-December SH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highwayRenewal of almost 1.5km of SH96 between Wreys Bush-Mossburn Road and Lynch Road. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5 -10 minutes.Underway and likely to continue until November. Other maintenance and contractor work underway next week is listed below and mapped HERE. Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway between Edendale roundabout and Downs South Road, traffic lights for test pits & surface repairSH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway north of Lumsden, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway north of Five Rivers, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway near Mossburn, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Hundred Line Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH96 Wreys Bush-Nightcaps highway near Nightcaps, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway at Pahia-Wakapatu Road, traffic lights for surface water channel workSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway between McInerny Road and Tuatapere, stop/go for watercuttingSH99 Clifden highway between Tuatapere and Clifden-Blackmount Road, stop/go for watercutting**Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH6 Dipton-Winton highway south of Dipton, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Kaiwera Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Farm Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road at Jeff Road, alternating flowSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, alternating flowUseful 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. We appreciate your patience while we improve your journeys on Southland state highways.  

The final 2025 local body election results have been announced for the Invercargill City Council.Invercargill City Council Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said the final results – released just after 6pm today – confirmed that Allan Arnold, Andrea De Vries, Lisa Tou McNaughton and Barry Stewart had taken out the final few remaining spots around the 12-seat Council table, with 6,105, 5,920, 5,816 and 5,710 votes, respectively.They will join Councillors Steve Broad, Alex Crackett, Marcus Lush, Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Darren Ludlow, Ria Bond, and Ian Pottinger. Mayor-Elect Campbell said he would announce his new Deputy Mayor and Committee Chairs in the coming days.“It has been an anxious wait for a few of them, so it’s great to now be able to officially congratulate those successfully elected to the Invercargill City Council and Bluff Community Board.""I also want to extend a special congratulations to those who have been chosen by the people to lead our community for the first time.""I know what an immense honour and privilege that is,” he said.“I also want to sincerely thank and acknowledge past elected members – your dedication and service has helped shape the strong, resilient, and innovative community we are today.”Campbell said he was looking forward to settling into his new role and getting to work quickly.“I have an enormous amount of gratitude to have been chosen by the people of our community to represent them as Mayor.""Thank you for placing your trust in me, and in our new Council.""Your voice is at the heart of every decision we make and together, I am confident we will continue to build a community that reflects our shared values, supports our residents, and grows opportunities to thrive for generations to come.”Morris said a whopping 904 special votes were cast this time around, compared to just 594 at the same time in the 2022 Elections.Jo Eruera, Justin Sutherland, Ray Fife, Haylee Simeon, and Frazer Murdoch had been confirmed as elected to the Bluff Community Board.Meanwhile, Paddy O’Brien, Suzanne Prentice, Angela Newell, Graham Hawkes, and Sheree Carey would all return to the Invercargill Licensing Trust.They would also be joined by new member Nick Jeffrey. The new Council would be sworn-in on Tuesday, 28 October with the first meeting to be held on Tuesday, 4 November, Morris said.2025 Invercargill City Council Triennial Election ResultsThe final result for the Invercargill City Council elections held on Saturday 11th October is as follows.MayoraltyCAMPBELL, Tom 6,948CRACKETT, Alex (Independent) 5,202POTTINGER, Ian 2,322BOND, Ria (Independent) 1,803MORTON, Tom (Independent) 711CLARK, Andrew 291CHERNISHOV, Stevey 229MCCRONE, Gordon (Advanced Task Force Political Party) 66INFORMAL 75BLANK VOTING PAPERS 349Tom CAMPBELL is declared elected.Council - At Large (12 vacancies)BROAD, Steve 11,503CRACKETT, Alex (Independent) 10,056LUSH, Marcus 8,396DERMODY, Grant 8,321BOYLE, Trish (Integrity, Independence) 7,457BOND, Ria (Independent) 7,373LUDLOW, Darren 7,371POTTINGER, Ian 7,195ARNOLD, Allan 6,105DE VRIES, Andrea 5,920TOU MCNAUGHTON, Lisa (Positivity, Partnership and Progress) 5,816STEWART, Barry 5,710REEVES, Ian 5,689MCKERROW, Lynley 5,608MEADES, David (Independent) 5,414HERMAN, Karl 4,788KING, Terry (Advocate and Lobbyist for Invercargill) 4,691DAWSON, Chris 4,510COOTE, Jay (Independent) 4,137COOTE, Pania (Consumer Advocate) 3,904VAN DER LEM, Tony 3,749MORTON, Tom (Independent) 3,268HEENAN, Carl 2,979O'CONNELL, Dan 2,320LAURIE, Amanda 2,128PETERSON, Noel (Independent - Serving Community) 1,301JASPERSE, Carol (CJ) 1,005INFORMAL 51BLANK VOTING PAPERS 132Allan ARNOLD, Ria BOND, Trish BOYLE, Steve BROAD, Alex CRACKETT, Andrea DE VRIES, Grant DERMODY, Darren LUDLOW, Marcus LUSH, Ian POTTINGER, Barry STEWART and Lisa TOU MCNAUGHTON are declared elected.Bluff Community Board (5 vacancies)ERUERA, Jo 625SUTHERLAND, Justin 610FIFE, Ray 490SIMEON, Haylee (Community Voice) 414MURDOCH, Frazer (Bluff Promotions) 298GOODALL, Glen 249JASPERSE, Carol (CJ) 112INFORMAL 2BLANK VOTING PAPERS 18Jo ERUERA, Ray FIFE, Frazer MURDOCH, Haylee SIMEON and Justin SUTHERLAND are declared elected.Invercargill Licensing Trust (6 vacancies)O'BRIEN, Paddy 10,231PRENTICE, Suzanne 9,416NEWELL, Angela 8,153HAWKES, Graham (Hawksy) 7,577CAREY, Sheree 7,494JEFFREY, Nick 5,669JOHNSON, Kane (Big Daddy) 5,157DOUGLAS, Aaron (Ronnie) 2,522INFORMAL 5BLANK VOTING PAPERS 607Sheree CAREY, Graham (Hawksy) HAWKES, Nick JEFFREY, Angela NEWELL, Paddy O'BRIEN and Suzanne PRENTICE are declared elected.The voter return was 46.02%, being 17,997 votes, including special votes.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) From 5pmComments:No travel delays are expected until 5pm. Heavy rain is forecast tonight (Friday) that will require a precautionary closure for an increased avalanche hazard. Expected reopening will be approx 10am Saturday, after allowing the snow-pack to drain and inspections to be completed. Further update at 5pm.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers by PM, heavy rain overnight Tomorrow: Rain, clearing by AM Sunday: Mainly fine Monday: Rain Tuesday: Rain, snow to road possible

Dawn Meats Group plans to raise its proposed investment in Alliance Group by $20–$25 million after Alliance’s year-end results exceeded expectations.The increase brings Dawn’s total proposed cash investment to approximately $270 million in Alliance Group, should the proposal be approved by farmer-shareholders at the Special General Meeting in Invercargill on Monday October 20. Mark Wynne, chair of Alliance Group, said the additional investment has been triggered by an agreed adjustment mechanism between Dawn and Alliance, which rewards stronger-thanforecast year-end performance. “Alliance’s unaudited year-end profit projection of between $18 million and $24 million is above the agreed profit target, and the company’s net debt position is lower than forecast. Primal Cutter. Photo: Supplied“Under this adjustment mechanism, this means an additional $20-$25 million investment from Dawn. “This is a strong endorsement of Alliance’s performance and the proposed partnership with Dawn. It recognises the hard work of our people in turning the business around and the loyalty of our farmers over the past 12 months. “The adjustment ensures the final investment reflects Alliance’s improved performance. It’s a tangible vote of confidence in our business and in the proposed partnership with Dawn Meats.” Mr Wynne encouraged farmer-shareholders to vote on the proposed strategic investment partnership with Dawn. “This is a once-in-a-generation decision for our farmers. Every farmer-shareholder has a voice and a vote. “It is important farmers take the time to understand the details, talk to their fellow farmers, and make sure they have their say on the future of Alliance.” Mr Wynne said that as part of the purchase price negotiations with Dawn in July 2025, Alliance agreed to year-end profit and net debt targets. “These were designed to give both Alliance farmer-shareholders and Dawn Meats certainty -- farmer-shareholders about the $250 million investment amount, and Dawn about the value of its proposed shareholding. “Both parties recognised the potential volatility of trading conditions in the final quarter of the financial year and agreed an adjustment mechanism to account for over- or under-performance against the targets.” The additional payment will be distributed as a dividend from the joint venture to the proposed Alliance Investment Co-operative. This is in addition to the $40 million in loyalty payments already planned, bringing the total dividend distribution to approximately $60 million.