Iwi representatives in Southland have described the killing of thousands of eels after a man discharged effluent into a local stream as "the worst thing they've ever seen", a court has heard.The remarks came during the sentencing of Gore man Bryson David Clark, who pleaded guilty to three charges of breaches of the Resource Management Act (RMA).The charges were for discharging leachate from farm tailings and sileage, and dairy effluent onto land "in circumstances where it could enter water".Clark appeared via audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court on Friday in front of Judge Hassan.Environment Southland launched an investigation after receiving a report of dead eels near Mataura in February 2024.The judge ordered Clark to pay a fine of $130,000, comply with an enforcement order, and pay legal and court costs totalling $559.Earlier, Stevie Rae Blair, of Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, delivered a victim impact statement via audio-visual-link.The group, made up of representatives of the four local rūnanga, had helped with the recovery of the tuna."It is heartbreaking, one of the worst things I've seen or smelt in my life," she told the court."When the environment is disrespected, it disrespects our people."Judge Hassan later acknowledged the "deep spiritual, cultural and intergenerational harm" that Clark's actions had caused."The ecological harm of your actions have been profound and indiscriminate, and will take many years for any recovery to occur," he said.The court heard that Clark had turned off a Halo water monitoring alarm two months prior due to glitching.As a result it was not until a farm staffer noticed an effluent overflow of a nearby pond.Members of the public later reported concerns to authorities as the Low Burn stream was running very high,The Mataura River was also "running very black", the court heard.Large concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen were found following water sampling.Local iwi also expressed broader concerns about the rehabilitation of the "awa and the species in there".Eels or tuna are considered both historically important and a present day taonga for Māori,The eels were found over a 10km span of the Low Burn Stream and made their way down the waterway and into the Mataura River.It was estimated that at least 4000 eels were killed.In a statement, Te Ao Mārama Incorporated were disappointed in the result."This outcome fails to reflect the severity of the harm caused to our waterways and future generations. Tuna are not just another species; they are a vital part of our identity and our responsibility as kaitiaki," said Stevie Rae Blair."Hokonui Rūnanga are disappointed in the result which highlights how little our regulatory systems takes into account Ngāi Tahu mahinga kai values and the importance of the environment for all New Zealanders.""Te Ao Mārama Inc wish to see freshwater values upheld and the river rehabilitated. TAMI encourage the council to direct the fine toward initiatives that support the rehabilitation and long-term health of the river."Published by permission

The popular Bluff Oyster and Food Festival risks losing its ability to sell alcohol after digging its toes in over glass beverages.Running almost every year since 2008, the southern food festival has attracted more than 4000 people to the small town for a day of oysters and entertainment.But next week it faces a hearing after hitting a speed bump with its alcohol application due to security concerns and a wish to sell glass beverages.An Invercargill City Council licensing inspector's report said Police previously advised they would oppose the festival’s next application if glass was included.Police delivered on that promise, saying the material posed a risk due to breakage and its potential for use as a weapon.“The applicant is not providing the safest environment possible by selling alcohol in glass containers and has shown little emphasis on their host responsibility by wanting to do so,” Southland alcohol harm prevention officer Hayden McNaught said.Police also took exception to the event being staffed with eight security personnel, saying that number was too few.A lack of supervision at entry and exit points last year was highlighted as an area of concern.The festival has agreed to increase the number of security from eight to ten, but remains resolute in its desire to sell alcohol out of glass.That was despite agreeing to a Police request that cans and plastic cups be used at last year's festival.“This is a more recent request and due to our short time frame to host the 2024 event, we did not oppose it,” the festival committee said.“We feel the recent change without any evidence of issues of violence at our event are unnecessary.”The application has not been opposed by either Health New Zealand or the Bluff Community Board.The licensing inspector also did not oppose, but noted the application did not comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act or Combined Local Alcohol Policy.It made a suite of recommendations including that alcohol only be sold in cans and cups, continuous monitoring of the entrance way, no alcohol to leave the venue, and sound levels to remain within council limits.Minutes from a debrief following the 2024 festival show organisers were disappointed someone had been able to bring a bottle of wine into the event through an unmanned entrance.The festival returned last year after a two-year hiatus due to Covid and issues with a nearby hotel which has since been demolished.This year’s festival will take place on May 24, with the hearing set for Wednesday.Police said the applicant's reasoning for wanting to use glass was that customers were dissatisfied drinking out of cans.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is currently reviewing what a recent High Court decision (7 Mar) will mean for permit holders, after a permit they issued under Section 53 of the Wildlife Act was judged to be unlawful.Section 53 of the Act allows the Director-General to authorise the taking or killing of wildlife for certain purposes however in the court case, the Environmental Law Initiative successfully argued that the purpose of the Wildlife Act was to keep protected species safe, not kill them.The decision temporarily halted the DOC permit holder, Waka Kotahi, from proceeding with their Taranaki roading project at Mt Messenger - an area frequented by both kiwi and long-tailed bats.It was only after the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Transport applied Section 71 of the Wildlife Act - Saving of other Acts, that the project was able to continue.DOC Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services, Ruth Isaac said the department was considering what the court decision meant for how it manages its Wildlife Act permissions responsibilities.However she said the decision did not mean that operators currently holding Wildlife Act authorisations for projects involving the incidental killing of wildlife need to cease activities.Existing authorisation holders should continue to undertake their activities consistent with the conditions of their authorisations and take all reasonable steps to ensure wildlife is not harmed, she said.Isaac said that depending on the situation, the defence in s 68AB of the Act may be applicable.We are working quickly to give authority holders certainty about what this means for their operations, she said.It has been reported that a total of 85 DOC permits citing section 53 were issued in 2024.DOC Director of Policy Sam Thomas confirmed that the Fiordland Trails Trust was issued a DOC permit under section 53, for its 2km section of cycle track from Patience Bay to Sinclair Road.The permit included a special lizard management plan as the track traverses the possible habitat of Southland's threatened and nationally critical Green Skink.Fiordland Trails Trust Chair David Boniface said as far as they knew [the recent ruling] didn't change anything too much for them."We have a set of conditions that were put in place with the permit that we got, and we are having to comply with all of the lizard trapping requirements of that before we can construct.""The reality is that there hasn't been anything on the endangered list that has been found at this point, so it's relatively straightforward in that perspective with us."Boniface said vegetation clearing on the new section was almost completed and base course construction had already started.It was hoped the new section would be completed before winter, he said.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardPlease expect slight delays at work sites & drive with care. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Few showers, mainly west of the tunnel Tomorrow: Showers, turning to rain for a time early Sunday: Periods of rain Monday: Rain, becoming heavy

Country music royalty and powerhouse vocalist Tami Neilson is set to perform at this year’s prestigious Country Music Honours event in Gore on 23rd May.The Country Music Honours, part of the Tussock Country Music Festival, showcase some of New Zealand's best country songwriters and recording artists. Audiences will also get to hear not only the top ten unreleased songs nominated for the MLT Songwriting Award but also performances from the finalists for the coveted APRA Best Country Song.Neilson has captivated audiences worldwide with her blend of classic country, rockabilly and soul, and have attracted the adoration of audiences around the globe - including American country music heavyweights Ashley McBryde and the one and only Willie Nelson.NZ Songwriter’s Trust chairperson Vanessa Harvey said Neilson was a force of nature and they were privileged she was bringing her musical magic to this year's Honours event.“I’ll never forget the first time I saw Tami live in Gore and we’re so excited to welcome her back to the country music capital in 2025.” Country Music Honours entries close on Monday 17th March.Songwriters can visit countrymusichonours.co.nz for more information and to apply.Past Honours winners include Mel Parsons, Holly Arrowsmith and Tami Neilson.

Southern farmers are in a flap about wild ducks, calling for the mallard breed to be officially called pests so they can be killed throughout the year.Southland's Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said an explosion of ducks is causing big problems as they are munching through crops.Herrick said mallards are an introduced species and need to be controlled, and following a very wet spring their numbers have got out of control.Parallel to this, crops were planted later this year and their maturation has coincided with fledgling ducks looking for food."At the moment our arable crops are in full harvest mode and the videos that I am getting of the hundreds of thousands of ducks flying around most areas are pretty mind boggling. The skies are black and the paddocks are black with ducks," Herrick said.Herrick said farmers asked the local Fish and Game for permission to cull the problem ducks, but were turned down and told they could only shoot to scare them."I would love for them to be acknowledged on the pest register which would open them up to hunting all year round in the south. Not necessarily for all New Zealand but specifically for Southland. I'm getting a lot of complaints from farmers who are straight out calling them a pest because of the issues they are creating."Herrick said there could be other options such as opening up a summer or weekend shoot for Mallard ducks."Or actually dish out permits that will allow farmers to shoot them at that time of the year," he said.Currently, ducks are usually only allowed to be shot during the duck shooting season that opens on the first weekend of May, with a limit of how many ducks that can be shot each day. The season runs for up to two months and varies in different regions.At the end of next week, Herrick is meeting with the Hunting and Fishing minister, James Meager, to talk about the option of including mallard ducks on the pest register and how to better control them.However, Fish and Game doesn't believe that will work, saying the removal of Canada geese from the Game schedule hasn't worked.Classifying geese as a pest meant they can be killed at any time of the year, and their management was removed from Fish and Game and transferred to councils. Hunters still need to get a prior permit to kill the geese on conservation or council land.Fish and Game chief executive Corina Jordan said the population of Canada geese has now exploded and as they are under the control of local councils which means ratepayers have to pick up the cost of trying to keep their numbers at a manageable level - which in some areas isn't working well.Jordan said Fish and Game recognises that game birds can be a real frustration for farmers and is urging them to seek early support for mallard duck management on crops.''We are encouraging farmers experiencing challenges managing mallard ducks on crops to contact the organisation early for advice and apply for permits to disperse or cull them," Jordan said."The extremely wet spring that has made for a challenging season for farmers has also provided ideal breeding conditions for mallards."She said, in some cases, summer hunting seasons can also be considered but, under legislation, this needs to be set a year in advance."Farmers can apply for permits from Fish and Game which enable some ducks to be culled, and for ducks to be scared away from crops using non-lethal methods such as bird scarers."Jordan said calls to allow unrestricted shooting of mallard ducks all year-round would not provide an effective solution.Published by permission

Access across the Te Anau Lake Control Structure to Fiordland National Park's Kepler Track has changed due to maintenance work being carried out by Meridian.From Thursday 13th March access to the main access deck will be suspended, with those wishing to cross the structure needing to do so via the downstream stairs and alternative walkway.Meridian expects the work to be completed by Monday 24th March.

A research team conducting an underwater survey in Dusky Sound have been stunned when a great white shark made a surprise appearance in their underwater footage.DOC staff and researchers from Sea Through Science (STS) were carrying out a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) survey in Tamatea/Dusky Sound in February to collect data on the abundance and diversity of fish species in the fiords.STS researcher Adam Smith was the first to look at the video footage. “While reviewing the videos, I saw a mature male white pointer shark turn up to the BRUV – it was quite a shock.""We had been laughing about how cool it would be to see something like that. It’s very rare to get such great footage.”  The curious white shark can be seen heading straight to the BRUV unit and mouthing the bait pot a couple of times before slowly swimming away.Great white sharks are endangered and are protected under the Wildlife Act and the Fisheries Act. “It’s great to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment and to see how curious they are around the BRUVs,” Smith said.“We’ve only seen a white shark once before during our surveys, at the Kermadec Islands, the other end of New Zealand.”The research team has collected and will be analyzing over 200 hours of video footage which includes several key species including hāpuku, blue cod, octopus and many shark species.The work was designed to get a better understanding of two of Fiordland’s ten marine reserves and the health of the recreational fishery within Tamatea/Dusky Sound.DOC Senior Ranger, Richard Kinsey said the information would be helpful for assessing whether Fiordland’s new fishing regulations benefit fish stocks in the coming years.DOC urges the public to report any sightings, captures, or strandings of great white sharks to [email protected] or phone 0800 DOC HOT.

Some Environment Southland (ES) constituency boundaries are to change, following a hearing in February by the Local Government Commission.ES chairman Nicol Horrell said the changes followed a review that started in July last year and culminated in two council appeals to the commission seeking changes.Coloured areas represent areas moving from one constituency to another. The dark line represents the original boundary. Graphic: Environment Southland.The new boundary for the Southern constituency will align with Southland District Council’s Waihōpai Toetoe Ward boundary, Horrell said.In practical terms, this means 540 voters living in the rural Makarewa area will be able to vote at this year’s local government elections for candidates in the Hokonui constituency.These changes would have impacts for some residents in the Western, Hokonui and Eastern-Dome constituencies, he said.

Road openNo Avalanche hazardPlease expect slight delays at work sites & drive with care. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine, apart from morning showers south of Lake Gunn Tomorrow: Mainly fine, with areas of cloud & showers later Friday: Periods of rain Saturday: Showers Sunday: Periods of rain

The Southland App is delighted to welcome Jamie Dale - our new digital advertising consultant, and Sarah Calder - our new administrative support person - to the team.Jamie Dale is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business, governance, and strategic communications.She enjoys meeting people, staying informed and is passionate about helping organizations flourish.Having made Southland their home in 2018, Dale said she and her husband feel incredibly fortunate to raise their children in a region that is so welcoming, close-knit and connected to nature.Dale said she looks forward to contributing, through her new role with the Southland App, to the vibrant community spirit that defines Southland.Sarah Calder is a details person.She has extensive experience in administrative roles and confesses to enjoy creating and maintaining efficient workflows - a skill she attributes to her many years as a registered nurse.When not working, studying, or helping her husband in their business, Calder can be found enjoying a good read, kayaking, nature walks and crafts."In today’s digital world, effective advertising isn’t just about placing an ad—it’s about making sure the right people see it at the right time, in the right way. Whether you're reaching locals or visitors, the Southland App puts your business in front of the right engaged audience."Email Jamie Dale, your digital advertising consultant, to learn more.

Toxic algae has been detected in the Aparima River at Thornbury, according to Environment Southland who regularly monitors Southland rivers.Similar algae growth is currently present in other waterways in Southland, including the Upukerora River at Te Anau Milford Road and the Whitestone River downstream of Manapouri-Hillside Road.The algae, which appear as dark green/brown slime on rocks or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge, can pose serious health risks to both people and animals.Key Points:Avoid contact with the algae.Keep dogs on leads and children away from affected areas.Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms after contact.Take pets to the vet immediately if they consume contaminated water.ES recommends people stay informed and vigilant.For more details, visit the Environment Southland's website or contact their communications team at 0800 76 88 45.

Road openNO Avalanche hazardHomer Tunnel is closing for safety upgrade work on Tuesday night, from 6.15pm to 2.00am. 15-minute openings at 7.00pm, 8.00pm & 9.00pm for traffic clearance, otherwise no public access. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Expect slight delays at worksites during the day - Drive with care.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain with heavy falls & thunderstorms possible, easing from afternoon Tomorrow: Mainly fine, morning showers south of Lake Gunn Thursday: Mainly fine, becoming cloudy later Friday: Periods of rain

We have had a busy start to 2025 at Te Anau School making the most of the summer weather. Water safety is an important part of our Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) programme given we live beside the second largest lake in the country.Te Anau School Pool. Photo: suppliedTe Anau School is lucky to have our own school pool and the use of the larger Fiordland Community Pool to teach all of our students swimming and water safety skills. As part of our EOTC programme we take all of our senior students to the lake for practical deep water sessions. Our Year 4 and 5 classes spend a day learning flatwater floating and paddling skills (kayaking and paddleboarding).Senior students attending practical deep water sessions. Photo: suppliedOur Year 6 students all spend a day learning about safe boating by biscuiting and water skiing. We are very fortunate to have a supportive school community of parents who volunteer their time and equipment and make these days possible. Ngā mihi nui.Water Safety Education at the lake. Photo: suppliedAs well as learning about water safety our students have been starting the year focussing on our school's TOP values, Together, Optimism and Pride. We have had the Life Education Trust's mobile classroom onsight with Teresa and Harold.Te Anau School's TOP values. Photo: suppliedWe have been practising for the athletics and swimming sports which always happen in Term 1. It has been a super start to the year and it feels like 2025 is going to be a very exciting year at Te Anau School.Kayaking on the lake. Photo: suppliedAnnette & Heather Team Arizto Ltd

Two remarkable Fiordland women, Anna Star and Judy Matthews, have been honored with Community Service Awards for their outstanding contributions to the community, by the Southland District Council and Fiordland Community Board.Anna Star: A Beacon of WellbeingAnna Star was recognized for her extensive efforts in promoting community wellbeing.Mayor Rob Scott praised her as a "champion for community wellbeing," highlighting her involvement with numerous local organizations.From her role as a community wellbeing coordinator to her volunteer work with Fiordland Families Network, Breastfeeding Peer Support, and more, Anna's dedication is unparalleled.She is known for her ability to connect people and groups, strengthening Te Anau's support networks.Her initiatives, like the Matariki Hampers for seniors, showcase her commitment to inclusivity and practical solutions. Even while nursing her newborn, Anna's passion for community service never wavered.Te Anau's Anna Star flanked by SDC Councillor Sarah Greaney (left), and on the right by Fiordland Board chair Diane Holmes and SDC Mayor Rob Scott. Photo: SDC/SuppliedJudy Matthews: A Driving ForceJudy Matthews was also celebrated for her long-standing commitment to Fiordland.Since moving to the area in 1976, Judy has been a pivotal figure in various community activities, from education and sports to arts and culture.Mayor Scott described her as a "driving force" behind many community groups.Judy's leadership roles in the Te Anau Primary School committee, Te Anau Golf Club, and Te Anau Hockey Club, along with her work as the convener of the Te Anau Flower Show, reflect her deep-rooted passion for community service.Her efforts have brought together floral enthusiasts from across Southland and Otago, making the event a significant highlight.

Location AreaSH 1 Invercargill, Tay StreetLocation(s)01S-0920/02.61-I - 01S-0920/02.95-I QUEENS DR TO NESS ST to YTHAN ST TO CANON STEvent TypeArea WarningEvent DescriptionResurfacingEvent CommentsDue to resurfacing work , the road will have a mixture of road closures and lane drops from Monday 3rd March to approximately Tuesday 11th March between 6pm and 6am, nights. Plan your journey accordingly allowing extra time for your travel. Please note these works are weather dependent and may be postponed at short notice.ImpactCautionClosure Start Date06/03/2025 18:00Closure End Date07/03/2025 06:00Alternative RouteHPMV use Rockdale Road/Tweed St, for over-height (over 4.3m) use Inglewood Road/Tweed St.StatusActiveExpected Resolution12/03/2025 06:00Event Start Date03/03/2025 18:00Event End Date12/03/2025 06:00

I have a passion for education and the benefits that it can bring to individuals and communities.The opening of the Southern Institute of Technology’s Orientation Week celebrations, which I recently attended, was a real highlight with many new and returning students – both local and international - full of enthusiasm as they begin their educational journey in the South.A recent celebration of the Invercargill Licensing Trust’s “Academy Zero Fees English Scholarship,” established last year was also significant, reinforcing the importance of encouraging international English language students to study here in the South at SIT, with the support of the Trust.The Government is also focussed on supporting international education to thrive and provide economic, social and cultural benefits for all New Zealand, with the Prime Minister recently in Vietnam highlighting the opportunities for students to study here.We are fortunate to have SIT in our city, to support this region’s training needs, to bring young people into our region from around the country and overseas, and to boost our local economy.Enrolments as of January this year are up by 19 percent on 2024, with a significant surge in trades’ enrolments in entry-level automotive and construction programmes.Of course, success is particularly reflected in employment outcomes, and it’s significant to note that 91 percent of SIT graduates, from 2023, were in employment or studying.SIT’s School of Nursing enrolled nurse graduates were also celebrated recently with 60 percent of the 2024 graduates gaining employment.This compares with just 30 percent of enrolled nurse graduates finding work nationally last year.According to Health New Zealand, just one third (68) of the 196 graduates nationally found jobs, while the Southland rate was double that.Local Bachelor of Nursing students also excelled, with a 100 percent pass rate for their State Finals (the final exam nurses must pass to practice in New Zealand), while the national pass rate was 64 percent.These excellent statistics reinforce SIT’s long and proud tradition around nursing training, with the quality of its programmes having a significant impact on local students’ performance and providing much-needed staff for local hospitals and rest homes.I want to congratulate all the successful student graduates of 2024 and commend the SIT tutors who are passionate about their professions and who pass that enthusiasm on to this new generation.It’s great that Southland enjoys this success and it’s wonderful that SIT continues to support students and meet the industry and community needs of our province.Funded by Parliamentary Services

An investigation is underway into an environmental breach after materials from a power pole installation were dumped in a Southland waterway.The matter relates to a controversial PowerNet project on the outskirts of Invercargill where 21 metre-high power poles are being installed along a 19.5 kilometre route from Awarua to a city substation.A spokesperson for PowerNet, the company responsible for the installation, said some items were temporarily placed in a culvert for safety reasons, but these would not have caused adverse effects on the environment.Motu Rimu Rd resident Jacques Nel doesn’t have a problem with the lines going in, but said he was upset to find materials left in a waterway near his property, which is home to a range of fish.Large metal structures appeared last week, and were confirmed by the regional council to have caused a breach.Nel said the creek was tidal, and home to a range of wildlife including eels, trout, herons and spoonbill.Motu Rimu Rd resident Jacques Nel says the stream next to the road is tidal, and home to an array of different fish. PowerNet is installing 21-metre poles along the road as part of a project which will run from Awarua through to Invercargill. Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR“At the end of the day, it’s heartbreaking to see something you’ve looked after that’s getting destroyed by muck and (what) looks like cement on top of the water.”He said he tried to avoid things like pesticides on his farm and believed the creek’s ecosystem was relatively healthy.“People should think before they do things, because there’s someone that’s responsible for this.”The structures were removed earlier this week, with PowerNet saying it had not left any materials in or near a stream that could adversely affect the environment.“A metal pole liner and mesh frame were temporarily placed in the culvert alongside Motu Rimu Road to keep them off the road for safety purposes,” a spokesperson said.“We will take any action needed to make sure natural ecosystems are not damaged or negatively impacted by our work wherever necessary. In this instance, no action is required.”In relation to Nel’s concern cement had been dumped, PowerNet said some of the material they had dug up was a sandy grey clay which had that appearance.Environment Southland senior scientist Katie Blakemore said most of New Zealand’s native fish were migratory and it was common for tidal streams to have a high level of diversity.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Police are asking for the public's help to find Joshua, 54, who has been missing for almost three months.Police and Joshua's family have serious concerns for his wellbeing.They said he usually resided in Christchurch, was last seen in central Dunedin on Wednesday 11 December 2024.Police said Joshua has not been in touch with his family since.They said his vehicle was located in a café carpark on Camp Road in Dunedin.Police are looking for anyone with infomation or sightings of anyone matching Joshua's photo, likely in Southland, Otago, or Canterbury districts.Contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone, and reference the file number: 250228/6634.Published by permission