Special Olympics Southland is gearing up to send its team to the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch, with athletes departing from Invercargill Airport on Wednesday, 10 December at 8:35am. The team will return home on Monday, 15 December at 10:15am, and media are warmly invited to attend either the farewell or the welcome home. More than 1,300 athletes from across the country will compete at the Games (10–14 December), representing sports including athletics, swimming, football, golf and more. Special Olympics New Zealand provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities - building inclusion, confidence, and lifelong friendships through sport. In the lead-up to the Games, the Southland community celebrated the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on Sunday, 30 November at ILT Stadium, where athletes, whānau, supporters and NZ Police came together for a fantastic turnout and a high-energy morning of pride and connection. The Southland team is now ready to take the spirit of that event with them as they head to Christchurch to compete on the national stage.

Scheduled upcoming works for the Southland district this week: WATER SHUTDOWNSTimeframes are indicative only. Water supply will be resumed without further notification. We apologise for any inconvenience.Otautau, Monday 8 or Tuesday 9 December.This is to make a repair at 24 Nantwich Street Otautau. Areas affected are all Nantwich Street and 23 – 33 King Street. Please expect interruptions between 9:30am-3:30pm. Otautau, Thursday 11 or Friday 12 December.This is to carry out repairs on the reticulation network. Areas affected are, 53 & 57 Elles Road, all George St, 39 – 49 Macandrew St and all Swale St. Please expect interruptions between 9am-3pm. Te Anau, Wednesday 10 December.This is to make a repair at 51 Piopio Street, Te Anau. Areas affected are 6, 18 and 22 Takitimu Avenue and 51 Piopio Street. Please expect interruptions between 9am-3pm. ROAD CLOSURESNorthern: Felton RoadFelton Road from Reid Macauley Road to Roy Road, will be closed between the hours of 7am Monday 8 December until 6pm Friday 19 December 2025. This is to enable the replacement of two culverts.A detour will not be available, but the road will be reopened as soon as safely possible in the event of an emergency. Residents will have access to properties either side of hard closure and the road will be opened over the weekend of 13 & 14 December under restrictions. Wallace Takitimu: OtautauMain Street from Alderly Street to Chester Street, will be closed between the hours of 4.00pm and 9.30pm on Friday 12 December 2025. This is to enable the running of the Annual Santa Parade.A detour will be available via south Alderley Street, King Street, Chester Street and in reverse for north traffic. Fiordland: Te AnauBligh Street from Sutherland Street to Milford Crescent, Milford Crescent from Bligh Street to Town Centre, Town Centre from Milford Crescent to Mokonui Street, Mokonui Street from Town Centre to McKerrow Street to normal traffic between the hours of 12 noon and 3pm Saturday 13 December 2025.This is for the running of the annual Santa parade.A detour will not be available, but the roads will be reopened as soon as safely possible in the event of an emergency. As the parade moves along Milford Crescent, Bligh Street will reopen. Mokonui Street will remain closed between Town Centre and McKerrow Street until the floats have left the area.  RESEALSThe team at Downer will be finishing works on Hillside Manapouri today, Monday 8 December. The will not be working on the SDC network other than sweeping and marking where needed. STATE HIGHWAYS WORKKey renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:- SH94 at The Key – Stage two at the Mararoa School end is underway and will continue until mid-December. Traffic lights in place, 10-15 minute delays.- SH94 Te Anau-Milford highway at Sinclair Road – begins Monday 1st December and will continue until prior to Christmas. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.- SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway at the bend prior to Ohai - begins next week and will continue for 2-3 weeks. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.Highways South maintenance work:- SH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Longbush South Road, traffic lights for pavement repairs- SH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Mona Bush Road, traffic lights for pavement repairs- SH1 Pioneer highway at Brydone, traffic lights for pavement repairs- SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway south of Thompsons Crossing, stop/go for resurfacing- SH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Hundred Line Road, stop/go for resurfacing- SH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway between Lumsden and Lintley Road, stop/go for resurfacing- SH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway just north of SH94 turnoff, stop/go for resurfacing- Roadmarking taking place on SH1 between Invercargill and Gore, SH98 at Mill Road, SH96 at Winton, SH94 at Riversdale and SH93 at Owaka Valley Road under traffic management – delays should be minimal. Third-party work and events with traffic management in place this week:- SH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway at Two Chain Road, stop/go for powerline work. Useful links:- NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner  - Freight 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.To get notifications about road closures in your area, download Antenno here:  https://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/home/antenno/

Waters are warming in Murihiku Southland at higher rates than elsewhere, with implications for fisheries and habitats.Details of the issue have been captured in a November report from acting Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips, who referenced the recent state of the environment report.Phillips said sea surface temperatures were increasing about 34 percent faster in New Zealand than the global average.Outside of Fiordland, Southland was experiencing some of the fastest warming, with a 0.4 degree average increase over the past decade, he said.“While it may mean that the region can enjoy some warmer swimming temperatures, continued increases will have detrimental effects on a wide range of our coastal ecosystems including valued fisheries and habitats.”Council general manager science Karen Wilson provided further details, saying the ocean acted like a heat sponge, absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere and preventing dramatic rises in air and land temperatures.Warming waters fueled extreme weather events and drove sea level rise, she said."Rising temperatures can also disrupt ocean chemistry and nutrient cycles, altering major currents and threatening marine ecosystems."That could lead to coral bleaching, potential food security issues, and habitat changes for marine mammals, Wilson said.Ocean temperatures fluctuated naturally due to El Niño and La Niña cycles, changes in ocean currents and long-term climate patterns, she said."These natural influences combine with broader climate changes and drive the warming we are observing today."The 0.4 degree increase in average temperature also applied to the east coast of the South Island.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Short delays possible this week with tree felling operations underway - Lake Gunn area.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Becoming fine. Tomorrow: Rain developing late. Wednesday: Rain clearing late. Thursday: Rain developing Friday: Mainly fine.

He’s knocking on 100 but Southland Rugby legend Owen Todd, 99, can still recall some remarkable rugby yarns from his team manager days as if they were yesterday.President of the Southland Rugby Union, manager, and Southland and New Zealand U18 selector during his administration prime in the 1970s and 80s, Owen led the Southland team through some historical victories.Most memorable, that legendary Ranfurly Shield draw with Auckland in 1976.Manager that day, his mini shield still takes pride of place in his room, walls adorned with Southland Rugby memorabilia, at Queenstown’s Arvida Country Club rest home.He's saved the boys from the odd spot of trouble, but his word and his leadership were always respected by the players.Not bad for a mechanical fitter-welder from South Invercargill, who cut his teeth in the trade with family firm J. K. Stevenson Engineers, working there for 44 years, becoming a shareholder through the company’s bonus programme.Owen, fourth from left in the front row, as part of the 1974 Invercargill Blues Rugby Club Centennial Committee. Photo: SuppliedOwen pays tribute to ‘Mr Stevenson’ for ensuring he and wife Ray, who passed away in 2015 after 65 happy years of marriage, got into their first St Andrew Street home soon after marrying in 1950.Ray had been a part of Owen’s life since South School.“I sat up the front with the dummies, and she was the dark-haired brainy girl up the back,” Owen grins.Owen’s dad worked for Wright Stephenson stock firm, transferring to Balfour where Owen continued school.“That’s where I got introduced to rugby, watching it over the fence,” he says.The intrigue of the blacksmith’s shop next door was also responsible for his choice of career later.“I’d watch the chaps making things with metal.”They moved to Gore, Owen working after school at Burrows Nursery, then as a butcher’s boy, taking orders before school on his bicycle then delivering them after school.“Come Saturdays us boys went up behind the dairy factory on the hill, and we’d tip the farmer’s water trough over, and make sleds from the pickets off people’s fences then slide down in the mud,” he grins.A young Owen Todd. Photo: SuppliedA World Boys’ Brigade Jamboree in Wellington was downsized to the ‘Southern Hemisphere’ during World War II due to safety threats when Owen was 12.“We went by train and boat to Wellington. No lights were allowed on the boat at night in case the enemy spotted them. A huge passenger liner was loading soldiers to take them to war. It was scary alright.” They camped for two weeks at Waikanae.The family moved back to Invercargill where Owen played in the South School Rugby Team, also playing for the Southland Primary Schools Team against Otago.“We gave them a thrashing – three of us from our school were in the team.”The headmaster made the senior class give them a standing ovation, then at playtime “the dark-haired brainy girl” (wife Ray) gave him a dig in the back and said, ‘Good on ya!’At Southland Technical College he became head prefect, picking a teacher to dance as was tradition at the school dance.“I picked Miss Morris who said she’d heard a lot about me at home from her younger sister, Ray (wife).”The senior boys had to dig trenches by the basketball courts during the war, stripping their shirts off and whistling at the girls playing basketball.“We had a big fire in the engineering block and us boys had to help dismantle all the machinery, belts and pulleys.Blues Boys - Owen Starring centre front. Photo: Supplied“I got really interested and got a job as apprentice at J.K. Stevenson Ltd Engineers.”Christmas bonuses were offered as shares and coupled with an investment in the Southland Building Society Owen and Ray bought their St Andrew Street home off Mr Stevenson.Their three children arrived – Neville, Sally and Graeme, and while he’d given up playing Owen was soon elected to Invercargill’s Blues Rugby Club Committee – a Life Member for almost 50 years, the club’s oldest.Star of the show at the Blue’s 150th anniversary last year (2024), he was also instrumental in organising Southland’s annual Rugby Life Members Club gatherings, attending his most recent one three years ago.He also suggested that women working tirelessly in rugby club kitchens be honoured with Life Memberships too.Before long fellow Blues members Les George and Len Clode, both on the NZ Rugby Union, had nominated him for the Southland Rugby Union.“I said, ‘Not a dog show!’”But there was, and he then managed a Blues team trip to Australia too.Each time he said, ‘I’ll have a yarn to my wife’.Owen celebrating his beloved Blues Rugby Club. Photo: Supplied“She always said, ‘Go for it!’.""I owe her so much. I couldn’t have done any of it without her fantastic support, and that of my family,” Owen says.He was also a Southland and NZ U18 selector.Each time Ray said, ‘Go for it!’“I’ve been to some wonderful places,” he recalls.Billeted on the West Coast, Owen ended up touring an underground coal mine, presented with a massive box of whitebait to take home.Chairman of Southland Rugby’s Grounds Committee for the 1981 Springbok Tour, Army personnel refused him pre-match entry through the barbed wire, despite being the boss.Owen’s highlight was meeting Errol Tobius, the first coloured member of the Springbok team."Steven Pokere (All Black) introduced me, and Errol told me some of his own team seldom spoke to him off the field, which was really sad."Owen meeting Sir Buck Shelford at the Invercargill Blues Rugby Club 150th anniversary last year (2024). Photo: Supplied"The team manager kept an eye on him and Errol had his own separate manager.”Then there was the Southland trip to Blenheim when Southland Juniors got into a fight with some gang members.A player and the senior team liaison officer – an off-duty cop who went to assist, were both badly injured and hospitalised.“I had three cops in my senior team so I had to let them go help and when the others heard what had happened I couldn’t hold them back despite the hotel manageress’s warning to stay at the hotel.”His players beat the Police there, dealing some Southland vigilante-style justice to the main perpetrator, Owen begging one star player about to be named in the All Black team that night not to join in.“I said,’ You’re doing nothing. You’re just gonna look!’It was all over the 6 o’clock TV news so I rang Ray to reassure her, but I didn’t ring the Southland Rugby Union chairman Jack Smith.Boy, did he give me a clean out,” Owen says.Many happy years were spent at the renovated crib Owen and Ray bought in Queenstown Camping Ground – ‘Toddle Inn’.Photo: SuppliedOne New Year’s Day three Police officers pulled up in a patrol car, offloading boxes into the crib.“Three of our Blues players, cops up here as holiday reinforcements, came to visit.""They’d been confiscating beer from underagers and thought they’d ‘go round and shout for Toddy’,” Owen grins.“People were staring, wondering what was happening at our place. Ray was not amused.”In 1985 they retired to Queenstown, where Owen joined bowls and Ray golf. Owen did fluke a Hole in One in Wanaka once though.Author of Queenstown Bowling Club’s 100-year history book celebrating 1904 – 2004, he’s now delighted to see copies at every table in the new clubhouse restaurant.A former committee member, Owen’s most memorable win was in his 80s when he, Bill Johnston and Dave Weir, playing as the underdogs, cleaned up with an average age of 80 in the Queenstown Bowls Triples Championship final against three local champions.“Geez, that was a late-night home,” he grins.So chuffed, he even had their names and ages engraved on the trophy.Owen, front, with his children, from left, Graeme, Sally and Neville. Photo: SuppliedOwen reckons he’s had “a marvellous life and met some fabulous people”.Always a great encourager of young people, he’s forever grateful to a young English girl from Dover who helped nurse Ray at home in her final weeks.“Louise still writes to me and sent me her wedding photos. She was such a lovely girl.”As for those two newest great grandsons – well, just maybe they’ll grow up to be Stags.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

Whakatane’s Daniel Jones has made history with a record-breaking seventh Fresh Choice Kepler Challenge mountain running title in Te Anau yesterday (Dec 6).The professional ultra runner was a comfortable men’s winner in the 60km loop of the Kepler Track, finishing in 4hr 42min, and in the process striding past the mark he had shared with fellow six-time winners Ruby Muir and Russell Hurring.Auckland’s Frances Redmond, who finished runner-up last year, won the women’s race in 5hr 59min.Jones was met on the Lake Te Anau control gate finish line by partner Michelle and 11-week-old son Hudson to celebrate the special moment.“I saw them at Rainbow Reach (10km to go) and I really wanted to give Huddy a hug but I just burned on through. It’s Huddy’s first time to see a race finish and I was really happy to make it a win,” Jones said.“To get that seventh title means a lot because you come back here year after year and it’s kind of grown into this big family, community thing for me, and now my family and I really hope to continue the tradition.”Christchurch runner Cameron Swales takes out the 27km Luxmore Grunt in 1 hour, fifty-three minutes and thirty seconds. Photo: Nathan BurtonJones was challenged during the first half of the race by Frenchman Quinton Succo (4:58), who is currently on a year-long working holiday in New Zealand.The pair exchanged introductions on the climb up to Luxmore Hut and then battled it out across the upper heights of the track before Jones pulled away over the second half of the race.Defending champion Daniel Balchin (5:06) finished in third place.Competing in her fourth Kepler Challenge, Redmond said the event holds a special place in her heart.“This is my fourth year, so it’s been a few years coming. It’s a renowned race, the course is beautiful and it’s fantastically run, the volunteers are awesome, so it feels pretty epic.”Hannah Wall (6:03) ran strongly throughout the race and led at most of the checkpoints before finishing less than five minutes behind Redmond, with Julia Chamberlain (6:17) in third place.“I’ve been supported over the past year by my friends and family, particularly my partner Hannah,” Redmond said.“She cooks me dinner, doesn’t complain when I go out running for eight hours on our day off. That’s what makes it so amazing, having that family and friends support.”Competing in the companion event, the 27km Luxmore Grunt, New Zealand mountain running representative Penny Mouat defended her title despite being on the comeback from injury.“I’m so stoked. That was the goal. I got a stress fracture a few months ago, got that cleared and then this was my first race back really.”Fellow Christchurch runner Cameron Swales trailed the frontrunners, including three-time winner Jonathan Jackson, by about 1min at the Luxmore Hut turnaround, but took the lead during the technical descent and used his track speed to power home in what was his trail running debut.“I’m coming out of being a road and track running over the past couple of years and I’m excited to give trails a bit of a go.”A capacity field of 450 runners started the Kepler Challenge event, with the field selling out in just over 2min in July. Another sold out field of 250 runners contested the Luxmore Grunt.Results60km Kepler Challenge:Men: Daniel Jones 4:42:38, 1; Quinton Succo 4:58:46, 2; Daniel Balchin 5:06:31, 3.Women: Frances Redmond 5:59:05, 1; Hannah Wall 6:03:58, 2; Julia Chamberlain 6:17:02, 3.27km Luxmore Grunt:Men: Cameron Swales 1:53:30, 1; Michael Sutton 1:54:54, 2; Jonathan Jackson 1:56:28, 3.Women: Penny Mouat 2:29:37, 1; Catherine Atkinson 2:35:38, 2; Hollie Morton 2:36:37, 3.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are in attendance at a large vegetation fire in the Otapiri Gorge, Southland.The fire is around 21 hectares with a 2.3km perimeter. It is around 50 percent contained, but not under control.High winds and the terrain have made firefighting operations difficult. Crews will continue to work as daylight allows and be back tomorrow to work to get the fire fully contained. People should always visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check the conditions before lighting any fire and to remain aware of weather conditions as a change in conditions could see their fire escape.

This week marks 100 years since the memorial commemorating the ultimate sacrifice made by Southlanders serving during World War I was officially unveiled in Invercargill.The Southland Cenotaph, on Gala St, was officially unveiled to the public on Sunday, 6 December, 1925 by then-Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Charles Ferguson.The crowd gathered for the occasion was reported to number more than 6000 people, including nearly 1000 returned soldiers.Photo: Supplied.Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said 100 years on, the cenotaph remained a powerful symbol of the respect and gratitude the community felt for those who had lost their lives in the war.“The Southland cenotaph is an enduring reminder that we must continue to honour those who served, and ensure their stories are never forgotten,” he said.“A century later, the cenotaph does more than honour the legacy of those who lost their lives. It challenges us as a community to live in a way that reflects upon and respects the sacrifice made in the past, for our future.”At the end of WWI, the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Committee was formed in Invercargill. The committee aimed to raise funds for a memorial commemorating those Southlanders who served and died overseas.The eventual Southland Cenotaph was designed by Dunedin architectural firm Coombs and White.The memorial was heavily influenced by The Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1920 as the United Kingdom’s national memorial to the fallen of Britain and the Empire.Its 10-foot-high statue of a soldier was cut and sculpted by G. Cancare, with the entire memorial itself carved from Bluff granite.As well as the names of Southland soldiers killed in action during WWI, the cenotaph also bears the names of Southland nurses who also lost their lives overseas during the war.The wider community was asked to submit the names and details of those soldiers and nurses who had lost their lives during the war.Photo: Supplied.The programme for the ceremony noted that the memorial was ‘Erected by the People of Southland in Grateful Remembrance of those who, at the call of Duty, left all that was dear unto them, faced danger, endured hardship, and finally laid down their lives for their Country in the Great War, 1914 – 1918’.The unveiling ceremony also included renditions of the hymn Nearer, my God, to Thee, the Last Post and God Save the King, as well as an address from the Invercargill Mayor of the time, Andrew Bain, who served two terms in the role (between 1923 to 1925, and 1925 to 1927).Mayor Campbell said the sizeable crowds who gathered at the cenotaph every year, for occasions including ANZAC Day, showed the community still held a deep level of respect for those who had served in conflicts throughout the world."While the world has changed enormously since 1925, the horror at the human cost of war still resonates deeply. Looking at the cenotaph today, we are not just remembering names carved in granite – we are mourning those whose contribution to our community was cut tragically short.”The word cenotaph is derived from the Greek word kenos and taphos, meaning ‘empty tomb’.

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.* Please note there will be a closure SH1 between Liffey and Palmer St between and 12 noon. Detour for SH1 north and southbound via Liffey, Foyle and Onslow St. Key renewal sites in Southland currently underway/beginning next week:SH1 Bluff highway – Stage two from Clifden to Duck Creek is underway. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH94 at The Key – Stage two at the Mararoa School end is underway and will continue until mid-December. Traffic lights in place, 10-15 minute delays. SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – earthworks and drainage underway until late December. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Construction will begin in new year.SH94 Te Anau-Milford highway at Sinclair Road – begins Monday 1st December and will continue until prior to Christmas. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes.SH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway at the bend prior to Ohai - begins next week and will continue for 2-3 weeks. Traffic lights in place, delays of 5-10 minutes. Other maintenance and contractor work underway next week is listed below. Highways South maintenance work:SH1 Bluff highway near Kekeno Place, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Bluff highway at Awarua, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Bluff highway between Awarua and Greenhills, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Longbush South Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Woodlands-Invercargill highway at Mona Bush Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Main St Mataura, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pioneer highway at Brydone, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH1 Pukerau to Charlton, stop/go for watercuttingSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway south of Thompsons Crossing, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Hundred Line Road, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway between Lumsden and Lintley Road, stop/go for resurfacingSH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway just north of SH94 turnoff, stop/go for resurfacingSH93 Old Coach Road from Mataura to Clinton, stop/go for watercuttingSH93 Old Coach Road near River Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road near Old Manse Road, traffic lights for pavement repairsSH93 Old Coach Road from Clinton to Mataura, stop/go for watercuttingSH94 Waimea highway from Croydon to Mandeville, stop/go for watercuttingRoadmarking taking place on SH1 between Invercargill and Gore, SH98 at Mill Road, SH96 at Winton, SH94 at Riversdale and SH93 at Owaka Valley Road under traffic management – delays should be minimal. **Programmed work may be delayed due to weather/other factors. Other contractor work that we are aware of:SH1 Gore St, Bluff between Liffey and Palmer St, Closure of SH1 between Liffey and Palmer St for event. **Sunday 7th December onlySH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway at Two Chain Road, stop/go for powerline workUseful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

Beginning 1 January 2026, Mr Bharat Guha will step into the position of Chief Executive at SIT, as confirmed by the newly appointed Council.Council Chair, Mr Rex Chapman, said Mr Guha was chosen for his proven leadership, financial expertise and clear vision for SIT’s future. “Bharat brings a wealth of experience in tertiary education and a genuine dedication to our community and to SIT. His leadership will help SIT empower every student to thrive in a world that’s always changing,” Mr Chapman said. “We were pleased by the strong level of interest in the role and very impressed by the calibre of applicants.” Mr Guha, currently the Chief Financial Officer of ILT, said he is honoured to take up the role. “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to lead SIT. Our priority is to ensure the Zero Fees Scheme continues, while delivering programmes that reflect both existing and emerging industries across Southland.” “SIT’s strength comes from its partnerships with iwi, industry and our vibrant community, and I’m committed to continuing to build these connections. We will also focus on expanding international education and embracing innovation and flexibility in programme delivery to position SIT as a leader in vocational education,” said Mr Guha. Mr Guha is no stranger to SIT, having previously served as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer. He was the financial architect of the Zero Fees Scheme and played a pivotal role in developing SIT’s domestic and international markets.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No travel delays are expected over the coming days.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain clearing in evening Tomorrow: Rain developing Sunday: Rain Monday: Becoming fine Tuesday: Rain possible

Invercargill’s Splash Palace has faced the unfortunate task of cleaning up two code browns on the same day.Last week, the learners pool closed for 1 hour 45 minutes due to a faecal contamination incident, reopened for swimming lessons, and closed again due to contamination.The double dose of doo-doo comes at a time when details have surfaced about an uptick in code browns at the pools.Council manager aquatic services Stephen Cook said the recent incident involved a “small amount of additional matter” being found which prompted the pool’s closure for a further half hour."It is not clear whether this was from a separate incident or was overlooked due to its small size."Staff acted quickly in both instances and followed standard procedures, he said.That involved closing the pool, cleaning the material and super-chlorinating the water.A pool could remain closed for anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours, with the amount of time dependent on the “type of material”.Local Democracy Reporting spoke to a source who claimed the second piece of faecal matter was stepped on by a swimming instructor who then smeared it "slightly" across the bottom of the pool.Cook said there had been no reports of faecal matter being stepped in or transferred to the bottom of the pool.Recent information provided by the council showed the number of code brown incidents at Splash Palace had exceeded 2024 numbers with two months to spare.As of 31 October, there had been 30 incidents resulting in 58.5 hours of unplanned pool closures compared to 28 incidents and 59.4 hours lost in 2024.The leisure pool was the most common location for code browns.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

As the festive season approaches, Police in the Southland Area are gearing up for an operation to make sure punters don’t end up on Santa’s naughty list as they partake in revelry and merriment.Area Manager for Prevention (Community) Senior Sergeant Brent Kingsland says the initiative, which begins this week and runs through to New Year, is about keeping people safe while supporting responsible celebration.“We know that end-of-year functions, such as the Christmas at the Races, Crate Day, Tradie Day and other Christmas parties are a time to unwind and connect – but they can also lead to risky behaviour, especially when alcohol and driving are involved,” says Kingsland.“Our teams will be out talking to people, offering advice, and intervening early where needed.”Police will be conducting roadside breath testing checkpoints, targeting drink and drug driving, and working with Road Policing teams to ensure drivers are fit to be behind the wheel.“We can’t say it enough – if you’re drinking, don’t drive.Plan ahead, use a sober driver, or arrange alternative transport.“This is traditionally a happy and festive time of year, and I can’t imagine anything worse than your loved ones hearing that you won’t be coming home for Christmas.”Police will also be enforcing the Invercargill City Council’s 24/7 liquor ban, which prohibits the consumption and possession of alcohol in public places within the Central Business District (CBD) and designated parks and reserves.“The liquor ban is in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and disorder in public spaces.We’ll be actively monitoring these areas and taking enforcement action where necessary,” Senior Sergeant Kingsland adds.Police will have additional foot and vehicle patrols in key areas, including nightlife establishments, and popular gathering spots.“We’re here to support safe celebrations and respond quickly when needed.“We’re not here to spoil the fun – we’re here to make sure everyone gets home safely.”Police encourage anyone hosting an event to plan ahead, look after their guests, and report any concerning behaviour.If you see something that doesn’t feel right, call 111 in emergencies or 105 for non-urgent matters.

More than a million dollars' worth of trucks and equipment have been destroyed in a suspected arson in a popular Invercargill park.Police are investigating after the fire was reported early on Wednesday morning in Queens Park.Invercargill City Council confirmed the gear was owned by arborist Treetech and was essential to the ongoing efforts to restore the park after extensive storm damage.Treetech managing director Chris Walsh said the company would need to bring in replacement equipment to get the job done."If someone has intentionally set fire to our trucks and equipment, that would be devastating for our team. It's more than a million dollars' worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going."We're a resilient bunch, and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the job done."Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said the fire would very likely delay the reopening of the final section of Queens Park.It was incredibly lucky that the fire did not spread further beyond the maintenance yard, she said."It's distressing to think that someone would deliberately destroy the tools we need to reopen the rest of this beloved park."Our staff and contractors have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure Queens Park is safe for the community."Anyone with information relating to the fire was encouraged to contact police.Published by Permission

The much-anticipated reopening of Invercargill’s award-winning Queens Park following October’s storm will likely be delayed, following a suspected arson attack. Police are investigating after four trucks and equipment owned by arborist company Treetech were destroyed by fire in Queens Park’s maintenance yard on Tuesday night. Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the suspected arson was incredibly disappointing, as the trucks and equipment were essential in the ongoing efforts to restore the park after extensive storm damage. “Our staff and contractors have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure Queens Park is safe for the community,” she said. “It’s distressing to think that someone would deliberately destroy the tools we need to reopen the rest of this beloved park. “We’re not yet sure how this will affect the ongoing programme of recovery, but it will very likely mean a delay in reopening the final section of Queens Park.” Photo: Invercargill City CouncilTreetech Managing Director Chris Walsh said the company would need to bring in replacement equipment from outside of Invercargill to finish the recovery work. “If someone has intentionally set fire to our trucks and equipment, that would be devastating for our team. It's more than a million dollars’ worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going. “We're a resilient bunch and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Rain said it was incredibly lucky the fire did not spread further into the park. “The people of Invercargill are already processing massive changes to Queens Park following October’s extreme winds. “We’re still assessing the full extent of the damage to the trucks and the surrounding area, but we’re relieved and thankful the fires didn’t spread beyond the maintenance yard.” Council’s Parks and Recreation team would be working closely with Treetech and New Zealand Police to determine the next steps, she said. “Despite this setback, we’re committed to getting the rest of Queens Park open as soon as possible” she said. Anyone with information relating to this incident could contact Police on 105, referencing case number 251203/6122, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire which damaged four vehicles at Invercargill’s Queens Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning.The trucks belonged to Christchurch company Treetech, which was assisting with storm recovery at the park.A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency NZ said the incident was notified by Police at 12:18am and had been flagged as suspicious.In a statement, Treetech chief executive Chris Walsh said it would be devastating for the team if the trucks had been set on fire intentionally.“It's about a million dollars worth of damage, but we're pulling out all the stops to keep going."Walsh said he was raised in Invercargill and started his climbing career in Queens Park, so the area was dear to his heart.The site has been cordoned off, and a crime investigation is underway. Credit: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR.Gear would arrive from other depots in the coming days so they could get back up and running, he said.Invercargill City Council manager parks and recreation Caroline Rain said the incident happened at the park's maintenance yard and confirmed the area was now a crime investigation scene.“We are still assessing the extent of the damage to the trucks and surrounding property, and working with Treetech on the next steps forward.“This incident is incredibly disappointing, especially given the tireless work of our staff and contractors in recent weeks to ensure the trees in our parks and reserves were made safe for the community following October’s storm.”On Wednesday morning, the site was cordoned off by a gate and emergency tape.It was not clear how the incident would affect recovery, which included reopening the remaining closed part of the park, Rain said.Queens Park suffered major damage when strong winds toppled trees in October.Walsh believed the opening of Coronation Drive in Queens Park by Christmas may no longer be possibleTwo fire investigators are working alongside Police.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Big fields of cars in almost every class guarantees two days of action-packed motor racing at Teretonga Park in Invercargill this weekend.The OSCA Super Saloons always create plenty of excitement which will be full on this year with twenty cars entered. Two rounds into their championship, Tim Dossett of Pleasant Point leads the points in his EVO5 ahead of Kris Brown of Timaru, a race winner here last year in his Nissan Skyline, and Callum Stocker of Rolleston in a Mazda RX8. However, it is two Jaguar drivers, last year’s round winner, Steve Ross of Dunedin, and Kyle Dawson of Invercargill who will be expected to be at the front of the pack this weekend. Steve Ross of Dunedin, expected to be at the front of the OSCA Super Saloon field this weekend at Teretonga Park in Invercargill. Credit: Dave Loudon.In the separate OSCA Lite Championship Matthew Cronin of Timaru leads the way from local driver Rachael Beck.Marco Manson of Auckland has so far proven to be the man to beat in South Island Formula Ford this season. Manson and Dylan Petch of Christchurch are the only race winners in the series to date but the field is full of exciting talent including the winner of the recent FIA Arrive and Drive World Karting Senior World Cup, Zach Tucker of Prebbleton. Last year’s New Zealand Formula Ford Championship Rookie of the Year Jacob Begg of Winton will be very much to the fore at home while Matthew Basso of Australia joins the grid.The Pro8 NZ Series is another class that brings great racing and with last year’s round winner Corban Sprague of Timaru plus Jared Pyke of Rolleston on the grid along with local drivers Jeremy Dawson and Jeremy Skeggs this year should be no exception.Leon Hallett of Mosgiel will be one to beat in his Ford Falcon in the HVRA races with competition coming from the likes of Invercargill drivers Scott O’Donnell and Gregg Cooper in their Ford Capri’s and Gary Johnstone of Rolleston (Jaguar XJS).The 2K Cup Teretonga Challenge sees a massive twenty-five car field ready to do battle, with last year’s winner Jonathan Prince of Christchurch (Toyota Corolla) back with other top runners including Greg Mitchell of Darfield in his Toyota Sprinter and Greg Barclay of Woodend (Toyota MR2) plus any number of others ready to pounce.SS Cup have an even bigger entry of twenty-eight cars. Dave McLean of Balfour in his Honda Integra comes to the round on a hot run of form while Josh Mitchell of Christchurch (Subaru Impreza) and Ross Jones of Waikouaiti were prominent last year. Lynden Prebble, the current SSCC Race Champion and local youngster Nieko Scoles are also in the field.Dion Dawson and Jordan Michels looks likely frontrunners in the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloon races with the toughest opposition looking likely from Brian Scott of Dunedin in his Camaro.The action starts at 9.30am on Saturday and 9.00am Sunday. Pre-sale tickets are available from E Hayes & Sons, Invercargill at a cost of $35 for a weekend pass. Weekend passes at the gate are $45 while Saturday only tickets which are only available at the gate are $25 and Sunday $35. Children 14 & under are free if accompanied by an adult. 

Detective Sergeant John Kean, from the Invercargill Criminal Investigations Team is investigating a fire early this morning in Queens Park, Windsor, around 12.20am.It appears four vehicles were deliberately set alight.Thankfully, no one was injured.Police would like to speak with anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the area last night or early this morning.Information can be provided through 105, referencing case number 251203/6122.You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The boss of a Southland RSA is not pulling his punches, after thieves stole burial plaques off soldiers' graves at an Invercargill cemetery.Police believe they were stolen from the St Johns Cemetery sometime between 28 October and 22 November.The brass plates marked the graves of World War One and Two veterans, and those who served in the Korean War.St Johns Cemetery. Photo: Supplied / Invercargill City CouncilAwarua RSA president Ian Becker told Checkpoint he was gutted by the theft, which he said showed a complete lack of respect."All they're interested in is getting their grubby little hands on some easy cash, but I think they might finding they're now holding onto a wasp's nest and somebody, somewhere, is going to tell us who it was."Becker said he had done a bit of digging since the plaques was stolen and had found out one of them belonged to "one of their own"."It belonged to Rose Hinchey, who was born in Bluff, her father was a mayor of Bluff, and she attended Bluff school."She trained as a nurse in Invercargill... and joined the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service from 1937 to 1949, serving during the Second World War.Then she was in the Queen Alexandra Royal Army nursing core 1949 to 1965 and served in Korea."One of the missing plaques. Photo: Supplied / Invercargill City Council.Hinchey's plaque was one of nine that has been stolen."I just feel gutted that some person just felt they had a bigger, a stronger need to take away somebody's identity."She's a real person and she's one of ours."Becker said the brass plaques are issued by Veterans Affairs, and recorded the persons rank, regimental number and the conflict they were involved in."It's the last official recognition that they gave up their youth for the service of their country."He said he had been in touch with Veterans Affairs to see if all nine plaques can be replaced.Becker said the whole affair has made him both upset and angry."Why would you steal someone's identity?"St Johns Cemetery Photo: Supplied/Invercargill City CouncilHe said he was aware of similar thefts that have occurred previously in other parts of the country, and believed the thieves were looking to make some money off the plaques.Becker was now appealing to them to drop the plaques back."Anywhere, even if it's a service station, a milk bar, just hand it back. It's no good to you, It's no good to anyone else. Give it back so we can reinstate the person, give them back their identity and give them back the ability to sleep peacefully.Acting area prevention manager Inspector Mel Robertson said Invercargill Police were investigating the theft of a number of burial plaques from grave sites at St Johns Cemetery.She said several of the stolen plaques were taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the First and Second World Wars, making this a particularly distressing crime for families and the wider community.She urged anyone with information regarding the stolen plaques to contact Police via 105 and quote event number 251125/6603.Published by Permission