Economic optimism among farmers is at a record high, according to the latest Federated Farmer's Farm Confidence Survey.The July survey found 65 percent of farmers surveyed felt confident about farm profitability - a 12-point boost from January - the highest result recorded in the survey.The six-monthly survey also found farmers' perceptions of current economic conditions had reached an eight-year high, with 33 percent believing economic conditions were good - a significant jump from a record low of - 66 percent a year ago.Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford put the upbeat mood down to strong dairy and meat prices, lower interest rates, and cuts to government regulations.Langford said it was a "good result" all round."It's a really, really positive result for farmers, but also a really, really positive result for New Zealand. When New Zealand farmers are doing well, New Zealand is doing well."Bouyed by high milk prices, 80 percent of dairy farmers had reported making a profit, with sheep and beef farmers at 44 percent and arable lagging behind, with 11 percent reporting a profit amid lower crop values.Langford said he was aware some arable farmers were struggling."We will be looking to see what we can do to improve the arable sector. But across the board, a rise in dairy prices, a rise in red meat prices had really helped with the profitability of those businesses."Farms throughout the country were recording profitability, the survey said, with Otago-Southland farms leading the pack at 72 percent, followed by the East Coast of the North Island at 69 percent and Taranaki-Manawatu at 66 percent.The results also showed rural mental health had improved in 2025, moving from a net 52 percent negative in January 2023, to net 26 percent positive in July 2025.The biggest concerns farmers reported in the survey were regulation and compliance costs, followed by climate change policy, the emissions trading scheme, and local government rates.The survey was completed prior to the Tasman floods, and Langford said while farmers in Nelson-Tasman had experienced challenges recently, he remained optimistic there was long-term confidence in the sector."Farmers will know that they are in it for the long game, and when they are looking at this survey and saying hey do we have confidence in our businesses - in farming in general into the future - no doubt they will be looking at it with confidence to carry on."'Lots of reasons to be optimistic'ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly said conditions had improved markedly on a year ago."Lamb prices are up 50 percent, beef prices are up around 30 percent, and it's easy to forget, with how good thing's have been over the past year, but Fonterra's opening farmgate milk price at this time last year was $8 and now we're looking at $10."So these are really big increases that farmers are seeing right now."The survey found only 6 percent of farmers expect economic conditions to improve over the next 12 months, a decrease from 23 per cent in January.Dilly said there was more positive momentum for sheep and beef prices to remain high amid a global shortage of red meat causing high demand."Dairy there's a lot of reasons to be optimistic there, but there's a bit more potential for global production to swing in a direction that starts to impact the price."While global grain prices were low right now, Dilly said there was potential for something to turn the outlook around.Published by permission

Options for the public to dispose of their damaged lithium batteries continues to be a challenge in Southland with both nationwide recycler Pheonix Metalman - who have an Invercargill depot, and Mitre 10 - who offer a collection service for batteries they have sold, currently refusing to accept the potentially dangerous batteries.The Pheonix Metalman website says that they recycle over 20 subtypes of domestic, commercial and industrial batteries, however they currently cannot accept damaged lithium batteries.We understand that this is a growing concern. Advice will be published soon regarding how to handle and dispose of them, their website says. Southland App was unable to reach Pheonix Metalman for further comment.Mitre 10 New Zealand Chief Legal & Sustainability Officer, Grant Fraser, said they accepted batteries sold through their stores and had currently recycled 29.6 tonnes."For us it’s about taking ownership and end-of-life responsibility for the products we put into market."'We’re not able to accept damaged or modified batteries due to the fire risk, nor vape batteries, e-waste (i.e computer/phone batteries), EV batteries, and solar batteries as they’re not part of our range," he said.Mitre 10 New Zealand's Head of External Comms, Lisa Wilson, also confirmed that only batteries that came from their stores be returned through their Battery Recycle programme.WasteNet Southland director Fiona Walker said previous communication with Mitre 10 had not specified their collection and diversion service only related to batteries sold through Mitre 10 stores."We will engage with Mitre 10 directly to clarify this.""We understood the safe disposal of damaged batteries, in particular, was a growing concern," she said."Our supplier, Phoenix Metalman, can accept some damaged batteries, however customers should contact them directly prior to disposal for advice on how to do so safely," she said."We understand that for those who do not live in Invercargill, Winton, Gore or Te Anau that there are some concerns regarding transporting end-of-life batteries," Walker said."If the batteries are not damaged, transporting them to a collection site can be done safely provided specific measures are followed, including ensuring these are taped or individually bagged prior to storing, and that they are not stored with flammable or conductive materials such as metal, paper clips, or staples.""If you are unsure, please contact your preferred e-battery waste disposal location for further advice."A Fire and Emergency spokesperson offered the following recommendations around safe battery disposal.Always dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely.Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the rubbish or recycling. Batteries need to be taken to either a collection point or transfer station – contact your local council for a recycling location.WasteMINZ has a map on their website which shows battery collection facility locations: https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/our-work/hot-topics/battery-collection-facilities.Do not leave discarded batteries in piles.Some companies do battery collection for vapes and other small batteries, so it’s important not to throw them into the general household collection. They need to be treated like other lithium-ion battery devices, and disposed of through an appropriate recycling facility.If a device or battery starts to smoke or emit flames:Evacuate immediately and close doors (if safe) to slow the spread of fire.Once in a safe location, call 111 and wait for firefighters to arrive.Ensure no one goes back inside the building for any reason. Battery gases, vapour and smoke are highly toxic and flammable and must not be inhaled.If anyone has been exposed to battery fluids, debris, smoke, vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance.If a small battery or device such as a vape or phone starts overheatingUnplug it from the power outlet if it is charging.If possible, move it outside, away from any flammable material and windows or doorways.Small devices can be dropped into a bucket of water if this can be done safely.If your device starts to smoke or release fumes, evacuate immediately to a safe location and call 111.

Just shy of her 40th birthday, Haylee-Chanel Simeon – ‘Hayz’, as she’s known in Bluff – has poured more time into voluntary community service than most manage in a lifetime, all while raising four children and building a thriving restaurant.Her selfless mahi and generous heart have earned her a spot as one of three finalists in the Southland Business Chamber’s inaugural Reece McDonald Local Legend Award – recognising extraordinary community spirit and contribution to the South.Hayz touches hearts as much as she does tastebuds.Hayz's creation, a sharing platter titled 'Taste of Murihiku', which featured in the May 2025 edition of the inflight magazine KiaOra. Photo: SuppliedKnown for her bold flavours and fierce dedication to local ingredients, she celebrates Southland’s bounty – from seafood to venison – all cooked from scratch, the way her traditional Ngāti Kauwhata grandfather and Ngāi Tahu grandmother mother taught her.Nothing goes to waste in the Hayz kitchen, a value rooted in Māori tradition.One of very few restaurants in Aotearoa offering muttonbird (tītī), Hayz at the Anchorage showcases this delicacy six different ways.Even the heart is honoured – transformed into a rich pâté and paired with handmade pōhutukawa flower jelly, available for just four weeks a year.The foraging doesn’t stop there - seasonal seaweed, watercress, and cockles are also harvested by her and her tamariki, who have grown up polishing cutlery from highchairs, drying dishes, and helping deliver meals. It’s a true whānau affair.There are plenty of laughs, too – like the day her twin girls were caught making ‘snow angels’ in the bar with polystyrene bean bag fill. “We were still finding those months later,” Hayz laughs.Hayz, staff and St. John’s cadets and leaders, after serving hundreds of meals and hampers to Bluff pensioners - 21 December, 2023. Photo: SuppliedFrom the very beginning, wider whānau have supported the kaupapa – aunties running meals, Mum on the till, cousins plating up. It’s always been a collective effort.And still, she gives back.For 14 years, Hayz has led countless community initiatives – from delivering hot meals to Bluff’s elderly, to running hamper drives, Christmas lunch for the local pensioners, cutting toenails, and foot massages for those who can’t manage on their own. Her heavily subsidised Pensioner’s Lunch Special started with 20 diners post-lockdown and now feeds 120 every fortnight across two sittings.“Everyone was so scared after Covid – this gave them a safe place to reconnect and enjoy good kai,” she says.Though it came at a personal and financial cost, Hayz refused to let it go – instead, she rallied support and sponsorship.With help from her kids and volunteers, hundreds of meals are prepared and delivered to kaumātua and the vulnerable in Bluff.Annette from GreenYard Veges, left, and Haylee supporting local growers at the Sunday Farmers Markerts in Invercargill. Photo: Supplied“Many of our elderly can’t cook anymore due to illness or injury. I just want to make sure they’re eating well.”Winter sees the team making stock pots of hot soup for churches and community groups, with hot soup dropped to market stallholders to keep spirits high.“If I see a gap, I’ll fill it, and if I need help, the community shows up.""I asked some local engineers to help move a freezer a few weeks back. ‘Good as, Hayz,’ they said, and sorted it straight away.”She’s grateful for local backing too – Fresh is Best, Talleys, Harbour Fish, KiwiHarvest, which rescues who rescue food from landfill), and Southland’s Deer to Care hunters who keep her stocked with fresh venison.Hayz at the Anchorage has also supported Bluff School lunches and breakfasts, and has regularly contributed extra treats like waffles and bacon for tamariki.Izaya Simeon and Mum Haylee Simeon at The Eagle Hotel in December 2016, delivering Community Christmas Hampers. Photo: SuppliedHer connection to kai runs deep. Both sides of her whānau are culinary leaders – her Grandad Simeon, of Ngāti Kauwhata, and Nana Simeon, of Ngāi Tahu, passed down generations of knowledge around mahinga kai.From whitebaiting with cousins off Aparima to learning to use every part of the harvest, Hayz was taught early to respect the land and sea, and to act as a kaitiaki – a guardian, of natural resources.Some of her happiest memories are rooted in this.“We grew up with cousins as best mates, building tree swings over cliffs and eating what we caught.""The wāhine were always in the kitchen – that’s where we shine.""That’s where Mum passed on Grandad’s recipes and whakaaro.”Aunty Terina Simeon (Volunteer/ and St John’s Leader) Rangatahi member, Haylee Simeon for the annual Rangatahi Zone in Bluff September 2023. Photo: SuppliedThat knowledge continues to shape her work. Everything on the menu is made from scratch – if it wouldn’t pass the standards of her whānau, it doesn’t go out.“If I’d served a chowder with a marina mix, they would’ve thrown it at me,” she jokes.Since launching Hayz at the Anchorage, Haylee has built an award-winning business that’s gained national and international attention.She’s served celebrities and media, sponsored local sports teams, and supported the Southland Exchange.She is also a supporter of the annual Rangatahi Zone event, honouring four Bluff rangatahi who tragically lost their lives in 2021, where she teaches young people the power of kai through cooking.Through every challenge, Hayz continues to lead with love, resilience, and the spirit of manaakitanga.Stuart, left from Deer to Care/ charitable organisation based in Gore, Hayz (Hayz At The Anchorage) and Hank (The Golden Age Tavern), receiving donated venison meat for community meals. Photo: Supplied“I’ve taken every obstacle and tried to flip my perspective – to look for the silver lining.”Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

A Southland man has been fined $400 for harassing a sea lion in an incident that appalled nature lovers in the Catlins earlier this year.In January, residents of Tautuku Beach, on the south Otago coast, reported seeing a group of motorists and trail bike riders taunting a sea lion for two successive days.A ranger's report obtained by RNZ stated a ute was repeatedly driven at the sea lion, with the driver using the clutch and brakes to "lunge" towards the animal and provoke it into responding.Riders were also seen driving in circles around the sea lion.At the time the Department of Conservation (DOC) said it was making enquiries after being provided with a vehicle's licence plate details.This week DOC Murihiku operations manager John McCarroll told RNZ a Southland man had since admitted to his involvement in the Tautuku Beach incident."After speaking to this person and a neutral witness, we are satisfied that there was no contact with the sea lion at any stage, nor were there "doughnuts" performed around the sea lion on the vehicle's departure," he said."After legal review, a $400 infringement notice was issued to the offender for disturbing a sea lion, in breach of the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978."The incident led to calls - including by outgoing mayor Brian Cadogan - to reconsider banning vehicles from Catlins beaches.A ban was proposed by the Clutha District Council in 2023 but dropped following a social media backlash.Councillors will now revisit the issue after the October local elections.The Tautuku Beach incident is only one of many involving endangered sea lions in the Catlins, a stretch of coast renowned for its wildlife.Tautuku Bay in the Catlins, which some locals told RNZ was "treated like a racetrack" by four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafIn October last year a female known as Jade was shot, followed by her pup a few days later. The pup was left to a lingering death in the Catlins Estuary.In November a third sea lion was stabbed on Waipati Beach and had to be euthanised.That prompted the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust to double its reward for information about the killings to $12,000.The initial report about the Tautuku Beach incident stated the motorists had left by the time rangers arrived and the sea lion was dead.However, a necroscopy found the animal died of other causes, most likely from injuries inflicted by another sea lion.It could also not be confirmed whether the dead sea lion was the same one that was being harassed earlier.Only about 12,000 New Zealand sea lions remain, making it the world's rarest sea lion species.Reporter: Peter de GraafPublished with permission

The president of a southern licensing trust says he will not accept his deputy's apology following a fiery meeting this week.Gore-based Mataura Licensing Trust operates a range of alcohol-related businesses in Southland with a mandate for redistributing profits within the community.On Thursday, tempers flared at one of its meetings after president Horace McAuley accused deputy Vince Aynsley of bullying in his president’s report.Mataura Licensing Trust president Horace McAuley, deputy president Vince Aynsley and board member Jeannine Cunningham. Credit: SuppliedThe situation centred on an incident at the New Zealand Licensing Trusts Association conference in Invercargill on 19 July, where McAuley alleged Aynsley asked him how he would feel when he was no longer president next term.The Otago Daily Times was at Thursday's meeting and said Aynsley could not recall the exchange but would apologise for whatever he hypothetically said.An argument then began between president McAuley and board member Jeannine Cunningham over an employment issue — but not before she alleged the president had blown up at a previous meeting and was guilty of bullying himself.Cunningham claimed she was approached by multiple people at the Invercargill conference asking: “when are you getting rid of Horace?”Despite the in-fighting, McAuley shut down any suggestion the licensing trust was dysfunctional.“Never in your life. Never, ever, ever,” McAuley told Local Democracy Reporting.The issues had not dissuaded him from wanting to stay on at the trust, and he noted he had been elected president unopposed since 2010.“We’re a busy trust, and as their president I have an awful lot to do. And so I’m not focusing on this,” he said.“To be fair to both myself and the Mataura Licensing Trust, it’s a distraction, and the person responsible for the distraction is the person who should answer the questions.“That’s Vince Aynsley.”McAuley said he "received" Aynsley’s apology which was different to "accepting" it.Aynsley did not wish to comment on the situation but said he had asked McAuley how he would feel “hypothetically” if he wasn’t president next year.“I’m in no rush to talk or bring down Horace or say anything in public at this stage.”The president's dig at his deputy was not the only criticism Aynsley faced at the meeting.Another member, Bryan Burgess, claimed Aynsley underhandedly took his deputy role three years ago, which Aynsley accepted.Licensing trust elections run at the same time as local body elections with the president selected by members. The next election is set for 11 October.Mataura Licensing Trust controls a total of 12 liquor outlets, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers from Tapanui in the north to Tokonui in the south.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The Government’s focus on restoring performance and accountability in the health system is delivering real outcomes for Southern patients.The latest quarterly results show progress in delivering access to timely, quality healthcare.From January to March, key improvements in the Southern region included shorter emergency department stays for local people, with 76 percent of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours, above the national average of 74 percent.Childhood immunisations of 86 percent are also well above the national average of 79.3 per cent in the Southern Region, making us one of the top performers in the country.There was also faster cancer treatment, with 82 percent of patients starting treatment within 31 days, up from 80.5 percent in 2024.Shorter wait times for elective procedures were at 52.7 percent between January and March this year, compared to 51 percent in 2024.These results reflect meaningful progress for Southern patients and while there is still more work to do this is a positive step in the right direction.The Government also recently made the biggest funding boost ever for GP clinics, targeted 100 new clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors, offered recruitment incentives for up to 400 graduate nurses annually and 100 additional doctor training places at our medical schoolsInvercargill’s new, state-of-the-art CT scanner will also deliver significant advancements, meaning faster, more accurate diagnosis for a wide range of conditions, including cancer and heart disease.After years of decline, our health system is being rebuilt, and Southlanders are benefiting.Funded by Parliamentary Services

Southland Football is turning its pitch pink this Saturday (25 Jul) with players, coaches, referees, and fans urged to don pink gear in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.Southland Football development officer Leigh Matthews said the intention behind the initiative was simple but powerful - to raise awareness and vital funds for a cause that affects thousands of women and families across Aotearoa and the world.“The inspiration came from my time working with Football South Australia, where each season included a charity round that brought the football community together in a powerful way.""I saw firsthand how impactful it was, and I felt it was something special we could bring here to Southland,” Matthews said.“It’s also a chance to celebrate women in sport, spotlighting healthy, active role models for our younger generations and helping promote the growth of women’s football across the region."“I’m genuinely hopeful that we’ll see plenty of pink socks, shirts, beanies and smiles around the grounds this weekend and that this is just the beginning of an annual tradition that gets bigger and more meaningful every year,” Matthews said.Football Southland development and operations manager Iain Walker, who lost his wife Fiona to breast cancer earlier this year, said he wouldn't be alone in having lost someone near and dear to cancer."We need to keep pushing forward with the endless research that continues to help others.”“I’d really encourage everyone to get out, enjoy the day and give what you can afford for a great cause.""We have a great football community who support each other in times of need – I know that from experience, and not just my own – so this a great opportunity to keep that momentum going.”Matthews said the response from clubs Southland wide, as well as referees, had been that of real enthusiasm as they get set to embrace the special round.CLICK HERE to contribute to Southland Football’s Give a Little page.

A map of sites where you may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance or third-party contractor work can be found here, and these sites are listed below.  From Monday 28th July, the final leg of the Elles Road roundabout on SH1 Bluff Highway will be open, with access to Lake St from Bluff highway directly from the roundabout. Please be aware of this when using the roundabout until the new access and exit point becomes familiar. The ‘old’ Lake St access will be closed from Monday 28th also. There have been several incidents over the last few months on Southland highways which have been a result of speed or not driving to the conditions. Please make sure that you are aware of the conditions and check the NZ Transport Agency’s Journey Planner for any known issues or programmed road works on state highways before you travel. Highways South work with temporary speed limits this week:SH1 Bluff highway at Kekeno Place, stop/go or temporary traffic lights (Monday 28th only)SH1 Bluff highway at Kekeno Place, lane shit (Tuesday 29th only)SH1 Tay Invercargill St between Troopers roundabout and Queen’s Drive, single lane closure (Tuesday 29th only)SH6 Dee St between Troopers roundabout and Gala Street, single lane closure (Tuesday 29th only)SH1 Clyde St and SH6 Dee St Invercargill, single lane closureSH93 Old Coach Road at Hurst Road, traffic lightsSH94 Hokonui Drive, stop/stopSH96 Nightcaps township, lane shift Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week:SH1 Marine Parade in Bluff, stop/goSH1 Invercargill-Woodlands highway at Longwood, stop/goSH1 Main St Gore, lane shiftSH96 Digger St in Nightcaps, Stop/goSH99 Clifden highway near the Waiau river, stop/go There is also a cycling event taking place on SH96 tomorrow from 1 – 4pm, between Springhills and Hedgehope. Please take extra care if driving in this area at this time.Useful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-plannerFreight Impact Register - https://www.nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/ - download and filter the region for ‘Southland’. This will indicate any upcoming work in the next fortnight which have closures, detours or width restrictions for freight.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Winter driving conditions - take extra care.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine at first, cloud & light showers from afternoon. Tomorrow: Showers, snow possible above 1600m. Strong northerlies. Sunday: Showers & strong northerlies Monday: Rain & strong northerlies. Tuesday: Showers

He arrived in Te Anau as a young, freshly trained New Zealand Wildlife Service officer in 1982, having already heralded hero status for a remarkable historical wildlife find on Rakiura Stewart Island with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Adler.This Local Legends story is proudly supported by Fiordland Frontier SuppliesBill Jarvie retires in November after 47 years’ service – 43 of those in Te Anau for what became Fish and Game Southland soon after his arrival.In that time Bill’s been the ‘friendly face of Fish and Game’, also involved in the Wildlife Service’s takahe location and management in Fiordland’s Murchison Mountains.Bill Jarvie with a female kakapo that his tracking dog Adler had pointed for him on Rakiura Stewart Island in 1983. Photo: SuppliedHe joined the Service as a trainee in late 1978 working in the fisheries arena on early work to manage fisheries in Rotorua, Taupo and around the Southland Lakes, mostly Wanaka.In 1981, Bill was told he was going to Stewart Island with dog Adler to find kakapo.It turned out to be a historic trip – Adler, at Bill’s command, finding the first ever kakapo nest in living history on the island.“That was a gold star find – a nest of chicks,” he says.After that they were finding the birds and placing transmitters onto them before they were sent to predator-free Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) where they could be safely isolated.“I was stoked. I didn’t quite realise how important it was to find a nest of young kakapo."Bill Jarvie and tracking dog Adler with a takahe in the snow. Photo: Supplied"They’d been steadily killed by cats and were close to being wiped out.”He then applied for the Wildlife Service job in Te Anau which he got the following year, likely, he reckons, due to that historic find as not long after arriving he and Adler were at it again.Sent to help the Service’s takahe management programme in the Murchison’s where studied birds also had transmitters attached.“It was quite rewarding work, especially with the kakapo being on the brink of extinction.In 1987 the Wildlife Service, Lands and Survey and Forest Service all amalgamated into the new Department of Conservation – the Wildlife Service previously having the role of Acclimatisation Societies.“These societies around the country were condensed down into Fish and Game regions and the Southland one took over responsibility for Fish and Game from the government,” Bill says.Bill Jarvie, in 1984, with the first ever salmon to be spotted in the Pyke River, which he ran down as proof that they were migrating from, the sea up. Photo: SuppliedBill’s overseen everywhere from Te Anau, Manapouri and Monowai, and the National Park across to Mavora Lakes and Mararoa.He’s loved working with young anglers seeing the delight on their faces when they catch their first fish. “That’s very, very rewarding. There’s nothing like a child’s first fish,” he smiles.Sadly, throughout New Zealand we’re now seeing second and third generation people getting used to poorer water quality, but thankfully so much Waiau catchment in Fiordland is still under the protection of the National Park.“Our other saving grace is that the headwaters of our other rivers’ catchments are largely protected and the water from there keeps the quality high,” Bill says."We’re also very fortunate that progressive farmers are leading by example with their farm management protecting and creating habitat.”Bill well knows that the long-term benefits of assisting landowners to put in wetlands, hunted or not, will be better water quality and buffer the impacts of weather extremes on our rivers and streams.”Bill Jarvie with an Oreti River brown trout. Photo: SuppliedIt’s never been a battle to get compliance in his patch with no ‘fishy’ stories about leaving the licence at home.“We have very good compliance in Southland, and people know that we are only funded by licences,” he says.“There will always be some who will try it on, but it’s normally pretty obvious.”One memory that makes Bill grin is of a man and son entering their chinook salmon in a fishing competition restricted to Lake Te Anau only.“Dad swore it was from Te Anau, with the son proudly and repeatedly saying, ‘We caught it by the power station!’"Oh dear, no entry!” chuckles Bill.Bill Jarvie with a 15lb brown trout, trapped as part of monitoring the Mararoa Weir's fish pass' effectiveness. Photo: SuppliedColleagues say throughout his career, Bill’s been “a passionate advocate” for the health of the Waiau River and its tributaries, and Lakes Te Anau, Manapōuri and Monowai through his involvement with the Lake Guardians and Waiau Working Party.This is in addition to his work directly through Fish & Game advocacy.Bill, colleague Stu Sutherland and Dr Cathy Kilroy from NIWA, were the first to discover Didymo in New Zealand.“During a preliminary periphyton survey on the Lower Waiau River their keen observation and years of experience meant they immediately recognised the strange growth of algae as something foreign,” Southland Fish and Game staff say.“Little did Bill appreciate just how familiar Didymo was to become, going on to develop significant expertise that other agencies have relied on.”For more than a decade, he’s led Fish and Game’s monitoring of periphyton and didymo in the Waiau River to support recreational flow management for the benefit of river users.Shona Elder proudly shows Bill Jarvie a 12lb sea run chinook (salmon) she caught in Lake Te Anau, by the mouth of the Upukerora River. Photo: SuppliedHe's also managed Southland Fish and Game’s team of honorary rangers, responsible for recruitment and training, as well as liaison for offences and prosecutions.He’s the point of contact for Police to organise their joint compliance operations with Fish and Game during duck hunting season.Fish and Game has enjoyed a close working relationship with Meridian Energy which is the hydro generator for the Manapouri Te Anau system – important at this time of year with hundreds of rainbow trout spawning in the Upper Waiau.“The flow is controlled by them, so we try not to allow any dewatering or drying out where there’s a redd (where the eggs are laid) in the riverbed,” Bill says.Bill’s constantly liaising with Meridian, keeping up to date on the status for spawning.He’s not entering into the debate about the future of Te Anau’s Bird Park other than to say it originally began as a fish hatchery due to the beautiful spring water which rises there.Bill Jarvie releasing rainbow trout fingerlings into Lake Thomas (a 'Put and Take' fishery). Photo: Supplied“Hundreds of people have come to get spring water from there over the years via the tap we provide for them.""People coming up from Invercargill to fill 20-litre containers,” he says.While other sectors may be cutting back, Bill says there’s no shortage of work for Fish and Game in Te Anau.“This role will perhaps develop. It will always be needed,” he says.“The value of this environment and how much use it gets is vastly important to New Zealand, so we need to manage it.”Just turned 66, Bill’s happy to hand over the reins and spend more time with family and tending his rural block on, fittingly, Kakapo Road, outside Te Anau.“We’ve got a good view of two rivers and a lake so I will still be keeping an eye on things,” he grins.Bill Jarvie (right), with son Hamish, with kahawai destined for the smoker. Photo: SuppliedSue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

A bold proposal to transform an Invercargill park into homes for 40 people is one step closer to becoming reality.In June, Te Pare Kauika Ltd shared its vision with the council of building up to 22 residential buildings at Newfield Park — a 1.8-hectare site in the city’s suburbs.The group said it aimed to create a culturally grounded housing community which supported kaumātua and tangata whaikaha (those living with disability).Newfield Park has been earmarked for partial disposal since 2013, and the presentation led to the council revisiting that at committee level on Tuesday.Te Pare Kauika Ltd kaitohu/director Janice Lee said her team celebrated every time they made it through another small part of the process.The development, Te Kāwai, would protect and nurture the most vulnerable in the community, she said.“This is about whoever it is working with those vulnerable communities to create sustainable change.“We’re not precious about owning anything. We’re just wanting to create the change that is going to support all people to have the support to be able to thrive in the community.”Lee said the value of the project was that it could be replicated and scaled, changing the way aged care and disability transitions were done.It was commended by councillors at the June meeting, and again on Tuesday.Deputy mayor Tom Campbell said he was enthusiastic about the project while councillor Lesley Soper said revoking the reserve status would be the first step in making the land rateable.Soper also noted that the committee’s decision to recommend revocation and disposal to full council did not guarantee the final outcome would be the Te Kāwai proposal.It started the process of revocation which still needed approval from DoC, she said.The Minister of Conservation would ultimately have the final say in whether revocation was allowed.The Te Kāwai project would create up to 22 residential buildings, a community hub, communal facilities, off-street parking, secure storage and an administration office.It would house up to 40 residents by way of 10 three-bedroom homes and 12 two-bedroom homes.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Gore's iconic brown trout statue and welcome sign have been defaced, with Greenpeace claiming responsibility.Greenpeace said it was a way of highlighting Gore's drinking water crisis, but Federated Farmers are labelling the stunt as "vandalism".Greenpeace Aotearoa gave the town's brown trout statue cartoon-style crosses for eyes and rebranded the sign to read 'Welcome to Gore - where dirty dairy wrecked the water' on Tuesday night.In response, Federated Farmers labelled Greenpeace "extreme" and the stunt "vandalism" as it reiterated its call for the group to be stripped of its charitable status.Police said they would not be taking any further action as the protest signs had been removed and there was no permanent damage.Last Friday, local residents were told not to drink the tap water after high levels of nitrate were found in the water supply.The notice was lifted on Monday evening.Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe said Gore's giant brown trout statue was now a beacon of the industry's pollution of drinking water and levels of nitrate contamination had worsened since the group offered free nitrate tests to Gore residents two years ago."This problem isn't going to go away simply by diluting the water - for many rural communities, nitrate contamination will get worse unless action is taken to address the source of the pollution: the intensive dairy industry," he said.Greenpeace was calling for the government to scrap its proposed changes to freshwater management and standards, saying they would weaken freshwater protections and make freshwater pollution worse.Federated Farmers said the vandalism was a shameless attempt to divide the rural community and spread "anti-farm propaganda".It made a similar call in April after the group occupied part of Port Taranaki to protest the use of palm kernel.Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said it was "a total abuse of charitable status" and it was the latest illegal publicity stunt from the group."These activists are total cowards who are slinking around in the shadows vandalising property under the cover of darkness," Herrick said."There's a reason they've done this at night. They knew it was dodgy behaviour - and that they'd never get away with it in Gore during daylight hours. We're a tight-knit community down here in Southland. Farming plays a huge role in not only our local economy, but in our social fabric too."Federated Farmers lodged a formal complaint with Charities Services in April and asked for the existing complaint to be acted upon decisively.Published by permission

An Invercargill businessman who was found dead while on a fishing trip in Fiordland is being remembered as full of energy and passion.Southland KIA confirmed on social media that its dealer principal Rick Murrell had died, calling him a much-loved figure in the Southland community, who was larger-than-life, quick witted, and "a character that everyone admired and enjoyed being around".A search was launched when two experienced fishermen did not return from a fishing trip on Lake Manapouri on Sunday night and failed to check in via radio.A local helicopter located the boat in Safe Cove about 12.30am with both men onboard.The other man was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and police said he was recovering well.The missing boat was found shortly after midnight at in Safe Cove on Lake Manapouri. Photo: Supplied.Police are investigating his death on behalf of the coroner.Southland KIA said Murrell lived life on his own terms and made the most of every moment."Ricky passed away while enjoying one of his greatest passions, time on his boat, in the dramatic and beautiful scenery of Fiordland," his workplace said."Fiordland holds a deep and personal history for the Murrell family, making it all the more poignant that Ricky spent his final moments in a place so closely tied to his roots."He left behind his wife and three children."Ricky will be remembered for his dedication to family, passionate friendship, his laughter, and his sense of adventure," the company said."He will be deeply missed."Published by permission

Former Southland mayor Gary Tong has backtracked on comments he would “definitely not” stand this election by doing exactly that.This week, Tong announced he would seek a fourth term in the top job after falling agonisingly short at the last electionThe 2022 race resulted in a third-place finish for Tong, just 45 votes behind current mayor Rob Scott and six votes behind farmer Geoffrey Young.In March, Tong told Local Democracy Reporting he would not be running for either mayor or council at the upcoming election because he was too busy.He also ruled out standing in the future, saying the role needed a “young brain”.But all that had changed following discussions and some further thought.“My family are a wee bit concerned because of the heart attack I had four or five years ago, but I think you learn to look after your health and look after yourself, and family and friends come first,” he said.Tong added he hadn’t followed the current council closely and wouldn’t put much effort into a campaign.The main focus would be on water reforms and looking at council policies, with family and friends coming ahead of the job.“Not saying that I’m going to sit home and do nothing while council’s going, but if there’s a family event or something going on then I will be treating that as a priority, because I failed that in the last nine years that I was mayor.”It is not the first time Tong has made a U-turn on his mayoral plans; at the start of his third term in 2019, he said it would be his last.Tong made an early announcement in 2021 that he would contest the Invercargill mayoralty before changing his mind and ultimately losing to Scott in the Southland race.Former Gore mayor Tracy Hicks also lost a close race at the last election and recently indicated to RNZ he might stand again.Hicks said on Tuesday he was reflecting and talking to people with a decision not far away.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

When the Barry Robinson Memorial Wyndham Rally takes place on Saturday 2 August it will not only celebrate the legacy of Robinson, an iconic rally driver from the area, but it will also mark 50 years of rallying for the Eastern Southland Car Club who organise this event and have held many such rallies in the region over that period. One man who has seen or been involved in most of them is Wade Paterson who takes up the story.“I remember the first one, the Gore Rally in 1975. It was the first ever Special Stage rally south of Christchurch and I went out to Pukerau to watch. There were many of the names of the time, Rob Gerard who won it, John Sergel, John Metherell and Ian Begg to name a few. The first Gore Rally I competed in was in 1977 alongside Roger Laird (Assistant Clerk Of The Course for this year’s rally) in an Anglia.The club’s main rally has moved around a bit over the years, from Gore to Wyndham to Catlins but I won a couple at various times as a co-driver with Inky Tulloch, one in the Nissan Stanza and one in an Escort BDA. I sat alongside Barry Robinson himself to win a Wyndham Rally when he debuted his Nissan Pulsar.”“I stewarded it a few times and was Assistant Clerk Of The Course many years ago under the watchful eye of Graham Grieve who was a Wyndham Rural Postman at the time. He organised the events and was very thorough.” Through his many years’ involvement in Eastern Southland Car Club rallies, Wade says, “the big thing is the friendly camaraderie in rallying and in the club as a whole.” He laughs as he recalls the club used to hold prizegiving functions in halls. “One of the members mothers catered one such function and we had a mini tanker that we parked in the middle of the hall. As decorum deteriorated, she declared she would never cater another one!”Over the years the club’s rallies have attracted some big-name drivers. In recent times that has included Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour but back in the day Wade recalls Paul Adams - “Barry was close on his tail” - and Mike Marshall in an LPG powered Escort BDA, two top rated drivers.     Wade also shares a tale about the year the club decided to do a reverse seeding on a Wyndham Rally. Instead of the fastest drivers and fastest cars blasting through first with the smaller, slower cars and less experienced drivers at the back they did the opposite. “The success of that is reflected in the fact the format was only used once.”“The club has always had a pretty strong gravel background and we have been lucky that a lot of guys have represented the club well at national level - Inky Tulloch, Barry Robinson, Ian Begg, Larry Timpany plus Graham Crawford, who won Group 1 in the 1980 Motogard International Rally, and more recently Derek Ayson, Andrew Graves and Caleb MacDonald who is featuring well up these days. John Metherell and Rob Gerard were members too, that is pretty good for a little club.” “There is a strong theme too with the comments you hear about the club - friendly events, well organised – lots of positive feedback. We are blessed that from Balclutha south and across in West Otago we have some pretty amazing roads. Both during and after events we don’t get too many grizzles and I put that down to some good organisers such as Graham Grieve and these days Craig Jessop and Roger Laird and others. They have all done a bit of rallying and know what’s good and what’s not.”Looking at changes over the years Wade says, “4wd revolutionised the sport. I remember an international rally. We were at Port Waikato watching an Audi Quattro off the line. Some of New Zealand’s best drivers of the time were watching and the car just leapt forward and into the first corner.They changed the game. Pace notes were another change and were great for developing team work between driver and co-driver and also helped with opportunities to compete overseas. Things got a whole lot more professional. Safety is a big thing too.On motor race circuits they continually develop them to make them safer but in rallying the cars are 50% quicker but the trees are still in the same place on the side of road and the cliffs are as big as ever. For the kilometres done and the hazards encountered the safety record is pretty good.”“There is also a much more professional level of car presentation today. Hayden Paddon for one has taken it a big step up. No longer do guys go rallying with a tool box in the boot and no service crew.” “This country has produced great drivers too such as Paddon and Possum Bourne, we do very well.”. Wade finishes his reminisces about fifty years of rallying with the following. “What I love about it is drivers pull up at the finish line on a stage and they have grins on their faces. Often in circuit racing only the winner does that!”

A dead stoat, found on the previously stoat-free Rakiura/Stewart Island, has the Department of Conservation concerned and prompted an appeal to the public for information.The stoat was found in the middle of on the Rakiura Great Walk Track by a member of the public on 12th July.The stoat's skull was crushed indicating it had died instantaneously from either a trap or similar blunt force prior to being found on the track.Department of Conservation Southern South Island Director of Operations Aaron Fleming said Rakiura was known to be stoat free with the nearest stoat population 30kms away, across the Foveaux Strait."Their swimming range is 2kms and they are not known to stowaway on vessels.""This stoat has died from a head injury then mysteriously turned up on a busy walking track.”“We need to know if we are dealing with a new significant threat to Rakiura’s native species, or if this stoat has been transported from elsewhere and planted deliberately.""Both scenarios are disturbing.""We are taking this seriously,” Fleming said.The dead stoat has now been sent to an expert to see what further information can be obtained.Samples are being sent for genetic testing to try to determine where it has come from, Fleming said.DOC is appealing to the public to come forward if they have any information about the dead stoat’s origins.“It would have devastating implications for native wildlife if stoats were to take hold on Rakiura,” Fleming said.“In other places in New Zealand where there are stoats, kiwi chick survival can be as low as zero without sustained pest control. Imagine the damage stoats could do on Rakiura, which is known for its tokoeka or southern brown kiwi population.”“If stoats were to establish on Rakiura they would threaten efforts to create a predator-free space for kākāpō to be returned, and they would quickly decimate other native species on the island.”The Predator Free Rakiura project is currently working on the removal of Rakiura’s existing pest species – rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs – in one of the largest and most complex predator eradication projects ever attempted on an inhabited island.Introducing pests such as stoats constitutes an offence in New Zealand, with serious consequences and penalties including imprisonment of up to five years and significant fines.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DOC 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Due to work on the PowerNet Awarua Network Project, Motu Rimu Road will be closed from SH1 Bluff Highway to Tiwai Road from Thursday 24th July through to Tuesday 29th July. No access from SH1 Bluff highway to Motu Rimu RoadNo access from Motu Rimu Road to SH1 Bluff highwayNo through access on Motu Rimu Road All vehicles wanting to access Motu Rimu Road, MacKay Road and Tiwai Road, please detour via Blyth/Motu Rimu Road.Photo: NZ Transport Agency

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:Winter driving conditions - expect ice and grit.Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine with light winds. Tomorrow: Fine with light winds. Thursday: Cloudy periods. Friday: Light rain & strong northerlies. Saturday: Light rain & strong northerlies.

One man is dead and another is in a serious condition after a boating incident on Lake Manapouri at the weekend (20 Jul).Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said Police were advised around 7:20pm on Sunday night that two experienced fishers had failed to return from a fishing trip on the lake, and had also failed to check in on the radio.An aerial search was mounted for the boat using a local helicopter along with marine radio calls and area inquiries.The helicopter located the boat, with the two men onboard, around 12:30am in Safe Cove.However one man was deceased while the other was found in serious condition.Bowman said the man in a serious condition was taken to hospital where he is now recovering well.Police are investigating the series of events before the pair was discovered.Enquiries will be made by Police on behalf of the Coroner in relation to the deceased, Bowman said.