The family of a young man shot and killed by a hunter on Stewart Island last year say the hunter's failure to identify his target has left them facing a "lifetime of hell".Ashburton builder Paul William John Stevens, 39, has avoided jail time and instead been sentenced to five months' home detention for shooting Jock Davies, 21, last July.He had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of careless use of a firearm causing death.At the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday, Judge Mark Williams ordered Stevens to make $20,000 in reparation payments, split equally between a scholarship in Jock Davies' name for West Otago students and a New Zealand Deerstalkers Association hunter safety course.Davies' mother Sarah Davies told the court she never anticipated her son, who was a cancer survivor, would not return from the week-long much-anticipated hunting trip with his father and brothers."I miss Jock every day, I miss the twinkle in his eye, his naughty sense of humour. I miss his laughter, the way he used to light up a room. I miss his resilience, his kindness and I miss him leaving the lights on. Jock was one special human," she said.Davies' oldest brother George Davies told Stevens that he had failed as a firearms licence-holder and the family was facing "lifelong effects" as a result.He spoke of the trauma of seeing his brother after the shooting."The impact of having to carry my dead brother up the hill to rescuers is something I will have to live with forever, it's something no-one should have to do. It was meant to be a trip of a lifetime which turned into a lifetime of hell," he said.Davies' brother Tom Davies described the eight months since the death as a "living nightmare"."I've found myself in a dark hole where I didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. It has been a battle to leave the house some days," he said.Paul William John Stevens in court. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd.Jock Davies had been intending to join him in Christchurch at teachers' college and it left a "huge ache" in his heart and soul to know that would not happen, he said."I'm trying my absolute hardest to be there for my family as we navigate a new way of life," he said.Davies' father Peter Davies said his son had touched many lives, with his funeral attended by more than 1000 people."As a dad there should have been so many more proud moments, but now there's only memories," he said.Stevens sat quietly, crying, as the victim impact statements were read to the court.His lawyer Grant Fletcher told the court that Stevens, a father of two, could not possibly regret his actions more."He would do anything to make it right but obviously he can't," he said."He's offered his most heartfelt, most sincere, most genuine remorse and regret."Reading from a summary of facts, Judge Williams said Stevens and Davies were part of the same group of eight people on the week-long trip, hunting in the South Lords River block.The group split up on the morning of 6 July and Davies was dropped off from a dinghy, while Stevens and another associate went in the opposite direction to hunt.Stevens told police the terrain was "gnarly and hard-going," he said."You said you were not used to hunting in such thick and challenging bush."Stevens heard a shuffling noise 20 metres away and saw a "dark shadowy image", he said."Confident it was a deer and not wanting to miss the opportunity, you chambered a round in your rifle and fired a single telescopically-aimed shot," he said."You aimed for what you believed was the neck area of the deer."A rescue helicopter was dispatched at about 11am but when it arrived two hours later Davies was dead, he said.Judge Williams found Stevens' actions to show a "medium-to-high level of carelessness".Stevens "would and should have been well aware of the dangers of hunting" but did not attempt to sight the deer with his own eyes, he said."The terrain was challenging for you to the extent that you discussed turning back. You were clearly aware that others would have been in the area," he said.He found Stevens' remorse to be genuine and said Davies' death would have a life-long impact."I accept the mental health impact that this has had and will continue to have upon you. It is rightly described as profound," he said.From a starting point of 18 months' imprisonment, Williams deducted eight months for mitigating factors and converted the resulting 10 months' imprisonment into five months' home detention.He also ordered the forfeiture of Stevens' rifle and ammunition.Published by Permission

Danish Southlander and 'Men of the Trees' pioneer Kaj Hogh (90) well recalls his trips to Te Anau with his farming boss as part of the voluntary group to help Southland dentist Ivon Wilson develop what is now the treasured Ivon Wilson Park around Lake Henry.Submissions are currently being called on an application by an Australian floating sauna operator to operate a floating sauna on the picturesque and tranquil lake in the park – a proposal that’s drawn both public criticism and concerns about “misinformation”.Some locals have questioned whether this commercial use is in keeping with the original intent of the park as created by Ivon and his helpers from the late 1950s.Kaj Hogh was part of the 'Men of the Trees' volunteer group that helped establish Ivon Wilson Park. Photo: SuppliedBut Kaj, who arrived in New Zealand as a young Danish immigrant under the post-World War II ‘Ten Pound Poms’ Assisted Migration Scheme, reckons Ivon and the boys from back then would think the floating sauna idea was alright: “I’d say so,” he says.“Ivon just wanted to create a park and have a pond for the kids to catch fish in,” Kaj, who still helps on his 40-acre Longbush family lifestyle block, says.A crew of Southland men, known as ‘Men of the Trees’, and a few extras helping Ivon included Kaj, whose Woodlands farmer boss Alex Campbell brought him along, and Automobile Association Motor Camp operator Colin Tauri.The camp was adjacent to the park.Wilson – president of the Southland Automobile Association from 1945 until 1951, began developing the park in 1958 and Kaj says they’d all come up to Te Anau from around Southland for regular working bees.The 35ha site was covered in scrub and gorse – “it was a bit rough”, and Kaj says it took them about a year to tidy the area up and get the trees that Ivon had sourced from all over planted.“We’d go back up and weed around the native trees after a year or so.“We used mattocks, and slashers for the gorse. The Men of the Trees was a big group around our area (in Southland),” Kaj says. “They were a great group of guys. Most of them are gone now.”The site was entirely cleared by hand, and he remembers Ivon sourcing and planting all the native trees and species, 5000 all up.Southland District Council's Ivon Wilson Park, on the edge of Te Anau, is popular with families and school groups, and as a venue for weddings, picnics, frisbee golf and photos. Photo: Southland AppHe’s not totally sure but believes the park land was probably made available by the likes of government department Lands and Survey as about that time the department was allocating land as farm ballot blocks between The Key and Te Anau.“When we first started going up there (to Te Anau) it was all tussocks out there – a pub that I think doubled as a shop and half a dozen cribs,” Kaj says.“The airstrip was inland a bit from the Lake Te Anau foreshore and there was manuka 2m to 3m tall between the lakefront and airstrip.”Kaj, who arrived as a new immigrant, aged 24, from Denmark on the programme to encourage more migrant workers, paid 10 pound for the privilege and was allowed to stay two years.He travelled south by ferry from Wellington to Lyttelton then down to Woodlands on the train.After buying a car he discovered Te Anau and fell in love with the bush and beauty.The Department of Labour had secured him the Woodlands farm worker job.“I liked it that much that I decided to stay,” Kaj says. He met Kiwi girl June, who still reckons Kaj is “pretty good looking” and it was “love at first sight”. They married almost 60 years ago.Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels director Clint Tauri says he recalls going to the park, as a 5-year-old with his dad, who was helping clear the ground, and meeting Kaj and the other men.The old photo Tauri has supplied (above) shows the gang with Colin Tauri and little Clint, at left in front, around 1961: “I’m interested to see the guys again,” Kaj says, enjoying the photo.Kaj still farms his small farmlet with family at Longbush, near Invercargill.Submissions on the floating sauna proposal have been rolling in to the Southland District Council, and the local Fiordland Community Board is encouraging people to have their say.Submissions close on 26th March.CLICK HERE for more information.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

A government proposal to increase transport options for people living with impairments has been rejected by a southern council over safety fears.On Tuesday, an Invercargill City Council committee discussed a paper relating to Total Mobility — a service providing subsidised transport to people with disabilities.One proposal put forward by the Ministry of Transport was to allow new service providers to enter the scheme, such as Uber.But feedback from mayor Tom Campbell on behalf of his council raised concerns about national data on sexual assault, inappropriate touching and language from ride share drivers.“Disabled people are some of the most vulnerable in the community and Government funding should only be available where their safety can be assured," Campbell wrote.He said the council would normally support new providers joining but could not do so until robust safety and payment processes were introduced.Other changes proposed by the Ministry include increased evidence of impairment, and introducing either a flat cap on trips or a base allocation with additional trips available.Some tweaks have already been made, with the government announcing in December that fare subsidies would drop from 75 percent to 65 percent, beginning 1 July 2026.The subsidy discount applies until a maximum amount is hit, which varies between regions, the ministry says.Council manager Doug Rogers said on Thursday that the current fare cap in Invercargill was $50 but the council proposed to NZTA that it drop to $40.In August, the council approved a change to the service in hopes it would reign in overspending.The council wanted to ensure operators always charged patrons the unsubsidised portion of the fare — or the remaining 25 percent — which had often been waived.A report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting said all contracts with existing taxi companies had been updated and there had already been a significant change.Budgets were expected to be exceeded by $120,000 for the year, with an estimated shortfall of $83,000 next year.Tuesday's feedback letter was endorsed by the council committee, but will be tweaked before being sent to Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upton.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Celebrated as the day country meets town, the 2026 Southland A & P Show is ready to again showcase and safeguard traditions for generations to come.The Southland A & P Association has been hard at work in recent months organising this year’s show, taking place this Saturday 7 March at Donovan Park. Association president Paula Bell says excitement is building for what promises to be another standout event on the southern calendar. “We’re incredibly proud of how the Show continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. In 2026, we’re again focused on celebrating the traditions that have shaped our rural communities and ensuring they’re carried forward for generations to come,” she says. This year’s theme is again, Preserving Traditions for Future Generations, reflecting the rich heritage embedded in families with the Southland A & P Show from across the region, many of whom travel to Donovan Park year after year to be part of the Southland Show experience. “There’s something special about seeing multiple generations enjoying the same event - grandparents who once competed now watching their grandchildren take part. That’s what makes the Southland A & P Show so unique,” Paula says. There will once again be something for everyone, with the return of crowd favourites and exciting attractions across the grounds. “We’ve worked hard over the past year to deliver a full and vibrant programme. From livestock competitions, an extensive home industries schedule and equestrian events through to live entertainment and family activities, the 2026 show truly offers something for all ages,” she says. The ever-popular Friday Night Market returns from 5.30pm on Friday 6 March, featuring food vendors, local crafters and live music to kick off the show weekend in style. On Saturday 7 March, Donovan Park on Bainfield Road will transform for the 156th Southland A & P Show. “There’s nothing better than seeing the park buzzing with people as we bring country to town for the day. The atmosphere is always fantastic, and we’re looking forward to building on the success of previous years,” Paula says. Entertainers 3 Ring Riot Circus and The Company Band will star in 2026 and are set to impress audiences once again with their high-energy performances. “We’re also excited to welcome True In Nature, who will be running bush craft workshops for children throughout the day - a wonderful hands-on way for young people to connect with the outdoors.” Woodchopping will again feature strongly in 2026, including an exciting NZ vs Australia Veterans Test, alongside the ever-popular XO Carnival with a wide range of children’s entertainment. Pony rides will be available throughout the day, as well as tractor rides thanks to Southland Farm Machinery with gold coin proceeds going to this year’s chosen charity, Hospice Southland. Southern talent will shine in the Kiwiskips Food Court, with The Company Band playing throughout the day, while entertainers take to the stage in the Quantum Landscaping Arena to wow the crowds. Back in 2026 is Percy’s Straw Dig, supported by Wilson’s Contracting, where children can hunt for fantastic prizes hidden in the haystack following the grand parade. Visitors can also explore the PowerNet Crafters Market and enjoy animals galore in the ever-popular Petville petting zoo. No A & P Show would be complete without the traditional attractions. The equestrian section, along with sheep, cattle and donkey competitions, continues to draw strong entries, rounding out a full and diverse programme. “The Southland A & P Show continues to grow year on year, and we’re proud to celebrate and showcase our rural way of life here in the deep south,” Paula says. “We can’t wait to welcome the community back for another memorable event in 2026.” Gates open on show day, Saturday 7 March, at 9am. Tickets are $15 for adults, and children under 16 are free.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No delays expectedWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine Tomorrow: Becoming cloudy Thursday: Light rain by PM Friday: Rain Saturday: Showers

A proposal to operate a floating sauna on Te Anau’s picturesque Lake Henry in Ivon Wilson Park, off the main lake, has some locals upset and feeling blindsided while others are concerned about “scaremongering” and “misinformation".Currently open to public submissions, the experience is the brainchild of established Australian floating sauna operator and Te Anau commercial property owner Nigel Reeves.The concept would see an approximately 80m2 floating platform with two small boatshed-like structures, anchored in two points at the northern end of the small lake. Nigel Reeves is proposing a floating sauna venture on Te Anau's Lake Henry. Photo: SuppliedIt is envisaged up to 12 people at a time could use the sauna, jumping in the lake’s cold spring waters to cool down, for hour-long sessions.Reeves says the planning and approval process had taken three years so far, since the idea was first presented to the town's community board and a site visit held to “work out the best site”.“We’re now in the process of getting a licence to occupy a small part of Ivon Wilson Reserve which has a management plan for commercial activities, as long as they promote recreational use.""A floating sauna and cold plunge in the lake support that so it’s entirely in line with the requirements to operate a commercial business like this in that lake reserve.”He says he built his first floating sauna just after Covid times and ever since the wellness tourism industry has been growing in popularity among visitors and tourists.“An economic study on my Tasmanian operation showed that every $AUS1 spent generates $AUS3.75 for the local town.”It will be a viable winter off-season activity in a town like Te Anau, he says.Reeves’ said with their family now getting older, he and his wife Debra were keen to spend more time back in Te Anau with her family."When people say this is being proposed by “an Australian corporation’, well, it’s just me,” he said.An artist's map of the proposed floating sauna on Lake Henry. Graphic: SDC/SuppliedUnchartered territory for our townFiordland Community Board chairperson Diane Holmes said people have the right to object and air their concerns on social media but there appears to be a lot of “fearmongering” going on when people don’t have the full facts, including the fact that the decision to approve or decline this proposal doesn’t lie with the Community Board.She says Reeves first presented his plans for a boatshed-like structure on a floating pontoon anchored in the lake, to the board several years ago.“As I understand it, Reeves has followed a huge consent process with the various entities in that time, including DOC, Environment Southland and the Southland District Council, and spent many thousands of dollars to get to this stage.”The decision went to an independent commissioner who approved the proposal and the district council is now calling for submissions before granting a permit for a licence to occupy the site, she says.Holmes says it’s not like a building.“If there are issues or breaches of the lease conditions, or it doesn't work out for any reason, then there is the potential for it to be removed,” she says.“There’s been a lot of fear among the community as this is a commercial operation in a public reserve which is unchartered territory for our town.People are concerned that it may set a precedent, but anyone else wanting to operate in the park would have to go through “the same huge resource management process” again and anything proposed must be in keeping with recreational requirements set down in the management plan for the park.“My understanding is that the reserve management plan allows this type of activity as it’s in keeping with acceptable use for the park, being swimming and recreation,” Holmes says.“I’ve seen people saying things online like, ‘What next? A convenience store and a pub?’, but those activities are highly unlikely to ever meet the requirements so that’s just fearmongering.”Public submissions are currently being called for on a proposal to locate a floating sauna at the northern end of Lake Henry. Graphic: SDC/SuppliedHolmes says she has no personal bias either way, but it’s important to “iron out some of the misinformation that’s been online”.She understands Reeves will be attempting to do this himself.Reeves already operates two successful floating sauna operations in parks in Australia – Tasmania and Canberra.“You can see the impact this type of activity has there,” she says.The lease money will help offset the maintenance of the park and offset rates with Reeves contributing to upgrade the existing toilets and their regular cleaning costs.“It should be low impact,” she says.Job opportunities exist for locals as staff will also be employed, to administrate and ensure the safety of users.Holmes says she has observed DOC being widely criticised in the past for not allowing new commercial ventures on the adjacent main lake in Te Anau and it’s interesting to see some people are now criticising the council for saying, ‘yes’, to considering allowing it on Lake Henry.Holmes say it's important to have community debate, and changing the usage of a public reserve must be considered carefully from every angle.However, the debate needs to be informed and so far the communication from the council has “not provided a clear picture of the background and pathway that has led to this proposal”, she says.Lake Henry, at Ivon Wilson Park, is a popular venue for photos and fishing. Photo: Southland AppGiving away a community facilitySome local residents and Ivon Wilson Park recreational regulars are up in arms about the sauna project, saying they were unaware until the district council called for submissions on the permit, with the previous consent process being non-notified.Te Anau pharmacist George Batchelor says he’s concerned the authorities are “giving away a community facility and privilege that’s enjoyed for its beauty and recreational values for just $2400 a year”.“If you want to run a commercial business then purchase land or pay commercial rates if the community agrees,” Batchelor says.He says he’d have liked the Community Board to make people more aware of the proposal.Batchelor has made two submissions.“If there’s sufficient community backlash then the Community Board should look at it.”He’s suggested alternative sites like the Bird Park where there’s a natural spring and a plunge pool could be built.He believes the sauna operation would devalue the reserve for “those who use it and pay for it for years”.“I’m not a nimby but I don’t think we should be paying their rent for them which is essentially what’s happening.”He concedes the park is underutilised at present but believes this use in incompatible with that location.“It will drive existing users out,” Batchelor, who’s urging others to submit, says.Neighbouring holiday park owner Clint Tauri says he’s ‘on the fence’ but suggests that the facility may be better located at the southern end of Lake Henry, more hidden away from the three wharves and higher use.“I’d probably rather see it at the old frog pond with a pipe pumping fresh water from the main lake.”He recalls his father, Colin, who managed what was then the adjacent Automobile Association’s motor camp, helping Ivon Wilson and a group called ‘Men of the Trees’ with planting there in the early 1960s.Wilson, a Southland dentist, began developing the 32-acre park around 1958.He personally collected many of the 5000-plus trees planted there often driving long distances to source different species.A photo of the Aurora Australis over Lake Henry. Photo: Chris Watson/ProFocus PhotographyStunning spot for photosRetired kindergarten teacher John Carter says he’s not for or against but he’s a bit concerned that there could be discharge and run off into the fresh spring water during cleaning.“Many locals love this spot for stunning photos of the aurora too, so I don’t want to see lights there,” he says.“People didn’t realise you could do this there. It’s our little treasured haven and people are shocked,” he says.He says other saunas in town are popular, with a mobile one by the lake often in demand.Lake Henry was always a precious spot to take the kindy children too and they’d enjoy throwing sticks into the water off that wharf area. It is also a popular location for weddings.“There is a concern that the wharf decking could be closed off to others and people love to sit there and have fish and chips,” Carter says.“I’d love some sort of sauna facility that would offer another tourist attraction and somewhere warm for those foggy days” he says.“But I’ve been asking a few questions.”SubmissionsA Southland District Council spokesperson said there had been a lot of interest in the process with a lot of people asking questions and almost 50 submissions received so far.Reeves said he was not that surprised at the reaction.“Te Anau is very protective of its environment and has a vibrant social media community, but there’s a process to follow and this is a lawful activity. I’m confident I’ve met all the requirements.”If approved Reeves hopes to have the operation open this spring.CLICK HERE for more information and to make a submission.Submissions close on 26 March

An inquest into the death of an Invercargill Prison inmate has heard guards did not take concerns about his mental health seriously.Nukuroa Strange, 30, died in August 2022.Coroner Amelia Steel was considering whether Strange received adequate mental health support while in the custody of the Department of Corrections in the four months before he died.The inquest would consider his risk assessments, management and treatment, including whether appropriate action was taken in the knowledge he had previously tried to hurt himself.Corrections staff members have told the inquest on Monday that Strange had a lot of support from them and also had family support in prison.In a statement read to the court, Strange's former partner, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said she called the prison and spoke to a Corrections officer, saying they needed keep a close eye on Strange because she was worried prison was "getting to him".They had been together for about two months and lived together before Strange was jailed.She said Strange had been smoking a lot of methamphetamine and she later realised he was committing crimes to pay for it.He was furious that he was back in prison as they had dreams they wanted to achieve together and his mental health went downhill but Corrections staff tried to help him by putting him on anti-anxiety medication, she said.They spoke over the phone multiple times a day while he was in prison.She said Strange had tried to hurt himself in prison and had promised that he would not do so again.During the call to the Corrections officer, she said she was upset that she was not contacted after he tried to hurt himself.He assaulted a guard and was move to an intensive supervision unit.The woman said they had made a mutual decision to separate a few days before he died, and while the relationship ended on good terms, there were a lot of tears.He called her twice on the day he died, the first time in anger and the second to tell her he loved her.Within a few hours she was told that Strange was dead.Fellow prisoner Peter Herrick said Strange needed help and was not given the right support at the unit.He did not believe staff were empathetic or properly trained and questioned why Strange was back in the unit so soon after attempting to harm himself and an admission to the intervention and support unit.Herrick said he thought Corrections treated prisoners like a nuisance.On the day he died, Herrick noticed Strange was visibly upset while on the phone.He told a Corrections worker that he was concerned about the man and she went to talk to him.Later that day, Herrick said an officer conducting a muster took off running when he heard something over the radio, he saw emergency services and was later told Strange had died.Strange was not given the help he needed at the support unit and he did not know why the man was back there so soon after attempting to harm himself, Herrick said.In a statement, an on-duty Corrections staff member said Strange was normal and well-behaved the day before his death, saying all the right things at the right time.They had talked about his children, his love for his ex-partner and how he wanted to be the person she fell in love with, the staff member said.She said she did not see anything out of the ordinary while he was on the phone but kept a close eye on him because he had previously made multiple attempts to self-harm.When a prisoner told her he thought Strange was in trouble, she and another Corrections staff member ran to his cell and tried to revive him.The staff member said Herrick did not tell her that Strange had been crying on the phone until after he was found in his cell.The principal Corrections officer at the time told the inquest that Strange appeared to be struggling with being in prison, more so than in his earlier time in jail.He had known Strange for a number of years and believed they had a good working relationship.He was involved in deciding if Strange should leave the intervention and support unit and return to his regular unit shortly before he died.He said he interviewed Strange before the move, and he found him to be future-focused and talked about using his son as motivation to stay out of jail.He said he felt comfortable Strange could leave the unit and was recorded as no risk following the interview, which was based on the assessment and in consultation with the medical team.If Strange had shown signs of considering self-harm, the officer said he would not have agreed to transfer him out of the support unit.He was to continue giving his evidence on Tuesday.Another Corrections staff member said he had tried to do a risk assessment for Strange but he did not respond to any questions.He had called in a control and restraint team to take him to the intensive supervision unit and Strange had fought back, he said.He said staff had tried to help him when they found him on the day he died.Coroner Steel said her role was not about finding liability, rather accountability.She would also consider possible recommendations to improve the department's risk assessment tools or well-being policies.The inquest is set down for five days in Invercargill.Published by Permission

We’re so lucky in Southland to have such fabulous rural schools, with dedicated and hard-working teachers, great boards of trustees, and of course excellent students.There are 31 small rural primary schools across Southland. They provide a special kind of education and have a community connection that is truly unique.I recently attended a Southland rural primary school sports event in Invercargill.It was a great day for everyone involved and was no doubt a highlight at the start of the educational year.Education is a key focus for this Government.We’re committed to ensuring every child is inspired and engaged with their learning. The Government is currently rolling out new English, and Science resources and initiatives, helping raise student achievement and spark discovery in primary classrooms.The resources include new science kits and a new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students, who are one year or more behind.The new science kits are now rolling out across schools and will encourage interest in science from an early age and support teachers to deliver practical, interactive lessons.Through a $40 million Government investment, there’ll be full national coverage of the science kits by early 2027, to align with the implementation of the new science curriculum.This is a Government that has put more resources into the hands of students, including those in rural schools, to help raise achievement and close the equity gap. Country children and teachers deserve excellent resources and support to set them up for success.Our investment today is about fixing the basics and raising student achievement here in Southland and across the country.Funded by Parliamentary Services

Term 1 is always a busy term at the College and the start of 2026 has been no exception.The first big event of the year was the Academic Honours Assembly, for students who achieved to a very high standard in 2025. We had 31 students Academic Honours at the end of 2025.Ray White Te Anau, Shanelle Scott, proud sponsor of Fiordland CollegeThe criteria for gaining Fiordland College Academic Honours is:Year 11 - 18 Overall module grades at Merit/ExcellenceLevel 2 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsLevel 3 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsFirst up in a long line of events was the Athletics Champs. The students displayed incredible school spirit, fuelling a spirited yet friendly rivalry as they competed for House Points.Fiordland College Athletics. Photo: Supplied.We hosted a Careers Expo for all students, which had 17 exhibitors from a wide array of institutions and companies.Careers Expo for Students. Photo: Supplied.These exhibitors shared their knowledge and insight, which will help guide students on their path towards finding their career.Careers Expo. Photo: Supplied.Then we had the Swimming Champs which produced a record-breaking time for Grace Perry in the Senior Girls’ 25m Butterfly Event with a time of 15.88. Grace broke the record set by Naaketta Scully (16.38) in 2005.Swimming Champs. Photo: Supplied.Congratulations to Grace and also well done to Naaketta for holding a record for such a long time – 21 years!Congratulations to Grace Perry. Photo: Supplied.Coming up in the first week of March is our Autumn Co-Curricular Week. These programmes involve year levels participating in school-based activities, water skills, tramping, camping, biking, kayaking and climbing to name but a few.Co-Curricular Week is a great time for students to excel in areas they are passionate about and spend a week learning outside of the classroom.Some of the other events over the rest of Term 1 include the:Southland Tennis Champs, Northern Athletics, Team Triathlon, Year 12 History Trip, Unserious Careers Roadshow, Southland Athletics, Whanau Evenings for Years 7-10 and Years 11-13, Mountain Bike Champs, Year 12/13 Geography trip, Individual Triathlon, South Island Mountain Bike Champs, Northern Swimming, Southland/Otago Adventure Race and the Cross Country Champs.Careers Expo with a wide array of institutions. Photo: Supplied.All that while still having a full daily curriculum being taught!

More than a dozen positions remain unfilled at a southern council one year after consultation began on its major restructure.Environment Southland disestablished 51 roles and created 56 new ones last year, in a move that impacted multiple departments.This week, council general manager corporate services Patrick Ng said in response to a LGOIMA request that 13 roles remained vacant.Four people had left the organisation of their own volition after having their job disestablished, while just one person was unable to secure a new position.Ng said final payments for those five people totaled $191,809.01, in accordance with collective and individual contracts.Local Democracy Reporting asked how much was saved — or not — as a result of the restructure, but the council could not provide an answer.“The restructure was undertaken to focus our resources more effectively, not to achieve financial outcomes; as such, no financial modelling or data were collected to allow us to specifically answer that question,” Ng said.A three-week consultation for the restructure began on February 13 last year with a final decision announced on April 3.The changes came into play the following month.Inroads have been made to fill vacant positions, given there were 48 unfilled roles in June.At that time, council people and governance general manager Amy Kubrycht said some vacancies would be prioritised while others would be phased in under the long-term plan.Environment Southland has a total of 227 budgeted roles in its long-term plan, Ng said.As of Friday, the council had two jobs advertised online.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Two lucky Lotto players, one from Invercargill and one from Thames, will be living the dream after each winning $500,000 with Lotto First Division in last tonight’s live Lotto draw (28 Feb). The winning Invercargill ticket were purchased on MyLotto.Powerball was not struck this evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $8 million. Meanwhile, a lucky Palmerston North Strike player will also be celebrating after winning $200,000 with Strike Four. Anyone who bought their ticket from either of the above stores or on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

They turned out in their droves in Tuatapere – New Zealand’s self-declared Sausage Capital, to taste this year’s best snarlers and while Alexandra New World’s Thomas Ramage may have taken the popular vote, long-time Tuatapere local Art Diack reckons a good Tuatapere sausage still wins hands down.Art, as always, was there on Thursday night among the crowd of up to 400 who’d come from far and wide to vote for the New World Sausage Showdown hosted in Tuatapere.He’s been tasting winning sausages in the town for some time, ever since the man who put Tuatapere on the national sausage map in the 1980s produced his national winning sausage.Then Tuatapere butcher Leo Henderson won a radio competition nationally to find the best sausage in the country, his entry voted best in NZ.Tuatapere coordinator of Thursday’s host event, Anne Horrell, also the Tuatapere Te Waewae Community Board chairperson, says while Leo’s sausages may be no more, his legend has long lived on with Tuatapere still known for its sausages.Debra Ellis, of Tui Base Camp has carried on the tradition of great Tuatapere sausages, she says.Photo: Supplied/Advento Photography“They’re absolutely delicious.”Well, Art, renowned for his role in the local dance band, still playing the saxophone at 83, agrees. The five finalists in the New World competition’s cook off on Thursday night had all done a great job, but Art reckons, give him a good old Tuatapere sausage any day.“I have false teeth and I had a job to bite the buggers, especially the one with maple in it,” he says.“I couldn’t get on them at all.”And no, while the other almost 400 voters gave the finalists top marks, Art reckons “the Tuatapere ones have got them beat”. “A lot of these fancy ones come up (repeat) on me. They’re just leather jackets,” Art says.“They’re not as good as the Tuatapere ones.”He’s lived in the same house in Tuatapere since 1962 and recalls as a kid of 15 rounding up the bullocks for Leo Henderson so he could make those famous local sausages.“They’d hold the Tuatapere sale and Leo would buy bullocks that we’d chase down the railway line and take turns at killing for him, then they’d be loaded on three frontend loaders,” he says.“You’ve got to have a ticket on your arse to do anything these days.”Leo used sheep for his sausages too.“Leo knew how to make sausages.”His local successor, Debra, has Leo’s vote too though. “We buy 10 kilos of her local sausages at a time and that does us 12 months,” Art says.“The Tuatapere ones have got them beat.”However, the rest of the locals who turned out were pretty impressed with the delicious, unique flavours produced by the finalists – Ramage’s winning cheeseburger sausage; beef jalapeno and cheese; beef brisket, jalapeno and cheddar; chicken Thai green coconut and smoky beef maple.Even those who weren’t so keen on a kick of spice were taking to the jalapeno options, locals say, and Horrell says they were all full of flavour, Ramage’s particularly so.“They were all great,” she says.“Even the little boys were loving the jalapeno ones.“Leo Henderson’s recommendation for a good sausage was always to make sure it contained plenty of meat and not too much fat,” she says.Art, who still farms 300 acres locally, would second that: “It’s the same with saveloys now. Not many fellas can make a good saveloy now. They’re all fat and grease,” he says.The finalists had flown in from as far away as North Shore, Remuera, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch, with Ramage driving from Alexandra, for what was a huge local festival, with entertainment including Lachie Hayes Band, pipers, sausies on the barbie manned by the local Rugby Club boys, craft and food stalls, a bouncy castle and even ‘Sausage On Spoon Races’.Locals tucked into rather large portions during the tasting then took their vote.Photo: Supplied/Advento PhotographyHorrell says there was a big sausage focus in the lead up to the final with local schoolkids getting right amongst it too, designing their own sausage flavours – notably sausages with ice cream and chocolate!Others had created acrostic poems about Tuatapere sausages, written sausage stories and entered a colouring in competition.“It’s been a wonderful festival atmosphere,” she says.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

In a boost to efforts to combat Chilean flame creeper, Environment Southland has welcomed the EPA’s decision to allow the release of Blaptea elguetai, a beetle that feeds on the weed’s leaves and will assist in its control.Environment Southland Biosecurity Team Leader Plants Jolie Hazley said the decision marks a significant step forward in managing pests within the region. “Chilean flame creeper has become a significant threat to Murihiku Southland’s biodiversity. The EPA’s approval means we now have an environmentally responsible, long-term tool that will help reduce its impact across the region and beyond.” Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum) spreads rapidly and smothers native vegetation. It is widespread in Southland, Otago, and Canterbury, and is increasingly found in parts of the North Island, and the Chatham Islands. “Biocontrol agents give us another tool in the toolbox. They complement the more traditional control methods such as hand‑pulling and applying herbicides which can be labour‑intensive, can damage surrounding vegetation, and often fail to reach inaccessible areas.” Late last year, Environment Southland applied for approval on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research providing scientific support. “Biological control is a well‑established and safe method for managing invasive weeds in New Zealand. We have already released biocontrol insects in Southland for broom, ragwort and thistles to help reduce the harm these pests cause. “Biocontrol won’t eradicate the plant entirely, but it will reduce its vigour and spread to an acceptable level. This means healthier native ecosystems and less ongoing pressure on landowners and councils to control infestations,” Jolie Hazley said. Environment Southland will now work with national partners to plan the next steps. “We hope to release them in Southland soon and further releases will happen across Aotearoa New Zealand once further mass rearing has been done.”

Below is a list of programmed work on Southland state highways next week, and this is also mapped HERE.  Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway:SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – Construction work will continue until late March. Delays of 5-10 minutesSH99 Wallacetown – culvert strengthening – 2-week FULL ROAD CLOSURE from 6.30am on February 23rd to 7pm on March 9th. All vehicles (HPMV including 58tonne) to detour via Ryal Bush-Wallacetown Road/Collinson Road/SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway – detour adds approx. 10 minutes to your journey. Following the completion of the culvert strengthening, the road renewal will take place for 4 weeks. Traffic management will be one lane with temporary traffic lights – expect delays of 15-20 minutes during this time.  Please do not use Branxholme-Makarewa Road as an alternative detour route – this is not suitable for highway traffic. Upcoming renewal workSH1 Waipahi Highway east of Pukerau – road renewal – MarchSH6 North Road Waikiwi, Invercargill – road resurfacing – March/April  Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Bluff highway between Colyer Road and Stanley Township Road, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pioneer highway at Ota Creek Road, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pioneer highway at Brydone, stop/go for chipseal resurfacingSH1 Waipahi highway at McNab, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway near Bixter Road, stop/go for chipseal resurfacingSH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway at Mossburn, stop/go for chipseal resurfacingSH96 Glencoe highway at Glencoe, stop/go for chipseal resurfacingSH99 Clifden Highway at Clifden-Blackmount Road, stop/go for chipseal resurfacing Roadmarking (taking place under mobile traffic management)SH1 Bluff RoadSH1&SH6 Invercargill UrbanSH6 Winton UrbanSH93 Mataura to Clinton SH96 Mataura to Ohai **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. More information at:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

During a recent visit to Invercargill, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) CEO and international managers as they advance plans to rebuild SIT’s international student numbers.Mr Luxon met members of SIT management during the National Party dinner held at the Langlands Hotel on the 12th of February. SIT CEO, Bharat Guha, newly appointed International Manager, Riza Ambadar, and International Marketing Manager, Michelle Zhao, attended the networking event alongside other local business and community leaders. Mr Ambadar said it was encouraging to meet the Prime Minister, who is supportive of SIT. “[The Prime Minister] understands the economy benefits from international students and he sees the importance of SIT’s autonomy being returned; he commended Penny (Simmonds) on her ability to make that happen.” Pre-covid (2019), SIT had nearly 1700 international students across its campuses. SIT gained its autonomy from Te Pukenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) on January 1st, 2026, allowing it to return to local, autonomous decision-making for international student programmes and numbers. Their current strategy includes having a greater presence in Asia, South Asia, China, Korea and Japan, with a goal of achieving 400 more students by the end of 2026. Minister for Vocational Education and MP for Invercargill, Penny Simmonds, who hosted/also attended the meet-and-greet event, says “International students bring diversity and benefit to our vocational institutions like SIT.” “Attracting international students to SIT is critical to help prepare local students for a global workplace and to ensure that the Southland community and industries have access to sufficient skilled graduates. I commend SIT for their vision to increase their international student numbers.” Mr Ambadar added “With the Prime Minister and Minister Simmonds support of SIT’s autonomy, we have confidence in moving forward to promote SIT in the international market.”

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Night works for tunnel & highway maintenance this week has been completed. No travel delays expected - Please drive with care.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine. Tomorrow: Mainly fine. Sunday: Mainly fine. Monday: Mainly fine. A few morning showers south of Lake Gunn. Tuesday: Fine.

A community conservation effort is hoping to fund a new processing facility for wild deer in the deep south.Deer numbers have been exploding in Fiordland National Park following the decline of viable commercial and taxpayer-funded helicopter operations over many decades.The deer have been ravaging the bush and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation hopes its planned abattoir in Te Anau will save precious bush and provide an outlet for culled deer.General manager Roy Sloan said hunting is costly and this initiative could support it by selling meat to the market.The Fiordland Project estimates that venison sales will help fund deer control operations in the National Park at a greater scale than is currently possible."It's a charitable trust; we're getting donations from various building companies around the country" Sloan said."Our goal is to raise $3 million to build this plant."The group of hunters and conservationists is confident funding can be secured.Sloan is thrilled with the level of support shown for the project so far, with $2 million raised.A number of tradies and professionals, including electricians and architects, have pledged their time to the project.Plans of the building, seen by RNZ, show areas for skinning and boning, packaging and processing, and a chiller."We know that it's costly to do deer recovery. We we know that the government can't afford it, and we know that DOC can't afford it," Sloan said.And while he admits it's a gamble, he said the risk of a community model might just pay off."What's the worst that can happen?' That in five years we fall over. 'But what's the best that can happen?' We could be still going and solve these problems."The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation also maintains a number of back-country huts in the area, including Fiordland National Park's oldest hut.How did wapiti become pests?wapiti are similar to red deer, but more pale and much larger and heavierThe first wapiti were introduced into New Zealand in 1873, primarily for huntingBy the 20th century, wild deer had spread throughout the forests, feeding on young trees, shrubs, ferns and ground cover plantsFrom the 1920s, the government employed cullers to control deer populationsIn 1966 the first live deer were captured from the wild by helicopterBy the 21st century, populations of wapiti and red deer have created major ecological problemsDeer remain a pest species, significantly impacting native ecosystemsPublished by Permission

There are “bigger fish to fry” than coming up with a name for the iconic salmon statue in Rakaia.While Gore’s trout statue has been given an official name, the Ashburton District Council’s community and open spaces group manager Toni Durham says there are no plans to get reeled into the naming game for Rakaia’s salmon.“We’re not considering a name for the salmon.“We currently have bigger fish to fry, in the form of our annual plan and Government reforms.”Gore's brown trout statue has been named Trevor by a popular vote after Gore District Council teamed up with local radio station Hokonui FM to find a name the famous fish.They sought name suggestions, and as has become customary in such competitions, Trouty McTroutface was floated but didn’t make the final cut for public voting.Trevor was the clear winner over the other contenders of Trixie, Scout, Gordon and Finn.Gore’s 9-metre-tall Trout was built first, constructed in 1989 by the Gore Lions Club to celebrate their 25th birthday.The Rakaia Salmon followed two years later in 1991, funded by the Rakaia Lions Club, and vested to the council around 2005.The 12-metre fibreglass salmon won’t be getting a name but just completed a $300,000 refurbishment by its original sculptor Phil Price.The salmon was only just back in place after a seven-week restoration when Greenpeace activists stuck cartoon-style crosses and added a speech bubble reading 'Fonterra killed my family'.Greenpeace claimed not to have used ladders or climbed the statue, but is believed to have used extending poles.The council had to wait for the ground to dry out for a contractor to bring in a cherry picker on Saturday to remove the eyes, after the word bubble had already dropped off, and inspect for any damage on the freshly completed paint job.“The cardboard and tape was removed from the eye, and tape was removed from the fin,” Durham said.“We are currently awaiting photos, but expect them to confirm that the cardboard and tape did not cause damage to the exterior of the salmon.”No damage will be a welcome relief, but the inspection will cost the ratepayers around $1000.“The invoice is for $998, plus GST. It has been coded as vandalism, and at this stage, ratepayers will fund it."We’re waiting on the outcome of the police investigation before considering how we can recoup our costs," Durham said.Police had no further update than that they were advised the statue “had been defaced” on February 15.“Police are investigating the matter and are following lines of enquiry to locate those responsible.”LDR is local body reporting funded by RNZ and NZ on Air.

Breeding and showing Jersey dairy cows has been in the DNA of Tuatapere’s Bennett family for three generations, ever since those girls with their lush, long eyelashes wooed in their grandfather, ‘Digger’ Bennett, who began showing them almost 80 years ago.Digger literally won hundreds of show ribbons in his day and it’s now grandson Jason’s turn, who began showing cows as a small child with his father, Neville, who sadly passed away on Invercargill A & P Show Day when Jason was nine.Neville was also a champion shower and one of Jason’s lasting memories was proudly watching his dad being presented with his Southland Otago Jersey Club Life Membership on his hospital bed at Southland Hospital.Grandad Digger was also a Life Member of the Jersey Club and the Waiau A & P Show and served 20 years on the NZ Jersey Council.Next year the Bennetts celebrate 80 years of involvement in the Waiau A & P Show.It’s always been a family affair and Jason’s mum Olive, now in her mid-80s, reluctantly received her Southland Otago Jersey Club Life Membership at the Waiau Show several weeks ago (14 February), renowned for decades of devotion behind the scenes where she likes to remain.Jason with his Grandad Digger. Photo: Supplied.Known in the local community as ‘Nana’, Olive’s legendary bacon and egg pie and chocolate fudge are must haves at the show where Jason says she’s been beavering away feeding judges and marshals from the kitchen for more than 60 years.“She’s had to step back a lot, but she was always helping feed calves and get the cows in for us until she was 80,” Jason says.“Mum’s never been keen on the spotlight, or being in the ring, just being in the shed getting the animals ready and providing home baking, sandwiches and cups of tea and coffee.""She’s just that person.""She was always in the background getting the hard yards done.”Olive was overwhelmed with the special award at the recent show, which brought loud rounds of applause and cheers from the crowd, all her five kids, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren present.“There were tears coming down,” Jason says.“If anyone deserves an award it’s Mum. She’s such a kind, hardworking person – the rock of this family, and was always solely committed to Dad,” Jason says.Neville also played in the local Tuatapere dance band with the likes of Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Art Diack.Jason’s dad. Photo: Supplied.Olive’s reaction was typical: “Aww, I don’t need that!” But the community reckons she did.“I was shocked when they read this all out over the microphone,” she says.“We really dropped her in it,” Jason grins.Olive was presented with a beautiful pink rose in a pot and a Life Membership brooch.These days she assures her baking is reserved for show days with lolly cake, chocolate chippie and sultana biscuits also big winners.“I told them this year that’s the last year you’re getting it,” she chuckles.Bennetts, past and present, have long been a force to be reckoned with in the southern show ring, and Jason’s earliest memories are dressed in his official white jacket leading calves in the ring with Dad and Grandad.There have been hundreds more championship ribbons and awards since then with Jason specialising in the herdsperson section, judged on the presentation of the person and their animal.“Our kids do that now,” he says.Jason, at rear, with his family, sisters, front left, Alison, then from left, Linsey, Gayleen, mum Olive and Maxine. Photo: Supplied.Showing has become less of a thing with large corporates taking over Southland dairy farms.Sadly, A & P Shows are slowly dying, Jason says, but he’s hopeful that those family genetics will keep coming through.“People just want cows in the shed for milking and then back in the paddock and ready to milk now.”With robotics heading to the farm, it’s even more likely to lose popularity, he says.The Southland Otago Jersey Club does much of its showing on farm now sending judges to the various properties to check the animals.The Southland A & P Show is on next weekend (7 March) but there are no longer many animal classes judged at the Invercargill A & P Show, all done on farm, Jason says.Bennetts, including Jason and his four siblings - sister Linsey and her husband, their two daughters farming just down the road from Jason and wife Kaylene, with their five children, have won near on a thousand medals over the years.“We had to throw out hundreds of ribbons that were found in Grandad’s house, dating back to 1959 – champion bulls, calves, yearlings and cows,” Jason says.Digger wasn’t bad at growing Southland spuds either - a champion grower of Red Kings and King Edwards for some 50 years, Jason’s dad getting in on that too.“They sold seed spuds all the way to Outram. They were in demand.”Shows may be losing interest, but the Bennett family will be doing their best to keep showing alive.Jason and Kaylene recently received a special medal from the Winton A & P Association for their popular ‘Adopt A Calf’ programme that they run for local schoolkids.It’s all about giving the townies and those inexperienced on farms a taste of rural life, by adopting calves and teaching the kids how to care for and show them.“We run it annually through the Waiau Area School and Hauroko Valley Primary School, “Jason says.“The kids learn to feed a calf and look after it then take it to shows.""They’re each assigned a calf to care for nine weeks.""They come up to the farm one evening a week after school to groom it, feed it and teach it to walk in the ring. It’s a real opportunity for townie kids to experience rural life.""They get to know that milk doesn’t just come from the shop.”The youngest in the programme is a three-year-old boy and the oldest is 17.“The three-year-old just loves it.""We put two leads on the calf and he just loves it.""He has a smile that wide and always wants to see the tractors. He’s just a joy,” Jason says.“Both Kaylene and I have been farming since we were in nappies and we know how important it is to have that next generation of kids to come along and have a shot, giving them the right opportunity and the right know-how.”They also run workshops for older kids on the family farms, where various rural companies are represented to encourage young people into rural careers.“It’s all I’ve ever known and I’m very passionate about it. I’d like to see younger people give it a go,” Jason says.“I just love the Jerseys and dairy farming.""It’s a hard job, on stormy nights when you wish you had an office job, but on a nice, sunny day you couldn’t think of anything better.”Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.