Dux 2025 - Elan HillThe parents of Elan are Kerri-Anne Edge and Gerard Hill of Te Anau.In 2026, Elan plans to study Law, Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Otago.Photo: Supplied.Elan is an outstanding student who received First in Year 13 Mathematics with Statistics, First in Year 13 Physical Education, First in Year 13 History, Second in Year 13 English, Cantwell Cup for Excellence in Senior Mathematics with Statistics, Verrall Cup for Excellence in Senior English, Etheredge Trophy for The Humanities in Senior Social Sciences, and the Meridian Energy Excellence Award and Manapouri District High School Memorial Trophy for Dux.Proxime Accessit 2025 - Riley ChapmanThe parents of Riley are Grant and Tess Chapman of Te Anau.In 2026, Riley is going to study Engineering at the University of Canterbury.Photo: Supplied.Riley is an outstanding student who received First in Year 13 Mathematics with Calculus, First in Year 13 Chemistry, First in Year 13 Physics, Second in Year 13, Mathematics with Statistics, Newcombe Cup for Excellence in Senior Mathematics with Calculus, Science Cup for Excellence in Senior Science, Rotary Club of Fiordland Prize & Principal’s Award for Leadership, and Fiordland College Board Award for Proxime Accessit.

Summer holiday travel can be fraught with frustration and unwelcome surprises and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is doing its part to make journeys smoother around the South Island. As is the Kiwi tradition from pre-Christmas onward, thousands are expected to hit the state highways to travel to holiday destinations. With that comes potential for delays on the roads and accidents as people get tired, rush to get to their destinations, or are distracted by all that is going on around them. “If you are travelling, especially for long distances, there are some basic things you can do to help ensure you and your family get to your holiday location safely,” says NZTA system manager for the central South Island, Mark Pinner. “Make sure you plan ahead, using our Journey Planner site so you know of any issues you are likely to strike along the way. We’ve removed all planned roadworks and restrictions to journeys to ensure that at the busiest time of year, people can travel with the least disruption. Temporary speed limits and traffic management have been removed over the Christmas-New Year period (20 December to 5 January). There are a few sites that will remain under a lower speed limit, and/or with cones to define the lane edge, where rockfall hazards or river or coastal erosion repairs remain incomplete after storms earlier in the year.” “Certain sections of state highway will be busy with traffic, and that’s why it is good to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. A good tool is our Holiday Journey Planner, which provides estimates of busy and peak traffic times on state highways based on previous measures of traffic volumes.” “Make sure you get enough rest before travelling, and that you stop and take a break if fatigue sets in, and drive to the conditions that are in front of you. While we expect good driving conditions in summer, there is always the potential for weather events like thunderstorms, heavy rain and high winds that can make travel treacherous.” NZTA journey manager for Otago and Southland, Nicole Felts, says while NZTA contractors in Otago and Southland will also be downing tools at worksites over the holiday period, they will be ready to respond to any situations that arise on the highways to keep traffic flowing. The age-old safety messages apply this holiday season as much as ever, she says. “Watch your speed and be patient when stuck in traffic or behind slower vehicles. Making a bad decision out of frustration can have terrible consequences. Avoiding drink-driving and ensuring you wear a seatbelt can be the difference between enjoying a great summer holiday and a tragedy that has long-lasting impacts on families.” “People should be able to enjoy the holidays and have a drink and be merry if they wish, but if you know you are going to need to drive, a simple rule of thumb is not to drink at all and save it for when you are done travelling.” “Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road crash by about 40 per cent. If everyone wore their seatbelts, an estimated 20 lives could be saved from road crashes each year. So, it’s a no-brainer to buckle up yourself and make sure those travelling with you are also buckled in.” “From NZTA, we wish everyone happy holidays and good travels this festive season.” The Ministry of Transport will be providing daily updates on the holiday road toll throughout the break. Further background and historical crash data for the holiday period can also be found here.NZTA’s new drink-driving campaign with police can be viewed here.Getting there safely – top tips for safe holiday drivingPlan ahead. Get your vehicle checked before you head out, plan to avoid peak traffic where you can and give yourself enough time to take plenty of rest or sightseeing breaks along the way. It’s your holiday after all, so why not make the journey an enjoyable part of it?Drive to the conditions. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures. This isn’t just about weather conditions — it’s about the road you’re on, the traffic, your vehicle and load, your speed, your following distance, and adjusting your driving for wet and windy conditions.Watch out for fatigue. Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly behind the wheel. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, plan in advance where you’ll take breaks along the way, and be aware of any medication you’re taking that might affect your driving.Keep your cool. Holiday driving can be frustrating with busy roads, stifling heat and restless kids in the car. So please, be courteous and patient while on the roads. Don’t get provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour, and wait to overtake until you get to a passing lane or can see enough clear road ahead of you to do it safely. And be sure to take enough games, books, or electronics to keep the kids occupied along the way.Buckle up. Don’t let your family holiday be marred by tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. If you’re the driver, you are legally responsible for making sure all passengers under the age of 15 are securely restrained with either a safety belt or child restraint. Children must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday.Don’t drink and drive. Your judgement and reaction times begin to deteriorate after even one drink. Keep it simple – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.

When British driver Lando Norris clinched the F1 World Championship at Abu Dhabi last Monday (NZT) he became the tenth Formula 1 World Champion to have raced at Teretonga Park in Invercargill. It is an unsurpassed record of world class sports stars coming to our region which dates back to the early days of the circuit and continues to this day.In those early days F1 drivers used to spend summer racing in New Zealand and Australia. 3World Champions to come to our city in those days were Jack Brabham and Jackie Stewart, both three-time champs, two-time champions Jim Clark and Graham Hill plus American Phil Hill, John Surtees (also a seven-time World Motorcycle Champion), kiwi Denny Hulme and Austrian Jochen Rindt. It wasn’t just World Champions either. It was all the big names of the day including Stirling Moss and Bruce McLaren and many more. At the end of the 1960’s Formula 1 changed, it became more commercial and the days of the current superstars racing in the Antipodes in the off-season ended. It did not mean the end of seeing some of the best though. In 1977 and 1978 Finnish driver Keke Rosberg raced here before going on to become World Champion in 1982. Now Norris, who raced here in 2016, when he won the Spirit Of A Nation Trophy, is the tenth World F1 Champion to have graced Teretonga Park.Ony thirty-five different drivers have won the World Championship in its 75-year history so that is a healthy percentage that have raced here. The ten we have seen in the south account for sixteen World Championship titles.It is not only F1 champions but also Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 Hour winners that have raced at the circuit operated by the Southland Sports Car Club.On the grid alongside Norris in Abu Dhabi were others to have come to Teretonga Park - Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and Lance Stroll. Next year Arvid Lindblad, a winner at Teretonga Park less than twelve months ago, will also join the F1 grid.And what awaits us over the weekend of 24/25 January next year is more of the same when Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy Series visits us.With it will come a field of up-and-coming international racing drivers all vying to follow in the wheel tracks of Norris and others who have gone onto stardom.Already drivers from Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka, China, Australia, Great Britain, the United States and of course New Zealand are entered and adding to the star power of the grid is a Finnish driver who is already a World Champion, in fact a two-time one in rallying. At just twenty-five years of age Kalle Rovanperä has retired from rallying to pursue a single seater journey which he hopes will take him to the top of that discipline.If you are trackside at Teretonga Park over the weekend when the Repco NextGen NZ Championship brings the Ascot Park Hotel Teretonga International meeting to our circuit you could just be watching another future World Champion!

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from The Divide to East Gate (Hollyford) 7pm - 2am Monday only.CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) 7pm - 2am Mon & Tues.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain, becoming heavy, easing to showers this afternoon. Heavy & thundery falls possible overnight Tomorrow: Showers, possibly heavy & thundery, clearing later Wednesday: Cloudy Thursday: Cloudy Friday: Rain, easing to showers, then clearing 

One person has died following a single-vehicle crash in Mataura late last night (13 Dec).Police said they were called to the crash on Oakland Street about 10.05pm.Sadly, the sole occupant died at the scene.Police said the Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

Even if they have a prescription or medical note, drivers refusing roadside drug testing may face significant fines, police warn, days before the new testing starts.For the first time in New Zealand, drivers in the Wellington police district can be asked to take a drug test from Monday, with plans for the tests to be rolled out to the rest of the country next year.All drivers chosen for testing will be asked to swipe their tongue on an oral-fluid screening device to test for four drugs - THC (present in cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy and molly) and cocaine.Drivers could not use a prescription or medical note to escape testing, Superintendent Steve Greally said, and any driver who refused the roadside drug test could be issued an infringement notice, which included a $400 fine, 75 licence demerit points and a 12-hour stand-down from driving.The initial test was expected to take about 10 minutes, but if the first result was positive, further roadside testing would be carried out.Officers would also still use a behavioural test called the Compulsory Impairment Test (CIT) to assess whether they suspect a driver was impaired by drugs.Once a saliva test was carried out, prescriptions or medical notes may not be used to dispute a positive test result, Greally said. Instead anyone with a prescription must go through the testing process and would be forbidden for driving for 12 hours, and could only dispute the finding, after the results of the third test were returned from the laboratory.Information about the process to seek a medical defence after a positive result was not yet available, but would be on the police website from Monday, he said.Drug Driving Tests: How can you test for impairment?What happens if you are chosen for testing?First testDrivers being tested "must wipe the drug screening device's pads on their tongue... the testing process will take about 10 minutes... if no drugs are detected, the driver is free to go".Second and third test togetherIf drugs are detected in the first test, two more tests are then carried out.A second test exactly the same as the first test is carried out. If this is also positive for the presence of drugs, the driver is forbidden from driving for 12 hours.If it is negative, the driver can go, after the third test sample is taken.The third test - the driver must "provide a saliva sample by holding an absorbent collection pad under their tongue", police said. "The saliva sample is sent for laboratory analysis."Lab testing:The third test sample is sent to the laboratory to check for 25 drugs."An infringement notice is issued, if the sample tests positive for one or more of these drugs."Police could not immediately say how long the final laboratory-submitted test would take.Medical defence:"If an infringement is issued after laboratory testing, drivers will have the ability to apply for medical defence, if it is for a drug that has been prescribed to them," police said.Concerns raised over roadside drug testsThe four substances police would screen for were impairing drugs, said Greally, who is the director of road policing, and the new tests would deter people from drug-driving and enable officers to catch people who did.Critics of the new drug-testing system have expressed wide-ranging fears about the testing, including that it was not consistent with the Bill of Rights Act, that it could return positive results in the presence of prescription medicines, and that it casts a net that is too wide - with concerns it would generate positive test results long after drugs would impair driving ability.(file photo) Photo: RNZ / Alexander RobertsonOthers have said the time needed to carry out drug tests and wait for a result would create difficulty for drivers, and that drivers required to undergo further testing could be forbidden from driving for 12 hours time, despite the earlier tests being only an initial stage. Research from overseas has shown worries about roadside drug testing could lead people to stop taking prescribed medicines.Greally said drivers using prescription medicines were advised to continue taking them as directed by their health practitioner and to consider any impairing effects the medicine could cause, but drivers should talk it over with their "practitioner for medical advice" and ultimate responsibility lay with the driver."If they are experiencing any impairing effects, they should not drive," he said."Similar to testing for alcohol levels, there are thresholds for each drug that are set to indicate the recent use of one or more drugs, rather than historical use, passive exposure or accidental ingestion, which would be unlikely to cause impairment."About 30 percent of all road fatalities involved an impairing drug, Minister of Transport Chris Bishop has said."Police has worked vigourously alongside agencies to identify and clarify any ongoing matters this significant change will bring for road users, Greally said."The introduction of roadside drug-driving testing is a positive step in our collective effort to reduce harm by drivers who get behind the wheel impaired by drugs."Our focus remains the same - to keep everyone safe on our roads. If you intend to get behind the wheel after consuming impairing drugs, you will be caught."Published by permission

Southland’s top leaders have given a cautiously optimistic response to major resource management reform.On Tuesday, the Government revealed its plan to replace the Resource Management Act with two new bills which would boost infrastructure, simplify consents and make life easier for farmers.RMA reform minister Chris Bishop claimed the proposed changes were projected to save $13.3 billion over the next 30 years.Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell’s first reaction was that it seemed to meet the government’s goal of faster growth and faster delivery, particularly of housing.“I think we would give it probably at this point, a fairly guarded tick. It’s probably fit for purpose,” Campbell said.“But our job is just to go through it and make sure there’s nothing in it that’s going to catch us out down the track.”Campbell said it would be looked through with a fine-tooth comb to check for fatal flaws, or unintended consequences.Southland mayor Rob Scott felt the changes were positive, saying the existing legislation was not doing its job.He wondered how elements such as heritage status compensation would be worked out, but believed the reform was a good move on the whole.In a statement, Environment Southland chair Jeremy McPhail said there were a lot of promises riding on the bills.“We all want a streamlined, fit-for-purpose alternative to the cumbersome RMA, which we’ve had to work within for so long.”Southland had been able to demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic progress could go hand in hand, he said.Otago leaders have already given a range of responses to the reform.Queenstown Lakes District mayor John Glover warned the timeframes for implementation would be challenging, while Dunedin mayor Sophie Barker had concerns about protection of the city’s special features.Central Otago District mayor Tamah Alley expected that fewer delays for held-up projects would be welcomed.The government aims to pass the bills into law in 2026, although the public will get a chance to have their say through the select committee process.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Big bright and bold things are planned for Te Anau from Tuesday (16 Dec) as some of New Zealand’s top street and mural artists descend on the Southland tourist town for this year's South Sea Spray Festival.Invercargill artist ‘Deow’ (Danny Owen), who founded the festival in 2018, says 15 of New Zealand's best street artists would spending five days in the town telling their visual stories on assigned walls and buildings across three blocks in the central part of the town.Street artist and South Sea Spray Festival founder Deow at work. Photo: Southland App“We give the artists 100% freedom, but they usually create artwork and designs that reflect the area where they’re working. Fiordland will likely reflect wildlife, native birdlife, the outdoors and nature.”When not creating their artwork, artists will also be participating in interactive exhibitions, workshops and community events, Deow said.Te Anau festival's organiser Margie Ruddenklau said the event would be a celebration of Fiordland."It will capture the essence of our landscape and tell our stories.""It puts towns on the national and international stage,” she says.Photo: SuppliedHowever both Ruddenklau and South Sea Trust chairperson Pauline Smith admitted funding had been tough to secure, with the videographer for this years event cut "to make the budget work."But the Te Anau community had been amazing, responding by digging deep to top up the grant funding used for the festivals, Ruddenklau said."A local café has offered to deliver coffee orders to the artists while they’re working every day,” Smith added, with several other cafes offering funding and the local pharmacy supplying sunscreen and insect repellent.The festival, which began in 2018, has already been a hit in other Southland towns, including Invercargill, Bluff, Gore, Winton and Riverton, where beautiful stories and positive impacts have emerged.Prominent Bluff restaurateur Haylee (Hayz) Simeon says artwork from Bluff's festival had proved to be a great drawcard to the town, with people travelling there just to check out the murals.“It’s been a big drawcard, definitely well received. It’s beautified our local community,” she says.Photo: SuppliedThe artists all told their own version of Buff’s story from a wharf featuring the story of Māori settlers to Bluff’s oyster history and a mural on the Eagle Hotel honouring a late local with connections to the Tītī Islands – that artwork created by his own whanau, she says.“We have a ship and sailor that won our People’s Choice Award.“We have a shark cage diving experience here attracting people from all over the world and the visitors just love the murals,” Simeon says.“It’s definitely a great opportunity for our southern towns to have South Sea Spray artists of this calibre come down.”The locals love to follow their journeys and immerse in the tour of the works too, always within walking distance.Photo: SuppliedRuddenklau was equally enthusiastic about the positive benefits of the festival in her home base of Winton.“It injected pride, colour and energy into our town and created spaces that locals are genuinely excited about,” she says.“We’ve had incredible feedback from families, visitors and businesses. It’s been overwhelmingly positive. It shows how powerful the arts can be in a rural community.”The Winton festival was so enthusiastically received by the students at Central Southland College that funding was secured for a special mural there afterwards.Principal Grant Dick says students loved watching the large mural - of a New Zealand falcon - unfold on concrete slabs at the school and the artists talked their curious onlookers through every move.“It’s vibrant and colourful and builds a connection with the school for all the kids who were present at the time. It’s awesome,” Dick says.Photo: SuppliedSmith says artwork in her hometown of Riverton had also been a huge lift and definitely attracted destination visitors.“I met overseas visitors in Te Anau last week who’d just spent two days travelling around the Southland murals taking photographs.""They just couldn’t believe it,” she says.Photo: Supplied1000 maps have been printed for the Te Anau festival and these will be delivered around town so people can walk the trail, Deow said.South Sea Spray Trust also publish a book featuring the artworks to help fund the festivals.Anyone wanting to donate can email: [email protected] or ph: Margie Ruddenklau - 0272667421Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

A sports event that has woven itself into the fabric of a small Southland town is wrapping up after 116 years.Tūātapere Sports Day organiser and commentator Peter Templeton says the upcoming New Year's Day outing will be the last.“It’s a sign of the times, but there’s nothing you can do about it. As I said, everything’s changed," he said.Peter Templeton is one of the event's organisers. Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR“They’re more interested in just eating hot chips and walking around with their cell phones in their hands.”The small-town family event has shrunk over the years, in part due to losing elements such as clay bird shooting, cycling, Highland dancing and a pipe band.Another factor was Riverton Racing Club now holding races on the same day — something which was outside of the club’s control.Templeton, 78, had been involved in Tūātapere Sports Day for many moons, including as its commentator for more than 30 years.It was mostly run by older people as younger ones were not interested in “stepping up and looking after it”, he said.A recent meeting to explain what was happening and see if people could step up only attracted two people.Cycling races, athletics, bush craft and clay bird shooting were all features of the Tūātapere Sports Day. Photo: Southland AppAs for the events on the day, they were now down to just wood chopping and athletics.“People aren’t going to come all the way out from Invercargill to watch something and there's just two things happening, you know."It wasn’t all bad news, however. Templeton thought some cyclists might turn up for the finale, and said the bushcraft aspect would continue at the back of the Waiau Town & Country Club in Tūātapere.Southland mayor Rob Scott said Tūātapere Sports Day had been going for many years and was well supported and enjoyed by the community.More people needed to put their hand up and help with running if they wanted to see such things continue, he said.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

He’s gained a reputation as a good horseman during the past 20 years and if anyone’s going to rein them in its Ant Logan.Together with wife Michelle - a vet specialising in equine medicine, they do a lot of horsing around.Ant was raised in Ruatoria and kind of “fell into horses” as a country boy.“You grow up pretty capable in most things on a farm, and I rode a bit as a kid,” he says.“I’ve been around animals all my life.”Ant’s father wanted his kids to grow up learning how to ride bareback.“A saddle was a luxury.""We only had one for our family, so I got the basics back there in that early training.""Dad was pretty handy with a horse."Ant was a skilled horseman from a young age. Photo: Supplied"Our whole family rode but it was not something I ever loved. It was work,” Ant says.It wasn’t until 25 years ago when he was fencing for a client with a mate.“She ran out of fencing work for us and had a heap of horses she wanted broken in so asked if we’d be interested.""My mate Tojo Maaka was already an experienced horse breaker, so we broke them all in – 12 in a month,” Ant says.“I developed an interest in it then. It was fun.""Seeing a horse graduate from nothing to something that’s useful, that was the coolest part, developing that trust.""Ever since I’ve been dealing with young horses,” he says.“I’m 50 now and absolutely loving it. It keeps me young and fit.”A shearer all his life, Ant grew up around shearing sheds with his mum a rousie and cook for shearing gangs.Michelle and Ant in their early days working in a shearing gang in Australia on their way back to New Zealand. Photo: Supplied“In the holidays I just had to tag along.”Ant travelled widely picking up work shearing in Wales where he met wife Michelle – a Welsh vet, in 2002 at a nightclub holding a school uniform, fancy dress disco.“My friend, Charles, said he’d buy me a drink if I went over and talked to the Kiwi guy. I thought Charles knew him, but he didn’t,” she grins.“Ant had an Around the World ticket which he gave up and stayed on.”Michelle travelled back with him via some shearing work in Australia, where she worked as a rousie.“I loved New Zealand and so I stayed, she says.”“I was working in a mixed vet practice in Wales when I met Ant and worked as a vet in Gisborne back here, travelling to clients up the East Coast.""It was amazing to me, shepherds mustering on horseback with a team of dogs.""I loved it."Michelle enjoying her love of horses. Photo: SuppliedMichelle then gained more experience by moving south and working for Invercargill equine specialist Brendon Bell.Ant also moved south and they lived in Riversdale for a while where Michelle developed a love of breeding horses when working at what is now Macca Lodge Horse Stud for Northern Southland Veterinary Services.She then completed a three-year residency in Massey Veterinary School, Palmerston North, becoming a specialist in equine medicine.They married in 2011 and initially lived in Omakau in Central Otago, Ant working on Matakanui Station before being offered a farm manager’s position in Southland.Michelle worked as a vet in Alexandra before returning to Riversdale with Ant.After some time in Riversdale, they settled on a small farm at Pukerau, near Gore – complementing each other with their two horse-loving careers.Michelle’s had her moments despite her love of horses.The boys aren’t keen on being castrated and she was badly bitten by a 7-year-old stallion as she was about to inject the anesthetic.“He got hold of my arm and dragged me across the paddock, then ran past me and I thought, ‘This is it!’” she says.Ant coming back from a spot of pig hunting. Photo: SuppliedAnother vet eventually gave him three more injections through a fence before she could get near.As for Ant: “I’ve had too many close calls to remember. I’ve been tipped out that many times,” he says.He’d eyed up a beautiful horse once on a horse trek which a mate was selling.“It had ‘For Sale’ marked on its bum so I inquired, thinking Michelle would love that horse.""I brought him home proud as punch and was riding him up the driveway to surprise her when the bloody thing bucked me off!”“I was watching and I wasn’t going to get on him after that,” Michelle laughs.Ant reckons that horse is now his best mate, named Tom Fleming after the guy who bred him.“But every time when he’s fresh and I jump on he puts in a wee buck,” he grins.“With horses when everything’s going right they’ll be on your side until they’re not."Ant working his miracles. Photo: Supplied"At the end of the day, it’s about showing leadership.""If you gain their trust and show that leadership, they’ll be your mate.""If you show faith they’ll show it back,” he says.Word gets out when someone with Ant’s skills becomes renowned and in 2015 Ant was asked by a horse contact if he’d be interested in transporting a whole herd of wild horses south from Arcadia Station at the head of Lake Wakatipu, near Glenorchy.Station owner Jim Veint was giving them away to a good home.“I was asked if I’d be interested in going halves and getting the whole herd out,” Ant says.“When I saw them they were quite unique, like old school stock horses.""I knew when I saw them that I had to be involved with them.""They were very difficult to break in, basically big ponies, very nimble with good strong legs, good healthy stock horses."Michelle giving a talk at Equifest. Photo: Supplied"You need something quick like that on a hill.""They’re strong and can go all day.”The pair found two good truckies – Jock Sharpe and Jamie Coote, from Switzers Valley Transport to help load and move them south.It was no mean feat.“Michelle was away working at Massey, and I got home with all these trucks and trailers loaded with 31 wild adult horses, plus about nine foals – about 40 all up, that we’d rounded up from Jim’s yards,” Ant grins.“It was a big mission – 200kms, but when they got off at the other end they were magnificent.”That was until he tried to keep a rope on them.“It took two days to get a rope on 31 horses, but the next time it took me one day,” he says.“We were farming fulltime. It was a massive challenge.”Equine specialist Michelle offers a spot of pampering. Photo: SuppliedSome were broken in and sold as were some of the foals and Michelle says they’ve had amazing feedback.“People loved them. They’ve gone all over the South Island.""People bought them for kids and families and it’s all credit to Jim and his breeding. They’re so loyal.”“I call them ‘street kids’,” Ant says.“Michelle breeds Hanoverians, originally from Germany, and not that bright in a farm environment, but the Arcadia ones never get into trouble,” he says."They know where to put their feet. They’re born street wise.”Michelle now works for the Veterinarian Council of NZ as a veterinary advisory.She is also running online Horse First Aid courses through their business Logan Equine, teaching the basics such as taking a horse’s pulse, checking temperatures, bandaging, wound care, colic and the likes.“It’s what to do until the vet arrives aimed at all levels - Pony Club members or their parents, absolutely anyone with a horse,” she says.Michelle with the orphaned foal they raised - Esbelli. Photo: SuppliedShe’s also recently been involved in developing online learning resources for Massey University where she gained a higher education teaching qualification and has also done research into Equine Metabolic Syndrome.The Logans moved with their two kids to Moa Flat in West Otago in 2022, but they still have strong connections and a great reputation in horse circles around Southland breeding some first class show jumping horses, as well as the loyal, athletic Arcadia stationbreds.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Waihopai River Bridge, on State Highway 1 at Kennington, near Invercargill, is due to close for two days next week to allow roading teams to carry out essential maintenance. The bridge is scheduled to be closed in both directions from 5am to 9pm, on Tuesday 16 December and Wednesday 17 December. Road users should plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel. Detours will be available: Light vehicles travelling eastbound should turn left from SH1/East Road into Mill Road North, right onto Fairweather Road, right onto Kennington Roslyn Bush Road, and left back onto SH1/East Road.Westbound light vehicle traffic should turn left onto Kennington Road, right onto Clapham Road, and then left back onto SH1. Heavy vehicles/HPMV travelling eastbound should also detour via Mill Road North, Fairweather Road and Kennington Roslyn Bush Road. The reverse applies for westbound heavy vehicle traffic. This work depends on various factors and may be amended or rescheduled. If it is, notification will be provided through NZTA channels. Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site. We thank people in advance for their patience as this important work is carried out.Photo: NZTA.Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/trafficJourney planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nzPhone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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 Merry Little Christmas ConcertThe Shack Christmas PartyNew Year's Eve Street Food Market📢 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.

“This is the beginning of a new era, as we exit the centralised polytechnic model " Invercargill MP and Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds told graduating students at today's (12 Dec) Southern Institute of Technology ceremony.New Zealand polytechnics were centralised into a single entity - Te Pūkenga/New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology - under a Labour-led government in April 2020, however following the National-led government's 2023 victory polytechnics will reassume their autonomy from January 2026.Simmonds, also former CEO of SIT, said she was celebrating the organisation's future as an independent institute, which would empower the local community, learners, employers and industries to once again take ownership of it.“I strongly believe in access to local education – and to allowing people to gain relevant skills and knowledge in their community – and for their community."“I’ve fought hard for these opportunities because I know what SIT means to students – and to the whole of the Southland community - and I couldn’t feel prouder, than to stand here today and celebrate the graduates' success – along with the positive future that lies ahead for the Southern Institute of Technology."“I also want to acknowledge the local staff, who've played such an important role in maintaining SIT's strength and capability during the challenging times of the centralised model."Simmonds congratulated graduates saying they had gained more than just a qualification but also what it truly means to move forward in life.“The contribution this year's graduates will make – to our community, to our city, and to the wider world – is very important."“We look forward with excitement to what lies ahead – both for the graduates – and for the newly independent Southern Institute of Technology.”

A major change is coming for Piopiotahi Milford Sound, with Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL) and Kāi Tahu announcing a new shareholder partnership that begins on 31 March 2026.Kāi Tahu Holdings Corporation and several Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka, through a joint venture, will become the third equal shareholder in MSTL, joining Real Group Ltd (RealNZ) and Skeggs Group Ltd.As part of the agreement, the Southland District Council (SDC) will sell back its 2 percent shareholding, ending 35 years of involvement.Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa and Milford Sound Tourism Limited Chief Executive Haylee Preston welcome the new partnership. Photo: SuppliedMSTL Chief Executive Haylee Preston says discussions over the past six months have created a strong foundation for the future.“We’re delighted to partner with mana whenua. We share the same goal - protecting, respecting, and valuing this special place for generations to come.This partnership brings together MSTL’s nearly 40 years of operational experience with Kāi Tahu’s deep connection to Piopiotahi.”Awarua Rūnaka Limited Chair Barry Bragg says Kāi Tahu values the opportunity to take a larger role in guiding the future of a place with deep cultural significance.“This investment strengthens our commitment to Piopiotahi’s long-term care.”Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa hopes the partnership will ensure Kāi Tahu stories and heritage are more visible to visitors.Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa and Milford Sound Tourism Limited Chief Executive Haylee Preston. Photo: Supplied“Our journey in tourism has always been about caring for our takiwā and sharing our history.”MSTL - currently funded through the visitor levy and other revenue such as parking, rent, and berthage - manages key infrastructure including the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, wastewater systems, staff accommodation, Knobs Flat Visitor Centre, and more.The organisation works closely with DOC, tourism operators, and community groups to support outstanding visitor experiences that reflect the Tiaki Promise.Southland District Mayor Rob Scott says selling the Council’s shares aligns with its long-term responsibility to protect Piopiotahi.“Our community has benefited from our decades-long involvement. Returning the shares will provide significant funds to SDC while ensuring iwi take on an important stewardship role.”Ms Preston says more investment will be needed over time to ensure the region is managed sustainably. A formal ceremony to celebrate the new partnership will be held in March 2026 in Piopiotahi Milford Sound.

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. Our teams will be taking a well-deserved break from December 19th – January 5th and with no programmed work over this period, this will be the last weekly update for the year. **SH1 ROAD CLOSURE**:SH1 East Road will be closed between Clapham Road and Kennington Road for essential bridge maintenance work from 5am – 9pm on the 16th, 17th and 18th December. Road will open overnight. Detours during closure:Heavy vehicles/HPMVDetour via Kennington Roslyn Bush Rd – Fairweather Rd – Mill Rd North and reverseHeavy traffic wanting to access Kennington businesses will need to use Clapham Road (accessing this from the west side of the closure)Light vehicles:East bound light traffic detour via Kennington Roslyn Bush Rd – Fairweather Rd – Mill Rd NorthWest bound traffic detour via Kennington Rd – Clapham Rd – SH1 Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH1 Bluff highway – This is being sealed today, with the last few jobs in this project to be completed next week, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH94 at The Key – This is being sealed today, with the last few jobs in this project to be completed next week, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – drainage and shoulder work for construction in the new year, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway at the bend prior to Ohai - underway, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Zwies Road – drainage and shoulder work for construction in the new year, delays of 5-10 minutes. Other maintenance work underway next week is listed below. Highways South/SouthRoads maintenance work:SH1 East Road Invercargill between Rockdale Road and Mill Road South, traffic lights for third party workSH1 East Road Invercargill at Kennington, road closure and detour for bridge maintenance work **See aboveSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Longbush South Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway near Mona Bush Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 between Gore-Mataura highway near Cardigan Bay Road, intermittent stop/stop for tree maintenance (Thursday 18 only)SH93 Old Coach Road near Elliot Road, intermittent stop/stop for tree maintenance (Tuesday 16 only) Roadmarking will be taking place in the below areas, under mobile traffic management:SH1 between Arthurton and McNabSH1 between Gore and BrydoneSH1 between Invercargill and EdendaleSH1 between Invercargill and BluffSH1 from Edendale to McNabSH98 near Mill Road NorthSH96 at WintonSH94 between Mandeville and RiversdaleSH93 at Owaka Valley Road **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Upcoming work in the new year, with approximate dates:SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – road renewal from 5th January to 31st MarchSH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Zwies Road – road renewal from 5th to 31st JanuarySH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Heddon Bush Road – road renewal from 5th to 31st JanuarySH94 Te Anau-Milford highway at Sinclair Road – road renewal from 5th to 31st JanuarySH1 Waipahi Highway east of Pukerau – road renewal – dates to be confirmed  NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

New Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) to slow traffic outside Southland schools are set to take effect from the start of the new school year, and the safety enhancements are being welcomed. Installation and preparation for these VSLs – which indicate on flashing electronic signs that the reduced speed limit is in force – is now underway. They will operate at peak times at 14 Southland Schools (see list of schools below). This work by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is part of the Government’s approach under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, which requires safer speeds outside schools by 1 July 2026. Southland is one of several regions where VSLs are being installed ahead of the new school year. All eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, will have variable speed limits installed. At peak times, speed limits will drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road and safety requirements. “We know that these reduced speed limits, when in force at school drop-off and pick-up times, can make a real difference in keeping children and their families safe,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill.An example below of existing Variable Speed Limit signage. Photo: Supplied.Schools are welcoming these VSLs as an additional tool for the safety of their communities. At Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi), the VSL introduction is being viewed as “creating a safer environment for all”. “This important safety measure is being implemented to create a safer, calmer, and more predictable environment for our children, families, and all road users during the busiest times of our school day,” says principal Catherine Colvin.“For our students, this means safer journeys to and from school. For our parents, caregivers, and whānau, it offers reassurance that the roads around the school are being managed with their children’s wellbeing at the forefront.For our drivers and wider community, the VSL provides clear guidance that supports safer driving behaviours and shared responsibility for protecting our most vulnerable road users.”Edendale Primary School has eagerly awaited the new VSL, and principal David McKenzie says he is excited to see it switched on. “Now, at the start and end of the school day, the speed limit will be 30 km/h along the road past our school,” Mr McKenzie says. “Drivers' heightened vigilance keeps all our children safe every school day.” All VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule and will be legalised through the national speed limit register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’. The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated for short periods at other times when there are significant numbers of children around. Find out more about safer speeds outside schools here.  The full list of Southland schools with new VSLs is as follows: Ascot Community SchoolEdendale Primary SchoolGarston SchoolHauroko Valley Primary SchoolHedgehope SchoolLumsden SchoolMakarewa SchoolMararoa SchoolSacred Heart School (Waikiwi)St John's Girls' School (Invercargill)St Patrick's School (Nightcaps)St Thomas's School (Winton)Te Anau SchoolWinton SchoolA thumbs up below from Edendale Primary School students for the new Variable Speed Limits outside the school. Photo: Supplied.Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/trafficJourney planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nzPhone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Environment Southland councillors have approved a pay bump for themselves, but not without some discussion about time spent on the job.On Wednesday, the council was faced with the decision of how to distribute a pool of $587,345 — a figure set by the Remuneration Authority.Elected members approved a 4.8% increase to last triennium's salaries, which brought their annual pay to $47,367.Those holding chair positions would receive between 20 - 40% more, depending on their role.Councillor Alastair Gibson took the opportunity to touch on the topic of councillors doing the hard yards.“There’s a lot of people around this council putting a hell of a lot of time, outside, and probably as much time as some of the chairs. How is that recognised?”Chair McPhail said it was up to the individual how they wanted to participate, and it was a job that necessitated a lot of work.He acknowledged some might end up doing more work than others.A report prepared for the meeting listed extra benefits available to councillors, such as vehicle mileage, pay for travel time, communications allowances, home security, childcare, and resource consent hearing fees.The total pool for elected members did not include chair McPhail’s pay of $136,773, which was pre-determined. His salary would be reduced if he took full private use of a vehicle.In November, Southland district councillor salaries increased 1.3% from the end of last term, bringing their base rate to $41,360.Invercargill city councillors were able to be a little more generous, approving an 18.9% jump which brought their base rate to $54,347.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:SH94 will close from Divide carpark to Lower Hollyford Rd intersection and at Homer Tunnel on Monday 15th - 7pm to 2am. Also a closure for Homer Tunnel only on Tuesday 16th Dec - 7pm to 2am. Temporary opening for waiting traffic at 9pm allowing traffic through both closure points, otherwise no access during closures due to heavy equipment operating. Queries please call: 03 249 7004.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine. Tomorrow: Mainly fine. Sunday: Rain, strengthening northerlies. Monday: Heavy rain easing. Tuesday: Showers clearing.

Southland will come together this graduation season for a city-scale celebration that reflects who we are as a people, and the central place SIT holds in our region. Kelvin Street will host the Graduation Walk with a street name, a public display of pride in our students, our community, and the return of SIT to local hands. Graduation Lane is designed as a powerful celebration of Southland's success and the reinstatement of SIT as an institution that belongs to its region. Oversized images of students and graduates will line the street along with stories of their journeys and achievements. Banners, window displays, colour, and movement will shape a week-long celebration that honours both the people of Southland and SIT’s renewed autonomy. SIT Interim Chief Executive Amanda Whitaker says the activation is a proud moment for the community and represents a significant milestone in SIT’s future. “This celebration is about Southland and the people who make our region strong. Closing Kelvin Street for the procession is more than a moment on a calendar. It is a statement that SIT is here for our community and here because of our community. Our graduates are part of our workforce and part of our future, and this is a chance for Southland to stand with them. Graduation Walk marks a moment of real pride and a moment that belongs to every whanau and business that supports SIT and our students,” says Amanda Whitaker. Mayor Tom Campbell says the celebration is exactly what SIT was built for. “If I had my way, we would have streets celebrating our students every day. This is who we are as Southlanders. We back our people and proudly stand behind their achievements. Graduation Lane tells the region that SIT is back where it belongs. It is locally led, delivering local benefit and shaping local futures. Graduates outside SIT. Photo: SuppliedThis celebration is about honouring our students and honouring the autonomy Southlanders fought for,” says Tom Campbell. Local Member of Parliament for Invercargill and Minister with responsibility for education, Hon Penny Simmonds, says the celebration embodies everything that makes SIT exceptional. “SIT has always been a source of pride for Southland, and it continues to deliver extraordinary benefits for our region. SIT graduates strengthen our economy, our industries, and our communities. Graduation Walk is a powerful acknowledgement of their success and of the renewed local leadership that ensures SIT remains deeply connected to Southland. I am immensely proud of the SIT graduates and proud of what SIT continues to achieve for our people and our future,” says Hon Penny Simmonds. The activation has also drawn strong support from the business community. When H&J Smith building owner Jason Smith learned Kelvin Street would close briefly to celebrate SIT and its students, he immediately contacted organisers to offer his building as a platform for the display of graduate stories. “H&J Smith has always been part of the Southland story. When I heard the street would be closed for the walk to honour SIT’s autonomy and our students, it felt right to make the building part of the celebration. Southland's success is built on generations of people who have contributed to our region. Using the building to showcase our graduates felt like the perfect way to recognise that shared history and support the next generation of Southland achievers,” says Jason Smith. Cyclone Computer Company Ltd (Cyclone) stepped forward to support the celebration. Cyclone’s National Sales Manager, Dan Norton, says, "Cyclone has partnered with SIT for many years, and we value our strong connection with Southland and its businesses. Celebrating SIT and its graduates' success is something we’re delighted to be part of. When we learned about this initiative, we were eager to contribute and are pleased to support the street decals for Graduation Lane.” The community is invited to gather on Kelvin Street for the Graduation Walk procession and to enjoy the week-long celebration that follows. The activation will highlight the faces and stories of SIT students and graduates and reinforce that SIT is once again locally anchored and delivering opportunities for Southlanders. Graduation Lane key information: Location: Kelvin Street, Invercargill Date: Procession on graduation day, 12 December 2025 at 4pm