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.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No delays expected today. Homer Tunnel is closing for maintenance works Monday to Thursday nights from 05th May through to 22nd May, 6pm to 3am. No public access during these closures due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Mainly fine Tomorrow: ShowersWednesday: ShowersThursday: Rain Friday: Showers

A stock truck has rolled on the Tokanui Gorge Road Highway, near Fortrose, this morning (5 May).Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash about 7.45am.Police said the driver was not seriously injured, however the road is completely blocked.It is expected to be closed for some time while the scene is cleared, they said.Motorists should avoid the area, or expect delays.

Drummond Primary School recently visited the Waimatuku River. DOC coordinated a number of activities including birdwatching, water quality, fish and eels, salt marsh, native plants & weeds and much more.A big thank you to Ini and the team at Doc for organising this event.Waimatuku River DOC visit. Photo: suppliedAt the end of Term 1 our Year 7 & 8 students joined Waianiwa school for our Bi Annual Deep Cove camp.Deep Cove Camp Adventures had by all. Photo: suppliedThe children had an amazing adventure and made lifelong memories!Boat ride and adventure walks. Photo: suppliedWe are looking forward to Term 2 with lots of exciting events happening including a cross country, speeches and much more!Cross country races and resting on the tyre swing. Photos: supplied .Hardegger Ag proud sponsor of Drummond Primary School.

A viewing platform above Fiordland falls where a young girl died last year is being rebuilt.The Lake Marian track has closed for the month while the Department of Conservation worked on a new platform just off the lower Hollyford Road.10-year-old Australian girl Tegan Chen slipped on rocks into Marian Creek in what locals called an "unforgiving" spot in January 2024.The Department of Conservation said the new platform would allow visitors to enjoy the dramatic view "away from the river's edge".The Otago Daily Times reported the Department of Conservation had been planning for the upgrade before Chen died.The platform marked the start of the Lake Marian track for advanced trampers."All visitors to Lake Marian track should avoid walking near the creek," the Department said."The rocks are slippery, and Marian Creek's current is strong. A fall into the water could cause serious injury or death. Stay on the track. Keep children within arm's reach and watch them carefully."While the platform was being built, visitors could still see the lower rapids but not the upper falls.Published by permission

The Southland District Council (SDC) has appointed Rex Williams as one of its two directors on the board of Milford Sound Tourism Ltd (MSTL).MSTL operates the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, parking facilities, staff accommodation, wastewater and recycling systems at Milford Sound and is owned in equal proportions by Real Group and Skeggs Group, with SDC holding the remaining 2%.The company operates from revenue received from a levy that is added to visitors' cruise tickets.Williams said he was looking forward to contributing to MSTL.“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is a very special place with a unique set of governance challenges and responsibilities which will require careful consideration,” he said.Williams, a civil engineer, comes with an extensive resume including government governance appointments on the West Coast District Health Board and two terms as Environment Canterbury commissioner.He has also served on the University of Canterbury Council's finance committee and was Chancellor for three years.From 2006 to 2021, he was a director and chair of Invercargill-based H W Richardson Group Limited.Volunteer governance roles have included chair of national cycling advocacy group CAN, river care group Styx Living Laboratory Trust and the Southland Museum Redevelopment Panel, along with being a trustee of Canterbury Museum.A committee member and Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors Canterbury, he also provides mentoring to a range of government appointees.Williams is currently chair of Te Tai o Poutini Planning Committee on the West Coast.“Over the years I have learned the importance of understanding the philosophy and practice of community decision-making while bearing in mind the commercial necessities of all activities,” Williams said.Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said Williams was definitely the right person for the role and it was exciting to add such a wealth of expertise.“I was really impressed with [Williams] broad experience across a range of sectors, including local government,” Scott said.“Given the complexities of Milford Sound Piopiotahi, I am confident Rex will be a valuable addition to the board as council's appointment.”Williams will join five other directors on the MSTL board, for a three-year term, on 1st July 2025.

A person has died after a fatal accident at the Te Anau Transfer Station this afternoon (2 May).Emergency services were called at around 3.28pm, with Police, Fire and St John responding.Police have confirmed it was a workplace incident.Southland District Council group manager Fran Mikulicic said the whole of Council was shocked and saddened by the tragic news.“All our thoughts and sympathy are with the family of the deceased,” she said.Police and WasteCo staff are on site at the transfer station now and the investigation will continue for some time.WasteCo is contracted by Council to run the transfer station.WorkSafe has also been notified and the accident has been referred to the coroner, Police said.A council spokesperson said the transfer station will be closed at least until Wednesday (7 May).More to come...

Invercargill Police were called to a property on the Winton-Lorneville Highway around 11.40am this morning (2 May).Police said one person had subsequently been taken into custody.A section of SH98, the Lorneville-Dacre highway, remains closed.

Disability groups are pushing for retention of Total Mobility funding amid a potential trimming of the service in Invercargill.CCS Disability Action access coordinator Mary O’Brien presented to the city council this week as part of its annual plan consultation, urging it to continue funding the programme at current levels.“Total Mobility is an essential service for many people. It’s there to provide a service for people who cannot use other forms of transport," she said.The nationwide transport initiative assists people who struggle to get around, with fares subsidised 75 percent by central and local government, to a limit.Invercargill’s programme has seen an 88 percent increase in popularity for the three years to 2023/24, prompting the city council to explore options for disincentivising.Although some used it for recreation, it was mostly used for essentials services such as shopping or going to the doctor, O'Brien said.The potential funding reduction has already received push-back from the organisation, which said last month it would negatively impact disabled people.It also comes at a time when the council is considering an increase to public transport fares.Cash fares range from $1.10 to $3, but could jump to $5 for some as the government pushes for increased self-funding.O’Brien’s written submission said public transport was important for helping disabled people meet their daily needs because they were less likely to access cars.“We receive continual feedback from disabled people that they are continually having to make difficult choices such as purchasing, food, heating their homes or paying for transport,” she wrote, with an increase in fares making that choice even harder.Association of Blind Citizens Southland branch chair Carolyn Weston said Total Mobility was an essential service and also advocated for better public transport.“Because buses are not necessarily accessible to disabled people, people are using Total Mobility probably more than they need to,” she told councillors.Her written submission called for an overhaul of the bus service so that it could be more “receptive, accessible, reliable and affordable”.Weston requested audio announcements be reintroduced, because it was “embarrassing” they were no longer offered by one of the first cities to use them.Directions given to council staff from elected members on 1 April included developing a process to limit Total Mobility trip numbers and considering a reduction in subsidy to 50 percent.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

A researcher who filmed a great white shark in Fiordland prior to this week's shark attack on a diver says it is well known the animals are in the region.A man is recovering after being bitten by what is presumed to be a great white at Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park.The man had been diving from a charter boat, and was flown by helicopter to Southland Hospital in Invercargill in a moderate condition, about 5.30pm on Thursday (24 Apr).In February, Sea Through Science researcher Adam Smith was the first to spot a male white pointer shark biting a camera set up that was recording fish species in Fiordland while working on the Department of Conservation (DOC) contract.Adam Smith said he was intrigued to hear this week's news that a diver had been bitten in Dusky Sound."One of my colleagues sent me the story, it was interesting, definitely interesting considering we just saw one around there."Whether it was the same individual or not there's no way of knowing, but I guess it could have been."There's a lot of fish around, there's a lot of small sharks, school sharks and there's sevengill sharks everywhere," he said.Smith said he had encountered great whites in Fiordland before, seeing one swim by him more than 20 years ago while diving."They're definitely known to be around in Fiordland; there's lots of seals around, which is what mature sharks mainly feed on."It's an ever-present very low risk of encountering these animals and encountering them when they're curious."It sounds like it wasn't a full on attack as it only got the guy by the calf I think I read."It looks to me that it was curious as to what this weird noisy thing was and just took a curiosity bite and then decided it wasn't worth it," Smith said.Smith believed the attack occurred further inland compared to where his team filmed the great white shark near Anchor Island.Auckland University Marine scientist John Montgomery told RNZ it was not unusual for great white sharks to be spotted in Fiordland.He said they were drawn to the seal populations found in the area.Published by permission

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardNo delays expected today and no tunnel closure tonight. (Friday 02-05-2025). Homer Tunnel overnight closures continue 5th-9th May, 6pm to 3am for maintenance works. No public access during these closures due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Cloudy. Tomorrow: Cloudy. Sunday: Fine. Monday: Fine with showers developing later in the day. Tuesday: Showers increasing.

An old rugby club building in rural Southland could soon be sold for just $1.But a district council is being secretive about the extra information sought before a decision is made.The building in Ohai, about an hour from Invercargill, has been used by Te Oruanui Marae Ohai Inc (TOMOI) since some time after September 2023, when the corporation was formed.A view of the rugby ground in Ohai which is adjacent to the building in question (File photo). Photo: Photo: Tim Brown/RNZ/ SuppliedA Southland Times article from March talked about the effort that had gone into establishing a marae in the small town, and the positive impact it was having.TOMOI requested the council consider transferring the building to them, which was deliberated by the community board on April 3 ahead of a recommendation to full council.The board meeting rendered no outcome, however, with minutes showing chair Tony Philpott requested more information from TOMOI before proceeding.In response to questions, the council was not willing to comment publicly, with a spokesperson saying discussions were continuing with TOMOI.Community board chair Philpott said they were "doing some more investigating".The report prepared for the community board gave background on the building, which was previously owned and occupied by Ohai Rugby Club on council land.Ohai is a small town in rural Southland which was built on coal mining. It is just over an hour from Invercargill. Photo: ODT/SuppliedThe club rooms were sold to Te Oruanui Inc in 1994, with the land leased from 1999.A “rolling over” lease with Te Oruanui Inc was voided by the council when they later departed the building, with the group officially dissolving in 2021.Ownership of the building then went back to the council, with the report noting unpaid service charges of approximately $10,000 were still outstanding — a situation being worked through separately.TOMOI did not form until September 2023, and are using the site without a lease on the building or land, the report said.Council staff recommended the community board endorse a transfer of the building to TOMOI for $1, with an annual land lease of $100 plus GST.Staff said it was appropriate to sell it for that amount because the council had come to own it at no cost following the demise of Te Oruanui Inc, and other costs were a factor for TOMOI going forward.That included insurance, electricity, repairs and annual service charges of over $5000 per year.TOMOI were contacted for comment but did not respond.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Brenny & the Bushwhackers have maroon blood pulsing in their veins. Their Southland-centric sound is a fusion of bluegrass, a bit of country, and a whack of the Irish, with an underlying rural punk flavour.They bring their songs about southern battlers to life with their distinct sound.Through years of fascination and interest in not only southern but New Zealand history, Brendon Fairbairn and his band have crafted an album of anecdotal masterpieces.Recorded at SIT Sound’s state-of-the-art studio in Invercargill with the legendary Charlie “Chainsaw” Rodgers on the mixing desk, the album takes you on a journey from the whale-killing fields of the 19th century south coast all the way through to Invercargill's Dee Street in the back seat of a Ford Falcon, with a stop at the duck pond along the way.To celebrate this body of original Southland-centric music, the Whackers are embarking on a southern tour in May/June.The album, titled Land of the Rolling R, launches officially at the Riversdale Community Centre on Friday 9 May but, as a topical taster, the band released three singles in April.The first single, Ringers, dropped on Friday 11 April. It’s a celebration of the noble art of sheep shearing.Then, on Good Friday, 18 April, the band dropped Chunuk Bair, Brenny’s aching salute to the brutal sacrifice of the Anzacs’ campaign in Gallipoli.The following Friday, 25 April, the hard-rocking Duckshooting Day droppred just in time to be played loudly in maimai throughout the south during the annual duck harvest.Stream Brenny & The Bushwhackers’ releases on Spotify and all major platforms and see the band’s video content on YouTube.THE BANDLead vocals/harmonica/bagpipes - Brendon Fairbairn (Run The Cutter, Hokonui Celtic Pipeband)Electric guitar/vocals - Liam Fairbairn (The Dense)Acoustic guitar/vocals - Lachie Hayes (Lachie Hayes & The Tokanui Chainsaw Massacre, The Possum Pickers)Bass/vocals - Chris Chilton (Triple Shot, Justin Funk Monkey, Pretty Wicked Head)Drums - Antonio Mercuri (The River Jesters, Bad Horsie)TOUR DATESFriday 9 May: Riversdale Community Centre official album release for Land of the Rolling RSaturday 17 May: Redcliff Restaurant, Te AnauSaturday 24 May: Bluff Seafood and Oyster FestivalSunday 25 May: Hokonui Celtic Pipe Band concert, St James Theatre, GoreSaturday 7 June: Tuatara/Gadoochi, InvercargillSunday 8 June: The Little Theatre, Gore

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardRoad status:CLOSING from Homer Tunnel (East Portal) to Homer Tunnel (West Portal) 6.30pm to 3amComments:No delays expected today. Homer Tunnel is closing for maintenance works tonight 1st May, and tomorrow night 2nd May, from 6.30pm to 3am. Overnight closures continue from 5th to 23rd May, Monday to Friday, from 6.00pm to 3.00am.No public access during these closures due to heavy equipment operating in tunnel. Any queries, please call 03 249 7004. Minor works at Knobs Flat continuing today, please follow any signs or direction.  Weather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Cloudy with possible showers. Tomorrow: Cloudy.Saturday: CloudySunday: Fine.Monday: Mainly fine.