This year's Bayleys Tussock Country - New Zealand Country music festival attracted 10,322 participants, from throughout New Zealand and Australia, and pumped an estimated $2.1 million into the local economy according to organisers.Average stays in Gore also increased from 3.6 nights in 2023 to 4.3 nights this year.The 10-day country music festival is held annually, around Kings Birthday (late May to early June), in Gore and this year featured 72 events.These included concerts and shows, workshops and master classes, and competitions including the showcase MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards.Line dancing, truck shows, cheese roll making and even Mai Mai tours have now been included as part of a southern touch to the festivities.Trust chair, Jeff Rea said they acknowledged the tireless work of volunteers and key event organisations —the Gore Country Music Club, the NZ Songwriters Trust, the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards committee and the Gore District Council who all shared a vision of developing the relatively new festival concept into one of New Zealand’s biggest and most successful annual music events.Zac Griffith, Arun O'Connor and Keily Smith work on 'The Only Way', a song the co-wrote during the Apra Amcos 321 Session at this year's festival. Photo: Supplied“Witnessing the festival’s growth and the benefits it’s bringing to our community is a welcome reward for the efforts of many, and we look forward to delivering a significantly bigger festival in 2025 as we join the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards in their 50th year celebrations,” she said.Rea said he looked forward to another action-packed festival of events, musicians and audiences from throughout New Zealand in 2025 and beyond. Next year's event will be held in Gore from May 23rd until June 1st 2025.For performers and competitors, event registrations open in September and ticket sales to attend events open in February 2025.

Situations VacantBakery Assistant - Plaza SuperValueFuneral Director - J Fraser & Sons LtdStihl Shop Winton Full time Mechanic/Cycle TechnicianCasual journalist/writer - Southland AppEventsNZ Garden Bird - Scavenger Hunt and Colouring In - Invercargill

Central Southland College, performing their piece 'Disconnect', has won the Open section of this year's Southland regional final of Showquest held at the Civic Theatre on 25th June.Showquest attracts thousands of primary, intermediate and secondary students annually to perform and compete against each other using elements of art, music, dance, drama, culture, and technology into a themed performance piece.It is estimated up to 7,500 students from more than 200 schools were involved in the 2024 competition.Southland judges Julie Smith, Travis Luke and Ashleigh Reid ranked local school teams based on their production, performance, movement, and theme. Student leader of the winning open section - Central Southland College's Keeley Bailey said she was really proud of everyone and what they did."A big thank you to all the staff and all the helpers who came out today; we couldn’t have done it without them.” The Junior section was won by James Hargest College Junior, with their piece entitled ‘Opportunity Overload’.The full list of awards from Showquest Southland Open:1st Place - Central Southland College2nd Place - Southland Girls' High School (Senior)3rd Place - Wakatipu High SchoolBest Choreography: James Hargest College (Senior)    Highly Commended Choreography: St Hilda's Collegiate School   Best Drama:   Logan Park High School Highly Commended Drama: Verdon College Best Lighting: Central Southland College, Dunstan High School  Best Props: Fiordland College  Highly Commended Props: Wakatipu High School  Best Styling: Southland Girls' High School (Senior)               Best Theme: Southland Girls' High School (Senior)                Best Video Wall: Verdon CollegeHighly Commended Video Wall: Logan Park High School, Fiordland CollegeZM Soundtrack Award: Logan Park High School   Highly Commended Zm Soundtrack: James Hargest College (Senior), Wakatipu High SchoolBest Live Music: Dunstan High School  Highly Commended Live Music: Central Southland College, St Hilda's Collegiate SchoolBest Original Composition (Student-Created): St Hilda's Collegiate SchoolPublic Speaking Award: Logan Park High School  Whetū Rangatahi - Star Of The Show: Faith From Central Southland College    Showquest School Spirit: Dunstan High School, Central Southland College     Full List Of Awards From Showquest Southland Junior:1st Place- James Hargest College (Junior)2nd Place- Southland Girls High (Junior)Best Choreography: Southland Girls High (Junior)Highly Commended Choreography: James Hargest College (Junior)Best Drama:   James Hargest College (Junior              Best Props: Southland Girls High (Junior)                Best Theme:   Southland Girls High (Junior)          ZM Soundtrack Award: James Hargest College Junior        Public Speaking Award: James Hargest College (Junior)Whetū Rangatahi - Star Of The Show: Liam From James Hargest College JuniorShowquest has been staged in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury, and Southland.A National Digital Final will name the top entry nationwide in August.

Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick has criticised Environment Southland’s (ES) attempts to cut costs, which in the 2024-5 year will include reducing the proposed rate increase from 23% to 12.6%, halving its flood protection work and digging into reserves.He believes that while beneficial, the proposed changes are a red herring detracting from the long standing bureaucratic issues at hand for Southland farmers."I would like personally, to go back to the drawing board to keep the status quo and actually dig deeper into the cost expenditure,” Mr Herrick says.“All councils need to actually start spending the money wisely and efficiently, pulling back to meet the income they have and to stop offloading pet projects or "like to haves" onto ratepayers.” It’s been a grim year for farm owners so far, and Mr Herrick says although inflation has eased off a bit, savings are getting soaked up straight away by the rate increases across all four councils."A lot of farmers are not going to break even, a lot of farmers are going to lose money, a lot of farmers are under bank pressure.”"With many facing the decision to get out entirely and being unable to sustain things going forward, the operational side of councils across the region are coming under scrutiny.""The biggest problem we have is actually the LGNZ [Local Government New Zealand] policy frame network, so even the counselors have got to do as they are told pretty much,” says Herrick. Alongside this year's changes, ES have also flagged their intention to look at transitioning to a new rating model.Herreck suspects a capital-based system will be on the table and while seeing both positives and negatives to it, he remains skeptical."I'm not in favor of the Capital rating system, because it will deter people from doing what's right - because it is going to cost them more.”Herreck used the example of a wintering barn, that typically cost over $3.5 million."If they're going to go to a capital rating system, no one's going to put in a wintering barn because it's going to increase their rates tenfold."To Herrick, it should be about doing things properly and doing what's fair instead of penalizing the people doing things right.

  -Towards the end of term 1, it was a busy final few weeks.We had 9 students who represented the Central Zone at the Southland Athletics carnival!!Well done to ; Ryder, Eliza, Lilly, Max, Bethany, Pyper, Zaria, Poppy and Ritchie.It was great to see them in action and we are very proud of their efforts and success on the day.    With Easter happening at the end of the term, it made for a couple of short weeks, but we still managed to continue on our wonderful learning, with great efforts from Room 1 learners Clare and Trixie  We had our Easter Craft Day.It again was a fantastic day!This year Ko Taku Reo joined us for our craft activities and Easter Egg Hunt.We had some fun also with adding something ‘Eastery’ to our uniforms.On behalf of the Fundraising Group I’d like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket, we raised $2,516 in total.We’ve had added a bit of colour around school!A huge thanks to Donna from Murphy’s Dairy our yellow and pink PRIMO hats and visors, they work well in keeping the sun off our heads!       We also added purple to our uniform for Purple Day – Epilepsy NZ    At the start of term 2 we are continuing working with Kate Horton from Coaching Colab for our Professional Development to help strengthen our Local Curriculum.We shared the student voice feedback she had gathered when she asked each class these questions:What makes Wallacetown School kids awesome?·       What makes your school special?·       How is Wallacetown School getting you ready for your future?Using the feedback from our students we developed a Learner Profile with the skills we want our students to have when they leave Wallacetown School. ·         Kobe, Couper, Zach, Max, and Billy happy to be back at school after the holiday break!    Rugby Southland paid us a visit and worked with the Children on Skills! Navy, Lottoe & Maci enjoyed their session.                  In Week 4, we welcomed Jake to room 4-Cross Country in Browns - Thank you to everyone who offered and took transport for Cross Country on Friday 24 May.It was great to see everyone out their doing their best, mud and all!Lots of smiles and as always supportive of each other.  Central Cross Country - Well done to the following students who represented Wallacetown School at Central Cross Country in Dipton on the 30th of May – Ryder, Couper, William, Max, Denzel, Ritchie, Jake, Flynn, Zaria, Paigan, Ella and Nixie.We are very proud of their efforts!In week 6 We welcomed 2 new students.                                                                                      Karolina in Room 3   Easton in room 1That’s it from us at Wallacetown school.If you are looking for a school for your children, we are only happy to show you around!!Wallacetown School proudly sponsored by Pypers Produce  

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark may be on leave, but that hasn’t stopped him ruffling feathers in his absence.A committee restructure initiated by the mayor will soon push long-serving councillor Ian Pottinger out of a chair’s role — a position he’s held since 2019.Pottinger was the only casualty of the reshuffle, and remains none-the-wiser why he’s been dropped.“I’m a bit p.....d, in the fact that there wasn’t a review where you got interviewed,” he told Local Democracy Reporting.Pottinger expressed concern at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon where the decision was approved, requesting Clark’s adjustments sat on the table until he returned from a month off.But deputy mayor Tom Campbell said the mayor was not required to deliver them.Pottinger opted to not table a motion for its delay because he didn’t want to force the deputy mayor.“He’s in charge, it was his call,” he said.Last week, Pottinger made an early call for Clark’s resignation after the details of a code of conduct complaint went public alleging the mayor made inappropriate comments at a private event.A seperate code of conduct matter brought against the mayor in April by Pottinger and councillor Ria Bond related to Clark’s appearance on New Zealand Today, and is ongoing.Pottinger had previously withdrawn his candidacy for mayor in 2022 to throw his support behind Clark.Asked last week if things were now frosty between the pair, he laughed."No comment. We’ve got different views on life.”Pottinger said on Wednesday that regardless of different views, it was important the mayor did what was best for the city.“And I believe with my experience and skill that I am the best chair, and honestly, next best chair if he really doesn’t want me would be Alex Crackett, because previous term she was deputy chair."To take the projects chair and make them the infrastructure chair doesn’t make sense.“So those were sort of questions I wanted to run past Nobby, but he wasn’t there.”Pottinger said Clark had emailed him yesterday to catch up next month and explain the decision making process, but it was too late.Mayor Clark is currently on a paid month off after announcing on Monday he had come back too soon from open heart surgery in January.He was approached for comment, but did not respond.In a media release from the council on Wednesday, Mayor Clark thanked Pottinger for his time, commitment and input to the role.The reshuffle sees Pottinger’s infrastructure committee link with projects, which would now be chaired by first-term councillor Grant Dermody.Dermody’s previous finance and projects committee would be renamed finance and policy, and be chaired by councillor Lesley Soper.The community wellbeing committee would be renamed the community wellbeing and regulatory committee, with councillor Darren Ludlow remaining as chair.Independent consultant Ross Jackson had already been appointed chair of the council’s risk and assurance committee following the resignation of previous independent chair Bruce Robertson.Mayor Clark said he made a promise when he became mayor to review committee structures, and Pottinger said councillors had been told about the proposed changes in advance this month.The restructure is set to come into place July 1.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Splash Palace's Learn to Swim Programme is setting the standard for swimming education nationwide. This long-running initiative is the envy of many regions and significantly impacts the Invercargill community.On a busy May morning, we visited Splash Palace to witness the action firsthand. Aquatic Services Manager Steve Cook mentioned that the pool typically sees around 1,000 visitors at this time of year, with numbers doubling during water polo sessions.Steve Cook takes great pride in the programme offered at Splash Palace. "It's one of the best models in the country, a true example of community partnership benefiting the children of Invercargill," he says.This year, ILT Group approved $182,500 in funding, covering transport, pool hire, teaching expenses, and equipment. Together with Invercargill City Council and Splash Palace, who take care of the entry, this programme ensures swimming lessons for all Invercargill-based primary school children, equalling an impressive 40,113 pool admissions.This collaboration has a long history. A $1.5 million grant in 2004 contributed to the construction of a learner’s pool at Splash Palace, followed by annual funding for the programme since its inception around 2007/2008. “This programme is hugely important for our community, benefiting our kids in so many ways. Not only is it equipping them with the skills to swim, but it’s also developing their self-confidence and self-esteem,” Cook said. ILT president Paddy O’Brien shares this sentiment. “We know how crucial it is for children to learn water skills early in life. For some students, this is the only swimming education they’ll receive. We’re incredibly proud to have been long time supporters,” he said. The programme targets primary school children between the ages of 7-12, providing them with 8-10 lessons each. While specific data on the programme saving lives is unavailable, Water Safety NZ statistics indicate its significance, with Southland children having some of the best improvement in swimming abilities nationwide. “Plus, the kids love it, you can hear the excitement as buses pull up, they fill the changing room and head out for their lesson. For some, it’s the highlight of their week and our team loves it too!” Cook adds. Steve and his team are working to grow the programme during the quieter months and are collaborating with schools around the region to offer boat safety training. This provides students across Southland access to equipment and the deep water at Splash Palace. With 29 schools participating the logistics can be challenging, but Cook notes, “We all work together - schools, bus provider and our team. It really is a community effort.” Published by arrangement

An Invercargill City Council meeting was interrupted by a surprise visitor on Tuesday afternoon — a man claiming to be the brother of the city’s embattled mayor.As councillors moved between agenda items, a man in a fluorescent work uniform made his way to the council table, asking the interruption be excused.“I just want to be courteous, people are looking at me. I’m Nobby’s younger brother, as you can see.“I’d just like to thank all these councillors for being supportive in this time of need.“I just think it’s very important to acknowledge, so thank you very much.”Mayor Clark has been in hot water of late over a code of conduct matter relating to comments he made at a private event in March.On Monday, he announced he would take a further month off work after returning too quickly from open heart surgery earlier in the year.The man claiming to be Clark’s brother said he was attending a concert next door to the chambers — which have temporarily relocated to the Civic Theatre while building work is undertaken at Te Hīnaki.“Is that a defibrillator you’re carrying with you?” deputy mayor Tom Campbell asked him.The man responded it was not, adding he was there for the concert.“Nice to see you mate, cheers,” the deputy said.Clark is expected to return on July 21, with Campbell filling in until that time.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

A local government expert is calling for the resignation of Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark, saying the city deserves better.Dr Andy Asquith of the University of Technology Sydney said the mayor had "brought the office into disrepute" and should step aside.The comments follow multiple calls for Clark’s resignation last week after a code of conduct complaint from United Fire Brigades’ Association went public.Allegations from the private event include that Clark made derogatory remarks towards a female MC, disparaged young people in positions of authority, and labelled volunteer firefighters as second-class citizens.“He’s clearly unfit for public office, and the people of Invercargill deserve better,” Dr Asquith said.There was a certain level of intelligent behaviour, decorum and language expected for the role, he said“This guy is supposed to be the number one citizen of Invercargill, people look up to the mayor.”Prior to joining the University of Technology Sydney, Dr Asquith worked at Massey University in New Zealand and specialised in the local government sector.He believed there needed to be a national code of conduct for councillors and mayors, referencing a recent incident in Hamilton where a councillor sent an expletive-laden submission to a neighbouring council as extra impetus.Dr Asquith was disappointed the last Government’s future for local government reform had gone by the wayside, saying it dealt with issues such as code of conduct, governance training and education.Clark has been forthright in his opposition to standing down, also refusing to step aside from public engagements at the request of other councillors.On Monday, he announced he would take an extra month off, acknowledging he had come back from open heart surgery too soon.The month would be used to “refresh and look more positively to my role as mayor", Clark said.Invercargill City Council confirmed the mayor would continue to be paid from his annual salary of $149,291 during the month off.In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting regarding Mayor Clark, Minister for Local Government Simeon Brown said it was not unusual for challenges to arise at the governance level.Councils were responsible for addressing those, he said.“Ultimately, mayors and councillors are democratically accountable to their communities.“Councils are responsible for resolving issues. The threshold for Ministerial intervention, including appointing an observer, is high.”A second code of conduct complaint against Clark relating to his appearance on television show New Zealand Today is ongoing.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

The 273 empty and derelict buildings around Invercargill and Southland could be addressed through a new Government review of earthquake prone buildings, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds has said. “This is a real problem in the South - Invercargill has 162 earthquake-prone buildings – the 4th highest rate of 27 regions around the country, while Southland has 63 and Gore 48." “Many of these buildings have been sitting empty and abandoned for years, with safety issues and vandalism a problem. They also do nothing to improve the look of Invercargill city or the surrounding local towns." “By making it easier and cheaper for these building owners to redevelop and continue to use their properties, while ensuring public safety measures are in place, we can improve business confidence which will also help rebuild the Southern economy." “With 273 of these unsightly, old buildings across Southland, this review could be a real catalyst for change in our province." “Many people tell me they’re concerned about the current state of these old buildings, and they want something done, while their owners are stuck because can’t afford to move forward with remediation works." “This Government review intends to make sure we are getting the balance right between public safety and the costs put on building owners." “The current system attempts to manage risk by requiring earthquake-prone buildings to be remediated within set timeframes." “But it’s just not working, with many buildings not being brought up to standard because the owners can’t comply, due to high remediation costs and an excessive layering of regulations." “This is why we have acted with urgency to bring forward this review to provide certainty and ensure we get a good balance between protecting lives and real-world costs.” The review will be extensive and will report back in the first half of 2025 with a focus on: - cost of mitigating earthquake risk and improving buildings’ resilience- proposals for managing earthquake risk with effect on private property owners- barriers and the types of incentives that would help building owners better manage seismic risk- changes that align with broader Government objectives, such as going for housing growth and rebuilding the economy

Situations VacantBakery Assistant - Plaza SuperValueFuneral Director - J Fraser & Sons LtdStihl Shop Winton Full time Mechanic/Cycle TechnicianCasual journalist/writer - Southland AppEventsNZ Garden Bird - Scavenger Hunt and Colouring In - Invercargill

Milford Road OPENNO Avalanche Hazard Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: FineTomorrow: Mainly fine.Thursday: Rain and strong to gale NW winds developing.Friday: Rain easing to showers.Saturday: Cloudy & showers.

Invercargill’s deputy mayor has seemingly changed his rationale for why he requested the mayor to step aside from public speaking engagements.On Friday, deputy Tom Campbell put forward a motion at an extraordinary council meeting strongly recommending Mayor Nobby Clark delegate all public engagements moving forward.It followed a code of conduct complaint against Clark about comments he’d made at a United Fire Brigades' Association (UFBA) event in March, where he's accused of belittling the female MC and disparaging young people in positions of authority.At Friday’s council meeting — held specifically to discuss Clark’s conduct — Campbell said it was important to protect the council moving forward.“I do think that there is a need to provide some mechanism or protection that we don’t find ourselves in the same situation again in a couple of months' time, following another public speaking engagement,” he said.One way to provide that protection was to delegate all public engagements to either the deputy mayor or another councillor, he said.On Saturday, a leaked email to media revealed Clark would not accept a restricted role, and planned to continue his mayor duties as usual.Campbell told Stuff he was “very disappointed” by that decision, believing Clark would again falter in the coming months.But following a Monday afternoon announcement from the mayor that he would take a month off to “refresh” — made shortly after a meeting with Campbell — those fears seemed to subside.Campbell said it was now “pointless” to discuss the mayor’s lack of willingness to step back from speaking engagements, saying the time off would give him a chance to reflect."The intention of that (Friday) motion . . . was to reduce the number of hours he worked, take him out of the evening public engagements that he was doing."Campbell said the mayor was doing 60 hour working weeks, which was leaving him "overwhelmed".“This is a bit of a timeout for him to get better and think about things.”Serving in his first term as a councillor, Campbell was a former Tiwai Point aluminium smelter general manager who entered the chambers under Clark’s ‘Let’s Go Invercargill’ ticket.Included in that ticket was existing councillor Allan Arnold and new councillors Grant Dermody and Barry Stewart.On Friday, all four voted against councillor Ian Pottinger’s failed motion requesting the mayor step down.The motion narrowly lost six votes to five — hindered by the lack of voting privileges available to the council’s mana whenua representatives who were vocal about the mayor’s actions.Mayor Clark had previously blamed “brain fade” for his comments at the UFBA event, a condition he said he had been told could last two years following open heart surgery.In a statement released Monday afternoon, Clark said he had apologised for the “banter” at his table and beginning of his speech.He believed the main concern was focused on his claims about volunteer firefighters at the event.UFBA did not wish to comment further on what had happened.Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

A new trophy will be contested annually between the Steel and Pulse in tribute to legendary netball coach Robyn Broughton.The teams will play for the Robyn Broughton Legacy Trophy for the first time when they meet in Invercargill on 1 July, honouring a woman who coached both teams during a decorated domestic career.Former Silver Ferns shooter Donna Wilkins said Broughton, who died last year at the age of 80, deserved such an acknowledgement.Wilkins played under Broughton at both teams."Having this game in Robbie's honour is a nice touch to celebrate everything she did in our province for netball - from coaching the school kids to the elite players," she said."And it is extremely fitting to have this match against the Pulse, where Robbie finished her coaching career."Truthfully, she would probably hate the fuss, but deep down she would be humbled."It is always important to remember those who have gone before us - especially those who had such a massive impact on our sport, like Robbie did."It is a great way to remember her, not only for us as a netball community but for her family as well."Donna Wilkins played under Broughton in both the Pulse and the Steel. Photo: Dianne MansonBroughton's success as a domestic coach was unrivalled, guiding Steel's predecessor the Southern Sting to 10 national finals and claiming seven championships.Wilkins had fond memories of representing both franchises during her sporting career."The years of the Southern Sting were unbelievable. Not only [for] the netball, but the community vibe and support during those years can never be forgotten. Finals every year and seven titles, all with Robbie at the helm coaching us," she said."Being able to finish my netball career in Wellington for the Pulse under Robbie was an honour. And I will always be grateful to the Pulse franchise for enabling me to do that."I had some pretty amazing teammates over those years and lots of great memories."

Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark is refusing to step down from making public appearances following a Code of Conduct investigation.But the embattled mayor has admitted he returned to work too soon after open heart surgery and would now take a month off to refresh and look more positively on his role.An extraordinary meeting was held on Friday to discuss the investigation into allegations he mocked, disrespected and degraded guests at a United Fire Brigades' Association event including labelling volunteer firefighters as second hand citizens.Councillors voted to ask him to delegate his duties to all formal public events for the rest of the council term after receiving advice Clark might suffer from brain fade following his surgery, as well as deciding to formally censure him and ask him to apologise to those impacted.Clark declined to comment to media, instead releasing two statements through the council's media team on Monday afternoon.He refused to step down from making public appearances, saying that removing him from public duties was not a penalty that they could use, it was not binding and based on health concerns he could monitor, and he already shared his work load while preparing to retire at next years' election.He also addressed the complaint, saying he has apologised twice for banter, but his comments about volunteers supported and acknowledged their work.Clark said he did not raise this with the investigator because he believed the public complaint should not have gone through a Code of Conduct process "as to do so, would quieten elected members from saying anything controversial".It was the second Code of Conduct complaint he has faced this year, after councillors Ian Pottinger and Ria Bond filed a complaint after Clark repeatedly and unapologetically using the N-word during an interview.Nobby Clark arrives at an extraordinary council meeting and refuses to resign despite councillors calling for it as a result of conduct complaints and inappropriate behaviour. Photo: RNZ / Tess BruntonA vote to ask him to resign was narrowly defeated at Friday's meeting, with some councillors suggesting he might not be capable of performing as mayor if he was impacted by brain fade - which he said he suffered from in his apology to the association.He confirmed he had experienced some brain fade which was an impact of the surgery and could result in "some minor disjointed presentation" and take two years to clear.But he said he flagged this with councillors and senior council staff."Recent advice from two leading NZ medical professors, states that brain fade can be an impact and tends to dissipate within three months. I don't have any current, ongoing impacts and I feel fine," Clark said."I've also had a medical test to ensure that I have no memory deterioration and that was positive and normal."His second statement arrived less than an hour after the first, saying, upon reflection, he came back to work too soon after surgery."Having spent some time over the weekend considering the impact of the Code of Conduct on me, Karen and our family, and the wider community, I've decided to take a further month off work," Clark said.The council had approved a three month Leave of Absence following his surgery and he returned to the role after two months.Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell will fill his role with support from the committee chairs until Nobby Clark was expected to return late next month.Reproduced with permission

Please see below the areas of the Southland state highway network where you may experience delays this week due to programmed roadworks.  Highways South work with traffic management in place (all with temporary speed limits):SH6 North Road south of Lorneville roundabout, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway between Ryal Bush and Lochiel, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH96 between Wreys Bush and Ohai, temporary traffic lights for pavement repairsSH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Stick Road, temporary traffic lights for drainage work (two locations)SH99 Orepuki-Riverton highway near Ward Road, temporary traffic lights for drainage work Third party work and events with traffic management in place this week (all with temporary speed limits):SH6 North Road, lane drop for footpath renewalsSH6 North Road north of West Plains Road, lane shift for pavement workSH6 Winton-Lorneville highway between Gap Road and Thomsons Crossing road, stop/go for power pole maintenanceSH95 Manapouri-Te Anau highway near Mount York Road, stop/go for tree maintenanceSH96 Winton-Hedgehope highway near Springhills, temporary traffic lights for pavement workUseful links:NZTA Journeys website - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner Freight 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.Due to the Matariki public holiday on Friday, work on state highways will end at midday on Thursday 27th (with the exception of emergency works).

One of New Zealand’s greatest conservation successes will be celebrated during Matariki (28-29 Jun) on Rakiura/Stewart Island when Whenua Hou Codfish Island marks its 25th year being predator free.Located just 3 km from the coast of Rakiura/Stewart Island, Codfish Island is perhaps best known as the home of the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery programme.Entry to the island is strictly controlled by permit and also includes firm quarantine rules.Whenua Hou Komiti member Shona Sangster said the island’s role in biodiversity progress and saving our taonga species can’t be understated. “Whenua Hou’s status as a refuge for our taonga species has only been possible thanks to the vision and determination of many people who removed invaders from Whenua Hou in a series of eradications up to 1999.”“The 25th anniversary is our chance to recognise Ngāi Tahu’s rangatiratanga of the motu, to celebrate the work of DOC and Aotearoa as a centre for excellence for island eradications and biosecurity, and to highlight the potential for what has been achieved on Whenua Hou being replicated here on Rakiura.”“We know that we nearly lost the kākāpō once, and it was only by securing Whenua Hou that we were able to save the species." "Now, it’s time to turn our attention to making their ancestral home on Rakiura safe for them to return - while saving other precious manu which are on the brink, like the Pukunui - Southern New Zealand Dotterel.”While kākāpō certainly helped to put Whenua Hou ‘on the map’ (who could forget the BBC’s famous “shagged by a parrot” clip featuring Conservation Spokesbird Sirocco), it was the commitment and bravery of kiwi conservationists, volunteers, scientists and advocates which truly made it possible for the island to become the shining example of an island sanctuary it is today, Sangster said. “We want to make sure that we show our appreciation to the unsung heroes who have put the hard mahi into not only making Whenua Hou safe, but keeping it safe for the past 25 years.” The celebrations begin with a dinner on Friday 28 June, featuring guest speakers, while Saturday will see a series of free activities include culture and heritage talks, a biodiversity panel, a kākāpō technology demonstration, and pop-up exhibition. Anyone on Rakiura for the event will also have the chance to make banners with artist-in-residence Janet De Wagt all day on Saturday, visit a pop-up Whenua Hou exhibition at the Rakiura museum, meet Blake the taxidermied Kākāpō, and explore Whenua Hou through Google Earth Voyager mapping.CLICK HERE for tickets to the dinner. CLICK HERE for information about Rakiura travel and accommodation options.

Macdonald and Weston Funeral Home have spread their wings and opened a new premises in Gore.With 100 years of serving Southlanders under the name Macdonald and Weston, such a great legacy that speaks volumes about what the locally, owned and operated business means to the community.Macdonald and Weston Funeral Home’s motto of integrity, compassion and kindness has seen them through over a century of walking alongside families in their time of grief.Macdonald & Weston Gore's premises at 45 Medway Street, Gore.Managing funeral director and owner Sharron Hanley said, “We strive to support people to become more comfortable around funerals. It’s about the celebration of your loved one’s life.”Macdonald and Weston Home offers qualified Funeral Directors, Embalmers and Stonemasons.The Macdonald and Weston team pride themselves with walking beside families, knowing that they have someone on their journey with them from start to finish.Macdonald and Weston Funeral Home is not limited to holding funerals in a chapel - they will travel to wherever families want to hold a celebration of life in whatever form that takes.Macdonald & Weston Gore's family reception area.There is no distance too far, for this dedicated team, to travel and nothing they won’t do for their families. “We’ve organised funerals in people’s homes, on beaches, even in a tavern”.The folk at Macdonald and Weston Funeral Home embrace their community with a family friendly approach and that involves working with families to ensure their loved ones are celebrated without letting costs get in the way.Working closely with Southlanders has enabled the business to keep things local, and they have maintained great relationships, that has contributed to the success and enduring reputation of Macdonald and Weston Funeral Home.We welcome Rob Hall into our Macdonald and Western family team, Rob comes to Macdonald and Weston Gore Funeral Home with a long-standing connection to the local Eastern Southland community, having been born, raised, and worked in the Edendale / Wyndham districts, and for the last 21 years, farming in the Waikaka area.The Macdonald & Weston team, now based in both Invercargill and Gore.Married to Lynne, who is the Knapdale – Waikaka Presbyterian Minister, Rob & Lynne enjoy living & working in the Southland – Otago regions.Involved in a wide range of groups across New Zealand including A&P shows, musical theatre, singing groups and the pipe band movement, Rob also enjoys breeding Angus and Galloway Cattle, Southdown Sheep and Clydesdale Horses, while also being an accomplished Beef, Sheep & Equestrian judge. His strong Christian faith & church involvement enhances his positive and busy lifestyle he leads.  Having a warm, friendly demeanour and good sense of humour, helps Rob bring comfort to families in a very difficult time. With years of experience as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, he finds being involved in the funeral profession a real privilege and honour.This devoted business with a team of qualified, specialists, has earned their history in wider Southland because they are proud southlanders who know that being ‘real’ is the only authentic way to be.They look forward to helping, families celebrate their loved one’s life, in a personal and meaningful way. McDonald & Weston Gore45 Medway St, GoreP: 03 208 1156E: [email protected]: www.mwfunerals.co.nz

Scientists from NIWA and Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, who are studying broadnose sevengill sharks in Fiordland in an effort to better understand the effects of climate change, returned to the southern fiords last month (May).In their week-long stay they attached transmitters to the 11 sharks as well as installing 29 acoustic receivers on the seafloor.The project, funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation, began in May 2023 when scientists deployed baited underwater video cameras in Breaksea Sound.NIWA fisheries scientist Dr Brit Finucci said that sharks, as apex predators, played a crucial role in the ecosystem and could be indicators of the health of an environment."Fiordland National Park is an incredibly unique ecosystem. We know very little about the sharks that live in this area, but we do know that the Fiordland environment is at risk from climate change.""Now is an opportune time to study how sharks may be impacted by a changing environment in the future."The broadnose sevengill is commonly observed in Fiordland, reaching over 2.5m in length, but is globally threatened - with fishing activity reducing shark numbers in some locations.Little is known about the impacts of climate change on their health and population."The sharks that we tagged were calm and relaxed, and it was amazing to see them so close when usually we only get glimpses of them whilst diving.""The tags will transmit data for up to the next 10 years and the receivers we put on the seafloor will collect data every time a shark swims near it," Finucci said.Project lead Dr Alice Rogers, a Senior Lecturer in fisheries science at Victoria University, said it is an exciting project to be working on."The team on the boat were great and it’s one of the most beautiful environments I’ve ever worked in, so I feel privileged to be doing this research.""I also love this species - its ancestors date back to the Jurassic period, so they’re almost like dinosaurs.""It’ll be great to see how resilient they are to the effects of climate change and warming seas," Rogers said.The team will return to Fiordland every six months to gather the data from the receivers.They will monitor the short- and long-term information on their movements to understand the sharks’ behaviour and how this may be changing.While in the area, the scientists also use their time to work on other Southern Fiordland Initiative projects including studying the iconic Fiordland black coral, Antipathella fiordensis, and monitoring environmental conditions and deep-water communities at three long-term monitoring sites.