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Southland farmers call for mallard ducks to be classified as pests
Southland farmers call for mallard ducks to be classified as pests

13 March 2025, 3:37 AM

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

Great White shark makes appearance in Fiordland
Great White shark makes appearance in Fiordland

12 March 2025, 10:31 PM

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.

Southland App announces new appointments
Southland App announces new appointments

11 March 2025, 9:31 PM

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.

Class Action: Te Anau School
Class Action: Te Anau School

10 March 2025, 6:00 PM

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 Fiordland women receive community awards
Two Fiordland women receive community awards

10 March 2025, 5:50 AM

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.

SIT brings educational benefits South
SIT brings educational benefits South

09 March 2025, 6:31 PM

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

‘Heartbreaking’: Materials dumped in southern stream
‘Heartbreaking’: Materials dumped in southern stream

09 March 2025, 1:02 AM

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 Patrol: drugs, thefts, hunting & Ohai welcomes new officer
Police Patrol: drugs, thefts, hunting & Ohai welcomes new officer

08 March 2025, 8:07 PM

.Routine Stop Nets Meth and Big Wad of CashA routine vehicle stop by an Invercargill Police dog handler in South Invercargill ended up netting a quantity of methamphetamine, almost $4000 in cash, and drug utensils just before 11pm last Saturday night (1 March).Inspector Stu Harvey says Police had noticed an offensive weapon in the vehicle during the stop so conducted a search under the Search and Surveillance Act, allegedly locating the drugs, cash and utensils.A 32-year-old Gore man has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and has been remanded on bail to appear in the Invercargill District Court later this month.Gore Fuel Yard Targeted Multiple Times - $5000 In Fuel StolenThieves have stolen what is thought to be more than $5000 worth of fuel in the most recent hit on McKeown Fuel Yard in Gore during the early hours of Friday, 21 February.The fuel yard had already been hit several times previously and Harvey says the investigation is ongoing.Police responded to a 111 call from the owner of the yard who kept them up to date while a Police dog team and Gore officers arrived.They located a male in a vehicle. Items in the vehicle were linked to other offending, Harvey says.As a result, a 37-year-old man was arrested and is facing a number of driving charges, along with violence and damage offences.He was remanded on bail to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 18 March.No Meat Better Than No Mate – Hunters Urged be ‘Doubly Sure’While, thankfully, there have been no hunting firearms tragedies in recent years, Police are urging firearms users to be doubly sure, ‘beyond all doubt’, that they’ve identified their target before pulling the trigger with The Roar – deer hunting season – approaching this week (mid-March).“Once you pull that trigger you don’t get the bullet back,” says Western Southland Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Pete Graham.“Know the seven rules of firearms safety and make sure you have, or get, consent from any property owners,” he says.Anyone caught unlawfully hunting will undergo a review of their firearms licence suitability.“Sometimes that means a warning and sometimes revocation of their licence,” Graham says.Hunters also need to know the new laws relating to safe transportation of firearms, ensuring they’re secure – locked in a case, out of sight, not able to be opened, with the bolts and magazines removed or secured by a trigger guard lock.A joint campaign between the Firearms Safety Authority (Te Tari Pūreke) and the Recreational Firearms User Group is prompting hunters to be “be extra sure this Roar”.Authority Director of Partnerships and Communities Mike McIlraith says while the campaign offers a number of simple actions related to hunter safety, the core message responds to the risk of mis-identifying a target.“We want all hunters to have a great Roar and for everyone to come home safely,” he says. “Hunting deer whether for food or sport is an activity enjoyed by many, but we know firearms can be unforgiving.”He’s urging hunters to be 100 percent sure that they’ve identified their target.“If they have any doubts, then don’t shoot. Hunters shouldn’t feel pressured to take the shot – no meat or no trophy is better than no mate!”Deer numbers are high in many parts of New Zealand and McIlraith says there’s no rush.Hunters should take their time and “wait until they see the whole animal”.The three key reminders this season are: Make a plan for your hunt and stick to itAlways treat every firearm as loadedIdentify your target beyond all doubtWhether hunters are using optical or thermal imaging devices, they must follow Firearms Safety Rule 4 and identify their target beyond all doubt before firing, he says.To keep safe this season see: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/roar-safetyNorthland Cop Takes Up Ohai Sole Charge PostingThere will be no mischief in Ohai from now on with Northland police officer Constable Fred Young taking up his new sole charge posting there from Monday (10 March).Ohai Constable Fred Young in front of his new station. Photo: NZ PoliceYoung, an officer for about seven years, has moved into the area from Kaikohe with his wife and young family, and replaces former Ohai policeman James Marsh, who left just prior to Christmas.Senior Sergeant Graham asks that the local community make the Young family feel welcome with some true southern hospitality.“There’s likely to be pikelets, scones and blue cod dropped off,” he grins.Minor Damage To Cars in Bluff Oyster RushA record number of more than 100 utes and boat trailers packed the Bluff foreshore early for Bluff oyster season opening on Saturday, 1 March, and while overall behaviour was good, a couple of cars were damaged in the rush to get out on the water, Police say.Bluff Police are investigating minor damage that was reported to them by two vehicle owners.There were no free parking spaces from 9am as eager amateur oyster fishermen and women clambered on board to dredge up their 50 per person daily quota.A Thousand Turn Out for Gore ‘Children’s Day’Around 1000 people turned out for a large ‘Children’s Day’ community event in Gore, facilitated by Community Networking Trust (Eastern Southland) and supported by multiple agencies, including Gore Police who got right amongst it.Harvey says they were thrilled with the turn out for the Hamilton Park event, which was all about the community and families coming together, relaxing and enjoying quality time, and “local kids feeling free and playing like young kids”.“There were train rides, there was face painting and lots of fun on what was a hot sunny day, loved by everyone,” Harvey says.The gratitude of the kids was reward enough for local officer Eastern Southland Police Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten: “Seeing a smile on a face goes a long way.”Streets To Close For Mass Police and Fire Open DayThere will likely be more smiles when Invercargill Police team up with Invercargill Fire and Emergency NZ staff for a combined public station open day on Saturday, 22 March, between 10am and 1pm.The police and fire stations are only 100m apart and Jed and Don Streets will be closed off for the event to showcase Police and FENZ, their stations, emergency vehicles and equipment.All members of the public and all ages are welcome, and tours will be given of both stations.Calling All Police Recruits – Southland Needs You!With a shortage of police officers and the government set to hire 500 more countrywide, Southland Police are actively recruiting for new people to train for the Invercargill and Gore Police.“We can always do with more good people and we’re short down here right now,” Harvey says.He’s urging people to come to either of two seminars being held – one at the Gore Police Station on Wednesday, 19 March, and the other at the Invercargill Police Station on Monday, 7 April, both at 6.30pm, to hear what it’s all about.

Roadworks Update 07/3/25
Roadworks Update 07/3/25

07 March 2025, 12:41 AM

*Due to an event in Bluff on Sunday 9th, there will be stop/go at SH1 Foreshore Road for brief intervals. Please drive with extra care during this time. Highways South work with temporary traffic lights or stop/go and temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Bluff highway in the Greenhills for pavement repairsSH1 Tay St Invercargill between Queen’s Drive and Mary St – directional closures for asphalt renewal - During nightworks, HPMV detour via Rockdale Road/Tweed St, or if over 4.3m high via Inglewood/Tweed St.SH1 Pioneer highway at Brydone for resurfacingSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway at North Makarewa-Grove Bush Road for resurfacingSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway north of North Makarewa-Grove Bush Road for resurfacingSH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Castlerock intersection for resurfacingSH6 Dipton-Winton highway between Benmore and Dipton for resurfacingSH6 Lumsden Dipton highway near Caroline Valley Road for resurfacingSH6 Lumsden Dipton highway south of Caroline Valley Road for resurfacingSH6 Flora Road Lumsden between Lydia and Albion Streets for resurfacingSH94 Te Anau Mossburn highway at Wilderness Road for resurfacingSH94 Te Anau Mossburn highway at Wilderness Road for resurfacingSH96 Glencoe highway at Glencoe for pavement renewalSH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Transmission Line Road for pavement repairsSH96 Nightcaps township for pavement repairsSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Bickley Road for resurfacing Roadmarking:SH6 urban areas on Invercargill and Lumsden – mobile operation under nightshift SH6 Invercargill to five rivers, rural areas – mobile operationSH1 Old Edendale road – – mobile operation Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Clyde St Invercargill, lane drop for watermain workSH1 Clyde St/Tweed St roundabout, lane drop for kerb and channel repairsSH99 Orepuki Riverton Highway, stop/go for pole replacementSH99 Tuatapere Orepuki Highway, stop/go for street light maintenance Upcoming work/eventsMarch/April – SH1 at Kekeno Place, asphalt resurfacingApril – SH99 at Lorneville, asphalt resurfacing 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.

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