1 Cover art Tui by DEOW (Danny Owens) Magazine design Gloria Eno Produced by Council communications team

ou’ve most probably seen his both his art and his technique, he says. spray paint. And then if I was only using work. Whether it’s a beautiful Y “I’ve turned it into a twist with New brushes there’s effects I couldn’t get with woman on a wall in a paddock, or brushes that I can with spray paint. a stunning mural in the city, you’ll Zealand heritage and the native birds recognise the graffiti art of New and my subject matter I’m working on “I think I’d be an idiot if I didn’t use Zealand’s southern-most graffiti artist, right now,” he says. “It could change - mixed media and different media to Danny “Deow” Owens. it might be cows next year or sheep the create what I’ve created.” year after.” Born in , Deow has always Going from the raw rebellion of dabbled in art, but considers himself Deow enjoys painting birds and the his outdoor work to the relative self-taught. A year in California in challenges they pose to him as an artist. refinement of his native bird series is his mid-teens cemented his love for “Their features; their feet, their eyes, reflective of his journey as an artist. graffiti and started him on an “epic their feathers. It’s a content that’s “I haven’t forgotten the roots where I journey” that now sees him able to helped develop my art in general - the come from but it’s an image of where travel the world with his work. different techniques I’m using in these I want it to go.” pieces,” he says. He may be based in California now, but »» For the full interview go to he says it’s always good to come home. “I’ve always limited myself to only Southland District Council’s Deow recently held an exhibition to open using spray paint because I’m a graffiti Facebook page the Vault pop-up gallery in Riverton. artist so I use spray paint and nothing else, but now I’m finding I can get His work there was the refinement of effects with brushes that I can’t with

Deow (right) discusses his exhibition with Southlanders Deborah and Ross Mackie. 2 The shape of representation in Southland was at the heart of discussions at nine Community Conversations held around the District in November.

Southland District Council has a mayor, 12 councillors, The roles of councillors, community boards and community eight community boards, each with six members, and 19 development area sub-committees are all going under the community development area subcommittees (CDAs), each spotlight in the review. with six members. Mr Tong says it is important for the Southland community This is a total 175 elected members – meaning the District to come up with a workable proposal because if it doesn’t has one elected representative for every 165 residents. the Local Government Commission will take the decision However, about 10,000 people in the District are not into its own hands. represented by either a community board or a CDA and Council believes this needs to be looked at. Less formal community groupings are one option – with Mr Tong citing the success of the South Catlins Charitable Trust In April next year Council needs to recommend an option in developing the Tuma Toka Heritage Centre. for public consultation. However, before that Council would like the opportunity to talk to you about what you think. This includes: ◊ where you see your community of interest ◊ the number of councillors and where they should be elected from If you were unable to attend any of the Community Conversations there are plenty of ◊ whether we should have community boards and how opportunities to get in touch. many and whether they should cover the whole of the District. Residents have until the end of January to put their ideas and feedback into the mix – and there Southland District Council governance and democracy are several ways to do this: manager Clare Sullivan says Council is keen to get as much feedback as possible on ideas about how Council can deliver Email us at: effective, efficient and affordable representation. [email protected] At the Community Conversations meetings, Southland Fill out the quick online survey: District Mayor Gary Tong encouraged people to think about wwwsurveymonkey.com/r/J2P3QSL where they go for services, schools, shopping, socialising and sport – the things that embody a community of interest. Or visit our Invercargill office or one of the area offices. 3 MAYOR GARY TONG or a year where not a lot of change was expected a lot sure has changed, and 2018 promises to be equally challenging Fand rewarding. As I look back on the year, there have been many fantastic achievements recognised and plenty of challenges to get our heads around. Southland District covers a vast area – about 12% of ’s total area, but has under 1% of the country’s population. This equation has always presented some unique challenges around governance and asset management, among other things. In 2018 we will again be tackling questions around representation in Southland. At our Community Conversations we’ve been asking people what they consider their community of interest to be – where do they shop, where do their kids go to school, where do they socialise and where do they play their sport or watch their shows. Lines on maps identifying wards, community board and community development areas in Southland may be outdated and not fit for purpose in 2018 – and that’s what we’re asking people about. We’re taking feedback until late January, so please get in touch with your thoughts and ideas. By April we are required to come up with a proposal for public consultation. It’s important we do this together to come up with something that best fits as many of our residents’ needs as possible. If we don’t put up a proposal, the Local Government Commission will decide for us. ranger in the Catlins on a trial basis over summer from December to March. In March plays host to GODZone, the world’s largest outdoor There are plenty of options adventure race, which will be an amazing event for and around potential boundary surrounding areas. Each of our communities has its own dynamics and challenges and the changes and make-up of Community Conversations give us a real taste of what’s on people’s minds. representation in the District. During 2017, we were asked about roading, fracking, elderly care, power supply options on Stewart Island, representation levels, cellphone Throughout the year, we’ve been challenged by coverage, freedom camping and a whole host of other issues. projects such as the Te Anau wastewater disposal scheme and the Around the Mountains Cycle Council doesn’t have all the answers – we believe in partnering with Trail with significant progress starting to be our communities to help develop a collective understanding of the made on both fronts. many challenges and opportunities in front of us. Tourism and aquaculture are two key pillars The year has seen some great wins for our District with the of the Southland Regional Development Government’s $1.08 million contribution to the Rakiura Heritage Strategy. One aquaculture opportunity has been Centre and $500,000 in funding for the Curio Bay Natural Heritage investigated at Port Pegasus, and there appears to Centre among the highlights. be no stopping the tourism train. For me personally, being able to acknowledge the efforts of the South Island councils are keen to see District’s many amazing volunteers is a real highlight – including the improvements in the way freedom camping presentation of bravery awards on behalf of the Governor-General is managed and we want to work with Local to two long-time Nightcaps residents who risked their own lives Government New Zealand to develop a draft attempting to save the life of a neighbour. Freedom Camping Bylaw that can be adapted and used by councils throughout the country. Council’s new brand has been praised and the upbeat and contemporary feel of the new logo and colours has put a spring in We are working alongside some of our everyone’s step – and it’s up to all of us to live the Southland Story neighbours on some cross-boundary matters, and be proud of our fantastic District. such as freedom camping, in the Catlins. As 2017 winds down, I’d like to wish everyone the best for the festive Clutha District Council, Southland District season and for whatever lies in front of you in the year to come. Council and the Department of Conservation are all chipping in equally to cover the costs of a Let’s make it a good one. 4 CHIEF EXECUTIVE STEVE RURU

hile we’re all dreaming about areas. Meanwhile, many other regions the new landscape might look like and a scorching summer break, across rural and provincial New Zealand how and if we can determine our own I’d like to wish you a merry have a static, or in some cases declining, fate by creating new ways of working ChristmasW and all the best for 2018. population and an economy that goes that reflect what the needs of our through ups and downs as, for example, communities might be in the future, Before you get that well-deserved the dairy industry payout fluctuates. rather than becoming stuck in the past. break, I’d like to ask you a question. Southland District Council has been Councils in these places are under giving this a lot of thought. When you think about local government increasing pressure to continue to in New Zealand, what’s the first thing provide the services that historically We are constantly reviewing our that comes into your head? If you’re have been regarded as their core processes, looking to raise the quality thinking about potholes, pipes and business, and they are looking for ways of our planning and decision-making, footpaths right now, I’d like to suggest a to do the same for less. The people looking at new ways of working with different scenario. in these communities are ageing, other agencies and looking at how we In this picture, the landscape keeps infrastructure is reaching its use-by date might best support our communities to changing and the old ways of and the councils are looking hard at create a brighter future for themselves. doing business are not serving their their budgets to keep rates affordable. Southland is such a region and, by There is a real need for us to be clear original purpose. Local authorities about what activities are best led at the are being required to change the way necessity, Southland District Council’s role in it is changing too. regional, district and local community they interact with the communities level, so that we know how each activity they serve and how they go about should be led on a case-by-case basis. securing delivery of the services their While no-one can predict Regional development is an example communities need. the future, in many ways of an activity that is best done at the The economy is running at two speeds, regional level. Other issues, such as creating an uneven playing field. Some the future is happening ensuring that open spaces reflect the regions are enjoying a period of personality of a place, are best decided now, and we as a council at the local community level. prosperity with strong population and are turning our attention economic growth. Look no further The role of local authorities – and than a number of upper North Island towards meeting the new what communities can expect to see communities to see examples of such challenges head on. delivered by them – will change. For instance, Southland District Council Here’s what we know. could move more into a purchasing function, whereby we work with A number of growth areas are communities to determine what it struggling to keep up. Throughout is that they need delivered. Rather the local government sector there are than delivering the service ourselves ongoing issues with rates increases we could become a service broker, exceeding inflation and no end in sight arranging for the services to be delivered to this growing gap. If the trend that on behalf of the communities by other has been seen over the last 15 years agencies. In this way we are pooling all continues it won’t be long until rates of the resources available to an area and simply become unaffordable for many ensuring that all of the agencies that communities around New Zealand. deliver services to that area are paddling The Office of the Auditor-General in the same direction. reports widespread under-investment This partnership and collaboration in asset renewals. Existing approach is already happening at infrastructure is ageing and is not Southland District Council, where we being replaced in a way that will are looking to strengthen our ability ensure existing service levels can to work alongside communities and a continue to be maintained. range of other public and private sector Increasing standards, such as organisations to find the best ways to the National Policy Statement deliver the services our communities need. for Freshwater Management, This approach of working together in are putting more pressure partnership with our communities and on communities and local other agencies is enshrined in Council’s authorities to raise the bar new brand, the Southland District Story, in terms of the standard and our mission statement, Working to which they deliver their together for a better Southland. services. These pressures to do more can be expected to Council staff are doing a lot of work continue as we think about the behind the scenes on identifying new potential impact of issues such ways of doing business that will put us as climate change, ageing of in better shape to meet the changes we the population and the ongoing know are coming. urbanisation of communities. That said, enjoy your break. We’ll be back The challenge for all local on deck, ready for a big year, in January. authorities is to predict what

5 I got behind the controls of a $150,000 digger Dear at Bill Richardson Transport World’s latest Invercargill attraction, Dig Diary This. This is great fun – a giant Excerpts from Mayor Gary Tong’s sandpit for kids of busy schedule … all ages who like big toys. Dig This? Sure do!

The official opening of the Nightcaps butcher’s shop heritage corner was a very cool event. The site is where the historic butcher’s shop once stood in the town. The Nightcaps CDA worked with local businesses and SDC to develop the information panels and a very realistic 3D representation of what one of the area’s old coal mines would have looked like, complete with an actual coal cart on tracks. Congratulations to CDA chair Bev Evans Attended a special ceremony for driving this at Riverton to mark the awesome project. unveiling of a memorial plaque for Southland pioneer Thomas Winton, who our town of Winton is named after. His great-grand daughter Margaret Sanders (left) and husband Bob from Christchurch were there as former Winton councillor Lyall Bailey (right) spoke about Thomas Winton’s Met Annie McGregor place in our history. and her family at the opening of the new Lynwood Cemetery panels at Te Anau. Annie lost her husband, James Davidson Wood Muir, at the age of 28 when he drowned in a Lest we forget boating accident at Blue Gum Point in on 23 November 1957. He was never found. The cemetery sign project was a great community event, with the local Lions working together with SDC and historian Merv Halliday to record the name of everybody buried in the cemetery as well as those whose bodies 6 were never recovered. Into the inferno Two Nightcaps residents – Conrad Waihape and Phil Manson – undeniable, however, is the quick thinking and action taken received bravery awards for their roles in trying to save an elderly by dad’s neighbours – Phil Manson and Conrad Waihape.” resident whose home went up in flames in January 2015. She says the pair were selfless in their actions. Nightcaps Volunteer Fire and Emergency New Zealand held its honours night at the -Nightcaps Rugby Club in October. “Our lives changed forever that Mr Waihape, a volunteer firefighter, received a medal for bravery and Mr Manson a certificate for their actions in night, strangers united by tragedy.” rescuing Udo Paul Herbert Rach – known as Rudy Rach – from the blaze. She thanked her father’s neighbours for looking out for him in the eight years he spent living in Nightcaps before his death Neighbours heard Mr Rach calling for help on the night of and the hospitality they showed their family after the fire. the fire and went to check on him. When they arrived, they found the inside of Mr Rach’s house on fire and dragged him She says it took courage to enter the fire, to search for and outside. Neighbours, and then emergency services, gave Mr then rescue her dad. Rach first aid and he was flown to Dunedin Hospital, where he sadly died the following night. “Courage to keep moving forward despite the heat, the smoke, the flames licking at your face.” The awards recognise the actions of those who have saved or attempted to save the life of another person and in doing so After the award, Mr Manson said: “Every person in this put their own life or safety at risk. room would have done exactly the same as us.” Southland District Council Mayor Gary Tong said he Mr Waihape said: “We train to go into fires to pull people out was really proud to present the awards on behalf of the but we usually have proper gear on, but I know everyone (in Governor-General – and read out a statement from Mr uniform here) would have done exactly the same thing.” Rach’s daughter Maureen Bate. Senior firefighters Chris Marnane and Gordon Sharp also In the message, she says: “To this day no-one knows what received NZ Fire Service Long Service Good Conduct started the fire, or why Dad was unable to escape. What is medals at the ceremony. »» More pictures online: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm9pfC2f

Mayor Gary Tong reads the citation as Phil Manson (left) and Conrad Waihape receive their bravery awards. 7 ouncil will meet with some Southland communities Southland District Council’s team leader building solutions early next year to identify areas affected by new Michael Marron says some buildings are considered higher C building standards. risk because of their location, construction type or use. As part of the new building standards introduced by the Once owners are notified their building is potentially government, councils throughout New Zealand must earthquake-prone, they will need to carry out further checks identify earthquake-prone buildings in their communities. on its strength.

Q: What is the intent of the legislation? prone. These need to be reassessed under the new criteria. A: The earthquake-prone-building Q: What is the earthquake risk in Southland? regulations were updated in 2016 and A: There are three risk areas in the District: high, medium came into effect on July 2017. The and low. The further you go from the alpine fault the lower purpose of the regulations is to protect the risk. life in the event of an earthquake and improve our resilience afterwards. Q: How long will owners have to upgrade earthquake- prone buildings? Q: Which buildings are affected? A: Some buildings are priority buildings, for example hospitals A: The buildings most affected by and fire stations. Priority buildings in the high-risk areas will the regulations are unreinforced need to be upgraded first. The timelines for strengthening will masonry buildings. They would range from 7.5 years to 32 years after the building has been appear as brick buildings assessed as being an earthquake-prone building. to you and I. If you drive through New Zealand’s Q: What will happen next? older towns you will see parapets and verandas A: Council staff will talk with affected communities between on store facades. These January and April next year. More details of the meetings performed poorly in will be announced closer to the time. Where buildings meet the Christchurch and the profile of being a potentially earthquake-prone building Kaikoura earthquakes. Council will start the process by writing to the building owners in the high-risk areas first in the first half of 2018, Q: How many buildings and then to building owners in other areas. in Southland District are affected? Q: What should building owners do? A: Southland A: Members of the public should get engaged in the District Council consultation process and have their say in this very important has carried out a process. If they receive notification their building is desktop assessment potentially earthquake prone talk to us and let us know if you of more than 1200 are experiencing any difficulties in getting your assessment. Q&A buildings that may be Council wants to work with all those people involved to potentially earthquake achieve a positive outcome for everyone. with8 Michael Marron Heritage Centre ready for peak visitor season The long-awaited Curio Bay Tuma Toka Heritage Centre is on track to be open in mid-December. The centre is the showpiece of a major development project at Curio Bay including a wastewater system, new campground facilities, a carpark and toilets and improvements to tracks and other visitor amenities. South Catlins Charitable Trust chairman Paul Duffy said the finishing touches were being put on the building in late November and the Gibson Group was expected to finish installing interpretation displays in early December. “It’s already getting busy out here. It means the centre will be open for the peak visitor season.” Construction of the complex began in toilets, and the South Catlins Charitable March. Mr Duffy says the cost of the Trust, with a lot of assistance from The heritage centre focuses on wildlife, overall project has reached $3.39 million. Venture Southland. iwi connections to Curio Bay Tuma Toka and the famous Petrified Forest. The trust has been able to source over There had been close liaison with the $1million in order to enhance the Awarua Runanga, he said. “I think people will be amazed with the educational experience in the complex’s technology in the storytelling. It’s very visitor interpretation centre. Mr Duffy wanted to acknowledge the interactive,” Mr Duffy said. Community Trust of Southland, which Mr Duffy said the project succeeded had been a cornerstone funder, and The main building includes a shop, because of the partnership between the Mataura Licensing Trust, which a cafe/restaurant and an educational Southland District Council, which contributed seed funding for the interpretation area, including a theatre. installed the wastewater system, the project 15 years ago. Mr Duffy says the centre will help to Department of Conservation, which manage the increasing numbers of built the carpark, walking tracks and visitors at Curio Bay and educate them about sensitive wildlife in the area.

9 WINTON AIR QUALITY

n air quality survey in increase awareness of the subsidies Winton has found solid available, promote the free home support for action to reduce health checks, complete educational smoke pollution. initiatives, extend the Southland In August, Winton residents District Council wood burner free were asked for their building consent incentives scheme opinionsA on air quality in a survey about until 31 December 2020, and to smoke pollution in the town. consider a clean-air loan scheme. The Winton Community Board is A good wood scheme promotes concerned with the level of smoke the use of dry, seasoned firewood, emissions in the town, as the emissions are suitable for immediate use, and green close to the national standard. A survey (unseasoned) firewood delivered form was delivered to Winton households sufficiently far in advance of winter and 207 people responded. so that, if properly stored by the user, the wood will be seasoned for use the There were three main reasons the board following winter. felt some action might be appropriate to reduce smoke emissions. All homeowners in homes built before 2000 can receive insulation The board wanted to be proactive around subsidies (ranging from 33% to protecting and improving public health, 50%). Insulation makes homes encourage continued compliance with the warmer and lowers heating costs. national air quality standard, and reduce Ceiling and underfloor insulation will the likelihood of the town becoming a be compulsory in rental homes from “polluted airshed”. 1 July 2019. Subsidies are available Southland District Council environmental for landlords as well. health manager Michael Sarfaiti says 73% The PM10 threshold allows for one of respondents support some action being exceedance of the 50 micrograms taken to reduce smoke pollution in Winton. per cubic metre limit per year. Those in support cite the need for clean An airshed is considered polluted if air, smoke from neighbours’ chimneys, it has average exceedances of more smoke affecting clothes drying, health than one per 12-month period for irritations and respiratory illnesses and bad the past five years. smells as reasons for action. Airsheds are areas where air quality Three quarters (74%) support an option could reach levels higher than the of promoting a good wood scheme, while national air quality standards. 71% are in favour of increasing awareness around subsidies, and 68% are behind the In Winton, the limit has been exceeded promotion of free energy health checks. once in 2016 and once in 2017. Michael says the results have been The town is not at any immediate reported back to the community board, risk of being considered a polluted which had asked both Southland District airshed, which would involve the Council and Environment Southland to introduction of new strict rules.

10 Winton forefather remembered The man who gave his name to the town of Winton has been given proper recognition at Riverton Cemetery. Margaret Sanders, the great-granddaughter of pioneering Southland stockman Thomas Winton, unveiled a new headstone which commemorates the man credited with discovering the site of the future central Southland town in the late 1850s. Former Southland District councillor Lyall Bailey, of Winton, led the project to install the plaque. He spoke at an informal ceremony attended by Margaret Sanders and her husband Bob, from Christchurch, Mayor Gary Tong, community board chairs Blair Stewart (Riverton) and Brian Somerville (Winton), and Mr Bailey’s wife Lenore.

Pictured (from left) Lyall and Lenore Bailey, Blair Stewart, Brian Somerville, Margaret and Bob Sanders and Mayor Gary Tong.

11 MOTURAU MOANA

nce a year, a small group to the volunteers. They eat and sleep in the She’s just back from a five-week of hard-working volunteers Hamiltons’ home during the week-long tramp in the Canadian Rockies. “That O descend on Moturau Moana, working bee. “It’s been very successful.” was a challenge.” Stewart Island Rakiura’s special bush haven above the sea. Elaine would like to see more people, She was invited to the Island by her including locals, coming to visit, longtime friend Sandra Dalziel. “I rushed Under the watchful eye of garden perhaps holding more weddings there, around and found a sitter for my dog and guardian Elaine Hamilton, the or having a picnic. here I am, doing something different and volunteers tidy the plots, plant new meeting new people outside.” species and make improvements to this “A lot of visitors rave about it. They historically significant property. think it’s absolutely peaceful.” Sandra has retired from a farm in Lawrence to Dunedin, and says she’s It is the former residence of Noeline She believes Miss Baker would approve been coming to the Island on and off Baker, an extraordinary woman who of the efforts made to maintain her since she was two years old. lived and died on the Island in the early former property. She met Elaine through Cavalcade 20 years of last century. A tireless activist, “I think if she couldn’t have it as she suffragist and conservationist, Miss years ago, and found they had a lot had originally intended, she’d be happy in common. “Elaine’s a really good Baker established a unique botanical to just have it used.” garden on her 32-acre (13-hectare) bush planner,” she says. property, later gifting it to the Crown as Elaine says it’s rather sad that Miss “I know all the nurserymen. I can get a research centre, although it was never Baker isn’t as well known as she really good prices.” used for that purpose. should be. You can still feel Miss Baker’s presence, She died on 25 August 1958 and her “She had quite a big impact on the Sandra says. “It’s a real pleasure to be here. ashes were scattered in the waters Island and she was definitely dedicated It’s never a problem getting volunteers.” of Halfmoon Bay, between her two to her plants, but as long as people properties overlooking Butterfield walk up there and enjoy it, I think that’s Trevor Woodrow, from Gore, was a Beach and Bathing Beach. what she’d like.” bricklayer by trade. Those skills come in handy at Moturau Moana. Now retired, Now Moturau Moana is a public On this week in October a new punga he’s a member of Pukeke Lions, and reserve, administered by Southland fence is being built in the carpark at the he takes a week off every year to come District Council and the Stewart Island top of the winding track that leads up over to the Island to help out. This is Rakiura Community Board. to the gardens from Braggs Bay Road. his fourth year of volunteering here. Elaine Hamilton is co-ordinating four Contractor Ricky Everest is doing Like Sandra, Trevor met Elaine through DOC volunteers this year – Joan and this work, while the DOC volunteers Cavalcade. “I think if I wanted to hide Phil Fluerty, Trevor Woodrow and tend to the garden cleanup and new from life I’d come to the Island,” he says. Tricia Pope – as well her friend Sandra plantings. DOC worker Joan Fluerty and husband Dalziel, one of the original DOC “I’m working in with the volunteers,” volunteers who has been coming along Phil, from Colac Bay, are here at he says. “They’re a nice bunch of Moturau Moana this week. independently for years. “I couldn’t people – a really interesting lot.” really do without her,” says Elaine. Sandra and Elaine helped Joan and Phil Ricky lives on the mainland but comes on a DOC project on the South Coast “Those days go really quickly and I’ve back to the Island as often as he can. He got to make sure everything gets done.” track a few years back, “so it’s time was born in Invercargill but his whanau, to reciprocate”, says Joan. Moturau has always been a part the Smiths, are well-known in Rakiura. The Fluertys work under contract of Elaine’s life. It was where her Tricia Pope from Oamaru is a keen mother and father met, and she lives for DOC, doing a variety of jobs tramper and gardener, and a master of mainly in . with husband Bill on the northwest understatement. “I like to keep busy – boundary of the reserve. it keeps me amused. I’m not one to sit Plantings follow the feel of Miss “It’s such a lovely place here. There around too much,” she says. are special trees, and we’re building up again to get some of the plants she had back again – perhaps adding our own little thing as well. “It started to get overrun and nobody really wanted to take responsibility for it.” Elaine In May 2000, just before the Hamilton Department of Conservation handed over the running of Moturau Moana to Southland District Council, DOC ranger Chris Rance started what became an annual DOC volunteer programme. As Elaine and Bill live next door, they decided to open their home

12 Joan Fluerty Baker’s example, Elaine says. A lot of natives go into the ground, not Joan Fluerty just local but from all around New and Tricia Pope Zealand. For instance, there’s a golden tainui from Great Barrier Island and a Kermadec pohutakawa. It fits the eclectic nature of Miss Baker’s plantings. She used to get people to bring plants to her. But her tastes extended to exotics as well, such as rhododendrons. The annual week-long programme with four or five volunteers is enough to maintain and upkeep the gardens, along with regular mowings, Elaine says. Any more people and it would get too big. The Stewart Island Lions Club pays for the volunteers’ ferry tickets. Ricky Everest Elaine appreciates DOC’s Isabel Noeline Baker involvement. “It’s a partnership that I hope continues for many years.” b 25 »» Moturau Moana is available December for public use as a wedding, 1878 (Opawa, picnic or function venue in Christchurch) beautiful tranquil surroundings. d 25 August Contact the Southland District 1958 (Stewart Council office in Oban, or phone Island Rakiura) 0800 732 732, to ensure the venue is available. Phil Fluerty oeline Baker was a remarkable woman of contrasts. Widely N travelled, with residences in Britain and New Zealand, she led a life of privilege and influence in England and one of comparative isolation of Stewart Island Rakiura. There, she established Moturau Moana, her Cape colonial-style home set in a unique botanical garden of her own design. The house was destroyed by fire in 1967. A committed suffragist who received the British MBE for her prominent role in mobilising the Women’s Land Army during Word War I, she was also a celebrated conservationist, being awarded New Zealand’s Loder Cup in 1949. Miss Baker is remembered as a formidably intelligent, elegant and highly cultured woman. She inspired others with her boundless enthusiasm and energy. Although she had a wide circle of friends, among the closest Stewart Island identity Sheila Natusch (nee Traill), she preferred to live alone. Moturau Moana, New Zealand’s southernmost public garden, is Noeline Baker’s gift to Stewart Island and the world, and a living monument to her extraordinary life. Trevor Woodrow and Sandra Dalziel »» Reference material made available with kind permission of Leah Taylor MA »» NOELINE BAKER: A Life in Two Worlds 1992 13

Karen and Leslie Ladbrook with Cody and Moose. My protected paradise

eslie Ladbrook’s playground is a patch of “I enjoy that kind of outdoor lifestyle. It’s like my protected bushland at Omaui, 20km southwest playground, so to speak. For me the benefit to the bush was of Invercargill. a secondary thing. I knew it was going to happen. During work hours, Leslie is a Southland District “I’m slowly building the farm part up for my horses, Council building consents officer. Off the clock, but even in the bush part there was a lack of young Lhe and wife Karen are living their version of the good undergrowth coming through.” life developing their historic property, which includes the Doreen Andrews Reserve. After countless hours of hard work clearing gorse with a tractor, they now have plant regrowth such as orchids and They have owned their 29-hectare block, 24 hectares of thick undergrowth coming through. Native mistletoe is which is covenanted by the Queen Elizabeth II National making a comeback. “It’s one of the first things to go when Trust, for six years. Leslie sees their role as caretakers of the you get pest problems, like possums,” Leslie says. land for future generations. “One thing I can’t get over is that within three years of living There are four species on the reserve not found anywhere there we had little brown owls starting to frequent the area, else in the area. and in the last two years we’ve had moreporks starting to live in the bush and come actually quite close to the house. Since Leslie has managed to reduce the possum numbers he’s noticed some radical changes in their little patch of wild “I have been lucky enough to see deer on my property, and paradise. Not only is the flora coming back, but the fauna too. fill the freezer. When Leslie and Karen took the property on, they could “I’ve even seen kaka, from Stewart Island, in the bush. It see they were in for a lot of hard work. The reserve was run must have been blown over the ditch.” down, bush was overgrown and unhealthy, and the birdlife had been largely wiped out by pests, mainly possums. QEII trust representatives come through every couple of years to document the regeneration, take photos and make Leslie got out his . 22 magnum and traps and started picking sure the Ladbrooks are abiding by the conditions of the them off. He’s been trapping possums and selling the fur covenant. “It’s like a resource consent,” Leslie says. “They’re since he was about 10. fairly amazed about the difference. 14 “We’ve got some amazing tortured trees, twisted with hollows inside. A lot of the area has been logged at some stage, and we’ve got a lot of young generation coming through.” Bird are flocking back, with tui and fantail numbers increasing. Leslie says it’s common to see wood pigeons in the trees around the house, as well as the odd kingfisher. “We’re lucky enough to have the rare black fantail visit every now and then when we’re feeding the horses. Only 4% of fantails are black in Southland so to have them at home is a real privilege.” He can see the pond on his property now and has plans to develop that, making it fish friendly, “and duck friendly, of course”. The creeks run with native fish species and he’s seen whitebait in there. Leslie says he’ll turn his attention to the rats next. “One thing about the QEII trust, they will work with you to set programmes in place and offer guidance.” Previous caretakers ran a commercial honey-producing operation on the property, exporting their Greenhills Apiary honey to the United States. Leslie says he doesn’t do that now, “because I don’t like bees”, and the commercial kitchen site is now his toolshed. Coincidentally, Southland District Council environmental health officer Veena Lal-Boon used to audit the honey-making What is a QEII open activity when she worked for Invercargill City Council. Leslie is awaiting approval to put a walking track through the space covenant? property to make it easier to look at the features and to make predator control easier. “That’s a very long-term plan. It’s A QEII Open Space Covenant is a legal agreement hard to do things on a zero budget,” he laughs. between a landowner and the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust. The agreement is entered into voluntarily and binds He and Karen have developed an arena for running their two current and all subsequent landowners in perpetuity. The horses and a third they graze. Leslie has recently revived his covenant is registered on the title to the land. passion for leatherwork, crafting a handmade saddle for his brother’s 50th birthday. The Doreen Andrews Reserve is a remnant of the ancient coastal broadleaf-podocarp rainforest that Leslie’s adventurous rehomed Jack Russell Moose joins him on once covered the area between Omaui and Bluff, this expeditions into the bush and Cody holds the fort at home. 24-hectare reserve was placed under a QEII Open Space He runs a small mob of Hokonui merino sheep, a rare feral Covenant by the Squires family in 1987. It is home to breed with only about 100 registered in New Zealand. many native plants and birds, and similar examples can be found at Omaui and Bluff scenic reserves. These are The Ladbrooks also have “too many” chickens and roosters. the last remaining remnants as much of the land has “With all the bush it can be an adventure to find the eggs,” he been logged or cleared for farming since early European says, and it’s not uncommon at this time of year for a chicken settled in the area. In 1995 a report of the botanical to appear out of nowhere with another hatch of chicks. values of the area found that the Doreen Andrews »» Leslie and Karen Ladbrook welcome members of the reserve is unique to the area as it contains four species public keen to come for a walk through their historic were not found at Omaui or Bluff, so the property is likely reserve. To arrange a visit, contact Leslie at Southland to be the only protected area in mainland Foveaux to District Council: 0800 732 732 contain these four species. 15 AREA JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Invercargill None Wednesday 7th None Office car park 11.30am – 12pm Lumsden Wednesday 10th None Wednesday 7th Railway Station 11.30am – 12.30pm 11.30am - 12pm Nightcaps None Tuesday 13th None Fire Station 11.30am - 12pm Office None Thursday 8th None (at rear) 11.30am - 12pm Riverton Office Tuesday 9th None Tuesday 6th 11.30am - 12.30pm 11.30am - 12pm Te Anau Office Thursday 11th None Thursday 8th (at rear) 11.30am - 12.30pm 11.30am - 12pm None Tuesday 20th None

TIMETABLE Wyndham Office (at rear) 2 - 2.30pm Winton None Thursday 15th

MICROCHIPPING MICROCHIPPING Opposite SDC Office 11.30am - 12pm

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DOGS MUST BE CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH SDC AND WEARING THEIR TAGS TO BE MICROCHIPPED. 16 Applying for a consent? Freedom camping

Southland District Council will be closed A full-time ranger will operate in over Christmas-New Year, which may a the Catlins during the summer a affect your applications for building and to monitor freedom camping resource consents and liquor licences. during the busy visitor season. LIMS AND BUILDING CONSENTS This will include patrols of Curio Bay, Fortrose, The cutoff for consent applications Weirs Beach and Waikawa. before the Christmas-New Year break is Southland District Council is working alongside 5pm on 20 December. Normal business the Clutha District Council and the Department for consent applications will resume on 11 January 2018. of Conservation in an effort to gather information The days in between are non-working days, so the processing and to control freedom camping in the Catlins. clock stops, but Council will accept applications in this period, The three organisations are all chipping in meaning applicants will have a longer time to have their equally to cover the costs of the ranger in the applications processed than the usual 20 working days. Catlins on a trial basis from December to April. RESOURCE CONSENTS Tourism Industry Aotearoa is running a social Resource Management Act non-working days are 20 media campaign focusing on responsible December to 10 January. camping during the summer – so check out campingnz on Instagram and However, SDC staff will be working during this time so applications will get lodged and decisions will still be issued facebook.com/campnz or despite the working days clock not ticking. www.freedomcamping.org The resource management team will be on deck during normal working hours on 11 January from 8.30am to 5pm. LIQUOR LICENSING Applications for a special licence must be lodged at least 20 working days days before the event is held. Please remember that working days do no include any day from 20 December to 10 January 2018. The special licence application deadline for February 2018 is 8 December 2017.

Catlins road update

The Catlins Alternative Coastal Route road reopened in late November and was passable from Fortrose to Curio Bay. Contractors are continuing to carry out construction work to prepare the road for sealing. Stop/go traffic management is in place, so drivers should expect some minor delays. Drivers are asked to observe temporary speed restrictions. Meanwhile, Slope Point Road was closed at the time of publication while contractors sealed the road. This was expected to be completed in December. We appreciate everyone’s patience and co-operation while this work continues.

17 OUR SOUTHLANDER JENNY CAMPBELL A thousand little gestures

enny Campbell is the person that sits at community meetings with one eye on proceedings and one eye on her crochet. JOriginally from the Wairarapa, of Ngāi Tahu descent, this farmers’ daughter moved to Lumsden with her partner, raised her children and taught there for over 20 years. and northern Southland are her home now, and she’s passionate about the people and the environment. “They’re get-up-and-go people. They put lots of energy into the community and are very committed to what they take on.” She is inspired by people and says that’s why she gets involved in lots of little organisations as a support person Jenny belongs to action group Coal – “because of the models I’ve seen in the community”. Action Network Aotearoa which aims When Jenny joined Southland Forest & Bird 44 years to ensure no new coal mines are opened ago it was the beginning of a journey that has made her in New Zealand, because of the impact known throughout Southland for spreading her message of burning coal on the environment and of environmental awareness. climate change. “It’s all grown from there, really. That’s why I got involved Jenny enjoys doing things in groups, she says. “We work in a lot of the green aspects of living and initiated setting together, we celebrate together. up the Invercargill Environment Centre, Te Whenua Awhi, “When you do these hard things, where you’re trying to 16 years ago, because Forest & Bird said there was a need influence people’s thinking, you have to do it with other to have somewhere with all our resources freely available people. Otherwise it gets quite lonely.” to the public.” She works a few days a week in the mental health sector in It’s amazing, Jenny says, how you can have a small amount Invercargill, tutors maths in the evenings and writes various of influence from simply having one or two conversations pieces for the newspaper. with someone and planting new ideas. “A lot of people now are learning about the environment from “People know where I live because I’ve got all these signs their neighbours and friends and if they hear the good news on my fence on the main road – climate change action, stories they think, ‘I could do that’. the oceans are acidifying, keep the coal in the hole, Fonterra Quit Coal – and I just smile because it starts a “And that’s what I like to do, which is to promote these stories lot of conversations. in a very gentle way.” “I have so many great conversations with people, related At the moment, Jenny is most concerned with the government to these signs.” block offers and the potentially catastrophic effects oil and gas exploration could have on Southland. “From the map western Southland block will go from Lake Te Anau south to Te Waewae Bay and comes across to Winton covering all that fabulous farmland and our rivers. If those companies come here and start exploring for oil and gas and using fracking we would lose Southland as a wonderful food bowl. “It would add to the issues we’re having with our rivers, poison the aquifers and could create the possibility of more earthquakes in the Fiordland region with explosions related to fracking set off under the earth. “Emissions from the chemicals used in fracking affect air and water quality. There would be oil rigs and wells, big trucks on the road, all affecting our lifestyle, especially tourism,” she says. 18 “We had spokesperson for Climate “It doesn’t stop you from belonging to national groups, just because you live in Change Taranaki Sarah Roberts tour Mossburn. I belong to a church climate change network where I was part of the Southland and people came and heard move by the Anglican Church to stop investing in fossil fuels, with conversations what’s going on in Taranaki, such as about that starting at my kitchen table. It took off with the Anglican Church people and farm animals’ health being getting out of fossil fuels all around the world, not just in New Zealand.” affected and farmland devalued, so my passion at the moment is to make sure Jenny doesn’t reckon she’ll be slowing down any time soon, although she has we don’t have that happen here.” learned to say no. She is the person in the background pushing others forward, whether it’s cheerfully going through the bins at Kidzone in her bee hat and Jenny runs a little community garden at making sure everything is being recycled properly, or nominating people for Mossburn School. the Environment Southland Awards. Jenny believes that a gentle push and encouragement in the right direction is all that people need. “It’s looking quite good at the moment, considering all we did was pull out the “I think we need to affirm these people that are doing amazing things for the weeds and put some straw on it over environment. You just have to see people doing these things and affirm and the winter. encourage, and I see that as being my role.” “We’ve got lots of migrant families She has a passion for social justice, stopping violence, making a more equitable in Mossburn and the children are society and treating everyone with respect and kindness. learning about the veges that we can grow easily here. “I like seeing things come together. I always seem to meet the right people when I need them for information or project. It’s amazing. I always think that’s affirmation “It’s just a little token. I go round with that what you’re doing is right.” my tools in a wheelbarrow and they run after me like I’m the Pied Piper. They help and then take items such as rhubarb, potatoes and silverbeet home when they’re available. Jenny’s philosophy is He iti, “But it’s just a little gesture, it’s not a big deal.” he pounamu: it may be small However, being a supporter at a grassroots level doesn’t mean your cause will remain small, she says. but it is very precious.

19

Ken Bradley with a large extinct friend outside the Alpine Centre Café. VENTURE SOUTHLAND MOSSBURN SCHOOL CHOOSES CLEAN WOOD ENERGY OPTION ossburn School has joined the growing number of southern Mschools converting to clean burning, efficient wood energy. When considering automating the coal feed system to the boiler the Mossburn School Board looked into other heating options, it was decided that the small extra expense of switching to wood pellet heating was the best option. Mossburn School principal Rachel Peters said that when they switched over to biomass wood pellets the whole system was upgraded and arrived in a shipping container that became the new boiler room. “The boiler is really fantastic in that it adjusts to the outside heat, so if it’s getting hotter during the day the boiler stops giving out as much heat which Energy South boxes. We’re proactive in the means we’re not wasting any energy.” biomass area and encourage other schools and organisations to approach us for advice “We feel really good that we’re doing and guidance around cleaner biofuel options.” the right thing environmentally in terms of our heating systems.” According to Ms Peters the new wood energy boiler will not only keep the Venture Southland group manager for students warm, it’s going to help educate business and strategic projects Steve them as well. Canny welcomes the decision the board made when considering heating options. “Next year we’ve planned to study the Southland environment as a whole and “This is a prime example of long-term we’re going to include the environmental thinking by a progressive school board, impact of the boiler and other school this conversion ticks all the Wood activities within the curriculum.” SOUTHLAND ATTRACTIONS DAY ncreasing southern tourism product prompt another visit in the future.” knowledge through a speed dating approach “Operators told us they have was behind the inaugural Southern obtained more business from IAttractions Day in the city in October. referrals from accommodation Around 70 of Southland’s accommodation providers and visitor centre staff providers, i-SITE and information centre and appreciated the chance to staff along with members of the education form all important networking sector, received four minute tourism relationships with accommodation product presentations from 20 of the providers. It was also an ideal regions tourism operators. forum for operators to network and gain a better understanding of Venture Southland tourism and events other products on offer.” manager Warrick Low says the aim of the day was to increase tourism product “There have been new operators knowledge across frontline management of entering the sector as well as our tourism providers. changes to products being offered by more established tourism “Accommodation providers left at the end enterprises, this is a timely product of the event with increased knowledge of update ahead of what is expected the diverse tourism related activities their to be a busy tourist season.” guests can undertake while in the region, this increased ability to sell activities and Southland Attractions day will attractions will provide guests with reasons become a regular event on the region’s The team from Shark destination promotion calendar. Experience brief to extend their stay in the accommodation or 20accommodation providers. 21 WATER SERVICES

22 WATERFORD MAINS RENEWAL

he final piece in a 16-year efficient water supply to consumers programme of water within the Waterford Drive area,” mains renewals in Winton Matt says. T is under way. The work includes excavating Southland District Council has trench lines within the road contracted Fulton Hogan to replace boundary of Russell Street, aged water pipes in Winton’s Waterford Drive, Hamilton Waterford Drive area. Water supply Avenue, McWilliam Avenue and will be maintained through most of Welsh Road. the work, but there will be planned All planned shutdowns will be service shutdowns as required. notified 48 hours beforehand, and Senior project engineer Matt Keil every effort will be made to meet says about 3.5km of new pipeline will properties’ specific requirements. be laid during the two stages of the The project is being split into project, which started in late October stages so that work can be and is scheduled to be completed in contained within areas and July 2018. traffic, residents’ and pedestrian “This will be part of the final movements can be managed with completion of a 16-year water the least possible disturbance. renewal programme,” he says. Work will be done between the The project will upgrade water supply hours of 7am and 6pm, Monday to 127 properties in the Waterford to Friday, with occasional Drive area. weekend work. “The project aim is to mitigate “We thank residents for their potential future failures of aged pipes patience. We really appreciate it,” and to provide robust service and Matt says. 23 YOUTH COUNCIL

outhland District Council on the first rung of their career ladder. Youth Council members met with Southland Youth Futures This year, 16 talks were held reaching co-ordinator Allison Beckham more than 1400 students, while more inS Riverton in October to talk about than 70 senior students from 10 schools connecting young people to training visited workplaces ranging from dairy and career opportunities in the primary farms and vehicle workshops to large sector and related support industries. primary processing plants. Allison Beckham says she wants to Southland District councillor Julie Students from James Hargest and Central Keast represents Council on the widen the scope of the programme in Southland College inside a stock food storage regional taskforce. 2018 to include older teenagers, one or shed during a visit to Freight Haulage Ltd. two years out of school, who are not Most of the focus of the Venture training or studying, or who have not Southland-led programme is within yet found suitable employment. to talk to members of the secondary schools. Employers talk to “Unfortunately, there are usually around Southland District Youth Council students about the huge diversity of to get their opinions about what jobs available in their industries and 550 Southlanders between the ages of 18 and 24 at any time who are NEETs influences teenagers’ career choices, outline employer expectations, while and what the programme could senior students are offered workplace – not in education, employment or training. Hopefully, with the help of our do to help young people make visit opportunities. Southland Youth informed decisions. Futures also encourages employers employer and training provider partners, to invest in youth and hire young we can open their eyes to training and The discussion revealed the council people where possible, and commit to career possibilities.” members’ employment goals were supporting and training new employees She says she welcomed the opportunity the same – to find an interesting career which they thought they would enjoy or be good at. Their main careers influencers were careers advisers or teachers, family and friends, and knowing someone in a particular career. utu It was interesting to hear almost all F re of them wanted more careers advice h s at school, particularly being able t to visit real workplaces and talk u directly to employers or to people o their own age, she said. Y

Southland District Council Youth Council members looking over Southland Youth Futures information at their meeting in October.

24 CHRISTMASINVERCARGILL AND HOURS AREA OFFICES: The following Southland District Council offices close midday on Friday 22 December 2017 and re-open: OFFICE OPENING DATES AND TIMES WHEELIE BIN DATES - CHRISTMAS/ NEW YEAR 2017/2018 Invercargill Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm There will be no collection on Monday 25 Lumsden Wednesday 3 January 2018 10am – 5pm December 2017 and Monday 1 January 2018. Otautau Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm Collection days for the rest of the week will Riverton/Aparima Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am - 5pm be one day later than normal for all residents. Stewart Island/Rakiura Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30 – midday There will be a Saturday collection on both 30 Te Anau Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm December 2017 and 6 January 2018 Winton Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm Normal collection will resume on Monday 8 January 2018 LIBRARY OPENING DATES AND TIMES PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand Winton Library Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm in some areas, the time during the day of the collection may vary, so please ensure Otautau Library Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – 5pm that your wheelie bin is out by 7am on your Stewart Island Library Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am – Midday collection day. Lumsden Library Wednesday 3 January 2018 10am - 5pm Riverton Library Wednesday 27 December 2017, 10am – 4pm TRANSFER STATIONS / REFUSE SITES Thursday 28 December 2017, 10am – 4pm All SDC transfer stations will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Friday 29 December 2017, 10am- 4pm All other days will be normal opening hours Wednesday 3 January 2018 8.30am - 5pm (normal hours resume) esume) A list of transfer/refuse station addresses, information about what you can dispose Te Anau Library Wednesday 27 December 2017, 8.30am- 5pm of at each one and where to buy tokens Thursday 28 December 2017, 8.30am - 5pm can be found on the WasteNet website: www.wastenet.org.nz/RecycleRubbish/ Friday 29 December 2017, 8.30am - 5pm FacilityList.aspx - Please note transfer Saturday 30 December 2017, 10am – 3pm stations now take eftpos. Wednesday 4 January 2018, 8.30 – 5pm Recycling stations around the District such (normal hours resume) as the one on the Mossburn-Te Anau Road and at are looked after by Wyndham Library Closes on 21 December 2017 8pm Bond Contracts. Phone Russell Wood on Re-opens Thursday 4 January 2018 2pm – 027 436 4352. 5pm and 6.30pm-8pm Mobile Bookbus Normal timetable until Friday 15 December 2017 Re-opens Tuesday 16 January 2018 as timetabled

DATES HOURS OF OPERATION Monday 25 December 2017 Closed STEWART ISLAND/RAKIURA RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE Tuesday 26 December 2017 Closed (rubbish truck will collect as normal) The business rubbish collection Wednesday 27 December 2017 OPEN 9.30am to 4.30pm run which is normally a Monday will Thursday 28 December 2017 OPEN 9.30am to 4.30pm be held on 22 December and 29 December with a catch-up run on Friday 29 December 2017 OPEN 9.30am to 4.30pm the following Wednesday, 3 January Saturday 30 December 2017 OPEN 8am to 12noon 2018, then back to normal Monday. Sunday 31 December 2017 Closed Monday 1 January 2018 Closed

Tuesday 2 January 2018 Closed (rubbish truck will collect as normal) 25 ROADING

outhland District Council’s use of Swedish cellphone Stechnology continues to grab international attention. Council roading engineers Roy Clearwater and James McCallum represented Southland District at an international roading conference in the United States in November. It’s a huge feather in the cap for Council’s roading team, which has been using the Swedish-developed Roadroid smartphone technology to measure the condition of roads in its network since May 2015. It is now widely used by local authorities throughout New Zealand. Roy James Clearwater McCallum Roading team on international stage

From a global perspective, Southland Roadroid presentation in Amsterdam with on performance-based contracts, was District Council’s use of the developer Lars Forslöf, where Roy talked held in Orlando, Florida, from 5 to technology is setting the standard. about how Council uses the app. 15 November. “It’s obviously pretty “We’re leading the way with it, I relevant to what we do over here,” That presentation was so well received that says Roy. think,” says Roy. Lars invited Roy to present to delegates Council’s use of Roadroid is a big part at an International Road Federation “It’s quite an accolade to be asked to do it,” of the roading programme that won conference in Orlando, Florida, which was James adds. “That’s how much faith (Lars Council the Local Government New held in early November. Forslöf) has in his product and in us.” Zealand Excellence Award in 2016. The job would have been a challenge For Roy and James, the opportunity The app developers are so impressed for Roy to handle alone, so James was to attend the conference, let along with SDC’s use of Roadroid that invited to help. The pair hosted 50 run a workshop, was too good to Council is also involved in improving delegates for nearly eight hours, fronting pass up. It gave them unique access the software. seminars and demonstrating how the to an international forum focusing on smartphone software works while the innovation to achieve efficiencies in Roy Clearwater travelled to Sweden delegates were riding in a bus. road service delivery. in March to help develop smarter applications to manage the data Roadroid covered the bulk of “It’s not just First World countries,” Roadroid collects. “We’ve taken it to the Council engineers’ travel and James says. “Third World countries the next level,” he says. accommodation costs. attend these things as well - people in situations that require real innovation.” On his way back Roy gave a joint The conference, an executive seminar

outhland District Council roading In 2016 he won the under-35 young engineer James McCallum’s presenter competition at the REAAA pioneering drone work has earned southern region conference in Dunedin FLYING Sfurther national recognition. and was a finalist in a similar national competition held by the institute of James was named best young presenter Public Works Engineers Australasia. at the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia New Zealand James’s presentations outline the HIGH chapter in Tauranga. ground-breaking work Council is doing with UAV technology, His presentation, Roading from an Aerial which is increasing the efficiency, Perspective, was about the use of drone safety and accuracy of traditional (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology for geographical surveying work, and aerial surveying of construction sites and saving time and money. quarries, assessing coastal erosion and 26 3D modelling. Any number is too many

outhland District Council is joining emergency responders in a campaign to take a stand against the number of people Sdying on the south’s roads. How can you help Council The Any Number is Too Many campaign has drawn attention to the 126 people who have died on roads in Southland and Otago spread the word? since 2012. »» Like Any Number is Too Many Southland Mayor Gary Tong says road deaths have a ripple effect on the District’s communities. on Facebook “The road toll is more than a number. Every community in the south has, at some point, been touched by the tragedy of »» Put a sticker supporting the avoidable deaths on our roads. Even one death is one too many,” cause on your car or letterbox he says. “Our emergency responders need our help in addressing this »» Put a poster up at your school issue. It’s our people – our friends, our families – who are affected, which is why we all need to come together and be part or in your community space of the conversation to keep our communities safe.” »» Tell your friends Any Number is Too Many campaign spokesman Hartley Hare, who is Southland District Council’s strategic manager transport, says the programme aims to shift the focus from blaming individual drivers, to promoting inclusive community-focused conversations about the risks on the road. “We need to think differently as a community. It’s about all of us and what we as communities can do when we work together,” he says. At a Mitre 10 Cup rugby game between Otago and Southland, 126 seats were wrapped in plastic bags and campaign tape to represent the lives lost since 2012. That was followed by a series of Facebook-led comments from emergency responders, asking the community to work with them to declare that any number of people dying on our roads is too many. The Any Number is Too Many campaign is run by Southern Road Safety Influencing Group, which includes representatives from government agencies, local authorities, and stakeholders from the transport and road safety sectors.

Hartley Hare 27 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Customers first

Council’s award-winning librarian/ customer support partner Megan Wilson.

he prospect of dealing with more than 250 Trudie Hurst, Council group manager customer calls a week would make many run for cover – support, says Megan always shows initiative and T but not Megan Wilson. is not afraid to follow through to ensure her customers get the best experience possible. Megan works at the Riverton Library and Southland District Council Office as a librarian/ Megan takes more than 250 calls a week from customer support partner and her dedication to her customers throughout the District as well as customers resulted in her winning the Customer managing her face-to-face customers, taking Experience Individual of the Year 2017 at the rates payments, registering dogs, running library Association of Local Government Information programmes, and completing book exchanges. Management conference. “She manages all this with flair and skill so no Her dedication to Council’s customers and her customer feels unwelcome or unsupported despite community shone through above a huge number of this dual role,” Trudie says. entrants for this keenly contested award. One of her key achievements was the preparation she completed for Council’s new dog registration this year. By organising and co-ordinating with her colleague they contacted local dog owners to confirm their discounts, creating an amazing experience for the customers. Megan’s Te Anau colleague, Jo Mann, has also been in award-winning form, winning the Service Plus Award at the Fiordland Tourism Awards. This is awarded to someone in the community who goes above and beyond to help both the local community and visitors to the area.

28 Mobile Library Timetable Jan - May 2018 Jan - May 2018 Athol Shop Noon-1pm Tues 23-Jan 20-Feb 20-Mar 17-Apr 15-May Balfour Tavern 4.30-6.30pm Tues * * 6-Mar * 1-May School 1.30-3.00pm Thurs 25-Jan 22-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr 17-May Blackmount Wairaki Station 11.30am-12.15pm Mon 22-Jan 19-Feb 19-Mar 16-Apr 14-May Dacre Hall 9-10am Fri 9-Feb 9-Mar 6-Apr 4-May Dipton School 11-Noon Tues * * 6-Mar * 1-May Drummond School 10.30-Noon Wed 7-Feb 7-Mar 4-Apr 2-May Edendale Car park 1-4pm Fri 26-Jan 23-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr 18-May School 10.30-Noon Fri 9-Feb 9-Mar 6-Apr 4-May Fortrose Picnic Area 3-4pm Fri 9-Feb 9-Mar 6-Apr 4-May Garston School 1.30-2.30pm Tues 23-Jan 20-Feb 20-Mar 17-Apr 15-May Village 2.30-3.30pm Tues 23-Jan 20-Feb 20-Mar 17-Apr 15-May Glenham School 1-2pm Fri 9-Feb 9-Mar 6-Apr 4-May Gorge Rd Hall 11am-12.30pm Tues 16-Jan * 13-Mar 10-Apr 8-May Hauroko Valley School 1.00-1.30pm Mon 22-Jan 19-Feb 19-Mar 16-Apr 14-May Heddon Bush School 1.30-2.30pm Wed 7-Feb 7-Mar 4-Apr 2-May Hedgehope School 11am-12.30pm Fri 2-Feb 2-Mar * 27-Apr 25-May Hillside School School 11am-12.30pm Thurs 1-Feb 1-Mar 29-Mar 26-Apr 24-May Invercargill SDC Office 9.30-11.30am Thurs 18-Jan * 15-Mar 12-Apr 10-May Isla Bank School 9-10am Wed 7-Feb 7-Mar 4-Apr 2-May Limehills School 9.15am-10.30am Thurs 1-Feb 1-Mar 29-Mar 26-Apr 24-May Longbush Kindergarten 9-10am Fri 26-Jan 23-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr 18-May Mossburn RSA 9.30-10.30am Tues 23-Jan 20-Feb 20-Mar 17-Apr 15-May School 1.30-3.30pm Tues * * 6-Mar * 1-May Nightcaps Johnson Rd 9.30-10.30am Mon 22-Jan 19-Feb 19-Mar 16-Apr 14-May Ohai Com Centre 2-4pm Thurs 1-Feb 1-Mar 29-Mar 26-Apr 24-May Main St 3-4pm Mon 22-Jan 19-Feb 19-Mar 16-Apr 14-May Otara Hall 2.30-4pm Wed 17-Jan * 14-Mar 11-Apr 9-May Pukerau School 9.30-11.30am Wed 24-Jan 21-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr 16-May Rimu School 10.30-11.30am Fri 26-Jan 23-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr 18-May Riversdale Com Centre 11am-12.30pm Thurs 25-Jan 22-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr 17-May Com Centre 2-4.30pm Thurs 8-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr 3-May Riverton BUPA Village 2-4pm Thurs 18-Jan * 15-Mar 12-Apr 10-May Playcentre 9.15-10am Tues 16-Jan * 13-Mar 10-Apr 8-May Ryal Bush Com Centre 2.30-4pm Fri 2-Feb 2-Mar * 27-Apr 25-May School 9.30-10.30am Fri 2-Feb 2-Mar * 27-Apr 25-May Thornbury Hall 3-4pm Wed 31-Jan 28-Feb 28-Mar * 23-May Tokanui Main St 1.30-4pm Fri 19-Jan * 16-Mar 13-Apr 11-May School 9.30-11am Mon 5-Feb 5-Mar * 30-Apr Hall 1-2pm Wed 31-Jan 28-Feb 28-Mar * 23-May School 9-10.30am Thurs 25-Jan 22-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr 17-May Com Centre 10.15-11.30am Thurs 8-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr 3-May Waikaka Com Centre 2-4pm Wed 24-Jan 21-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr 16-May Waikawa Hall 10am-Noon Fri 19-Jan * 16-Mar 13-Apr 11-May School 11.30am-1pm Wed 17-Jan * 14-Mar 11-Apr 9-May Wallacetown Com Centre 9am-Noon Wed 31-Jan 28-Feb 28-Mar * 23-May Wendon Hall Noon-12.30pm Thurs 8-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr 3-May Wendonside Hall 9.30-10am Thurs 8-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr 3-May Woodlands Shop 2-4pm Tues 16-Jan * 13-Mar 10-Apr 8-May School 2-4pm Mon 5-Feb 5-Mar * 30-Apr

Public Holidays and the Waimumu Show Days are marked * and the Mobile Library will not be running. 29 Come visit the Mobile Library at Waimumu Field Days 14-16 February STAY SAFE, STAY INFORMED THESE HOLIDAYS

Emergency Mobile Alerts are a new way Civil Defence can share emergency information quickly.

If you’re in cellphone coverage, you’ll receive an alert. Don’t hesitate, act immediately.

There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you, your family and friends are ready in case of an emergency these holidays. When an earthquake happens drop, • If you’re having visitors make sure you’re prepared with some extra food and water. In an cover and hold. emergency you’ll need three litres per person Wait until the shaking completely per day, and enough to last seven days. stops before moving. • Check your batteries. Make sure you have the right size for your torches and radios. It’s a good time to think about stocking up for new toys on Christmas day as well. • If you’re going camping or away, let someone know where you are and how they can get hold of you. Take a few additional necessities with you, just in case you can’t get home. • Scan all your important documents onto a USB and put it somewhere safe you can take with you, like on your keyring. • Even when you’re on holiday there are still some things you need to remember to stay safe.

If you’re near the coast over the break and you feel an earthquake or notice changes in the sea, don’t wait for an official evacuation warning.

30 Southland District Council has a range of scholarships and grants available for residents of Southland district. SDC GRANT FUNDING Full details, criteria and application forms are available on our website: Community District Heritage Fund southlanddc.govt.nz > My Council Available to support the conservation of > Funding & Grants Initiatives Fund heritage collections and encourage the For more information on any of Available for community development and application of professional these funds and scholarships, facilities or amenities. museum standards. Applications close 31 call Bronwyn Affleck at Venture Applications close 31 March March and 30 September. Southland 03 2111 426 and 30 September. Creative Communities Sport NZ – Rural Travel Fund Available for arts and cultural projects and initiatives which stimulate and Available to assist with transport expenses associated with strengthen local arts activity participating in regular local competitions. Ages 5-19. and participation. Applications close 31 March and 30 September. Applications close 31 March and 30 September. SDC SCHOLARSHIPS/BURSARIES

SDC Eric Hawkes Valmai Robertson Centennial Bursary Memorial Outward Arts Scholarship Two scholarships valued at Bound Scholarship Contestable fund of up to $2,000 each, awarded annually. $2,500 annually. Applications close 20 December. Two scholarships in this category: one for 18 to 26 years and one for Applications 27 years and over. Applications close 20 close 20 December. December.

OTHER Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund Available to support activities and facilities for the benefit of visitors to Stewart OPPORTUNITIES Island; and activities and facilities that mitigate the adverse effects of visitors on the environment. Applications close 31 March each year. Community Housing Southland District Council has community Northern Southland Ohai Railway Fund housing in Edendale, Lumsden, Otautau, Ohai, Nightcaps, Riversdale, Riverton, , Development Fund Available for residents of the Winton and Wyndham. former Ohai Railway Board area, for Available for the development the development of community While priority is given to senior citizens, of initiatives which benefit the facilities, programmes and other you may still be eligible. residents of the Northern Southland activities, tertiary education and To find out more or to make Development Fund area (represented employment training. an application, visit any by the Southland District Council Five Rivers ward and the Dipton Applications close 31 March and Southland District 30 September. Council office or Community Levy area). Applications call 0800 732 732. close 31 March and 30 September. Contact us All offices: 0800 732 732 0800 732 329 District Libraries: 0800 732 542 @ [email protected] Rural Fire Permits: 0800 773 363 southlanddc.govt.nz 31 ON YOUR BIKE, DYLAN! If Southland District Council roading team commercial lead This is his way of dealing with his “midlife crisis”, he laughs, Dylan Rabbidge has been looking lean and mean recently, it’s a way to celebrate turning 40. because he’s in training for the biggest ride of his life. “It’s going to be an awesome adventure – a once-in-a- Dylan, a fanatical bike rider well known at Council for lifetime thing.” clocking up serious k’s, has been training hard since June, carving out 350 kilometres a week. In his training schedule was the challenging 274km Heart Kids charity ride from Invercargill to on He’s entered in Tour Aotearoa 2018, an adventure ride 11 November. from Cape Reinga to Bluff, which for Dylan will kick off at Ninety Mile Beach on 12 February. Tour Aotearoa is billed as one of the world’s great bikepacking trips, 3000km on a combination of cycle trails, tracks, trails, paths, lanes and back roads. This will be the second Tour Aotearoa, designed by New Zealand cycling historian Jonathan Kennett. There were 300 riders on the first one, in 2016. This time Kennett has closed entries at 659 riders, although it’s expected more riders will join in unofficially. The starts will be staggered over six days, to coincide with ferry crossings and low tides. Riders’ progress is charted by GPS, and they have to check in to take a selfie at 30 specified locations along the route. It is not a race. In cycling terms it’s called a brevet – a long-distance ride with checkpoint controls. The rules states that the ride must be completed in not less than 10 days, and not more than 30. Dylan is targeting 21 days, averaging around 150km a day. He’ll be riding a Specialized Sequoia Elite adventure bike, carrying about 10kg of gear and provisions, including a bivvy bag and sleeping bag. Although he’ll sleep under the stars at various points, there’s nothing to stop riders staying in a hotel or motel – a luxury Dylan says he’ll certainly take up occasionally, to wash himself and his gear and get a decent night’s sleep. Dylan will be wearing Share the Road branding, flying the flag for Road Safety Southland. He says it’s impossible to stick to a set speed or distance per day, as these will depend on terrain, the type of trail and weather. “If you’ve got the wind behind you, you’ll keep riding.” A bonus is that Dylan will be riding with his buddy Tristan Dawson, and they can provide moral support for each other. Fatigue and recovery will be an issue. He’s done some research and is interested in trying a routine of riding in five-hour blocks, with a big feed and rest in between. The mental aspect might be a bigger issue, Dylan says. “You’re going to end up in some pretty dark places, but you’re not going to know. You’re just going to have to play the game.

“That’s part of the allure of it. It’s not easy, and not everybody gets

Council’s cycling hard man Dylan Rabbidge is ready to ride the length of to do it”. New Zealand. - DYLAN RABBIDGE 32