Southern Way, a regional tourism partnership spanning the lower South Island, has been named a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards.Launched in May 2023, the campaign - One Trip to See It All, was developed in collaboration with Air New Zealand and is shortlisted for the Tourism Collaboration Award.Great South General Manager Tourism and Events, Mark Frood, said the recognition was a milestone for the region.“This nomination highlights what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision.”“Southern Way shows the power of collaboration, from airports to tourism organisations, in creating experiences that benefit visitors and communities across the South.”Award judges praised the initiative’s coordination across a high-demand tourism region and its emphasis on sustainable travel, regional dispersal, and long-term planning.Frood also paid tribute to the late Graham Budd, former Chief Executive of Great South.“Graham’s vision and leadership helped shape the foundations of Southern Way and this recognition is a reflection of his enduring influence on tourism in our region.”Southern Way unites Tourism Waitaki, Enterprise Dunedin, Tourism Central Otago, Clutha Development, Visit Southland, Visit Fiordland, Destination Queenstown, and Lake Wānaka Tourism, alongside the Southern Airport Alliance.Its mission is to promote low-impact travel and increase regional awareness across domestic and short-haul markets.Winners of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced later this year.

Andrew Maxwell Clark is running for mayor in Tasman and Invercargill and reckons he could do both jobs, if elected.“I would be honoured to serve both, to be honest, if I was appointed to both,” he said.When asked if he had the capacity to lead both councils, Clark said he could, suggesting the scenario was similar to Members of Parliament who split their time between their constituencies and Wellington.“Travel is relatively cheap; you can get down there in half a day. Their schedules are quite different, but there’s a lot of benefits from joint knowledge, in my view… Whether the community supports you, well, it's entirely up to them.”During a mayoral debate hosted by the Southland Chamber of Commerce in August, Clark confirmed that he was “actively looking” for a place to live in Invercargill.He also acknowledged that it was difficult to unseat sitting mayors who ran for re-election, as Tasman’s incumbent Tim King was, and clarified he wasn’t able to withdraw his nomination in Tasman.However, Clark has since said there was a “good chance” he could beat King and that Tasman needed “fresh ideas”.“People are very concerned about our debt loading and our rates increases, and there’s no sight of any turnaround, and I think it’s as good a chance as anybody.”Clark is no stranger to controversy, having previously made headlines for getting embroiled in a legal dispute around the purchase of a neighbouring estate, fundraising with motorcycle gang affiliates, and letter-dropping misleading pamphlets about the Waimea Community Dam.Clark wanted irrigators to pay more of the debt incurred as a result of building the Waimea Community Dam. Photo: Max Frethey. [via LDR single use only].Just this local election campaign season, he’s also had to defend running in the two locations under different names, public disagreements in the media with his brother – incumbent Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark – and submitting outdated photos to election authorities.Clark has previously defended himself, saying the issues were “out of perspective” compared to what normal life had been for a long time.“We’ve dealt with everything that comes up in a fair and reasonable basis, and I don’t see any issue there whatsoever.”He didn’t think his mayoralty, if he was elected, would distract from Tasman District Council’s work.“I’ve done a very intense work as an intensive care paramedic, and a registered nurse; I can control the situation… It’s a matter of being able to judge a situation very correctly.”Reducing Tasman’s “totally out of control” debt and delivering rates relief were Clark’s priority for Tasman.After enduring an “excessive” average rates increase of 8.9% this financial year, he wanted to put pressure on Waimea Irrigators Ltd (WIL) – 49% shareholders of the dam – who he said weren’t pulling their weight on dam debt repayments.“[Council] appear to be unrepentant about the debt loading on the ratepayers, and it’s totally unaffordable for a great many people,” Clark said.“It’s long overdue that [WIL] paid their share.”WIL chair Murray King said Clark’s suggestion was “misguided”.“Waimea Irrigators contributed approximately $16 million by way of equity at financial close and, through a complex set of financial arrangements with Crown Irrigation Investments, are servicing all of their share of the additional debt.”King added that the dam has benefited the whole community by averting the need for water restrictions in Richmond last summer, maintaining the health of the river, and ensuring jobs associated with a reliable water supply are retained.Clark has repeatedly rubbished assertions that the dam ensures the aquifers, from which the Waimea Plains communities get their water, remain full.Other campaign priorities for Clark include giving landowners permission to undertake flood protection work, limiting purchases of properties, opening council workshops, spending less on consultants, and fixing congestion in Richmond.Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Plans to upgrade the ILT Football Turf at Turnbull Thomson Park are set to deliver wide-ranging benefits for Southland, extending well beyond football.Southland Football has secured $560,000 in funding—thanks to contributions from the ILT Foundation, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Community Trust Southland, Rio Tinto NZAS, Murihiku Rūnaka Community Development Fund, and its own reserves—towards the $1.08 million project. A final funding application is still pending.The new Tiger Turf Pure PT surface will be faster, softer, and more environmentally friendly, with no rubber infill. It’s designed to host multiple games daily and reduce injury risk through advanced technology.Southland Football Board Chair Nick Hamlin says the turf will be a shared asset.“The turf is really a community asset—yes, it’s integral to football and the hundreds of players that get on it some weeks. But it’s also got huge value for other sports too and we’re really positive about working collaboratively with a range of organisations to ensure this new turf is well utilised by more than just football,” he said.Interest in using the facility has already come from rugby union, rugby league, and marching groups. The upgrade will also allow Southland teams currently competing in Dunedin to host games locally, boosting regional engagement.Football participation is surging, with over 4,220 registered players this year. Southland Football operations and development manager Iain Walker says the new turf is a vital step forward.Southland Football operations and development manager Iain Walker says it is an exciting time for the sport.“There is really just so much good news coming from within football and this new turf supports all of that, and allows us to keep growing, keep advancing and keep collaborating,” he said.“We’d really like to acknowledge the generosity of our community funders in all of this… that speaks volumes and we’re very grateful.”The turf upgrade aligns with Invercargill City Council’s Long Term Plan, which includes improvements to parking and park access at Turnbull Thomson Park.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:The highway has reopened. Snow is expected to continue on and off through much of Wednesday around the tunnel. Snow ploughs are operating, and convoys may be required at times. The road will close again tonight at 5pm, with reopening likely around mid morning Thursday. Snow is now forecast every day through to Sunday, further overnight closures should be expected. Update at 5pm Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Snow showers above 500m Tomorrow: Snow showers above 800mFriday: Snow above 800mSaturday: Snow above 800mSunday: Snow above 800m

Another week of wild weather is looming for the South Island – and road users are once again being asked to be prepared and travel with caution. From tomorrow, snow is expected to fall in Southland, Otago and Canterbury, as low as 200m above sea level in places, according to MetService. It has issued snow alerts and warnings for South Island mountain highways and alpine passes. Some of the largest snowfalls are expected on the Milford Road/State Highway 94, where a closure is already planned for 5pm today in anticipation of the snow. MetService says about 15-25cm may accumulate tomorrow about the Homer Tunnel entrance, and 2-5cm at Knobs Flat from around dawn..Crown Range Road, Haast Pass (State Highway 6) and Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) are all expected to see snow to a lesser degree. Further north, Arthur’s Pass (State Highway 73) can also expect snow, while Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) may get up to 10cm on the ground about the summit. Snow may continue falling through to at least Friday in some parts.  In addition to the snow, thunderstorms may also impact the island from tomorrow, while strong wind gusts and rain are also on the cards. Ice may also be an issue on some highways later in the week after the snow and rain has moved through. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and its contractors will be monitoring the situation and working to keep the highways clear, or closing roads when necessary for peoples’ safety. Road users should adjust their driving to the conditions: make sure you are visible, reduce your speed, adjust your travelling distance behind other motorists and avoid sudden braking or turning movements.People can plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site, and helpful tips about winter driving can be found here.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) from 5pm.Comments:Amended Avalanche hazard. The road will close tonight (Tuesday) at 5pm for forecasted overnight snow to the road. It will likely reopen mid-morning Wednesday after clearing but we expect to have snowfall around the tunnel on and off much of the day. Please expect minor delays and snowploughs to be operating. Further details will be provided at 5pm today for the Wednesday reopening time. A further closure Wednesday night may be required.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain with possible thunderstorms. Tomorrow: Snow above 500m. Thursday: Showers with snow. Friday: Showers with snow.

Southland motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan continues to go through some tough times on the world stage and he admits he's struggling for answers.For the fourth successive Grand Prix, the 19-year-old has been unable to finish.Monday's Catalunya Grand Prix ended prematurely for Buchanan when he crashed out of contention halfway through the Moto3 World Championship race."It's incredibly frustrating to end another race like this. My team and I have been working so hard and we deserve to have a decent result but it's just not coming together for me at those crucial times right at the moment," he said."We need to find a solution fast because our fortunes must change."Buchanan had ended the first half of the season with some strong performances and https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/569922/kiwi-motorcyclist-cormac-buchanan-sets-big-goal was hoping to replicate that after the summer break.]This weekend he made it through to Q2 in qualifying."We made a big step forward and it was great to see that rewarded by earning a place in Q2. While I struggled to position myself well in the group, my pace was strong on my own which bode well for the race," he said."Unfortunately, we didn't get to capitalise on that as the demands of the race unfolded. I just couldn't emulate the feeling I had in qualifying which made the race a tough battle right from the start."No racer ever goes out there to crash and this one really hurts in the sense of letting my team down. I am just so grateful for the belief they have in me as we work together with their experience to get my rookie season back on track."We've achieved some fantastic results already and I want us to feel that sense of achievement again as we get back into the hunt for points."Buchanan is 19th in the Moto3 standings.He now heads to Misano, Italy, to face the last Grand Prix in Europe before embarking on MotoGP's Asian tour.Published by Permission

Hedgehope School was visited by the Kiwi Kids Charity ( previously known as The Variety Bash) as part of their tour of Southland.Along with the massive amount of gifts, laughs, fun, dancing, and cheeseburgers they cooked for us, the organisation donated $4000.00 towards our playground repairs!What an epic day and a huge thank you to this phenomenal group of Kiwis. The focus for the term in literacy has been speeches, but bubbling away in the background has been our picture book creation. We have been successful in obtaining two grants.One from RABO bank and another from the AIRNZ Everycorner Project. This funding has launched our picture book project, which is based on our environmental impact and actions.Winton and Districts Funeral Services proud sponsors of Hedgehope SchoolSamantha Montgomery, a Dunedin-based writer who has written over a hundred educational readers, spent two entire days at Hedgehope School.She was busy workshopping with all the classes to help storyboard their ideas for their picture book vision, and helped guide the students with an experienced author's eye and perspective.The experience was phenomenal and left all the students and staff exhilarated about this project.We were also very fortunate to meet online with Gavin Bishop, who shared his illustrative processes and gave a sneak peek into his newest book.Gavin is one of New Zealand's foremost children's writers and illustrators, having received over 45 national and international awards for his work, and was awarded The New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for his contribution to literature.His guidance will be key in making our narratives exceptional. Picture Book Creation. Photo: Supplied.Our twelve Enviro Leaders regularly head into our Forest School ( Sherwood Forest), which we are kaitiaki of. During these sessions, our leaders set and maintain trap lines to suppress predators, replant areas of need, and take action through advocacy.One platform that we use to share our mahi is Sherwood Sharp. This online series found on YouTube has been relaunched into what will now be its third season.  Enviro Leaders relaunch Sherwood Sharp. Photo: Supplied.Our student chefs have been busy cooking hot meals on Wednesdays and Fridays for students. Last week was marinated venison, salami, pepper, and basil pizzas with homemade french fries. For dessert, students and teachers enjoyed sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce. A big thanks to Lewis Risk at Pypers Produce for the donation of potatoes and carrots for these meals.A special thanks to Demi Johnstone, who contacted Lewis on behalf of the MAARD team.MAARD ( Max, Anna, Adalyn, Rylan, and Demi). Photo: Supplied.Early this month, our year 4, 5, and 6 girls competed in the Annual Netty Fest in Winton. In an 18-team strong competition, the Hedgehope Hedgehogs were undefeated. Congratulations! Netty Fest. Photo: Supplied.A massive thank you to the PTA and our year 8 leader, Max Jones, for hosting a great disco. It was great to see parents reconnect and see the students having such fun. The food options, especially the popcorn, were a hit. Fun had by all at the Disco. Photo: Supplied.

Road OpenLow Avalanche HazardComments:No delays expected today (Monday). There is the likelihood of an overnight closure from Tuesday evening into Wednesday for heavy snowfall. This will be updated in the Tuesday morning road report. Please drive with care. Picture is from Mt Crosscut, SH94 going into the Homer tunnel is in lower right of picture.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine Tomorrow: Rain Wednesday: Rain turning to snow before daylight, heavy at times Thursday: Snow showers Friday: Showers

The Ranfurly Shield has changed hands for the third time this season, with Canterbury defeating Southland 54-14 in Invercargill on Saturday.Canterbury now hold the record for the most successful Ranfurly Shield challenges with 17 in total, one ahead of Auckland.Southland's Shield tenure ended at six days, after the challengers got on the scoreboard early and often at Rugby Park.Undefeated so far this NPC season, Canterbury scored nearly a point a minute for the first half hour, as they set the foundation to lift the Shield for the first time since 2019.In-form Canterbury No.8 Corey Kellow ran off the back of the scrum to score the opening try in the fifth minute, bringing up his sixth of the season.The fancy footwork of former All Black midfielder Dallas McLeod doubled Canterbury's total in the 13th minute, before forward Dominic Gardiner used his long reach to find the try-line and add a third in the 20th minute. Halfback Louie Chapman made it four converted tries before halftime.The Stags struck first after the break, with hooker Jack Taylor using his pace to reach the line less than five minutes into the second half, but Canterbury replied immediately, with Chapman scoring his second, thanks to the cleanout work of Gardiner.Jamie Hannah was the beneficiary of some good lineout work by Canterbury, setting the platform for their sixth converted try, as the visitors continued to apply the pressure on attack and defence.Heavy rain started to fall in Invercargill just before the hour mark and handling errors were costly for Southland, as the opportunities started to slip away in front of a vocal crowd.All Black George Bell, who came off the bench for Gardiner, used his speed and power to drive into a gap and over for Canterbury's seventh.The Stags got a consolation converted try from substitute flanker Sam Fischli with less than 10 minutes left in the game.Canterbury finished the game with 14-men, after Zach Gallagher was sent to the sin bin, but Southland could not take advantage, as McLeod added his second to restore the lead.Southland have not beaten Canterbury in more than a decade and the loss ended the Stags' three-game NPC winning streak, their best run of form since 2013.Canterbury will defend the shield against Tasman next Sunday, while Southland host Counties Manukau, also next Sunday.Published by permission

He’s attended hundreds of callouts at all hours and was recently honoured for 50 years of unequalled service to Southland’s Browns Volunteer Fire Brigade – 18 of them as its Fire Chief.However, 50 years on at 71 tireless volunteer Ian Lindsay, or ‘Moth’ as he’s affectionately known, has no plans to hand in the pager and abandon ‘The Friendship Club’, as he calls his firefighting family.Son of Drummond farmers, Ian has served at the highest levels, a former president of the United Fire Brigades Association, first elected to the UFBA Board in 2006 beginning five years of service in the world of Wellington politics.He quickly became Deputy Chair of the Board after a few emergency trips to Wellington to help solve a UFBA financial crisis.Ian, by now a successful sheep and deer farmer, and his fellow board members soon had that under control.But you didn’t mess with ‘Moth’, no matter how ‘Wellington hierarchy’ you were.“I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great people at National Headquarters, who really supported the volunteers,” he says.Not all did.“We’re there for our communities, not to appease a ‘Shiny Arse’ in Wellington, some who have never ridden in a fire appliance,” he grins.Ian Lindsay as president of the Otago Southland Fire Brigades Association – 2004. Photo: SuppliedHe once had a manager say she couldn’t work with him because he was a volunteer.“The chief executive said to her, ‘You can stay or go, but ‘Moth’ will be staying.""I took this as a vote of confidence,” Ian says.None of this extra responsibility stopped him from serving on the frontline back in tiny Browns, 10km from Winton.Not only a life member of the UFBA, but also his beloved Browns Brigade.Ian recalls his first callout when he and new bride Lyn moved to Springhills, near Browns.“It was about 2am and we didn’t have kids then, so she wanted to come,” he says.“We got down the road and she suddenly realised she had no bra on and wanted me to go back,” Ian chuckles.“That wasn’t going to happen.”Ian, after the presentation of his 50-year service medal recently - 2025. Photo: SuppliedThat began a pattern of service from wives and partners too, Lyn and other women whipping up delicious farm-style mousetraps back at the station for the boys – no girls then, upon their return.Lyn was always on hand with hot food for the Police too if there were any car accidents near Browns.“They called us the Springhills Café,” Ian grins.Ian was right there too amongst the fundraising for that first Browns Station, wood felled from a nearby farm and the Brigade members all pitching in to build their base.He’s a former secretary of the Otago Southland Fire Brigades Association, serving for eight years from 1993, and started out his political career on the Western Southland Sub Association.Heavily involved in organising and judging the UFBA’s Waterway Championships around the country, a role which has even taken him to Australia, Ian was secretary for the 1991 championship in Invercargill.“We put 1200 people in beds. Some of those who attended still rate it as their best hosted conference,” he says, proudly.When Browns couldn’t raise a brigade team, Ian first coached then ran for Bluff, judging at competitions around the country ever since.Growing up on the family farm in Drummond with his parents and grandparents, Ian always knew how to get the job done, driving the tractor and runabout farm truck from age eight.A dapper young Ian Lindsay in 1971. Photo: SuppliedRugby and hockey were big, Ian captaining Central Southland College’s A Hockey side and playing rugby for Drummond Club.But earning a wage in the city beckoned and at 17 he scored a job at NZBC in its Invercargill studio doing copywriting and clerical work and feeding radio station 4ZA’s mascot – Berite Budgie.“I did try out for the rural broadcast, but I think they thought I was too rural,” Ian grins.After six months he was sent to National Headquarters in Wellington for a “supposed promotion”.“I ended up spending more than I earned so had several secondary jobs, waiting tables and as barman at the plush new James Cook Hotel which had just opened.”The legal drinking age was 20 and he was 17.“They never asked my age. I told them it was my birthday and shouted when I turned 18 but I didn’t tell them it was my 18th.”One of the bars he worked at there – The Royal Oak, was a popular gay bar which he eventually figured out.“Some of the guys would come in for a drink after work, then they’d turn up later in the night in ballgowns."Lyn and Ian, after Ian's Queens Service Medal presentation at Government House in 2013. Photo: Supplied"I earned more tips there than ever before, but they were wasting their money,” Ian chuckles.After 18 months he was over the city and worked on Ian Chamberlain’s farm at Eastern Bush where it rained for 26 of the first 28 days.Ian played rugby for Waiau Star and got into surfing and waterskiing before connecting with Lyn, also from Drummond.They married in 1975, recently celebrating 50 years.“I finally plucked up the courage to ask her dad if I could marry her, to which he replied: ‘I’ll think about it.’ “It knocked the wind out of me, but that night he came around.”He had no job and no house at 21 but scored a loan on their honeymoon to buy their farm at Springhills. Not long after, lamb prices plummeted, and interest rates soared to 20%-plus.They diversified into growing flowers, then farming ostriches before succeeding with deer, son Blair taking over in 2021, daughter Christine also scoring a PhD and agricultural degree.Ian’s attended many tragic calls – fires and road accidents over the years, all hard to take, but there have also been plenty of laughs interspersed in between.A girl once told him off for not putting the horse show ribbons he’d saved from her room during a house fire into the correct order.The Lindsay family – Lyn and Ian, daughter Christine and son Blair – 1998. Photo: SuppliedHe’s helped rescue a four-year-old trapped by the leg in a cattle stop and a horse suffering the same.“He took a bit more persuasion. The jaws of life had to be used, but he was fine, no breaks.”He enjoyed watching a Police Sergeant craftily borrow his fire hose to fill an unpopular member of the Police ‘God Squad’s ute with water while he was busy checking a truck involved in an accident.Ian’s been a player and administrator of Browns’ Central Star Rugby Club, on the Browns Athletic Society since 1976, a member on the Winton A&P Show Committee for decades, currently chair of its Research Farm Committee. Somehow, he also fits in a few Meals on Wheels runs with Lyn.Not surprising then that on New Year’s Day 2013 he was awarded a Queens Service Medal – that trip to Government House where it was presented by Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, a huge honour.But nothing quite beats the recent 50-year medal function attended by 140 people from around NZ.Ian & Lyn with their grandchildren (from left) Nova, Maximus, Jack, Henry and Stirling. Photo: Supplied“I had a bit of a plumbing problem with my eyes at times.""That was helluva humbling,” he says.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel has chosen to sign a second Australian player for its 2026 campaign.Sharp shooter Josie Bingham will make her ANZ Premiership debut next season, joining her current Gold Coast Titans team-mate Jess Milne in moving to Invercargill.A recent rule change from Netball New Zealand now allows for up to two import players per franchise.Bingham, 25, said she was eager to make the most of the opportunity ahead.“I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a rich history and to become part of a community that’s so passionate about netball. I can't wait to get out, meet everyone, and immerse myself in the environment,” she said.“The opportunity to learn the New Zealand style of play and grow alongside such experienced players is something that truly excites me. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.”Highly-regarded for her shooting prowess, Bingham was determined to have a positive impact in the Steel environment.“On court, I will bring my speed and creative flair, as well as my confidence to go to post from anywhere in the circle. Off court I will be a friendly, welcoming face who’s always up for a laugh,” she said.“My personal goal for 2026 is to take my game to the next level and continue to add to my tool kit across both GA and GS.“I want to be able to make positive contributions both on and off court and take each opportunity with both hands to help deliver success for Steel.”Head coach Wendy Frew was confident Bingham would be an asset.“Josie brings a lot of speed and agility to the court. She’s a real gun at the two-point shot so it’s pretty exciting to see how we can exploit that in the last five minutes of quarters,” she said.“She’s really excited about the opportunity and had been playing for the Titans alongside Jess and is ready for that next step up so it’s great to welcome her to the team.“I’ve had a lot of good meetings with them both and they’re really going to relish the opportunity of coming to New Zealand and playing in our league.”The Australian duo completes the 2026 Steel squad, which also comprises shooters Georgia Heffernan and Aliyah Dunn, midcourters Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea, Serina Daunakamakama and Ashleigh Poi, and defenders Carys Stythe and Khanye-Lii Munro-Nonoa.

A map of sites where you may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance or third-party contractor work next week, can be found here, and these sites are listed below:   Highways South work with temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Bluff highway at Greenhills, traffic lights for drainage workSH1 Bluff highway between Clifton and Motu Rimu Road, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH93 Old Coach Road between Slopedown School Road and Hurst Road, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway at The Key, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Heddon Bush, traffic lights for flanking/drainage work for upcoming road renewalSH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway between Hedgehope and Springhills, traffic lights for drainage work Mobile traffic management on the network:There will also be a mobile operation working in the following locations. Please pass with care:SH1 between Woodlands and EdendaleSH1 between Mataura and GoreSH6 North Road InvercargillSH6 between Dipton and AtholSH96 near SpringhillsSH96 between Ohai and TinkertownSH98 Lorne-Dacre Road near Aerodrome RoadSH99 near Argyle-Otahuti Road There will be work happening at the below intersections from Sunday to Thursday evenings (6pm – 4am) mostly under a mobile operation, but there may be turning restrictions:Monday - Troopers Memorial Roundabout and Gala Street/Dee Street intersectionTuesday – Gala Street/Dee Street intersection (turning/access restrictions)Wednesday - Queens Drive/Tay Street intersection (turning restrictions)Thursday – Gala Street/Dee Street intersection and Troopers Memorial Roundabout Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:No notified disruptive third party works next weekPlease note a cycle race will be taking place from 1-3pm tomorrow on SH99 between Tuatapere and Riverton – please drive with extra care in this area during this time. Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.  

“Let’s see how far we can take it.” That was the challenge set by Invercargill City Council’s Parks & Recreation Manager, Caroline Rain. And it is a challenge her team has taken to heart.If you’ve been wandering through Queens Park or Ōtakaro Park lately, you might have noticed among the flowers and shrubs, rows of kale, silverbeet, parsley, and thyme. These are part of the IncrEDIBLES initiative. A project that’s changing the way we use our parks by planting kai for everyone to share.It all started during Covid-19, when food security became a real concern for our community. Healthy Families Invercargill brought together local kai leaders, and the Murihiku Kai Collective was born. The Parks team joined and by 2021, the first edible gardens were planted as a bit of a “Let’s test this and see.”Photo: Murihiku Kai.Planting has grown from 1,800 plants in 2021 to as many as 5,000 each autumn and spring. The variety has expanded too, from four types of crops to at least 13. All spray-free, all grown locally, and all free for the community to pick.The kaupapa has already spread beyond Invercargill, with a garden now growing in Bluff. And this is just the beginning. The Parks team are looking at signage to help people harvest and prepare the kai, while groups like Koha Kai, South Alive, and KiwiHarvest make sure the food reaches those who need it most. Nothing goes to waste, even leftovers feed the animals in the park.Photo: Murihiku Kai.The response from our community has been huge. A single social media post about the gardens reached almost 200,000 people, with comments full of positive feedback and a call for more.And that call is echoing around Aotearoa, with communities and even local government candidates laying down the challenge to their councils to prioritise kai in their public spaces too.

Road ClosedHigh Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) - Avalanche Hazard.Comments:Road CLOSED between Hollyford Road Junction & Donne River Bridge due to heavy rain & snow elevating the avalanche hazard. Road will remain CLOSED all of Friday, with potential for a limited opening on Saturday, subject to avalanche mitigation, snow & avalanche debris clearance. Narrow opening on Saturday could only be possible early afternoon, with early indications between 1pm & 3pm, before closing again due to heavy snow. Update at 2pm as forecast develops. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, heavy with thunderstorms, turning to snow showers later Tomorrow: Snow showers to 400m early, turning to rain/snow above 600m later Sunday: Snow showers early, gradually clearing Monday: Rain developing Tuesday: Rain easing

A Southland town icon which underwent major refurbishment requires further repairs for small cracks and peeling, just one year on.The giant pāua shell at Riverton/Aparima has been a feature of the town since its creation by Fiordland Souvenirs in the 1990s, but now faces an unexpected $15,000 bill.In 2024, the shell was moved to Kohikohi Park following purchase by the Ōraka Aparima Community Board which oversaw major repairs.The change did not bode well, with a recent report saying water found its way behind the paint layers to create bubbles and peeling.It was believed the problem likely arose due to “micro cracking” as a result of the structure’s age and movement to its new home.Automotive paint which replaced the real pāua lining during refurbishment had now been removed, with a black sealer coat added for protection.Community board chair Michael Weusten said the cost for further repairs was unexpected given the project was seemingly finished.“It's just a fragile structure, and it’s an old structure, and we got caught you know, really.“There’s no blame attributable, it’s just the nature of the beast.”The report showed the final cost to relocate and refurbish the shell came to almost $69,000, with more than $5000 also spent on further work.It was now recommended the board approve an extra $15,000 plus GST for additional repairs, while enlisting the help of a local artist who would paint it in a mural-like style.Getting the shell to its new home has already proven a lengthy exercise — it was only moved there last year despite the project being approved in 2022.A decision on the extra repairs will be made at a community board meeting on 9 September.The shell is not the only Southland town icon in need of attention.Over the hill at Colac Bay/Ōraka, the township’s surfer statue is staring down the barrel of a $140,000 replacement bill.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The 68th Alexandra Blossom Festival is set to dazzle once again from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025, bringing a vibrant celebration of spring to the heart of Central Otago.As New Zealand’s longest-running festival, dating back to 1957, this cherished event continues to blossom with tradition, creativity, and community pride.The festivities kick off on Friday evening (26 Sept) with the Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras on River Street from 6–9pm.This free event promises live music, food stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display to light up the night sky. Also on Friday, adrenaline junkies can catch the FMX Spectacular and the quirky Round the Clock Race, setting the tone for a high-energy weekend.Saturday promises to be a spectacular day, showcasing top quality entertainment, music, and community celebration at Pioneer Park.Kicking off with the Contact Grand Procession at 11:45am along Centennial Avenue, where crowds will cheer on a dazzling array of decorated floats, community groups, and the Blossom Festival Princesses.Kiwi music legends Jackie Bristow and Barry Saunders (The Warratahs). Photo: SuppliedBut it’s at Pioneer Park where the day truly comes alive.The main stage will host a stellar lineup of musical talent, headlined by Capitol City, a 10-piece Christchurch band known for their high-energy performances and rich, layered sound.Joining them are Kiwi music legends Barry Saunders of The Warratahs and Jackie Bristow, along with local blues guitarist Paul Foulds, whose soulful riffs are sure to resonate with the crowd.Festival-goers can expect a lively atmosphere with food vendors, market stalls, and the Senior Queen and Princes/Princesses competitions adding to the charm.Children will be treated to a full day of entertainment on the Children’s Stage, featuring circus acts and crowd favourites including:Mullet Man – a comedic circus performer with a Bowie twistMiM – acrobatics and sparkleWayne McEwan – the ever-popular Magic GuyMr Heaphy – aerial artistryMr Wozowski – clowning and laughsEmma Mackey – party games and interactive funPerformer Emma Mackey. Photo: SuppliedOther Saturday highlights include the Parade of Trucks, Florrey’s Parade, and a bustling lineup of buskers and street performers, ensuring there’s something for everyone.The festival wraps up on Sunday with the Delta Garden Tour, a self-drive journey through Alexandra’s most beautiful private gardens, offering a peaceful close to a weekend of celebration.With over 15,000 attendees expected, the Alexandra Blossom Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Central Otago’s cultural calendar — a joyful, flower-filled tribute to the spirit of spring and the strength of community.

Invercargill deputy mayor Tom Campbell has put his exemplary attendance record down to “God-gifted” health.“I’m just lucky enough to enjoy good health. I’ve actually not had a single day off work for 20 years,” Campbell said.The attendance of Invercargill’s elected members has been provided to Local Democracy Reporting under LGOIMA, showing an average of 88 percent for full council meetings to the end of July.Leading the pack is Campbell, who missed just one of 60 meetings.The deputy mayor said he had not been a “martyr” to work over the years, but was “lucky enough to be in very robust health.”“God-gifted it to me I suppose,” he quipped.“I don’t claim any special credit for attending every meeting, it’s just that I never get ill and therefore I never have any reason not to.”Campbell said he'd never had the flu and the last time he was seriously ill was when he contracted the measles at about age six.His one absence from the past term was on 18 July 2023, which he said was due to visiting the council's sister city Kumagaya.Council's standing orders do not include minimum attendance requirements, although elected members lose their role if they miss four consecutive meetings without an accepted apology or leave of absence.Campbell is standing for mayor of Invercargill this election alongside fellow councillors Ria Bond, Alex Crackett and Ian Pottinger.Joining them are Tom Morton, Andrew Clark, Stevey Chernishov and Gordon McCrone.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenModerate Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) at 4pm today (Thursday)Comments:Road CLOSING at 4pm today (Thursday) from Hollyford Road Junction & Donne River Bridge due to heavy rain & snow increasing the avalanche hazard. Expect minor disruption & short delays throughout today as pulses of rain pass, although the avalanche hazard should be manageable. Road will likely remain CLOSED until storm dissipates & avalanche mitigation work completed on Saturday. Twice daily reports will continue to update as forecast develops.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, heavy at times, with thunderstorms possible Tomorrow: Rain, heavy at times, falling as snow near tunnel, with thunderstorms possible Saturday: Snow showers to 500m Sunday: Showers, with snow possible early Monday: Showers