Operation Diablo has led to the arrest of eight people and the seizure of drugs, firearms and cash from multiple addresses across Southland last week.Organised criminal groups received pre-Christmas visits as Police executed 12 search warrants at properties and vehicles in and around Invercargill.The operation was led by Southland’s Organised Crime Group and Criminal Investigation Branch, with support from specialist teams including a Drug Detection Dog unit.Police targeted gang-related drug offending as part of the crackdown.Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird says the social harm caused by the sale and supply of illicit drugs is significant.“Gang members facilitating this don’t care about the damage they cause,” says Detective Baird.“We will continue to find and prosecute those who think this sort of criminal activity is acceptable.”During Operation Diablo, Police seized:Over 32 grams of methamphetamineVarious quantities of cannabisFirearms and ammunitionMore than $3,000 in cashMultiple electronic devices.“It’s about preventing harm,” Detective Baird adds.“People deserve to live, work and play in our communities without these negative influences ruining their plans.”Police have arrested five men and three women that have appeared in the Invercargill District Court.Charges include possession for supply of class A and class drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm and threatening behaviour.Police continue to investigate.Further charges and arrests have not been ruled out.Members of the public are urged to report any concerns or information about illegal drug supply or criminal activity.Call 105 or 111 if it’s happening nowProvide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rocket Lab has scored its largest single contract to date.The New Zealand-founded company's latest deal with the US Space Development Agency (SDA) is worth US$816 million (NZ$1.4b).It will manufacture 18 satellites equipped with advanced sensors to track and detect missile threats, including from hypersonic missiles of the kind recently developed by Russia."Demand for resilient, scalable and affordable space systems continues to grow, and this award demonstrates that Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security," Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said."As the only commercial provider producing both spacecraft and payloads in-house for the SDA Tracking Layer, Rocket Lab is delivering a truly disruptive solution that combines speed, resilience and affordability."This contract underscores that Rocket Lab's vertically integrated approach isn't just a competitive advantage - we're enabling a fundamental shift in how national security space programs are executed."Rocket Lab already had a US$515m (NZ$869m) satellite contract.This week, the company launched its fourth spacecraft into orbit for the United States Department of War. The launch, named 'Don't Be Such A Square', lifted off from Wallops Island in Virginia to deploy four DiskSat spacecraft in a 550km low Earth orbit, five months ahead of schedule.Rocket Lab's next launch, 'The Wisdom God Guides', is scheduled for Sunday evening. It will be the company's 79th launch and the 21st this year.The client is Q-shu Pioneers of Space, a Japan-based Earth-imaging company, and the launch will be streamed live on Rocket Lab's YouTube channel.Published by permission

The head of the Predator Free NZ Trust says there is "some complexity" in using sound to keep cats away from nesting native birds.Jessi Morgan says it is important to keep the country's native wildlife safe, while recognising the role cats play as companions.A project from the Bioeconomy Science Institute has discovered a way to use sound as a harmless deterrent.The research found feral cats were most averse to the sound of human voices, and domestic cats were most averse to the sound of other cats.Feral cats were recently added to the Predator Free 2050 target species list, but domestic cats are still part of many New Zealand households.There was no official estimate of how many feral cats live in New Zealand. While 2.4 million is often cited, some believe the true number is far higher.Morgan said New Zealand has the highest rate of cat ownership in the world, with about 1.2 million owned cats.She said the research could be applied to other animals."Research that we do on protecting native birds from cats is also transferable to other species, which is really important," Morgan said."The key is removing cats from those environments where the native birds are, that's the ultimate."She said there needed to be a way of keeping the cats that were in the area away in the meantime.The sound technology could be costly to establish, Morgan said."It's quite an expensive application at the moment, in terms of you need the speaker to play the sound out loud, and it needs to be weather proof."There's some complexity around it," she said.Morgan said sound could also be used to lure pests into traps."I think sound does have a role to play for cats but also for other predators, could we use sound lures to attract animals towards a trap or towards a cage so we were able to catch them."It's really important that we explore all these different options because at the moment most of our lures for trapping are food lures, so it's kind of smell and taste, and so if we can have sound lure as another option then it actually just makes our trapping more effective in time - it just give us different options."Exploring different strategies like sound, light or pheromones was important, Morgan said."It's not going to be a cookie cutter approach, there's not a one size fits all here."Obviously, the best thing cat owners can do is actually keep their cats safe and happy at home, so contained on their own property, and that means it minimises their impact on wildlife but also keeps the cats safe which is really important, especially when they're important companions or members of the family."Published by permission

21/12/2025 – ILT Academy Southland marked 20 years of supporting Southland’s top young athletes at a special function held in Invercargill this afternoon (December 21).First piloted in 2005, the Academy has supported more than 250 sportspeople across a wide variety of sports over the past two decades, helping them to achieve their goals both inside and outside the white lines of their chosen codes.Academy programme manager Jason McKenzie said the 20 year celebration had provided the ideal time to reflect on the evolution of the programme, the impact it has had and the innovative thinking by the likes of Kereyn Smith and the late Mike Piper, who were instrumental in its establishment.Mike’s wife Joy was a special guest at today’s function, along with more than 30 Academy graduates and their families.“These 20 years are Mike’s legacy. Thank you Mike – I hope we have made you proud,” McKenzie said.“We provide a programme that we know from research makes a short and long term difference to athletes’ performance and grows them as people.“They are grounded in Southland values of humbleness, work ethic and passion. They are challenged to be better everyday and they learn the skills to use in performance when it matters most.”Academy Southland has helped support Southlanders to achieve their sporting dreams, including 10 Olympians, 30 Commonwealth Games athletes and many national and world champions.Double Olympic gold medallist Alena Saili and silver medallists Eddie Dawkins and Nicole Shields were in attendance, along with Paralympic bronze medallist Jess Hamill.Saili, Dawkins and WorldTour cyclist Corbin Strong formed a guest panel as part of the celebrations.While sporting success was an important driver for the programme, seeing Southlanders achieving in a range of fields was just as important.“We develop young Southland athletes to excel at the highest level in life as well – Harvard, Duke, Princeton, Oxford and a Rhodes Scholar,” McKenzie said.McKenzie thanked the athletes who have taken part, their coaches and their families, along with the Academy’s board, sponsors, funders and wider community who had supported the programme.As part of the celebrations, video interviews with past Academy athletes has been captured and is being published on the programme’s social media accounts.Something that had come through strongly while connecting with past athletes was the sense of pride they felt in representing their community on the national and international stage, McKenzie said.“It has been a hell of a ride and, while we are here to celebrate our 20 year milestone, I feel like we have only just begun.”

Police have made a further appeal to the public for information following the arson of work vehicles at Queens Park on Wednesday 3rd December.Four trucks owned by arborist company Treetech were destroyed in the attack.Police were alerted at around 12:20am that four vehicles had been deliberately set alight.As part of our investigations, we would like to hear from anyone who was on or around Queens Drive between 12am and 12:30am on Wednesday 3 December , or anyone with information that could assist, Police said.Please contact Police via 105 either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251203/6133.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been arrested following a shooting in Gore this week (17 Dec) that saw two victims airlifted to hospital, one in a serious condition.Police were called to an Aparima Street house shortly before 8pm on Wednesday evening, following reports of a firearm being discharged.They later said they did not believe there is any risk to other members of the community.Police said the arrested men – aged 36 and 54 – were arrested in Invercargill on Thursday afternoon (18 Dec).Both men are facing a range of charges and are due to appear in Invercargill District Court today (19 Dec).One victim remains in hospital, recovering from their injuries, while the other victim has been discharged, Police said.Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland Area Commander says investigators have been following a number of lines of enquiry, but information from the public had proved invaluable.“We want to thank the community for their help so far, the support we’ve had from the public shows people aren’t willing to tolerate violence like this."“The arrests are the result of excellent work across the team involved and help from the public."“The investigation still needs to hear from anyone with information who hasn’t yet been spoken to. Even the smallest detail can make a big difference," Bowman said.“While the investigation is continuing, officers will have a visible presence in Gore over the coming days as they carry out reassurance patrols and show their support for the community.”To contact Police about this incident go to 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “update report”, or call 105. Use the reference number 251217/1617.Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

Southland's 'Greatest Little Show' - the Winton A&P Show, is once again set to delight families when it returns to the Winton's racecourse on Saturday 17 January 2026.For over 100 years, the show has been Central Southland's seasonal highlight, bringing together locals and visitors for a day filled with agricultural showcases, family fun, and rich Southland hospitality.Visitors can expect to see a stella lineup of attractions including livestock and baking competitions, shearing and woodchopping, trade and home craft stalls, as well as a baby show, food courts, carnival rides, entertainment and much more.Children have of course not been forgotten, with their very own - and free - sections for baking and colouring in competitions.A special pet parade has also been organised for all those who have brought along their furry, hairy and woolly pet friends.And once the classic competitions are over the serious fun begins with the traditional 'Big Dig" and other fun games set to challenge and delight the youngsters.The show is held at Winton Racecourse, 64 Racecourse Road, Winton, with gates opening at 8am on Saturday, 17 January 2026.Trade space and exhibitor are reminded that entries are open now but close on 31 December 2025.Home industries and Children's competition entries close at 6pm on Friday 16th January.CLICK HERE for more information on the show, to download a schedule or entry form.

Targeted speed limit changes are being proposed on state highways across the South Island after community concerns were raised about safety. Next month, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will open public consultations for people to have their say on these proposed changes in Canterbury, on the West Coast and in Southland. The proposed speed limit changes include the following: State Highway 1 (SH1) at both ends of Temuka, South Canterbury – northern section 70km/h to 50km/h, southern section 80km/h to 60km/h.SH1 south of Amberley (North Canterbury) – 80km/h to 60km/h.SH1 south of Rolleston (near Christchurch) – 100km/h to 80km/h.SH75 north of Halswell (Christchurch) – 60km/h to 50km/h.SH73 Kirwee and Sheffield (Central Canterbury) – 70km/h to 50km/h.SH67 and SH67A Westport south including Buller Bridge (West Coast) – 100km/h to 60km/h.SH7 at Blacks Point (West Coast) – 70km/h to 60km/h.Introduction of Intersection Speed Zones* on SH1 at Norwood and SH73 at Waddington (Central Canterbury), and SH6 at Five Rivers (Southland) – 100km/h to 100/60km/h variable. *Intersection Speed Zones (ISZs) feature electronic signage that temporarily lower the speed limit when a vehicle approaches to turn from or onto a side road. “These proposed changes are highly targeted, covering just 12 kilometres of the South Island’s 5000km state highway network, but they will make a real difference where it matters most,” says NZTA director of regional relationships for the central and lower South Island, James Caygill. “We’re focused on saving lives and reducing serious injuries without adding unnecessary delays for drivers.” Each proposal meets the requirements of the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, which mandates six weeks of public consultation before decisions are finalised. New limits will become legally enforceable once signs are installed and uncovered. NZTA’s targeted approach to state highway speed management under the 2024 Rule prioritises:Schools Variable Speed Limits (VSLs)ISZs for high-risk rural intersectionsSpeed changes and new speed limits needed for projects and seasonal speed limitsA small number of community requests that meet strict criteria. Visit here for more information, including how to suggest a speed change. This website will be updated with full consultation details and feedback options for the proposed changes above, in late January 2026.

Please see below details of renewal work on state highways in southland, early in the new year. These renewals will be disruptive, particularly the renewal work in Wallacetown – however we will do our best to minimise this as much as possible.These dates are subject to change; An update will be sent in the new year confirming start dates and traffic management: Beginning the week of 5th January:SH94 Te Anau-Milford highway near Sinclair Road6am – 8pm; Monday to Friday until end of JanuaryReconstruction of this section of highway including pavement excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking - following previously completed drainage and earthworks.Traffic lights, temporary speed limit 30km/hr; 5-10 minute delaysTraffic lights on Sinclair Road /turning restrictions SH90 Waikaka Valley highway between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road6am – 8pm; Monday to Friday until end of MarchReconstruction of this section of highway including pavement excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking - following previously completed drainage and earthworks.Traffic lights and 30km/hr speed restriction; 5-10 minute delays SH96 Winton-Wreys Bush highway at Heddon Bush Road6am – 8pm; Monday to Friday until end of JanuaryReconstruction of this section of highway including pavement excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking - following previously completed drainage and earthworks.Traffic lights and 30km/hr speed restriction; 5-10 minute delays SH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway at Zwies Road, Browns6am – 8pm; Monday to Friday until end of JanuaryReconstruction of this section of highway including pavement excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking - following previously completed drainage and earthworks.Traffic lights and 30km/hr speed restriction; 5-10 minute delays Beginning mid-late January until late March/early April:SH99 Wallacetown-Lorneville highway between Underwood-Linds Bridge Road and Ryal Bush-Wallacetown RoadReconstruction of this section of highway including bridge & culvert work, earthworks & drainage, pavement excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking.Traffic management to be confirmed, but there will be significant disruption at this site due to the location and length of the site. Details to follow in the new year.

PowerNet has appointed senior engineering leader Adrian Nadan to lead its Networks team, bringing more than 18 years of industry experience to the role.Adrian comes to PowerNet from Counties Energy, where he held several leadership roles, managing major capital programmes, including a $40 million substation renewal, a $12 million water resiliency project and a $22 million accelerated substation delivery initiative.PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue said he is thrilled to have a candidate of such high calibre for the role and looks forward to welcoming him to Invercargill in early March.“This is a critical role in managing our network into the future and Adrian brings with him a wide range of skills to ensure we can deliver a high quality, efficient and effective network for our customers.”Adrian brings extensive project management skills and has implemented a project management framework aligned with Project Management Institute (PMI) standards, as well as holding Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.Adrian says he’s delighted to join the PowerNet team and contribute to optimising its networks while working with the team to realise the opportunities ahead.“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Counties Energy for the opportunities, support and collaboration that have shaped my professional journey and enabled me to contribute to Counties Energy’s success,” he said.Prior to joining Counties Energy, Adrian worked as a Project Engineer and Project Manager at KiwiRail, where he contributed to the Auckland Rail Electrification Project from 2010 to 2015, managing the design, delivery and commissioning of the electrical system.

War correspondent Peter Arnett, whose journalistic career started at the Southland Times in the 1950s, has died at the age of 91.The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, who became one of the world's foremost combat correspondents, died on Wednesday, according to US media reports.He had been suffering from prostate cancer.Arnett, who won the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting for his coverage of the Vietnam War for The Associated Press, rose to international fame in his decades-long career covering conflicts from Vietnam to El Salvador to the Gulf.He broke onto the international scene as a wire-service correspondent in Vietnam from 1962 until the war's end in 1975, dodging bullets as he accompanied troops on missions. His reporting throughout the conflict provided an on-the-ground assessment of the war that often challenged official US accounts.He was among the last reporters in Saigon as it fell to the communist-backed North Vietnamese.Arnett stayed with the AP until 1981, when he joined CNN. He would soon rise to broadcast stardom.In 1991, Arnett landed in Baghdad for the outbreak of the first Gulf War, where he interviewed then-president Saddam Hussein and documented the lives of the Iraqi people living under the bombing.His live frontline broadcasts -- in some cases relayed by cell phone -- would make him a household name."Peter Arnett was one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation -- intrepid, fearless, and a beautiful writer and storyteller," Edith Lederer, chief UN correspondent for the AP, told the agency."His reporting in print and on camera will remain a legacy for aspiring journalists and historians for generations to come."Bin Laden interviewIn 1997, Arnett interviewed Osama bin Laden at a secret hideout in Afghanistan years before the 11 September, 2001 attacks on the US.When asked about his plans, bin Laden reportedly told Arnett: "You'll see them and hear about them in the media, God willing," the New York Times reported.Arnett resigned from CNN in 1999 after the network retracted a report Arnett narrated claiming deadly Sarin nerve gas had been used on deserting American soldiers in Laos in 1970.Arnett went on to cover the second Gulf War for NBC and National Geographic.He left NBC in 2003 after giving an interview to Iraqi state television in which he was critical of the US military's strategy.Arnett was born on 13 November, 1934 in Riverton, New Zealand.Arnett, who later became a naturalised American citizen, began his career as a reporter on a local newspaper, the Southland Times, before going on to work for English-language papers in Thailand and Laos.In 1995, he published his memoir, Live From the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, 35 Years in the World's War Zones.Arnett, who lived in Southern California since 2014, is survived by his wife, Nina Nguyen, and their children, Elsa and Andrew, US media said.Arnett retained his New Zealand passport, despite taking out American citizenship.Published by Permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Expect normal travel times over the coming days – Please drive with care.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain with heavy falls, easing to showers (mainly south of Lake Gunn), clearing later. Snow flurries possible later, not expected to affect the road Tomorrow: Showers (mainly south of Lake Gunn), with snow flurries possible to 800m, not expected to affect the road Sunday: Mainly fine Monday: Cloud increasing, rain developing later Tuesday: Rain, easing to showers

A report on Southland's recent severe weather has highlighted issues with communication failure and 111 going down.Emergency Management Southland acting manager Tracey Fraser prepared a paper for a meeting last week summarising the 23 October storm which punished the region.It raised issues of critical infrastructure going down after power outages, and telecommunication failure in the face of insufficient backup capacity — the latter meaning 111 became unavailable.Although there was a known risk, many organisations didn’t have backup communication, and measures such as community response group radios were not utilised, the report showed.Fraser told Local Democracy Reporting there were several possible reasons why the radios were not widely used.Those included the cell service still being available to some communities, self-sufficiency, needs not being urgent, a lack of awareness about the radios, and people not being actively engaged in the local response group.Co-ordination centre staffing was also a problem, and the report said several individuals had not completed the level of training required for effective and efficient CIMS functions — the country’s framework for coordinated incident management.“It is a two-day NZQA course. Training is voluntary for staff, so signing up to CIMS is a commitment and they need to ask for time away from their usual duties,” Fraser explained.Another issue was that only about a half of trained staff had completed the activation availability process, which was a form for council staff to indicate their availability for response.Fraser said that was voluntary and up to staff who had completed training to fill out.The report said staffing was a "significant challenge" but noted several staff from four councils showed "exceptional commitment" by covering multiple shifts in the emergency co-ordination centre.A state of emergency was in place for 14 days in Southland as a result of the storm.Strong winds toppled trees and cut power to thousands, resulting in long days in the field for linesmen.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

"If wealth was measured in the number and quality of people you have as friends, then my son was rich," Paul McKenzie said of his son - deceased Fiordland climber Scott McKenzie.28-year-old McKenzie and his 23-year-old climbing companion - Australian Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati, both died while climbing the north buttress of Sabre Peak in Fiordland on 13th Dec.Both men resided in Australia.Born in Christchurch to Jen, his Canadian mum and Paul, his New Zealand dad, meant he had a large extended family - an ocean apart - that loved him dearly.Connor's parents taught at, and ran international schools all over the world, living with Connor and his sister Abby on five continents.First Christchurch then to Canada, Kuwait then Serbia, Burkina Faso, Fukuoka and on to Melbourne.Connor received a scholarship to university but decided to follow his passions.He had just finished his carpentry apprenticeship in Melbourne and was doing up a van with the dream of working from town to town as he travelled Australia.Another love was climbing.At a young age he had developed a passion for going where most wouldn't, to see things that most hadn't.After completing various climbing courses, he taught other climbers rope safety and improved his skill during challenging climbs.Although it’s devastating for all Connor's family and friends, there is some solace in that he lived life to its fullest and died doing something he loved.McKenzie's family said they would like to thank the New Zealand Police especially their family liaison officer who provided the family with a level of support both thoughtful and thorough.They also thanked the bravery of Police Search and Rescue, Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand, Heliworks and Southern Lakes Helicopters for what had been an extremely difficult recovery.

Environment Southland’s maritime team has joined forces with ACC to help Southern boaties stay safe on the water this summer with a mobile lifejacket library. Regional Harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said Southland is the first to launch a mobile lifejacket library. Other communities ACC has worked with have chosen to install fixed life jacket libraries. “We are looking at fixed position libraries, but in the meantime have opted to trial a mobile lifejacket library over the summer until locations for fixed lifejacket libraries are confirmed.  “Southern boaties are spoilt for choice, they’ve got inland lakes and rivers, as well as coastal waters to explore. The most popular boating spot on any given day depends on the forecast – it can be miserable in Fiordland – and beautiful in the Catlins.” “Ahead of Christmas our team and the lifejacket library will be at boat ramps around the coast including Bluff, Riverton and on the lower Oreti River.Over the Christmas/New Year period we’ll be in the Te Anau/Manapouri areas – depending on the sensational Southland summer of course.” The lifejackets are free to borrow and must be returned in good condition as arranged with the Harbourmaster team. The library comprises of 20 lifejackets, available in various sizes, catering from toddlers to adults. In Southern waters it’s compulsory for everyone in vessels of six metres or under to wear a lifejacket whether that is in coastal or inland waters – and that includes dinghies and kayaks. “If you’ve got friends or family staying, you might be caught out with the wrong sized lifejackets. This initiative can help ensure everyone can get out and enjoy a day on the water,” Cleaver said.

A restroom alternative for Invercargill's homeless community is still being worked through as the cost of the current set-up continues to bite.The inner-city Wachner Place Restroom offers a free shower which is used twice a day on average, equating to about $270 per time based on overall running costs.Its closure was imminent following a May decision which was made on the proviso work be undertaken to find alternative locations.But the place has been thrown a lifeline until March 2026 as the council continues to look for solutions more than six months on.On Tuesday, council policy analyst Hannah Kennedy detailed some of the steps council had taken to connect with the homeless population and those who worked with them.There were “specific issues” facing that community, including storing belongings during the day — which Wachner Place offered — and maintaining hygiene for things like job seeking.A strong theme from the survey and engagement was that homeless people valued the space as much as the showers, she said."In other words, having a friendly face, somewhere that was warm, safe, private. Someone to have a chat to and make you a cup of tea, were very much appreciated as much as the showers."But keeping the facility open was also hitting ratepayers in the pocket.Former councillor Lesley Soper was the lead elected representative for engagement events and presented to council alongside staff.She said the shower was used about 60 times per month, or twice a day, which equated to about $270 per shower.It was also utilised by a “very small number of homeless”, with the main users being people who had lost water, power, or were travelling.Councillor Ian Pottinger visited the facility for the first time on Tuesday and spoke highly of it at the meeting.He said the council could go and look at other options, but nothing would come back at the price they were already paying.“I believe council has a responsibility to provide a facility like this,” he said.The contract renewal to March 2026 marks a seven-month extension to the original plan of closing the toilets by the end of August.A report prepared for the meeting said there was no clear estimate of homeless numbers, but most agencies that attended sessions believed it was getting worse.The need for a more significant facility providing temporary overnight accommodation had also been raised.Council manager Doug Rodgers said his team would look at options which ranged from a minimum approach to a community or tourist hub, and hoped to bring back prices in February.Operating and maintaining the facility cost $194,294 per annum, according to the report.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Well-known South Island kākā, Charlie Girl, has successfully hatched and reared her first chick since moving to the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary. Charlie Girl, a long-term resident of the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Te Anau Bird Sanctuary after being hit by a car, was controversially moved to Dunedin in June 2024 as part of the captive breed-for-release programme.The move of Charlie Girl caused an outroar from Fiordland locals who not only feared for the bird's welfare but, after DOC's announcement in January 2024 that they would be quitting the park, also the future viability of the popular local sanctuary. DOC Fauna Science Manager Ash Murphy says the successful fledging of a new chick, which hatched in October, is another great sign Charlie’s settling into her new home.Charlie Girl’s chick at around one month old. Photo supplied: Alisha Sherriff “Charlie continues to do well in Dunedin, where she is well cared for. She is an excellent mum, and we’re all thrilled with her latest chick, which fledged last week.” In Dunedin she is currently paired up with male kākā, Bling, who she successfully bred with when they were both in Te Anau. Because of Charlie’s experience, the team are hopeful she will be able to foster another chick this season, says Murphy.“Experienced mums like Charlie are important for the breed-for-release programme as they help fill gaps left by the less experienced, younger parents. It’s also another great way to help with her wellbeing as it provides an outlet for her strong maternal instincts. “Charlie has raised multiple clutches of chicks in the past, making a big contribution to the recovery of the species, which are Nationally Vulnerable.” Visitors are reminded not to disturb Charlie Girl and the other kākā during this sensitive breeding time, and always be naturing responsibly.The Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary has a proven track record of supporting South Island kākā conservation with kākā raised there going on to help re-establish wild populations at Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Abel Tasman National Park. Charlie is well-supported at the aviary, under the highly qualified avian specialist veterinary team from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.An independent welfare assessment completed by Professor of Animal Welfare Science Ngaio Beausoleil, from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, showed that Charlie’s welfare is best supported by her continuing to be cared for at the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary. Murphy says DOC is confident Charlie is well cared for and supported in Dunedin. “We’re all thrilled to see her continue to be a brilliant mum.”On 28 July 2025 DOC announced all remaining birds - excluding takahe - at the Bird Sanctuary would be progressively rehomed and operating hours reduced. This prompted not only the establishment of several public groups to save the sanctuary but also moves by Great South, DOC, site owners Southland Fish and Game and iwi Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka to formally explore what the future of the park should look like.

A series of roadworks to improve Southland state highways is due to kick off early in the new year, and people are being told to expect minor delays in their travel. Work to reconstruct sections of highway, including excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking – and associated traffic management – is scheduled to start on Monday 5 January 2026 at the following sites: State Highway 90/Waikaka Valley Highway, between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Tuesday 31 March, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway, at Heddon Bush Road – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 96/Winton-Hedgehope Highway at Zwies Road, Browns – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.State Highway 94/Te Anau-Milford Highway, near Sinclair Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.  This work is subject to scheduling change in the event of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We will aim to notify people about any changes through our channels. Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site. We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as this work is carried out to ensure a safe and resilient highway network for Southland road users.

Police are on the lookout for those responsible for a serious firearms incident in Gore last night (17 Dec) that required two people to be airlifted in hospital.One person is in a serious condition while the other has moderate injuries.Police were called to a house on Aparima Street shortly before 8pm, following reports of a firearm being discharged.Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman, said they were making a number of inquiries to locate the person or people involved, and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.“The offenders fled the scene before Police arrived and they are still outstanding."“We know there will be people in the community who know who did this, and we’re asking them to help us."“This is clearly a serious incident, and Police are treating all factors with urgency.”Bowman said Police did not believe there is any risk to other members of the community.A scene guard remained at the Aparima Street property overnight and a scene examination will be carried out this morning.Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.Information reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 251217/1617.