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

What a year we have had at Myross Bush School. It has been another action packed one with so many events and learning opportunities.We are very lucky to have supportive parents and whānau who support us with all of these by either driving vehicles, coaching teams or supporting on the sidelines, helping build or create things with our students, and looking after groups on field trips.Fiordland Escapes proud sponsors of Myross Bush SchoolWe appreciate you! There are a number of events on our yearly calendar and here are a few photos from our year.Cross Country earlier in the year is a great day out with other Southern Zone schools to compete for the title - Southern Zone Champion. It is a good chance for our endurance runners to showcase their abilities.Cross Country. Photo: Supplied.Term 4 we showcased our Art talents with our Community Hāngi and Arts Extravaganza evening.The students completed a range of visual art ideas to display. Each class then performed an item on stage.It was a wonderful evening and we are grateful for our Māori whānau for guiding us through the hāngi process before enjoying the shared kai.Students Art Talents. Photo: Supplied.We care for our environment with one of our values being Whakapai Aki.Everyone takes a shared responsibility in caring for our school by pulling weeds in the gardens, picking up rubbish and looking after our sports equipment.Sharing responsibilities at School. Photo: Supplied.We are lucky to head off on field trips throughout the year. Our year 3 & 4 students recently went to Bluff to learn more about the purakau of Te Ara a Kiwa / Foveaux StraitAnother Adventurous Field Trip. Photo: Supplied.Our annual Pet Day was a huge success. We had a variety of animals from lambs and dogs to tadpoles and worms and everything in between.It was a close race in the lamb drinking races and the dog obedience course was a challenge for all.It was great to have some pre-schools come along and enjoy the grand parade with us.Annual Pet Day. Photo: Supplied.Polyfest was a time to shine on stage. The mana the school had on the stage while they performed the haka and sung waiata was great to see.It was a proud school moment to see our tuakana (older students) supporting our teina (younger students) while they sung their waitata.Proud School at Polyfest. Photo: Supplied.It is also the time of the year where we farewell our Year 6 leavers as they head off on their next learning adventure at High School.They are a wonderful group of students and we know they will go on to do great things in the future.Merry Christmas everyone From Myross Bush School.

The government is looking to cut red tape for small meat processors and is also exploring how homekill meat could be made suitable for sale.From next year, small-scale meat processors will be subject to reduced meat sampling and testing requirements - compared to their larger, export-focused counterparts.Around six to 12 of New Zealand's small operators who process between 200-2000 farmed animals each year will be affected by the new rules announced this week.They currently have to test 60 carcasses for things like salmonella or E. coli. That will be reduced to 30 in the first season and 12 in subsequent seasons, from April next year.Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said micro-abattoirs told officials the testing rules were unnecessarily restrictive and costly."Not reducing the safety at all, but certainly reducing the costs quite massively for [operators], which has been a barrier for a number of them either getting started or trying new operations," he said."By reducing it down to a much more proportionate number reduces a lot of costs, enables them to do a bit more and hopefully we can see a few more micro-abattoirs emerging around the country and a few more better deals for consumers."Hoggard said the government was also looking into how they could enable commercial homekill in the future, which was made difficult by poison-free declarations.It is illegal to sell homekill meat in New Zealand, despite the trade growing in popularity amid cost of living pressures."We've got challenges with poison declarations, etcetera, for being able to turn more hunting meat, hunted deer, especially venison, into sellable products. And we are working on that one as well," he said.There were some challenges regarding the science around withholding dates and poison residues."So hopefully we'll be having solutions on the administrative side of that within the next few months, which should enable less time in front of the computer for those people engaged in that business."It'll be a bit of a slower burn on how we deal with those restrictions around withhold times and withhold areas because we do need to do a bit of science around that one to prove safety before we allow that."The new meat testing rules for micro-abattoirs will come into force in April.Published by permission

Bike trail builders in central Otago are talking about an end to the "dark days" when they ran into a mess of conservation rules, stopping many tracks being built for years.But just south of them, it's a different story, and a club there that raised $80,000 for a trail has had to give half of it back.Vaughn Filmer of Te Anau is sounding down about it."We had a management agreement with DOC (Department of Conservation) and they pulled the pin and said, 'no, you can't build those'," said Filmer, recounting their bid around 2019 to start on tracks in Snowdon Forest Park.Te Anau Cycling Incorporated where he is president had spent $10,000-15,000, but gave $40,000 back to a major donor."I mean, they sort of said to us, 'when things change and you're able to go, come back to us', but nothing's changed."So we haven't gone back to them."It just knocked the window out of our sails. We basically, as a club, we haven't done anything since then."Te Anau Cycling gave $40,000 back to a major donor. Photo: Supplied'We appreciate this is frustrating'Cycle trail builders in Southland and Fiordland are champing under inflexible rules that are tougher than in other places.All 16 conservation management regions were gummed up for several years, but since a rethink last year 11 have been getting more flexible, albeit slowly, case-by-case.Five, though, remain inflexible, said the Department of Conservation."We appreciate this is frustrating," said DOC, but it had to stick by the rules. "It underpins the importance of progressing, modernising and updating the legislation.""It feels like we are excluded," said Filmer. "We have to basically drive two hours to Queenstown or two and a half hours to Bluff to mountain bike."In the five inflexible regions, and all national parks which had their own specific requirements, unless a location was already listed in the conservation management strategy to allow for new bike trails, then the hurdles were high.To make matters worse, each region's CMS is different and many are years out of date. The one covering the Timber Trail near Taumarunui bans e-bikes though that is ignored and most riders now use electrics or "eebs" as some call them, as RNZ reported on Monday.Next year would be different under government reform of the Conservation Act, promised DOC.Dave Boniface at Fiordland Trails Trust hoped so, since he faced not just the public conservation land regime but the national park one as well.His trust took a year to get a consent to extend one trail, the Lake2Lake south of Te Anau, and months to amend a wildlife permit on another trail north to Te Anau Downs. Even then, that second trail would hit the national park boundary in another 11km and there stall, short of more legislative change and short by 16km of its destination."We're probably 18 months behind where we should have been," Boniface said.And at least $600,000 short of fundraising, and probably a lot more."We're constrained by consenting and money," he laughed. "In some areas we see constraint after constraint after constraint."An area in Snowdon Forest where Te Anau Cycling hoped to build a trail. Photo: Supplied'We put a plan to them seven years ago'Gore cycle shop owner Richard Pasco could relate to that."Yeah, the poor Te Anau guys, they broke their tails off for quite a few years and now hit a brick wall I think for a few years now, haven't they," Pasco said.He had a different problem trying to add to the several small downhill tracks put in since 2002 by Hokonui Trails Trust."I mean, we've been proposing new trails since 2018, so that's seven years ago."We put a plan to them [DOC] seven years ago ... the plan's still on the table, but it went back to them again last year."Pasco had high hopes. "About a month ago we thought we were going to get close to putting more trails in."However, the proposal went back to someone different in the local office due to DOC staff churn."There's a new person taking over and they've got to figure out where everything is again."It is definitely slow, slow going from our end."Snowdon Forest. Photo: SuppliedFast track, or slowAnd time is money: The longer any permissions take to get, the more inflation - and red tape - take a bite out of fundraising."We've probably doubled the cost of kilometres-per-trail for the processing," said Boniface.Pasco argued their volunteers could "turn any dollar into $10" because they had to - they did not get the big bucks from government, unlike the 23 Great Rides."If I was going to gripe about something, it would be we don't get a lot of funding for small areas."I think it needs to come from government level, isn't it, that we want to be nation of bike riding through bush as well as just central Otago."The length of the wait and height of the hurdles depends a lot on the type of the land. At nearby Waikaia, the trails trust was quick off the mark with its first mountain-bike tracks this year because they were in a Southland District Council forest."However, establishing new bike tracks on public conservation land has not been straightforward," said DOC.Pace fosters enthusiasm; but the reverse is also true.Filmer knows all about that. "You know, we had, in a tiny town, we had over 50 members at one stage, and now we don't really even bother collecting memberships."Pasco: "Dead right, the challenge for people like us is your motivation."Because you're full of, 'let's have a go, let's try' and, y'know, then you get no communication for four months, five months or a year."The cost of building cycle trails is increasing with the time taken to get any permissions. Photo: RNZ / Chris Bramwell'We're keen to be part of it'There are signs that is changing: DOC staff came to a trail builders' forum a few weeks ago with an encouraging message and they appeared much more open to trails, several track builders told RNZ."At the end of the day you work really hard to have a good relationship with the local DOC but they are fairly constrained too," said Boniface.The department said mountain biking was a valued activity and would be streamlined on conservation land "where effects to conservation values can be properly managed".Pasco appreciated the change, but he believed DOC was just not resourced to cope - and this was at a time when more trails business was coming its way.Some of that would come from the far south, where the fledgling Aparima Riverton Trails Trust had a new long-term plan though no consents yet for its first 5km round-town trail."It is hard," said trust chair Roger Baillie."I had always thought that getting landowners' OK and community buy-in would be very easy. If you'd asked me a few years ago, I would have said we should have a trail up and going by now."But it's much more time consuming than I'd ever thought."Roger Baillie, chair of the Aparima Riverton Trails Trust. Photo: SuppliedThey imagined a coastal trail to Taramea Bay, and wetlands and flaxmill tracks, and, ultimately, a trail network linking Bluff to Tūātapere and on to Te Anau, and intersecting with the Te Araroa Trail for walkers."Others have done it in other parts of the country, although some have had some very difficult problems and it's been very expensive to negotiate some of the blocks," said Baillie."But we see trails as being hugely beneficial and popular and we're keen to be part of it."'That would be ultimate'Dave Boniface has been giving the Aparima Riverton trust advice - "be bloody patient and determined," he said.Like them, Fiordland trust was pushing on.Filmer was more cautious - once bitten and all that. If the conservation management strategies were dumped next year, as looked likely, would conservation values remain to the fore, he wondered.He was also not on board with some locals' enthusiasm to ride on the Kepler Track which was reserved for trampers. "I don't know if that's the right fit."Snowdon Forest was always a stopgap project on land without huge conservation value and he was not sure he had the energy to have another go, even if flexibility arrived."It was kind of a bit of a stepping stone," said Filmer. "It's like, well, do we want to waste our time on what could potentially be a gap filler?"Or do we just want to keep driving to Queenstown where the trails are world class?"On the other hand, the Fiordland College PE teacher hoped to see the cycling club become re-energised, and to see the college's girls' downhill champion, Libby Excell, get to ride much closer to home."You could have beautiful hand-built trails in the conservation land between here and Queenstown, and people have pitched this idea ... that would be ultimate."It would take money and certainty. Did they have either? "Neither at the moment, nah."Published by Permission

Tussock Country Music Festival is set to return to Eastern Southland this May and the action packed 2026 line up has just been released. Now in its fifth year, the festival has grown again, with more than 80 events taking place across ten days from May 22nd, its biggest calendar yet.Next year’s festival welcomes a wave of new events, iconic names and fresh faces. Kiwi legends The Warratahs join the celebrations as guest artists at the Country Music Honours, with frontman Barry Saunders also performing an intimate house concert. Trad Night Tuesday, a walk-up, join-in Celtic music session, makes its debut alongside an expanded offering for younger audiences including a book reading, a songwriting workshop for teenagers, and a Singalongercise kids concert, all led by musician and author Jeremy Redmore.Adding to the festival’s growing cultural mix, one of New Zealand’s most recognisable comedians, Tom Sainsbury, is bringing his show to Gore. Sainsbury says he has performed all across the South Island and noticed wherever he goes, people from Gore travel far and wide to see him. In 2026, he is returning the favour.One of New Zealand’s most recognisable comedians, Tom Sainsbury, is bringing his show to Gore as par. Photo: Supplied.The expanded programme builds on the success of recent years. In 2025, Tussock Country injected an estimated $2.5million into the Eastern Southland economy, and 2026 is forecast to surpass that with strong patronage interest coming from across New Zealand and Australia.Long standing favourite events also return including the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards, the Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking Competition, the Gore Truck Show, the Old Hokonui whiskey and food pairing evening, and The Celtic Unleashed, a major fundraiser for the Hokonui Celtic Pipe Band.Tussock Country encompasses events coordinated by the Gore Country Music Club, the NZ Songwriters Trust, the NZ Gold Guitar Committee, Gore District Council and many independent artists and community groups.After turning all four chairs on The Voice Australia in 2025, Kiwi-now-Queensland-based Jaydin Shingleton is After turning all four chairs on The Voice Australia in 2025, Kiwi-now-Queensland-based Jaydin Shingleton is returning to Gore to perform at Tussock Country - NZ's Country Music Festival. Photo: Michaela Jamesonreturning to Gore to perform at Tussock Country - NZ's Country Music Festival. Photo: Michaela Jameson.“We are incredibly proud of how the festival continues to grow”, says festival chair Jeff Rea. “With more than 80 events, a wider range of genres and experiences, and artists travelling from across New Zealand and Australia, we cannot wait for patrons to take in the full sights and sounds of Tussock Country right here in Gore.”Tickets for all events go on sale at 9am on December 11th, giving patrons time to explore the full festival calendar and plan their visit to Eastern Southland.Full event details are available at www.tussockcountry.nz

A new scholarship fund has been launched to help Southland and Clutha women attend The Shepherdess Muster, coming to Tokanui, Murihiku Southland for the first time on 6–8 March 2026. The Southland & Clutha Scholarship Fund, established by the local Muster committee, aims to raise $15,000 by mid-December to support 15 women from the region to attend the three-day event focused on rest, connection and wellbeing. Local committee member Julie Keast, who lives at Tokanui, has seen firsthand how hard the recent storms have been for farm families across the region. “As we know, women will often bear the brunt of supporting their partners when things on the farm aren’t right. This can often be at the sacrifice of their own plans. When the storms hit this time, the things that are usually second nature – like getting the meal on the table or keeping the household functioning so you can get out and do the jobs on the farm – just become so much harder when you don’t have the basics like electricity or running water,” Julie says. “For women on farm, the clean-up is massive and constant. You can’t hurry it, and it’s work that is dangerous. To get the farms back fully functioning is a long haul — you’re reliant on contractors to remove trees, or builders to make repairs. So the timing of The Muster is probably perfect for women to just reset or refocus,” Julie says. “I am very excited for the opportunity The Muster will provide to connect and build on relationships through great food and entertainment, and to learn together from some very interesting speakers. In committing to attending The Muster, I know that 6–8 March will be my time – setting aside everything else to focus on the opportunities The Muster will bring.” Kristy McGregor, Founder and Director of The Shepherdess Muster, says the local committee’s experiences shaped the creation of the scholarship fund. “Our local committee members were affected by the storms and saw firsthand the impact across farms, families and communities,” Kristy says. “We know women do it tough after events like this. Creating space to come together, connect and recharge can make a real difference — and that’s what The Muster is all about.” Kristy says donations to the fund will provide direct support for women who would otherwise miss out. “Any contribution, big or small, will help a Southland or Clutha woman get to The Muster. It’s a practical way to support the wellbeing of the women who keep our rural communities going.” The Shepherdess Muster runs from 6–8 March 2026 at the Tokanui Rugby Club, Murihiku Southland, offering workshops, kōrero, entertainment and shared meals designed to nurture connection, learning and creativity.