The search for a missing tramper in Milford Sound has been suspended because of bad weather.British man Eli Sweeting failed to return from a day trip to climb Mitre Peak on Sunday.In a social media post, his sister Serena Sweeting expressed her thanks to search crews on behalf of worried family and friends."The rest of the family are located in England and this is an incredibly worrying time. Thank you so so much to everyone out there looking for Eli. I feel so hopeless being so far away but it's reassuring the effort going In to find him. If anyone spoke to him please reach out to the police with information," she wrote.A heavy rain warning and strong wind watch is in place for the area.MetService is forecasting peak rates of rain of 20-30mm/h for Fiordland about and north of Doubtful Sound on Thursday afternon and evening and said thunderstorms were possible.The orange level warning said streams and rivers may rise rapidly and surface flooding and slips were possible. There was a minimal chance of upgrading to a red warning.On Wednesday, search helicopters were unable to take to the air in bad weather but ground searches had continued.Police said on Tuesday about 60 volunteers, 10 police staff and helicopter and tourism staff were involved that day.The plan was to resume the search on Friday, they said.Published by permission

Riders on tomorrows (9 May) charity Chopper Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill will wear black armbands to honour one of the events long time supporter, Reece McDonald.McDonald, a keen cyclist, Southland business leader, Chopper Bike Ride organiser, fundraiser and participant, passed away unexpectedly in October 2024.In 2019 McDonald suffered a heart attach which required the lifesaving support of a rescue helicopter. He subsequently shared his experience to highlight the service.Organiser and Westpac NZ Otago and Southland Regional Manager, Phil Taylor said while it wouldn't be the same without him, McDonald would be in their thoughts all the way.This year's 230km ride will include its fair share of celebrities including All Blacks legend and Westpac NZ ambassador Richie McCaw, 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning rower and local hero Nathan Cohen, dual Commonwealth Games medallist and Black Sticks champion Gemma McCaw, former Black Stick, Diana Te Awa and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Paddy Gower.The 12-hour ride will stop at Mossburn School, Takitimu Primary School, Otautau School and Thornbury School along the way.1This year’s fundraising target is a record $150,000, with all proceeds going to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust to support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service.Last year the event raised $144,000, which was part of a nationwide total of over $1.4m.Lakes District Air Rescue Trust Chairman, Jules Tapper, is grateful for the continuing support of regular riders and the star power that boosts the fundraising towards a vital cause.“The Otago-Southland rescue helicopters flew 2,097 missions last year, saving countless lives with rescues and medical transfers across our remote and rugged lower South Island,” Mr Tapper says.“It’s amazing to see the growth of the event over the years. There was a small pack of five riders at the first event in 2011, and it looks like more than 100 again this year. Over $1m has been raised over that time and the momentum is growing every year.”People can donate to the ride now by visiting Chopper Bike Ride 2025 - Givealittle

A young person has been arrested as Police progress an investigation into several serious incidents in Invercargill.It follows two aggravated robberies, two burglaries and an attempted burglary, all between 1.50am and 4.30am on Monday morning.Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the victims were understandably upset and shaken by what occurred, Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said.Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to the incidents. He is facing a number of charges and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court today.“The investigation into this offending is still very much active. We understand these events are unnerving for our community, and we are working hard to locate those we believe to be involved,” Detective Inspector Harvey says.“We still need the public’s help and want to hear from anyone who might be able to assist.“In particular, Police are seeking information about two vehicles that were seen in the area of some of the incidents. One of them, a stolen red Toyota Vitz, was involved in the offending and has been recovered while the other vehicle is described only as a car.“Police would like to speak to anyone who saw vehicles fitting these descriptions between 1am and 5am on Monday.”Anyone with information about these vehicles or those involved is asked to call Police on 105. You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Invercargill’s council chambers played host to a testy conversation on Tuesday, including an accusation that democracy had gone by the wayside.The exchange involved long-standing councillors Ian Pottinger and Darren Ludlow — who was chairing the committee meeting.Following an impassioned presentation from a member of the public about a development impacting the wellbeing of hens at his poultry business, Pottinger questioned why he hadn’t received answers to questions he’d personally put to the council.Ludlow said that if Pottinger had been listening, he would have heard the answer already.Following further exchanges and disagreement, Ludlow said he was chairing and asked for the next question.“Sorry I didn’t get the email, that democracy was not in place today,” Pottinger said.“(Your) comment’s not welcome, councillor,” Ludlow responded.Pottinger then said the matter was about trying to help the citizen who presented.“Yes councillor, so if you’d hop off your grandstand for a second,” Ludlow said.Soon after, an exchange also took place between Ludlow and councillor Grant Dermody.Dermody asked a question of the presenter, but was cut off by Ludlow who said the question had already been asked.“What question was I going to ask?” Dermody queried, before making a comment about mind reading.Tuesday’s events were not the first time Ludlow has curbed questions as chair of a meeting.In February, councillor Ria Bond was accused by Ludlow of asking a question she already knew the answer to.When she asked if she could speak, he responded “I’m the chair”.Pottinger is in his fifth term at council, while Ludlow is in his seventh.Both Dermody and Bond are first term councillors.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) from 6pmComments:Homer Tunnel is closing tonight for maintenance works from 6pm to 3am. The tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday nights between 8th-22nd May.No public access due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain with heavy falls Tomorrow: clearing to mainly fineSaturday: ShowersSunday: CloudyMonday: Rain

In a real boon for the Southland building sector, the Government is implementing an opt-in self-certification scheme to allow approved building firms, plumbers and drainlayers to sign off on their own work.Whether you’re building a new home, or renovating the one you’ve got, paperwork and red tape can cause frustrating delays for both contractors and clients.These delays add extra costs and stress to local builds and can impact on economic growth in the Southland region. That’s why this new scheme is so positive and provides a practical and cost-effective solution to a local problem.The new scheme will allow trusted builders to self-certify their own work, alongside a mandatory target to tackle building inspection wait times.I see this as a common-sense change, with electricians already able to self-certify their work.We will also allow reputable building companies, that deliver large numbers of near-identical homes, to proceed without the need for Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to approve building consents and carry out inspections.We will also require consent authorities, like councils, to complete 80 percent of building inspections within three working days.Under our changes, we expect to see around 3,000 homes around the country, per year, built without delays from approvals and inspections – focusing Building Consent Authorities on high-risk builds instead of simple homes.There will be two self-certification pathways available under the scheme:An opt-in self-certification scheme for house builders carrying out work on an entire simple residential dwelling (including design and construction).An opt-in self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers carrying out work on a simple residential dwelling.The Government is introducing this scheme to unleash economic growth, by making it cheaper and easier to build.The legislation, to enable the self-certification scheme, will be introduced by the end of 2025 while the inspection targets will come into force later this year.Funded by Parliamentary Services

An Invercargill man has been sentenced to 200 hours of community work for letting his dog starve to death.The man appeared at the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday, following the death of the tan Staffordshire bull terrier in 2023. He pleaded guilty to failing to ensure his dog received treatment to alleviate unnecessary pain or distress.Invercargill City Council animal control officers found the dog dead inside a kennel in June 2023.The SPCA said the man - who it has not named - did not get veterinary care for the badly malnourished dog.There was also evidence the animal had been chained to the same spot for a long time, with a rusted chain connecting him to the kennel.The SPCA said the dog's body was "in extremely poor condition, emaciated to the point that his ribs, spine, and pelvis were clearly visible".The dog had the lowest possible body condition score, with all fat reserves depleted, suggesting it had been starved over several weeks. His stomach and intestines were almost entirely empty.The man has been disqualified from owning dogs for five years. He was also ordered to pay reparation of $233.88 for veterinary costs and $500 towards legal costs.SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said the dog's suffering was entirely avoidable."This case is a clear reminder that if an animal is unwell, seeking veterinary care is not optional, it's a basic responsibility of pet ownership."The prolonged tethering of dogs is totally unacceptable and heartbreaking, that is why SPCA successfully advocated for stronger regulations to end this cruel practice and ensure no dog has to endure the same tragic fate."Published by permission

Tokanui school is a rural school set in the beautiful Catlins. Last week, we held a Camo day to coincide with the opening of duckhunting season. Our students and staff got into the spirit with dressing up and bringing their duck callers. Duck callers at the ready. Photo: suppliedThere were competitions throughout the day. Our fabulous House Leaders organised all the activities and had a great time setting everything up.House Leaders happy with camo day result. Photo: suppliedWe are also having some building work done around the school. This will be great once it’s finished but does mean a bit of disruption while it’s being done. We are looking forward to new carpet and a new roof.Building work being carried out around the school. Photo: suppliedTokanui School kindly supported by Falls Hotel (MLT)

Over $400,000 has now been donated to save the critically endangered Pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel, the world's rarest wading bird which is now only found in Southland.Once widespread throughout the South Island, the small birds now only breed on Rakiura/Stewart Island. Some of them migrate to Awarua Bay to feed.Just 105 of the small birds remain today, up from 101 last year.DOC pukunui ranger Dan Cocker said that while the increase in numbers this season was just a small lift, it was hugely significant.“We’re thrilled the April flock counts showed a population increase.”“But 105 is still a perilously low number for this one-of-a-kind bird. We can’t take our foot off the gas.”Pukunui numbers have fluctuated over the past 30 years due to different predators, but especially feral cats.The population hit an all-time low of 62 birds in 1992 and bounced back to 290 after intensive predator control in 2009, before rapidly declining again despite continued pest control efforts.DOC has a dedicated ‘Pukunui Recovery Team’ who work hard on bird monitoring, banding, and predator control at breeding sites and surrounding areas.DOC Pukunui ranger Dan Cocker and NZ Nature Fund Chief Executive Sarah Lyttle. Photo: SuppliedNZ Nature Fund CEO Sarah Lyttle said in 2023 the Fund launched a campaign in partnership with DOC to raise funds from donors to support DOC’s Pukunui Recovery Team to protect pukunui from predators.Over 600 people have already contributed to the pukunui campaign with more than $400,000 raised to date including $200,000 from an anonymous party and $20,000 from the Southland branch of Forest and Bird, Lyttle said.DOC has used funds from these donations to boost the Pukunui Recovery Programme by employing additional trappers to target feral cats at nest sites, adding cameras around key breeding sites to monitor feral cat numbers, buying extra feral cat kill traps, and supporting more helicopter flights to monitor remote pukunui nesting sites.“Enabling people to invest directly in projects that prevent extinction is our mission and it’s wonderful our donors have made a very tangible difference to the pukunui this season,” says Sarah.“I hope this encourages more Kiwis to dig deep and invest directly in this precious endangered species.”“Donations to New Zealand Nature Fund’s campaign boosted our ground trapping efforts, resulting in 64 feral cats being trapped across our predator control zones, that’s almost double what we caught last season,” says Dan."While the extra trapping efforts have benefited pukunui, we're barely holding the line for this species. We need to control feral cats across a much larger area where pukunui breed.”DOC is currently considering a proposal for an aerial 1080 operation to protect nesting pukunui ahead of the 2025/26 breeding season.The goal of the Pukunui Recovery Team is to increase pukunui numbers to at least 300 birds by 2035.“We still have a long way to go to reach this goal,” says Dan. “The good news is if we work together, we can create safe havens for our taonga species by removing pests and restoring ecosystems.”CLICK HERE to donate to help the plight of pukunui/southern NZ dotterels.

A piece of land with special significance to Māori will not be returned after Invercargill councillors voted to retain the status quo.Mokomoko Reserve in Omaui — 25 minutes from Invercargill — was identified for potential disposal in August 2023.The triangular-shaped section covers almost 5000 square metres and is grazed by way of an informal relationship with a neighbouring farmer.Te Rūnanga o Awarua submitted to the council in October 2023 highlighting the significance of Omaui and desire to have a place for reconnecting with the land.The area was known as a place of burial, and caution needed to be taken in changing land use due to the possibility of desecrating unknown urupā, former rūnanga kaiwhakahaere Dean Whaanga wrote at the time.Omaui is a coastal settlement south of Invercargill with views of a beach and estuary. Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR suppliedWhaanga also presented on Tuesday, reiterating it was a great opportunity for the council to offer the land as a place to camp or gather kai.But the council's consultation also saw a number of residents object to revocation, with retention of the view a key concern.Council mana whenua representative Evelyn Cook supported disposing of the land and said the issue was being left for a future council, even though there had been an indication it was trying to reduce its number of non-useful reserves.“And this is one that some people would like to have . . . as a low-key, low impact use, and I’m a little sad that we’re not actually looking at that potential," she said.Mana whenua representative Pania Coote agreed, saying the council was not thinking ahead.“This land is not fit for purpose for the council, so there’s an opportunity here to actually put it where it’s best needed and I think where it’s best needed is to go back to the people.”Ultimately, Cook and Coote were the only members to vote against revoking reserve status and disposing of the land.Whaanga — who is now a trustee of the rūnanga — told Local Democracy Reporting he was disappointed by the outcome.But he looked forward to working with the council on projects important to iwi and the community, as well as understanding how the council would make sure reserve land was managed well for future generations.Other options available to the council following potential revocation were to sell the land on the open market or to a neighbour.The land in question is landlocked with no accessway.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) from 6pmComments:Homer Tunnel is closing tonight for maintenance works from 6pm to 3am. The tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday nights between 6th-22nd May. No public access due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Rain becoming heavy in evening Tomorrow: Rain with heavy falls Friday: Showers clearing Saturday: Showers from afternoon Sunday: Fine

Bad weather has grounded rescue helicopters today (7 May), as the search for a missing tramper on Milford Sound's Mitre Peak continues.However Police said ground teams were continuing to search from first light.Search teams are mindful of the tricky terrain and weather warnings, which could potentially hamper search efforts, Police said.

A large-scale search and rescue operation in Milford Sound has failed to find a man who has been missing since late on Sunday night (4 May).The male solo tramper failed to return after a planned day trip to climb Mitre Peak triggering the alarm to be raised and a search and rescue operation commencing shortly before midnight.Detective Tracy Ward says a large number of resources have been working through arduous terrain, supported by helicopter crews.The search is being supported by Land Search and Rescue teams from Fiordland, Catlins, Tokonui, Clutha, and Southland, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heli-Otago, Southland Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, specialised Search and Rescue dogs from both Wakatipu and Dunedin as well as Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue teams.“There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound. Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 Police staff and numerous helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man.”A Police incident management team is in place in Invercargill, supporting a forward command base at Milford Sound.Detective Ward said helicopter searches began on Monday and carried on into the night, before resuming this morning.“Land Search and Rescue field and dog teams have been in the search area since Monday morning, as well as alpine cliff rescue teams due to the incredibly steep terrain in the area. Real NZ has assisted the operation with marine vessels and support staff, as well as assisting the search staff at the forward control base in Milford Sound."“The search area is relatively contained but incredibly rugged and difficult to navigate once off the track, at times the search teams are only able to progress 250 metres in an hour.""While no items of interest have been positively linked to the missing man a number of clues are being following up on and we remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome."“The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors and we believe he has suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference.""We are in contact with his next of kin, but at this stage are not in a position to release further details about him,” Detective Ward said.“We are expecting a deterioration in the weather tonight and that will affect ongoing search efforts, but Police and volunteer staff will remain in Milford Sound until further notice.”Police have spoken to a number of people who encountered the man in the vicinity of Mitre Peak on Sunday 4 May.Detective Ward said Police still needed to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday if they haven’t already spoken with Police.Please contact Police by making a report online, or by calling 105, referencing the event number P062448221.

A suspicious car fire in Bluff on Sunday 4th May has Police appealing for information from the public.About 3.40pm, a Ford Courier ute was set alight while it was parked on Marine Parade. The vehicle suffered substantial damage. Senior Constable Pete Jenkins said a man carrying a red petrol can was seen running away from the vehicle after it was set on fire.“This person was last seen running south on Henderson Street, where he was picked up in a dark-coloured vehicle."“We want to talk to this man, and also need to hear from anyone who has information that could help our enquiries, Jenkins said."If you saw suspicious activity in the Marine Parade area on Sunday, please contact us.”Information can be reported to Police online, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250504/8027.

Police are seeking help from the public after a series of incidents in Invercargill, including two aggravated robberies, in the early hours of Monday morning (5 May)Officers were called to a Dee Street premises about 2.30am on Monday, after a report of two people entering the store and assaulting the worker, demanding cash.The pair subsequently fled the scene in a vehicle. Invercargill Police Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said the worker had not been seriously injured but had been left very shaken by what had occurred.“An attempted burglary and two burglaries were subsequently reported at three further premises, on Windsor Street, Elles Road and Yarrow Street," Harvey said.“Then, about 4.20am, Police received a report that two people had entered a Tay Street premises and demanded cash and items. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident."“Police are making enquiries into each incident, and at this stage our information suggests they are linked," he said. “Two vehicles were seen in the vicinity of some of the incidents. One of them, a red Toyota Vitz, has been involved in the offending. Police have recovered this vehicle, which was stolen the previous day.” The other vehicle is described as a dark-coloured car, Harvey says. “We would like to speak to anyone who saw vehicles fitting these descriptions between 1am and 5am.” Anyone with information about these vehicles or those involved is asked to contact Police via 105. Please use the reference number 250505/9732. You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A search is underway to find a missing hiker in Milford Sound.The man was due back from his hike in the Mitre Peak area on Sunday night (4 May) but failed to return home.Police said search and rescue teams and a helicopter crew headed out on Monday morning to look for the man.There were no further details available at this stage, police said.Published by permission

A large-scale Southland farming company has been fined $82,500 for discharging effluent in a manner which could have entered waterways.Gladvale Farms Ltd committed the offending on two occasions in October 2019 at an Oreti Plains farm, north of Invercargill.The company was sentenced on Monday after being found guilty in February following an August 2024 judge-alone trial.Legal action against the company began when Environment Southland alleged the Resource Management Act had been breached through effluent discharge on or into land which could have resulted in the contaminant entering water.It was alleged the defendant irrigated at night without monitoring due to employees being off duty.The judgement said although it was not necessary to prove the contaminant had entered or impacted the waterway, there was sufficient evidence to show it had.Steps taken to mitigate against the discharge were not sufficient, including using a digger to move effluent further into a paddock.Appearing by video feed from Christchurch, Judge Steven told the court that 90 percent of the fine would go to the council.Gladvale Farms Ltd operates five dairy farms in Southland with 3700 cows across 3300 acres, according to its website.Stuff has previously reported fines against the company of $27,000 in 2018/19, and $18,750 in 2017.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) from 6pmComments:Homer Tunnel is closing tonight for maintenance works from 6pm to 3am. The tunnel is closing Monday to Thursday nights between 6th-22nd May. No public access due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Showers Tomorrow: Rain Thursday: Rain Friday: Mainly fine Saturday: Showers

UPDATE: SH1 Bluff Highway is now open and traffic is moving.An accident has closed the Bluff Highway, just south of Motu Rimu Road, this morning (5 May).Due to the location no detour is available, however Motu Rimu Road is still accessible.NZTA contractors South Roads advised they will have the highway open as soon as possible.