The people of Invercargill have been given an early Christmas present, with a further section of Queens Park reopening earlier than anticipated. The second phase of Queens Park’s staged reopening has been brought forward to Friday 28 November, and includes parts of the park that were expected to be closed for many months. The award-winning Queens Park had been closed after a severe wind storm that hit Southland in late October, with a small segment reopening on 15 November following extensive remediation work. Map detailing the areas of Queens Park that have reopened. Photo: Invercargill City CouncilInvercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said it was due to the hard work of staff on the ground that the next section of the park could reopen early. “My warmest gratitude goes out to the staff and contractors who have been tirelessly working over the past few weeks to make the park safe,” she said. “Every tree in the area has been thoroughly checked by arborists, and we’ve cleared away debris and assessed all pathways. “We’re really excited to have this next section open again, and we appreciate everyone giving us the time to do this safely.” The areas to be reopened would include the southern end of Coronation Avenue around the Band Rotunda, the Jessie Calder Garden, the Stumpery and the south-eastern corner of the park surrounding Blind Low Vision NZ’s building. Rain said many people were expected to be out and about enjoying Invercargill’s public spaces following the Southland Santa Parade on Saturday, which had fuelled the determination to get the area ready as soon as possible. “It’s wonderful that the community will once again be able to include a visit to the heart of Queens Park in their weekend plans.” Temporary fences, hazard tape and signage would remain in place to clearly advise visitors of the areas that were off limits. A map of the open and closed areas could be found on Council’s website. “We ask everyone to respect the boundaries in place and not go into any areas that are cordoned off,” Rain said. “Our staff and contractors will continue to make every effort to reopen the remaining areas of Queens Park as soon as possible.” The closed sections of the park, including the Queens Park Golf Club, the remainder of Coronation Avenue, and the tracks around the perimeter of the park from Kelvin St, Herbert St, and Queens Dr, would require more intensive remedial work before they could be reopened. Several other parks in Invercargill remained closed, including Donovan Park, Elizabeth Park and Otepuni Gardens. The latest information about park closures around the city could be found on Council’s website.

Below is a list of programmed works on Southland state highways next week, and all known work on Southland state highways next week is mapped HERE. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road at Ellis Road – work should be completed here early next week.SH1 Bluff highway – Stage two from Clifden to Duck Creek is underway. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH94 at The Key – Stage two at the Mararoa School end is underway and will continue until mid-December. Traffic lights in place, 10-15 minute delays. SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – earthworks and drainage underway until late December. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Construction will begin in new year.SH94 Te Anau-Milford highway at Sinclair Road – begins Monday 1st December and will continue until prior to Christmas. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway at the bend prior to Ohai - begins next week and will continue for 2-3 weeks. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Other maintenance and contractor work underway next week is listed below. Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway, stop/go for watercuttingSH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway, stop/go for watercuttingSH1 Pioneer highway, stop/go for watercuttingSH1 Gore-Mataura highway, stop/go for watercuttingSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway near Longridge, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near Three Stones Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road at Kuriwao Stream no.1 bridge, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road at Kuriwao Stream no.2 bridge, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near River Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway near Two Chain Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 from Lorneville to Riverton, stop/go for roadmarking turning pocketsRoadmarking taking place on SH1 Bluff highway, SH1 Gore township and SH99 Riverton township under mobile traffic management**Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH1 East Road Invercargill, stop/go for utility workClosures for the Southland Santa Parade this weekend in Invercargill: Saturday 29th November from 12 noon – 3pm: Road closures:Closure of SH6 Dee St between Victoria Ave and Tay StClosure of SH1 Clyde St between Tay St and Forth StClosure of SH1 Tay St between Conon St and Dee St Detours:SH6 southbound - Victoria Ave/Liddell/Tweed/Clyde StSH6 northbound – reverse of aboveSH1 westbound – Conon/Tweed/Clyde StSH1 eastbound – reverse of aboveSH1 northbound – use SH6 northbound detourUseful 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.

An Otatara man thought to be New Zealand's longest-serving meat worker retired this month after 64 years in the industry.Ken McLeod, 80, started in 1962 when he was only 16 at the now-closed Makarewa Meatworks in Southland."I was mostly a boner in all those years, and thanks to the Meat Workers Union we got very good money," he told Morning Report on Friday."The money set me up for life and did everything else, and I've travelled a lot. I just enjoyed the good money and the hard work involved."He rarely took sick days, and worked his way up to boner, his favourite of the jobs. In the mid-1960s, when he was still a teenager, he was bringing home the modern equivalent of up to $4000 a week."I felt like I'd robbed a bank," McLeod laughed."I saw a lot of people waste it. An old fellow who had worked in the works for years, he said, 'Save half your pay and play out the rest, because he said, you'll find it'll be out.' And that's what I did."As the technology changed, so did the work - not to mention the conditions."I know this sounds horrible, but when I first started boning, I was 20 and we only changed clothes twice a week because they had to send the laundry into town or something like that."But then a couple of years later, they actually built a laundry and then we changed our laundry every day, which was what it has been ever since."Photo: Supplied.An early computer brought in to handle payroll was unable to handle the wages - McLeod saying their pay packets had to be split in two because the amounts were too high for the machine to handle."We used to laugh, and they had to give us a pay worth gross of £100, and then another one of £20 or £30."McLeod eventually ended up at Blue Sky Pastures in 1988, where he has worked ever since. He also rose to become president of the Meat Workers Union.But preparing meat was not what he originally intended to do with his life."I really wanted to join the Army and go to Vietnam, but… my mother wouldn't sign the papers because you had to have your parents' consent... I was only 20 at the time."But in hindsight it was the best thing because three or four years later I met my wife and I've been happily married for 56 years and [had] two lovely girls and they're happily married and gave us four lovely grandchildren.So I've been very lucky in that respect."Photo: Supplied.While the tough physical work has taken its toll McLeod has no plans to slow down, and intends to spend his retirement staying active with walking, fishing, deer hunting and maintaining his house.While sheep farming is not what it once was in New Zealand, McLeod predicts a comeback."When I started there was 70 million sheep in New Zealand. Now there's only about 23 or 25 [million].There's been massive changes, in Southland three of the big works have all closed down... they've all closed and there's only the big Alliance works with four chains left..."But there is hopefully a revival of sheep meat because the price for lamb this year is very good and wool's actually gone up in price, so there may be a swing back to more sheep farming and hopefully there is."Published by Permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:OPEN from Te Anau to Milford SoundComments:No travel delays are expected over the coming days.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers clearing. Tomorrow: Rain. Sunday: Heavy rain easing in the afternoon. Monday: Showers. Tuesday: Morning showers clearing.

Southland mayor Rob Scott has given a glowing review of proposed changes to local government, saying it mirrors what's already been pushed for.The government's newly released plan to shake up the sector is yet to be fully fleshed out, but involves cutting regional councillors and forming new boards led by mayors which would oversee re-organisation.Scott welcomed the new proposal, having already gone public in August 2024 with a vision to amalgamate Southland’s four councils into two unitary authorities.“We’ve all got a lovely Christmas present from the government. And look, if anyone was planning in local government on winding down for Christmas, I think they’re going to get the total opposite now because we’ve got the RMA changes being announced soon as well, so it’s going to put a lot of pressure on the sector."But it’s (a) positive move, it’s time for change in local government, and it’s no time like the present.”Scott said a lot of the groundwork had already been done through his proposal, and he could see the end result working well.The government’s wording of “keeping it simple” also aligned, he said.“It’s almost like they’ve read our proposal and gone ‘this is going to work for the whole country, this is where we need to go’.”Scott’s proposal is currently being investigated by the Local Government Commission.Regional council Environment Southland did not respond so kindly to the news, with chair Jeremy McPhail saying in a media statement that any new system needed to reflect the priorities and needs of the region and its people.McPhail acknowledged there was room for improvement, but said stripping away regional governance knowledge and connection wasn't "necessarily the answer".The government is proposing the changes as part of resource management reforms which are expected to be introduced to parliament in the coming weeks.Alongside regional authorities getting the cut, Māori constituencies would also disappear — a matter which has raised some concerns.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney, Gore, stated that a man has been charged in relation to a suspicious house fire in Waikaia last year.Just after midnight on 21 February 2024, emergency services were called to the fire on Elswick Street.Today, Police have charged a 35-year-old Dunedin man with arson.He is due to appear in the Gore District Court on 17 December.We’d like to thank the members of the public who provided information to Police throughout this investigation, to ensure the person responsible can be held accountable.

Final Update: November 28, 3.50pmThis closure on SH96 is now clear, and SH96 is open with no restrictions. Thanks for your patienceUpdate: November 28, 10am – Highway partially reopens after fire State Highway 96 near Mataura has reopened to one lane of traffic following a nearby vegetation fire yesterday. The road remained closed overnight for firefighters to ensure the blaze was contained. The section of SH96 between the intersections of SH1 and Waimumu Road is now open to the single lane, with a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h, and road users are being asked to stop on request. Please take extra care along this route.Update: 28/11 - 8:35amSH96 Glencoe highway, which was closed yesterday due to a vegetation fire, remains closed between SH1 and Waimumu Road. The team are working to open this up by 9.30am today. Once open, the highway will be down to one lane, and vehicles will be piloted through the site – please follow the directions of our staff onsite.An update on the fire on SH96 at Thomas’ Hill: At this stage SH96 will remain closed from SH1 to Waimumu Road for the next 24 hours. Detour remains the same for all vehicles - eastbound is Waimumu Road/Paterson Road/Glendhu Road/SH1 and reverse for westbound. If the situation changes tonight, we will update you, otherwise expect an update tomorrow morning.

UPDATE: 4.30pm, State Highway 96 near Mataura is expected to remain closed overnight as efforts continue to contain a nearby vegetation fire.Nine fire trucks and two helicopters are battling a scrub in a forestry block at Thomas Hill, near Mataura.State Highway 96, between State Highway 1 and Waimumu Road is also closed due to the fire.Emergency services were alerted at around 2.10pm today (27 Nov).Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) said the fire was reported to be 120m x 20m around 2.40pm but has grown in size since then.Detours are available to eastbound vehicles, via Waimumu Road/Paterson Road and Glendhu Road.FENZ said high winds have caused the fire to spread quickly.People must not light any outdoor fires this afternoon and must check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to ensure they are not in danger of reignition. Don’t leave them to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because you can’t see any flames or smoke.The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards, they said.

Celebrating Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku and the Southern Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities Work Programme.On Thursday 27 November the Murihiku community came together at Invercargill’s ILT Stadium to celebrate Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku, the Southern Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme, and its efforts over the past year.In attendance were many of the community providers, organisations and agencies who are part of the work programme, as well as special guests including Associate Minister of Police, the Honorable Casey Costello, Police Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie, Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell, local government representatives, and iwi.The event also included performances form local rangatahi groups.The ROCC work programme was launched in Southland in March 2023 and was gifted the name Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku by local kaumatua.This name reflects the fortitude, strength and stamina of the Murihiku community, resonating with those involved in the programme.A source of pride since its inception has been the magnitude and quality of local buy-in from key Southland stakeholders.The event provided the opportunity for Minister Costello to revisit and celebrate the successes of the programme of work over the past 12 months, having attended the announcement of the successful ROCC initiatives in 2024.Service providers were also able to share their experiences and details of their projects with the Minister over the course of the celebratory event.Alongside Southland Police’s sustained focus and successes in enforcing organised crime, the Hāpori Manawaroa ki Murihiku and ROCC work programme has continued to enable local communities to become more connected, and has worked hard to reduce the chance of organised crime and its harmful effects to take root.A key part of this has been the number of partnership initiatives backed through the ROCC programme of work that Southern District Police have been proud to be involved with.Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie spoke about this collective pride at the celebration event.“I think it’s important to have an occasion like this, where we can come together and reflect on the many ‘wins’ we are achieving through our community-driven, efforts that are tailor-made for our own Southern Communities.”Superintendent Guthrie went on to outline a number of the providers that have received funding through the Community Resilience and Whānau Support funding, that Police have been able to assist through the ROCC work programme.This has included the Gore Blue Light registered charity that works alongside Police, which has this year been able to create camp experiences for local rangatahi aimed at building leadership skills, confidence and encouraging goal-setting.This also included an intensive week-long Life Skills Camp at Burnham Military Camp for seven youth participants as part of an alternative resolution pathway, away from the Youth Court justice system.“I’m really pleased to say that our local participants in this course returned home with renewed engagement in school, with some gaining part-time or full-time employment, and have not come back to Police attention.” said Superintendent Guthrie.Another of the many initiatives undertaken throughout the year that was highlighted was the Police partnership with Plunket services, in running special traffic checkpoints to ensure child restraints are correct and safe.Through the funding received, brand new child restraints and seating were able to be provided for those who were found to have unsafe or not fit-for-purpose child restraints.“And that’s what the ROCC kaupapa is all about,” said Superintendent Guthrie.“This is the kind of prevention work and support Police can, and will, continue to provide alongside our persistent and targeted enforcement of organised crime in Southern Communities.“Our Southern Organised Crime Units have been able to make some massive dents in the local distribution of meth through their excellent enforcement work, which removes a lot of harm from our streets.“However, we simply can’t arrest our way out of the harm that organised crime and meth inflict on our communities.That’s why we are so proud and privileged to be part of the important prevention work alongside our highly valued partners, community agencies and organisations working under ROCC.”

Adventure races don't get much tougher than the Godzone event which starts on Thursday in Marlborough.Thirty-two teams of four are taking part, with the aim to cover 615 kilometres of often rugged terrain as quickly as possible on foot, mountain bike and even raft.They can only use maps and compasses to navigate, and have to finish within eight days.Hunger, fatigue, sleep deprivation and hallucinations are common. That's music to the ears of Molly Spark who's part of team 'Fear Youth'."I just love that feeling, that sense of achievement and satisfaction when you cross that finish line" she told First Up."You go into almost like a feral dog, you turn into this animal, and you've got the things on your back, you've got your teammates, you've got the course, and you get to see some of the most amazing places in all of the world really, but this time's going to be in Marlborough."Competitors don't know where in Marlborough though - they aren't given the exact course details until a few hours before the race starts.They would be given some information beforehand about the distance and nature of each stage so they could pack accordingly."Taking the right amount of equipment is important because if it gets cold, you need your thicker jackets and warmer clothes, but then taking too much, you get more fatigued because your backpack's heavier."So there's that fine line between don't starve to death and run out of food versus carrying way too much and having days worth of food left," Spark said.Despite beng just 22, Spark is already a seasoned athlete, and said this would be her eighth expedition race.She classified an adventure race as anything over three days long."Most people live comfortably and they don't push themselves outside that comfort zone. I feel when you do a race like this, just that expansion of your brain and your comfort zone, it just builds resilience really."Once you can get through an adventure race, I feel like you can get through challenging times because you've raced seven days with three hours of sleep."Pushing yourself to the absolute limit could have some strange side effects though. Spark said she's prone to hallucinating during races."I quite enjoy it. I see lots of cool animals. I saw penguins in the middle of the New Zealand bush."Lots of dogs. If you're walking on rocks, every single rock is a dog looking at you. You see huts quite a lot because you often want to sleep. So your brain imagines trees as huts."When we were in America, we saw lots of tree roots and I thought they were snakes. So I would be jumping up screaming at the snakes in front of me, but it's not, it's just a stick. "Published by permission

A lack of local representation on a new Department of Conservation (DOC) appointed board tasked with progressing the recommendations of the Milford Opportunities Masterplan, has Fiordland tourism operators upset and demanding action.The project, initiated in 2017 by the government, was mandated with finding a long-term strategy for managing tourism and conservation in Piopiotahi Milford Sound and the Milford Road.In July 2021 the masterplan had been completed and included a raft of recommendations including a park and ride system, overseas visitors' fee and the now rejected proposal to ban cruise ships and close the Milford Sound airstrip.Current board members include chair Penny Nelson (DOC), Jenn Bestwick (Independent), Nora Burghart (MBIE), Rob Phillips (Environment Southland), Jana Davis (Ngāi Tahu), Nadia Wesley-Smith (Ngāi Tahu), Barry Bragg (Ngāi Tahu), Dave Beeche (Independent) and Stephanie Rowe (DOC).. Local operators have long awaited action over the jewel in Fiordland’s tourism crown, but the lack of local representation at board level as the plan progresses, has prompted Fiordland business owner Kate Norris to call for action.She’s calling a community meeting for 11th Dec and also setting up a community-led Te Anau and Fiordland Representation Working Group to “make sure our region has a real say in decisions affecting Milford Sound Piopiotahi”.“At the moment the Milford Opportunities Project Board has no local representation, despite Te Anau and Fiordland being the communities most impacted,” Norris says.The voices of the 350 workers based in at Milford during the summer season also matter and the group will “push for proper representation of both the Te Anau and Milford communities”.This follows an open community meeting that DOC held in Te Anau in September, that aimed to update members of the community and to respond to any concerns or queries, she says. The meeting was well-attended with over 40 people.Norris says locals pushed for that meeting after being excluded from an earlier meeting in Queenstown over the next steps for Milford.“Not long after they agreed to a Te Anau meeting, we got an email naming the appointed board,” she says.“I said, ‘This is unbelievable on something this big that’s affecting our whole community,” she says.Norris says she approached MP Joseph Mooney and the Southland District mayor and councillors, who agreed Te Anau should be represented.“I have support from councillors and other community leaders in Te Anau and Fiordland who were all shocked that we had no representation,” she says.Her lobby group’s first goal will be ensuring at least one dedicated Te Anau member on that board.“We need to be part of that Milford decision making and communication.""We don’t want to be left out as this is directly affecting our communities and our businesses,” she says.“This community wants change, not another big report sitting doing nothing.”She says locals aren’t impressed that despite the Milford Opportunities Project report strongly recommending that Milford be viewed as an “individual entity” the government has handed the process over to DOC.“They can’t treat Milford Sound in isolation.""People travel through Te Anau, so they’ve got to look at the whole journey to Milford,” Norris says.The local community believes that change is needed to make Milford sustainable.Hers isn’t the only group that’s been concerned about the makeup of the representation.“This is so important, and it will be the blueprint that they use around New Zealand at other tourism hotspots.""Millions have been spent so far, and we need to call them out and put our hand up or we can’t complain later,” Norris says.Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says:A total $18 million has been invested in planning for change at Milford between 2017 and 2024.“It is important to me that the next phase of work at Milford is focused on action. In June, Minister Upston and I announced our full support for tourism and conservation in Piopiotahi, and along the Milford Road, committing $15.2 million of investment into infrastructure improvements for Milford Piopiotahi in the short term.”That includes $7 million of DOC investment in infrastructure improvements and $8.2 million in new International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) funding“People in Milford Piopiotahi will have already seen improvements that have been made to remediate a landfill site and improve Cleddau River flood protection,” Potaka says.DOC is making improvements to the Milford Piopiotahi visitor experience, including new short-stop visitor experiences at Gertrude Valley and Sinks Bridge, improvements to short-stop visitor sites at Lake Marian Hinepipiwai and Gertrude Valley, a new gateway pou whenua, and new toilets at Deepwater Basin.“Implementing the MOP Business Case’s recommended options, requires an ongoing funding source, a step-change in our broken concessions system and a more enabling management regime. Work to address these is well underway.“In August, I announced more details on my plans to fix the Conservation Act that will unleash a fresh wave of tourism and infrastructure concessions, in locations where that makes sense, and a new international visitor access levy,” he says.“This will unlock funding to pay for hundreds of millions of dollars of infrastructure improvements over the coming decade. My expectation is that DOC is ready to implement the legislative changes rapidly once the Bill has passed.”Former Fiordland Business Association chairperson and accommodation operator Nathan Benfell says he was “hugely disappointed” that local representation had been overlooked on the new board.“They need to lean on local people who are invested, some who’ve given hours of service to protecting the park and enhancing the experience.”While there may have been some good work done so far unfortunately that hadn’t been communicated to the local community, he says. “I’ve had two people ringing me in the last two days wanting to know what we are going to do about it.”DOC director heritage and visitors Catherine Wilson says at the board’s first meeting (14 Nov) they “identified and discussed the need for better representation of the Te Anau community into the Milford programme.“DOC is still in the process of finalising the board and is considering how to improve community representation through that,” Wilson says.“We’ve been made aware of the community meeting and we’re hoping to be able to meet and hear their concerns.”Wilson says at its first meeting the board also agreed on the importance of building on Milford Opportunities Project’s work to deliver key recommendations from the business case, staying focused on action to meet Conservation Minister Tama Potaka‘s expectations with plans to identify “quick wins and trial new solutions at Milford”.The new board has also agreed to stand up an advisory group given the wide range of interests in Milford, from central and local government agencies, community organisations and conservation groups.This group will play a key role in shaping the future transport strategy, priorities for DOC’s short-to-medium-term work programmes, and work on spatial planning and the future visitor journey, Wilson says.She says DOC is committed to working with residents, industry and Treaty partners to ensure community wellbeing, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability are central to decisions.DOC director heritage and visitors Catherine Wilson says:There are three key parts to the Milford work:Short term investment and action, including infrastructure improvements detailed above, and short-term work to plan for natural hazards and improve congestion. This work is underway now.Legislative change: Work is underway to deliver changes to the Conservation Act, including the introduction of a new international visitor access charge, improvements to the concessions system and a new approach to management planning. This new levy, concessions regime and management planning is expected to be introduced to the House early next year and should be ready for implementation by 2027/28.Transition phase - Planning for significant change will happen over the next two years to ensure DOC can deliver for Milford Piopiotahi quickly once legislation has passed.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Environment Southland (ES) has reacted to yesterday's (25 Nov) government announcement to remove regional councils, saying it opens the door to significant opportunities – and challenges for Southland communities.Regional Management Act reform Minister Chris Bishop announced the proposed local government shakeup yesterday.Under the proposal city and district councils would assume the functions currently performed by regional councils.ES Chairman Jeremy McPhail said the proposal added urgency to conversations already underway about reorganising councils in Southland.“We are currently engaged in a formal process around that with the Local Government Commission,” he said."We need to make sure any new system reflects the needs and priorities of the region and our people.”The decisions made in the coming year will shape how Southland protects the environment, manages risks, and supports regional growth for decades to come.“Getting the balance right between local delivery and national direction is critical,” McPhail said.“We can’t afford to lose the local knowledge and responsiveness that communities rely on.”Regional councils do work that matters to communities, every day – managing flood protection, freshwater, the coast, and air quality; protecting biodiversity; biosecurity; planning for natural hazards and regional transport; and delivering maritime safety.“These aren’t optional extras,” McPhail said.“They’re essential services that underpin safety, prosperity, and environmental health.”“As regional councillors, it’s our job to know our catchments and communities inside out,” he said.“Our services rely on that knowledge, on catchment-based planning, and on being able to respond quickly when things happen.""Yes, there’s room for improvement, and consistent national direction and better funding would help – but stripping away regional governance knowledge and connection isn’t necessarily the answer.”McPhail said ES would be fully engaged in the Government’s consultation process.“I’ll be fighting Southland’s corner.""Whatever system comes out of this, it must work for Southland as well as the rest of New Zealand.”Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said in a social media post that while the process and timeline would only become clear when the details were announced, the end point will inevitably be fewer Councils and a more efficient local government if done well."My reading of Govt intentions is that the final design will be in our hands rather than imposed on us.""With a population of just over 100,000 most people would agree that having four elected Councils means Southland is over governed, and that adds cost to rates.""So, while the devil will be in the details, the direction of travel is positive in my view."Gore Mayor Ben Bell said that regardless of how people felt about their local Regional Council, it is incredibly unfair to announce a plan to remove democratically elected members less than two months after being elected."It calls into question our entire democratic system if those who put their names forward for public office can be turfed out moments after the people have voted them in.""Much of the proposal is vague in its content, making an already very challenging and expensive time in Local Government that much more difficult."Southland District Mayor Rob Scott floated the idea of Southland having just two new councils, one urban and one rural, in August 2024.He estimated there would be a $10m saving.Scott was unavailable for comment at time of going to print.

Cyclists on the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail may be swapping dusty gravel roads for scenic beech and tussock vistas, should the recommendation of a new report be adopted by the Trust that manages it.Estimated to cost 7.15 million, the new 38.4km grade 2 trail is the proposal of a report commissioned by the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Trust and follows feedback that the current trail is considered sub-standard.Trust chair Nicola Wills said the current gravel road on the Mavora Lakes and Centre Hill sections got very dusty from other traffic, so was not a great riding experience and also a safety risk.Mavora Lakes Walkway upgrade plan. Graphic: Supplied“We commissioned this report to see if there were other options that were possible, and what a preferred option would offer, as well as its possible costs.”The proposed trail would see cyclists going through different and stunning environments, such as riding through mature beech forest with views along the Mararoa River, elevated riding along the lower slopes of Bald Hill, and through QEII covenanted blocks showcasing restoration of red tussock and scrubland, she said.The trail would however need formal approvals from Pāmu and the Department of Conservation, as well as consultation with the Southland Conservation Board and Kaitiaki Roopū Ki Murihiku.will go through Pāmu (Landcorp) land and Public Conservation Land (PCL).Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie said they were proud to support the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail, which traverses its Centre Hill and Haycocks farms.“The trail is a fantastic asset for the local community and visitors, offering access to some of the most scenic landscapes in Aotearoa.""It also highlights the ecological diversity of the region and showcases conservation and restoration work Pāmu has undertaken in partnership with the QEII National Trust."Potential trail extensions from Fiordland may ultimately join up with the Around the Mountain Trail. Graphic: Angus & Associates/Fiordland Trails TrustLeslie said Pāmu was happy to support the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Trust in finding a workable off-road trail option.The Around the Mountains trail is one of the 23 Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails.The New trail section is estimated to take five years to complete and have an estimated operational and maintenance yearly budget is $102,000.The cycle trail is owned by Southland District Council and managed by the trail trust.CLICK HERE to view the full report.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is in Dunedin on Saturday and Invercargill on Sunday. DUNEDINWhere: Meeting outside the Dunedin Central Police station at 12pm.Departing at 12.15pm, and finishing in the Octagon for games with the athletes. When: Saturday 29 November 2025.Who: South Canterbury, Otago, South Otago Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police.INVERCARGILLWhere: Meet outside Stadium Southland, 18 Surrey Park Road at 12pm.Departing at 12.15pm, for a walk around the athletics track.When: Sunday 30 November 2025.Who: Southland Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police.Police will be part of something special this weekend supporting Southern District’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.The Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen this Saturday 29 November in Dunedin, and Sunday 30 November in Invercargill, and marks the countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games. Known as Guardians of the Flame, Police members, along with Special Olympics athletes from South Canterbury, Otago, South Otago, and Southland, will carry the Flame of Hope to get local communities excited about the Games.In Dunedin on Saturday, athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at 12pm outside Dunedin Central Station, and start moving at around 12.15pm.The route will take us up to the Octagon for a series of games with the athletes. In Invercargill on Sunday, athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road at midday and start moving at 12.15pm.We will walk around the athletics track, then have speeches and a lighting of the torch afterwards.“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey. The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run which started in Northland on October 4 is working its way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start. The countdown is on: The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December. Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says, “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. “The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.” 

January 18–24, 2026 Organisers of the 69th SBS Bank Tour of Southland have once again demonstrated their adaptability, confirming a revised route for both the opening day and the final stage of the 2026 event. Following significant damage to Queens Park caused by recent weather events, coupled with planned road works in the surrounding streets, the traditional circuit will not be available. After extensive assessment and consultation, the Tour committee has confirmed that a combination of Bainfield Road and Queens Drive will form the alternative course for the Riverside Rentals Team Time Trial and the CS Roofing Southland street race as well the conclusion to the Ascot Park final stage. Tour Director Waine Harding said the committee was determined to create a route that maintained the essence of the opening and closing stages. “It was important to us that the Southland public still had the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Tour up close. This new circuit provides a fast, open course that teams will relish, while giving spectators the chance to watch the riders flying along both sides of Bainfield Road and Queens Drive. Like Queens Park, the multi-lap format will bring plenty of atmosphere and intensity.” The committee’s priority was to ensure continuity for spectators and riders alike, preserving the spectacle that Southlanders look forward to each year. The new course layout guarantees excellent vantage points and tight, fast racing that will challenge teams tactically and physically. To add to the exciting week of racing, Cycling Southland will also host the NZ Criterium Champs on a shortened circuit to the one being used for the Tour on Saturday 17th January. To support the event, the SBS Bank Tour of Southland will base its day-one and last day operations at the Waikiwi Rugby Club, whose facilities will also host a range of family-friendly activities currently being planned. “We’re extremely grateful to the Waikiwi Rugby Club for opening their clubrooms to us,” Julian Ineson, Cycling Southland president added. “It means we can continue to deliver a top-class experience for riders while making it a fun and engaging day out for families.” Further details, including activity schedules and maps of the revised circuit, will be released in the coming weeks.

The Fiordland Marine Guardians will mark the 20th anniversary of the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Management Act 2005 at a celebration in Te Anau on Wednesday, 26 November.The Guardian’s, who were established under the Act, will be joined by people who have contributed to, or supported, their work over the past two decades.Attendees will include many of the original community members who initiated an innovative approach to caring for Fiordland’s marine environment.Background to the ActCommunity concerns about the degradation of Fiordland’s marine environment first prompted action in the 1990s. While the initial focus was fisheries, discussions soon widened to include the broader marine ecosystem and on-water experiences.A group representing a range of local interests developed a conservation strategy to address the risks they had identified.The group – the Guardians of Fiordland - realised that many of their proposed solutions did not fit under existing legislation and that bespoke legislation was needed that reflected both Fiordland’s special nature, and the unique management solutions the community had designed.A strategy was provided to Government in 2003, and this became the basis for the Act.The FMM ActThe Act was hailed as a national first when it was passed in April 2005.“When the Act became law in 2005, it set a new benchmark by combining strong marine protection with a collaborative, locally led approach that drew on the deep knowledge of the Fiordland community,” Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.“Twenty years on, I am pleased to celebrate the Guardians and all those who have contributed to its success, helping secure positive outcomes for Fiordland’s extraordinarily diverse and significant marine environment.”Fiordland Marine GuardiansThe first eight Fiordland Marine Guardians appointed in July 2005 were Alan Key; Professor Sir Alan Mark; Ian Buick; John Steffens; Dr Ken Grange; Laurel Teirney; Malcolm Lawson; Stewart Bull.All had already served with the original Guardians of Fiordland’s Fisheries and Marine Environment, ensuring the new statutory body began its work with deep experience and strong relationships.Implementation of the Act took time, including establishing eight new marine reserves, introducing new fishing rules, and protecting particularly fragile places—known as China Shops—from damage.The eight Guardians provide advice to central and local government on risks to the Fiordland Marine Area and promote the integrated management by encouraging collaboration among the central and local government management agencies.The Guardians have been involved with a wide range of activities under the act, including implementation of 10 marine reserves, innovative fishing and anchorage rules, coordinating collaborative approaches to compliance and marine biosecurity and bespoke coastal resource management rules.Guardians Chairperson Dr Rebecca McLeod says the enduring success of the Act reflects the strength of the original community-led vision.“Twenty years on and the legacy continues, which is testament to the vision, trust and determination that shaped the Act, and to the passion and commitment of those who join the Guardians in safeguarding Fiordland’s marine area for those who will come after us.“Our work is currently focused on fisheries sustainability, marine biosecurity and resource management, but at the heart of all these issues is human behaviour, so a big part of our mahi involves building relationships, storytelling and education.”This year the Guardians have been recognised for their contribution to marine protection, receiving the Ocean Guardians Award at the New Zealand Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards.In October, Chairperson Dr McLeod was also honoured with the Kaitiaki Tohu Pou at Environment Southland’s Community Awards.26 November eventThe Guardians will be joined at celebratory events in the region on November 26 and 27 by mana whenua, and representatives from central and local government, and various organisations that have supported their work.Current and former ministers and dignitaries attending include: the Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Penny Simmonds, the Minister for Biosecurity Hon Andrew Hoggard; Hon Marian Hobbs (the then Minister of the Environment that saw the Act through Parliament in 2005); Hon Pete Hodgson (the then Minster of Fisheries that saw the Act through Parliament in 2005); Dean Whaanga (Kaupapa Taiao Kaiwhakahaere, Te Ao) Mārama Inc.

Mayors of city and district councils would take over the duties of regional councils, in a coalition proposal pitched as the biggest shake-up of local government in three decades.The mayors would form 11 Combined Territories Boards (CTBs), which would meet regularly and - on top of handling the business of regional councils - would be tasked with coming up with a "Regional Reorganisation Plan" for reorganising how their councils are structured in the long term.The CTBs would also have responsibility under the government's Resource Managment Act (RMA) reforms for developing the region-wide spatial plan chapter, and a national environment plan chapter, to be included in combined regional plans.The changes are now out for consultation, which remains open until 20 February, with the resulting legislation expected to be introduced mid-next year and passed in 2027.Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced the moves on Tuesday, releasing the details at 5pm to avoid spooking the markets due to regional councils' ownership of port companies around the country."Local government is meant to serve communities, not confuse them, but right now the system is tangled in duplication, disagreements and decisions that defy common sense," Bishop said.He said he expected the changes would put "downward pressure" on rates."The government's belief is that local government has lost the social license and that New Zealanders have lost faith in local government - this is borne out by the fact that over half don't bother to vote in local elections."He said it was clear to many the current structure was no longer fit for purpose, and the "status quo is not an option".Bishop said he could not guarantee the current elected regional councillors would stay in those roles for their full three-year term, only saying "it's an option"."I think most New Zealanders, fair minded people, look at our current local government system and say we need change," he said.The government's impending replacement of the Resource Management Act would mean a reduced role for regional councils, he said, with fewer plans and fewer consents - and presented a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to "reset" the structure of local government."Change is hard, and actually this government was elected to make tough decisions."Mayors would likely have a set number of votes on these boards based on population, but adjusted to ensure smaller communities still had a voice - although this was one of multiple options proposed.A discussion document released alongside the decision gave three options for filling out the Combined Territories Boards with Crown Commissioners, to ensure the system "works in practice" by giving the government a stronger role.These included:Observer only - the Crown Commissioner has no voteVeto power - the Crown Commissioner can override CTB decisionsMajority vote - the Crown Commissioner has more than half the votes on the CTB with the remaining votes distributed among mayorsWatts said a "fair and balanced voting system" would ensure both regional and urban interests were represented in decisions about land and water.The change would mean more efficient services, greater accountability, and smarter use of ratepayer funds, he said."This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a framework for regions to design what works best for them with clear expectations that the outcome must be better than what exists today... crucially, it is also not about centralising power. This is about empowering local leaders to lead their own reform.""It's not a power grab," Bishop said. "This is about making local government fit for purpose."As well as taking on the roles of Regional Councils, the boards would have two years from establishment to produce their Regional Reorganisation Plans (RRPs) which would then be assessed against "clear national criteria" before approval by the Local Government Minister."Importantly, ministerial approval does not bypass community input," the discussion document said. "Public consultation by the CTB is required before any plan is finalised."The document said the alternative would be to hold a referendum which were "costly and slow" and typically had low voter turnout and a tendency to favour the status quo.Local Government Minister, Simon Watts. Photo: RNZ/Mark PapaliiNew Zealand has 11 regional councils tasked with resource management including flood protection and air quality, public transport, pest control, civil defence and more.They were set up as part of the 1989 local government reforms to replace more than 700 local boards and the roles of the former county councils.The regional councils are separate from the 67 "territorial" authorities - city and district councils - which handle roads, water services, waste and recycling collection, parks and libraries, public safety bylaws.New Zealand also has six unitary authorities which combine the powers and responsibilities of both a regional council and a territorial authority.Bishop said the reorganisation plans may end up leading to more unitary authorities. He said there was a "strong lobby" for having more unitary authorities, and many in the local government sector had been calling for local mayors to simply be given the responsibilities of regional councils.Watts said the changes were "absolutely" consistent with National's rhetoric around localism and devolution, as the different layers of local governments were often in competition with each other and it would instead mean more streamlined services and more accountability.Treaty of Waitangi settlement obligations would be carried over.Existing unitary authorities would have the opportunity to also produce Reorganisation Plans, but would not be required to.Regional and district boundaries would remain unchanged, at least until further decisions were made under the RRPs.However, some districts like Rotorua and Taupō have populations in more than one region - so the government proposes two options:to either have those areas "adopted" into a neighbouring district, with an option to have those districts able to vote on which neighbouring mayor would represent themgive these districts a voting share in each of the regional groups they are covered by, with proportionate votes and possibly with local ward councillors to represent them instead of the mayorThe discussion document also noted regional constituencies "including Māori constituencies and general constituencies, would no longer exist"."This is because regional councillors themselves would be replaced by the mayors in the region ... the mayor of the city or district council would represent voters from the Māori and general rolls."Published by Permission

Entertainment and Info with the Southland App – Where Southlanders Stay Connected!Looking for what’s happening around our region - or wanting to share something of your own?The Southland App is your one-stop destination for everything local, from major events to everyday community news.🎉 Events:Stay up to date with Southland’s biggest occasions - concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and more.Don’t miss out on the moments that bring our region together.Have an event to promote? Feature it here and reach thousands of locals.A taste of upcoming Events:The Greatest Christmas ShowTAYLOR - A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor SwiftThe Lazy P.A. Christmas Party - 80s Prom NightA Celtic Christmas by A Taste of IrelandAscot Park Christmas at the Races📢 Public Notices:Find what’s happening closer to home - fundraisers, club meetings, school fairs, and community updates.It’s the perfect place to advertise your smaller events or share important local information.📲 Be Seen. Be Heard. Get Involved.Explore Events and Public Notices on the Southland App today - or advertise with us to make sure your message reaches every corner of Southland!💌 Want to advertise?We’d love to help spread the word for you.Email us at [email protected] to find out more.

Invercargill:Parts of State Highway 6 and State Highway 1 in Invercargill will be closed on Saturday, 29 November, from 12pm to 3pm for a Christmas event.SH6 traffic will be detoured via Gala Street, Esk Street and Tay Street, while SH1 vehicles will be redirected from Tweed Street to the Racecourse Road roundabout and Carnavon Street.Drivers are advised to allow extra time.Detours include Victoria Avenue, Liddell Street and Tweed Street for SH6, and Conon Street and Tweed Street for SH1, with routes reversed depending on travel direction.Bluff:A section of State Highway 1 in Bluff, between Palmer Street and Liffey Street, will be closed in both directions on Sunday, 7 December, from 11am to 1pm for a Christmas event.Traffic will have no access to the Stirling Point end of SH1 during the closure.Drivers are advised to allow extra time. Detours for SH1 southbound traffic will run via Liffey Street, Foyle Street and Onslow Street, with the reverse for northbound travel.Access to the ferry terminal will be via Shannon Street and Foreshore Road.Riverton A section of State Highway 99 in Riverton, between Lucknow Street and Jetty Street, will be closed in both directions on Wednesday, 24 December, from 6pm to 10pm for a Christmas event.There will be no access through to the Aparima River Bridge during the closure.Motorists are advised to allow extra time, with a detour in place via Lucknow Street, Havelock Street and Jetty Street.GoreMultiple sections of State Highway 1 and State Highway 94 in Gore will be closed on Sunday, 14 December, from 11am to 1.30pm for a Christmas event.Closures affect SH1 from the Mersey Street roundabout through to the Crombie/Hyde Street roundabout, and from the Norfolk/River Street roundabout through to Hokonui Drive and Main Street.A further closure on SH94 runs from the SH94/SH1 roundabout north to Traford Street and the FH Gore Depot.Motorists are advised to allow extra time. SH1 southbound traffic will detour via River Street and Hyde Street, with the reverse for northbound. SH94 southbound traffic will detour via Avon Street, Richmond Street and Norfolk Street, with the reverse for northbound.