A little-known fact about kerbside collection has come to light at Invercargill City Council — it's possible to have your bin retrieved by the truck driver.But just one property in the city is making use of the extra help.Council policy analyst Hannah Kennedy told a committee meeting this week that the service was not widely used and was handled on an informal basis.It was possible that as awareness of its existence grew, demand could also increase, Kennedy said.Andrea de Vries noted the potential for increased costs if the service became well known and wondered if there was an opportunity to team up with community organisations or the student volunteer army.Mayor Tom Campbell supported assistance, but raised the issue of dogs on properties.“If we can overcome that, I mean I would certainly support it. It will cost a lot more money.”Consultation on the council's kerbside waste services policy is set for March or April, and will include the topic of assistance.A report prepared for the meeting said the service was available to people with a medically identified issue preventing them from putting their bin out, or no available support.More resourcing for administration could be required if there was a significant increase in demand, it said.The council could also choose to stop providing the assistance, or set a fee to help with costs.Consultation on the policy is set to cover a range of topics such as assistance, extending the service area, inspections, fees for lost or damaged bins, and additional bins.A total 999 requests were received for damaged or stolen bins in the 2024/25 financial year, with 167 replaced.There were 293 rating units paying for additional bins, and a total of 678 additional bin sets.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Invercargill’s Splash Palace welcomed more than 200 young swimmers and supporters from around the South Island last weekend, marking the city’s first time hosting a major regional swimming competition in seven years.For the first time since 2019, the Mako Division of Swimming New Zealand’s Junior Festival was held at Splash Palace, with competitors travelling from across the South Island to participate in the three-day event. Invercargill City Council Manager Aquatic Services Stephen Cook said it was a huge event for the swimming community in Invercargill and Southland. “Having the Junior Festival at Splash Palace gives local children the chance to compete on the regional stage without having to travel far from home,” he said. “For many of our local kids, this was the first time they were able to compete in such a major event in their home venue.” Swimming Southland Regional Administrator Angela Biggar said a total of 200 young swimmers entered the competition, with more than 150 coming from outside the Southland region. “It’s not just the swimmers visiting our city, but their parents, coaches and supporters as well,” she said. “The event was a chance for local swimmers to go up against some of the best athletes in their age in the South Island and test themselves in a high-performance environment.” Cook said the event was also a chance to showcase Splash Palace to the wider region. “Our facility is right up there with anywhere else in the country,” he said. “We’re proud to provide a quality environment where young athletes can compete, have fun and strive for their personal best.” Swimming New Zealand’s Junior Festivals were hosted in four zonal locations around the country between 27 February and 1 March. More than 40 swimmers from Southland participated in the event, representing the Central Southland, Collegiate, Johnston Waters, Murihiku and Waverley Clubs.

An ambitious 100-year ecological project is about to begin in southern Southland, replanting almost 50 hectares of farmland back into native flora, as part of the Whakamana te Waituna Charitable Trust's Freshwater Improvement Project.The Trust, which includes representatives from Awarua Rūnanga, Ngāi Tahu, Southland District Council, Environment Southland, Department of Conservation, Fonterra and the community, have a long-term goal of transforming around 10% (2000 hectares) of the Waituna catchment into activities that better support the area's water quality and biodiversity while remaining profitable and self-stainable.The Waituna farmland block will potentially look like this after 100 years. Graphic: SuppliedSince its establishment in 2018 the Trust has secured $13.3m in funds to begin this process, which includes land purchases.The current project to plant 8500 natives is on 6.5ha of a 48.3-hectare farm block - one of three purchased in 2020 - and is adjacent to the Awarua Wetland Ramsar site.The land, once part of the wider Awarua Waituna wetland area, was strategically purchased to increase the native land buffer around Waituna Lagoon and to repurpose farmland that could become inundated if the lagoon was opened to the sea at a higher level.Trust co-chairs Riki Nicholas and Jon Pemberton said the reforestation formed part of the Trust’s vision, including strong partnerships supporting mana whenua aspirations.“Key to this are focus areas around restoring wetlands and lowland forest, redesigning drains and waterways to reduce sediment and weed growth, reducing nutrient losses through on-farm mitigations, and realising the benefits of biodiversity and carbon for sustainable financing,” Nicholas said.The Trust plans to use a series of different planting techniques including wider plant spacings, using nursery species such as manuka, and trialling the use of new locally designed ( Garto Guards) plant guards.An artist's impression of the Waituna farmland block after 100 years. Graphic: Supplied“The aim is to enable large scale reforestation of land at a much lower cost than what has traditionally been the case,” Pemberton said.Ongoing plant maintenance and the establishment of public walking tracks are other aspects of the plan, the Co-chairs said.The project will enact a freshwater covenant placed over the block in 2019 by the Ministry for the Environment and also become an important pilot for Environment Southland’s wider ‘Learning from the Land’ project.

A submission will be made by Invercargill City Council to central Government on the proposed changes to the Total Mobility Programme.The Ministry of Transport’s proposed changes to the programme included making eligibility assessments more consistent, introducing targeted support allocations, and allowing new types of providers – such as ride-share services – to enter the scheme. Its changes already included reducing the subsidy a Total Mobility User would receive from 75 percent to 65 percent, and reducing regional fare caps by about 10 percent nationally. The proposed changes would take effect from 1 July this year. Council’s Infrastructure and Growth Committee this week received a report on the Total Mobility Programme proposal consultation, which noted Council’s improved budget position as a result of changes made in a 2025 review of the scheme within Southland. Infrastructure and Growth Committee Chair, Councillor Alex Crackett, said the Total Mobility Programme provided essential support to people living with disabilities within the community, allowing them to access subsidised taxi services. In 2025, Council had engaged with the disability community as part of a review of the programme within the region, prompted by an increase in costs beyond the budget allocated for the programme. “Last year’s review included a really comprehensive consultation with our community, and it’s pleasing to see it has resulted in such a positive outcome,” she said. Throughout 2025, Council worked with Total Mobility users, assessors, and providers to consider how it could enable people to continue accessing the services they needed in a financially-sustainable way. The work Council and the community had done had already proven successful, and provided an option for the Government to consider nationwide, she said. Contracts with providers had been updated, to ensure that the user-pays portion of the service was charged. “We want to ensure vulnerable members of our community are able to continue using the Total Mobility service – we don’t want people who rely on this to miss out,” she said. “This one change alone has already had a significant positive impact on improving Council’s financial position, without impacting the subsidy level or the number of trips members of our disabled community can make through the scheme.” Committee members also agreed to a recommendation in the report, which would pause any further local action until the Government’s reduction to the subsidy level was implemented. This would allow Council to gain an understanding of the impact this change would have to users of the scheme, Crackett said. Council’s Acting Group Manager Infrastructure Russell Pearson said Southland – like many other areas around the motu – had experienced a surge in demand for the service. Council’s submission supported the introduction of eligibility evidence, but asked the Government to ensure this was flexible, and noted the variety of disabilities covered by the programme, the expertise of assessors in Southland, and the inherent sensitivity of asking people to provide evidence of their condition. It also noted that local assessor agencies did great work supporting the programme, and if their workload was to increase, the Government would need to consider providing additional funding to support their mahi. Its submission also called on the Government to offer an exemption for those with permanent disabilities, and instead introduce a reassessment based on any significant change to public transport options which changed accessibility options, Pearson said. Council administered the programme for the Southland region, with delegation to do so from Environment Southland.

It's been a busy start to the year for us here at Tokanui School. We started off with a team at Agrikids in early February where our team did well and really enjoyed the day out.Mataura Licensing Trust proud sponsors of Tokanui SchoolThey had a series of activities to complete and worked together well as a team.Learning to be fire wise. Photo: Supplied.Following this we had our FireWise programme where the local fire volunteer brigade came and talked to the students about being fire wise.Trying on some fire fighting gear. Photo: Supplied.They even got to wear some of the fire gear that our fire fighters wear.Great weather for Athletics day. Photo: Supplied.Then our own Athletics day where the qualifiers went on to represent Tokanui School at the Southern Zone Athletics. We were lucky with the weather on this day.A successful outcome for Athletics day. Photo: Supplied.St John came and showed us some basic First Aid. This was a good learning experience for our students.Learning basic first aid. Photo: Supplied.Last week we were privileged to have the "Wood is Good" programme come to our school. "Wood is Good" - Logging truck. Photo: Supplied.This gave the children an opportunity to see what happens to all our wood sources plus gave some of the kids a chance to sit in a logging truck.Trying a logging truck on for size. Photo: Supplied.

Southland liquor outlets have been given the green light to continue trading up to 16 hours a day, despite Health NZ calling for shorter hours.On Wednesday, district councillors voted almost unanimously to stick with the status quo for off-licence operating hours, meaning bottle stores and supermarkets can continue to sell liquor between 7am and 11pm daily.The decision went against a staff recommendation to shave off three hours a day, and an even tougher stance from Health NZ to cut back four hours.2Arguments in support of sticking with the status quo included councillor Matt Wilson saying he had not seen data to support change and consultation was split down the middle.Councillor Paul Duffy said he had not seen a need to sell alcohol as early as 7am but recently approved a special licence for the Garston dog trials, and it might suit them to buy alcohol before 9am.Philip Dobson was the lone voice in support of reducing daily trading hours.“Just in review of listening to everyone here, a lot of it seems to come back to inconvenience, and I just wonder where inconvenience fits with our responsibilities around harm reduction,” the councillor said.“I’m hearing about guys that need to pick up their booze on the way to the dog trials, when you’ve got a chill trailer, and I’m sure there’s a fridge in Garston. I’m sure there’s at least one of them.”Wednesday’s decision followed a public consultation late last year, and presentations from Hospitality New Zealand and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora.In January, Health NZ medical officer of health Michael Butchard told council alcohol caused 900 deaths, 1250 cancer diagnoses and 30,000 hospitalisations every year in New Zealand.The burden of alcohol was large, and justified a local alcohol policy which did more rather than less, he said.Health NZ recommended trading hours of 9am to 9pm, or four hours less a day.Although the council opted to keep trading hours the same, it did okay some changes.That included removing “no restrictions” wording from on-licence trading hours, considering glass vessels at events, and new owners not needing to consult with neighbouring properties.It also reduced the timeframe for review to four years and added health centres, rehabilitation centres, Marae, and Fale Pasifika as sensitive places.The final policy is yet to be adopted by the council, which will take place following public notification.In 2024, Auckland brought forward off-licence closure times to 9pm, while Christchurch followed suit last year.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

The 2025/2026 motor racing season at Teretonga Park in Invercargill will end with a bang over the weekend of 14/15 March when the Southland Sports Car Club host one of their most popular events of the season – Southern Thunder. Southern Thunder features two big drawcards with the NAPA Auto Parts NZ Super Trucks supported by Kings House Removals and the Allied 24/7 Fuel Mainland Muscle Cars leading the bill. The Super Truck field fight it out for the Mobil Delvac 1 Trophy each year and for most of the last few years it has been the property of Alex Little of Lower Hutt. Little has won the trophy six times, his run of success only interrupted in 2024 when Dave West of Pukekohe took the trophy. Expect to see some exciting machinery in the Allied 24/7 Fuel Mainland Muscle Cars with cars such as Mustang’s, Monaro’s, Camaro’s, Torana’s, Falcon’s and Commodore’s plus other such machinery on the grid. Formula First is an interesting addition to the programme this year. Previously known as Formula Vee, this is the first appearance of the class at Teretonga Park since March 1996. Many of New Zealand's best drivers have started out in the class - Scott Dixon was the 1993/94 Champion and drivers such as Shane Van Gisbergen and Liam Lawson have also raced in Formula First. Add in other classes such as Pre 78 Saloons and the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloons and a great weekend of racing is in store. Pre-sale tickets available now from E Hayes & Sons, Dee Street, Invercargill and Harrison Supplies, Mersey Street, Gore. Pre-sale tickets are $40 per adult for a weekend pass plus any applicable charges (includes Friday 13 March) while children 14 and under accompanied by an adult are free. Weekend passes at the gate are $50 and day only passes will be available for purchase from the gate for $30 for each day.

The Southern Blast team will be led by experienced coach Janine Southby in the 2026 National Netball League.A resume bursting with achievements across the sport’s top echelon both domestically and internationally, Southby’s appointment is a coop for the south’s emerging players.“Netball has been a big part of my life through playing and coaching for a very long time and I saw this opportunity as a way of giving back and helping that next level down which I have always been really passionate about,” she said.“Coaching at any level is great but at this stage they are like sponges. I’m keen to support Netball South in the development of these young players and hopefully give them the confidence and the skillset they need to be moving forward into the Steel.”Creating tangible pathways was vital for the sport’s future and the NNL represented one of the most significant stages for players determined to reach the elite ranks.“I feel like at school level players are catered for really well with the different opportunities they have but beyond school there’s a massive step up to make an ANZ franchise team. Not everyone is going to do that, but I feel really passionate about enabling young players to put their hand up and show they are keen to be there and want to keep taking that next step.“It takes time, it’s not a linear progression by any stretch of the imagination, but I do feel at the moment this is a really important pathway and our southern players need to get the chance to experience it.”The Blast team has proved competitive in recent years, despite the NNL finals proving elusive.“There’s a lot of people out there who feel equally as strong about ensuring we provide this opportunity for young players throughout our southern zone. They fight hard and they have guts and determination – it’s just that experience which is a crucial part of the equation,” Southby said.“I understand there’s a lot of financial pressures out there and it’s hard to keep stumping up money to put campaigns together but it’s really important as a netball community we provide the chance for them to do this.”Coaching roles locally at club and Dunedin Netball Centre representative level has enabled Southby to witness the emerging talent.“There’s a lot of players who keep putting their hands up and they turn up to club netball every Saturday and, with no rep programme to cater for them anymore, this is their chance.”Southby was focused on finalising the structure of the programme before trials are held in a couple of weeks.“It will be an intense short campaign so once the squad is confirmed it will be all guns blazing,” she said.“Naturally you go into any campaign wanting to win. I need to see who’s there, what it looks like, what the work is to get us there. First and foremost, it is about exposing them to this as a new level and showing them what it takes to put the players in a position where we are ready to go at game one.“There will certainly be some big challenges to overcome. Geographical location is always hard to get that important preseason so we have to be a bit creative and innovative about how we do that.”Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming said Southby’s appointment represented a new chapter for the Blast.“It is exciting to welcome Janine back to Netball South in this new role and I have no doubt our players will benefit from her leadership and vast experience,” she said.“We also pay tribute to Abbey McKenzie, who has been integral to the Blast environment over the past eight years and we value the contribution she has made immensely.”

New Zealand proved to be in the prime position to view last night's "Blood Moon".The pheomenon is caused when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon to completely shadow the moon, creating what is known as a total lunar eclipse.Blue light from the sun is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere, however red and orange light from the sun still reaches the moon - causing it to appear red.Last night's eclipse is the only one for 2026 with the next expected in 2028.

Work is on track for lifting of a full closure for a section of State Highway 99 in Southland this coming Monday. Following culvert strengthening for flood protection, and related work, the full closure of SH99/Wallacetown-Lorneville Road, between the intersections of Ryal Bush-Wallacetown Road and Underwood-Linds Bridge Road, is due to be removed at 6pm on Monday 9 March. Once that happens, the traffic management for this stretch of highway will change to one lane of traffic, with temporary traffic lights and a 30km/h temporary speed limit operating daily from 7am to 6pm. This is to enable road renewal work which includes excavation, fill and resurfacing. People should expect delays of up to 15 minutes while this traffic management is in place, expected to be for about four weeks from Monday. Poor weather may impact upon the scheduling of the remaining work. People can stay up to date with the latest at our Journey Planner site. We thank people for their patience while this important and necessary work is undertaken.Images taken yesterday on SH99 at Wallacetown, showing progress at the work site. Photo: NZTA

The family of a young man shot and killed by a hunter on Stewart Island last year say the hunter's failure to identify his target has left them facing a "lifetime of hell".Ashburton builder Paul William John Stevens, 39, has avoided jail time and instead been sentenced to five months' home detention for shooting Jock Davies, 21, last July.He had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of careless use of a firearm causing death.At the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday, Judge Mark Williams ordered Stevens to make $20,000 in reparation payments, split equally between a scholarship in Jock Davies' name for West Otago students and a New Zealand Deerstalkers Association hunter safety course.Davies' mother Sarah Davies told the court she never anticipated her son, who was a cancer survivor, would not return from the week-long much-anticipated hunting trip with his father and brothers."I miss Jock every day, I miss the twinkle in his eye, his naughty sense of humour. I miss his laughter, the way he used to light up a room. I miss his resilience, his kindness and I miss him leaving the lights on. Jock was one special human," she said.Davies' oldest brother George Davies told Stevens that he had failed as a firearms licence-holder and the family was facing "lifelong effects" as a result.He spoke of the trauma of seeing his brother after the shooting."The impact of having to carry my dead brother up the hill to rescuers is something I will have to live with forever, it's something no-one should have to do. It was meant to be a trip of a lifetime which turned into a lifetime of hell," he said.Davies' brother Tom Davies described the eight months since the death as a "living nightmare"."I've found myself in a dark hole where I didn't know what was right or wrong anymore. It has been a battle to leave the house some days," he said.Paul William John Stevens in court. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd.Jock Davies had been intending to join him in Christchurch at teachers' college and it left a "huge ache" in his heart and soul to know that would not happen, he said."I'm trying my absolute hardest to be there for my family as we navigate a new way of life," he said.Davies' father Peter Davies said his son had touched many lives, with his funeral attended by more than 1000 people."As a dad there should have been so many more proud moments, but now there's only memories," he said.Stevens sat quietly, crying, as the victim impact statements were read to the court.His lawyer Grant Fletcher told the court that Stevens, a father of two, could not possibly regret his actions more."He would do anything to make it right but obviously he can't," he said."He's offered his most heartfelt, most sincere, most genuine remorse and regret."Reading from a summary of facts, Judge Williams said Stevens and Davies were part of the same group of eight people on the week-long trip, hunting in the South Lords River block.The group split up on the morning of 6 July and Davies was dropped off from a dinghy, while Stevens and another associate went in the opposite direction to hunt.Stevens told police the terrain was "gnarly and hard-going," he said."You said you were not used to hunting in such thick and challenging bush."Stevens heard a shuffling noise 20 metres away and saw a "dark shadowy image", he said."Confident it was a deer and not wanting to miss the opportunity, you chambered a round in your rifle and fired a single telescopically-aimed shot," he said."You aimed for what you believed was the neck area of the deer."A rescue helicopter was dispatched at about 11am but when it arrived two hours later Davies was dead, he said.Judge Williams found Stevens' actions to show a "medium-to-high level of carelessness".Stevens "would and should have been well aware of the dangers of hunting" but did not attempt to sight the deer with his own eyes, he said."The terrain was challenging for you to the extent that you discussed turning back. You were clearly aware that others would have been in the area," he said.He found Stevens' remorse to be genuine and said Davies' death would have a life-long impact."I accept the mental health impact that this has had and will continue to have upon you. It is rightly described as profound," he said.From a starting point of 18 months' imprisonment, Williams deducted eight months for mitigating factors and converted the resulting 10 months' imprisonment into five months' home detention.He also ordered the forfeiture of Stevens' rifle and ammunition.Published by Permission

Danish Southlander and 'Men of the Trees' pioneer Kaj Hogh (90) well recalls his trips to Te Anau with his farming boss as part of the voluntary group to help Southland dentist Ivon Wilson develop what is now the treasured Ivon Wilson Park around Lake Henry.Kaj Hogh was part of the 'Men of the Trees' volunteer group that helped establish Ivon Wilson Park. Photo: SuppliedSubmissions are currently being called on an application by an Australian floating sauna operator to operate a floating sauna on the picturesque and tranquil lake in the park – a proposal that’s drawn both public criticism and concerns about “misinformation”.Some locals have questioned whether this commercial use is in keeping with the original intent of the park as created by Ivon and his helpers from the late 1950s.But Kaj, who arrived in New Zealand as a young Danish immigrant under the post-World War II ‘Ten Pound Poms’ Assisted Migration Scheme, reckons Ivon and the boys from back then would think the floating sauna idea was alright: “I’d say so,” he says.'Men of the Trees' volunteers planting around Lake Henry, in what was to become known as Ivon Wilson Park. Photo: Supplied/Iain Campbell“Ivon just wanted to create a park and have a pond for the kids to catch fish in,” Kaj, who still helps on his 40-acre Longbush family lifestyle block, says.A crew of Southland men, known as ‘Men of the Trees’, and a few extras helping Ivon included Kaj, whose Woodlands farmer boss Alex Campbell brought him along, and Automobile Association Motor Camp operator Colin Tauri.The camp was adjacent to the park.Wilson – president of the Southland Automobile Association from 1945 until 1951, began developing the park in 1958 and Kaj says they’d all come up to Te Anau from around Southland for regular working bees.The 35ha site was covered in scrub – “it was a bit rough”, and Kaj says it took them about a year to tidy the area up and get the trees that Ivon had sourced from all over planted.“We’d go back up and weed around the native trees after a year or so.“We used mattocks and slashers... The Men of the Trees was a big group around our area (in Southland),” Kaj says. “They were a great group of guys. Most of them are gone now.”The site was entirely cleared by hand, and he remembers Ivon sourcing and planting all the native trees and species, 5000 all up.The 'Men of the Trees'. Ivon Wilson (second from right). Photo: Supplied/Iain CampbellHe’s not totally sure but believes the park land was probably made available by the likes of government department Lands and Survey as about that time the department was allocating land as farm ballot blocks between The Key and Te Anau.“When we first started going up there (to Te Anau) it was all tussocks out there – a pub that I think doubled as a shop and half a dozen cribs,” Kaj says.“The airstrip was inland a bit from the Lake Te Anau foreshore and there was manuka 2m to 3m tall between the lakefront and airstrip.”Kaj, who arrived as a new immigrant, aged 24, from Denmark on the programme to encourage more migrant workers, paid 10 pound for the privilege and was allowed to stay two years.He travelled south by ferry from Wellington to Lyttelton then down to Woodlands on the train.After buying a car he discovered Te Anau and fell in love with the bush and beauty.The Department of Labour had secured him the Woodlands farm worker job.“I liked it that much that I decided to stay,” Kaj says. He met Kiwi girl June, who still reckons Kaj is “pretty good looking” and it was “love at first sight”. They married almost 60 years ago.Southland District Council's Ivon Wilson Park, on the edge of Te Anau, is popular with families and school groups, and as a venue for weddings, picnics, frisbee golf and photos. Photo: Southland AppTe Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels director Clint Tauri says he recalls going to the park, as a 5-year-old with his dad, who was helping clear the ground, and meeting Kaj and the other men.The old photo Tauri has supplied (above) shows the gang with Colin Tauri and little Clint, at left in front, around 1961: “I’m interested to see the guys again,” Kaj says, enjoying the photo.Kaj still farms his small farmlet with family at Longbush, near Invercargill.Submissions on the floating sauna proposal have been rolling in to the Southland District Council, and the local Fiordland Community Board is encouraging people to have their say.Submissions close on 26th March.CLICK HERE for more information.Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.

A government proposal to increase transport options for people living with impairments has been rejected by a southern council over safety fears.On Tuesday, an Invercargill City Council committee discussed a paper relating to Total Mobility — a service providing subsidised transport to people with disabilities.One proposal put forward by the Ministry of Transport was to allow new service providers to enter the scheme, such as Uber.But feedback from mayor Tom Campbell on behalf of his council raised concerns about national data on sexual assault, inappropriate touching and language from ride share drivers.“Disabled people are some of the most vulnerable in the community and Government funding should only be available where their safety can be assured," Campbell wrote.He said the council would normally support new providers joining but could not do so until robust safety and payment processes were introduced.Other changes proposed by the Ministry include increased evidence of impairment, and introducing either a flat cap on trips or a base allocation with additional trips available.Some tweaks have already been made, with the government announcing in December that fare subsidies would drop from 75 percent to 65 percent, beginning 1 July 2026.The subsidy discount applies until a maximum amount is hit, which varies between regions, the ministry says.Council manager Doug Rogers said on Thursday that the current fare cap in Invercargill was $50 but the council proposed to NZTA that it drop to $40.In August, the council approved a change to the service in hopes it would reign in overspending.The council wanted to ensure operators always charged patrons the unsubsidised portion of the fare — or the remaining 25 percent — which had often been waived.A report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting said all contracts with existing taxi companies had been updated and there had already been a significant change.Budgets were expected to be exceeded by $120,000 for the year, with an estimated shortfall of $83,000 next year.Tuesday's feedback letter was endorsed by the council committee, but will be tweaked before being sent to Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upton.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Celebrated as the day country meets town, the 2026 Southland A & P Show is ready to again showcase and safeguard traditions for generations to come.The Southland A & P Association has been hard at work in recent months organising this year’s show, taking place this Saturday 7 March at Donovan Park. Association president Paula Bell says excitement is building for what promises to be another standout event on the southern calendar. “We’re incredibly proud of how the Show continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. In 2026, we’re again focused on celebrating the traditions that have shaped our rural communities and ensuring they’re carried forward for generations to come,” she says. This year’s theme is again, Preserving Traditions for Future Generations, reflecting the rich heritage embedded in families with the Southland A & P Show from across the region, many of whom travel to Donovan Park year after year to be part of the Southland Show experience. “There’s something special about seeing multiple generations enjoying the same event - grandparents who once competed now watching their grandchildren take part. That’s what makes the Southland A & P Show so unique,” Paula says. There will once again be something for everyone, with the return of crowd favourites and exciting attractions across the grounds. “We’ve worked hard over the past year to deliver a full and vibrant programme. From livestock competitions, an extensive home industries schedule and equestrian events through to live entertainment and family activities, the 2026 show truly offers something for all ages,” she says. The ever-popular Friday Night Market returns from 5.30pm on Friday 6 March, featuring food vendors, local crafters and live music to kick off the show weekend in style. On Saturday 7 March, Donovan Park on Bainfield Road will transform for the 156th Southland A & P Show. “There’s nothing better than seeing the park buzzing with people as we bring country to town for the day. The atmosphere is always fantastic, and we’re looking forward to building on the success of previous years,” Paula says. Entertainers 3 Ring Riot Circus and The Company Band will star in 2026 and are set to impress audiences once again with their high-energy performances. “We’re also excited to welcome True In Nature, who will be running bush craft workshops for children throughout the day - a wonderful hands-on way for young people to connect with the outdoors.” Woodchopping will again feature strongly in 2026, including an exciting NZ vs Australia Veterans Test, alongside the ever-popular XO Carnival with a wide range of children’s entertainment. Pony rides will be available throughout the day, as well as tractor rides thanks to Southland Farm Machinery with gold coin proceeds going to this year’s chosen charity, Hospice Southland. Southern talent will shine in the Kiwiskips Food Court, with The Company Band playing throughout the day, while entertainers take to the stage in the Quantum Landscaping Arena to wow the crowds. Back in 2026 is Percy’s Straw Dig, supported by Wilson’s Contracting, where children can hunt for fantastic prizes hidden in the haystack following the grand parade. Visitors can also explore the PowerNet Crafters Market and enjoy animals galore in the ever-popular Petville petting zoo. No A & P Show would be complete without the traditional attractions. The equestrian section, along with sheep, cattle and donkey competitions, continues to draw strong entries, rounding out a full and diverse programme. “The Southland A & P Show continues to grow year on year, and we’re proud to celebrate and showcase our rural way of life here in the deep south,” Paula says. “We can’t wait to welcome the community back for another memorable event in 2026.” Gates open on show day, Saturday 7 March, at 9am. Tickets are $15 for adults, and children under 16 are free.

Road OpenNo Avalanche HazardComments:No delays expectedWeather forecast for the Homer Tunnel area:Today: Fine Tomorrow: Becoming cloudy Thursday: Light rain by PM Friday: Rain Saturday: Showers

A proposal to operate a floating sauna on Te Anau’s picturesque Lake Henry in Ivon Wilson Park, off the main lake, has some locals upset and feeling blindsided while others are concerned about “scaremongering” and “misinformation".Currently open to public submissions, the experience is the brainchild of established Australian floating sauna operator and Te Anau commercial property owner Nigel Reeves.The concept would see an approximately 80m2 floating platform with two small boatshed-like structures, anchored in two points at the northern end of the small lake. Nigel Reeves is proposing a floating sauna venture on Te Anau's Lake Henry. Photo: SuppliedIt is envisaged up to 12 people at a time could use the sauna, jumping in the lake’s cold spring waters to cool down, for hour-long sessions.Reeves says the planning and approval process had taken three years so far, since the idea was first presented to the town's community board and a site visit held to “work out the best site”.“We’re now in the process of getting a licence to occupy a small part of Ivon Wilson Reserve which has a management plan for commercial activities, as long as they promote recreational use.""A floating sauna and cold plunge in the lake support that so it’s entirely in line with the requirements to operate a commercial business like this in that lake reserve.”He says he built his first floating sauna just after Covid times and ever since the wellness tourism industry has been growing in popularity among visitors and tourists.“An economic study on my Tasmanian operation showed that every $AUS1 spent generates $AUS3.75 for the local town.”It will be a viable winter off-season activity in a town like Te Anau, he says.Reeves’ said with their family now getting older, he and his wife Debra were keen to spend more time back in Te Anau with her family."When people say this is being proposed by “an Australian corporation’, well, it’s just me,” he said.An artist's map of the proposed floating sauna on Lake Henry. Graphic: SDC/SuppliedUnchartered territory for our townFiordland Community Board chairperson Diane Holmes said people have the right to object and air their concerns on social media but there appears to be a lot of “fearmongering” going on when people don’t have the full facts, including the fact that the decision to approve or decline this proposal doesn’t lie with the Community Board.She says Reeves first presented his plans for a boatshed-like structure on a floating pontoon anchored in the lake, to the board several years ago.“As I understand it, Reeves has followed a huge consent process with the various entities in that time, including DOC, Environment Southland* and the Southland District Council, and spent many thousands of dollars to get to this stage.”The decision went to an independent commissioner who approved the proposal and the district council is now calling for submissions before granting a permit for a licence to occupy the site, she says.Holmes says it’s not like a building.“If there are issues or breaches of the lease conditions, or it doesn't work out for any reason, then there is the potential for it to be removed,” she says.“There’s been a lot of fear among the community as this is a commercial operation in a public reserve which is unchartered territory for our town.People are concerned that it may set a precedent, but anyone else wanting to operate in the park would have to go through “the same huge resource management process” again and anything proposed must be in keeping with recreational requirements set down in the management plan for the park.“My understanding is that the reserve management plan allows this type of activity as it’s in keeping with acceptable use for the park, being swimming and recreation,” Holmes says.“I’ve seen people saying things online like, ‘What next? A convenience store and a pub?’, but those activities are highly unlikely to ever meet the requirements so that’s just fearmongering.”Public submissions are currently being called for on a proposal to locate a floating sauna at the northern end of Lake Henry. Graphic: SDC/SuppliedHolmes says she has no personal bias either way, but it’s important to “iron out some of the misinformation that’s been online”.She understands Reeves will be attempting to do this himself.Reeves already operates two successful floating sauna operations in parks in Australia – Tasmania and Canberra.“You can see the impact this type of activity has there,” she says.The lease money will help offset the maintenance of the park and offset rates with Reeves contributing to upgrade the existing toilets and their regular cleaning costs.“It should be low impact,” she says.Job opportunities exist for locals as staff will also be employed, to administrate and ensure the safety of users.Holmes says she has observed DOC being widely criticised in the past for not allowing new commercial ventures on the adjacent main lake in Te Anau and it’s interesting to see some people are now criticising the council for saying, ‘yes’, to considering allowing it on Lake Henry.Holmes say it's important to have community debate, and changing the usage of a public reserve must be considered carefully from every angle.However, the debate needs to be informed and so far the communication from the council has “not provided a clear picture of the background and pathway that has led to this proposal”, she says.Lake Henry, at Ivon Wilson Park, is a popular venue for photos and fishing. Photo: Southland AppGiving away a community facilitySome local residents and Ivon Wilson Park recreational regulars are up in arms about the sauna project, saying they were unaware until the district council called for submissions on the permit, with the previous consent process being non-notified.Te Anau pharmacist George Batchelor says he’s concerned the authorities are “giving away a community facility and privilege that’s enjoyed for its beauty and recreational values for just $2400 a year”.“If you want to run a commercial business then purchase land or pay commercial rates if the community agrees,” Batchelor says.He says he’d have liked the Community Board to make people more aware of the proposal.Batchelor has made two submissions.“If there’s sufficient community backlash then the Community Board should look at it.”He’s suggested alternative sites like the Bird Park where there’s a natural spring and a plunge pool could be built.He believes the sauna operation would devalue the reserve for “those who use it and pay for it for years”.“I’m not a nimby but I don’t think we should be paying their rent for them which is essentially what’s happening.”He concedes the park is underutilised at present but believes this use in incompatible with that location.“It will drive existing users out,” Batchelor, who’s urging others to submit, says.Neighbouring holiday park owner Clint Tauri says he’s ‘on the fence’ but suggests that the facility may be better located at the southern end of Lake Henry, more hidden away from the three wharves and higher use.“I’d probably rather see it at the old frog pond with a pipe pumping fresh water from the main lake.”He recalls his father, Colin, who managed what was then the adjacent Automobile Association’s motor camp, helping Ivon Wilson and a group called ‘Men of the Trees’ with planting there in the early 1960s.Wilson, a Southland dentist, began developing the 32-acre park around 1958.He personally collected many of the 5000-plus trees planted there often driving long distances to source different species.A photo of the Aurora Australis over Lake Henry. Photo: Chris Watson/ProFocus PhotographyStunning spot for photosRetired kindergarten teacher John Carter says he’s not for or against but he’s a bit concerned that there could be discharge and run off into the fresh spring water during cleaning.“Many locals love this spot for stunning photos of the aurora too, so I don’t want to see lights there,” he says.“People didn’t realise you could do this there. It’s our little treasured haven and people are shocked,” he says.He says other saunas in town are popular, with a mobile one by the lake often in demand.Lake Henry was always a precious spot to take the kindy children too and they’d enjoy throwing sticks into the water off that wharf area. It is also a popular location for weddings.“There is a concern that the wharf decking could be closed off to others and people love to sit there and have fish and chips,” Carter says.“I’d love some sort of sauna facility that would offer another tourist attraction and somewhere warm for those foggy days” he says.“But I’ve been asking a few questions.”SubmissionsA Southland District Council spokesperson said there had been a lot of interest in the process with a lot of people asking questions and almost 50 submissions received so far.Reeves said he was not that surprised at the reaction.“Te Anau is very protective of its environment and has a vibrant social media community, but there’s a process to follow and this is a lawful activity. I’m confident I’ve met all the requirements.”If approved Reeves hopes to have the operation open this spring.CLICK HERE for more information and to make a submission.Submissions close on 26 MarchEnvironment Southland has confirmed they have no consents applied for or currently active for the proposed sauna activity.

An inquest into the death of an Invercargill Prison inmate has heard guards did not take concerns about his mental health seriously.Nukuroa Strange, 30, died in August 2022.Coroner Amelia Steel was considering whether Strange received adequate mental health support while in the custody of the Department of Corrections in the four months before he died.The inquest would consider his risk assessments, management and treatment, including whether appropriate action was taken in the knowledge he had previously tried to hurt himself.Corrections staff members have told the inquest on Monday that Strange had a lot of support from them and also had family support in prison.In a statement read to the court, Strange's former partner, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said she called the prison and spoke to a Corrections officer, saying they needed keep a close eye on Strange because she was worried prison was "getting to him".They had been together for about two months and lived together before Strange was jailed.She said Strange had been smoking a lot of methamphetamine and she later realised he was committing crimes to pay for it.He was furious that he was back in prison as they had dreams they wanted to achieve together and his mental health went downhill but Corrections staff tried to help him by putting him on anti-anxiety medication, she said.They spoke over the phone multiple times a day while he was in prison.She said Strange had tried to hurt himself in prison and had promised that he would not do so again.During the call to the Corrections officer, she said she was upset that she was not contacted after he tried to hurt himself.He assaulted a guard and was move to an intensive supervision unit.The woman said they had made a mutual decision to separate a few days before he died, and while the relationship ended on good terms, there were a lot of tears.He called her twice on the day he died, the first time in anger and the second to tell her he loved her.Within a few hours she was told that Strange was dead.Fellow prisoner Peter Herrick said Strange needed help and was not given the right support at the unit.He did not believe staff were empathetic or properly trained and questioned why Strange was back in the unit so soon after attempting to harm himself and an admission to the intervention and support unit.Herrick said he thought Corrections treated prisoners like a nuisance.On the day he died, Herrick noticed Strange was visibly upset while on the phone.He told a Corrections worker that he was concerned about the man and she went to talk to him.Later that day, Herrick said an officer conducting a muster took off running when he heard something over the radio, he saw emergency services and was later told Strange had died.Strange was not given the help he needed at the support unit and he did not know why the man was back there so soon after attempting to harm himself, Herrick said.In a statement, an on-duty Corrections staff member said Strange was normal and well-behaved the day before his death, saying all the right things at the right time.They had talked about his children, his love for his ex-partner and how he wanted to be the person she fell in love with, the staff member said.She said she did not see anything out of the ordinary while he was on the phone but kept a close eye on him because he had previously made multiple attempts to self-harm.When a prisoner told her he thought Strange was in trouble, she and another Corrections staff member ran to his cell and tried to revive him.The staff member said Herrick did not tell her that Strange had been crying on the phone until after he was found in his cell.The principal Corrections officer at the time told the inquest that Strange appeared to be struggling with being in prison, more so than in his earlier time in jail.He had known Strange for a number of years and believed they had a good working relationship.He was involved in deciding if Strange should leave the intervention and support unit and return to his regular unit shortly before he died.He said he interviewed Strange before the move, and he found him to be future-focused and talked about using his son as motivation to stay out of jail.He said he felt comfortable Strange could leave the unit and was recorded as no risk following the interview, which was based on the assessment and in consultation with the medical team.If Strange had shown signs of considering self-harm, the officer said he would not have agreed to transfer him out of the support unit.He was to continue giving his evidence on Tuesday.Another Corrections staff member said he had tried to do a risk assessment for Strange but he did not respond to any questions.He had called in a control and restraint team to take him to the intensive supervision unit and Strange had fought back, he said.He said staff had tried to help him when they found him on the day he died.Coroner Steel said her role was not about finding liability, rather accountability.She would also consider possible recommendations to improve the department's risk assessment tools or well-being policies.The inquest is set down for five days in Invercargill.Published by Permission

We’re so lucky in Southland to have such fabulous rural schools, with dedicated and hard-working teachers, great boards of trustees, and of course excellent students.There are 31 small rural primary schools across Southland. They provide a special kind of education and have a community connection that is truly unique.I recently attended a Southland rural primary school sports event in Invercargill.It was a great day for everyone involved and was no doubt a highlight at the start of the educational year.Education is a key focus for this Government.We’re committed to ensuring every child is inspired and engaged with their learning. The Government is currently rolling out new English, and Science resources and initiatives, helping raise student achievement and spark discovery in primary classrooms.The resources include new science kits and a new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students, who are one year or more behind.The new science kits are now rolling out across schools and will encourage interest in science from an early age and support teachers to deliver practical, interactive lessons.Through a $40 million Government investment, there’ll be full national coverage of the science kits by early 2027, to align with the implementation of the new science curriculum.This is a Government that has put more resources into the hands of students, including those in rural schools, to help raise achievement and close the equity gap. Country children and teachers deserve excellent resources and support to set them up for success.Our investment today is about fixing the basics and raising student achievement here in Southland and across the country.Funded by Parliamentary Services

Term 1 is always a busy term at the College and the start of 2026 has been no exception.The first big event of the year was the Academic Honours Assembly, for students who achieved to a very high standard in 2025. We had 31 students Academic Honours at the end of 2025.Ray White Te Anau, Shanelle Scott, proud sponsor of Fiordland CollegeThe criteria for gaining Fiordland College Academic Honours is:Year 11 - 18 Overall module grades at Merit/ExcellenceLevel 2 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsLevel 3 – Pre-requisite 60 Merit or Excellence NQF CreditsFirst up in a long line of events was the Athletics Champs. The students displayed incredible school spirit, fuelling a spirited yet friendly rivalry as they competed for House Points.Fiordland College Athletics. Photo: Supplied.We hosted a Careers Expo for all students, which had 17 exhibitors from a wide array of institutions and companies.Careers Expo for Students. Photo: Supplied.These exhibitors shared their knowledge and insight, which will help guide students on their path towards finding their career.Careers Expo. Photo: Supplied.Then we had the Swimming Champs which produced a record-breaking time for Grace Perry in the Senior Girls’ 25m Butterfly Event with a time of 15.88. Grace broke the record set by Naaketta Scully (16.38) in 2005.Swimming Champs. Photo: Supplied.Congratulations to Grace and also well done to Naaketta for holding a record for such a long time – 21 years!Congratulations to Grace Perry. Photo: Supplied.Coming up in the first week of March is our Autumn Co-Curricular Week. These programmes involve year levels participating in school-based activities, water skills, tramping, camping, biking, kayaking and climbing to name but a few.Co-Curricular Week is a great time for students to excel in areas they are passionate about and spend a week learning outside of the classroom.Some of the other events over the rest of Term 1 include the:Southland Tennis Champs, Northern Athletics, Team Triathlon, Year 12 History Trip, Unserious Careers Roadshow, Southland Athletics, Whanau Evenings for Years 7-10 and Years 11-13, Mountain Bike Champs, Year 12/13 Geography trip, Individual Triathlon, South Island Mountain Bike Champs, Northern Swimming, Southland/Otago Adventure Race and the Cross Country Champs.Careers Expo with a wide array of institutions. Photo: Supplied.All that while still having a full daily curriculum being taught!