Hundreds of residents have shared their thoughts on Southland's new museum and its looming overspend.In July, Invercargill City Council opted to plough on with Te Unua - Museum of Southland despite the build running millions of dollars over budget.A series of options were presented to the public for consultation, ranging from $7 million to $13 million of additional council spend.If the most expensive option was landed on — sticking with the original design — the total cost of the project could balloon to about $87 million.A total 286 submissions were received by the council as part of its consultation, with 36 percent of respondents choosing the original design as their preferred choice.A cheaper option to reduce the museum’s digital experience and shave up to $6 million off the maximum overspend was the next preferred option at 29 percent.But the council also noted that pausing or stopping the project was not provided as an option and had been raised by about 16 percent of submitters.The journey to a new museum has been a long one for the council and follows the closure of the previous one in 2018 after earthquake safety concerns came to light.On Tuesday, a group of submitters took the opportunity to share their thoughts with the council at a hearing.Former councillor Lloyd Esler said it was the contents of the museum that mattered, not the outside appearance.He believed the digital elements of the museum were an “expensive luxury” which could be pared back, because you didn’t need to leave your house to see something on a screen.Angella Newell spoke on behalf of both Arts Murihiku and Shakespeare in the Park Charitable Trust. Her message was clear: “just be bold and do it”.“We need to think about the legacy we’re leaving for the children and the grandchildren and the visitors who come to hear our stories,” Newell said.Invercargill Youth Council gave their preferred option as the status quo, suggesting the car park could be removed for the purpose of green space.Despite the status quo emerging as the most popular option in consultation, a ranking system gave the highest combined score to removing Green Star sustainability accreditation and delaying construction of a car park.By doing that, the council could keep the cost increase down to about $10.6 million.Te Unua - Museum of Southland is set to open in late 2026.Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Four Southland projects selected under the Government’s new - yet to be passed - Fast-track Approvals Bill will, if approved, supercharge Southland's economy according to Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.Southland's selected fast track projects include a Makarewa hatchery, a Stewart Island marine farm, a Bluff land-based salmon farm and processing facility and a new water source for Invercargill city.The local projects are part of 149 projects announced by the government on Sunday (6 Oct).The projects, each judged to have significant regional or national benefits, include 44 housing developments and seven aquaculture and farming operations.Before being consented the projects will each need to be passed by a panel who have expertise in the relevant industry, environmental issues and the Treaty.However critics of the controversial new bill argue that if passed it will effectively put profit ahead of the environment by locking out conservation groups from going beyond the submission stage.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said the 4 Southland projects would supercharge the local economy, create jobs and deliver growth to the province.“These projects, if consented, will provide benefits to the Southland regional economy, including high-paying jobs, increased exports, and reliable infrastructure."“Successive governments have allowed red and green tape to hinder economic growth, delaying much-needed infrastructure and housing projects."“The Fast-track Approvals Bill cuts through this bureaucracy, enabling projects of national and regional significance to proceed more quickly and efficiently,” she said.Simmonds said the expert panel would balance environmental protection with the need for growth, and if the environmental impacts are deemed excessive, the panel can decline the project.It is expected some of the projects will be accepted by 2025. The bill is yet to be passed into law.The Southland projects for fast-track are:Sanford Ltd’s Makarewa Hatchery project, which involves the construction and operation of a land-based recirculating water salmon hatchery on a 24-hectare former abattoir site.Ngai Tahu’s Hananui Aquaculture project, which aims to develop a 2500-hectare site of marine space for marine farming (finfish).ImpactMarine Bluff Ltd’s sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture project, involves the construction and operation of a land-based salmon farm and processing facility.An Invercargill City Council Awarua Alternate Water Supply project, providing a standalone, reliable, secondary water source for the residents and businesses of Invercargill from groundwater bores, capable of providing approximately 20 million litres of additional treated water per day.

An Air New Zealand flight has been turned around after experiencing severe turbulence while trying to land in Dunedin on Wednesday morning.Meanwhile, a second flight from Auckland to Queenstown had to turn back after it was struck by lightning mid-flight.Flight NZ681 between Wellington and Dunedin attempted to land twice but then turned back to the capital.An airport announcement in Dunedin said it was due to severe turbulence and wind shear.One of the passengers, Megan, told RNZ several people vomited as the flight neared Dunedin.Passenger Jenny said the crew had been reassuring and everyone had been rebooked on later flights before relanding in Wellington.MetService has a strong wind watch in place for coastal areas of Dunedin and Clutha until 5pm on Wednesday for possible severe southwest gales in exposed places.Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said challenging weather across the country was affecting flights.He confirmed flight NZ681 was unable to land due to strong winds."Our customer care and airport teams are working to re-accommodate customers in both Wellington and Dunedin on the next available services," he said.Air New Zealand said it was the only flight disruption to or from Dunedin.It said the next flights in and out of Dunedin, shortly after 1pm and 1.30pm respectively, were going ahead as scheduled.New Plymouth 7-year-old Thijs was was on the flight with his mother and said it had been a bit scary. He said if their holiday was delayed they would at least get to see friends in Wellington.Meanwhile, NZ613 turned back after being struck by lightning on Wednesday morning.It was undergoing engineering checks, and passengers were transferred to another plane."Lightning strikes are not uncommon, and our pilots do train for this scenario," Morgan said.Published by permission

'When women come together, amazing things happen' is a statement Dipton woman Sandra Prebble strongly believes in.Prebble was researching how to remove more plastic from her own life when she stumbled upon some New Zealand made eco-friendly products for women.One of them was a high-quality organic period care underwear, ethically made and produced in New Zealand. However the cost of eco-products was often much more than their unsustainable equivalent.Not deterred, when Prebble had a windfall donation from a group camping on her property, she seized the opportunity, ordered the AWWA eco-underwear and gifted them on to similarly minded women who wanted to be more sustainable but were inhibited by the extra cost.AWWA is derived from the Māori word 'awa' meaning river or flow. Māori traditionally referred to their period as te awa atua - the divine river.And so began The Care Project Murihiku, a project whose goal is about caring for women and their environment by lessening the financial barriers for those who would like to be more sustainable.In 2023 the project gifted senior female students at Northern Southland College two pairs of the period underwear to try out.Feedback was really positive with many saying they definitely felt they were worthwhile, especially for heavy flow days and overnight reassurance.In 2024 the project was expanded to include young women at the Murihiku Young Parent Learning Centre.The project's next mission is to include women in Northern Southland who may be experiencing mild to moderate urinary incontinence.Prebble said the project had definitely been a collaborative and team project, and one that she had needed support and reassurance on.Team member Samm Aspinal said they had had some incredibly generous donations but were still looking for more funding to be able to continue to offer products to more women at different stages in their journey.The projects latest fundraiser is two locally created tea towels designed by Sandra and Kim Spencer-McDonald.Already set for a second print run, the bespoke tea towels feature Dipton area streets and landmarks, and Dipton resident Andrew Watson's famous 'Dipton song', respectively.Dipton tea towel pre-orders can be made at the Magpie Cottage in Caroline Valley.Requests for the project's special underwear can be made at the Lumsden Medical Centre.CLICK HERE to learn more about The Care Project Murihiku.

A new Government fund to tidy up old dump sites will see clean-up work started on a contaminated landfill in Fiordland National Park.Little Tahiti Landfill in Milford Sound will receive $2.024 million for remediation works, from the Government’s new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund, which was launched this month.The Little Tahiti landfill is located on the north side of the Cleddau River, within Fiordland National Park, approximately 3 km upstream of Milford Sound.Due to the proximity of the river, the landfill is vulnerable to flooding and river scour, which are expected to be exacerbated by the effects of adverse weather events.Because of its location, in the extremely sensitive environment of Fiordland National Park, a breach of this landfill could have significant consequences for public health, ecosystems, and the local economy.That’s why it is so important that this funding has been made available by the Government and will support the Department of Conservation and the local community in dealing with this issue.The start date for this project is still to be determined but should take approximately 18 months to complete.Many areas across New Zealand bear the legacy of past dumping practices.These sites can pose environmental risks and become a threat due to weather events, so it’s important that work to address them gets underway.It’s estimated that there are hundreds of these sites around the country.As well as the Fiordland site, a landfill at Ocean Beach near Bluff has also been awarded $534,750.Work will also start there next year, fixing a site which is contaminated with asbestos.I’m pleased that this funding has come to our province and that we can safeguard our province’s natural beauty and the wellbeing of our communities for generations to come.Funded by Parliamentary Services

Milford Road OPENAvalanche Hazard LOWWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Snow showers clearing late morningTomorrow: FineFriday: Showers turning to rainSaturday: Rain with snow to 700m later in daySunday: Snow showers clearing in afternoon

A man has died following a water-related incident in Milford Sound yesterday (8 Oct).Police advised that emergency services were alerted to two people in need of assistance in the water at around 12.50pm.Another person received minor injuries, they said.Milford Sound has had limited road access in recent days due to snow and the avalanche hazard on Milford Road. Yesterday the road was closed.Yesterday's death will be referred to the Coroner.

A small Southland community could soon be waving goodbye to its one-of-a-kind surfer statue.There are hopes the now-tattered Colac Bay/Ōraka town icon will be replaced by a replica that can better weather the elements.Built in 1999, the towering structure pays homage to the popularity of surfing in the coastal township, located about 50 km from Invercargill.But it has struggled with maintenance issues over the years, which Southland District Council has intermittently assisted with.The organisation committed funding of almost $27,000 for maintenance between 2001 and 2004, but declined requests in 2008 and 2019.More recently, it promised $35,000 by way of a loan.Colac Bay resident Lana Winders said conversations were happening with the council on a replacement, which was now the preferred option over “expensive repairs”.The project would make use of the loan money, with the rest being made up through fundraising initiatives.“We're really keen to stay with exactly the same theme . . . a surfer on a wave. It's a really important part of our identity in Colac Bay."Winders said the council had come to the party with part of the cost, but the community would launch a significant fundraising effort to bridge the gap.On September 18, she gave Southland district councillors a first-hand account of the situation when the council held its meeting at Colac Bay Community Centre.She told those gathered it took two years to build the original surfer at a cost of $41,000, but funding limitations prevented a last-minute fibreglass coating which would have improved durability.“Caretakers were left with the burden of maintenance not envisioned at concept stage,” she said.Southland District Council acting chief executive Vibhuti Chopra confirmed repairs were no longer viable for the statue.Chopra said her organisation had presented concepts and estimated costs to the Colac Bay and Districts Progress League, which would come back to the Oraka Aparima Community Board with the direction it wanted to take.Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Otago Southland people strongly favour continuing Dunedin's new hospital build, even if the cost were to blow out to $3 billion, according to a recent iAppNetwork poll.The feeling is particularly strong in Southland with 79.4% favouring the continuation of the project.This is despite government ministers announcing on Thursday 26th September that Dunedin Hospital's planned new build could cost up to $3 billion, which they said was simply unaffordable so would either need to be reduced or done in stages.A government report also found the current plans could not be delivered within the current $1.88b budget.Across Otago and Southland 77% of poll respondents supported the project's continuation despite the possible budget blow out.8.4% thought more funding should go to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south instead of spending more on Dunedin Hospital. This feeling was particularly strong in the Queenstown (14.3%) and Upper Clutha/Wanaka (14.2%) areas.6.8% of Otago Southland respondents favoured a scaled back build that kept to the original budget, while 6% preferred a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.1.7% had no opinion or didn't know.Poll results per region were:Southland79.4% of Southlanders wanted the new build to continue6.8% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.6.5% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital6% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.1.3% had no opinion or didn't know.Queenstown61.9% of Southlanders wanted the new build to continue6.1% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.14.3% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital11.6% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.6.1% had no opinion or didn't know.Central Otago78.3% of Central Otago people wanted the new build to continue5.5% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.7.3% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital8.1% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.0.7% had no opinion or didn't know.Upper Clutha/Wanaka79.4% of Wanaka wanted the new build to continue6.8% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.14.2% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital6% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.1.3% had no opinion or didn't know.Waitaki/Oamaru90% of Waitaki people wanted the new build to continue5% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.0% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital5% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.0% had no opinion or didn't know.Dunedin87.9% of Dunedin people wanted the new build to continue3% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.6.1% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital3% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.0% had no opinion or didn't know.Other (those who took part in the poll but reside outside of Otago or Southland)69.6% of those who responded to the poll but live outside Otago Southland wanted the new build to continue8.9% said they would support a staged redevelopment and refurbishment of the existing hospital.10.7% felt redirecting more funding to improving and expanding community hospital services in the south would be better than spending more on Dunedin Hospital8.9% thought forging ahead with a scaled back new build to keep within budget was the best option.2% had no opinion or didn't know.The iAppNetwork poll was conducted by the Southland App, Queenstown App, Central Otago App, Wanaka App and Waitaki App, between 2-7 October 2024 and attracted 2087 respondents.

The rain that battered the south at the end of last week has only added to what has been a woeful spring season for Southland and Otago farmers.Most of Southland has seen more than 300 milimetres of rain since August, while Otago farmers lost stock and have widespread damage to fencing after the flooding last week.Farmers are struggling to keep animals fed, lamb death rates were higher and it has been a struggle to sow any crops.There are real concerns for farmer morale because it has been such a struggle.Federated Farmers Southland meat and wool chairman Dean Rabbidge says there are usually isolated parts feeling the pinch from difficult conditions but this year it is region-wide and included parts of South Otago.Milton sheep and beef farmer Nigel Woodhead says his farm was hit by the recent flooding in Otago and that if it was only days earlier it could have been devastating for lambing season.Published by permission

NoticesDrop-in session: Manapouri Wastewater Treatment Plant UpgradeFiordland Trails Trust AGMMossburn Rugby Club AGMEventsAdventure Park ft Bounce House - Invercargill

Milford Road CLOSEDAvalanche Hazard MODERATECLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) Closed for Avalanche Hazard and overnight snow, subject to conditions we expect to be open before 11am Wednesday, following snow clearing.Earlier if snow is less extensive. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel areaToday: Snow above 600m easingTomorrow: Snow showers clearingThursday: FineFriday: Showers turning to rainSaturday: Snow lowering to 700mSunday: Showers

Milford Road OPENAvalanche Hazard LOWCLOSING from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) 7am Tuesday Closing 7am Tuesday due to heavy rain increasing avalanche hazard.Brief opening possible Tuesday afternoon before closing Tuesday night with 10-20cm snow forecast from later afternoonWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain easing to showersTomorrow: Heavy rain easing and turning to snowWednesday: Show showersThursday: Showers clearingFriday: Fine

The Commissioner of the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority has confirmed the NZ Navy vessel which ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu has sunk.He told RNZ the vessel sunk after catching fire Sunday.Everyone aboard the ship was earlier rescued.HMNZS Manawanui, the navy's specialist dive and hydrographic vessel, regularly conducts tasks across the Pacific.It was added to the navy fleet in 2019 at a cost of $147 million.Marinetraffic.com's ship tracker showed the vessel was 'aground' near the village of Siumu, on the southern side of Upolu, at 10.45pm Saturday.Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority staff rescue crew of the HMNZS Manawanui after it ran aground in Samoa. Photo: Samoa Fire and Emergency Services AuthorityMaritime component commander Commodore Shane Arndell said the grounding occurred while conducting a reef survey.The 75 crew and passengers were at first evacuated onto life rafts, before being taken ashore by rescuers."They are being supported in Samoa or on supporting vessels," Arndell said."The New Zealand Defence Force worked closely with Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) which coordinated rescue efforts. Several vessels responded and assisted in rescuing crew and passengers. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed."The HMNZS Manawanui, aground in Samoa. Photo: Profile Boats / suppliedPhotographs uploaded by the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority showed crew being carried into ambulances and life rafts being hauled ashore. People appeared generally to be in good spirits.Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority staff rescue crew of the HMNZS Manawanui after it ran aground in Samoa. Photo: Samoa Fire and Emergency Services AuthorityHMNZS Manawanui departed Auckland's Devonport naval base for the Pacific on 29 September.According to the Defence Force website, the ship has a core crew of 39. It has been in service since November 2019 and has a top speed of 14 knots (26km/h).In November 2023, it was used in a seven-week operation to conduct underwater surveys and help to dispose of submerged World War II bombs in Niue, Fiji and Vanuatu."Some of our crew hail from Pacific nations and so for them our deployments to the Pacific are a way for them to give something back to their communities," Commanding Officer Yvonne Gray said at the time.Published by permission

Southern Police are extremely concerned about an increase in visiting overseas drivers clocking excessive speeds, at times up to 170km/hr, others passing on blind corners, then trying to barter their way out of the instant $630 fine.Two visiting drivers, one an Indian visitor from Australia and the other a visitor from India, were each slapped with the $630 fine and had their licences suspended after clocking in at 149km/hr and 148km/hr just south of Garston last Saturday (Sept 28).Police say it’s a pattern emerging all over the southern region with a Chinese visitor allegedly clocking in at a whopping 168km/hr near Ranfurly last week.He was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, had his licence suspended for 28 days, as is standard, and has been bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court.The man, who had three passengers in the vehicle, offered no real explanation for his excessive speed.Otago Lakes Central Road Policing Manager Acting Senior Sergeant Bruce Martin says many of these drivers give no excuse at all and often look at Police blankly when asked if they know the speed limit in the area, he says.“Depending on which country they’re from they will try and use the barter system with officers to bargain the price of the fine down and we have to explain that ‘No, it’s a set fee’, Martin says.Western Southland Road Policing Supervisor Sergeant David Leach, of Te Anau, says he clocked a young female German driver in her mid-20s just yesterday (4 October) at 133km/hr, near Te Anau, racing back to Queenstown.“There was flooding on the road verges and surface flooding,” Leach says. “She said she thought the speed limit was 130km/hr. They say that but there are signs.”Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road. Photo: NZTAThe worst issue in the Fiordland area is with overseas drivers passing on blind corners and yellow lines heading into Milford, he says.Police see some excessive speeds on the Te Anau Mossburn highway, usually with overseas drivers racing to meet Milford boat schedules.“Tourists don’t appreciate the distance to Milford Sound and feel pressure when their GPS starts telling them they’ll be late,” Leach says.A professional overseas small bus driver, who was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, is currently before the courts after allegedly passing other coaches on blind corners around The Divide.“There was a steep rocky cliff on one side and a drop off into steep beech forest on the other, no shoulder to pull over on,” Leach says.The worst case he’s seen was a Japanese man caught driving at 178km/hr in fog down the Five Rivers Hill, who’d driven through Queenstown on his way to Milford, evading Police, after he was reported speeding through the Kawarau Gorge.Police are stopping increasing numbers of drivers speeding up to over 70km/hr above the 100km/hr speed limit and Leach is urging other road users to be vigilant, drive defensively and report any dangerous driving.A patrol car with flashing lights pursued an international driver from China for 8kms on the Crown Range on Wednesday after he was driving on the wrong side of the road towards an oncoming vehicle, narrowly avoiding a head on collision.The driver persistently failed to stop, then sped through Cardrona township at an alleged 80km/hr, Martin says.The rental car company cancelled his contract.Police contact rental car companies which usually cancel the contract leaving the offending drivers up for the cost of recovery.“As we get into the heat of summer, we see more speeds in the 140s and 150s, especially late in the evening coming out of Milford Sound as they just want to get back to Queenstown,” Leach says.On Tuesday night an overseas driver missed a turn off and pulled over then did a U-turn on the outskirts of Te Anau causing the car following to smash into her. Fortunately, no one was injured.Ranfurly Police also stopped an overseas driver on Tuesday (1 Oct) who’d allegedly been driving at 142km/hr, while Martin says he stopped another Chinese national on Wednesday who was allegedly speeding at 112km/hr in pouring rain, at Wedderburn, near Ranfurly.Police say they stop plenty of bad Kiwi drivers too, reaching speeds in the 120s, 130s and 140s, and many drivers from the same nationalities as those caught recently are excellent, careful drivers.Milford Road. Photo: NZTASome though are just unaware of NZ road rules and conditions. They’re used to driving in slow, heavy traffic loads on jammed motorways. “However, the onus is on them to familiarise themselves with NZ rules,” Martin says.Police are urging drivers to be extra vigilant and drive defensively with increasing tourist numbers anticipated heading into summer and more international drivers on our roads.“Statistics show travelling at only 5 to 10km/hr over the speed limit greatly increases your chances of death or serious injury,” Leach says. “People speeding and passing on blind corners have just got no idea of the risk they’re putting themselves and others at.”*Police urge road users to report any dangerous driving (via 111 if there’s imminent danger of 105 if it’s after the fact).

The government has today (4 Oct) announced up to $50,000 would be allocated to support farmers in Southland and Clutha following the area's challenging spring weather conditions - that have now been classified a medium-scale adverse event.The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, and welcomed by both Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick.“The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and animals across Southland and in Otago in an already challenging year," McClay said."Torrential rain over the past 24 hours has caused further flooding, exacerbating already sodden conditions, with parts of Southland receiving more than 200 per cent of average September rainfall.”The Government would be working with sector groups and local Rural Support Trusts, using local co-ordinators to help organise recovery and wellbeing events.“It’s important we help farmers and growers who have shown great resilience through these weather events, by providing additional specialised advice or access to wellbeing support where needed,” McClay said.“The prolonged effects of this wet and cold weather take a toll on our hard-working rural communities, and I encourage people to check-in with their family, neighbours, staff, and to ask for help if you, or someone you know, needs it.”While the medium-scale adverse event classification covers the entire Southland region and the Clutha District in Otago, conditions in other areas would continue to be monitored closely, he said.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds. Photo: SuppliedInvercargill MP Penny Simmonds said she was pleased that an extra $50,000 in Government support, announced today, was being made available for farmers in Southland and parts of Otago.“This money will help provide support for farmers and rural communities in our province, through the likes of the Southland Rural Support Trust, and comes on top of an extra $250,000 announced for rural support trusts nationwide in June.“I think it’s significant that the Government has recognised that things are tough for local farmers – and that help has been provided."“For many, it's not so much about the money, as it is the acknowledgement of the difficulties that so many of our local farmers are facing."“I have been concerned about the situation in Southland for weeks now and I have been providing support through my office where needed."“Local farmers and their families have shared their struggles with me, with the relentless wet weather taking a toll on morale."“According to weather experts, last month was the wettest September since records began in the 1970s. This really underscores just how unusual and severe these conditions have been."“To make matters worse, farmers have been calving and lambing in recent weeks, a busy and stressful time even in favourable weather."“Of course the torrential rain over the past 24 hours has only worsened flooding on some local farmland."“Please take the support that’s on offer – keep talking to and looking out for each other - and try and maintain hope that better days lie ahead,” she said.Simmonds said the local situation would continue to be assessed, with decisions on whether further support was needed once the full extent of the damage from the current weather events became clearer.Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said the Government’s announcement means a lot to farmers on the ground.Photo: Supplied"It’s so helpful just to know we’re being thought of - that’s huge for morale.""Sometimes you just need to know that the rest of the country knows what you’re going through."Herrick said the extra Government funding will enable Rural Support Trust to continue helping farmers through trying times."At the end of the day, it’s not so much financial support that farmers need right now - it’s mental health support, and that’s what Rural Support Trust are there for.""Once the water goes down and things dry out a bit, that’s when farmers will really need the help. That’s when things will hit home."Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

A state of emergency has been declared in Dunedin and for the Clutha District and a rain warning for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha is not due to end until 11pm Friday.Roads have closed due to flood, about 100 residents have had to evacuate, slips have caused chaos, some residents have lost power and some bus routes in Dunedin have been cancelled, while others are operating at a reduced capacity..A red heavy rain warning originally set to go until 9pm on Friday has been extended to 11pm as the deluge continues.Published by permission

A replacement boat ramp on Lake Te Anau has been delayed after the council was “blindsided” by a last-minute request from DOC.The ramp is the only one servicing the top half of the lake and now has no timeframe for its completion.In June, Southland district councillors signed-off on the $300,000 project which would sit within the footprints of the old ramp.Key stakeholders were notified of the plan, including DOC.But after the council started work in July, senior project manager Phil Fahey said a request was made by the department to have an archeologist conduct a “stand-over” during excavation.Fahey said the delay had cost the council the ability to finish the job, which was about 65 percent complete, and had been further delayed by rising lake levels.“That sort of blindsided us a bit. To be honest, I did consider writing to DOC and saying . . . leave us alone, we’re going to build this thing.”Had the council been told it needed an archaeologist earlier, it could have organised it ahead of time, Fahey said.He described the assessment as “a waste of money” because it did not return any results and cost about $7500.The comments were made at a Wednesday council meeting where several councillors expressed frustration at the delay.But in response to questions, DOC has explained why it required the assessment.DOC operations manager Te Anau John Lucas said his organisation had sent a letter of authorisation for the ramp in 2022, but the council didn’t indicate it would go ahead with the build until July 2024.By that point, an independent cultural heritage assessment had been carried out in the area just two months prior which extended the area for potential artefacts from Te Anau Downs Stockman’s Hut.“Like any natural or historic resource DOC manages, DOC is required to manage these resources when new knowledge arises even if consents have been granted,” Lucas said.According to the council, work began on July 22 and was expected to take six to eight weeks, weather dependent.A temporary ramp for lightweight vessels was made available, but has since been decommissioned due to high lake levels.Issues with the old ramp included cracking and potholes.Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Below is a list of planned roadworks on Southland state highways next week where you may experience delays.  Rain/Flooding update for state highways in Southland:All state highways in Southland are open, the team are monitoring river levels and surface flooding - updates will be sent if required. We currently have patches of surface flooding in these areas:SH6 Lumsden-Dipton highway at Bell Road intersection north of DiptonSH6 Kingston-Garston highway near KingstonSH94 Waimea highway north of MandevilleSH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Brown RoadSH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Acton Downs RoadSH97 Mossburn-Five Rivers Road near Selbie RoadSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway at Stick RoadSH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway at Block RoadWe have been informed by our neighbours to the north that SH1 Waihola to Milton is now CLOSEDROAD CLOSURE:The road closure on SH6 near Lowther (between Mossburn-Five Rivers Road and Lowther Road) remains closed from 6.30am-6.30pm daily until Monday 7th October.  All vehicles detour via Mossburn-Five Rivers Road and Mossburn-Lumsden highway. SH6 will re-open each night at 6.30pm until 6.30am the following morning with a 30km/hr speed limit.Highways South work with traffic management in place (all with temporary traffic lights and temporary speed limits):SH1 East Road near Mill Road South, pavement repairs SH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway at Dacre-Morton Mains Road intersection, pavement repairsSH1 Edendale-Woodlands highway near Dacre-Morton Mains Road intersection, pavement repairs SH1 Gore-Mataura highway, drainage work *passing lane closed in both directions Monday-WednesdaySH6 Centre Bush, pavement renewal work *ongoing for 5-6 weeksSH6 Lowther, pavement renewal work *ongoing for 5-6 weeks. Road closure from 30 September to 7 October, 6.30am-6.30pm (open overnight)SH94 Te Anau Mossburn highway at The Key, test pitsSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway west of Wallacetown, pavement renewal work *ongoing for 4-5 weeksThird party work and events with traffic management in place this week (all with temporary speed limits):SH93, Gorge Road Clinton, stop/go for replacing counting loopsSH1 Tay Street Invercargill, lane drop, for power pole workSH6 North Road Invercargill , lane drop for power pole workPlease observe the speed limits on our worksites, both when teams are working and when the sites are unattended, for the safety of our crew, other road users and to protect the road surface. Thanks for your patience at these sites. Upcoming work/eventsMid-late October - SH94 east of Mossburn, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 5-6 weeksMid-late October – SH94 west of Mossburn, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 5-6 weeksMid -late October - SH94 near Balfour, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 5-6 weeksEarly November – SH94 east of Mossburn, daytime road closure, (open overnight), for pavement renewal3-9 November, Tour of Southland Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.