A discharge of dairy effluent yesterday (29 Oct) has contaminated a tributary of the Waimatuku Stream near Drummond.Environment Southland (ES) is investigating the discharge and has issued a warning to avoid contact with water within that catchment..ES had yesterday issued the warning for the Aparima River and its tributaries, but this has now been retracted.An ES spokesperson said that as it was an open investigation, they were unable to provide any further comment.

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Milford Road CLOSED Avalanche Hazard MODERATECLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) Road is closed overnight between Hollyford Road Junction & Donne River Bridge due to forecast rain elevating avalanche hazard.Expect to re-open mid-morning Saturday once an avalanche hazard evaluation has been completed. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers, turning to rainTomorrow: Heavy rain at first, easing to showersSunday: Rain with strong NW winds Monday: Rain, heavy at times, with strong NW winds

Plans to build a green hydrogen facility in Southland have been shelved.The proposal started making headlines in 2021 when Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter looked set to close, and it [ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/490469/southland-s-just-transition-gets-funding-boost received government backing].Meridian Energy says the economics have become more challenging to produce green hydrogen at scale in New Zealand.Chief executive Neal Barclay says they believe that Southern Green Hydrogen is well placed to be a competitive opportunity when the time is right.Meridian Energy has paused plans to build one of the world's largest-scale green hydrogen facilities in Southland, but is not ruling out the project in the future.The Southern Green Hydrogen project has been in the works for years.In its annual results released on Wednesday, Meridian chief executive Neal Barclay said the economics of producing green hydrogen at scale had become more challenging."Markets have been slow to resolve the gap between the cost of producing green hydrogen and potential customers' willingness to pay for it."Australian resource firm Woodside Energy was named as a preferred partner to develop the project in 2022, but that partnership has now wrapped up, he said.He was not ruling out progressing the project when the time was right."We will continue to actively monitor our target markets as we believe Southern Green Hydrogen remains well placed to be a competitive green hydrogen opportunity, compared to other projects and jurisdictions," Barclay said.

The country’s most prestigious annual farming contest is making its way south, with Invercargill securing hosting rights for next year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final.About to enter its 57th year, the flagship contest series will start with District Contest competitions in October 2024, with up to 200 young farmers battling it out for a shot at rural stardom. Young Farmers Chief Executive Lynda Coppersmith says next year’s Grand Final (July 3rd – 5th) will be the culmination of many months’ hard work for New Zealand’s rising stars of agriculture. “After proving themselves at a district level, contestants will then need to go head-to-head against the best in their region. Only those who top their field will qualify for a spot on the national stage,” says Coppersmith. “By that point, they will have put their blood, sweat and tears into it. Just making it to the Grand Final is an enormous feat, with only seven national finalists selected from across the country.” Fourteen FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year teams will also compete for a national title, along with 21 AgriKidsNZ teams from across Aotearoa. “It takes a lot of preparation, made harder by the fact that the challenges are kept top secret until the day of the event, so our young farmers really have to work hard to sharpen their skills and improve their farming knowledge as broadly as possible. It’s a quest for the ultimate farming all-rounder.” 2025 Grand Final convenor and Otago/Southland Young Farmers representative Emma Wilson says she’s proud to be part of showcasing Southland’s unique farming flavour to the rest of the country. “We’ve got a lot of different industries in one small pocket – from vineyards to sheep, beef and dairy. There’s even tulip farming. Our secret is that we have so many different climate and soil pockets, so we’re lucky in that regard,” says Wilson. Wilson says she’s expecting this year to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. “There’ll be a few Otago Southland young farmers gunning hard to try and get that home Grand Final because farming is a big part of our identity down here. We have deep-rooted knowledge passed down through generations, but we're also innovators with a practical ‘number eight wire’ mentality – I’m excited to see what this year’s competitors have in store.” Season 57 entries for FMG Young Farmer of the Year open on Monday 2 September 2024, and entries for FMG Junior and AgriKids will open Monday 21 October 2024 on the New Zealand Young Farmers’ website.

Missing Gore man Brian Sheppard has been found overnight, safe and well in a woolshed/deer yard by members of the public.The 74-year-old who suffers from dementia, went missing from his rest home at 5.30pm yesterday sparking an extensive search by professional teams and hundreds of members of the public within the Gore township.Gore Police Sergeant Chris Dunbar said the man was found shortly after midnight by a father and daughter duo near Terry Road.Police would like to thank everyone involved in this operation, Dunbar said.“We were impressed with the cohesive nature of our teams and the public who worked together to help find him.”Police are particularly grateful to the family, wider community, LandSAR members, the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Team (AREC), Gore and Invercargill Police as well as Police and SAR dog handlers who assisted, he said.Dunbar said search teams and the community responded with urgency with the weather being forecasted to deteriorate.Brian's son, Greg Sheppard estimated his father had wandered up to 4kms before being found."He was a bit covered in mud."Greg said his father had also managed to lose his shoe, which had an Airtag tracking device in it."That's why we weren't getting updates on his location, because it was sitting in a paddock and no one with an iPhone was walking near it."Greg said the family wanted to thank the search and rescue teams, the Police, the Gore community, the Southland App and everyone who shared and posted on social media."Thank you very much from the family, very appreciative," he said.CLICK HERE to find out more via the website Safer Walking New Zealand should your loved ones go missing.

Seven people have been arrested after Southland Police located 150 ounces of cannabis and seized $25,000 yesterday (28 Aug).Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird said the Southern District Organised Crime Group, assisted by several Police work groups, had executed simultaneous search warrants in the Invercargill and Bluff areas.46 cannabis plants, 150 ounces (4.25kg) of high-quality cannabis head, cannabis oil, about $25,000 cash, and MDMA had been found.Drugs and cash were found after Police executed search warrants on properties in Invercargill and Bluff yesterday. Photo: NZ PoliceThose arrested have been charged with offences including offering to supply LSD, offering to supply ecstasy, possession of cannabis for supply, offering to supply cannabis, possession of cannabis oil, cultivation of cannabis, and failing to comply with obligations in relation to a computer search.The arrested have been bailed to appear in the Invercargill District Court.Police ask members of the public who know those supplying these drugs to contact them on 105.Information can also be reported to your local Police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Anyone affected by drug addiction is encouraged to seek help though the Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.

Milford Road OPENAvalanche Hazard LOWThe road is open.The road will close tonight at 5pm due to predicted snow to the road overnight.Expected re-opening mid-morning Friday after snow clearing and avalanche risk assessments have been undertaken.Due to unsettled and variable weather it is likely that the road will close overnight Friday.Weather Forecast For The Homer Tunnel Area Today: Periods of rain, with snow developing.Tomorrow: Morning snow showers about the tunnel turning to rain.Saturday: Morning rain, with heavy falls, followed by a few showers.Sunday: Rain.Monday: Rain

UPDATE: Brian has been found safe & well.A 74-year-old man, Brian Sheppard, is missing in Gore tonight (28 Aug).Brian suffers from Alzheimers so may be disorientated.Brian Sheppard in the clothing he was wearing today (28 Oct). Photo: SuppliedHe was last seen in McKellar Street, Gore around 5.30pm and was wearing a maroon/burgundy woolen jersey, blue collared shirt, tweed cap and charcoal grey trousers.Brian also has an Apple Airtag that may be picked up by other users of Apple devices.His family said Brian is fit and suggest he may be walking around, perhaps on the side of the road or heading out of town.Anyone who sees him should contact the Police by calling 111 (quote event number PO59789336) or his family on 027 4414443.The weather in Gore this evening remains clear and 13 degrees but is expected to drop to 9 degrees later on with scattered showers.

The Milford Road (SH 94) was closed today (28 Aug) from 5pm, after significant rain increased the avalanche risk.The road is the only land access to Fiordland's Milford Sound.NZTA said the road would likely reopen tomorrow morning, but only after it had been inspected and the avalanche risk reassessed.Predicted snow tomorrow (30 Aug) could see the road reclose again in the evening, they said.

The total number of dogs euthanised by Invercargill City Council has been released after the organisation was questioned for leaving it out of a recent report.In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting, the council has revealed 38 dogs were put down in the 2023/24 year — an increase from 25 for the previous reporting year.More dogs were handed over to council during the more recent period, while at the same time many rehoming facilities were full so couldn't help, council said.On August 13, an annual report for dog control was presented to councillors which compared data against the previous year.But the figure for how many dogs the council had put down was absent from the report, with Deputy mayor Tom Campbell saying at the time it was “noticeably missing”.After the figures were released, council group manager consenting and environment Jonathan Shaw said the increase was caused by a rise in the number of dogs signed over to the council’s care during those periods, which had jumped from two to 19.“The rehoming agencies we deal with were often at capacity during the 2023/24 year, which resulted in dogs remaining at the animal care facility for longer periods.”Shaw also explained the process dogs underwent once entering the facility, saying they were assessed on an ongoing basis.A final assessment was completed at the point the dog became council responsibility, and if it passed, the council would work with agencies for rehoming.If it failed, the dog would be euthanised.Shaw said a failed assessment meant the dog failed “ongoing and final evaluation for rehoming”.Dogs could also be put down for medical or mental health reasons, with the latter sometimes being a result of the dog's home life.“Poor ownership can have a huge effect on a dog’s behaviour, which can limit its chances of being rehomed due to the risk it could pose with a new owner,” he said.Euthanisations were undertaken by a veterinarian at either the care facility or a vets clinic, with staff going to "considerable lengths" to give extra care.“This is a very difficult part of the role for animal control staff.”Reasons for a dog becoming council responsibility included not being claimed for seven days or being signed over by owners.Another issue that had presented itself in the past year was busy rehoming agencies, Shaw said, which had resulted in dogs staying at the care facility for longer than usual.In regards to euthanisations, councillor Campbell said numbers had fallen over the medium-term, despite the recent increase.“Over recent years I know staff have worked hard to bring numbers down and council is very minded to keep it to an absolute minimum.”LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

A 17-year-old male has been arrested after the Te Anau Domain was torn up by a vehicle over the weekend (24-25 Aug).Police were notified of the damage, caused by a vehicle doing skids, on Sunday 25 August.Inquiries led Police to the vehicle and the young male, who will now go through a youth justice process.Te Anau Police Constable Derek Dudley said it was extremely disappointing to see this kind of senseless damage in the community.“A lot of money, time and effort go into the upkeep of these grounds, and they should be for everyone to enjoy."“We won’t tolerate this kind of reckless behaviour and we are glad to have arrested someone so they can be held account.”Te Anau Community Board Chair Diane Holmes said it was always disappointing when these things happened, but she was pleased the Police were onto it quickly."I hope that they can work with the young person to ensure that whatever's going on in their life that they make better choices," she said.Anyone who observes damage or theft going on in the community should call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report after the fact on the Police's 105 service.

The energy industry is welcoming recent heavy rain and strong winds that have helped to boost hydro lake levelsLow hydro lake storage after months of dry weather and falling gas reserves are being blamed for soaring wholesale electricity pricesLast week, Transpower announced generators could take more water from some lakes to help stave off an electricity shortageRecent heavy rain and strong winds are easing the pressure on the power supply and providing a much needed boost to hydro lake levels, Meridian says.In the last three months, Meridian's two catchments in Fiordland and the Waitaki had received the least amount of inflows into the lakes that the company has ever seen.But the weekend's rain has meant storage at Lake Manapōuri was now above average for the first time since mid-June and storage at Lake Pūkaki started improving.Meridian Wholesale general manager Chris Ewers said it was a welcome boost."The weekend saw some moderate rainfall to help lift lake levels and it's good to see more rain in the forecast across the week," Ewers said."It's a battle of inches at the moment, and things are definitely heading in the right direction."He also welcomed strong winds that had helped to ease the pressure for hydro generation on its Waitaki River power stations.Meridian's six wind farms produced up to nine gigawatt hours over the last week - that was more than the daily generation totals from the six power stations along the Waitaki Hydro Scheme."Over the last week Harapaki Wind Farm has been regularly pushing out more than 130MW (megawatts), and our other wind farms throughout New Zealand have also been generating near the top of their ranges," Ewers said.This comes as the coalition government outlined a raft of measures that aimed to ease New Zealand's energy security and affordability, including a review of the performance of the electricity market.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also announced that the government would pass legislation by the end of the year to reverse the oil and gas exploration ban, sparking backlash. Previously, the oil and gas exploration reversal legislation was only due to be introduced this year.Published by permission

Tempers have flared at an Invercargill City Council meeting with the mayor accusing a councillor of “throwing grenades”.On Tuesday, councillor Ria Bond took exception to the recording of minutes and a perceived conflict of interest at a July 26 meeting.That meeting was held specifically to discuss a code of conduct matter arising from mayor Nobby Clark’s behaviour on television show New Zealand Today, and was chaired by deputy Tom Campbell.Bond was an apology on the day, but was concerned about how a query she'd made had been recorded.She was also worried about a lack of declarations on the day by councillors who had entered the chambers under the mayor’s Let’s Go Invercargill ticket, with shared costs of over $5000 each.“I feel disappointed that this may give the perception to the public that our integrity, transparency and fairness is compromised.”Finally, Bond felt the fact motions were put forward by Campbell — who was one of the five on Clark's ticket — may have given a perception they were predetermined.A heated debate then ensued with Campbell accusing Bond of casting “dispersions”.Campbell believed the matter of the election ticket had already been cleared up at the July meeting.Councillor Alex Crackett also referenced a monetary advantage for those in positions selected by the mayor, but her comments were cut down by Clark.“You’ve raised this with me very early in the term. You can’t start throwing grenades around like that,” the mayor said.Clark then said he regretted allowing Bond the opportunity to read out her statement, which was challenged by councillor Lesley Soper.“I’m sorry Mr Mayor but a simple request to change a couple of sentences in the minutes to record what it would appear everybody is agreeing was what was conveyed at the time seems like a reasonable request.”Ultimately, the minutes were left on the table so council staff could watch back on the live stream and capture what happened more accurately.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Milford Road CLOSEDMODERATE Avalanche HazardCLOSED from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) 5pm The road is closed due to significant rain increasing the avalanche hazard overnight.Likely re-opening tomorrow morning after road inspection and avalanche risk re-assessed.It is highly possible the road will close again tomorrow evening (Thursday) due to predicted snow to the road overnight. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers turning to rain with heavy falls later.Tomorrow: Periods of rain, with snow developing.Friday: Morning snow showers about the tunnel.Saturday: Morning rain, with heavy falls, followed by a few showers.Sunday: Early rain with possible snow about the tunnel.

Rob McMurdo was born to ride. From that very first Raleigh Chopper with its ape handlebars to the teenage touring bike that got him safely to Nelson and back, Rob, like Forest Gump, just ‘kept on riding’.“I just love it,” he enthuses. “Riding a bike is where you sort out all your problems.”He’s equally enthusiastic about sharing that passion with his customers from the very young to the very old, from the extremely excited 7-year-old who squeals with delight to 90-something track cyclist Peter Grandiek.“You never get too old to enjoy that wonderful appreciation. We’re changing lives with the humble bike.” Rob on the job at Wensley’s in the early days, aged 19 or 20. Photo: SuppliedNow the long-time owner of Wensley’s Cycles, Rob was once that little boy.Sadly, his father died of emphysema when he was 7 – something he’s managed to keep under control himself.He vividly remembers his hardworking mum saving for a year to buy Rob his first bike, a Raleigh Chopper from Wensley's.“It was the best thing that ever happened to me. It changed my whole life. I was never off it,” Rob says. It gave him independence and freedom and started his cycling career. “If you had one of those you were really made, the coolest kid on the block. As a 9-year-old I did the Myross Bush circuit. Cycling’s been big all my life.”Born in Gore in 1962 where his dad was a car painter, which led to emphysema, the family moved to Invercargill when his father became ill.Rob out collecting bikes in the late 1990s, early 2000s, for Avanti which was sending them to Africa for people in need. Photo: Southland Times/Supplied“Losing Dad so young made me grow up quickly and appreciate things. It taught me patience and understanding. It made me who I am today,” Rob says.“Mum did an awesome job, and it was a happy childhood, but I had to stand on my own two feet.”Cycling wasn’t permitted as a sporting option at high school back then, and Rob refused to play rugby or cricket, opting for detention instead.At about 15 he and mate Garry Brown took up touring“We put bags and tennis racquets on our bikes and biked to Lumsden, camping out for a weekend and playing tennis,” he grins.At about 17 they biked up the West Coast to Nelson to holiday with Garry’s parents.It’s opened up a whole new world for him, touring Southland extensively and the South Island with many memorable trips.“I love the freedom, the people you stop to say ‘hello’ to,” Rob says. “People don’t have that much time for themselves. Biking sorts your head out. You don’t get angry on a bike.”Rob biking over Arthur’s Pass in 1991. Photo: SuppliedSo, when long-time Wensley’s manager Doug Boyd, who knew Rob’s stepdad, offered him an after-school job, Rob was over the moon. After six months he was offered a fulltime cycle mechanic’s apprenticeship – New Zealand’s first.“I remember being way out of my comfort zone on my first day but very excited as well. We didn’t have a till – just a drawer, and giving change freaked me out.” “Doug took me under his wing and taught me so much stuff. He and Graham Yates were wonderful mentors. I valued those older guys. I fed off that as I had no dad,” Rob says.They became his father figures.He was taught the ‘old fashioned way’ – the right way, the way he still operates today.“If I got something wrong Doug would guide me, showing patience and understanding.” Discreet Christmas Eve deliveries were the Wensley’s norm back then, dropping off bikes late into the evening and while shopping styles may have changed Rob still honours that free delivery loyalty to Wensley’s customers. He’s even delivered to Wanaka.That integrity, good honest service, and generosity to Southland has kept the customers coming back for almost 80 years and counting – 17 of those with Rob and wife Sandra as immensely proud owners. Through former owners Ross Wensley - son of founder Jack, and Alan and Joy Lindsay, and now as owner, Rob’s kept some of Southland’s top athletes, including Olympians, peddling. “We’ve gone from normal, traditional bikes for kids to adults competing on the world stage,” he says.Rob’s other passion – photography. Taking a break from his bike in the Catlins. Photo: Supplied“There’s a huge array of unbelievable technology available today, from electronic gear shifting, carbon fibre frames and forks to electric bikes now that have changed our landscape.”Rob remembers a very special moment back in 2010. Wensley’s had sponsored some up-and-coming athletes that were achieving very well, so well that they become world champions, Junior World Champ Aaron Barclay, triathletes Robert Huisman, Penny Hayes, Matt King, and Eddie Dawkins on the Velodrome.Wensley’s Cycles has proudly supported and sponsored many local cycling events. The Southland Triathlon Multisport Club for 30 years, the SBS Tour of Southland teams’ classification sponsor for over 20 years, and the Yunca Junior Tour of Southland (Time Trial) for 17 years.Rob’s volunteered as a mechanic for the annual Westpac Chopper Ride fundraiser for over 10 years, an event that has raised just over $1m for Southland.Wensley's is co-sponsor for the 8-hour Mid-Winter Solstice enduro race at Sandy Point, and more recently, main sponsor for the Surf to City.He’s even been known to give free dietary advice, unsolicited maybe, but the newly, unrecognisable recipients return months later to thank him.Rob during a river crossing in the Motatapu in 2009. Photo: Supplied“People come in saying the doctor’s said they need to lose 40kgs, but I tell them a bike is only a tool. They need to change their diet,” Rob says. “If they’re serious about losing weight, I’ve had a few take up the challenge over the years and win.” “You’re often selling a bike and people stop at the counter to say, ‘I’m buying this because you look after the cycling community. That’s why we’re supporting you,” he says. “We get that a lot, but I love giving back to the community that looks after us.” For Rob and Sandra, it’s “such a joy” to have a great team of people around them, all equally passionate about cycles.“Our staff are our biggest asset.”  It’s always been the Wensley’s way.When Doug retired in the 1980s Rob secretly restored the trusty old commuter bike that Doug had built himself decades earlier, painting it up with the name ‘Wensley Boyd’ proudly displayed across the bar. That became a family treasure.He’s worked alongside some “pretty amazing people” in his time and has a huge amount of respect for them and what they’ve contributed to Wensley’s and cycling.Rob takes a photography break during a bike trip in the Von Valley. Photo: SuppliedRob’s sometimes on foot. He loves tramping and has been known to ‘walk’ the Routeburn Track in a day taking 14 hours return from Glenorchy to the The Divide, a 60 to 70kms hike.Apparently, he’s even done 80kms - the Kepler Track, in a day, but a humble Rob prefers not to mention that.There’s still time to stop for his other passion, landscape photography too.“Southland is such a wonderful place to live with so many opportunities for adventure in the outdoors.” 

Southland district councillors have shown support for next steps to be taken on a proposal to combine southern councils.First announced on August 14 by mayor Rob Scott, the shake-up would reduce the region's four councils into two unitary authorities: one district-based and one unitary-based.Early work suggested the region was over-governed for its population of 100,000, with potential to save at least $10 million annually by combining councils.SDC Mayor Rob Scott. Photo: Southland District CouncilOn Monday, Southland councillors moved a recommendation allowing the council to gather more information so it could lodge a proposal with the Local Government Commission.[SDC approved unbudgeted expenditure of up to $30,000 from its District Ops reserve to prepare further information, including carrying out community and stakeholder engagement]If successful, the commission would then begin an investigation.Scott said he didn’t see the move as an amalgamation, but rather a “reorganisation”.“The system that we’re working in at the moment has been in place for over 30 years,” the mayor said.“I think we’re in a very, very different climate today than we were in 1989 - 1990.”But not everybody in the room agreed with that vision.Councillor Don Byars said Auckland had shown amalgamation failed to create efficiencies.“There’s no evidence to suggest through this report that bigger bureaucracies create efficiencies, and I think most people have a sense that that is true,” Byars said.Councillor Paul Duffy said it was important to look at examples which were similar to Southland, such as Tasman and Gisborne.Duffy supported the report, saying it was a timely exercise to undertake.Councillor Sarah Greaney said ratepayers had made it known it was a change they were looking for.“If you do what you’ve always done, you get what you’ve always got,” Greaney said.Deputy mayor Christine Menzies said it would be hard to argue the move would not be in the interest of ratepayers.However, councillor Derek Chamberlain questioned whether it was wise for the council to invest money in the proposal without first gaining the support of other councils.A preliminary forward planning report for the proposal suggested a visit be made to other unitary councils at the top of the South Island to gain knowledge on how they operate.Further financial analysis was also needed to determine likely costs and savings, the report said.The four councils in the proposed amalgamation are Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council and Environment Southland (the regional council).The proposal to merge the councils has received a mixed response from neighbouring authorities.Two weeks ago, Gore Mayor Ben Bell showed said any decision must be right for the people of his region, while Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said the councils needed time to consider the proposal.Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell said the regional council had heard from the community that it needed to look for efficiencies and he looked forward to further conversations.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

It’s not often a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) engineer is told, “you have the ship”, but it’s a role Commander Chris Bone is more than ready to take on. Commander Bone, who grew up in Gore, recently assumed command of RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Mana, and will lead the ship through an extended maintenance period at Devonport Naval Base to prepare it for future deployments. It’s relatively familiar ground for Commander Bone, who was the Marine Engineering Officer (MEO) for HMNZS Te Mana between 2020-2023, leading the engineering department through the ship’s regeneration following the Frigate Systems Upgrade in Canada.HMNZS Te Mana. Photo: NZDFHe was also the Assistant MEO on HMNZS Te Kaha following its Platform System upgrade in 2013-2015. These experiences have set him up well for this command. “This posting for me is an opportunity to put the knowledge I’ve gained through being part of two regeneration cycles across both frigates to the best use for the organisation” Commander Bone said. HMNZS Te Mana is normally crewed by up to 178 sailors that are trained in operating in peacetime environments and conflict. Commander Bone says frigate time and culture definitely make an impression. “The culture, team environment and camaraderie that comes with a frigate – whether it be within your messdeck, department, mess or across the whole ship – cannot be understated." “Every ship in our Navy develops this, but on a frigate you live and work together in such close confines, deploy for longer periods, and train for operations where the possibility of damage is that much more real - that team environment is amplified, and the satisfaction and sense of achievement from your time on the ship, as well as the friendships you make, stays with you for life.” Commander Chris Bone (right) holds his Command Directive, presented by Acting Chief of Navy Commodore Andrew Brown. Photo: NZDFCommander Bone joined the Navy straight from finishing at St Peter’s College.He attended the University of Auckland, obtaining a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), before undertaking the Systems Engineering Management Course (Marine Engineering) at HMS Sultan in the United Kingdom. Commander Bone has served on HMNZ Ships Te Kaha, Te Mana, Endeavour, and Aotearoa, as well as the Royal Navy’s HMS Illustrious.Highlights of his career have included the centenary celebrations of Anzac Day aboard HMNZS Te Kaha during the multi-national sailpast of Anzac Cove, sailing up the Thames in London aboard HMS Illustrious, and his time in Canada with HMNZS Te Mana which enabled him to get some great North American skiing in during his downtime from ship. “I am looking forward to ensuring that the Ship’s Company of Te Mana are able to enjoy their work and workplace, and to take their ship from maintenance in drydock, and through a regeneration cycle, ready to deliver on whatever tasking the government and NZDF leadership put in front of them – and in achieving this I hope that all of the team on the ship can feel the sense of accomplishment that will come with it.”

A new advisory group has been established in Southland to help Fire and Emergency NZ better prepare for an emergency in the province.The Local Advisory Committee (LAC) includes Tracey Wright-Tawha (Chair), Gary Tong (Deputy Chair), Tracy Hicks, Beryl Wilcox, Alistair McKenzie, Himani Galbraith, Carla Harper, Chris Dillon and John Twidle.Seven LAC's, from Northland to Otago and the Chatham Islands, are already in operation with a further four - including Southland - expected to be up and running by September.They are mandated by Fire and Emergency’s Board to provide advice that helps their community to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and recover quickly when they happen.Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki says the newly appointed committee brought together people from across various communities and experiences."All LAC members are well respected and connected within their communities." They represent a diverse range of interests and offer strong local knowledge and we look forward to working with them and the value they will bring."""The committee will provide a new voice for these communities, helping us get our emergency planning right and strengthening local relationships, as well as providing independent advice to our Board," Tohiariki said.The committee’s first task would be to plan how to best engage and seek feedback from stakeholders across their community about local needs, and to build a shared understanding with the community about the service Fire and Emergency can and should be delivering."Engagement is expected to get underway in early 2025 so you’ll start hearing more about this committee in the coming months," Tohiariki said.