1 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE STEVE RURU Council Chief Executive

There are few certainties in life – but change is one of them.

The journey our communities take happening in the world must always be a work in progress, around them. If Southland as we look to lessons of the past to District is to continue to create a more vibrant Southland in prosper in the future, we all the future. have to be willing to look at doing things differently. Over the years, the Southland District has confronted plenty of While it can be daunting, challenging issues and we will we must keep in mind that undoubtedly face many more change does not necessarily going forward. Council and mean loss or upheaval. the communities it serves must Looking at what we can continue working alongside one do differently to achieve another if we are to create a strong better outcomes for our and positive future for us all. communities is needed simply to ensure the work The action plans they are working on, which Recently, Council hosted a series we do remains effective, will be released later this year, are to set of public meetings to ensure our sustainable and relevant in out the finer details to support the goal of communities had an opportunity a changing world. Change attracting 10,000 more people to Southland. to have their say on the District’s for the better will make Inevitably, the introduction of these future. The Community Southland a healthier, more initiatives will also mean we will have to do Conversations meetings, which ran durable place to live, work some things differently to the way they have throughout May and June, were and play. been done in the past. incredibly productive. Setting out the framework to Similarly, the proposal to form a governance Strong opinions and voices came move the whole of Southland group to oversee the Milford Opportunities through on a diverse range of topics forward is the current focus Project is about looking at how we can as people shared their views on the of the action teams involved increase the benefits we get from having one issues they see affecting the District in the Southland Regional of ’s major tourist destinations and their local communities. Development Strategy. This in our backyard. Among the issues discussed was group, made up of over 95 the demographic change forecast community and business Tourism is a growing industry which, as to continue and the effect this will leaders, has been tasked well as providing many opportunities, can have on who will live and work in with developing innovative also bring its share of challenges – especially our communities in the future, how solutions to a number of when it comes to making sure the right Council might change the way it challenges facing the region. infrastructure is in place to meet the needs delivers its services to keep rates The overall framework and of visitors, and ensuring the environment sustainable in the long term, and the initiatives that they are they are coming to see is cared for. By what we as individuals and Council developing will allow the working collaboratively with agencies such can do to ensure our communities region to take advantage as the Department of Conservation, Council remain great places to live. of the many opportunities can help our communities to find innovative available to us. This is no ways to increase the various benefits of As we moved around the different easy task; it will require attracting visitors to the area. meetings it was heartening to see plenty of lateral thinking and the level of understanding people a willingness to think outside It is clear Southlanders are passionate have about the strategic issues the box. It will also require about their communities and we are all in facing the District. People were also all of us to get in behind agreement – we want our District to thrive. realistic about how they and their and support the different It’s up to all of us to embrace change and communities must adapt to changes initiatives proposed. determine how that happens.

2 Southland looks to Scandinavia for aquaculture growth

Southland District Mayor Gary Tong was part of a contingent that travelled to Norway and Iceland to investigate the potential for aquaculture growth in the region.

Southland has a small but healthy aquaculture industry which includes one of the country’s largest salmon farms on Stewart Island but there was Community Conversations potential for expansion, Mayor Tong said. held throughout Southland “New Zealand’s salmon industry was worth $62 million in exports in 2015. Last year salmon exports were worth $8.47 billion (NZD) to the Norwegian economy. It could be worth a huge amount to our region if More than 400 Southlanders got to the aquaculture industry was successfully expanded. We have a lot of air their views on the future of their untapped resource off our shores and I think it’s worth exploring. From District in a series of public meetings in my research so far I think Southland is capable of meeting industry May and June. requirements to get product to market,” Mayor Tong said. Southland District Council “Aquaculture has created thousands of jobs and is worth a significant amount economically in Norway. I’ll be looking at how that was communications manager Louise achieved, challenges, risks, environmental impact, and what that all Pagan said the Community means for potential here in Southland.” Conversations were an opportunity for the public and While in Norway in June Mayor Tong attended the AquaVision Council to talk to each another conference in Stavanger, met local politicians and stakeholders, and about Southland’s future. visited fish farms. “We wanted to know what He said the scale of the salmon farming operations he saw was Southlanders saw as the key issues staggering. Just one of the many farms he visited was the equivalent of facing our District, and what we could New Zealand’s entire salmon industry. be doing together to manage them so Salmon were housed in massive nets up to 200 metres deep containing 98 that Southland continues to be a great percent water and 2 percent fish. “The salmon were loving it.” place to live, work and play,” she said. The environmental footprint was almost invisible from land, meaning In a first for Southland District Norway’s lucrative tourism industry was able to flourish in tandem Council, an online meeting was also with aquaculture. hosted on Council’s Facebook page In Iceland Mayor Tong visited fish farms in Reykjavik, both inland and for those not able to attend a meeting offshore, and met local politicians to speak about aquaculture. in person. He said the opportunities for Southland were immense. “It’s important the voices of all Southlanders are heard, and play “The potential is very exciting. a part in shaping what happens in “From Council’s perspective, we want to look at the industry in our District in the long term. The Scandinavia and make sure that if we go down the path of aquaculture Community Conversations meetings expansion that we learn from what they have done, making the most gave the public and Council the of benefits and mistakes. Our environment is very important so I was chance to sit down and talk to one looking at how the Norwegians are cleaning up the seabed and any another about the opportunities and environmental issues.” challenges we’re facing, and how The trip was hosted and paid for by Aquaculture New Zealand, with industry we can continue to grow a strong, stakeholders, politicians and others with relevant interests attending. vibrant Southland. It was great to see so many turn out to have their say.” Issues such as the Haast Hollyford Highway proposal, the wastewater disposal scheme and the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail were discussed at the meetings, along with issues such as internet coverage, tourism, community spirit and roading. These are the first Conversations, with Council planning to go back out either late this year or early next year.

3 NEW RULES WILL HELP DRONE USE IN SOUTHLAND

Flying a drone in Southland District should soon be easier and safer with rules being developed to make it clear where it’s okay to fly.

Southland District Council policy analyst Tamara Dytor said a new policy was being created to proactively address the growing use of drones. “We want it to be easy for people to use drones and this policy will make it really clear where it’s okay to fly. It’s also important we make sure people use them appropriately and that means ensuring there are rules around things like flying them over a crowd at an event because if something went wrong it could seriously hurt someone.” Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules say drones can’t be flown in controlled airspace, more than 120 metres off the ground or within 4 kilometres of an aerodrome. Among proposed rules, people would need permission to fly a drone over a sportsfield while it was being used, within 50 metres of an organised activity at a reserve or Council-owned open space, or above cemeteries, Council roads, playgrounds or wildlife areas. so really from Council’s perspective we’re just giving general consent, but with some common sense conditions.” “Under CAA regulations anyone using a drone has to get the landowner’s consent to fly overhead The policy will be put to the public later this year.

than hitting another vehicle – they can weigh 1,000kg and the PROBLEMS WITH damage is enormous.” ROADSIDE GRAZING Temporary roadside fences must be appropriately stock-proof and at least 1 metre back from the metal edge of the road. The use of Some farmers are potentially putting motorists at risk steel waratahs is not allowed, as these can be lethal if hit by a car. by incorrectly grazing stock on rural roadsides. Roadsides can’t be grazed in sections longer than 200m at a time. Temporary fences also cannot be placed on both sides of the road Poorly fenced or wandering cattle, in particular, at the same time. pose a serious threat to road users and farmers are reminded that all stock must be correctly fenced Cattle and horses cannot be left on the roadside during the hours when grazing on road margins. of darkness. Bulls are not permitted to graze on the roadside at any time. There were 12 crashes involving stray farm animals in the Southland District last year. Environmental Health manager Michael Sarfaiti says Council staff take an educational approach with farmers to help them Southland District Council Community Engineer meet their obligations in keeping Southland roads safe. Brendan Gray said: “It’s concerning because each of these incidents had the potential to cause To read the rules on roadside grazing, search for Roading Policy serious injury or death. Hitting a cow can be worse 2008 Procedures (2015 revision) on www.southlanddc.govt.nz

4 A consideration was that the road was a key tourist ROAD SLIPS CHALLENGE route, and any major construction work would have to be carried out in summer, which was peak time FOR ENGINEERS for tourists.

Two major road slips in the Southland District are posing There was no timeframe for completing work, but “we challenges for Council roading engineers. are trying to progress it as quickly as possible”. The road slip happened in June last year, and a Council roading asset management engineer Hartley 75-metre section of one-lane road was constructed Hare said results of geotechnical testing on both the to keep the route open. The temporary bypass was massive slip on the Chaslands Highway and a road “holding up all right”. slump on the Brydone-Glencoe highway were worse Mr Hare said a similar slip on the Brydone-Glencoe than they’d hoped for. road, 7.5km east of State Highway 96, was proving “These two slips are proving very time-consuming … equally challenging. There’s no easy fix to the problem.” “Significant slumping” which had occurred in the past two years had forced the reduction of the road to There were four or five potential options being single lane. considered for the Chaslands slip, ranging from re- establishing the road in its current position to realigning Options ranged from levelling the road and it to building a new one, and engineers were preparing a maintaining it as a gravel road, rebuilding it from business case for each option. scratch or re-routing it. A complicating factor was that a section of road further “The reality is there are funding constraints and so along from the slip was showing signs of being prone we have to try and find a solution that’s not going to to slipping. cost an arm and a leg but also we have to eliminate or minimise the risk to an acceptable level. Council engineers were going to have to take a “realistic approach” to the whole area, not just the existing slip, “There’s always a tension between managing that Mr Hare said. risk and keeping the road open for road users, while accepting there’s not unlimited budget.” “While it may come at a much higher cost, in the long term it may actually provide a saving and more A lot of work was going on in the background to find reassurance to road users.” the best solutions for both slips, Mr Hare said. 5 schedule in preparing their action plans SORDS UPDATE to present to the SoRDS Governance Group chaired by Tom Campbell at the Action teams tasked with planning end of July. for Southland’s future are on track as the Southland Regional In August and September their Development Strategy moves into initiatives would be consolidated into the next phase. one action plan that would become the framework of the strategy group’s The strategy, known as SoRDS, is efforts to boost population, and grow a unified, Southland-wide and diversify Southland’s economy. response to the challenge of shrinking population. Ms Hannan said the teams were collectively focused on what The main goal is to have 10,000 was achievable in a relatively more people living in Southland short timeframe. by 2025. “The challenges we expected are The strategy was initiated in there but we’re focusing our efforts 2015 by the Mayoral Forum and on the things that are going to make is funded by the four Southland a difference, in terms of driving councils and local business and population growth. community funders. “Working together we can get some of Nine action teams of prominent these things across the line and making a One key proposal being investigated Southlanders, iwi and industry difference in a two to five-year period.” was to have a “one-stop shop” leaders have been identifying environmental agency for all issues and developing possible Ms Hannan said there had been a high Southland councils. It would solutions. level of engagement and some consistent standardise fees and processes for themes were emerging across the nine The teams are: such things as building consents, teams, following extensive focus groups liquor licensing and resource • New Industries and workshops. consent applications.

• Innovation Southland District Council Chief Mr Ruru said if the three Southland Executive Steve Ruru heads the Ease of territorial authorities – Southland • Welcome Southland Doing Business team. District Council, Gore District Council • Ease of Doing Business He said the team had a vision of where and City Council – used they would like to get to and what the same electronic lodgement, • Inclusive Communities should be possible, using ideas and processing and tracking systems, the building and resource consent • Vibrant Urban Centres processes that were already being used effectively elsewhere. process could be sped up because all • Destination Attraction documents relating to an application “There’s nothing new under the sun but could be viewed and the source of • Tourism we can be different in Southland if we any delays quickly identified. can get the four councils all having one • Business Extension consistent regional approach.” “You wouldn’t have to go anywhere near the council,” Mr Ruru said. “It SoRDS Programme Director Sarah It would take time, but the overall goal would provide transparency in the Hannan said the teams were was to have Southland being the easiest processing of consents and lead to an all either on track or ahead of place to do business. overall lifting of standards.”

6 “Creating a map that makes life that little bit easier is a big New maps to make step in making our District a much more inclusive place to Southland’s communities live, work, visit and play.” The maps were created thanks to a $7000 grant from the more inclusive Ministry of Social Development, which aims to change attitudes and reduce barriers for disabled people in New accessibility maps will make getting around the communities throughout New Zealand. Southland District easier. Venture Southland gathered data and contacted business owners asking about the suitability of their premises for Southland District Council team leader customer support wheelchair access, and whether large-print menus and and inclusive communities liaison Janet Thomas said courtesy coaches were available. Feedback from some the new map aimed to reduce barriers for residents and agencies and residents with mobility and sight issues also visitors in the District by identifying wheelchair-accessible played a role in the creation of the maps, with a number walkways, carparking, toilets, restaurants, and attractions. of changes made to colours, sizing and information on the “We want members of our communities, and those visiting end result, Mrs Thomas said. them, to be able to participate fully in what our District has The maps are available at Southland District Council to offer,” she said. offices and libraries, or online at southlanddc.govt.nz

7 NEW CITIZENS WELCOMED TO SOUTHLAND

Back row, left to right: Adelai van Loggerenberg, Jaco van Loggerenberg (both South African), Mayor Gary Tong, Tina Perry, Michael Perry (both British) Front row, left to right: Richard Bennett (British), Yvonne Muilwyk (Australian/British), Debra Patterson (Australian), Grace Perry (supporting her parents), Vanessa Beed, James Beed (both British)

Ten new Southlanders who chose to The citizenship ceremony was held before a full house in make the District their home have been Council Chambers. sworn in as new citizens by Mayor Originally hailing from three countries – Australia, Great Gary Tong. Britain and South Africa – the new citizens were told by Mayor Tong their new communities welcomed them, and he hoped they continued to make their home in the deep south. “On behalf of the people of Southland, I congratulate you on your decision to become a Southlander. I hope you never doubt your decision and, if you don’t already, you will consider yourself a Kiwi,” he said.

8 Youth Councillors speak on behalf of young Southlanders

Southland District Youth Councillors had the chance to speak for their peers recently, providing feedback to a Adventure Southland managing director Jason Holland gets the big thumbs up from Mayor Tong. nationwide legal service for under-25s. Mayor backs youth programme Communications officer Alana Dixon-Calder said Roughing it in the bush in the middle of a harsh spell of wintry Southland weather is the youth council was not everyone’s cup of tea. approached by YouthLaw Aotearoa to give its feedback But for 10 young Southlanders on the “It just blew me away that a on legal and societal issues 2016 Southland ALIVE programme it’s 19-year-old had never poached an facing young people the beginning of the rest of their lives. egg. So I showed him how to poach in New Zealand. The Southland ALIVE programme eggs and he didn’t lose his mana as “Our youth councillors is a three-week course which the other young ones came in. He equips young people with the was proud as hell.” were really enthusiastic to confidence and life skills necessary speak up about the concerns, Mayor Tong says the programme to seek employment or further challenges and issues they is terrific. their education. They face two see as important to young Southlanders. Taking part weeks at Borland Lodge, a week of “They have over an 80 per cent success in YouthLaw’s consultation employment and life skills coaching rate, so it’s something we can’t lose for process was an opportunity back in Invercargill followed by 12 our young people of Southland - those for our youth councillors weeks of mentoring. who want to sign up for a two-week to highlight what matters The programme, run by Adventure course in the scrub, and then come in to their peers on a national Southland, was set up by former and have a week in town, it’s a pretty level,” she said. District Mayor, the late Frana Cardno, massive effort.” and WINZ. It is supported by the Among the general issues Adventure Southland managing Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and is in its Southland District Youth director Jason Holland launched the 16th year. Councillors mentioned were 2016 ALIVE programme on May 23. The programme is very close to cyberbullying, the promotion Southland District Mayor Gary Tong. “The outdoors makes a person of cigarettes to young people He was manager of Borland Lodge honest,” Mr Holland told the 10 and the driving age, she said. when the first ALIVE intake went young course members. there in 2000, and remembers it well. The youth councillors were No matter how much it was raining, also supportive of initiatives “I thought, ‘what have we got here?’, the sun was always shining above to raise awareness of legal but to see them develop was great. it, he said. “There’s always light. issues relevant to young “Some of them didn’t handle it too Sometimes we’ve just got to push people, such as having well. There were tears, there’s no through to get to the light.” facilitators visit schools doubt about that, but there was no around the country and blood on the floor. They got up and Mayor Tong told the group: “You’re the development of apps did it.” going to get confidence, you’re that could be used on going to get the team skills, you’re Mayor Tong remembers teaching a devices such as smartphones, 19-year-old man how to poach eggs going to get the communication she said. in the Borland Lodge kitchen at 6.30 skills and you are going to get one morning. friends for life.”

9 What not to flush:

• WET WIPES

People flushing items they shouldn’t down the • DISPOSABLE toilet is still a concern in Southland. CLEANING CLOTHS • NAPPIES/DISPOS- Council water and waste services operations manager ABLE UNDERWEAR Bill Witham said toys, jewellery and cellphones were among the more unusual items that had made their way down • TAMPONS & SANI- Southland toilets. TARY PRODUCTS An increase in the use of wet wipes and disposable cleaning cloths was also causing headaches for Council, he said. • COTTON BALLS & COTTON BUDS “Unfortunately this is still an issue, and pumps are still being regularly damaged because of it. Our sewers are not made for this sort of waste • DENTAL FLOSS and it is causing pumps to fail,” he said. • CONDOMS Flushing items like wet wipes – even ones marketed as flushable – can cause damage costing anywhere between $500 and $10,000 to repair, • BANDAGES he said.

“Toilets are not rubbish bins. The only things that should go down the toilet are • MEDICATIONS the three Ps: pee, poo and paper.” (RETURN UNUSED MEDICINE TO A There are 76 wastewater pump stations around the Southland District, with PHARMACY) some having to be unblocked up to three times a week, Mr Witham said. • GREASE AND OIL The issue is not exclusive to Southland, and seems to be on the rise around FROM COOKING New Zealand and overseas.

We are recommending this simple precaution Although the health risk is for all households, small, the Ministry of Health including those on recommends you flush a public and private Some plumbing mugful of water from your water supplies. fittings 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 fittings. the fittings for several hours.

10 Southland District Council and those of using sub-surface irrigation as an Wastewater appealing the consent to discharge alternative disposal method. treated wastewater on the Kepler “Once developed, this advice will be mediation block of land beside Te Anau Airport presented to the parties to enable the agreed to adjourn mediation process to resume.” adjourned mediation on June 21, the second day of discussions in Invercargill. Ruth Shaw, from Fiordland Sewage What not to flush: Mediation over the Te Anau The mediation, led by Environment Options, said she, too, believed good progress had been made and it was wastewater scheme consent has been Court commissioner Kathryn essential everyone continued to talk adjourned so that further technical Edmonds, started on June 20. and listen to each other’s views. advice can be obtained. Council Chief Executive Steve Ruru said the discussions were productive “This is a very important decision for and the parties were able to make the whole district and it is important good progress in understanding that the right decision is made.” each other’s viewpoints on a number There are three appeals to the consent of issues. which was granted last year by three “We have now reached the point commissioners – Fiordland Sewage where there is a need to gather further Options, Lance and Ruth Shaw and technical advice on the relative merits Alistair Paton-McDonald.

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11 NEW COMMUNITY SPACE FOR SOUNDSHELL SITE

Community Engineer Greg Erskine said the board wanted the site The site of the recently demolished to be a green space that could be enjoyed. Taramea Bay Soundshell is to become a community reserve, “The site had been a community space and the board wants to with different concepts being retain the spirit of that by offering something the community considered by the Riverton Aparima can use. It’s right next to a playground and it’s a logical step to Community Board. incorporate it into the playground by creating a reserve with a picnic area and barbecue.”

Designs are still being considered and funding options identified.

The soundshell was demolished in April after public feedback showed almost 70 percent of respondents did not support spending the $250,000 to $300,000 needed to retain the soundshell.

The soundshell was passed back to Southland District Council by the defunct Taramea Bay Soundshell Trust in 2014.

“We had a really good response from the community. There was Survey on Wyndham huge support for the retention of the library, and good discussion services carried out around how the area office itself is actually used by Wyndham residents, which has given us really valuable insight into the Wyndham residents were given the chance to provision of services in the town,” she said. have their say on services Council provides in their community. The online survey was also followed by two stakeholder workshops, which involved local businesses and community Venture Southland community development groups, as well as a public forum, which gave the community planner Tina Harvey said the aim of the a chance to hear an overview of the feedback received in the Wyndham Services Survey, which was done survey, she said. online, asking residents to share feedback on the way they used the Southland District Venture Southland was now working on compiling a report Council area office, was to work with the summarising the feedback received throughout the survey community to see what functions of the office process, which would be presented to Council’s Community and were important to them. Futures Group, Mrs Harvey said.

12 RECYCLING SIGNAGE CHANGES IN MANAPOURI The look of recycling containers across the District is changing. Council Strategic Manager Water and Waste Ian Evans said new signage on the recycling container at Manapouri advised people that they no longer needed to separate their items and it was now the same to use as their yellow wheelie bins. All of the recycling in the District was collected by the same vehicles, before being separated at the recycling centre in Invercargill. The changes to the signage on the recycling container came about a fire destroyed the previous container in Manapouri. The new signage hailed a change in the way recycling would be collected throughout Southland in the future, with signage on other recycling containers to be changed when they reached the end of their life, he said.

Community award organisers calling for nominations

The organisers of the annual Trustpower Community Awards want to recognise the efforts of groups of Southland volunteers working to make a difference in their communities.

TrustPower Community Awards Administrator Mary Napper said nominations for the Invercargill-Southland Trustpower Community Awards had now opened. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, and the Trustpower Community Awards give the people working to make their community a better place the recognition they really deserve,” she said.

“This is our chance to say thanks. We know there are many The paper used in every issue of deserving organisations here in Southland, and we are looking First Edition is made up of 50% forward to seeing the nominations that come in this time around.” recycled fibre, which consists of... The Trustpower Community Awards were open to any 35% pre-consumer voluntary group or community organisation. A panel made up and 15% post-consumer of representatives from the community and TrustPower would recycled fibre. judge the entries based on set criteria including voluntary input, effectiveness of their activities and their impact on the community. 50% of the paper used is The supreme winner would receive $1500, a trophy and an all- Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) expenses-paid trip for two representatives to attend the Trustpower and derived from National Community Awards, Mrs Napper said. renewable resources. Last year’s regional winners were the Murihiku In addition, the bleaching Maori Wardens. process for each page is chlorine and toxin free. And of course once Nominations close on July 29. For more you are finished with this issue information and to nominate an organisation, why not recycle it? visit www.communityconnect.co.nz 13 Government House

Otautau Community Board member Ken Davidson was presented with a Queen’s Service Medal by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae in April in recognition of his services to the community.

Over many years Mr Davidson has assisted with the building and ongoing maintenance of local sports facilities, coaching and administration of rugby around Southland.

Mr Davidson performs general maintenance duties for the town and instigated, built and helps maintain the town’s floodbank walkways.

He was Mayor of in the late 1970s and was on the Wallace Community Board. Mr Davidson is currently a member of the Otautau Community Board and has served 37 years on local bodies.

14 SDC COMMUNITY AWARDS

More than two decades of service were recognised The Inders have contributed much to water-related when Te Anau couple Fred and Alva Inder activities in the Te Anau community. received a rare dual Te Anau Community Board As well as being a member of the Te Anau Boating Community Service Award. Club for 51 years, Mr Inder served on the Fish & Game Council for 21 years as an honorary ranger, The Inders were jointly honoured for 23 years and in 1998 he was appointed as a Guardian of Lakes of service to the Te Anau Boating Club. Manapouri, Te Anau and Monowai. He has carried out water sampling for Environment Southland for Mr Inder, who is 86, has been club harbour eight years. warden since 1993, while Mrs Inder, 84, does a lot of voluntary administration and customer He has also been a member of the Gore Boat and service work for the club. Water-ski Club for half a century. Mrs Inder said she liked to help Fred out and enjoyed working behind the scenes. Mrs Inder says she has “slowed down a bit now” but still helps out when required. The couple moved to Te Anau in 1988 from Gore, where Mr Inder had been running Over the years she has often been the public face of Inderland Services, a Nissan car dealership the Te Anau Boating Club, dealing with new members which later branched out into boat sales. It was and public inquiries relating to the club, boat marina, renamed Inder Marineland by Fred and Alva’s Fish & Game and the Lake Guardians, while working son Garry, who bought the business in 1987. on club administration.

15 Our Southlanders... LYLA SHERRIFF When you put a finger on the pulse of any community you’ll find its heart beating. In , for more than half a century, that heart has belonged to Lyla Sherriff.

Every community needs a Lyla Sherriff or two. They’re When Lyla gets involved with something, it’s for the long haul. the ones getting involved, volunteering their time and talents, selflessly serving their district’s best interests. For nearly 30 years she has been the catering convener for the town’s Presbyterian Church. Her team of ladies have prepared They do so willingly, not for any personal gain but food for weddings, jubilee dinners and all sorts of occasions, because of their deep conviction to do the right thing including making morning teas for the Tuatapere RSA’s Anzac and help make a difference. Day commemorations for 21 years.

“I haven’t done anything big in my life,” Lyla says The money they make from this goes into the church funds. modestly. “I’ve just been involved with a lot of little things.” It’s just one facet of Lyla’s extraordinary involvement in the Tuatapere community over more than 50 years. It’s doing those little things that forms the fabric binding a community together.

In 1997 Lyla’s huge commitment to Tuatapere was recognised when she received the Queen’s Service Medal from then Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys.

It was recognised again when Lyla was a Local Heroes semifinalist in the 2012 New Zealander of the Year Awards, a stunning achievement among more than 500 nominations in the various categories.

Her citation reads: “Lyla embodies true ‘Kiwi’ spirit and through countless volunteer hours over many years is the backbone of her local community … Lyla is highly respected amongst the Southland community and the Awards Office received many phone calls to ensure we had received a nomination!” 16 at 1A Orawia Road, part of State Highway 99 on the Southern Scenic Route.

They take turns behind the counter. Lyla serves in the shop four or five days a month. She’s also the group’s treasurer, having held the position for several terms.

Her craft of choice is woolcraft – spinning, knitting and sewing – and she, along with about 17 other craftspeople in the co-operative, sell their wares in the shop, keeping the profits and paying a commission to the collective to cover the running costs.

They try to open the shop every day – except Tuesdays – from 11am to 3pm and from 10 until 4 during summer, when more Southern Scenic Route travellers are likely to stop by.

It’s a labour of love. The money they make covers the cost of their hobbies.

There used to be up to 40 craft workers involved in the co-operative but, like every group or committee Lyla is involved in, it struggles for members these days. Some she has been a part of have gone by the board because of dwindling membership, including the local branch of the Association of Presbyterian Women, which closed down in 2015, although Originally from Isla Bank, Lyla moved to the Western Southland she remains heavily involved in church activities. town when she married builder Bill Sherriff in 1962. LYLA SHERRIFF Lyla had been the local APW treasurer for 50 Bill passed away 19 years ago but four of their five children still live years at the time it wound up, an astonishing in Southland, and just over four months ago Lyla became a great- commitment that Lyla takes in her stride. grandmother for the first time when one of her daughters became a grandparent. She says the closure of such groups is a reflection of not only the changing interests of the town’s Initially, it was her children who led to Lyla becoming involved in younger people, and the fact that couples are both community affairs. busy with jobs, but also the smaller population.

She was on the inaugural committee that started the Tuatapere “There isn’t the same number of people around Playcentre in 1966 and remained involved until the early 1980s. to be involved. A lot of the organisations are struggling to get, especially, younger members. It’s probably not uncommon for a lot of organisations all over the place, (but) it’s more load on the few “Tuatapere’s just that far enough who are willing.” away that if you want any of these Lyla is more than happy to keep flying the flag for Tuatapere, though. It’s a very supportive place to things to happen, you’ve got to make live, she says. them happen,” she says.

Since she arrived in Tuatapere she has served her community in nearly 20 organisations, clubs or committees, or in other voluntary roles, ranging broadly from the former Waiau College board of trustees to Bible-In-Schools to Waiau Community Theatre to Meals On Wheels.

She is a life member of four organisations and patron of the Tuatapere Highland Piping and Dancing Society.

Lyla is quick to add that she is not alone in working for her community. “There are others who have been in a lot of committees too.”

Even her craftwork hobby has become a fixture in Tuatapere’s main street. Lyla was at the forefront of establishing the Country Corner Craft co-operative in 1987. The group of craftspeople operate a shop 17 STEWART ISLAND INFORMATION KIOSK $154,799 in

A new information kiosk at Oban honours the lives of Stewart Islanders killed in the Stewart Island/ World Wars. Rakiura visitor Children at Halfmoon Bay School came about how they could make levy grants up with the idea two years ago and, it happen. with the support of the Stewart Island Project co-ordinator Sophie Conner allocated Community Board, successfully applied filled out the Council Heritage Fund for funding through the Southland application in her last year at the Seven community projects on District Council Heritage Fund. primary school in 2014. Stewart Island have received The memorial stand was officially Sophie, who is Sue Graham’s daughter, grants in the latest allocation of unveiled on Anzac Day. was at the unveiling, and spoke about funds from the Stewart Island/ Halfmoon Bay pupils researched the project. Rakiura Visitor Levy. and wrote the information on the “The kids are so proud of them and it’s The biggest allocation of $80,000 interchangeable panels, which feature really good that they’re giving back to goes towards the rebuild of the the life stories of eight Stewart Islanders the community,” Sue Graham said. Ulva Island jetty. killed in the wars. People were very complimentary Stewart Island/Rakiura The stories were initially social studies about the children’s speeches at Anzac Visitor Levy Allocations projects about fallen heroes but school Day and the plaques had started Committee chairman board of trustees chair Sue Graham conversations about the families of the Councillor Neil Paterson said said it was great that they were now on men featured the grant meant timber for the permanent public display. on them. wharf could be bought now and seasoned before being School principal Kath Johnson had “It gets kids involved in thinking about used in the rebuild. suggested it and the year 8 pupils that the history and the links to Stewart year had talked to the community board Island, which is cool.” The standard of applications was very high, Cr Paterson said. Three applications had been turned down because the committee had to prioritise projects. “There are more applications for funding now than there is money to be allocated, which is a good, healthy situation to be in.” He said real benefits were being seen on Stewart Island/ Rakiura because of the visitor levy, which has been in place since 2013. Visitors arriving by ferry, plane or cruise ship are charged $5 each, with money collected used to fund infrastructure used by short-term visitors on the Island.

From left, Angus Kenny, Winiata Edwards, Harry Hamilton, Sophie Conner and Jack Dobbins at the Anzac Day unveiling of the Stewart Island memorial plaque. Photo credit: Kath Johnson 18 GROUP TO LOOK AT MILFORD DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES is one of New Zealand’s leading tourist destinations, attracting over 650,000 visitors last year – and Council is among the groups keen to see its future planned carefully.

Southland District Council and the Department of Conservation have joined other stakeholders, including Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, to promote forming a governance group to look at development opportunities in the area. Last year, the allocations committee approved grants totalling $117,000. Council chief executive Steve Ruru said the Milford Opportunities Project aimed to balance preserving the natural environment The Island received about 35,000 visitors with maximising the economic benefits that came with increasing in the 12 months from 1 April 2015 to 31 visitor numbers. March 2016, an increase of about 5000 on “It would be difficult to find a place more abundant in natural beauty the previous year. than Milford Sound, and the fact that visitor numbers continue to A Venture Southland report tabled at the grow year-on-year reflects that. Inevitably, its growing popularity does June meeting says the growth could be have ramifications on both infrastructure and the environment, which means we need to work collaboratively to ensure the direction we set attributed to increased awareness in the now has the best outcomes for the area’s future in mind,” he said. Island following Prince Harry’s visit last year, and general growth in the Southland “It’s crucial that this process takes a variety of voices and perspectives tourism market. into consideration, which is why Council wants to see the group made up of representatives from a number of stakeholders: DOC, iwi, local Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy community, central government, and Council. Working together Allocations Committee approved grants means we will get a better view of the whole picture, and will give totalling $154,799 for 2016. us the opportunity to get on the same page in terms of what we see Milford’s future looking like, including how we extract greater value They are: for Southland communities.”

• Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Environmental Trust: $4,800 for CURIO BAY A major development at Curio Bay operational costs is a step closer.

• Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board: $40,000, to upgrade Horseshoe Point Track

• Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board: $20,000, to upgrade Main Road footpath from Rakiura Charters to Morris Street

• Southland District Council – Stewart Council recently approved funding to progress the Curio Bay Island Jetties Subcommittee: $80,000, to wastewater upgrade, the first step in a wider development of the Curio Bay area which includes a new heritage centre, campground buy timber for Ulva Island Wharf rebuild facilities, a carpark and toilets. • Southland District Council – Stewart Approval was subject to agreement being reached with the Island Jetties Subcommittee: $6,624, for Department of Conservation and South Catlins Charitable Trust about maintenance of Millars Beach wharf sharing ongoing operating costs.

• Stewart Island Promotion Association: Council, DOC and the Trust have developed a memorandum of $2,000, for a street map understanding to allow construction of the wastewater upgrade to begin. The next step is for contracts to be awarded and more detailed • Stewart Island Community Centre: design undertaken. $1,375, for signage This is the first stage of a wider upgrade for the Curio Bay Reserve Area. The allocations committee is made of The Trust recently bought a relocatable building and is developing two Southland District councillors, a this as an ablutions block with toilets, showers and a kitchen. This is community board representative and expected to be moved on site by spring. tourism industry representatives. Work on the proposed Natural Heritage Centre has been postponed so appropriate consents can be completed and to allow enough time for construction before the penguin breeding season. 19 YOUNG SOUTHLANDERS FIND INNER SUPERHEROES

A roadshow that visited Southland kindergartens encouraged children to find their inner road safety superheroes.

Road Safety Southland road “The roadshow gave children and their user safety adviser Maureen families the chance to put responsible Deuchrass said this year’s Bright road safety skills, such as making it click Sparks programme visited 12 and remembering to ‘stop, look, listen Southland kindergartens during and decide’, into practice. National Road Safety Week. “Parents were also able to get their “Nineteen Kiwi kids are killed in car seat restraints checked,” Mrs motor vehicle crashes on average Deuchrass said. every year, and young Southlanders are not immune to this devastating Bright Sparks is a local partnership statistic,” she said. between Road Safety Southland, Police, Plunket and Kindergarten South. “Our children are precious and it is never too early to start teaching The roadshow also featured an them key safety messages. We all appearance from mascot Glo Bro, who need to take action to keep them read books promoting road safety safe on our roads.” messages to the children.

The Bright Sparks roadshow theme this year was ‘Become a Road Safety Superhero’ and taught children and their communities five simple steps: 1. Buckle up 2. Slow down – don’t rush 3. Get your hand off it – put cellphones and other distractions out of sight 4. Leave plenty of space 5. Be aware

20 More tourists are choosing to fl y into Fiordland than ever before, with passenger numbers at Te Anau Airport Manapouri having risen almost 47 percent in the past fi ve years. Airport Manager Evan Pearce said passenger numbers through the airport had been steadily increasing. In the 2015 - 2016 year 1812 passengers came through the airport, compared with 1233 in 2010 - 2011. “It’s the destination people are being pulled for. Fiordland is an attractive tourist destination and we’re seeing the result of that at the airport.” The airport hosts private charter planes only. To help meet growth additional ground staff have been hired. Passengers are largely international tourists, with the majority originating from the US and Australia. Mr Pearce said the airport could cope with further growth. “We’re not an international airport - we won’t be taking 737s. There is still room to grow, though. We’ve provided a platform everyone is happy with, we’ve got systems in place where we’re regarded as reliable, we’ve got the right infrastructure and things people want.”

“Businesses that have a higher risk from Southland businesses affected by a food safety point of view will operate new food regulations under more stringent requirements and checks than lower-risk businesses. Some Staff cafeterias, childcare centres, aged care homes, vegetable growers and will need a food control plan in place, B&Bs are among the businesses that may have to make changes under new while others will operate under a national food regulations. programme,” she said. To help business owners get to grips More businesses will be affected by new laws set out in the Food Act. with the new regulations, free workshops Changes to regulations will be implemented over the next three years, with were held in Te Anau, Invercargill and businesses to transition to the new types of approval in stages. Gore. Staff from the Ministry of Primary Southland District Council environmental health offi cer Veena Lal-Boon Industries, Southland District Council, said hundreds of Southland businesses would need to meet different Invercargill City Council and Gore regulations that vary, based on the type of business they are and how they District Council were on hand to fi eld handle food. questions and address concerns. “The workshops were a great opportunity for business owners to fi nd out what they need to do, and go over what the changes mean for them,” Mrs Lal-Boon said. “We were very pleased with the turnout, with almost 400 people taking part. There were a lot of questions but by the time attendees left they had a much clearer understanding of where their food activity fi t under the new rules.” Anybody who wanted to discuss the changes should contact Council’s Environmental Health team, she said. 21 Dog registration overdue Dog owners in the Southland District who have not registered their dogs for 2016 - 2017 face a late penalty.

The $30-per-dog registration fee was due on 1 July. A $15 late penalty will be applied after 1 August.

Council will introduce a new fee structure in 2017 - 2018 which encourages responsible dog ownership.

The fee for a non-working dog will be $90, but discounts will reduce the fee to $30 if:

• The dog is spayed or neutered ($10 discount) • The dog is in a fenced or controlled property ($20 discount), and Township dog access maps • You are classifi ed as a responsible dog owner and Council has produced a free handbook that includes all the maps your dog is microchipped highlighting dog access areas specifi c to communities throughout ($30 discount) the District. Full details can be found Copies are available at Council area offi ces, or phone 0800 732 732 online at southlanddc.govt.nz and we’ll post you a copy.

22 Pet owners urged to take care around Southland’s waterways

Southlanders are being urged to protect their pets from toxic bacteria found in our waterways.

Dogs are especially at risk if they come into contact with cyanobacteria, a type of algae that can be harmful to humans too.

Southland District Council environmental health manager Michael Sarfaiti said dog owners should be especially wary around brown, green or black mats on rocks in the river or on the water surface in New programme to teach young shallow, slow-moving areas. The algae often had a strong, musty smell Southlanders valuable safety skills as well. A programme that aims to equip young children with key dog safety skills “People and animals should avoid will be rolled out in Southland soon. contact with these algae, which are toxic and can be harmful if Southland District Council Animal Control Officer Julie Gillan said the swallowed or if they touch your DogSmart programme already had a proven track record, having been skin,” he said. run successfully by Christchurch City Council for several years. “Dog owners especially need to be Southland schools keen to get involved should contact Council to careful when near our waterways, register their interest, she said. and be vigilant to ensure their pet The programme is aimed at children aged between six and eight years does not come into contact with this old. The 40-minute session would involve dogs taught by qualified type of alga. Animals that consume trainers going into Southland classrooms to talk about things like dog cyanobacteria should be taken to responsibility, dog awareness and safety techniques. a vet immediately, while people who are exposed should contact “I’ve seen demonstrations of the programme, and to see how engaged Public Health South and see a doctor the children were with the messages they were being taught was just straight away.” fantastic. It’s a fun programme, it’s designed to be at their level – every child in that classroom was absolutely engaged with what they were This type of alga occurs naturally learning and taking in crucial dog awareness messages,” she said. and even boiling contaminated water does not remove the toxins in it. “It’s really important children are made aware of how to behave and stay safe around dogs from a young age – this programme is all about If you come across these algae, making Southland children safer, and equipping them with the skills ensure you – and your pets – stay out they need to be more confident around dogs, and we are looking forward of the water and report their location to rolling it out across the District.” to Environment Southland.

23 More than two centuries of volunteer service recognised More than 225 years of community service was recognised at the Hedgehope Volunteer Rural Fire Force awards recently.

Seventeen of the force’s 21 members received awards for service of three years or longer at an awards evening on 8 April. Among those recognised was Alan McDowall and his wife Mary, who between them have 61 years of service.

BUSY FIRE SEASON Review of It’s been a busy season for Southern Rural Fire with a number of fires, fire services varying in size, across the region. Between November 2015 and March 2016 there were 231 emergency A new organisation, Fire and responses by Southern Rural Fire and Fire Service crews. Emergency New Zealand, is to be Of the call-outs, 119 were for vegetation fires, and the Southern Rural Fire formed following a Department Authority has recovered costs for 22 of these. of Internal Affairs review of Rural Fire Authorities and the New Zealand Fire Service.

For the public this means there will be only one organisation to deal with from mid-2017.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand will reflect the changing work of firefighters whose roles also include medical calls and responding to motor vehicle accidents.

New site for firefighters Southern Rural Fire Authority has moved to a new premises in Invercargill.

The authority is now housed at 151 Tay Street, in the same building as St John, between First Church and the Southern Institute of Technology. The move, in late May, came about due to the need for more space, with staff previously working from the Southland District Council office in Invercargill.

24 GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Emergency Management Southland staff were busy literally helping those in the fi eld recently, as part of a response to an outbreak of the pest plant velvetleaf.

EMS adviser Craig Sinclair said the scale of the operation just kept growing as time went on. “By the end of it close to 15,000 man hours were spent inspecting 4442 hectares of Southland Getting prepared farmland, trying to identify and eliminate Tsunami is one of New Zealand’s biggest potential hazards, and due to the pest plant. That searching turned up the our geographic location Southland faces some unique risks. location of 199 plants.” To ensure we’re prepared in case of a tsunami, our staff and A small team of EMS staff worked in the Southland councils will be taking part in a national training exercise Emergency Operations Centre organising on August 31. The aim of the exercise is to test all of New Zealand’s teams, rosters, vehicles, food and contacting ability to respond to, deal with and recover from a major tsunami. farmers to get details about crops and arranging times for inspection. To learn more about our tsunami risk, watch Southland NZ Tsunami Risk on our YouTube channel, EMSouthland. “It was a good practise of our skills and how we respond in an emergency.” For those of you who haven’t signed up yet don’t forget that you Emergency Management Southland joined the can receive Civil Defence emergency alerts by text message. Just Ministry for Primary Industries, AsureQuality, text the word ‘start’ to 219. Environment Southland, Southland District Council, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council and volunteers in the hunt for the aggressive weed. Velvetleaf is a pest plant that was introduced to New Zealand with two varieties of fodder beet seed. The search and destroy response has now fi nished and MPI is spearheading an approach with the objective of containing and potentially reducing spread over time.

This is a document that ranks the region’s hazards, creates a plan Identifying Hazards that identifi es how those hazards could impact on us and what we as a community should be doing to mitigate them. The Southland Civil Defence Group Plan is now being reviewed. The plan is reviewed every fi ve years and will be available for public submissions from the end of July.

25 Wyndham School

Wyndham School recently underwent a Treemendous School Makeover, with a large unused area converted into a native garden, bush plot and outdoor classroom where children can learn about native fl ora and fauna. The project was part of a joint initiative between the Mazda Foundation and Project Crimson to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment through the development of outdoor classrooms. About 300 native plants went into the ground and there was a huge community turnout of helpers on the day. The space will encourage wildlife, with the trees and shelter enticing native birds. Fruit trees planted will teach students about the importance of growing their own food.

26 Anzac Day

There was a strong turnout for Anzac Day commemorations in Southland District this year. Anzac Day services were held around the District, with thousands attending. There were a number of young faces among the crowds again this year.

Aspiring young Limehills School politicians from Limehills School took over Council chambers recently. About 50 kids from 11-13 years old got the chance to quiz Mayor Tong about the issues important to them when they visited Council in May. “It was a great opportunity for the kids to see how council works and hopefully we’ve inspired some future politicians,” Mayor Tong said. 27 Library users encouraged to try before they buy Southlanders have the chance to dip their toes into the world of e-reading, with district libraries now equipped with devices available for hire.

District libraries manager Lynda Hodge said there were now a number of tablets for loan at Southland libraries, which gave users the chance to experience reading an e-book or listening to audio on the go. “That gives our library users the opportunity to decide if this is how they might like to borrow items from their library,” she said. E-resources can be used on a variety of devices: a laptop or home PC, an e-reader or table, an iPad or a smartphone. Library staff were happy to direct users to a selection of e-resources, help them download fingertips, they don’t have to be returned to the library, which means items and give them tips on how to use them, no late fines, and they can be in any size print you wish. They are Mrs Hodge said. very accessible for all library users,” she said. “There are lots of advantages to using e-books There was no charge to borrow a tablet, which could be borrowed for or e-audio: they are very portable and take up up to a month. Users could download as many items as they wished. only a small amount of room in your bag, you “All you need is a current Southland District Library card, with no have an instantaneous selection of items at your fines owing, and you are good to go.”

Library overrun with monsters

It’s not every day Southland children are encouraged to pull the limbs off soft toys – but that’s exactly what happened during a holiday programme run by the District’s libraries.

Librarian Raewyn Patton said the Frankenfluffies craft programme aimed to introduce basic sewing techniques, display fabric craft books, and engage with Southland children. The children – armed with scissors and needles – unleashed their creativity to repurpose donated soft toys into brightly- coloured monsters. “It was fantastic to see the children using their imagination and their newly-discovered crafting skills to transform the toys the way they did. The Frankenfluffies they created looked absolutely wonderful,” she said. Feedback from children and parents alike was very positive, she said. To check out more pictures of their handiwork, follow Southland District Libraries on Facebook.

28 Mobile Library Timetable July – September 2016

* Denotes a public holiday Athol Shop Noon-1pm Tues 12-Jul 9-Aug 6-Sep Balfour Tavern 4.30-6.30pm Tues 26-Jul 23-Aug 20-Sep School 1.30-3.00pm Thurs 14-Jul 11-Aug 8-Sep Blackmount School 10-11am Mon 11-Jul 8-Aug 5-Sep Dacre Hall 9-10am Fri 1-Jul 29-Jul 26-Aug 23-Sep Dipton School 11-Noon Tues 26-Jul 23-Aug 20-Sep Drummond School 10.30-Noon Wed 29-Jun 27-Jul 24-Aug 21-Sep Edendale Car Park 1-4pm Fri 15-Jul 12-Aug 9-Sep School 10.30-Noon Fri 1-Jul 29-Jul 26-Aug 23-Sep Fortrose Picnic Area 3-4pm Fri 1-Jul 29-Jul 26-Aug 23-Sep Garston School 1.30-2.30pm Tues 12-Jul 9-Aug 6-Sep Village 2.30-3.30pm Tues 12-Jul 9-Aug 6-Sep Glenham School 1-2pm Fri 1-Jul 29-Jul 26-Aug 23-Sep Gorge Rd Hall 11am-12.30pm Tues 5-Jul 2-Aug 30-Aug 27-Sep Hauroko Valley School 1-2pm Mon 11-Jul 8-Aug 5-Sep Heddon Bush School 1.30-2.30pm Wed 29-Jun 27-Jul 24-Aug 21-Sep Hedgehope Hall 11am-12.30pm Fri 22-Jul 19-Aug 16-Sep Isla Bank School 9-10am Wed 29-Jun 27-Jul 24-Aug 21-Sep Limehills School 9.15am-10.30am Thurs 21-Jul 18-Aug 15-Sep Longbush Kindergarten 9-10am Fri 15-Jul 12-Aug 9-Sep RSA 9.30-10.30am Tues 12-Jul 9-Aug 6-Sep School 1.30-3.30pm Tues 26-Jul 23-Aug 20-Sep Community Centre 2-4pm Thurs 21-Jul 18-Aug 15-Sep Main Street 3-4pm Mon 11-Jul 8-Aug 5-Sep Otara Hall 2.30-4pm Wed 6-Jul 3-Aug 31-Aug 28-Sep Pukerau School 9.30-11.30am Wed 13-Jul 10-Aug 7-Sep Rimu School 10.30-11.30am Fri 15-Jul 12-Aug 9-Sep Riversdale School 11am-12.30pm Thurs 14-Jul 11-Aug 8-Sep Community Centre 2-4.30pm Thurs 30-Jun 28-Jul 25-Aug 22-Sep Playcentre 9.15-10am Tues 5-Jul 2-Aug 30-Aug 27-Sep Ryal Bush Community Centre 2.30-4pm Fri 22-Jul 19-Aug 16-Sep School 9.30-10.30am Fri 22-Jul 19-Aug 16-Sep Thornbury Shop 3-4pm Wed 20-Jul 17-Aug 14-Sep Tokanui Main Street 1.30-4pm Fri 8-Jul 5-Aug 2-Sep School 9.30-11am Mon 25-Jul 22-Aug 19-Sep Waianiwa Hall 1-2pm Wed 20-Jul 17-Aug 14-Sep School 9-10.30am Thurs 14-Jul 11-Aug 8-Sep Community Centre 10.15-11.30am Thurs 30-Jun 28-Jul 25-Aug 22-Sep Waikaka Main Street 2-4pm Wed 13-Jul 10-Aug 7-Sep Waikawa Hall 10am-Noon Fri 8-Jul 5-Aug 2-Sep School 11.30am-1pm Wed 6-Jul 3-Aug 31-Aug 28-Sep Waituna PlayCentre 9.30-10.30am Wed 6-Jul 3-Aug 31-Aug 28-Sep Community Centre 9am-Noon Wed 20-Jul 17-Aug 14-Sep Wendon Hall Noon-12.30pm Thurs 30-Jun 28-Jul 25-Aug 22-Sep Wendonside Hall 9.30-10am Thurs 30-Jun 28-Jul 25-Aug 22-Sep Willowbank School 12.30-1.30pm Wed 13-Jul 10-Aug 7-Sep Woodlands Shop 2-4pm Tues 5-Jul 2-Aug 30-Aug 27-Sep School 2-4pm Mon 25-Jul 22-Aug 19-Sep Any queries, requests or renewals: please telephone the Winton Library 0800 732 542. Note: the following areas have fortnightly visits: Balfour, Riversdale, Waikaia, Mossburn, Edendale, Tokanui, Woodlands. Renewals can be made by email to: [email protected] 29 By Gerry Forde

Photo credit: Juzanize Hill BRIDGE BUILDING IN OUR DISTRICTS How well do you know people in the neighbouring town?

You might see each other on the sports Held in the Wyndham Hall on Saturday 13 August for a similar field or at the store. As towns are in March, it brought together night of fun, contests, fundraising brought together by the new wider Wyndham and Edendale supporters and mixing. wards in the District, there’s a need to in a friendly but intense series of These flyer events usually involve four get to know each other better. contests, from quick-fire debate volunteer groups like schools or clubs There’s a place for some bridging. to lip sync, to see which town who form a joint event committee Instead of this happening solely has the talent. After the shouting, to raise $10,000 or more each. Battle around board meetings or issues-based laughing and cheering subsided, of the Lakes beneficiaries are the encounters, there’s a social bridge close the socialising took over and it went Manapouri Pool, Te Anau School, at hand. into the small hours. Te Anau Events and Fiordland Rowing. These groups will work In fact, it was actually called the Bridge Battle of the Lakes will bring together for two months. That’s – Battle of the Bridge. Manapouri and Te Anau together bridge building on a close level.

Sixty primary-aged students from schools around Southland attended and SIXTY SPIRITED were pushed outside their comfort zones; blowing up balloons until they burst YOUNG LEADERS in their face, and then applying that courage to speaking in public. Schools nominated two student leaders who have projects to achieve this year Public speaking and running a project like putting in a veggie garden for the school, fundraising for playground equipment or holding a fun event for the community. were the two key focuses at Spirit of a Nation’s leadership gathering last month. Contact Gerry Forde at 021 516 393, [email protected]

30 THE BLUFF OYSTER AND Tourism operators FOOD FESTIVAL confident about the future The future looks bright, according to Southland’s tourism sector.

Venture Southland’s annual survey of Southland businesses showed confidence was high in the tourism and accommodation sectors, with 94 percent of tourism operators and 81 percent of accommodation operators positive about the future. A total of 68 percent of tourism operators and 66 percent of accommodation providers reported increased sales for the year. Venture Southland Business Projects Co-ordinator Rhiannon Suter said while confidence was soaring in the tourism area, not all sectors felt so positive. Overall confidence had dropped, with 59 The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival “The visitors and team from Air percent of businesses positive about the New Zealand got a genuine southern was a hit with North Island visitors local economy and business environment experience, where the best of New who flew to Southland on a special (down 16 percent from 2015), and 78 Zealand flavours were coupled with Air New Zealand day flight. percent positive about their own business good old southern hospitality. (down 9 percent). Venture Southland surveyed 121 of “Venture Southland is hopeful that the Business performance in sales remained the 169 people on board the flight success of this visit direct in Auckland strong, she said, with 81 percent of and found that an overwhelming will provide the opportunity for businesses reporting increased or steady number would recommend the future flights directly into Invercargill sales, down 5 percent on 2015. Southland experience to others. and for other events.” However, the agricultural sector was Just over 40 percent were making The survey also asked visitors for their feeling the pinch from lower commodity their first visit to Southland and 95 thoughts of their day trip to Southland: prices. The survey showed confidence percent said they were interested Here are some of the responses: in the sector has declined and the in returning to attend other events proportion experiencing increased sales and see the rest of the region. “Warm, positive, smiley, patient has also declined. Despite this, 70 percent of agricultural operators remained Venture Southland Tourism and and respectful people throughout the positive about their own businesses. Events Manager Warrick Low whole day.” said the Bluff Oyster and Food Ms Suter said while digital technology Festival organising committee “Package was amazing. Loved the was becoming an increasingly important part of business in Southland, businesses’ worked closely with Air New excursions to chocolate and brewery Zealand and Venture Southland number one concern was the quality of (added another level).’’ broadband and mobile services and the on the initiative, with the support impact of these services on their business. of GoBus, which provided “Everything was organised for us just Invercargill tours, Bill Richardson The survey showed that, after staff Transport World, the Seriously sit back & relax & enjoy.” training, online marketing was the most Good Chocolate Company and common area of planned investment for Invercargill Brewery. “Never been here before, would have the year ahead: 45 percent of businesses been great to stay overnight and rent a were planning investment in online “It’s a credit to the Bluff marketing and 27 percent in online sales. community and organising car to see more.” For the 42 percent of businesses committee for the desirability implementing new ways of working, of the Bluff Oyster and Food “Friendly people, the hot chocolate at the investment in digital technology was by Festival, and the work the Richardson Transport Museum - I’d come far the most common area of investment organising committee did back just for that! Bluff oysters, historical (66 percent). Websites were the second working hand in hand with a narration by bus driver (driving from most common source of business big company such as Air New Bluff to Invercargill - (Loved it!)” information and support, used by 53 Zealand,’’ Mr Low said. percent of businesses. Only accountants rated higher as a business resource. 31 Southlanders urged to get ready to have their say Local council candidates

Local government elections are being held urged to come forward early this year, offering you a chance to say who you want making decisions on behalf of your Local Government New Zealand is encouraging community. passionate leaders to think about running for upcoming local council elections now. To be able to have your say you need to be enrolled to vote. You will be sent voting papers in “Standing for local council is an incredible the mail so it’s important your enrolment details opportunity for people to have their say about the are up to date. issues that affect their community directly and If you’ve moved house recently you need to develop their leadership skills,” said LGNZ Chief update your enrolment details. Executive Malcolm Alexander. Everyone currently on the electoral roll will be “Candidate nominations open from 15 July 2016. sent an update pack after 27 June. If you don’t We want potential candidates to start thinking about get a pack by 4 July, you are either not enrolled their future in local government now, so they have or you need to update your details. all the support and information they need ahead of To enrol go to elections.org.nz; the election.” text your name and address to 3676; call Mr Alexander said ensuring elected representatives 0800 36 76 56 or visit your local PostShop. – had the abilities, diversity of skills and training to Electoral Commission respond to major community issues was an important part of a successful election process. “Standing for their local council is a great way to step up and have real influence over the key issues affecting their families, friends and communities, and we encourage them to come forward now,” Mr Alexander said. People interested in finding out more about standing as a local council election candidate are encouraged to contact Southland District Council or visit Vote2016.co.nz – Local Government New Zealand

CONTACT DETAILS

All Offices & Inquiries....0800 732 732

Fax ...... 0800 732 329

District Libraries ...... 0800 732 542

Rural Fire Permits ...... 0800 773 363 Email ...... [email protected]

Website ...... www.southlanddc.govt.nz

15 Forth Street, PO Box 903, Invercargill 9840

32