1 IN CONVERSATION WITH THE MAYOR GARY TONG

through new technology (such as through our roading team’s use of drones).

On a personal note, two things have stood have out this year; one of great sadness, the other a highlight. Sadly, we farewelled former Mayor Frana Cardno in April. She was a great role model and the reason I got into politics; a wonderful woman who will be sadly missed. Rest in peace, Frana.

At the other end of the spectrum, in May I helped host His Mayor Gary Tong Royal Highness Prince Harry’s visit to Stewart Island. He’s a top bloke whose visit generated fantastic publicity for the Much like before crossing the road, island and . I’m sure our tourism industry at the end of each year I like to will see the benefi ts for some while yet. pause and look both ways. Just a few months ago the Southland Regional Development Strategy was launched. It gives direction for development of the region as a whole, with the primary focus on increasing our population. It tells us focusing on population growth will There’s a lot to look back on in 2015, and mean not only more people, it will provide economic growth, there’s plenty to come in 2016. Refl ecting on skilled workers, a better lifestyle, and improved health, the year that’s been, I realise just how much education and social services. We need to work together has happened in Southland District over the to achieve this; not just councils, but business, community, past year. everyone. We’ll continue working on this in 2016.

Around the district we’ve seen so many We’ll be working on ‘the basics’ as well – core services like things happening in 2015. There’s something water and wastewater work, playground upgrades and going on in every community. Two projects beautifi cation work. that have seen good progression this year are the visitor centre complex at , 2016 will present challenges too – a big one will be managing and the purchase of Blackmount School the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail as we go forward. to become a community centre. There are Roading will continue to be a challenge in 2016 – As always smaller projects too, and these are no less there’s more work needed than money in the pot. It’s hoped important – be it a public toilet upgrade or our new 80/20 principle will help with this but we need roadworks, these are the things that make a to accept our lesser used roads won’t be kept at the same difference to us in our communities. quality as those with high traffi c numbers. We just can’t It was great to see the fruits of our labours afford it. paying off this year. The Stewart Island/ In the coming year nationally we’ll see the unemployment Rakiura Visitor Levy is an example of this – rate stay around the same, something I think Southland in 2015 we gave out $117,000 in levy funding could take advantage of. to community projects on Stewart Island. We’ll continue working on the Southland Regional We’ve been working on some big projects this Development Strategy, seeking ways to drive our region and year, including how best to move forward economy forward. with the Wastewater Treatment project, regional development, I’m looking forward to continuing to working for a better progressing sustainable economic energy Southand in 2016, building on the work that’s been done and on Stewart Island and seeking innovation seeking improvements for our District.

2 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE STEVE RURU Southland District Council Chief Executive

It can be easy to get bogged down in the busyness of our day-to-day tasks and forget about looking at the bigger picture and what the future might hold.

At this time of year in particular, it is easy to end up feeling our daily ‘to do’ list is growing by the hour. However, we must not lose sight of the future despite the daily must dos.

Council will not be able to provide the leadership that our communities deserve unless we do create Further up the road, the Milford Opportunities Project the space to stand back, think about the challenges will take a holistic look at how we can build on and we might face in the future and then put in place create greater local advantage from the icon that is plans to help create the future that we collectively . Last year, close to 500,000 people desire. The building of a stronger Southland will visited Milford. This number is projected to increase in not simply happen by itself. the future. Here at Council we are currently working with the Department of Conservation and other If Southland is to prosper in the future we must stakeholders to scope a project to look more closely at harness the skills and strengths that exist in our the opportunities that might exist for our communities communities. By pooling our skills and resources and NZ as a whole to increase the benefi ts gained from we can leverage the strengths that we each have to having Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park build an even stronger and brighter future. in our district.

A review of the approaches we use to work with Similarly, the Southland Regional Development our communities is underway. Through our Strategy (now entering its second phase) will look community governance review we are looking at at our region holistically; it is all about creating a how we can build on what has worked well in the dynamic Southland which takes advantage of its past, with our community board and community opportunities and can weather the economic storms development area subcommittee structures, when they arrive. to create an even stronger model for working with our communities in the future. In Northern The view to make greater use of a collaborative Southland, for example, we are piloting a new approach is important because Council is not only a Leadership Cluster approach through which partner in, but a partner with, many other entities. It is we are asking our CDA chairs to look beyond in everyone’s interests that the multiple agencies which traditional Council business at issues, such as exist in Southland, whether they be from the public education, affecting their communities and how or private sector work together to make Southland a they can provide the support and leadership better place. needed in these areas. Our communities quite literally depend on it. As part of a new Community Futures Project we are looking at what population aging and a decline Before I sign off, back to the present. in the number of people living in some of our The holiday season is fast approaching and I know communities might mean for the future of those each of us is looking forward to some time to unwind. communities. Using and Nightcaps as case I want to take this opportunity to wish each of you studies we are looking at how the issues created a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. by demographic change have been managed in I hope you spend the holiday season with plenty of other communities. From this work we want to family and friends surrounding you and – fi ngers develop a list of practical measures that can be crossed – those soaring temperatures leave you used to keep these communities strong while recharged and ready for 2016. also acknowledging the practical realities that the future will bring. Have a good one. 3 CHASLANDS SLIP A CHALLENGE

Repairs to the major slip on the Chaslands Highway “The geographical location of the slip itself poses quite a on the have been delayed challenge. In terms of a repair, the site is diffi cult due to a and are likely to begin in the next few months. lack of available land nearby, along with the geology of the area. Based on test results and modelling work, indications are that the repair solution will be complex and a further A section of the road collapsed due to a massive detailed investigation will be required to determine what slip in June. Southland District Council Roading repair method is most suitable for this site.” Engineer James McCallum said it was originally hoped work would begin before Christmas but One option was to reinstate the roadway in its current the initial geotechnical assessments have shown location by creating a retaining wall structure; the other repairs won’t be easy. option is to move the affected section of road away from the slip area. “A repair to this damaged section of road has no easy or cheap solution. We want to get this right While there has been a delay, it is still expected that site and undertake the most appropriate repair, with repairs will be started and hopefully completed in the two options being investigated further. Major upcoming construction season (December-April). considerations are the cost and what is the best A temporary repair saw a 75 metre section of road moved solution,” he said. away from the edge of the slip to create a temporary single Finding a permanent solution won’t be easy. lane piece of road.

4 aircraft, usually undertaken every few COUNCIL TAKES TO THE SKY AS years. The drone unit was inexpensive PART OF ROADING WORK in comparison. Southland District Council is taking an innovative approach to Council Roading Manager Joe Bourque assessing impacts on the roading network, by getting a high said the ability to send digital footage to an offsite geotechnical engineer was faster resolution aerial view through the use of a drone. and cheaper. Roading Engineer James McCallum said Council has been using a “Doing this in just one instance recently drone for more than six months to assist in road works. saved Council the cost of the drone, “We use it a couple of times a week for a range of applications several times over.” including aerial surveying and photography, monitoring effects of weather events such as fl ooding, slips and coastal erosion, reviewing A large percentage of the Council’s damages and keeping records. It takes both video and still footage. roading network is outside of controlled It’s a really great tool for us to use.” airspace so staff can use the drone extensively, allowing extensive use across Earlier this year Council undertook a trial using borrowed equipment, the network. after this proved successful, a drone was purchased. “It’s a really good use of innovation. The It saves time and money, and provides up-to-date information Southland District Council was one of the with high quality, clear imagery. Footage has been supplied to fi rst councils in to purchase external consultants, saving time and money for site inspections and and utilise this technology, providing improving Council’s service response, he said. value for money roading services to the Previously aerial photos were only available from fl yovers by region,” Mr Bourque said.

The reorganisation will establish a single Council reorganisation to focus on customer support team, while a community partnership team – led by community community engagement partnership leaders, charged with heading engagement with the public – will also A reorganisation of roles at Council is all about increasing engagement be created. with Southland’s communities. “The community partnership leader roles are about developing a structure that allows Chief Executive Steve Ruru said it was important Council, like any Council to support and assist communities, business, assessed its structure from time to time. and will allow us to better align with other “It is crucial that our organisation is able to meet the changing needs of the agencies, whether they are in the public or modern world, and our communities within it. Southlanders have told us private sphere. The development of these roles will also give our communities improved that we can improve the way in which we work with our communities, accessibility to Council,” Mr Ruru said. and we have listened. The changes we are implementing will place a greater emphasis on engagement, and working with our communities to A fi nal decision on Council’s reorganisation address the priorities that they each have.” will be made this month. 5 SOUTHLAND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY LAUNCHED

The Southland Regional Development Strategy was the population growth and regional lifestyle people want. launched recently, the result of a strong working A strong focus on a small number of projects will help to relationship between the region’s councils, iwi, business achieve this. and community groups. This same cohesive action is the Southland District Council Chief Executive Steve Ruru said key to its on-going success. the strategy’s launch was very successful and it was pleasing to see positive buy-in from the wider business community. “A key part of the strategy is that addressing the challenges The main focus of the strategy is on increasing the the region faces will require a whole of Southland approach. population, and calls for bold yet practical action to build No single agency or sector can address the challenges on a stronger, brighter future. It aims to make Southland their own. We need a collaborative approach.” a uniquely attractive region by building economic and social values in parallel. The next part of the strategy will be overseen by former New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Chief Executive Tom Campbell, Southland District Mayor Gary Tong welcomed the who has been appointed Chair of the Governance Group. strategy which he said provides a pathway forward for the region. Action teams have been established to work on six different areas; vibrant urban centres, ease of doing business, people “This strategy tells us that focusing on population attraction, new industries/innovation, business extension growth will mean not only more people, it will provide and caring and inclusive communities. economic growth, skilled workers, a better lifestyle, and improved health, education and social services. It tells The strategy was commissioned in late 2014 by the Mayoral us we need to work together to achieve this; not just Forum to unify regional development and to look at levers for councils, but business, community, everyone.” economic and social development. It wanted a clear statement of problems and a framework to develop solutions, as well as The strategy recognises that there are negative a strategy document providing a clear plan of united action. perceptions of the region from those outside and concludes that a gradual build-up of perceived It is available to the public at Council offi ces, libraries and on positives is needed to outweigh negatives and produce our website: southlanddc.govt.nz

6 SAFETY CONCERNS AT STOCK CROSSING SITES

Dairy farmers are being reminded to follow correct procedures at stock crossings, with concerns that WORRIES ABOUT not doing so could lead to a serious accident in the Southland District. REPORTS OF CYCLE

Southland District Council Area Engineer Brendan Gray TRAIL MISUSE said it had been noticed recently that not all roading policy procedures were being followed at some stock crossings. Concerns have been raised about possible “If someone hits a cow, it does a lot of damage; there’s a misuse of the Around the Mountains Cycle high chance of it causing serious injury or even loss of life.” Trail as the busy season gets underway. He was aware of one recent near miss in the District. Southland District Council Services and “The vehicle was extensively damaged and the driver was Assets Group Manager Ian Marshall said lucky to walk away.” it had been brought to his attention that In the last fi ve years there have been about 50 crashes some people may have been using the caused by farm animals on Southland District Council trail for unpermitted activities. roads, although it’s not known how many were at stock crossings. “We’ve had some anecdotal feedback that people have used the track to move stock Council is undertaking an education campaign to address and ride motorbikes. Obviously this is a the issue. Anyone seen to operate a stock crossing concern as it could pose safety hazards, incorrectly will be sent a letter advising them of what the cause damage to infrastructure and also proper procedures are. affect cyclists’ experiences.” “We don’t want to take a hard line with people we just want to remind them that this is an important safety issue Mr Marshall said it is disappointing to hear and one that should be taken seriously.” that people have been misusing the trail and Council is taking the issue seriously. There are close to 450 stock crossings in Southland District. Requirements include having a drover in attendance when “We’ll certainly be investigating any cases the crossing is in use, adequate signage, operating fl ashing that are reported to us. We want this to be lights and fl ood lighting when crossings are used during a quality experience, for both locals and the hours of darkness. Although widely used, tapes across visitors. To achieve this we need to ensure the roadway are not permitted in any situation. people use the trail appropriately.” Any new stock crossings need approval from Council and it is best to enquire at the planning stage. Anyone found to Stage one of the trail is now in its second repeatedly use their crossing incorrectly could have their summer season, and is drawing a good permit removed or additional conditions imposed. number of cyclists.

More information about stock crossing requirements is “Feedback from communities in Northern available on Council’s website: southlanddc.govt.nz Southland is that they’re seeing more cyclists. This is great news.”

“We’ve also had some really positive feedback from cyclists getting out and using the trail. It’s great to see that enthusiasm.”

Anyone who wants to give feedback or report issues relating to the trail can do so at aroundthemountains.co.nz 7 If you live on a farm or lifestyle block in rural alternatively property owners and contractors can Southland water pipes might run through your request an ‘on-site service locate’,” Mr Keil said. land, so if you’re planning to do any digging on the property it’s important to fi nd out fi rst or you It is important to note that the information Council gives out about this is intended to be could face a costly clean-up. Repairs could prove advisory only. quite costly. “We do our best to provide the correct information Water and Waste Services Operations Technician to people but a lot of the pipework was laid Matthew Keil said there are a lot of rural more than 40 years ago so the exact location properties likely to have pipelines running under and depths recorded may not be completely the property. Rural water supplies run throughout accurate. We give it out for guidance purposes.” the district, including the entire Te Anau Basin, Matuku, Lumsden-Balfour and Eastern Bush/ The only way you can know the exact location of Otahu Flat. pipes on your property is to hire a contractor to fi nd out. If you or your contractor damage pipes, “Council has historic information about the location you may be required to pay for any repairs. of underground pipework in the district and where pipes might be on ratepayer’s properties. We’re You can request more information from our happy to give out that information at no cost; website: southlanddc.govt.nz or call 0800 732 732

– the only letter you should fl ush

What can you fl ush down the toilet?

It’s pretty simple: Only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. When you fl ush things down the toilet that don’t belong it can cause blockages that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Your toilet is not a rubbish bin. Every year tens of thousands of dollars are spent repairing damage caused by people fl ushing items they shouldn’t. Things like disposable cleaning cloths and tissues shouldn’t be fl ushed down the toilet. For more information about fl ushing etiquette visit the water page on our website: southlanddc.govt.nz

8 DON’T BE A DRIP THIS SUMMER

Summer has fi nally arrived, hopefully bringing plenty of sunshine to the Deep South. Our water and waste team enjoy USE LESS WATER summer as much as the rest of us, but there are challenges in the • Turn the tap off when brushing new season too. your teeth or shaving

Water and wastewater costs are incorporated into your rates bill, • Have showers instead of baths, and if everyone works together to not waste water by following the and keep it short tips below then we can minimise extra costs, meaning you’re not paying more than you have to. It also means we’re less likely to face • Make sure you do a full load restrictions if it gets a bit dry. when washing dishes or clothes

It’s not hard to do your bit; we ask you to do the following: • Collect water in drums or tanks from roof runoff

• Inspect for water leaks on your property (including faulty taps) • Check the forecast - if there’s rain ahead, let it water for you • When draining your swimming pool please let us know fi rst so we can make sure it doesn’t cause any problems – that’s a lot of • Check your garden hose and water going down the pipes taps regularly for leaks and use a trigger nozzle on the hose to • Please tell us when you’re refi lling your pool – we want to make reduce water loss sure there’s enough water for your neighbours as well • If watering your garden do it • If you see water leaking somewhere like a public toilet, at a toby early in the morning or early valve (the valve that allows the mains water to be closed off), or evening on the road just let us know and we’ll send someone to fi x it • Wash your car on the lawn so • Make sure your drainage is connected correctly; stormwater and your lawn gets watered too sewerage drains are required to be separate

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.

9 What we do now can make a WORLD of Difference

PEER REVIEWER MEETS WITH PUBLIC

Members of the public had another Auckland-based Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) held a second chance to discuss Te Anau’s proposed open day to talk about their peer review in mid-November wastewater scheme at an open day with in Te Anau. the peer reviewer. Southland District Council Strategic Manager Water and Waste Ian Evans said PDP were well through the process and were on schedule to deliver a report on their initial fi ndings to Council in December, after which a further meeting of the committee overseeing the project would be announced.

PDP had reviewed the project documentation of the proposed scheme, spoken to a range of stakeholders and had looked at a variety of options to compare to the consented scheme, which involves upgrading the existing treatment process and subsequent disposal of the treated wastewater to land north of Te Anau Airport Manapouri.

“PDP’s review examined the work done on the proposed scheme so far, and found it to be a viable option. They also identifi ed a longlist and then a shortlist of other options, which have been further developed and compared with the current consented proposal, not only economically but also from an environmental, social and cultural perspective,” Mr Evans said.

PDP would meet with the subcommittee in December to discuss these and provide some recommendations on next steps for the project, he said.

10 Your yellow recycling bin will be checked before and during collection for compliance. If your bin fails it will not be emptied and it will be up to you to dispose of the contents.

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.

11 HOT DOGS DON’T BELONG IN THE CAR WALKIES

Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car. There are so many great places to explore and walk your dog in Southland District. Make There is no exception - even with the windows sure you know where you can and can’t go ajar, if you’re parked in the shade, and not even and if you’ll need the lead by looking at our if you’re only popping out for a quick errand. dog control maps. You can fi nd these on our website – there’s a map for each town to help Dogs can’t sweat like humans. They pant to lower you get it right. Get more information at: their body temperature so if they’re inside a car, southlanddc.govt.nz recycling very hot air, panting gives no relief and heat stroke can happen quickly. Don’t forget - if you let your dog off the lead in an exercise area you must still maintain It makes very little difference to the temperature control over it so if you’re not sure that your whether windows are closed or partially open; dog will come back when you call, be safe basically your car becomes a glasshouse. At 21 and keep that lead on. degrees on a sunny day after just half an hour, the temperature inside a car is 40 degrees.

12 DOG LANGUAGE

You can make it easier to stay safe around dogs by reading their behaviour. Understanding the signals Unwanted attention dogs display will help you to know how to behave around them. A dog that just wants to play can still be worrying, especially if you are not familiar with dogs. A dog that wants to play won’t hurt you deliberately but might still jump up at you and this An aggressive dog: can be frightening If you don’t respond, it will soon give up trying to get your • makes itself bigger by raising its hackles (hair attention so stand still without making eye contact, then walk along its neck and back), and standing on the away slowly and calmly, staying side on to the dog. tips of its paws It is your right to not to be frightened or annoyed by a dog. If • lifts its lips to show its teeth you tell a dog owner about your concerns they should respond • barks, growls or snarls courteously and control their dog. If you are concerned, you can also contact the dog control offi cer on 0800 732 732 • lays its ears back • has its tail raised • stares directly at what it’s threatening

What to do? EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT • avoid direct eye contact (this can be interpreted as threatening) FOR SOUTHLAND • stand still, looking down and keeping your arms still in front of you DOG OWNERS • slowly and calmly start moving away without turning your back to the dog - try and keep Southland District Council will offer a discount for dog side on to it owners who apply for their multiple dog licence early. By the end of June 2016 dog owners will need to have a multiple dog licence if they have more than two dogs A frightened dog: on their property (this does not apply to working dogs unless they are kept in an urban area). • makes itself smaller by hunching or lying down Environmental Health Manager Michael Sarfaiti said an • lays its ears fl at early bird discount would be available for dog owners • curls its tail between its legs. who applied for their licence before 1 February.

The one-off application fee would reduce from $50 to $30, he said. What to do? The multiple dog licence has been introduced to protect public safety, reduce nuisances from dogs • speaking quietly and soothingly and ensure properties are suitable for the number of dogs, and many other councils have similar systems. • avoiding direct eye contact A multiple dog licence will also involve a visit from a • walking away slowly and calmly, staying side dog control offi cer. on to the dog

13 AND AREA OFFICES All Southland District Council offi ces will close on Thursday 24 December at 12 noon.

OFFICE OPENING HOURS OFFICE OPENING HOURS Invercargill Tuesday 5 January 8.30-5pm Stewart Island Tuesday 5 January 9-12 noon Lumsden Wednesday 6 January 10-5pm Te Anau Tuesday 5 January 8.30-5pm Tuesday 5 January 8-5pm Winton Tuesday 5 January 8.30-5pm Riverton Tuesday 5 January 8-5pm Transfer Stations/Refuse Sites All SDC transfer stations will be closed on Friday 25 Wheelie Bin Collection December and Friday 1 January. All other days are as per normal opening times. will be closed 27 There will be no collection on Friday 25 December December and open 3 January. and Friday 1 January, so collection days for these weeks will be one day later than normal for all STEWART ISLAND - Rakiura Resource Recovery Centre residents. (eg Thursday collections will be done on Friday, and Friday on Saturday.) DATE OPENING HOURS Thursday 25 December Closed • There will be a Saturday collection on both Friday 26 December 9.30am - 4.30pm 26 December and 2 January (to empty Saturday 27 December 8am - 12 noon Friday bins) Sunday 28 December Closed • Normal collection days resume on Monday Monday 29 December 9.30am - 4.30pm 4 January Tuesday 30 December Closed Wednesday 31 December 9.30am - 4.30pm PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand in some areas, the time during the day of the Thursday 1 January Closed collection may vary, so please ensure that your Friday 2 January 9.30am - 4.30pm wheelie bin is out by 7am on your collection day. Saturday 3 January 8am - 12 noon

During the holiday period staff will be available to respond to urgent service requests

You can also make requests for non-urgent services online at southlanddc.govt.nz

Call us for • Sewerage Faults • Roading Faults • Wandering Stock • Dog and Animal Control • Noise Control • Water Supply Faults A 24 hour phone service will be available on 0800 732 732

14 All Southland District Council Libraries will close on Thursday 24 December at 12 LIBRARIES noon (or the nearest usual opening date and time). The Bookbus will have its last day of service on Friday 19 December and will resume on Tuesday 19 January.

WINTON LIBRARY TE ANAU LIBRARY DATE OPENING HOURS DATE OPENING Wednesday 24 December 8.30am - 12 noon HOURS Friday 25 December - Closed Thursday 24 December 9am – 12 noon Monday 4 January Friday 25 December - Closed Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 December - 10am - 5pm Thursday 31 December RIVERTON LIBRARY Friday 1 January - Closed DATE OPENING HOURS Monday 4 January Thursday 24 December 8am - 12 noon Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January Friday 25 December - Closed Monday 28 December STEWART ISLAND LIBRARY Tuesday 29 December - 10am - 4pm Thursday 31 December DATE OPENING Friday 1 January - Closed HOURS Monday 4 January Friday 25 December – Closed Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January Saturday 26 December Friday 1 January - Closed Saturday 2 January OTAUTAU LIBRARY Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January DATE OPENING HOURS Thursday 24 December 8am - 12 noon WYNDHAM LIBRARY Thursday 25 December - Closed Friday 2 January DATE OPENING Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January HOURS Tuesday 22 December 2pm – 5pm LUMSDEN LIBRARY Thursday 24 December - Closed Thursday 31 January DATE OPENING HOURS Normal hours resume Tuesday 5 January Wednesday 23 December 10am - 5pm MOBILE BOOKBUS Thursday 24 December – Closed Monday 4 January Normal timetable until Friday 18 December Normal hours resume Wednesday 6 January Service resumes Tuesday 19 January

15 Our Southlanders... RAY WAGHORN

Ray Waghorn reckons Waituna Lagoon is in his DNA. there. It was a discovery that led to his interest in history and a wealth of knowledge, which he can reel His adventures have taken him everywhere from Canada off without blinking. to Spain, but that little patch of Southland has always remained home. “A lot of people don’t realise Waituna used to be mined for gold, just on the beach all the way through to Bluff; “Waituna’s in my blood. It was in Dad’s blood all his life – the glaciers brought it all down. Once upon a time two hunting, fi shing, farming. Sometimes it takes going away to guys took gold to sell in Bluff from off the beach here realise what you’ve got at home,” he said. –116 ounces of it. They thought this would be bigger than the gold mining at , but it didn’t happen,” It was his visit to the wild Shetland Islands, the subarctic he said. archipelago off the coast of Scotland, in his younger years that spurred on a passion that has bubbled away in the background He doesn’t just gather history: he writes it down, so ever since. that time does not forget it.

He went there because his mother had always worn Shetland He and cousin Ross Thomson ended up writing a book wool jerseys; he later learned his grandfather had been born together. Looking Back: & Lake Waituna was published in 1990.

“It becomes a real fascination. You go to bed and wake up at one o’clock in the morning, the middle of the night, and your brain is just galloping. You end up sitting there at 4am, writing things down, all the bits and pieces,” he said.

“Once you start, all of a sudden you realise there is just so much information that people don’t know. Every time one of our citizens passes away, a bit of history goes with them.”

The book was not the beginning and end of his foray into preserving the area’s stories – he has chipped away at another “a bit of this and a bit of that, but through my father’s eyes” for several years and has played a role in plans to one day develop a museum at . Ray Waghorn live on the air.

16 competitions around the country. He’s a member of the local garden club, and has put in countless hours into sprucing up the local reserve’s fl ora and fauna.

Since 2014, one of his pet projects has been the establishment of new gardens near the school, part of his work chairing the Gorge Road Community Development Area subcommittee. He is quick to stress the project, like many others, has been a joint effort with other members of the community.

Ray has been a member of the subcommittee for 20-odd years. Several years ago, his love of Waituna Lagoon and its surrounding area sparked him to turn over 800 acres of land to the Department of Conservation.

“If we don’t look after the things in front of us, what’s left for the Ray puts in some new plantings at Gorge Road. future generations?”

For years Ray juggled his home life, farm life One of six children, Ray went to Kapuka South School. His father farmed and CDA life with another role: hosting a in the area; he and wife Rita have spent their married life there too, country music show on the radio. He reckons raising their brood of three. the job – an unpaid one at that – taught him a lot. Ray lights up when recounting 2008: Lynn had her fi rst child, James was recognised for his work at a national apprentice awards ceremony, and “That was a turning point in my life. It taught Colin took out a world title for clay target shooting in Ireland. me compassion. There are so many lonely people out there we just don’t know about. All three children went to Gorge Road School; Ray had two turns on Communities are very fragmented now, it’s the school’s committee. not like it used to be,” he said.

Life has always been busy. Like many in Southland’s small communities, Country music is a big passion. Ray is a man with his fi nger in a lot of pies and it all started fairly early on. “One of the highlights of my life was shaking “If you don’t get out there and help the community, who will?” the late, great Wilf Carter’s hand. He had hands almost the size of a bass guitar. Such a nice, He was part of the Waimatua Young Farmers, and during his tenure humble guy.” he took part in a race to tow a sulky from Awarua to Invercargill – all in the name of raising funds for equipment to be used at Southland It’s funny – that’s what people say about Hospital. He spent two decades judging and commentating at shearing Ray Waghorn.

17 Drop Your Boss

It’s a good thing our Mayor isn’t afraid of heights. Gary Tong donned a harness and took the plunge, abseiling down the six storeys of the Invercargill Fire Station tower for the Drop Your Boss event. Drop Your Boss was a fundraiser for the Foundation For Youth Development Southland.

Governor-General visit

The district got to show off one of its most spectacular areas during a visit from the Governor-General, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife Lady Janine. During their visit to Fiordland, their Excellenciesmet with Te Anau children taking part in the Kids Restore The Kepler project.

18 COMMUNITY

Skate-a-thon

Riverton took to their wheels in support of a new shelter to be built at the skatepark. The event was organised by the Riverton Youth Focus Group. See more about the shelter on the next page.

Citizenship ceremony

Fifteen new Southlanders were welcomed at a citizenship ceremony held at Council recently. Mayor Gary Tong joked to those gathered that he hoped they would become loud-and- proud All Blacks supporters. The new citizens hailed from Moldova, South Africa, Great Britain, Kenya and Tanzania.

19 REWARDING WORK FOR RIVERTON YOUTH

Two projects aimed at benefi tting youth are underway in Riverton, can make a difference,” she said. both led by young Southlanders. This project is still in progress. While Kataraina heads away to university in 2016, Earlier this year Southland District Youth Council and Southland Chloe will keep working with the Community District Council, with assistance from Venture Southland, launched Board on the shelter. LeadLab, an initiative encouraging 16-18 year old Southlanders to lead positive community projects in the District. The duo aren’t the only Aparima College students doing good in the town - Jessica Among those projects; Aparima College pupils Chloe Gorton and Black also undertook a LeadLab project this Kataraina Harris came up with the idea to build a skate park shelter year. She wanted to create an outdoor space for their local skate park. at her school where students of all ages could The pair worked with local artist Wayne Hill to design a paua shell hang out together. shaped shelter for the Riverton Skate Park. The project has the support Jessica has been working with the school of the Riverton Aparima Community Board and the community. on the project, which will include awnings, “We saw this as something that was needed at the skate park because a deck area and picnic tables. She organised it’s windy and there’s no shelter there now so when the weather is a walkathon, which the entire school took bad the kids have nowhere to hang out. We think this will benefi t part in. It raised $1600 and will see her idea young people in our town,” Kataraina said. become a reality next year. The Riverton Aparima Community Board has paid for an engineer’s The project was a way for her to encourage report to ensure its structural integrity. positive change at the college, she said. Meanwhile there has been plenty of community support as well. “I thought, we don’t have an outside picnic A skate-a-thon coordinated by Riverton Community House area; I’m a leader at this school and through raised $1,220, the Riverton and Districts School Sesquicentennial the LeadLab project I could do something Committee made a contribution of $500, a $1,000 grant came from about it. The whole school has supported the Community Initiatives Fund and a mufti day at Aparima College this idea by taking part in fundraising and raised $142. woodwork students will make picnic tables Chloe said the project has been a real learning experience and she next year. It will be awesome to see it when was impressed at how the community supported their idea. it’s all done.” “So many people have helped us with this project, it’s cool that Jessica is also heading away to university in our community wants to help us and do something for our youth. 2016 but said she looks forward to coming Hopefully this inspires other youth people to take action too – we home and seeing the progress that’s been made.

20 Planning for

YOUTH COUNCIL TO FOCUS ON BUILDING LEADERSHIP SKILLS

A bid to grow the leadership skills of young Southlanders will be at the forefront of next year’s our young people can learn from their experience. We want Southland District Youth Council. to give them an understanding of the skills they will need to develop to become leaders, how they can fi nd solutions to Communications Offi cer Alana Dixon said plans to problems facing them and their communities, and help them link youth councillors with community leaders were build strong support networks.” underway for 2016. Next year’s project would also look at how Southland could “We’re really lucky to have an enthusiastic group of further support its young people, the importance of taking young people representing their communities, and part in the decision-making process, and encourage youth we want their experience on Youth Council to help become leaders in their communities, Ms Dixon said. them develop the skills they need to lead Southland The project comes on the heels of another successful forward in the future,” she said. year for Youth Council, which in 2015 ran its inaugural “Next year we are planning on building stronger LeadLab Southland project with funding from the relationships with current community leaders, so that Ministry of Youth Development.

YOUNG SOUTHLANDERS The Southland District Youth Council is open to ENCOURAGED TO REPRESENT senior high school students in the district. Communications Offi cer Alana Dixon said THEIR COMMUNITIES joining youth council was an opportunity to make the voices of young people count. Young Southlanders looking to become more active in their communities are encouraged to put their hands up for the “We want to ensure our communities are great Southland District Youth Council. places to live, now and in the future. That’s why it is so important for young people to be involved Offering the opportunity to make a difference in in shaping our district,” Ms Dixon said. Southland communities, develop leadership skills and represent the views of youth, those interested in taking To fi nd out more about joining Youth Council, part in 2016 should speak to their schools. visit southlanddc.govt.nz

21 CELEBRATING 150 YEARS IN OREPUKI

History came alive in Orepuki recently, with the town The area’s youngest residents weren’t forgotten in the abuzz for sesquicentennial celebrations in November. celebrations. Local children spent weeks making fl ags that represented symbols of the town. They also painted stones Locals spent a long time preparing for the town’s 150th in the town’s colours, red and black, to be displayed at the celebrations, and organising committee member Marg formal dinner on Saturday night. McCullough said Orepuki shined for the occasion, with Mrs McCullough said there was more to the town’s history events held from 16-22 November 2015. than people might think, and the week-long celebrations “It was a great week with so many events; historic talks, were an opportunity to showcase this. bowls, a senior citizens afternoon tea, dinner and cabaret, “As Marjory Smith said in her book, From Goldfi eld to Fields church service and barbecue. It was fantastic to have of Green ‘the little farming settlement of Orepuki gives little everyone there, especially the old identities who came hint of its past to the travellers who complete the Riverton along to support the Orepuki community,” she said. to Te Anau section of the Southern Scenic Route . . . they Among the events were several historical talks, which seldom realise that this quiet little backwater has many a story to relate concerning a past that is as rich as the gold looked back on Orepuki’s history, from pre-European once mined on the beach.” There are so many historic times to more recent memories from people who have gems in Orepuki, and the 150th celebration has been an lived in the community. opportunity for us to share them.” “The historical talks were not only informative but While the week of events is over, the celebrations funny. Tess Christie related how an important Member of haven’t stopped. Parliament was coming out to visit and in order to get him through the mile and a half of muddy bush track, they put “It’s our sesquicentennial year and we now have a small the old tin bath on a sled, fi lled it with eiderdowns and heritage trail that will be sign posted for visitors, we have pillows and there he sat all the way to the house. David historic items to go on display, and more is planned. Dudfi eld put together a fantastic presentation of all the “The celebrations would not have been possible without names on the memorial gates with photos and history to a huge community effort, help from those living further accompany each, that’s on YouTube as well.” afi eld and everyone who attended. Thank you.”I

22 Southland children will again Event coordinator Sally Hayes said the programme, run on behalf of Council by get the opportunity to be part Venture Southland, allows Southland children try out new activities. of the 11th Southland District “There will be arts and crafts, sports, activities. We play games, all sorts of things.” Council Holiday Programme Registrations are now open and can be made at any of Councils offi ces and, for the this summer. fi rst time, online at: sdcholidayprogramme.co.nz The programme costs $6 per child each day.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 5 6 7 8 Te Anau Te Anau Te Anau Lumsden Event Centre Event Centre Event Centre Northern Southland College Stewart Island Community Centre 11 12 13 14 15 Riverton Riverton Winton Winton Winton Aparima College Aparima College Central Central Central Southland College Southland College Southland College

18 19 20 21 Otautau Otautau Wyndham Wyndham Otautau School Otautau School Menzies College Menzies College Garston Tokanui Waikaia School Garston School Tokanui School

23 Community and education coordinator “The feedback we get is often RURAL FIRE TRAINING Sally Chesterfi eld said about 50 people around how valuable it is to do from across Southland and Otago these practices and go through took part in a training simulation for these processes. We don’t get to fi re managers at Henry Creek, near use them all that often but when the Milford Road – just days before a we do need to call upon those 109-hectare blaze engulfed a forestry skills, we’ve really got to know block near Dipton. what we are doing,” she said. “When we hold a training exercise This year, those attending like this, we choose a site in Southland included rural fi re’s national likely to have a large scale fi re, with incident management team, lots of volatile fuel. Four days later, we whose 10 members acted as were dealing with a large fi re at a site mentors for southern fi refi ghters we had held a simulation at fi ve or six from agencies such as the years ago, and all those guys practicing at Henry Creek had to put that into forestry sector, Department of practice for real,” she said. Conservation, and New Zealand Fire Service. The exercise was run over two days. Those who attended put their roles and “It’s good practice for the incident Skills learned at Southern Rural Fire’s processes to the test, and had to plan management team, but it’s annual training exercise have already been and implement a response to manage invaluable, fantastic mentorship put into practice. the situation. for our guys as well.”

Southlanders urged to remain cautious as weather heats up

Temperatures are getting warmer, and “Equinox winds are expected to hang around through much of for Southern Rural Fire that means one December and these could fan fi res back into life weeks or months after thing: reminding Southlanders to be they were burnt. Generally, Southlanders are pretty good at checking the forecast for strong winds, but it is a bit more diffi cult to predict the especially cautious when lighting fi res. winds weeks or months down the line,” she said. Southern Rural Fire Community and Education Coordinator Sally Chesterfi eld said drier weather could wreak havoc if people did not pay attention and change their behaviour to suit the conditions. “Southern Rural Fire is asking that people really take care this summer – think about the weather conditions and plan your burn accordingly,” she said. “A long, hot summer is great for those of us looking forward to some cricket on Christmas Day and whiling away some time at the beach or lake, but we also have to remember that a prolonged period of warm weather will make our district drier and more susceptible to fi re danger, putting a strain on our volunteer fi re fi ghters.” But it is not just parched, hotter weather that could cause problems. Strong winds could also play a part in avoidable fi res, she said.

24 ROAD SAFETY BOOK FOR KIDS LAUNCHED

A children’s book promoting road safety awareness has been launched in Southland. Glo Bro Goes To Kindy was a joint effort between the Bright Sparks stakeholders – Road Safety Southland, Plunket, Kindergarten South and the New Zealand Police. Road Safety Southland road user safety advisor Maureen Deuchrass said the book launch, held at Winton Kindergarten, was a roaring success. Mayor Gary Tong was a hit with Southland’s youngsters, as was the man of the hour himself – Road Safety Southland’s mascot and star of the book, Glo Bro the purple hippo. “Glo Bro Goes To Kindy offers a great opportunity for parents and whānau to talk with children about key road safety messages in a fun and relevant way. The pictures from Wanaka illustrator Kat Harpur, coupled with simple text, make road safety awareness easy “The Bright Sparks team believe that if children and to understand and will captivate the imaginations of their whānau learn about being a safe road user from pre-schoolers,” Mrs Deuchrass said. an early age, this will lead to the development of safer behaviour later in life. As children grow they need to be The book covered four key themes: being a bright exposed to opportunities where safe and responsible road pedestrian, being a bright rider, being a bright safety concepts are shown, talked about and practiced,” passenger and being bright at play, she said. she said.

The nationwide ShakeOut drill gave Southlanders a timely reminder to be ready for an emergency – and its after-effects. Emergency Management Southland manager Angus McKay said a whopping 25,550 Southlanders took part in ShakeOut, surpassing the target of 25,000. “It was a wonderful effort by the people of Southland,” he said. With Southlanders expected to fl ock to the water as the weather begins to heat up, ShakeOut was a reminder for those in the Deep South to think about an earthquake’s after-effects too. “If you’re near the water and you feel an earthquake that lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough that it makes it diffi cult to stand up, make sure you think about the risk of tsunami,” Mr McKay said. and tertiary institutions. A further 2,000 were in emergency services including health facilities, “Move away from the water, and get at least a kilometre while another 1,700 came from businesses including inland or to high ground as soon as you can. Stay there Southland District Council. until you hear an offi cial radio announcement letting you know it’s safe to return.” “The main push was just to get people to think about the possibility of what they can do to better prepare This was the second time ShakeOut has been held in themselves for an emergency, wherever they might New Zealand. be. Just having a discussion with your family about The lion’s share – 21,000 – of southern participants came what you would do in a real emergency can make from educational centres such as schools, preschools all the difference.”

25 Rangers on patrol in Te Anau NEW FREEDOM CAMPING BYLAW Freedom camping in the Te Anau Basin will be monitored by rangers again this summer, to ensure visitors are camping FOR SOUTH responsibly in the area.

Southland District is likely to soon have The patrols were introduced four seasons ago and have a new Freedom Camping Bylaw in force. proved successful. Southland District Council Environmental Health Manager Council considered submissions on the draft Michael Sarfaiti said the service was introduced in response to Freedom Camping Bylaw at a hearing in serious problems. October. A decision is expected to be made in December. Eighty-four people made “We were seeing some issues with people camping where they submissions, with 20 speaking to council shouldn’t and this service has helped to curb that. on these. “Rangers will continue to have a tourist friendly approach, Environmental Health Manager Michael educating campers on where they can camp and asking them to Sarfaiti said the initial reason for the review was move on. Rangers can issue infringements if people choose not to address community concerns and wishes. to follow the rules,” he said. “It was to resolve serious concerns with the Southland District Council, the Department of Conservation Waikawa freedom camping site, to facilitate some towns to be recognised as being and the Te Anau Community Board are continuing to co-fund motorhome friendly, and to resolve concerns the freedom camping ranger service. of the Southern Rural Fire Authority.” The 24 hour, seven day a week operation started in November Under the bylaw some towns will prohibit non and will involve regular late evening and early morning patrols. self-contained freedom camping in selected Southland District Council will manage the operation this areas, and some will have new designated season, with the Department of Conservation taking over in the sites for self-contained camping. 2016/17 season. The bylaw addresses freedom camping at the Waikawa Domain, introduces new default Queens Reach will be closed for overnight camping during the rules and is in line with the New Zealand upcoming season, with the gates locked at 10pm and re-opened Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw. again at 8am. More information will be available at Members of the public can report illegal freedom camping by southlanddc.govt.nz when a decision has calling 0800 732 732 at any time and giving the location of the been made. campers and the vehicle numberplate.

26 Underground tanks can cause problems for

homeowners looking to sell Southland District Council is reminding the public to stay safe over the holiday season. Homeowners across the Southland District may face problems when it comes to selling their properties, if Environmental Health manager Michael Sarfaiti they have underground fuel tanks. said it was important patrons were responsible when drinking throughout the district as the season Underground fuel tanks can cause headaches for of Christmas parties approaches. homeowners when they place their properties on the market. Underground tanks may be used, for example, “The message we really want to get across is to to supply diesel burners for home heating. be responsible this holiday season – don’t cause a headache for your local pub,” he said. People can apply for a land information memorandum from Council when they are interested in purchasing “There are several easy ways you can make sure you a property. Council may be unable to tell people are drinking responsibly as we start getting closer interested in buying the properties if the tanks had to the Christmas period. The last thing you or your contaminated the surrounding soil, if they were family wants is a bad decision to negatively impact installed without Council’s knowledge and there is no the holidays.” information on fi le about the tanks. Some tips before you head out this holiday season – Tanks that are still in use are likely to require a licence from a test certifi er, while those that are no longer • Don’t overdo it on the preloading. This can in use must be removed. However, the rules around cause problems for yourself, and your local underground tanks on farms are not as strict, and these watering hole can be slurry-fi lled if certain conditions are met. • Don’t drink on an empty stomach – grab a bite When it comes to underground tanks on your property, to eat Council’s Environmental Health team can help. If you • Free water is available in every bar – take have any questions, call 0800 732 732. advantage of this If the underground tanks are at your workplace – • Ensure you have a safe way of getting home. including on your farm – you can contact Worksafe Use a courtesy vehicle or line up a designated New Zealand for more advice. driver for your night out

FOOD CONTROL PLAN

Food businesses around Southland are being called on to get prepared for the introduction of new food safety rules.

Southland District Council Environmental Health Offi cer Veena Lal-Boon said it’s important food businesses get up to date with changes coming into effect with the new Food Act being introduced on March 1. licenses because this group is the fi rst to transition. “A whole range of food businesses will need to have food control People can come to us for free advice and guidance plans when these changes are introduced in stages starting next ahead of the change.” March. These include restaurants, cafes and takeaways.” Woodlands Tavern owner Gus Dermody said his “Others may need a different type of approval called a national business has used a food control plan for the past programme, such as some dairies and centre-based childcare three years and encouraged others to fi nd out more centres. This is something people need to be thinking about about getting one. now.” “For us moving to a food control plan just meant Councils will be responsible for the implementation of the Food doing a few different things and more recording of Act at a local level. Higher risk activities, such as preparing meals, what we already do. I would say get on board as will need to operate under a written food control plan, which soon as you can, that will make it easier later on.” identifi es food safety risks and sets out steps to mitigate risks. More information is available on our website “At the moment our focus is on food businesses with alcohol on- southlanddc.govt.nz or call 0800 732 732. 27 Southland’s little gingerbread town Libraries join forces to The heart of Central Southland has been stop the ‘summer slide’ made in miniature – and the replica has Libraries across the region are working to garnered plenty of interest since being unveiled at Winton’s annual Open Day. prevent young Southlanders from falling into the ‘summer slide’. After snow earlier in the year left the town – the life-size one – looking like Libraries in the Southland and Gore districts, a fairytale, Librarian Raewyn Patton as well as Invercargill City, have joined forces to offer the Southland Summer Reading issued a challenge on Southland District Challenge, to encourage youngsters to Libraries’ Facebook page to make a continue their reading habits during the long model of Winton with the community. summer break. Local woman Liz Gill offered to bake the main street in gingerbread. Southland District Librarian Roslyn Gray To calm concerns about food wastage Mrs Gill and Southland District said activities for a range of ages had Libraries saw a way for Winton Foodbank to benefi t and asked that local been developed. businesses make a donation to the charity.

“Research has found that students can lose Businesses and organisers of the Winton Open Day were overwhelmingly up to three months of reading ability, simply positive about the project. The $10 donation was often exceeded and because they aren’t motivated to keep reading members of the community donated materials to make the idea come to life. through the school holidays during the summer months,” she said. It took Mrs Gill and a team of volunteer bakers just over two weeks to “By offering an engaging programme of construct and ice the buildings, with some businesses even keen to decorate reading, involving fun activities and prizes, their own ‘pastried premises’. we hope to help our young borrowers stay on top of their literacy skills.” Their efforts paid off, with the little gingerbread town generating lots of attention. This year Southland District Libraries are offering a family challenge category, so that “Our door count at the library that day was 730, and we’ve had an everyone can get in on the act and make overwhelming media response too. Arthur Steinhauser, who captured reading a positive experience in the home. some fairytale images of Winton in July, came back and shot some footage To register and collect your free challenge of the gingerbread version,” Mrs Patton said. booklet, call into one of the district’s eight libraries. To fi nd your nearest library, check “He literally gasped when he rounded the corner in the library and saw the out southlanddc.govt.nz scene. As the fellow who inspired the idea with his beautiful photography, The challenge runs from 1 December to 20 we were happy to be there as he experienced the thrill of feeling like a child January 2016. again viewing the six metre long cake.”

Lynda Hodge), Ellie van Empel from Craigs Printing Ltd, and fi ve self- Southland’s aspiring published authors: blogger Richelle Finnie, successful e-book writer Catherine Taylor, Walter Guttery, who talked about his local history In writers encouraged the Shadow of the Takitimus which had sold out at its launch in Ohai that morning, and children’s authors Leah Sellars (Snail Mail) and Linzi Keen Those keen to see their names on the spine (of the Syd and Max adventure series fame). of a novel were given valuable insight into “The audience benefi ted from fi rst-hand knowledge in getting a story life as an author, during Writer’s Week at into readers’ hands,” Mrs Patton said. Southland District Libraries. “Those in attendance went away informed and motivated, and pleased Librarian Raewyn Patton said Winton to have their questions answered from those who have taken the journey Library hosted the panel discussion, ‘On of self-publishing to success.” Getting Published’. Writer’s Week also featured author Robin Robilliard, who visited libraries Attendees heard from an experienced at Stewart Island, Riverton, Te Anau and Winton. Her book Hard Country book-buyer (Council Library Manager was published last year.

28 Mobile Library Timetable December 2015 – April 2016

Mobile Library at Waimumu Field Days indicated by shaded dates in February. * Denotes a public holiday Athol Shop Noon-1pm Tues 1-Dec 26-Jan 23-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr Balfour Tavern 4.30-6.30pm Tues 15-Dec 9-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr School 1.30-3.00pm Thurs 3-Dec 28-Jan 25-Feb 24-Mar 21-Apr Blackmount School 10-11am Mon 30-Nov 25-Jan 22-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr Dacre Hall 9-10am Fri 18-Dec 11-Mar 8-Apr Dipton School 11-Noon Tues 15-Dec 9-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr Drummond School 10.30-Noon Wed 16-Dec 9-Mar 6-Apr Edendale Car Park 1-4pm Fri 4-Dec 29-Jan 26-Feb * 22-Apr School 10.30-Noon Fri 18-Dec 11-Mar 8-Apr Fortrose Picnic Area 3-4pm Fri 18-Dec 11-Mar 8-Apr Garston School 1.30-2.30pm Tues 1-Dec 26-Jan 23-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr Village 2.30-3.30pm Tues 1-Dec 26-Jan 23-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr Glenham School 1-2pm Fri 18-Dec 11-Mar 8-Apr Gorge Rd Hall 11am-12.30pm Tues 24-Nov 19-Jan 16-Feb 15-Mar 12-Apr Hauroko Valley School 1-2pm Mon 30-Nov 25-Jan 22-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr Heddon Bush School 1.30-2.30pm Wed 16-Dec 9-Mar 6-Apr Hedgehope Hall 11am-12.30pm Fri 11-Dec 5-Feb 4-Mar 1-Apr Isla Bank School 9-10am Wed 16-Dec 9-Mar 6-Apr Limehills School 9.15am-10.30am Thurs 10-Dec 4-Feb 3-Mar 31-Mar Longbush Kindergarten 9-10am Fri 4-Dec 29-Jan 26-Feb * 22-Apr RSA 9.30-10.30am Tues 1-Dec 26-Jan 23-Feb 22-Mar 19-Apr School 1.30-3.30pm Tues 15-Dec 9-Feb 8-Mar 5-Apr Ohai Community Centre 2-4pm Thurs 10-Dec 4-Feb 3-Mar 31-Mar Orepuki Main Street 3-4pm Mon 30-Nov 25-Jan 22-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr Otara Hall 2.30-4pm Wed 25-Nov 20-Jan 17-Feb 16-Mar 13-Apr Pukerau School 9.30-11.30am Wed 2-Dec 27-Jan 24-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr Rimu School 10.30-11.30am Fri 4-Dec 29-Jan 26-Feb * 22-Apr Riversdale School 11am-12.30pm Thurs 3-Dec 28-Jan 25-Feb 24-Mar 21-Apr Community Centre 2-4.30pm Thurs 17-Dec 10-Mar 7-Apr Playcentre 9.15-10am Tues 24-Nov 19-Jan 16-Feb 15-Mar 12-Apr Ryal Bush Community Centre 2.30-4pm Fri 11-Dec 5-Feb 4-Mar 1-Apr School 9.30-10.30am Fri 11-Dec 5-Feb 4-Mar 1-Apr Thornbury Shop 3-4pm Wed 9-Dec 3-Feb 2-Mar 30-Mar Tokanui Main Street 1.30-4pm Fri 27-Nov 22-Jan 19-Feb 18-Mar 15-Apr School 9.30-11am Mon 14-Dec * 7-Mar 4-Apr Hall 1-2pm Wed 9-Dec 3-Feb 2-Mar 30-Mar Waikaia School 9-10.30am Thurs 3-Dec 28-Jan 25-Feb 24-Mar 21-Apr Community Centre 10.15-11.30am Thurs 17-Dec 10-Mar 7-Apr Waikaka Main Street 2-4pm Wed 2-Dec 27-Jan 24-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr Waikawa Hall 10am-Noon Fri 27-Nov 22-Jan 19-Feb 18-Mar 15-Apr School 11.30am-1pm Wed 25-Nov 20-Jan 17-Feb 16-Mar 13-Apr Waituna PlayCentre 9.30-10.30am Wed 25-Nov 20-Jan 17-Feb 16-Mar 13-Apr Wallacetown Community Centre 9am-Noon Wed 9-Dec 3-Feb 2-Mar 30-Mar Wendon Hall Noon-12.30pm Thurs 17-Dec 10-Mar 7-Apr Wendonside Hall 9.30-10am Thurs 17-Dec 10-Mar 7-Apr Willowbank School 12.30-1.30pm Wed 2-Dec 27-Jan 24-Feb 23-Mar 20-Apr Woodlands Shop 2-4pm Tues 24-Nov 19-Jan 16-Feb 15-Mar 12-Apr School 2-4pm Mon 14-Dec * 7-Mar 4-Apr Any queries,Any queries, requests requests or renewals:or renewals: pleaseplease telephone telephone the theWinton Winton Library Library 0800 732 0800 542. 732 542. Note: the followingNote: the following areas haveareas havefortnightly fortnightly visits: visits: Balfour, Balfour, Riversdale,Riversdale, Waikaia, Waikaia, Mossburn, Mossburn, Edendale, Edendale, Tokanui, Woodlands.Tokanui, Woodlands. RenewalsRenewals can canbe bemade made by by email email to:to: [email protected] [email protected] 29 By Gerry Forde

MOSSBURN V LUMSDEN - Spring Fling full of colour & dance

After a tough winter and in the midst of a challenging spring, the people of Mossburn and Lumsden let their hair down and their district pride shine in a night of dance, challenges and hilarity at the Mossburn Community Centre on November 14.

The Spring Fling Challenge watered down the auctioning element of the Flyer fundraiser developed by Southland Spirit of a Nation and pumped up the entertainment. The fi rst Lumsden/Mossburn challenge was a Kahoot quiz where the audience texted their answers with some outrageous humour and dance moves. and an instant leader board was created, allocating Points were close between the teams throughout. Highlights points according to how quickly the correct answer such as the theatre sports had the audience again on its feet, was given. and the dance-off saw Amanda and Chris Senior showing Acting as MCs, Wayne Duncan and I had no trouble their class to win for Mossburn. The fi nal nail in the coffi n getting the crowd involved. Before Lana McKay could was just that – a sensational lip synch from Mossburn to hit a note of her Simply the Best tribute to Lumsden, Michael Jackson’s Thriller featuring a scary Dracula in a real the dance fl oor was swamped by proud Lumsdenites. coffi n. Funds raised go to the Mossburn Community Centre, A sea of red then emerged as Art Bloom countered Lumsden Playcentre and Lumsden Pool.

FLYER FUNDRAISER RETURNS TO ROOTS FOR ‘BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE TWO’ AT WYNDHAM

The fl yer fundraiser developed by Spirit of a Nation to build community and raise funds began back in July 2012 when Wyndham met Edendale in the Battle of the Bridge.

Nearly four years later, after 14 subsequent fl yers involving 70 fundraising groups and raising almost $1m, the fl yer returns to its origins for Battle of the Bridge Two between Edendale and Wyndham on Saturday 5 March 2016. The event is charged with emotion and motivation for me as fl yer manager. The community building starts from and stems from the To think back on the huge nights in all the halls committee running the event – we become a tight-knit bunch, around Southland where the fl yer brought working as a team, building a confi dence that spills out into communities alive – the Battle of the Bridge Two the event and the community – community spirit fl ows from is a celebration of that success, it’s to be everything those tight volunteer relationships. the fl yer stands for – fun, fundraising, community building taken to the max! The Battle of the Bridge is to be held in the Wyndham Hall on the evening of Saturday March 5; tickets through Marc It’s highly likely that the Battle of the Bridge Two Robertson 027 2201 029 or Denise Fodie 0277 284 311. will take Spirit of a Nation’s fundraising total passed the $1m mark, but that is not so important. Expect this event to sell out quickly.

30 CENTRAL SOUTHLAND GETS SATELLITE GROUND STATION A new satellite ground station has been built in Central Southland.

Venture Southland Business Projects Manager Robin McNeill said the station was built for Spire Global, an American-based civilian operator whose satellites were used to monitor the position of ships as well as atmospheric weather. Construction on access began in late November, while work on the station itself began early this month. “Normally we would build a station like this The station was located at the back of the Lochiel Hall. at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station, near “It’s not all that big – just a few yagi antennas, which look very Invercargill, but Spire wanted to transmit at a much like Freeview UHF antennas, and a 1.2 metre dish antenna,” frequency that would cause interference to other Mr McNeill said. users already there,” Mr McNeill said. The project was fully-funded by Spire Global. A number of local “We had to build this station at least 25 kilometres contractors were used for its construction, while Venture Southland was away from the Awarua site, so that this wouldn’t responsible for logistics, planning and project management, he said. be a problem. It is nice to see that some of the technology we have at Awarua can be spread The station would be used purely for civilian, not military, purposes, around Southland.” he said.

SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON THE SOUTH The jewels in Southland’s crown are attracting But Fiordland and Stewart Island are not the only southern locations an increasing amount of attention overseas. garnering acclaim overseas. An article in Australian magazine Traveller lauded the Southern International exposure of the district’s hotspots Scenic Route as one of the world’s top 10 scenic drives. has ramped up, with Southland sights making the cut on a prestigious travel bucket list. The road, which opened in 1988 and passes through destinations including Te Anau, Riverton, and the Catlins, was named alongside Lonely Planet released its fi rst-ever Ultimate greats such as Route 66 in the United States, Iceland’s Ring Road Travel List, a collection of the world’s top 500 and the Great Ocean Road across the ditch in Australia. sights, earlier this year. Fiordland took out the 17th spot on the list, while Stewart Island secured Mr Low said the road showcased the diversity of Southland’s scenery. 125th place. The route offered visitors the whole package, from geological Venture Southland Tourism Team Leader Warrick artefacts, to quirky shops and cafes, lakes and waterfalls, mountain- Low said the announcement was fantastic for the top vistas and rolling pastures – and of course, true southern region’s international profi le. hospitality, he said. “As New Zealand continues to grow as a The Catlins is becoming increasingly popular with domestic and destination for international travellers, it’s really international travellers, and the area is generating plenty of media positive that we can share the message of our buzz, including a feature in Air New Zealand’s Kia Ora magazine. outstanding environment through the go-to- Meanwhile, Stewart Island and Riverton recently made the silver guide for millions of travellers,” he said. screen on Gone Fishing and Country Calendar, respectively. 31 Te Anau lays claim to disc golf title

Te Anau can now lay claim to a world title – it’s believed to be home to the world’s southern- most disc golf course.

Around 200 people were in attendance on September 13 when the course was offi cially opened at Ivon Wilson Park by Councillor Ebel Kremer and corporate sponsors John Steffens and Alan Buckner from Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd. something which benefi ts our community.” Area Engineer Nick Lewis said “The idea came from local youth worker Dale Wairau who thought we should have the project was very much a a free family activity. The sponsorship and support fl owed in after that.” community-led collaboration. Other local sponsors are Mitre 10 Te Anau, Ray White Te Anau, Te Anau Signs and “This course is a great Southland District Council. achievement because it was such a group effort; the local The nine-pot course is open to the public at no charge; people just need to bring their youth coordinator, Te Anau own Frisbee. Score cards and maps can be purchased at various businesses around the town. businesses and Council worked together on it. It was “”It seems to have been pretty popular already and I’d say it will get a lot more use good to see strong support for over summer,” Mr Lewis said.

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