1 THE RIGHT TIME

The decision to step down in the October elections has been one of the hardest I have ever had to make.

On one hand, I have loved the past 21 years and have felt very proud to represent Southland. On the other hand, this will enable me to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, and hopefully other opportunities will open up to me because of the reduction in my commitments.

Mayor Frana Cardno

I think I can pass the mantle of the district on to good hands I want to acknowledge the support and I wish all those who contest not only the mayoralty but and love of my late husband, also those standing for Council all the very best. Murray, who died two and a half years ago. Over my time as Mayor, I have seen many changes. Council has developed from an organisation coming to terms with amalgamation to a coherent and unifi ed Council that makes excellent decisions on behalf of its residents and ratepayers. It is fi nancially one of the strongest Councils in , it has excellent infrastructure and sound strategies to see it continue successfully into the future.

There have been signifi cant changes in that period including main street upgrades, new and improved water and sewerage schemes, a roading network which is seen as innovative and progressive in its governance and management, a solid waste management system providing the best value for money of any scheme in New Zealand and a joint economic development unit.

Venture Southland is seen as the envy of a number of regions in New Zealand, as are other shared services such as Te Ao Marama, the Southern Rural Fire Authority and the Emergency Management Southland group. I may have been Mayor, but Murray I have met and made friends with a diverse range of was my unpaid assistant, answering people from the district, from the region, nationally and the phone whenever I was away, internationally. It is these grassroots people that really made educating people on the issues, the job of being the Mayor of Southland District Council a driving me from appointment to very rewarding and pleasurable experience and I want to appointment at all hours of the day thank the ratepayers and residents in Southland for their and night. He was a sounding board outstanding support. for ideas even though there were I really want to thank my fellow councillors, as the vast times when we were possibly at majority of them now and in the past have been there for the the opposite ends of the spectrum right reasons with the ability to make decisions in the best and most of all to be there when I interest of the district as a whole. returned home exhausted after long days. Council has been fortunate to be supported by a dedicated team of staff, who I have enjoyed working with. A number After 21 years of continuous service of them have been of the highest calibre and have been as mayor, I feel it is time that I hang recognised both locally and nationally. up those chains and move on.

I also want to thank my Deputy Mayor for the last 21 years, I still believe I have things to offer Jim Copland, who has been incredibly supportive, has added the community and I will look at an incredible depth of knowledge to any debate, willingly other roles where I can contribute stepped up to any role asked of him and in every case has constructively to make Southland a been an exemplary ambassador of Council. better place for us all.

2 YOUR VOTE COUNTS...

Everyone will vote in the up-and-coming elections because we all strongly support democracy. As they say in the Tui ads, “Yeah Right”.

In the 2010 local government elections Southland District Council had a turnout of 39 per cent. Our challenge this year is to double this number. Wait, nope, maybe I should say again “Yeah Right”. However, it’s not a dream because in 1989 Southland District Council had a turnout of 70 per cent. Turnouts for local elections, right across New Zealand, have David Adamson CEO steadily been dropping even though a lot of effort has been made to make voting easy. George Bernard Shaw once said “Democracy is a device that local government in the Southland district, boosts ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” There our understanding of local empowerment while is true power here, the power to decide who is going to be in ensuring public services meet the needs of the charge of governing the very streets we live on, the infrastructure community. that supports our economic, social and cultural wellbeing, There are two key opportunities open to each how we will move around the district, the future shape of our and every resident and ratepayer over the next communities and the quality of our environment. The truth is, three months which will only be repeated on a who governs our district can often affect our lives more than three-year cycle. The fi rst is standing for offi ce, who governs our country. whether at community board level or at Council, Southland District Council is responsible for a wide range of and secondly is the opportunity to vote. local services and has extensive discretion in relation to activities I hope that each and every one of you will it undertakes, provided that it has consulted its communities in participate in the latter but I also hope that making the decision. we can show that democracy is alive and well Council has also delegated signifi cantly to its local communities in Southland and that we have strong and via its community boards. As a result there is considerable positive elections. diversity in the range of activities that Council provides, A diverse range of skills, a balance of gender, a refl ecting the different circumstances towns and communities refl ection of the community’s culture mixed with fi nd themselves in. integrity, honesty, independent thinking and a One of the strengths of local government is the opportunity it willingness to learn leads to outstanding boards gives anyone over the age of 18 to be directly involved in the and councils. process of governing their own towns or community. Local Voting is easy. You will receive a postal pack and government, and particularly the very delegated nature of all you need to do is mark the boxes correctly, put it in the envelope supplied and drop it into your local mailbox so that it is received by Council prior to midday on 11 October 2013. Winston Churchill said that “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fi re and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” I think they both have been proven right over the years and it’s our challenge to see if we can top not only the voter turnout tables in the 2013 local authority election statistics but also the statistics covering the number and balance of candidates. 3 FIVE-WARD SYSTEM FOR SOUTHLAND DISTRICT

Southland District ratepayers will vote under a new The commission’s decision endorses Council’s representation system in October’s election. proposal for fi ve wards with multiple councillors, eight Southland District Council chief executive David community boards and 19 Community Development Adamson said Council is delighted the commission Area Sub-committees (CDAs). substantially supported Council’s fi nal proposal which Two small changes to the Council proposal were made: was developed after extensive consultation. 1. It was proposed that community boards include at least one but up to three members appointed by Council. The commissioners believed a precise RAILWAY FUND GRANTS number was needed and it determined that it be one appointed member. The Ohai Railway Fund Committee at its 2. The Stewart Island Community Board should allocation meeting in April approved grants to the include Rakiura in the name. following organisations: Deputy Mayor Jim Copland said he believed the • $4,000 to the Aparima Hall Committee to representation scheme in the fi nal proposal was a true assist with the installation of a new roof, spirited and very genuine attempt by Council to both spouting and water lines. comply with the law and get the best possible scheme for the district. • $8,000 to Hospice Southland Charitable Trust “The plan that has been adopted is bold and to assist with providing specialist palliative courageous and Council is excited about seeing it care services to persons within the Ohai in practice. The feedback I have received since this Railway Fund district. fi nal proposal was announced has been positive, optimistic and future focused.” Mr Adamson said • $4,723 to the Nightcaps Community Council had consulted comprehensively with its Development Area Sub-Committee to assist ratepayers and residents last year on how they wanted with the purchase of additional playground to be represented by councillors, community boards equipment for Dr Woods Memorial Park. and community development area sub-committees. • $3,444 to Nightcaps Squash Club to assist with It puts in place a fi nal proposal to create fi ve wards with the purchase of new furniture for the multiple councillors: Squash Clubrooms. • Mararoa-Waimea – three councillors • $2,950 to Southland Heritage Building and • Waiau-Aparima – three councillors Preservation Trust to assist with repairs and • Winton- – three councillors painting to the exterior of Sinclair Cottage at Nightcaps. • Waihopai-Toetoes – two councillors

The following people were allocated educational grants: • Stewart Island-Rakiura – one councillor

R P Allan $700 Council will have eight community boards – , , , Riverton, Wallacetown, Winton, J M Horrell $700 Stewart Island and Edendale-Wyndham, along with 19 CDAs. B G McConnochie $300 In October’s elections, those of you who live in wards H E Milne $700 with three councillors can vote for three councillors. N M Sharp $700 For the election of community board members to the J M Smith $700 newly combined Edendale and Wyndham community board, those of you living in the Edendale subdivision will M A Tamati $700 vote for representatives from the Edendale subdivision. S J Tamati $700 Those of you living in the Wyndham subdivision will L J Todd $1,000 vote for representatives from the Wyndham subdivision. If you require further information or clarifi cation, please T L Valli $300 call or visit your local Council offi ce.

4 FIVE-WARD SYSTEM MAP

5 Economic

Lifelines

NEW ALLIANCE CONTRACT ROADING MEETINGS

Southland District Council is facing some hard decisions about the future of parts of its roading network because of constraints in funding.

Government funding is being tightened and restricted, with no likelihood of that improving, and Council is only too aware of the fi nancial burden some of our ratepayers are under. Council has worked hard in the past few years to come up with innovative ways of saving money and is continually trying to do more with less. A network plan looking at the economics, social benefi ts and safety of our roads has been created. Southland’s roads were built in a time of prosperity in the south about 50 years ago and are coming to the end of their life. Council needs to spend $25 million a year Mayor Frana Cardno with Southroads general manager Bruce Fox to maintain and rebuild our roads at the moment. This cost is going to grow rapidly in the next 10 years and SouthRoads is the new maintenance contractor for the Central Alliance, which covers the Riverton, Wallace, beyond that it gets worse. Wallacetown, and Winton wards. So now it is time to look at the options and make the decisions. Council has come up with a series of Southland District Council services and assets group possible solutions, but has decided it wants to fi nd out manager Ian Marshall said the $4 million contract includes sealed and unsealed road maintenance, what Southland District stakeholders, ratepayers and drainage maintenance and unsealed road metalling. residents think about this issue and what ideas they might have to manage our roads before making The alliance will also be responsible for designated any decisions. township works within the contract area that include items such as footpaths, kerb and channel, public toilets, Public meetings have been held around the district, and cemetery burials. “The contract will run for four with those attending giving lots of feedback, years and is an alliance type contract, like our other two particularly about gravel roads. Staff are working with north-west and south-west alliances,” Mr Marshall said. the contractors about some of the issues raised and will An alliance contract means Council and the contractor continue to do so. The common theme coming through work together to make the best decisions for the roads from these meetings is that roads are the top priority. and other maintenance. Two other companies also Several groups also said access to gravel needs to be submitted proposals and all three went through a freed up. shortlisting process, and an evaluation, including a workshop. Council asked those attending to indicate whether they would be part of a focus group and there was a strong SouthRoads currently is carrying out the maintenance in indication of support, with most saying yes. the north-western area and has extensive maintenance experience elsewhere. “SouthRoads has demonstrated The next step in the process is to analyse all the with its attitude to date that it can make an alliance feedback we received, get the data around the points work and has displayed great commitment to making made and discuss the fi ndings with the public again. this happen,” Mr Marshall said.

6 Construction on the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail has begun. The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail is being built in two sections – like and what the needs of cyclists the fi rst, from Kingston to Lumsden to , and the second from would be. Mossburn to Walter Peak. Other queries from members of the Five tenders have been let for the fi rst stage, with the aim of being public centred on the tight timelines fi nished by October 31, Council services and assets group manager Ian that have been put in place to open Marshall said. the trail. Four companies – The Roading Company, Te Anau Earthworks, Attendees were told that attention Wilsons Contracting and Agworks – won the contracts and some work has been focused on getting the trail on clearing scrub and track building has commenced. to the point of construction. More than 150 people attended the two public meetings held in Athol There is now a need for more and Lumsden about the trail and the benefi ts for the communities information about potential alongside it. numbers of cyclists and what accommodation and other hospitality The meeting attracted people who already had businesses, people requirements they will have so who had ideas to develop new businesses and products for the trail Venture Southland’s community and people who were just curious to know what impact it might have development, tourism and business on their community. Questions included what the benefi ts of the trail teams are providing information would be, where exactly the trail route would go, what it would look packages around these queries.

7 Planning for the Future

The hearings will provide an opportunity for submitters to UPDATE ON present their submission to the hearing committee. Some pre- hearing meetings may be held prior to this with submitters to seek THE PROPOSED clarifi cation over the points raised. Council will contact submitters directly if there is a need for a pre-hearing meeting on the issue SOUTHLAND they made a submission on. Southland District Council notifi ed the Proposed Southland District DISTRICT PLAN Plan in November 2012. Submissions closed in February and 289 submissions were received. A summary of those submissions was Council staff are summarising notifi ed in May for further comment. submissions to the Proposed More than 40 further submissions were received and these covered Southland District Plan and preparing most sections of the plan. The main issues that were commented recommending reports for the hearings on were: panel. Due to the local government • Rural Zone and the rules versus alternative methods elections in October, the hearings are • Biodiversity and the balance between more and less controls likely to begin in March 2014. • Natural Features and Landscapes and those specifi c areas covered by the overlays and the related rules

We are recommending this simple precaution Although the health risk is for all households, small, the Ministry of Health including those on recommends you fl ush a public and private Some plumbing mugful of water from your water supplies. fi ttings have the drinking-water tap each potential to allow morning before use to minute traces of remove any metals which metals to accumulate may have dissolved from in water standing in the plumbing fi ttings. the fi ttings for several hours.

8 RIVERTON’S NEW WATER SUPPLY Work is well underway to deliver a new source of water for residents in Riverton.

Water and waste project and programme manager Bevan McKenzie said two production wells have been installed and the well pumps and pipe headworks have been fi tted.

The pipeline between the new well at Centre Road and the water treatment plant has been installed, he said.

“Council has received tenders for the upgrade of the water treatment plant so it is envisaged that work will commence in September.”

Consultation with the community identifi ed the need for a new source of water as weather conditions affected the taste and increased the amount of sediment in the current water source. After trying water samples, residents were unanimously in favour of the new supply.

The upgrade of the water treatment plant is hoped to be completed in June 2014.

The paper used in every issue of First Edition is made up of 50% recycled fi bre, which consists of... 35% pre-consumer and 15% post-consumer recycled fi bre. 50% of the paper used is Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and derived from renewable resources. In addition the bleaching process for each page is chlorine and toxin free. And of course once you are fi nished with this issue why not recycle it.

9 Please give Julie, Southland District Council’s animal control offi cer, a call on 0800 732 732 if you have any further questions.

10 Hailing from South Africa, Kenya, Britain, Thailand and Slovenia, the NEW CITIZENS candidates travelled from all over to Southland to swear their allegiance to IN SOUTHLAND New Zealand at the special ceremony. Chief executive David Adamson and Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno Council’s recent citizenship led the proceedings in front of a large audience made up of family, friends, ceremony saw 18 Southlanders councillors and staff. take the fi nal step in becoming Angela Pardo Cortes from the Southland Multicultural Society presented the New Zealanders. new citizens with a native New Zealand tree as a symbol of laying roots in their communities.

11 Our Southlanders... JIM COPLAND Working together for a better Southland has brought retiring Deputy Mayor Jim Copland the most satisfaction in his long local government career. Cr Copland fi rst entered the world of local government in 1986 when The county council went about its business he was approached by his uncle, Sir Erskine Bowmar, to consider with no internal political agendas, enabling the standing for the then Southland County Council. wisdom and common sense around the table to be a great strength. He had never considered the role before because he had been so involved in farming and developing his land. “The biggest thing I learnt was the respect the people had for the county council and I believe “My father did not return from World War 2 and so the property that has endured into Southland District Council.” lost a generation. I was so involved in the farm-work that I didn’t do much outside of it,” Cr Copland said. “The overarching experience in my fi rst term was being part of the uncertainty and bedlam that However, when approached by local farmer Clive Smith, he thought forced amalgamation was causing.” it was a privilege to be asked and decided to put his name in the hat. The challenge was to protect the rural communities’ “It was a whole new ballgame – the change from just focusing on voice in 1989, as Southland had and still does farm issues to the wider picture was massive. I learnt to appreciate have strong communities of interest and it was issues outside the boundary fence,” he said.

12 Māori name Te Rohe Pōtae O Murihiku at a ceremony at Te Takatai o te Titi Marae at Colac Bay. “It was very special and part of a great learning curve”. Cr Copland has always enjoyed the people, the councillors, staff and the ratepayers and residents. Another infl uential person for him was the late councillor, Bill McKee. “There was never a dull moment when travelling to meetings with Bill. While advice was freely given often in a humorous manner I really learnt to appreciate the underlying wisdom of his mentorship.” Outgoing mayor Frana Cardno’s leadership has also been inspirational for Cr Copland. “It has been a privilege to have been able to support in a small way, one of Southland’s strongest advocates. She is dedicated to her responsibilities and has been an advocate not only for Southland at all levels of government, but equally for the person down the road with an issue. “I believe we share a vision that we reside in the best part of New Zealand, in fact one of the best parts of the world... important they were represented in any fi nal outcome. It is a special region to live, work and play in. We are also The result was that Southland County Council, along with confi dent we leave Southland District Council in a very Wallace and Winton Borough Council, were amalgamated sound fi nancial position. into one – Southland District Council – in 1989. “Local government has been a large part of my life – I “One of the people who most infl uenced me was the chair have spent a third of my life involved in it and I hope of the county, the late John Casey. He fought very hard I have made some worthwhile contribution over this for the retention of a rural voice in any proposed outcome, time,” Cr Copland said. and was instrumental in the establishment of what became Southland District Council. “I know that a better Southland has resulted. “As its fi rst Mayor, his steadfast leadership overcame the “However, it’s time to do other things. My wife Rosalie divisiveness that naturally occurs in a new amalgamated and I are in good health and it’s time to do things we want entity. To me, John was one of Southland’s most under- to do together and also when you have a young heading recognised local government leaders,” Cr Copland said. dog tied up, there is always a good reason to get going in the morning.” The system of decentralised democracy that was created by that fi rst Council has been a success and strength of Southland District Council, he believes. With such a large land area and so many different areas of interest, the community board and CDA set-up has worked well and the input from the boards and CDAs has enabled Council to make sound decisions for the District. “I am proud of the fact that Council is a leader on so many issues and the shared services we have been involved in have been satisfying to me as well,” Cr Copland said. The links with local Māori through both Te Roopu Taiao and Te Ao Mārama, the development of a regional landfi ll and the creation of Wastenet, Venture Southland and Emergency Management Southland are just some examples of successful shared services. “Wastenet alone will save ratepayers millions of dollars over its long life, with the combined contracts and one landfi ll. It was challenging to set up but the economic and environmental outcomes Wastenet is achieving speak for themselves, especially now with the addition of Southland Cr Copland’s passion led to his involvement with many waste DisAbility Enterprise’s recycling service.” reducing initiatives and environmentally friendly community projects One highlight for him was when Council received its in Southland throughout his time in local government.

13 It’s been a busy few months for the The Youth Council’s most recent meeting was held in Fiordland College, Southland District Youth Council. Te Anau, followed by a visit to the start of the Kepler Track. At their Following on from the success of the meeting, they identifi ed some other community projects they want to Clash of the Colleges, it was straight back become involved in later this year and discussed the most prominent to business for Youth Council members. issues affecting youth in their areas. Afterwards, Youth Council member Nick Humphries spoke about the Kids Restore the Kepler project he has been involved in with his community and showed fellow members predator traps that have been constructed at the beginning of the Kepler Track. Nick’s knowledge of conservation made for an interesting discussion on the future of Southland’s environment. A youth workshop organised by Southland District Council’s friendship committee brought members of the Youth Council together to brainstorm ideas. The workshop enabled the Youth Council to share their opinions on how to engage young people in Southland and develop ways of strengthening international relations from a youth perspective.

Youth Council members also attended CareerFest to represent the Southland District Council. They spoke to students at the careers expo about the role of the Youth Council and what can be achieved as a member.

14 Southland District Youth Council held the inaugural Clash of the Colleges, an event that brought schools across the district together for an evening of entertainment and to celebrate the talents and creative skills that young people in Southland have. The Youth Council is made up of representatives from schools across Southland and each Youth Council member organised music, speech and dance acts from their schools to compete.

Central Southland College in Winton hosted the event and the audience was made up of students from schools across the district, families, friends and members of the local community. Based on this year’s success and feedback received, Clash of the Colleges is set to become an annual project for Southland District Youth Council.

The schools involved were Fiordland College, Central Southland College, Aparima College, Northern Southland College and Menzies College. Southland Spirit of a Nation brand co-ordinator Gerry Forde was the MC for the evening and the talent was judged by Mayor of Southland Frana Cardno, Venture Southland’s creative projects manager Angela Newell and Council’s communications and governance manager Louise Pagan.

15 Southland CareerFest

CareerFest 2013 provided Council with an opportunity to promote work in local government to students from all over Southland. Stadium Southland in was packed with students from schools across the district that came to see what opportunities are available after they fi nish school.

Many students commented on the variety of work at Council which they never knew existed. Throughout the two day event, Council’s interactive stand was manned by staff members who answered questions on different career options and provided information on Council services.

Wyndham Tree Planting

A tree planting day was hheld on the fi rst Sunday morningm of May on a stopbanks at the western ende of the Wyndham township.t MembersM of Council staff,s along with representativesr from the Wyndham Community Board and people from the community, gathered together to sow new tree life into the area. It is hoped that the planting day will become an annual community event.

16 Congratulations

ANZAC Day Essay Winner

James Eunson from Wyndham was presented with his prize for winning the inaugural Maori Language Week Southland District Council Friendship Committee ANZAC Day essay competition. James is a Year 11 student at James Hargest College in Invercargill and he wrote a fi ctional essay based on the “Enduring ANZAC Spirit” in remembrance of his great grandfather. Year 12 Aparima College student Christina Grove was chosen as the runner up of the essay competition.

Friendship Committee

Librarian Megan Wilson built an impressive display in Riverton Library to celebrate Maori Language Week.

Chairperson of the Sister City New Zealand Board Hiromi Morris recently visited Southland to meet with the Friendship Committee.

17 EXERCISE TE RIPAHAPA

An alpine fault earthquake is a reality that we hope will never happen in our lifetime. These quakes are big, generally around magnitude 8.0 plus, and have a dramatic effect on the landscape of Fiordland and the West Coast of the .

Recent scientifi c evidence has reinforced the message that Responding to this event alone was a major undertaking. New Zealand’s alpine fault earthquakes are a regular Further away from the epicentre in Southland, building event. The odds are there is a 30 per cent chance of an damage took place on some of the older buildings and alpine fault event in the next 50 years. there were areas of liquefaction in towns near rivers. Taking this into consideration, Civil Defence Emergency Power outages and road, rail and bridge damage made Management groups throughout the South Island took travelling around the province very diffi cult. part in Exercise Te Ripahapa to test their response to such In the early stages the emergency services had to rely on an event. their own resources until such time as personnel could be In Southland, Emergency Management Southland, council brought in from the North Island or internationally. staff from the four Southland councils and emergency So how can you help if this took place in reality? Simply services staff participated in the event which simulated a by being prepared. If you are able to ensure that you can possible alpine fault earthquake centred near Haast. look after yourselves and your family by having enough Some of the impacts in the Fiordland and Te Anau area water, food and resources to last three days then you were slips, road damage, power, sewer and water failure. do not immediately become reliant on support from the Access to was cut off due to slips and debris emergency teams. falling onto the Milford Road. If you aren’t sure what you need, then check out www. As part of this exercise it was simulated that a rock slide gethtru.govt.nz or the Emergency Management Southland into Milford Sound had created a localised tsunami website at: www.civildefencesouthland.govt.nz causing damage in Milford Sound village.

18 NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BURN

For more information on burning in your area, please phone 0800 77 33 63 or visit Southern Rural Fire’s website www.southernruralfi re.org.nz

19 Winton school children listened to Mayor Frana 30 YEARS OF HAIRY Cardno read a Hairy Maclary story as part of the 30 MACLARY CELEBRATED year celebration of the books. Local vet Sarah Wilkes from Vet South talked AT WINTON to the children about the breeds of dog Lynley Dodd captured in her stories and illustrations.

Prizes were presented to three children picked out of an audience of 300 little Hairy Maclarys, Bottomly Potts and Slinky Malinkys for their costumes. And there was even an appearance by Southland’s own version of Bitzer Maloney! Other story time and craft events to commemorate the anniversary of the much loved Hairy Maclary books also took place in Te Anau.

ENJOY READING – BUT NOT SO MOBILE?

If you are living alone, or there is nobody who can arrange to collect and return books for you, library staff members are happy to work out a solution.

Bags of books are already being delivered to a number Can you make special requests? of people throughout the district and this can be extended to include you. Similarly, arrangements can Of course you can and these will be supplied be made to drop books at your home or somewhere when your turn arrives. they can be easily collected for you. If you have an e-reader but are not too sure How are we going to know what you may enjoy? how to use it or how to get books held by the library with it, library staff can also help The library has a profi le form in which you describe with that. your reading habits, how many, what type, whether you need large print or audio books and how often.

How do we know what you have already read? Contact Morag or Lynda on 0800 732 542 and they will make The library’s computer system keeps a record of the arrangements to have a selection of titles you have already borrowed from the library. books delivered to you. This way, you will not end up with repeats.

20 Mobile Library Timetable Aug – Nov 2013

* denotes a public holiday Athol Shop 1:00 - 3:00 Mon 2 Sept 30 Sept * Balfour Tavern 9:30 - noon Tues 20 Aug 17 Sept 15 Oct 6.00 - 8.00 Tues 3 Sept 1 Oct 29 Oct Blackmount School 11:00 - 12:00 Mon 19 Aug 16 Sept 14 Oct Colac Bay Foreshore 12:30 - 2:00 Thurs 5 Sept 3 Oct 31 Oct Dacre School 11:30 - 12:30 Fri 6 Sept 4 Oct 1 Nov Drummond Tavern 3:30 - 5:00 Thurs 29 Aug 26 Sept 24 Oct Edendale Car Park 2:00 - 4:30 Fri 23 Aug 20 Sept 18 Oct 2:00 - 4:30 Fri 6 Sept 4 Oct 1 Nov Feldwick Hall 9:30 -10:30 Mon 19 Aug 16 Sept 14 Oct Five Rivers Hall 3:30 - 5:00 Mon 2 Sept 30 Sept *

Fortrose Picnic Area 2:30 - 4:00 Thurs 15 Aug 12 Sept 9 Oct Garston Main Street 10:30 -11:30 Mon 2 Sept 30 Sept * Glenham Hall 11:30 - 1:00 Thurs 15 Aug 12 Sept 9 Oct Gorge Rd Hall 9:00 -11:30 Tues 13 Aug 10 Sept 7 Oct Hauroko Valley School 1:30 - 4:00 Mon 19 Aug 16 Sept 14 Oct Hedgehope Hall 10:00 -11:30 Fri 30 Aug 27 Sept 25 Oct Longbush Kindergarten 9:00 - 10:00 Fri 23 Aug 20 Sept 18 Oct Mokoreta School/Hall 9:30 - 10:30 Thurs 15 Aug 12 Sept 9 Oct Mossburn RSA 2:00 - 4:30 Tues 20 Aug 17 Sept 15 Oct 2:00 - 4:30 Tues 3 Sept 1 Oct 29 Oct Main Street 2.30 - 4.00 Thurs 5 Sept 3 Oct 31 Oct Otara Hall 2:00 - 4:00 Wed 14 Aug 11 Sept 8 Oct Pukerau School 9:30 - 11:30 Wed 21 Aug 18 Sept 16 Oct Rimu School 9:00 - 11:00 Fri 6 Sept 4 Oct 1 Nov Riversdale Hall 11:00 - 1:30 Wed 4 Sept 2 Oct 30 Oct 2:00 - 5:00 Thurs 22 Aug 19 Sept 17 Oct Playcentre 1:00 - 2:00 Fri 30 Aug 27 Sept 25 Oct Ryal Bush Com Centre 2:30 - 4:00 Fri 30 Aug 27 Sept 25 Oct School 11:00 - 12:30 Fri 23 Aug 20 Sept 18 Oct Thornbury Shop 9:30 - 11:00 Thurs 5 Sept 3 Oct 31 Oct

Tokanui Main Street 10:00 - noon Wed 28 Aug 25 Sept 23 Oct 1:30 - 4:00 Fri 16 Aug 13 Sept 10 Oct Waianiwa Hall 1:30 - 3:00 Thurs 29 Aug 26 Sept 24 Oct Hall 3:00 - 5:00 Wed 4 Sept 2 Oct 30 Oct 11:00 - 12:30 Thurs 22 Aug 19 Sept 17 Oct Waikaka Main Street 2:00 - 4:00 Wed 21 Aug 18 Sept 16 Oct Waikawa Hall 10:00 - noon Fri 16 Aug 13 Sept 10 Oct School 10:00 - noon Wed 14 Aug 11 Sept 8 Oct Wallacetown Com Centre 9:00 - noon Thurs 29 Aug 26 Sept 24 Oct Wendon Hall 9:00 - 10:30 Wed 4 Sept 2 Oct 30 Oct Wendonside Hall 9:30 - 10:30 Thurs 22 Aug 19 Sept 17 Oct Willowbank School 12:30 - 1:30 Wed 21 Aug 18 Sept 16 Oct Woodlands Shop 2:00 - 4:00 Tues 13 Aug 10 Sept 7 Oct 2:00 - 4:00 Wed 28 Aug 25 Sept 23 Oct Any queries, requests or renewals: please telephone the Winton Library 0800 732 542. Note: the following areas have fortnightly visits: Balfour, Riversdale, Waikaia, Mossburn, Edendale, Tokanui, Woodlands. Renewals can be made by email to: [email protected]

21 By Gerry Forde

BOOTS VS SUITS Boots v Suits, was the fi rst fl yer fundraiser to pit the rural townies against the surrounding farming community, culminating in a sell-out at Winton Memorial Hall in July.

The Winton event followed the proven formula with the boots (country) and suits (town) competing on stage in tug o’ war, quiz, impromptu comedy and lip synch, and interspersed between events 37 auction items.

Winton “mayor” Bruce Hughes led the suits Wadsworth, principal of Winton Primary gave his all on stage for the team unveiling his plan to head a Winton suits and ex-principal of Limehills School, Malcolm Walker was his super city to rival Auckland – “we already team manager – yet, Hillside at Browns was the only school to benefi t have the underground car parking!” Not fi nancially from the event. welcome in the super central city were the “Hokonui’s” typifi ed by the boots team, led Crucial to the mix, the generous businesses of Winton and districts. “A by Mick McMaster and his bottom kinfolk huge thanks to the Winton business community for putting up such who seemed too close knit as a family and generous auction items, allowing us to raise money that will benefi t too loose on stage. everyone in the community,” said Maria Scammell, as always, part of the organising committee. The boots supporters were louder and prouder, stomping and cheering their team At the heart of the fundraiser is the Spirit of Southland – the proven to victory. Yet victory belonged to so many. reality that when Southlanders come together, anything from a Ranfurly Shield to a skate park is possible. Receiving around $13,000 each were the hard working fundraiser groups that put on “Fundraising is tough for one volunteer group on its own; but bring the event, Central Southland Pool, Hillside four together around the table and you have a wealth of talent and School, Moores Reserve - a new venue for connections that bring in the whole community,” said Southland Spirit rugby league, soccer and touch rugby - and of a Nation brand manager, Gerry Forde, who oversaw the event. the new Winton Skate Park. The Flyer is the linchpin in Southland Spirit of a Nation’s campaign More than the funding, these groups now “to put the fun and funds into fundraising”, and raise $500,000 with have the confi dence and backing of the community groups in Southland in the twelve month period which wider community. The dynamic of linking started on 1 July this year. up groups not normally connected is the For more information visit: www.southlandR.co.nz subtle benefi t of the fl yer. Thanks to strong backing from key rural servicers CRT/Farmlands, The schools of the district became ANZ, Macaulay Motors, LIC and WHK, seven more fl yers will be run intertwined. Kate McRae from St Thomas in the district including Te Anau v on 21 Sept, Tokonui v was there for the skate park, Stephen Woodlands on 2 Nov and a Lumsden v Mossburn re-match on 16 Nov.

22 MEET THE TEAM STEP BACK IN TIME

After four years of work, an urban trail of Lumsden has been developed and a brochure is now available for the public to follow the trail.

Detailing the township’s history, its people and railway, locals and visitors alike will enjoy glancing back at a Lumsden that once was.

Venture Southland’s community development team Trish MacKenzie was behind the idea of the trail provides advice and assistance to volunteers and after successfully completing the Northern Southland community organisations to promote and lead their own Heritage Trail while living in the area. Trish was the development and community projects, and leverage off and chairperson of the Northern Southland Development connect to national and regional initiatives. Trust for a number of years and was always looking at The team can assist your group to: ways to promote the area. • Plan, develop and assess a project Fellow project organiser Chris Henderson said the brochure of the urban trail is aimed at those who enjoy • Identify potential community funding sources for visiting the area and want to fi nd out more. projects and provide assistance to funding applications “Walking groups come to Lumsden from time to time • Formalise your group’s structure and to become a legal and I think Trish’s idea was to create a history trail or charitable entity (e.g. a Trust or a registered charity) to add to the activity,” she said. “We are both very • Better understand your group’s responsibilities regarding interested in history and heritage buildings.” governance, fi nancial reporting and tax The urban trail takes you on a journey into the past • Help facilitate a project or meeting to experience time gone by in Lumsden. Chris is delighted with the fi nal result and believes that many • Advocate on your behalf so your needs are recognised people will benefi t from the project. For more information, please contact the planner in your area or “With the cycle trail becoming a reality at last, the to fi nd out more about how your community organisation can be production of the brochure will be very timely and will assisted visit: www.venturesouthland.co.nz be welcomed by anyone who wants to check out the history of our little town and get fi t at the same time.”

RURAL CRIME Southland’s widespread geographical area and rural population base makes PREVENTION it diffi cult for police to get where they need to be. With crime on the rise, the New Zealand Police want rural Neighbourhood Support which means the initiative crime prevention initiatives to be put in place. Venture can be promoted in the Southland District and help Southland has been working for a year with the police will be provided to groups who wish to set up. on ways to stop crime from happening in the fi rst place Local people in Winton and the Central rather than reacting to it. In order for this to be achieved, Southland area have already signed on and Otago community support is needed. Neighbourhood Support is starting to work with In Riverton, local volunteers from the community have these groups to get them underway. set up a Riverton Community Patrol. They help the If you would like to become involved in crime police by patrolling both Riverton and the wider area prevention in your area, please contact your on various nights of the week. Venture Southland has community development planner at Venture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Otago Southland on 03 211 1400 for more information.

23 BRIGHT SPARKS

Bright Sparks is a road safety programme that was launched earlier this year and aims at raising road safety awareness for pre-schoolers and their families in Southland. Road Safety Southland, NZ Police, Plunket and Kindergartens South created the initiative which includes a travelling road show, parent packs, competitions and prizes. Kindergartens were supplied with the Bright Sparks tool kit, a resource for teachers based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s fi rst early childhood curriculum. The tool kit was packed with teaching and learning opportunities to help young children become bright pedestrians, bright riders and bright passengers.

The Bright Sparks road show visited 15 kindergartens in Southland during the UN Global Road Safety week and provided hands on learning opportunities for children and their families. Resource packs with valuable road safety information was also distributed to over 650 families. 238 child restraint checks were completed during the week on infant capsules, rear facing convertible seats and booster seats. The Bright Sparks team are currently working on ways to keep the Bright Sparks programme sustainable across the year. Art work inspired by the campaign and created by young Bright Sparks will be available soon.

CAN YOUR POSTIE FIND YOU? Recently, we have received quite an amount of mail ‘returned to sender’ because the postie can’t fi nd the people we’ve sent it to. This is often because people don’t have their house number on their mailbox – or may even have the wrong number showing. CONTACT If you aren’t sure of your correct street address, it is normally DETAILS the address shown as your property location on the rates demand for your home section, or you can fi nd your house All Offi ces & Inquiries....0800 732 732 on SDC web maps at http://emap.southlanddc.govt.nz New Zealand Post requires that your house number be Fax ...... 0800 732 329 clearly visible on your letterbox. The Southland District Council’s own policy is that any District Libraries ...... 0800 732 542 house in a township shall display a house number, at least 60 mm in Rural Fire Permits ...... 0800 773 363 height, on the street they are numbered on. Email ...... [email protected]

If you still aren’t sure of your correct Website ...... www.southlanddc.govt.nz address, please contact Dave Joll at 0800 732 732, extension 3232. 15 Forth Street, PO Box 903, Invercargill 9840

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