Kia ora and welcome to Hauroko Valley Primary School in class action where we have been… counters, explorers, musicians, readers, collaborators, scientists, writers, friends, agri farmersWelcome back to school! It has been an absolute stellar start with sunny Summer days enabling our learners to get outside to collaborate amongst our beautiful grounds. It is a privilege to be the professional leader of such an amazing team who provides the best possible learning opportunities for our children.At Hauroko Valley Primary, we are passionate about unlocking the potential of each of our learners and creating a culture where students, whanau and staff care, connect, ‘can-do’ and celebrate together!  HVP had three teams taking up the 2022 Otago/Southland Regional AgriKids Finals! Well done to Finley, Maddi and Daniel; also to Ollie, Sam and Tomas.We are proud of your achievements in the range of agricultural modules covering a wide range of farming challenges.Congratulations to these guys = Ewan, Harry and Oliver who were “outstanding in their field”! There were several schools from throughout Southland and Otago, competing in teams of 3. “The Blazing Pitchforks” took away 2nd place!This phenomenal achievement has secured their place in the NZ Agrikids Grand Final, later on this year in Whangarei.All students enjoyed their Life Education “Human Biology” sessions with Teresa and Harold. Kowhai and Matai classes engaged in learning about Sexuality Education while Totara and Rata focused on Personal Identity and Healthy Wellbeing. As always this amazing mobile classroom makes a lasting impression on our tamariki.Lots of collaborative learning within a uniquely kiwi environment.We are disappointed to have had to make the decision to cancel The 2022 Blackmount Trail Ride. T H A N K  Y O U to each of our supporters - we are incredibly appreciative to our sponsors, the Blackmount landowners, amazing riders, fabulous volunteers and the HVP Home and School team who pull it all together. You make such a BIG difference to our LITTLE school! We look forward to 2023 and making it the best one yet!Thanks for joining us on our learning journey. If you would like to see our learners in action, please check us out on Facebook or through our website - www.haurokovalley.school.nz         Until next time. Nga mihi nui, Julia WaikatoPrincipal/TumuakiHauroko Valley School proudly supported by: D T Kings Transport

The Southland Charity Hospital have announced a Mustang prize draw as their latest fundraiser.  The prize up for grabs is a new Ford Mustang GT Fastback 5.0 V8 in Velocity Blue. All funds raised from the raffle will go towards operational equipment ahead of the hospital’s opening later this year. Construction of the Southland Charity Hospital is due to be completed in the coming months, with the hospital now looking to raise a further $1 million needed for medical equipment and major assets. Southland Charity Hospital Board Member Melissa Vining says they are now on the home straight heading towards the hospital opening and being able to help more patients access the healthcare they both need and deserve. Vining says the team had to think outside the square to raise funds due to Covid-19 restrictions, which have meant events such as their annual gala had to be cancelled.  When the prize draw was first suggested, everyone was on board from the outset, she says.  “The team are excited to have this opportunity to fast track our fundraising efforts, but I think most of them also can’t wait for the day we get to tell someone they have won a new Ford Mustang. Can you imagine just how incredible it’s going to be to change someone’s life like that?” Vining added that the raffle also holds personal significance for her family. “Blair [Vining, who’s highly publicised battle with terminal cancer was the catalyst for the founding of the hospital] was a massive Ford fan, so it seems fitting for us to be able to give someone a Ford Mustang.” “For the girls and I this raffle is also special because tickets went on sale on Saturday, which was our wedding anniversary, and the winner will be announced on the 13th of May, which would have been Blair’s 42nd birthday,” she says. The prize draw started on Saturday the 26th of February and runs through to the 12th of May 2022.  Tickets for the draw are available online or as books of ten printed tickets. Tickets are $100 each and are available at winamustang.co.nz.

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has signed a formal agreement with Murihiku Regeneration, a group representing the four papatipu rūnanga (ancestral land guardians) of Southland, with the goal of making stronger connections with the Māori community. The collaboration agreement, signed in January, is the culmination of a series of discussions over the past year between SIT Management, led by Dr. Keri Milne-Ihimaera, SIT’s General Manager of Māori Development, and Murihiku Regeneration Upoko (leadership), Michael Skerrett. SIT and Murihiku Regeneration have agreed to work collaboratively to plan, design and implement programmes to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, focusing on three key areas.  These are; to explore Secondary Tertiary Partnership opportunities to ensure a smoother transition for Māori youth into SIT programmes, to assist SIT to link with the four papatipu rūnanga to work collaboratively to include more local Māori knowledge in SIT programmes and delivery, and to align programmes to local industry need and innovation, in order to develop effective learner pathways. Dr. Milne-Ihimaera said SIT is keen to develop stronger relationships with its Māori community and the agreement is one way of demonstrating that commitment. Established to work closely and collaboratively with the crown and be a voice in the Treaty of Waitangi partnership, Murihiku Regeneration say their function is to ensure a clear, coherent plan for a prosperous Southland. Improved educational outcomes for Māori in southern communities endorses that vision, they say. SIT Chief Executive Onno Mulder, says he is delighted with the collaboration.“We look forward to working together to improve Māori participation in vocational education at SIT, as well as improving learning experiences and course completion rates. Currently, 14% of SIT total learners identify as being Māori.” Mulder says the collaboration agreement will also help drive a greater involvement of local Māori knowledge in SIT programme development and delivery. “Progress to date, has been the creation of the Māori Development GM position, the signing of this agreement, and the employment of key staff to focus on the outcomes of the agreement,” he says. 

Tokanui SchoolOver the past three weeks we have had a school wide focus on ‘Weaving’.Everyone in our school has created a piece of weaving to showcase in the Southern Districts Arts Trust Art Exhibition in Waikawa.Libby Buckingham  Harper Wright Each class has used different materials to create with.Some children made lots of different weaving masterpieces. Hunter Watson  Dusty Coley Everyone really enjoyed doing these and thank you so much to Mrs Short for coming and showing us. Shynae HansenElla Beswick  Jack Robinson Cammy Wright Hunter McMullenWe have just finished getting our Te Whare Tapa Wha built.This is our outdoor classroom space.We are in the process of now designing what we want it to look like using the students' ideas.From there we are coming up with an action plan of what we need to do and where we are going next.It is all very exciting!Tokanui School proudly supported by Tokanui Tavern

Farmers are being advised to plan for processing disruptions due to Covid-19.The Farm to Processor Animal Welfare Forum is urging farmers book space at meat processors well in advance and be prepared to potentially hold stock on farms for longer. Forum chair Dr Lindsay Burton says it is critical that suitable preparations are made to protect the welfare of animals.   “We have seen overseas the disruption that Omicron can cause to supply chains - particularly meat processing. It is important that farmers talk to their stock agents, processors and transporters if they aren’t already, and have a plan for what they would do if they need to hold onto stock for longer.” “Make sure you consider this in your feed planning and talk to your levy body or a farm adviser if you need support.” The Forum is also reminding farmers to ensure their stock are fit for transport. “Animal welfare during transport should remain a focus. Transport is stressful, and it is important that animals are prepared well for the journey,” says Burton. “Lactating cows, in particular, need careful preparation and management. Stand them off pasture for 4-12 hours before transport, and provide water and dry feed, supplemented with calcium (lime flour).”  He encourages farmers to be aware of where their stock is going, especially as COVID-19 may mean they’re transported to different processing plants than usual. “Farmers nationwide should be prepared for their animals to have extended journeys, or for collection times to change.  “Everyone across the supply chain – farmers, veterinarians, transporters, stock agents, sale yard operators and processors – has a role to play in protecting the welfare of animals.” Information on the rules for stock transport can be found here: www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs 

Three COVID-19 patients are now in Dunedin Hospital, including one who was transfered from Southland Hospital.None of these patients are in the intensive care (ICU) or high dependency units (HDU).There are now 2802 active cases in the Southern district, after 867 new cases were confirmed yesterday.Key Messages from Southern DHB At 11.59 pm on Thursday 24 February New Zealand moved to phase 3 of our Omicron response. Please visit the Ministry of Health website for more information about the phase 3 response.  There are high numbers of COVID-19 positive people in Southern. Please be vigilant when out in the community. COVID-19 is widespread, and we all run the risk of being exposed. If you test positive on a RAT test you do not need to have that confirmed by PCR – you are a case. Please update your My Covid Record with your result. Call 0800 222 478 if you need any support to do that.  Demand on lab capacity throughout Southern has eased with the introduction of RATs.  Please only get tested if you have symptoms or are a household contact of a confirmed case. We need to ensure those who are symptomatic, or a close contact, get access to testing.   If you receive a text notification that you are positive, please do the online survey in the link you receive in the text message as soon as possible. This will ensure you can receive the appropriate care and support when you need it.   COVID-19 positive cases admitted to hospital  SDHB can confirm there were two patients admitted to Dunedin Public Hospital in the last 24 hours because of COVID-19 symptoms. One further case has been transferred from Southland Hospital bringing the total number of hospitalised cases in the Southern district to three.   None of these patients are in and ICU or HDU.  What are the key changes in phase three?   At 11.59 pm on Thursday 24 February the whole of New Zealand moved to phase three of our response to Omicron.   Daily case numbers are now in the thousands and forecast to rise sharply. This next stage of the plan will keep New Zealand going through the Omicron peak which is currently expected to be in mid-to-late March.  What are the key changes?   Close contacts will no longer be required to self-isolate unless they have symptoms. Only confirmed cases and household contacts of a confirmed case will be required to do so. Confirmed positive cases should isolate for 10 days but can now self-release after day 10, providing.  Household contacts will need to isolate for 10 days and are required to do a RAT test on days three and ten. Their entire household should be recovering well before being able to self-release. If they develop symptoms, they need to get tested immediately. If they test positive they become a case and begin their 10 days of isolation.   Further guidance for COVID-19 cases or household contacts during phase three of the Omicron outbreak is available on the Ministry of Health website  • Our testing strategy will shift its focus to the use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) instead of PCR tests to enable quick testing of those at higher risk of testing positive. PCR tests will still be reserved for those who need them most. • Workers in critical workforces, who are household contacts, will be able to use RATs to confirm they are able to return to work. This is part of the Critical Worker Close Contact Exemption Scheme.  Find more information on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.  Isolation requirements  All people who test positive for COVID-19 are required to self isolate in their place of residence. A place of residence includes hostels and backpackers and any long-term residential locations.   If you find yourself being asked to vacate your place of residence as a result of testing positive for COVID-19 please call Healthline immediately on 0800 358 5453 at any time. Healthline staff can ensure you are connected to the appropriate support that you need.  

A weekly wrap from businesses across Southland.Windsor Stationary  Long-time community shop Windsor Stationery is under new ownership as of 21 Feb 2022.  After 25 years of running the shop, long-time owners Betty and Noel Sinclair and their daughter Lisa have decided to retire from running the business.  New owners Nicola Moss and Nick Murie say they are dedicated to keeping the same level of service and friendliness the shop is known for.  Southern Institute of Technology  Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Chief Executive Onno Mulder will depart in May, having completed just over a year as Chief Executive.  He commenced as Chief Executive Designate in April 2021 before taking on the role full-time the following month. The SIT board say they are pleased to appoint existing SIT Chief Financial Officer, Daryl Haggerty, as Acting CEO.  AWS Legal  AWS Legal Partner Cameron Murphy has been named one of NZ Lawyer 2022’s Rising Stars. The industry awards recognise the best up-and-coming stars of the nation’s legal profession. AWS Legal Chair of Partners Rachel Lindsay said the partnership are extremely proud that Murphy’s efforts and achievements are being acknowledged on the national stage. She says Murphy’s award also demonstrates that a provincial firm from the bottom of the South Island is capable of footing it with the best lawyers in New Zealand.

There are fears the phase three Omicron response will see already-stretched rural health services in crisis as they try to care for increasing numbers of Covid-19 patients at home.Questions are being asked about what happens when sole-charge GPs are forced to shut their doors if required to isolate themselves.It was not uncommon for rural communities to be serviced by a single doctor and nurse.A fortnight ago, there was no Covid-19 detected in the Southern District Health Board.Now, there were almost 2000 active cases and the outbreak was growing fast.Balclutha GP Branko Sijnja, who is also University of Otago's rural medical immersion programme director, said rural healthcare was in a precarious state in the south."Say you've got a town with just one doctor - a sole practice - and that doctor becomes a contact or gets Covid, and that's the health services gone," he said.Rural areas also tended to be the least vaccinated, which created concerns, Dr Sijnja said."They're also the people being uncovered by the immunity given by the two shots and a booster, who will be more ill when they present. So they're going to be the ones that may need a lot of care and will need to be transported then to an urban setting."That also becomes a problem as to how to transport these people safely."Many people in Otago and Southland lived at least an hour from the nearest hospital.The worst case scenario, with so many people potentially self-managing Covid-19 at home, was a life being unnecessarily lost, Dr Sijnja said.Southland MP Joseph Mooney said some communities in his electorate only had the services of a temporary doctor.Joseph Mooney. Photo: suppliedHe feared rural communities were heading into a crisis."We already don't have the GPs available and/or the nurses to do the work, and now we have this additional requirement that the response to Omicron is being put on their shoulders when they're already over-stretched and overwhelmed in many cases."The government had been warned of the shortfalls in staffing, and had not taken steps to shore up services, he said."I'm aware of a letter that's been sent to the prime minister raising these concerns."Raising the lack of funding keeping up with inflation. Raising the lack of attention given to getting more health staff into the country. Raising the concerns around people having to pay for things like X-rays and prescriptions that they wouldn't have to pay if they were in town."There's a significant difference in the level of care that's available to people who live in regional New Zealand compared to those that live in urban areas."Rural General Practice Network clinical director Jeremy Webber said the strain on rural healthcare providers was mirrored across the country."The rural workforce has, for a long time, been stretched, at capacity and with no real fat in the system to accommodate extra," Dr Webber said."Add into this increased demand and we are looking really over the next three to six weeks having the whole of winter compressed into a couple of weeks, and that's going to put huge demand on our rural workforce."It makes our rural communities really vulnerable if those clinicians have to stand down."But at least one Southern rural doctor, Lumsden GP Mathew Stokes, was quietly confident about how the region would fare during the forthcoming wave."We're certainly a lot better prepared than we were during the first lockdown. We'll tackle it head on and deal with it as best we can. At this stage, I'm not feeling too concerned, our population is likely to just stay in their rural homes and I don't know that we're going to have the peak in rural areas as they would in urban areas."My colleagues would probably argue against what I'm saying but I'm feeling quite optimistic."Health Minister Andrew Little said he was also confident GPs in the region would handle the Omicron response.Andrew Little says he is confident the Omicron outbreak won't place further undue pressure on rural practices due to preparation. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver"As a result of the successful vaccination campaign, we have a high level of vaccination - the Southern DHB region has been a leader in the respect - and this means by far and away most of the people infected will have mild to moderate symptoms," Little said."Most people will recover at home without the need for medical intervention. In any event, DHBs have planned and prepared for the outbreak. Part of that preparation has included arranging additional financial support for GPs supporting patients at home," he said."Representatives of GPs have been involved in the arrangements to support GPs during this time."Although rural health services have been under pressure, I am confident that preparations for this outbreak won't place further undue pressure on rural practices."Republished by Arrangement

Submissions will open on 1 March for feedback on a proposed increase to the Stewart Island Visitor Levy. Southland District Council (SDC) are seeking community views on their proposal to increase the Stewart Island/Rakiura visitor levy from the current $5 per visitor to $15.The Empowering Act adopted by Parliament in 2012 enables SDC to set and collect levies from passengers travelling to Stewart Island/Rakiura, to help fund services, facilities, and amenities for visitors while they are on the island.Since the levy became operative in October 2013 the levy has remained at $5 per visitor. The levy is not collected from residents, visitors under 18 years old and in some other circumstances.Since then, more than $1.2 million has been collected and just over $1 million has been allocated for a wide range of infrastructure improvements, operational costs and other island projects.The bylaw and policy were last reviewed in 2018/2019, when SDC endorsed keeping the levy at $5 until a strategic review of service delivery to Stewart Island/Rakiura was completed. As a result of the review, it has been projected that the current visitor levy is unlikely to be sufficient to fund the future cost of visitor-related activities. SDC say they are proposing a levy amount of $15 to ensure visitors contribute a reasonable amount towards these costs and to alleviate the rates burden of these costs on ratepayers.Public feedback on the proposed increase is being sought before a decision is made.The submission period runs from 8am on 1 March 2022 until 5pm 1 April 2022.Information about the proposed changes and how to make a submission can be found online from 1 March 2022 at www.makeitstick.nz/visitorlevy 

New Zealand will move to phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed.Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield and Hipkins are laying out what phase 3 includes.While the ministry's daily update of case numbers will come out later this afternoon, he confirms today's cases are "about 5000"."This continued rise and also the number of hospitalisations we have which today sit at 205 means that we are now confirming our shift to phase 3 of our planned Omicron response. That'll happen at 11.59pm tonight."He says most have been gearing up for this and it will not come as a surprise.However, the move to phase three will not mean a "sudden lurch" in terms of additional restrictions or movements, because the traffic light system has been designed to smooth things out already."Our priorities now shift to isolating those with Covid-19 and their household contacts to reduce the spread, while at the same time supporting supply chains and essential services to continue to operate."Only confirmed cases and their household contacts - the people they live with - will be required to isolate. All other contacts will be asked to monitor for symptoms but they will not have to isolate.Hipkins says it's important to note that the legal requirement to isolate for cases and household contacts does not mean people who do not fit in those groups should not isolate."If you have a friend who has Covid-19, you can make a judgement about whether you think you might be at risk ... we are asking New Zealanders to accept a much greater degree of personal responsibility."Bloomfield says healthcare workforces who are essential and are household contacts are not allowed to go back to work for the first seven days but may return to work after that - three days early - if they return a negative RAT on days five and six and are asymptomatic.Hipkins says detailed information will be sent to schools but the principle remains the same - if you are not a household contact you are not required to isolate.He says he acknowledges some parents are in a better situation than others.Bloomfield says people who don't respond to the text message will be followed up to confirm whether or not they need clinical or social support to isolate.Rapid antigen tests (RATs) will become the primary means of testing for Covid-19, and will be available from thousands of sites. Millions more are expected to arrive over the coming days.It is expected that businesses will be able to make the tests available to the public through retail outlets from March, he says.Hipkins says RAT tests have been distributed throughout the health network."They're available to people who need them ... through the testing network.""The last thing we want is people sitting on big stockpiles of them when there's more demand elsewhere."Businesses have been able to import RATs since the beginning of December, but many "like ourselves, have had challenges in securing supplies because of global constraints", Bloomfield says.He says clinics in Tāmaki Makaurau will begin rolling out supervised rapid antigen testing from today.Locations where you can get a rapid antigen tests will be listed on the Healthpoint website.He says there were 6.3 million unused tests in the country yesterday, another million arrived last night and another 10 million are expected to arrive in the coming week.Hipkins says because only household contacts are required to isolate, a self-assessment tool will help the government keep track of very high risk locations and the overall spread of the virus.This includes things like hospitals and aged care facilities.Hospitalisations become a major focus and daily case numbers will be a less important metric from now, Hipkins says."There's no doubt the next few weeks are going to be pretty challenging... We just need to stick to the plan that we've set out as we manage a higher number of cases in our coming weeks before we reach a peak as other countries have."Bloomfield says hospitalisation rates are about 85 percent at the moment, which is "about what they usually are", but an increase in cases will drive an increase.That said, "if you are unwell for any reason, you can and should seek care in our health system and that includes in our hospitals."Hipkins says Omicron's lower likelihood of severe illness, and high vaccination rates, are what allows the self-management approach.He suggests people have an isolation plan, and talk to friends and whānau about how they will manage if they need to isolate.He also urges people to take up booster shots."You are far less likely to end up in hospital if you get Covid-19 if you've had a booster."He says modelling of the low-transmission scenario assumes high booster uptake. Bloomfield says two new studies confirm the vaccine protects against getting infected in the first place and protect against severe illness."One of the studies, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that compared with being unvaccinated the odds of contracting Omicron after receiving three doses dropped by 67 percent - two thirds - and for Delta the risk declined by a stunning 93 percent.""So a highly-boosted population here will serve us all well."Bloomfield says one of the reasons for advising the move to phase 3 alongside the case numbers today, is it coincides with shifts already going on in Auckland and Northland to a focus on RAT testing, so PCR testing is reserved for people who are unwell or more susceptible, for example those in hospital.To confirm - people who are symptomatic, and people who are asymptomatic who test positive on RAT tests, will be considered confirmed cases.People should also advise their employer if they test positive, he says.Both cases and household contacts will need to isolate for 10 days.Bloomfield says while only household contacts will be required to isolate, cases should still notify people who are non-household contacts."And for example they may need to modify what they do, not visit older relatives or people who may be susceptible if there's a risk they were a contact."He says people should be really mindful about who they visit in the coming weeks."As we did earlier in the pandemic, act as if you have Covid, and look to protect others around you, remembering that over a third of people if you are infected with Omicron will not have any symptoms."Bloomfield says household contacts who return negative tests during isolation will be released after 10 days, even if another member of the household subsequently tests positive. Household contacts will need two negative tests.Hipkins says people who need to get a test will still have those tests freely available, and where people are concerned and want to get a test they will soon have the opportunity to purchase them.Bloomfield says New Zealand's test positivity rate is still only about 11 percent, which although it's much higher than it has been, is still very low compared to other countries. New South Wales is still sitting about 30 percent, he says.That said, there will likely be many cases who never get tested. "We can expect that there will be a significant number of cases we will never find because they don't have any symptoms and won't seek testing in the first place."Hipkins says New Zealanders have throughout the pandemic mostly done the right thing, and he expects that will continue."Again, we're placing more trust in New Zealanders to do the right thing."Hipkins says providers are being resourced to provide wraparound health and care services in the community, alongside clinical care to those with higher needs."New Zealand is in a much better shape going into a potential peak of Omicron cases than many other countries, so keep supporting one another and we will get through this."Hipkins says he is expecting advice in the next week or two about whether incoming vaccinated travellers will still be required to self-isolate upon arrival.The Ministry of Health is still maintaining an eight-week gap between paediatric doses based on overseas evidence.Hipkins says the government is working on approving the Novavax vaccine. It's not there yet, he says, and at this stage it would only be approved for a primary course - not boosters.The government initially set out the three phases of its Omicron response late last month, signalling an increasing reliance on automated systems and home isolation as growing case numbers threaten to overwhelm contact tracing, testing, and MIQ.It was initially suggested New Zealand may never reach phase three, expected to trigger when the country was getting about 5000 cases a day, but that now seems inevitable with case numbers topping 3000 yesterday.Meanwhile, the https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/462158/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-parliament-protest-occupation-in-17th-day protest at Parliament has been labelled a location of interest and Bloomfield says the expectations of those who are there is the same as would be expected of anyone else."That is to essentially do the right thing to protect other people, and that's the reason we've done well to date is because New Zealanders have done that, actually. Regardless of what the rules are it's still relied on a high level of trust and confidence that people will do the right thing and they have."Asked about his concerns about those at the protest, he says we know exactly the kinds of things that are likely to spread the virus, which includes singing and shouting. "And some of those people, especially because we know there are lower vaccination rates, will get unwell. And particularly unwell. And that to me puts them at risk and so I'm concerned about that."He says he has seen reports that people who were at the protest who have turned up to hospital who have tested positive for Covid-19, but he's not sure if they turned up at hospital because of the virus or some other reason.

Two men have been arrested after Southland Police executed a search warrant on Tuesday morning at an Invercargill address in relation to three school burglaries, which happened on 2 January 2022.The burglaries which occurred at Rimu, Woodlands and Wyndham Primary Schools on 2nd January, involved cash and electronic items being stolen.A 35 year old Southland man has now appeared in the Invercargill District Court on 4 burglary charges and has been remanded in custody to reappear on 18 March. A 16 year old male also faces a burglary charge and is due to reappear in Invercargill Youth Court on 18 March.Police advise inquiries into the incidents are continuing.

Former All Black great Richie McCaw has announced he will be competing in his fourth GODZone event next week in Wānaka.  The tough expedition-style event will be celebrating its tenth anniversary from 3 – 12 March, with a remote course taking competitors from one side of the South Island to the other. McCaw says he is looking forward to the challenge.  "GODZone represents the ultimate New Zealand adventure that over a five-to-seven-day period absolutely tests you both physically and mentally."  "The opportunity to race down in the South Island again is really appealing – particularly because it's the tenth chapter which should be iconic."McCaw and teammates compete in a previous GODZone event. Photo: SuppliedMcCaw raced Chapter 9 of GODZone in Rotorua last year, coming in second place alongside teammates and Coast-to-Coast champions Dougal Allan, Simone Maier, and Theo Wordsworth.  This year he is back with fellow multisport teammate RugbyPlayers Association CEO Rob Nichol and Wānaka athletes Jo Williams and Tim Sikma. "Unfortunately, Rob did not get to race in Rotorua last year due to a Covid lockdown in Auckland, so it will be great to be back together along with Jo and Tim, who we have not raced with before,” says McCaw.  "I like taking on this particular adventure challenge, where team dynamics are so important in everyone getting to the finish line.” The group will race as TEAM iSPORT to support McCaw and Dan Carter's foundation that inspires and removes barriers for youth to be involved in sport.  Richie McCaw says, "I am really passionate about our iSPORT initiatives that remove barriers for youth in sport. All kids deserve the opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations and get the personal growth and sense of achievement from that, so I'm excited that the team will be giving 100% to support our cause." The field of 90+ teams competing at GODZone arrive in Wanaka next Thursday for the Chapter 10 official team registration and gear check. 

Community-led wellbeing groups in the Southern Lakes region now can apply for further funding, with a second round of the Connecting Communities fund opening next week. The fund is run by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and is aimed at supporting the social and mental wellbeing of people living in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Te Anau/Fiordland, especially with the ongoing negative effects of Covid-19.Applications for the fund open on Monday 28 February and close on Friday 11 March. Eligible not-for-profit organisations and groups can apply for up to $1,000 (GST inclusive) per round to assist with funding their activity or event. There are three funding rounds per year.The fund is designed to support community-led activities and events across the southern lakes area, which encourage people to find ways to connect, look after themselves and each other, and have some fun.Twenty-seven groups were supported in the first funding round in November 2021, injecting $25,000 across the Southern Lakes region for mental wellbeing activities or events over the summer months. Southland recipients have included the Fiordland Community Gardens, and support for a Te Anau-based Community Co-ordinator role to help organise mental wellbeing initiatives in the Fiordland area. Others included the Fit Collective 7-week youth adventure programme in Wānaka, a Silent Disco walking/dancing tour in Queenstown, and funding for the Glenorchy Heritage and Museum Group to record their oldest residents’ stories Te Hau Toka Group Chair, Adell Cox, says that the Connecting Communities fund is about helping people to improve mental wellbeing, connection and resilience in their own communities. “We’re now into the third year of the pandemic and we’re seeing fatigue and burnout setting in from the ongoing stress and uncertainty. But this funding has given us an opportunity to hear directly from our communities about what they need and how they can best support each other.” “There are some really inspiring and innovative ideas coming through and we want to do whatever we can to help make them happen.” “We’re also asking people to think creatively about what might work under COVID restrictions. Events are a bit tricky at the moment so we’re keen to hear what else might help,” she says.   More details about the Connecting Communities fund, including how to apply, can be found online at www.southernhealth.nz/tehautoka. 

Southern DHB believes there may now be up to 1200 active COVID-19 cases across it's district, almost double the 690 cases officially reported today.Labs in the district are running at capacity due to high demand for PCR tests, however changes are underway to introduce rapid antigen testing (RAT).The SDHB urge everyone to now be vigilant when out in the community, with extra urgency needed in the south's two hotspots, Queenstown and Dunedin.Graphic: SDHBChanges to testing in Southern  Labs throughout the Southern district are at capacity because so many in our community have been conscientious, community focused, and gone to get tested if they have been identified as a close contact, been at a location of interest, or have cold or flu-like symptoms.   Thank you for getting tested and looking after your community. Because of the demand and to ensure we can offer PCR tests to our most vulnerable populations, the Southern district is introducing more widespread use of rapid antigen tests (RATs). PCR tests will still be available for those who need them.   Some symptomatic people who go to a community testing centre will receive a RAT from now on. This will mainly include younger adults.  If you have symptoms or have been advised to get tested, then please go to a testing centre, or call your GP to arrange a test. You will be provided with the appropriate test for you by testing staff.   If you are not symptomatic, or are not a close contact, you do not need to get tested. Please only get tested if you are symptomatic or have been identified as a close contact.  Due to the large demand on our labs the processing of swabs is taking time. Lab staff are doing an amazing job to process the huge demand. Please be patient in waiting for your results. Healthcare teams across the Southern district are working hard to get these to you as soon as possible.   If you test positive for COVID-19 by taking a RAT please call 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719). This ensures you are registered as having tested positive and will mean you are linked in with all appropriate care and support that you and your family may need.   If you test positive for COVID-19 by having a PCR test you will be sent a text message to confirm this. This text message will include a link to a form for you to fill in. Please fill this in as soon as possible. This will ensure you are linked in with the appropriate care and support you and your family need. If you do not have a cell phone you will receive a phone call. You will also receive a phone call if you do not fill in the form within 24 hours.   Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.  If you have concerns about COVID-19 symptoms, please call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, please call 111 immediately.   Case Numbers The Southern districts total active cases are not reflective of the real number of cases across the district. The Southern district, particularly Dunedin, has a large population that is registered with a general practitioner in another area of New Zealand. This links their NHI number to an address in a different area of the country meaning that the Southern districts actual case numbers are much higher than those reflected in the daily tally released by the Ministry of Health.  It is estimated that total case numbers in the Southern district is closer to 1200.   See graph above for details. Close contacts As of 1pm Monday 21 February there are 223 close contacts isolating throughout the Southern district. 56 of these are in the Queenstown-Lakes district and 159 are in Dunedin. 

Long-time community shop Windsor Stationery is under new ownership as of 21 Feb 2022. After 25 years of running the shop, longtime owners Betty and Noel Sinclair and their daughter Lisa have decided to retire from running the business.New owners Nicola Moss and Nick Murie are dedicated to keeping the same level of service and friendliness the shop is known for. Windsor Stationery has a rich history in Invercargill. Back in 2012, the shop sold the winning Lotto Powerball ticket worth 20.5 million dollars. They also have the largest collection of greeting cards in Southland, with hundreds of different cards spanning all kinds of events. Coming from a background of retail and hospitality, Nick and Nicola want to assure customers that they’ll still have the same friendly service they’ve come to know and love.“We want to thank the regulars who have patroned the shop over the years and we want you to know that we’ll continue bringing you the top-quality service you’ve come to expect.”While top-quality service and products will continue to be a priority, the new owners plan on updating the way they do marketing and advertising. Their plans include expanding into the digital space through a new website and online marketing. “Windsor Stationery is a pillar of the Windsor community and we think there’s a great opportunity to reach customers throughout Southland,” Nicola said about their plans for the digital space. Nicola and Nick look forward to continuing to serve the loyal regulars and attracting new customers to the family-friendly stationery shop.Windsor Stationery and Lotto is at 1 Windsor Street, Invercargill. Phone 03 217 5327 or email [email protected]

Great Walk booking cancellations have roughly doubled this summer compared to the previous one.The Department of Conservation (DOC) received more than 7400 Great Walk booking cancellations between 1 December and 28 February.Last summer, there were 3195 cancellations.The results were similar across DOC huts and campsites with just over 7800 cancellations this summer and roughly 3800 cancellations for the summer before.DOC booking services manager Ross Shearer said it did not record the reasons behind cancellations."People mainly cancel their own bookings online at any time and for any number of reasons. There are a number of obvious factors behind cancellations including Covid-19 impacts and also track closures," he said.There was a partial closure of the Heaphy Track while the Milford and Routeburn tracks were closed following heavy flooding in early 2020."On the other hand we've also seen record numbers of New Zealanders making bookings over the last couple of years and we're still seeing high interest in booking DOC facilities currently," Shearer said."For example, between 2 and 22 December 2021, 6090 bookings were made and 1998 bookings were cancelled. It's therefore not easy to get any firm conclusions beyond Covid causes disruption as does the weather."It was rational that people cancelled or changed plans due to Covid-19 concerns, whether that was uncertainty regarding the transmission risks, sickness or travel restrictions, Shearer said."This year there are several Covid-related factors at play: people may be holding out to go overseas as border restrictions ease, they may well be concerned about Omicron and there may be mixed impacts from DOC's vaccine policy for visitors."The Great Walk booking cancellations for the 2019-2020 summer was also high with 5036 recorded.When it came to international visitors, Shearer said DOC only had information on international bookings for bednights on Great Walks.A bednight referred to one person staying one night in a bunk or a tent.This summer, 4030 of the total 27308 bednights booked on Great Walks were international.Of them, just under 15 percent of international bednight bookings were cancelled.Last summer, there slightly more international bednight bookings - 4661 - with 22.9 percent of them cancelled.But the heaviest hit was in the 2019-2020 season - there were 12047 international bednights booked on Great Walks out of a total of 26505, and 45 percent of them were cancelled."So the big wave of international cancellations was at the start of the pandemic and has been dwindling as a factor behind cancellation numbers since," Shearer said."The vast majority of international cancellations this year are from Australia, with about 10 percent from the USA and 1-2 percent each for the UK, Canada and Germany."As for what difference has the government's 3 February border announcement has made on bookings - there have been 440 bednights booked on Great Walks from overseas since then.Republished by Arrangement

Plans to upgrade the country's next Great Walk are out for tender with hopes the project remains on track.More than two years ago, the Hump Ridge Track in Fiordland was announced as the latest Great Walk, and it was originally meant to open later this year.The Department of Conservation has since confirmed delays with the upgraded track now expected to open in the 2023-2024 walking season.DoC southern South Island director Aaron Fleming said the tender for the track upgrade work would close early next month."This will give us a clear understanding of the cost of undertaking this aspect of the works," he said."Other work to deliver the project is tracking well with final approval set for completion in mid- to late March."The track upgrades were on schedule for the 2023-24 Great Walk season, he said."Some of the construction works will be delivered this financial year, however the bulk of the works, specifically the track works, will be completed next summer."The project looked set to remain within budget pending the closure of the track tender, Fleming said."Once the tenders have closed the final project budget will be developed for submission towards final approval."Republished by Arrangement

Targeted payments to businesses strugging in the red traffic light, an interest-free extension to small business loans, and flexibility on tax payment dates are being offered by the governmentFinance Minister Grant Robertson and Revenue Minister David Parker announced the new financial support measures this afternoon, saying they would support businesses that were struggling during the Omicron outbreak.Covid Support PaymentRobertson announced the new Covid Support Payment of $4000 plus $400 per full-time employee - capped at 50 FTE positions, or $24,000 - would be made available to businesses.To be eligible, they would have to show a 40 percent drop in revenue over seven consecutive days during the six weeks prior to 15 February, when the government shifted to phase two, Robertson said."We have set a higher threshold in terms of revenue loss than previous support in order to target those most affected," he said.It would be paid on a fortnightly basis for six weeks, with the option to extend the duration if necessary."This reflects the international experience that the peak of the Omicron outbreak should pass after about six weeks. We will continue to closely monitor the situation," Robertson said.He said the government had considered sector-specific packages, but "the need for cashflow to be provided quickly meant that was not a feasible option to reach the most affected".Small Business Cashflow Loans Scheme to be partially interest freeParker announced the Small Business Cashflow Loans Scheme was also being extended, allowing firms that had already accessed it an extra $10,000.It would have a new repayment period of five years, with the first two years being interest free.He said the interest already accrued from borrowers accessing the scheme would also be cancelled for the first two years of the loan."This change will mean interest will only start accruing at the beginning of year three," he said.Flexibility on tax repayment timingsParker also said Inland Revenue's ability to allow businesses to be flexible in their tax payment dates and terms was being extended.He said any business struggling to pay tax because of Covid-19 should access their myIR account to see if they could delay starting payments, or if any part of the tax could be written off.The department could help with GST as well as provisional tax due, he said.Republished by Arrangement

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) has announced that there is now widespread COVID-19 community infections in both Queenstown and Dunedin.Anyone who has been out in these communities should be extra vigilant, they said.After a weekend that saw southern case numbers double (to 484 cases), the SDHB has now decided to also reduce hospital visiting hours to 2pm - 6pm, 7 days a week.Graphic: SDHBSouthland is also beginning to feel the impact of COVID-19 with Invercargill currently registering 21 active community cases, Southland District 7, and Gore 5.There are currently 239 close contacts in the Southern district.SDHB advise that if you receive a text notification that you are positive, you should do the online survey in the link you receive in the text message as soon as possible, to ensure you can receive the appropriate care and support. They advise to only go to get tested if you have symptoms or are a close contact and have been advised to get a test.Reducing your exposure to COVID-19  Now that we have COVID-19 circulating throughout the Southern community, we are all at risk of being exposed. At all times practice good hygiene, especially when you are socialising. Get your booster, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep physically distant from others. These actions will slow the spread and help flatten the curve. If you develop cold or flu like symptoms, please isolate and get tested for COVID-19 immediately.  Change to hospital visiting hours From Monday 21 February all hospitals in the Southern district will have a change in visiting hours.  These hours will be 2pm – 6pm, 7 days a week   Please plan to visit your family, whānau and friends within this timeframe. Moving to digital notifications As New Zealand moves into phase 2 of our COVID-19 response we are collectively moving towards digital solutions to contact tracing and self-isolation. Text message notifications to inform someone they have been identified as a case started last week. If you receive a text message, then please click on the link provided and fill your information into the form. This will put you into the system used by the Southern district and New Zealand, for monitoring and follow up. Please fill in this form as soon as possible because it will ensure you get timely help to access the care and support you need. Best of all, the data used is free.  If you are identified as a case, you can find all the information you need here: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/advice-people-covid-19  Testing If you have symptoms or have been at a location of interest and have been advised to get tested, please get tested and stay home until you receive a negative test result. Otherwise, you do not need to get tested. It is important that we ensure people who are symptomatic or have been asked to get tested are able to do so.  Due to our district’s geography, transporting swabs to the appropriate laboratory for testing may take some time – please be patient in waiting for your results. Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.