Playing for their season, the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel rose to the occasion to complete the job with a comfortable 68-57 win over Splice Construction Magic in Invercargill on Sunday.Left looking over their shoulders during a threatening middle two quarters from the Magic, a strong opening and finish helped the home side grab the crucial winning points.Magic pushed hard but lacked the Steel’s overall accuracy while home side shooter George Fisher delivered a match-winning 50 goals from 51 attempts.With a crammed programme to finish the season and backing up after playing just 24 hours earlier, Ali Wilshier got a rare start at centre for the Steel while Kate Heffernan moved across to wing defence.Building momentum, the Magic opted for Georgia Tong, back to full fitness, getting the start at goal defence and shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Bailey Mes continuing their budding partnership under the hoop.The first quarter was highlighted by loose play by both teams and a lack of execution but it was the home side who settled the best to finish with a telling flourish.The experienced Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and her rising young in-circle defensive partner Kate Burly continued their blossoming team-work to grab early turnovers while the rangy Kate Heffernan was a constant thorn at wing defence.Her twin sister Georgia worked the shooting circle effectively and efficiently with the prolific Fisher under the hoop to nail their early chances.Threatening at times, the Magic were undone by soft turnovers, the Steel needing no second invitation to pot the last five goals before heading to the first break with a handy 17-10 lead.The Steel defence grabbed a flurry of turnovers on the resumption, the home side quickly shooting out to an 11-goal lead and ominous signs for the Magic.However, the switch of Claire Kersten into centre and Samantha Winders to wing defence, resulted in a lift in defensive intensity from the visitors.With goalkeeper Erena Mikaere out hunting and the athletic Tong combining to grab extra ball, the Magic made decisive steps in chipping away at the deficit.Mes was in fine form under the Magic hoop, slotting a string of long-range goals as the visitors’ narrowed the margin to five. Regrouping, the Steel put a halt to the revival, defence again, changing momentum back to the southerners.Faultless under the hoop, Fisher, with a 25 from 25 return, ensured the Steel held the edge when leading 33-26 at the main break after a drawn second spell.The switch of Mes, to goal shoot, and Ekenasio to goal attack, provided plenty of movement and openings for the Magic, with the visitors making a strong comeback during the third quarter. Mes continued to impress with her turn-and-shoot attitude.At the other end, Mikaere and Tong continued to gather momentum as a pairing while pulling in bonus opportunities as the Magic sent some nervous tension the Steel’s way.In valiant run, the Magic closed to within four in another high-scoring stanza before the Steel, once again, regained their poise to steady the ship.Moving to centre did not detract from Kate Heffernan’s ability to snap up an intercept or two, just when required (four for the match). A late perfectly-timed turnover helping the Steel retain their edge and three goals on the trot to head to the last break with a 49-41 lead.Official Result and Stats: Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel: 68Splice Construction Magic: 57Shooting Stats - Steel:George Fisher 50/51 (98%)Georgia Heffernan 18/20 (90%)Shooting Stats - Magic:Ameliaranne Ekenasio 26/29 (90%)Bailey Mes 31/36 (86%)MVP: Kate Heffernan (Steel)

Emergency Management Southland has issued a warning for several Southland rivers this afternoon (22 May).Rivers affected include the Waimeamea and Pourakino Rivers in Western Southland, Hedgehope Stream and Makarewa River in Central Southland and Mokoreta, Mataura and Waikawa Rivers in Southern Southland.CLICK HERE to check an interactive map.REMINDER: There will be a nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert test this evening between 6-7pm.

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse firmed up their prospects of making the Finals Series with a clinical 59-49 win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Invercargill on Saturday.With dramatic outcomes in the two previous matches between the pair this season, the Pulse made sure there would be no repeat in the third after the teams came into this clash at a win apiece.Getting away to a good start at the Steel’s fortress of ILT Stadium Southland helped defuse the crowd impact for the Pulse as they went on to lead at each quarter break while building on their dominance as they went.Missing just three shots between them, shooters Aliyah Dunn (44/45) and Tiana Metuarau (14/16) set the platform for a strong performance which was endorsed in perfect fashion by the supporting Pulse cast.Without midcourters Renee Savai’inaea and Kate Hartley along with shooter Saviour Tui due to illness, the Steel introduced Sarapheinna Woulf at wing defence while George Fisher and Georgia Heffernan picked up the shooting duties.The Pulse remained with their starting seven of recent weeks, rock-solid centre Erikana Pedersen lining up for her 100th national league match.Both sides provided plenty of energetic defensive pressure early on but it was the Pulse who got away to the liveliest of starts. Punishing anything loose, the visitors were reliable with their turnover conversion rate as they quickly pushed out to an 8-2 lead.Respective wing attacks, Shannon Saunders, for the home side, and Whitney Souness, provided the impetus on attack for both sides as more flow found its way into the game. However, it was the more consistent Pulse, with shooters Metuarau and Dunn gaining the upper hand, who took a 14-10 lead into the first break.A lift in defensive pressure on the resumption gave the Pulse the best of starts, with in-circle defenders Kristiana Manu’a and Kelly Jury providing the squeeze on their opposing shooters.Never a team to be under-estimated, the Steel were far from done, finding more flow on attack through the ever-reliable Saunders, who delivered perfect feeds to prolific shooter Fisher and the deceptive presence of defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit ensured the home side had their moments and opportunities.The Steel forced the Pulse to play patiently at times, and showing much more assuredness on attack than their last outing, the visitors did just that, finding a near-flawless Dunn on a regular basis in a handy position under the hoop.With Dunn shooting a perfect 24 from 24, the Pulse’s greater accuracy helped them hit the main break with a 30-24 lead.The Steel made a storming start to the third stanza, closing the gap immediately but the Pulse were able to absorb before launching their own reply.With playmaking goal attack Metuarau instrumental in setting up Dunn with plenty of space under the hoop, key feeders Souness and Pedersen were able to deliver quality ball into her hands.Souness and Metuarau were in the thick of action while at the other end the Pulse defenders were unrelenting with their smothering presence in slowing the Steel’s momentum, Kelly Jury stumping up with four intercepts and seven deflections.When she got the ball, Fisher was deadly accurate while centre Kate Heffernan and Saunders were tireless in their endeavours but the constant pressure took a toll, the visitors continuing to build on their buffer when leading 46-37 at the last turn.Official Result and Stats: Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel: 49Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse: 59Shooting Stats - Steel:George Fisher 39/41 (95%)Georgia Heffernan 10/20 (50%)Kiana Pelasio 0/1 (0%)Shooting Stats - Pulse:Aliyah Dunn 44/45 (98%)Tiana Metuarau 14/16 (88%)Amelia Walmsley 1/1 (100%)MVP: Kelly Jury (Pulse)

Winter is the season for TV binge watching.And at the same time, satisfy your inner self with a few scrumptious nibbles.Snacks are a popular addition to the daily menu.They provide extra energy and warmth during the cooler months whether it’s after school or sport or during the holidays or weekends.Nourishing foods that taste great are the best.And they’re simple so all the family can do their own thing.Kiwis love toasties.You can pack a truck load of nutrients between two slices of bread before grilling or toasting to golden perfection — tomatoes, cold meats, mashed egg, smoked fish, grated carrot, sliced tomatoes and pickles.And kids love constructing their own masterpieces.  This year, New Zealand’s favourite toastie competition has returned — 185 venues (eg cafes, restaurants, bars, food trucks and more) are offering unique toastie creations using cheese and McClure’s pickles, plus a selection of tempting goodies they hope will make their toastie the Supreme Winner.There should be an opportunity to taste a toastie in your area as cooks from Waitangi in the north to Lumsden in the south are competing up until the 27th of July.MINI TOASTIES1 cup finely chopped spinach125g cream cheese1 large clove garlic, crushed8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed50g butter or table spread4 thin slices ham to cover bread slices16 slices McClure’s bread and butter pickles, patted drySteam or microwave the spinach, until limp. Cool a little then squeeze dry and finely chop again.Season the cream cheese with the garlic and mix in the cooled spinach.Lightly spread each bread slice with butter or table spread. Place 4 slices butter-side down on a board. Using half the cream cheese mixture, spread an even layer over the bread. Top each evenly with the ham and the pickle slices. Spread the other 4 bread slices with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Place on the bases, butter-side up.Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium. Melt a little butter in the pan. Place the toasties in the pan and cook on medium heat until golden underneath. Flip over and cook the other side. Stand for about 1 minute to set. With a serrated knife, cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Makes 16.  TINY THAI RED CURRY PIESIf you haven’t enough mini muffin pans, then bake the pies in batches. The pie tops can be sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking.Filling: 1 tablespoon rice bran oil1 onion, diced2 cloves garlic, crushed1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste500g lean minced beef1 cup beef stock2 tablespoons rice flourPastry: 1 tablespoon rice bran oil2 x (23cmx23cm) sheets ready rolled short crust pastry2 x (23cmx23cm) sheets puff pastry1 egg, lightly beaten2 tablespoons water or milkHeat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. Sauté the onion until softened. Add the garlic and curry paste then stir in the beef pressing with a fork to break up any clumps. Add the stock. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix the rice flour with a little water then stir into the meat. Simmer until thickened. Cool.Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly oil 32 mini muffin holes. Cut each pastry sheet into 16 equal squares. Line the muffin hole bases with the short pastry. Fill the cold meat generously into the shells. Top with the puff pastry squares. Trim neatly. Combine the egg and water or milk and brush over the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.These pies can be frozen, thawed and reheated in the oven. Makes 32.PINWHEEL SANDWICHESIf the chutney is chunky then chop it finely.8 slices fresh white sandwich bread, crusts removed50g butter or table spread8 thin slices salami about 8cm in diameter8x 10cm square slices Swiss-style cheese 3/4 cup finely shredded lettuce1/2 large red capsicum, finely chopped1/2-34 cup tasty chutneyTake 2 bread slices and slightly overlap 2 edges. Using a rolling pin flatten the slices to seal the join.Spread with the butter or table spread. Place 2 salami slices over the top to cover. Top with 2 cheese slices. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the lettuce across the centre. Place a tablespoon or so of the red capsicum alongside. Spread some chutney either side of the vegetables. Roll up firmly from a long end. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Wrap in film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Trim the ends and cut into 2-5cm thick rounds. Makes about 20. SMOKED MUSSEL VOL-AU-VENTSVol-au-vent is a French term meaning 'flying in the wind'. The Larousse Gastronomique claims that the famous French chef, Carême invented the vol-au-vent.250g smoked mussels, minced2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsleysqueeze lemon juicefreshly ground black pepper to taste1/4 cup sour cream12 small vol-au-ventsCombine the minced mussels with the remaining ingredients. This mixture may be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the vol-au-vent cases on a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes, until the pastry is golden. Meanwhile, warm the mussel mixture through in the microwave on half (50%) power. Spoon into the hot cases. Makes 12.

UPDATED: SDC contractors have now (23 May) placed around 200 tonnes of rock on the most affected area.Photo: SDC 23 May.Tides lashed Riverton's Taramea Bay foreshore this afternoon, eroding banks, flooding walkways and recreational areas, and prompting an emergency response from the Southland District Council (SDC).SDC contractors rushed to place around 50 metres of rock to slow the erosion from further big tides.Taramea Bay's flooded foreshore this afternoon (20 May). Photo: Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.However SDC advised on its social media page that this was only a temporary measure until a longer term solution could be found.Further rough weather is expected to hit the area again in the coming days.The aftermath of the tide that battered Taramea Bay. Photo: Southland District CouncilJess Terrill from the Southland Surf School recorded the following footage of the waves lashing the seaside town's foreshore and recreational areas, and of contractors performing emergency remedial work.CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.

Blue River Dairy Blue River Dairy People and Capability Manager, Abbigail Surridge was crowned the winner of the Emerging Human Resources (HR) Practitioner category at the NZ HR Awards on Tuesday.Over 400 HR professionals gathered at the awards ceremony in Auckland to celebrate the outstanding Human Resources professionals and organisations leading meaningful change and best practice across Aotearoa.Southern District Health Board (DHB)Hamish Brown has been appointed interim Chief Executive of Southern DHB.Chief Executive Chris Fleming has announced the appointment, effective 1 July. This will initially be for a period of three months. "Mr Brown brings a wealth of knowledge of our health system, staff, and community to the Interim Chief Executive role. His leadership experience, strategic thinking, empathy, and relationship building skills suit the Southern DHB well in our transition to Health NZ. He will report to the Health NZ Chief Executive following the disestablishment of the Southern DHB Board," says Fleming. 

The appearance of a locked safe in the Oreti River has mystified Environment Southland workers, who found the safe in the water near Dunns Road, Otatara.Anyone who knows the rightful owner, or how the safe ended up in the river, is encouraged to get in touch. 

Invercargill City Council (ICC) will consider decreasing a proposed rates rise, from 7.78 per cent to 7.15 percent, following feedback from the community. The initial increase had been originally forecast in the council’s draft Annual Plan. ICC Performance Policy and Partnership Committee Chair councillor Darren Ludlow said the council had heard concerns raised by members of the public around the rising cost of living during the draft Annual Plan consultation period. “We've heard the community, we know cost of living is rising and we will consider all of our options to try and bring that cost down if we can.”“We are balancing our rates and our debt affordability. Deliberations will centre on the possibility of decreasing further some of council's operational or capital expenditure.” Deliberations will take place at the ICC Performance Policy and Partnership committee meeting on Tuesday at 3pm, where a report outlining options for further reducing the rates increase will be presented.Meanwhile Southland District Council have settled on a 9.22% rates increase for the 2022-23 year, while Environment Southland has capped their rates increase to 5%.

Southland farmer Tangaroa Walker has teamed up with Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) agricultural campus, Telford, to provide dairy farm workers with recognised qualifications while on the job. The new pilot programme at Telford will see dairy industry workers able gain a Certificate in Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) Dairy strand while utilising Farm 4 Life, an online educational platform created by Walker. Walker has been a dairy farmer in Southland for nine years, and created the Farm 4 Life as an educational social media platform three years ago, after seeing the need to educate workers in the dairy sector. Farm 4 Life covers many aspects of dairy farm work, from helping cows to calve, through to putting up electric fencing. Walker says a key focus is making industry a friendlier place for entry-level workers. “I started filming the videos because there was nothing like that when I started out – if there had been, it could have fast-tracked my career by a couple of years,” he says. Farm 4 Life has now evolved into an online hub, with a video learning platform containing thousands of clips on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of dairy farming. Walker calls the videos ‘edutainment’ – there is a humorous element in the way he presents the learning material, and the videos have clocked over 80 million views in total. Dr Sally Dobbs, Head of Faculty at SIT2LRN and Telford Campus, says SIT was interested to work with Walker given his ability to get people enthusiastic about education.“The reason we got involved with Tangaroa was his positive attitude and love for the dairy industry,” she says.  “Tangaroa’s Farm 4 Life videos provided training, but there was no industry-recognised accreditation. We thought we could partner with him, making use of his material, but most importantly, participants would get a recognised qualification at the end of it.” Dobbs says the process of using Farm 4 Life material and aligning it with a SIT qualification began in October 2021.The pilot programme will start on May 30th, with a limited number of students selected from Farm 4 Life subscribers. The qualification can be studied from anywhere in NZ. “We want to take the time to make sure it’s done right, and the pilot will allow that to happen,” says Dobbs. “We’re really excited that Tangaroa’s work will be aligned with a qualification. We see the potential of it in the future is huge.” Walker says he is excited that there is now an opportunity for kids who struggle with reading and writing to learn and upskill through observing and watching.“The NZQA qualification brings a whole lot of legitimacy to the [Farm 4 Life] hub and what I do,” he says.  

Bluff will play host to a night of steampunk glamour this June, with the Oyster Roister Costume Ball to be held at the Eagle Hotel. Co-organiser Frazer Murdoch says the event hopes to draw an eclectic array of attendees and costumes.  “We welcome cosplay, steampunk, dieselpunk, anything at all in fact.” “It's all about port life and the sea. Come dressed to impress. It will be a night of fire and light and fun to swing us around the midwinter solstice and launch us towards brighter days.”Murdoch, along with his partner Megan Taylor, had initially planned to hold a steampunk fringe festival as part of the Bluff Oyster Festival.However, when this year’s event was cancelled due to Covid, the idea for the costume ball was born.“We are really into steampunk and dieselpunk, and we thought we would try and introduce other people to it. We thought the best way to do that was through a costume ball.”Murdoch says he hopes the event will bring people to Bluff, especially as the town missed out on the usual influx of visitors for the Oyster Festival earlier this year.“We are hoping to attract people to visit Bluff as a destination, rather than just a sign post for taking photos and buggering off again.”“We want to show that we are a community, we are a destination, a place to stay and to spend time in.” The event will be held at the Eagle Hotel, where Murdoch currently displays two steampunk-themed motorbikes he built himself.“They bring the punters in, a lot of people come in to have a look. We thought having them there really lends itself to the theme of the festival.” Food will be served during the evening, while musical entertainment will be provided by Alexandra artist Kim Dusty. Murdoch says he and Taylor will also display several handmade shadowboxes, built from 44-gallon drums.Each will display a different element of Bluff’s history and culture, from sailing and fishing to Māori history, and sea life. These will be auctioned the week following the event, with all proceeds donated to Bluff Promotions. The Oyster Roister Costume Ball will be held on Saturday 25 June 2022.  Prior ticket sales are limited to 150 and are $45 each. For ticket sales, contact Lindsay Beer at either 021 351 499 or [email protected] A small number of door sales will be available on the night.

Gore Police are appealing for the public's help following a robbery early this morning at the Broughton Street Discounter.Acting Senior Sergeant Brent Kingsland said Police were alerted about 6.15am after two men entered the store and demanded cash.The men left the store with a sum of money and items and headed south on Broughton Street, possibly turning onto Pomona Street.The store worker was fortunately unharmed during this incident, but was understandably shaken, Kingsland said.The men are described as average height and build, wearing dark-coloured clothing and carrying a black bag.Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen these two men in the area around 6.15am this morning (19 May) and then running from the store a short time later.Anyone with information about this incident or the people involved should call the Police on 105 and quote event number 220519/7826.Alternatively information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Eastern Southland Gallery will showcase 20 works by iconic New Zealand artist Rita Angus, in a new exhibition opening this Saturday.Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist showcases works spanning the artist’s life and career, focusing on the themes of pacifism, feminism and nature that shaped so much of her work.The works are selected from an exhibition shown at Te Papa over the summer. The Gore exhibition includes many of Angus’s most well-known and important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra, 1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969.Rita Angus, Central Otago, 1953-56/1969, oil on canvas. Gift of Douglas Lilburn, 1972. © Reproduced courtesy of the Estate of Rita Angus. Te Papa (1972-0030-1)It will also feature two significant recent acquisitions. Marjorie Marshall (1938-39/1943) is a remarkable portrait of Angus’s friend and fellow artist Marshall, set against the backdrop of Central Otago mountains. The Aviatrix (1933) is one of Angus’s most important early works – a striking portrait of her sister Edna, the first woman pilot in the East Coast Aero Club, wearing her flying costume.Te Papa Head of Art Charlotte Davy says Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist is an exhibition for the whole family to enjoy.“This exhibition will introduce a new generation of New Zealanders to Rita Angus’ work.” “It is remarkable how much power and relevance her paintings still have today.”Eastern Southland Gallery Curator Jim Geddes says the gallery is delighted to be able to host this exhibition.“Rita Angus is well represented in our permanent collection by a number of paintings from the 1960s, but this is a great opportunity for our public to see first-hand a survey exhibition that spans her entire career.”“Te Papa have been very good to us over the years and sending this particular show to Southland is an especially generous gesture on their part.”Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist | He Ringatoi Hou o Aotearoa will be displayed at Eastern Southland Gallery from 21 May to 17 July 2022. 

CCTV footage of an assault on an Invercargill speed camera operator last month will be aired on television tonight (19 May).Police are hoping the footage, to be played on TV2's Ten 7 show at 7.30pm tonight, will help identify the person responsible.The assault happened on the evening of Friday 29 April while the speed camera operator was on duty in a van on Dee Street.The back window of their van was smashed and the offender used a waratah (heavy steel post) to strike the operator in the lower back, causing further soft-tissue injuries.The victim was subsequently treated at hospital.Police are hoping to identify a person seen riding a motorcycle in CCTV footage through central Invercargill before the assault, as investigations to date have determined the offender was wearing a motorcycle helmet.Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McCloy said the serious assault was unprovoked and on a member of the public who was just doing their job.“We’re hoping members of the community can help us with information which will track down the person responsible, as Police want to hold them to account,” he said.Police are asking people to please watch TV2's Ten 7 Aotearoa tonight at 7:30pm and to get in touch with them if they have any information.

The Veterinary Council says there's a resurgence of canine cough in the country.The clinical name for canine cough (also known as kennel cough) is canine infectious respiratory disease or infectious tracheobronchitis.Symptoms of the highly contagious virus include a dog having a loud high pitched cough, that sounds like something is stuck in their throat or a goose honk, loss of appetite, low energy and nasal discharge.The coughing can linger for several weeks.Council professional advisor Seton Butler said the outbreak could be the result of more dogs socialising during the recent school holidays and as a result of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.He said there are ways to minimise the risk."Canine cough is not Covid-19, but there are some similarities in how it's managed, such as isolating and getting vaccinated."Butler said canine cough can be tricky to manage because it is complex, often being caused by both bacteria and viruses.It spreads easily by aerosol between dogs through sniffing, sharing water bowls, and coughing and sneezing.''If a dog is unwell, it is important to keep them at home and away from other dogs. If the symptoms aren't improving or getting worse, you should take them to the vet.''Republished by Arrangement

In the midst of creating a new ANZ Premiership record, the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel grabbed a last-gasp 51-49 win over a gallant Splice Construction Magic in a tantalising contest in Rotorua on Wednesday night.In a unique situation, where the scores were level at the end of each quarter (14-14, 26-26 and 38-38) for the first time in the league’s history, the Steel kept their season alive after scoring the decisive goal with just over a minute to go.In an uncompromising outing which could have gone wither way, the match hung delicately for 60 minutes.Showing their growth, the Magic, playing their third game in five days, pushed all the way and largely had the better of the run home with opportunities to nail back-to-back wins. However, the Steel renowned for their tenacity, took their chance when it came late in the piece and defended with their lives to keep the Magic at arms-length. Coming back from injury, goal defence Georgia Tong got her first start in recent weeks while shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Bailey Mes continued their growing connection under the hoop for the Magic.For the Steel, training partner Kate Hartley slotted in at wing defence for an injured Renee Savai’inaea in an otherwise familiar line-up.With the first blow of the whistle, umpire Kristie Simpson created another piece of history when taking charge in a record-breaking 120th national league match, the sides playing their part in providing all the ingredients of a tight, closely-contested and absorbing match-up.The Steel were out of the blocks quickest, skipping out to an early lead on the back of the patience, reliability and control from wing attack and skipper Shannon Saunders while shooter George Fisher’s timing, accuracy and positioning was first-class.Ekenasio and Mes showed good movement to provide openings under the Magic hoop, Mes having more success from long range, a late surge from the home side helping to leave the scores all-square at the first break.There was more of the same on the resumption, both teams showing plenty of intent but unable to fully stamp their authority.The Steel were a little more accurate on their transitional play while the Magic got stuck at times with laboured forward momentum.With defenders Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Kate Burley playing prominent roles in helping create turnover opportunities, the Steel threatened on numerous occasions to wrest control when building little buffers but the Magic showed plenty of grit to stay in touch.In a similar pattern to the first quarter, several Magic surges late in the piece ensured the contest remained on a knife-edge, the teams unable to be separated when heading into the main break at 26-all.Mounting defensive pressure paid immediate dividends for the visitors in the opening exchanges of the third quarter, pushing the Steel out to a five-goal buffer. Not to be outdone, the Magic responded with some slick passages of their own, building on their control to string together a momentum-changing few minutes.For Ekenasio and Mes the shots dropped on a more consistent basis while Mikaere and Hannah Riding provided a staunch and effective wall of defence in the Steel circle.With all hands to the pump, the Magic produced a rollicking finish to the stanza, an unanswered six-goal scoring streak resulting in the unlikely scenario of the scores being level once again, when the teams went into the last change locked at 38-all.Official Result and Stats: Splice Construction Magic: 49Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel: 51Shooting Stats - Magic:Ameliaranne Ekenasio 27/33 (82%)Bailey Mes 22/32 (69%)Shooting Stats - Steel:George Fisher 33/36 (92%)Georgia Heffernan 9/12 (75%)Saviour Tui 9/12 (75%)MVP: George Fisher (Steel)

One lucky Invercargill Lotto player scooped $20,948 last night when they won second division.The winning ticket was purchased from Four Square Newfield.There were seven other Lotto second division winners.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested following the death of 33-year-old Rikki McCall in Owaka.McCall was found deceased on Owaka Valley Road, Owaka, at 12.20am on Saturday night (7 May).The 50-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury in relation to a fatal crash and is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on Tuesday 31 May.Southern CIB Detective Sergeant Scott McMulkin said the investigation into McCall's death remains ongoing and Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone with knowledge of the incident.Anyone travelling in the area between 8pm on Saturday 7 May and 4am on Sunday 8 May and who may have information that could assist Police in their inquiries, should phone 105 and quote file number 220508/8217.Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two people have been arrested after leading Police on a car chase across northern and central Southland.At around 8.40am on Tuesday (17 May) a man crashed a stolen vehicle he was driving on the Devils Staircase, south of Queenstown.He was picked up by a woman in another vehicle before the pair headed south.Police tried to stop the vehicle in Lumsden before deploying road spikes at Benmore. Both attempts to stop the driver were unsuccessful.Police called off their pursuit as the vehicle approached Winton but sighted the vehicle soon after in Eglington Street, Winton.The vehicle had driven past a primary school where two school buses and other members of the public were parked at the intersection before driving up onto the footpath and headed north, passing a coffee cart and several pedestrians.The vehicle eventually lost control while travelling on the footpath and grass verge adjacent to Great North Road before being driven into a patrol car, which was stationed on the corner of Great North Road and Clyde Street.A 31-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were arrested at the scene.The woman will appear in the Invercargill District Court on 19 May on charges relating to reckless driving, failing to stop, and unlicensed driver failed to comply with prohibition.The man is due to appear in Invercargill District Court on 23 May on charges relating to theft of a motor vehicle, resists Police, and careless driving.Southern Prevention Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Wingfield said inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

Celebrations for international Free Comic Book Day will be held at Invercargill City Library this Saturday, where 1000 comics are waiting to be given away.  The event is now in its 7th year at the library and attracts Southland comic book enthusiasts both young an old. Leon Hartnett, Director of Greenlight Innovations, a volunteer group who run the event, says Free Comic Book Day has been run internationally for about 20 years, resulting in over 6 million comic books being given away across the globe. “The day was created to promote literacy, and interest in comic books. It also encourages creativity; it gives people a change to let out their inner geek.”The 2021 Free Comic Book Day event. Photo: Greenlight Innovations/Supplied“We have such a breadth of different people coming. Everything from little kids to one year we’ve had a 70-year-old woman come in and ask what comic book she should read.”Hartnett says comic books are not just about superheroes and can cover everything from natural disasters to the perils of being a teenage girl.“It’s not just superheroes and people wearing their underpants on the outside, it’s a huge breadth of material. There is something for everyone.” He says previous events have attracted around 500 people, with the library having reported its busiest day ever during one year’s celebrations. While previous years have also included interactive displays and cosplayers, due to Covid this year’s celebrations will include the comic book giveaway only.  Attendees will receive one free comic on arrival and can score a second if they come in costume or bring a donation for the Salvation Army food bank. Hartnett says in previous years the event has gathered 120kg of non-perishable food to be donated. Hartnett says organisers are grateful to sponsors Mee & Henry Law, who have supported the event for the last seven years. “They’ve sponsored us for the whole seven years in paying for the comics. It doesn’t cost much to print a comic book, but it does cost to get them to Southland, so we are very lucky to have their support,” he says. The Free Comic Book Day event will be held at Invercargill City Library from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 21 May.