Milford Road CLOSEDAvalanche Hazard MODERATECLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) Snow Significant snow is falling in the Homer tunnel area presently and is expected throughout today - this has also increased the avalanche hazard.The road is closed at the Hollyford Rd & Donne river gates.We are aiming for a reopening during mid afternoon (3pm) but this relies on the weather forecast coming in as planned.Today: Snow, heavy at timesTomorrow: RainThursday: RainFriday: Rain

UPDATE: One person has died following a fatal crash near EdendaleA serious crash involving a truck and a car just after 10pm last night (9 Sept) has closed State Highway 1 at Edendale near the intersection with Downs Road South.One of the vehicles has gone on to hit a house.Police said emergency services were called to the collision about 10.20pm.State Highway 1 remains closed between Downs Road South and Homestead Road.Diversions are in place with an alternative route as follows:Northbound traffic use SH98 from Dacre to Rakahouka. Turn right onto Rakahouka-Hedgehope Road, continuing on to Hedgehope. At SH96, turn right and continue onto Mataura. Turn left, returning to SH1.The Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team have been notified.

The new chair of a troubled Southland board made statements about council finances, Māori land policy and “premature climate change modelling” prior to her appointment.On August 19, Katie Allan gained the top role on the Oreti Community Board following the controversial overthrowing of the previous chair — a move largely disapproved by the public.But a month before that took place, she made a fiery submission to Southland District Council’s long-term plan in her capacity as a ratepayer, while also a member on the board.Allan began her five-page supporting document by saying the council was passing blame, congratulating itself, and unrealistically fixating on growth.“Concern is mounting that SDC (Southland District Council) has lost its way in the bureaucratic maze of governance,” she wrote.The council’s finances were deemed “disastrous”, with adoption of the draft labelled “lazy . . . reckless and cruel”.In response to a question regarding the retention and use of Māori land, Allan was critical of what she said were polices based on race.Her submission continued with an accusation the council’s membership with Local Government New Zealand needed to be cancelled because they had “sold ratepayers out to a racist elite”.She questioned the council’s connection to regional development agency Great South, which she said was “obsessed with growth and premature climate change modelling”.Allan concluded by urging the council to not be afraid to make decisions without experts telling them what to do, calling for “common sense” and stating she did not consent to the draft plan.The plan was approved by staff on August 26.In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting, Southland District Council acting chief executive Vibhuti Chopra said Allan’s submission was read and considered along with more than 300 submissions.The council was required under legislation to make sound decisions, she said.“We are dealing with public money, and we are required to be transparent and accountable about how we intend to spend it.“Expert opinion is important to ensure we are considering all aspects on complicated or technical issues.”Chopra said the council always welcomed feedback on what it could do to improve consultation and engagement.“Specific feedback on ways to enhance is always more constructive, though.”Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe said work undertaken by her agency included supporting businesses with decarbonisation and monitoring emissions in the region."Climate change modelling is only undertaken if requested. It is not currently part of our mahi against the statement of intent.”Local Government New Zealand were contacted but did not wish to comment.Allan was scheduled to present her submission during the hearing process but was a late withdrawal due to sickness.She was contacted for comment but is on leave until October 14.The council confirmed Allan had not put in an application for her leave of absence, instead relaying she would be off due to personal reasons.While there were no rules for how an application was lodged, it was typically made at a meeting prior to the leave of absence beginning.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Some species long thought to be native to New Zealand are actually Australian immigrants, new research has found.Palaeontologists excavating the St Bathans fossil site in Central Otago say kiwi, moa and Takahē came from Australia just a few million years ago.Canterbury Museum senior curator of natural history Paul Scofield was involved in the excavation, and told Morning Report it had long been thought the moa and kiwi were ancient New Zealanders, but there were other species far more ancient."Most of the birds we see around us today are quite recent Australian immigrants."The little Latia limpet, a limpet which can't cross the sea and must have been on land when we drifted away from Gondwana, whereas the kiwi and moa, the DNA has shown that those species diverged from animals on Gondwana and in South America and Madagascar far more recently - only 30 - 40 million years ago."But the kākāpō is one of the true ancient species of New Zealand."The kākāpō is one of the most ancient groups that is currently in the New Zealand bird world, and the other important one is the wren, the New Zealand wren and the rifleman."Al Mannering and Dr Paul Scofield. Photo: Canterbury Museum / suppliedScofield said the work at St Bathans found some amazing fauna, including bats and crocodiles, which were the true ancient New Zealanders."We had two species of crocodile, we had an amazing assortment of bats, including one species of bat that was possibly secondarily flightless, so it only walked around on the ground."New Zealand was a very bizarre place 20 million years ago, far different from what we see today."Artist’s impression of a New Zealand burrowing bat, Mystacina robusta. Photo: Gavin Mouldey / suppliedThe team Scofield was working with had been at the St Bathans site for 23 years, and were still finding new species.The team identified new species by finding individual bones that had been washed could then piece together the history of the species.The site in St Bathans that has proved so fruitful for fossil discoveries. Photo: Canterbury Museum / suppliedScofield also urged people to consider these new findings when voting for Bird of the Year, so as not to crown an Australian immigrant with the title."We're still awaiting a complete crocodile skull or jaw, but we've certainly assembled many of the bones of the crocodile, and that's telling an interesting story."Published by permission

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Below is a list of planned roadworks on Southland state highways where you may experience delays - thanks for your patience at these work sites.We have also added an ‘upcoming work’ section at the bottom to give you an idea of planned works in the coming monthsHighways South work with traffic management in place (all with temporary speed limits):SH1 Bluff highway between Clifton and Woodend, temporary traffic lights for excavationSH1 Gore-Mataura highway south of Gore airfield, temporary traffic lights for bridge workSH6 between Garston and Nokomai, temporary traffic lights for drainage workSH93 Old Coach Road between Three Stones Road and Old Manse Road, temporary traffic lights for bridge workSH93 Old Coach Road near Jeff Road, temporary traffic lights for bridge workSH93 Old Coach Road near Dodds Road, temporary traffic lights for bridge workSH93 Kana St near Doctors Road, temporary traffic lights for bridge workSH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway between Riversdale-Waikaia Road and Riversdale-Ardlussa Road, temporary traffic lights for drainage work SH94 Waimea highway north of the Waimea River, temporary traffic lights for drainage workSH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway west of the Red Tussock Conservation area, temporary traffic lights for excavation SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway west of Mossburn township, temporary traffic lights for drainage workSH99 Wallacetown-Lorneville Road at Wallacetown, temporary traffic lights for excavationSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Round Hill, temporary traffic lights for edge break work (multiple locations)SH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Blackmore Road, temporary traffic lights for edge break work SH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway between Round Hill and Waihoaka, temporary traffic lights for edge break work (multiple locations)SH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway near McCracken's Rest, temporary traffic lights for edge break work SH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway near Te Waewae, temporary traffic lights for edge break work (multiple locations)SH99 Tuatapere-Orepuki highway near Fishing Camp Road, temporary traffic lights for drainage workThird party work and events with traffic management in place this week (all with temporary speed limits):SH1 Bluff highway at Kew, stop/go for asset maintenanceSH1 Bluff highway at Greenhills, stop/go for tree maintenanceSH99 Riverton-Wallacetown highway at Wrights Bush, stop/go for tree maintenanceSH96 Birchwood Road Ohai, stop/go for powerline maintenanceSH96 Nightcaps-Ohai highway - 2km south of Ohai, stop/go for powerline maintenanceSH6 North Road Invercargill, lane drops for pole replacementsSH6 Dee St Invercargill, lane drop for trenching workUpcoming work/eventsMid-September - SH6 Centre Bush, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 5-6 weeks Mid-September - SH6 Lowther, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 4-5 weeksMid-September - SH6 Lowther, road closure 6.30am-6.30pm, from 30 September to 7 October (open overnight), for above pavement renewalMid-September - SH99 west of Wallacetown, traffic lights and temporary speed limit for pavement renewal *continues for 3-4 weeks3-9 November, Tour of SouthlandUseful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner Freight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

Milford Road OPENMODERATE Avalanche HazardHeavy rain is currently falling in the Homer tunnel area and is forecast to turn to snow overnight and throughout Tuesday.The storm has also increased the avalanche hazard.The road is now closed at the Hollyford Rd & Donne river gates.While we will be looking for conditions for a reopening during Tuesday afternoon - there is a very high likelihood that the closure could extend all day given the very unsettled weather expected.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Tomorrow: Heavy snowfall, clearing at nightWednesday: RainThursday: RainFriday: Rain

Anyone who attended Winter Pride is being warned to watch out for symptoms of mpox because suspected cases of the virus attended the events.The Winter Pride event took place in Queenstown in the last week of August.Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said on Saturday while no further cases have been found, it knew of "a number of people across the country… who have been in contact with people now known to have mpox".The Burnett Foundation (formerly NZ Aids Foundation and Ending HIV) said it was asking people to help contain the outbreak.Chief executive Joe Rich said anyone that was at Winter Pride with fever-like symptoms, lesions or spots in the genital area should refrain from sexual contact and get into a sexual health clinic to get tested.Rich said anyone who attended the events but was not symptomatic did not need to worry unless symptoms developed, or they have been notified by somebody as a contact."In New Zealand, gay, bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at the greatest risk. That's where we've seen previous outbreaks spreading and the ones that are circulating in Australia are the same."Health NZ said people who have sex with MSM are also most affected globally by mpox, and this could include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender or cisgender, including non-binary people."If you think you may have been exposed to mpox or if you develop symptoms, especially a rash, you should stay home and seek medical advice," Dr Matt Reid, Medical Officer of Health, said."You can contact your nearest sexual health clinic, your GP, or Healthline free on 0800 611 116, which offers interpreter services."Rich said people could protect themselves with vaccination, available from sexual health clinics. Vaccinations were free for people who meet the high-risk criteria, though Rich said the number of locations the vaccine was currently available were very limited."And we unfortunately are aware that there are waiting lists at some sexual health clinics, and so we urge Te Whatu Ora to adequately resource those sexual health clinics so that they have the staff capacity to administer."Te Whatu Ora said all the cases in New Zealand were the 'clade II' variety of mpox, the most common worldwide and not generally considered as dangerous as clade I.SymptomsHealth NZ said most people with mpox developed a rash or other skin change known as lesions. Lesions are spots, bumps, blisters or sores, usually around the face, hands, feet, mouth, throat, genitals and anus.The sores usually go through stages - they appear flat, they become solid and raised or bumpy, they fill with fluid, crust over and eventually flake off. The lesions were often painful and itchy, and could take a few weeks to heal.Pain, bleeding or discomfort in the anus was a possibility.Some people also experienced flu-like symptoms early on, including:swollen lymph nodesfevermuscle achestiredness.Health NZ said you could have a rash without other symptoms, or you could only have one lesion instead of many.Who is eligible for a vaccine?Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM)Trans and non-binary people who have sex with MSMAnyone who is a close contact of someone who has been infected with mpox.More information about mpox can be found here.Published by permission

A Southland man has been banned from owning a dog for ten years after being convicted of violently abusing his dog.The SPCA said in August 2022 the offender was seen kicking and throwing his brown and white male bull terrier named Klanga.A member of the public heard loud painful screaming and yelping sounds, and captured the offender's actions on security cameras fixed to his business premises.The offender was seen picking Klanga up by the collar and throwing him to the ground, then repeatedly kicking the dog in the head and stomach.The offender was also seen picking up Klanga by his right leg and throwing him to the ground causing him to somersault into the air. As Klanga lay on the ground the offender kicked him in his hip and shoulder area.SPCA took possession of Klanga on 31 August 2022 pending an investigation into the matter and for Klanga to undergo veterinary examination.The veterinarian was asked to view the video footage of Klanga's treatment, and they found that Klanga exhibited no behaviour warranting punishment.SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said "Klanga was frightened of the person he should have been able to trust. Thank goodness for the care and concern of those who heard his screams".The offender was also ordered to pay reparations of just over two thousand dollars, and legal costs.The SPCA says Klanga spent almost two years in the SPCA's care, where he was loved unconditionally by their team.It says due to ongoing and worsening medical issues and socialisation issues he had to be euthanised.

A dedicated campaigner nicknamed ‘Dotterel Dan’ is urging people to get behind the Southern NZ Dotterel/Pukunui in the 2024 Bird of the Year competition.Southern NZ Dotterel ranger Daniel Cocker, aka ‘Dotterel Dan’. Photo: SuppliedThe Bird of the Year competition has run annually by Forest and Bird since 2005 and attracts nearly 60,000 entries. The 2023 Bird of the Year is the Pūteketeke Australasian crested grebe.Southern NZ Dotterel ranger Daniel Cocker, aka ‘Dotterel Dan’, said the Southern NZ Dotterel/ Pukunui (‘Fat Tummy’) was one of the closest birds on the planet to extinction.There are estimated to be just 101 individual birds as of April 2024— representing a 19% decline since 2023.Daniel is one of a small team of permanent dotterel rangers who live on Stewart Island/Rakiura and undertake pest control in breeding areas, monitoring nests and undertaking population counts.“We’re trying to raise awareness for this really special bird that’s on the brink of extinction by winning bird of the year and getting them the help they desperately need before they're gone,” he said.Southern Dotterels are no ordinary shorebirds - they feed on beaches and estuaries for most of the year, but when the breeding season comes around in spring they migrate to the remote mountain tops of Rakiura/Stewart Island and stay on the island until their chicks are old enough to return to the mudflats and estuaries of the Southland coast, in February.In 2022, Rakiura/Stewart Island experienced higher-than-average rat numbers as a result of a mast or heavy fruiting event. This event created a greater food source that fuelled rat populations, which in turn led to a larger number of feral cats.“Rats are the preferred prey to feral cats. When rat numbers drop, feral cats look for alternative prey such as Southern New Zealand dotterel,” Daniel said.It was estimated that 40 to 50 birds died during the most-recent breeding season. Fortunately, some adults were able to successfully breed and raise chicks to fledge which softened the decline, he said.Daniel, from Invercargill, is passionate about the dotterel and has worked with them since he was 14 years old.“We are keen to protect what makes them unique, wading bird that breeds in alpine areas,” Daniel said.He is encouraging as many people as possible to go to https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/ and vote for the Southern NZ Dotterel/Pukunui.You can also help by donating to the New Zealand Nature Fund Dotterel Project.

Milford Sound's Underwater Observatory in Harrison Cove has partially sunk following a significant weather in the area last week (1 Sep).Owned and operated by Southern Discoveries, the tourist attraction was opened in 1999 and allows visitors to view the fjord's fish and underwater plant life including a rare species of black coral normally only found at 500m in the open ocean.The Observatory consists of five interconnected pontoon networks.Photo: Southland AppSouthern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker said the observatory had been closed for scheduled maintenance at the time and nobody had been on-site when the main building had partially submerged overnight on Sunday, 1st September.Initial assessments show that the underwater chamber and kayaking pontoon are unaffected, while the main reception area pontoon has partially submerged.The main docking pontoon and generator pontoon are visibly leaning, Walker said.Southern Discoveries was currently working with engineers to evaluate the situation and determine an appropriate recovery plan.Walker said this process is ongoing and includes detailed assessment of the structure above and below the waterline, using a team of commercial divers.The plan includes multiple steps incorporating containing any debris, securing the site, assessing next steps, and establishing a recovery plan.The initial priority has been to minimise the spread of debris and any potential environmental issues, he said.Early indicators are that there has been minimal impact on the Sound or it’s wildlife.Southern Discoveries Underwater Observatory has partially sunk following bad weather at Milford Sound. Photo: Southern DiscoveriesA small fuel leakage (less than 10 mls) had dissipated within 30 minutes or was captured in debris socks around the site., Walker said.Work has been carried out securing the site including on the link arms holding the pontoons in place.

Te Hikoi Museum's second annual Art Challenge exhibition, featuring double the number of entries it received to last year, opened in Riverton on Saturday (31 Aug).(L-R) SDC Mayor Rob Scott, Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies, Cr Julie Keast (Creative Communities funder) and Te Hikoi manager Karyn Owen at the opening of the 2024 art exhibition. Photo: Supplied42 artists of all levels, including one from Australia and one from New Zealand's far north, are exhibiting this year.Each artist's creation has been inspired from one of Te Hikoi's 7000 resident artefacts. Artists were also given specific cultural advice by Te Hikoi on their chosen artifact before commencing work.This year's entries include carving, ceramics, textiles, creative writing, paintings and even a puppet.Te Hikoi manager Karyn Owen said the exhibition creates the intrigue you get when you find an unexpected historic treasure in an old garage, and the awe you get when seeing an artist’s creation and their explanation of what inspired it."Times that feeling by 42 and that is what visitors will get to experience by coming to see the exhibition,” Owen said.Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to vote for the people’s choice award – the winner is to receive a $500 art supplies voucher from Art Supplies Southland.This event is now looking like becoming an annual fixture in Te Hikoi’s public program.Artist Sally Edgerton with her painting inspired by Riverton's 150-year celebration badge. Photo: Supplied“We think this challenge and exhibition has great potential to expand even further next year, and welcome anyone looking at sponsorship opportunities to get in touch to discuss further," Owen said.This years exhibition runs until the 31st October, $3 admission fee or included in usual full museum entry fee (children free).

Investigations into the behaviour of Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark have cost ratepayers more than $60,000 this year.Figures were released by the council this week under LGOIMA, revealing the final bills for two code of conduct complaints.The first related to a March 16 incident where Clark attended a United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) event and received a complaint for actions which included verbally attacking the female MC and labelling volunteer firefighters second-class citizens.Five days later, an earlier-recorded interview with comedian Guy Williams went to air on satirical news show New Zealand Today.It showed Clark using a homophobic slur, repeating the ‘n-word’ and insisting Williams say it.Two complaints were lodged against Clark — one by chief executive Michael Day in relation to the UFBA event following a letter of complaint from the association, and a second by councillors Ian Pottinger and Ria Bond relating to the television appearance.Both complaints were upheld in June and July meetings, and Clark has apologised.Local Democracy Reporting can now reveal the cost of the investigation into Clark’s actions at the UFBA cost $42,330 while the investigation into his behaviour on television totalled $20,146.A council spokesperson said the reason for the difference in cost was due to the amount of time required to undertake each investigation.It isn’t the first time that Clark’s actions have hit ratepayers in the pocket.In 2020, he was found to be in breach of the code for questioning the truthfulness of then-chief executive Clare Hadley at a public meeting. The investigation cost $10,000, excluding GST.Emails released by the council under LGOIMA have also shown how the mayor pushed back against investigations into his behaviour.In April, Clark wrote to chief executive Day as well as councillors Bond and Pottinger, saying he would not participate in the investigation.One of the reasons cited was that the investigation would come with “a likely $10,000+ cost to rate payers”.In May, Clark wrote he would not accept “access” by the UFBA to the council’s code of conduct.“To concede to this will open any complaint against any elected member or staff member including management to be subject to the code,” he said.Clark was also requested by the chief executive to withdraw comments which implied a council staff member had contact with the UFBA prior to them lodging a complaint.His allegations, and subsequent retraction, had been sent in a group email to all councillors, some council staff, and a now-former independent chair.Local Democracy Reporting contacted Clark regarding the cost of the breaches, but he did not respond.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Fonterra announced yesterday (3 Sep) that it was establishing a new $150m UHT cream plant at its Edendale factory.Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said the investment was part of the Co-operative’s strategy to grow further value by expanding its Foodservice business in Asia and increasing production capacity for high-value products. “Demand for UHT cream continues to strengthen. Globally, we’re expecting demand to increase by more than 4 per cent year on year between 2023 – 2032," he said.“We believe prioritising our Ingredients and Foodservice channels will create more value for Fonterra and this expansion is a good example of the direction the Co-op is heading.”The new plant will initially create upward of 50 million litres of UHT processing capacity with the capacity to grow beyond 100 million litres by 2030.Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said Fonterra's announcement yesterday was extremely positive for Southland.“This multi-million dollar expansion is a shot in the arm for our province, with 70 new jobs to be created, as well as other employment opportunities through the construction phase of the expansion."“There’s a sense of optimism around dairy farming in the South at the moment, with the recent increased payout announcement last month and now this investment, boosting positivity."“We talk about farming being the backbone of the country, and it’s exciting projects like this that really do prove the worth of dairy farming, and agriculture, to our regional and national economy."“I congratulate Fonterra on having the confidence to invest in our region. We need this kind of recognition in the South - because we know that we have the people and the infrastructure to get the job done."“Edendale is this country’s longest running dairy manufacturing site, already employing over 600 people, and it’s a credit to all of the staff that this project has been ear-marked for the South."“Innovation and the pioneering of high value ingredients have always been key to Fonterra’s success, and it’s exciting that the company has chosen to invest in Southland with this latest expansion."“The new plant will increase production capacity of the company’s Foodservice whipping cream, and help Fonterra keep pace with the growing demand in Asia.”

Environment Southland is advising farmers to be aware of the ground conditions and to check their systems before irrigating after four reports of effluent discharging into waterways in less than a week.Compliance manager Donna Ferguson said staff were investigating incidents at Drummond, Kapuka and Wallacetown reported last week, and yesterday received a fourth report near Wyndham.“While recognising there has been some recent heavy rainfall and localised flooding across the province, this is really disappointing. Several appear to have been the result of effluent application to saturated soils or irrigation over subsurface drains. All four incidents reported to date remain under active investigation,” she said.“This is a timely reminder to check soil moistures before irrigating, know where your subsurface drains are and be aware of the conditions of your consent.”Anyone with concerns about a waterway that shows signs of contamination, like a distinct change in colour or odour, should report it through Environment Southland’s 24-hour pollution phone line at the time they see it.The pollution phone line is 0800 76 88 45 and is monitored 24-7.

The government is almost tripling the fee charged to most international tourists from $35 to $100 from the start of October.The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) was introduced by the Labour government in 2019 with funds raised to go toward maintaining public services and tourism sites.National at the time opposed the levy as "just another tax" but has since come round to the idea, with Tourism Minister Matt Doocey on Tuesday saying tourists should "contribute more to New Zealand".In a statement, Doocey said international tourism played "a hugely important role" to New Zealand's economy but came with a cost to local communities through pressure on infrastructure and higher maintenance costs across the conservation estate.The higher fee would ensure visitors paid their bit toward the upkeep of public services and high-value conservation projects, he said.Doocey said the increased fee was unlikely to deter many people from coming to New Zealand, pointing out $100 would generally make up less than 3 percent of their total spending here."The new IVL remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK, and we are confident New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination by many around the world."Australia charges a departure tax of A$70, while the United Kingdom charges varying rates of Air Passenger Duty depending on the distance of travel.Doocey said public consultation had found 93 percent of the roughly 1100 submitters were in support of a hike to help cover tourism costs.Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said taxpayers already stumped up close to $884 million a year directly on tourism and conservation."This money funds Tourism New Zealand, protects biodiversity within the Department of Conservation estate and provides quality experiences at the likes of Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing," Potaka said.The IVL is charged when applying for a visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority to most tourists, people on working holidays, and some workers and students coming to New Zealand.There are some exceptions, most notably Australian citizens and permanent residents, and people from many Pacific nations.In 2022, former Tourism Minister Stuart Nash proposed the levy be hiked to $200 but was blocked by his Cabinet colleagues.Some in the tourism sector have actively campaigned against an increase.Visitors from Australia and many Pacific Island countries were exempt from the charge.Published by permission

The latest member to join the ranks of a troubled Southland community board says he’s undeterred by the attention the group has recently received.Jamie Winsloe has been elected unopposed to the Oreti Community Board following a by-election.His arrival follows a tumultuous couple of months for the board, including the overthrowing of former chair Colin Smith at a tense public meeting, and the replacement of a council appointee.Winsloe replaces former-member Karen Maw at the table, whose sudden resignation on July 12 sparked the by-election.Based out of Wallacetown, 15 minutes from Invercargill, Winsloe runs a small engineering business and is a volunteer firefighter.He said he was looking forward to the new role and hoped to be a good spokesperson for the community.“What inspired me to run was just getting stuff done. Putting the community needs first, and really just helping out where I can.”Winsloe said he was encouraged to run for the vacant seat by a couple of people who twisted his arm, then decided to “give it a go” after doing some research.“I come from . . . a project management/design background, so I'm familiar with working around trying to get to a resolution.“So hopefully I can sort of harness that and bring that to the table.”In relation to the board’s recent issues, Winsloe said there was no point dwelling on the past.He enters under the board's Makarewa subdivision.A timeline of troublesOn June 24, the Oreti Community Board voted against progressing CCTV upgrades for the small Southland town of Winton, despite a strong community push for the project and recommendation from Police.The upgrades were supported by former chair Colin Smith, deputy chair Philip Dobson and then-council appointee Darren Frazer, but the trio were outvoted by the five other members.Following the sudden departure of member Karen Maw on July 12, a letter was penned by four board members on July 23 requesting a meeting be held to overthrow Smith as chair.Those members — Katie Allan, Dave Diack, Chris Herud and Tracy Kennedy — got their wish at a packed-out August 19 meeting.Smith received a strong show of support from a vocal crowd that night but was ultimately ousted.That same week, councillor Frazer requested he be removed from his position on the board.He was replaced on August 26 by deputy mayor Christine Menzies.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Environment Southland (ES) has activated its High River Watch on 8 Southland rivers after heavy rain drenched the province over the weekend (31 Aug-1 Sep).ES advise the Aparima River at Dunrobin is 1.6m above normal and 1.7m above normal at Etalvale.The Hamilton Burn at Waterloo Road, a tributary of the Aparima River is 2.1m above normal.Irthing Stream at Ellis Road is 2m above normal.The Mataura River at Fairlight Station is 1.9m above normal.The Oreti River at Lumsden Cableway is 2.3m above normal and 1m above normal at Three Kings is 1m above normal.The Upukerira River at Te Anau Milford Road is 1.2m above normal.With more rainfall predicted over the following 2-3 hours, Environment Southland's Flood Warning Team will continue to monitor the stituation.Meanwhile the Milford Road (SH94) has a moderate avalanche warning in place, with the road expected to reopen today (2 Sep) at 10am, after being closed overnight.Southland's weather forecast from 45S Weather Services LtdTodayModerate northerly winds, fine morning then high cloud increases this afternoon, rain gets into Fiordland this evening and spreads east overnight. Snow level rising to 2000m.Tuesday 3rdRain dawn with a colder westerly change, clearing for a time in the morning then passing showers into the afternoon and evening. Snow level lowering to 800m by evening.Wednesday 4thA few early showers near the coast and in the Fiordland ranges, fresh west or NW winds. Snow level rising to 1200m.Thursday 5thModerate NW winds, scattered rain in Fiordland but should be dry across most of Otago and Southand east of the main divide. Snow level up to 2000m.OutlookHeavier rain in Fiordland on Friday then a westerly changes and showers spread across the region on Saturday morning. Snow level may lower to 800m.

Residents of a small Southland hamlet hammered by coastal erosion are living in limbo, as the river next to their properties inches closer.In February, Bluecliffs entered a state of emergency after the Waiau River ate away at the bank and began to threaten properties.But following a March meeting in nearby Tūātapere, hosted by key stakeholders, hope of a solution also began to erode.Joan Redpath has called Bluecliffs home since the late 1970s and has no plans to leave. Photo: Tess Brunton/RNZFurther attempts at cutting into the river bar were viewed as unlikely to succeed, and other works came with a high price tag.Five months on from that meeting, some residents are none-the-wiser about their precarious situation, or what the future will look like.Uli Sirch has lived on Bluecliffs Beach for about 30 years and runs a honey business from her property.She has no plans to leave — in part because it wouldn’t be possible.“Nobody would buy it (my house) in their right mind, because the threat is right there and nothing has been fixed,” she said.“My plan is that I stay here until things change dramatically.”Sirch was a vocal voice amid the township’s February and March woes, and at one point made headlines for saying she had no plans to heed an evacuation call so an old dumpsite could be evacuated.Dialogue with the council following the meeting has ground to a halt, she says, leaving her hoping for the best but planning for the worst.“If it becomes dangerous, I’m obviously going to do something about it. Start living in the shed, because it’s the closest to the road. Maybe (I'll) have to buy a caravan. Maybe (I'll) have to do something else.“But at the moment, pretty much, I’m stuck.“I have to stay here because I can’t sell and can’t go anywhere else.”Neighbour Joan Redpath is in a similar predicament at a home she’s shared with her husband since the late 1970s.Houses in the area overlook the Waiau River, and on the other side of that, the ocean. Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDRUnable to afford a move, the couple have decided to stick it out and let nature take its course.Redpath says the council isn’t providing solutions or monetary assistance, but has told them they would help in other ways.“We’re over it. We’ve decided it’ll be what it’ll be. We can’t change it.”Despite about 20 - 30 metres of land disappearing from the front of their property in the past year, the pair remain resolute.Their future in Bluecliffs hangs in the balance, but they’d be willing to live out of their caravan or shed if it came to it.“You couldn’t sell it (the house). It’s valueless. But that’s life.”In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting, Southland mayor Rob Scott said there had been no change with the situation at Bluecliffs, but monitoring was still being undertaken.The council had offered property owners practical assistance to investigate buying adjoining land, but there was little support, he said.“We understand the property owners' concerns and appreciate that they are in a difficult position, but other than the assistance that has already been offered there is little more that we as a council can do.”The council had been in regular contact with some residents, but no financial assistance had been offered.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air