News/Media Releases Archive

Dog registration penalty

Monday, 8 August 2011

Dog owners who have not registered their dogs now face a penalty of $37.50. If the dog is left unregistered, the owner faces a fine of $300 and possible removal of the dog if caught...Read more.

Milford Community Trust reschedules meeting on airport

Monday, 8 August 2011

The Milford Community Trust is facilitating a meeting of those organisations that have an interest in the airport at Milford...Read more.

Southland Roading Update

Monday, 25 July 2011

Snow has begun to melt over much of Southland today, but forecasts suggest there will be severe inland frosts and ice. The public should exercise caution and avoid travel overnight and tomorrow morning as roads across the region are likely to be extremely dangerous. Neil Cruickshank, Emergency Management Southland says local radio stations will continue to run updated weather and roading information and Southlanders should keep informed before they travel. "Hopefully the snow melt will continue tomorrow and life can return to normal." State Highway 93 between Mataura and Clinton is the only road that remains closed (4pm). All other roads will be affected by snow and ice and drivers should take care and drive to the conditions. Updated roading information is available on the AA website[www.aa.co.nz] and on the AA twitter page @AA_Traffic...Read more.

Otautau Hall closed

Friday, 15 July 2011

The Otautau Town Hall has been closed to all new users, effective from 1 July, but the local Floral Art Club and RSA have been given three months to find alternative premises...Read more.

Work progressing on sewerage scheme project

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Work on the plans for a new sewerage scheme for Te Anau is continuing...Read more.

Resealing contract let

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Blacktop Construction has won the contract for resealing Southland District roads...Read more.

New bridge postings

Monday, 4 July 2011

Southland District Council has announced its bridge postings for 2011-12...Read more.

Change in highway classification

Friday, 1 July 2011

Southland District Council is keeping a watching brief on the changes made to state highway classifications in the south...Read more.

First Mayor remembered

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Southland District Council's first Mayor, John Casey JP, has died...Read more.

Council concerned about possible Building Control reforms

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Changes to the structure of building control proposed by the Department of Building and Housing are concerning Southland District Council...Read more.

Review could hit Southland hard

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Southland could be hard hit by a review of the New Zealand Transport Agency's investment strategy and in particular the review of funding assistance rates, Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson said...Read more.

First Meeting of Dog Control Sub-Committee

Thursday, 2 June 2011

Southland District Council's new dog control sub-committee held its first meeting on Monday...Read more.

Liquor Licensing Accord adopted

Friday, 27 May 2011

Southland District Council has adopted the Southland District Liquor Licensing Accord concerning the hours of trading for hotels and taverns...Read more.

Roads affected by flooding - Final Update: 20th May

Friday, 20 May 2011

All roads in the Southland District are now open and clear. There is minor scouring in a number of areas that will be tidied up by graders and small work crews...Read more.

61 submissions to Draft Annual Plan

Friday, 13 May 2011

Southland District Council has received 61 submissions to its Draft Annual Plan...Read more.

Te Anau Airport highly commended

Monday, 9 May 2011

The development of Te Anau Airport - Manapouri has received a highly commended award in the recent Best Practice Awards at the New Zealand Community Boards Conference...Read more.

Work begins on larger centre

Friday, 6 May 2011

Winton Medical Centre will be soon welcoming patients into its newly enlarged premises, providing more space for health professionals to effectively look after the local community’s medical needs, as a result of a partnership between the Medical Centre’s Community Trust and Winton Community Board.  ..Read more.

Castle Rock outcrop to be protected

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Dipton's Castle Rock natural limestone outcrop will be officially protected by covenant thanks to the local community, Ravensdown and the Southland District Council. Representatives from the three parties gathered at the site on 21 April 2011 to celebrate the signing of the official covenant declaring Ravensdown's intention to protect and preserve the western face of this important limestone outcrop. The outcrop is part of Ravensdown's Dipton Lime Quarry and Ravensdown has been liaising with the local community regarding the quarry, in conjunction with the Southland District Council, for a number of years. ..Read more.

Old wheelie bins to be picked up

Thursday, 21 April 2011

New red and yellow-lidded wheelie bins have been delivered throughout Southland this month. To date well over 8000 bins have been delivered across the district, with further requests to join the service all the time. Southland District Council water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said most people who are receiving the new rubbish and recycling service should have received their two new bins by now.  "We are currently working with our contractor to address some last minute issues which have recently come to light. In the meantime alternative arrangements are being made for those people who may not have received their bins by the start of May," Mr Evans said...Read more.

Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012 from 9 April to 11 May.  The draft plans sets out what money Council needs to carry out work in the 2011/12 financial year (1 July 2011 – 30 June 2012). ..Read more.

Wheelie bin rollout in April

Monday, 28 March 2011

New red and yellow-lidded wheelie bins are about to arrive throughout Southland. Southland District Council water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said work is progressing well on the new rubbish and recycling two-bin collection service and the new bins are about to start being delivered from early April. The new service will provide properties with two new 240 litre bins, one (red lid) for rubbish and one (yellow lid) for recycling. The red bin will be emptied every fortnight and the yellow bin every alternative fortnight. ...Read more.

Te Anau development gets consent

Thursday, 10 March 2011

A proposed visitor centre on the outskirts of Te Anau has been granted resource consent by the Southland District Council. Fiordland Lifestyle Properties Limited applied for consent to establish, construct, operate and maintain a visitor centre at 2 Alpine Drive, Te Anau, and the consent was issued following a hearing in Te Anau on Thursday 10 February.  Council resource management planner Matt Hunter said the consent has been issued, subject to a set of 16 detailed conditions. The application was publicly notified and 25 submissions, both in support and opposing the proposal, were received...Read more.

Council awards roading contracts worth $1 million

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Southland District Council has approved three contracts totalling $1.02 million to rehabilitate about 5km of Southland roads. Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss said that Council's activities performance audit committee awarded the contracts to two contractors - SouthRoads Limited was awarded the contract to rehabilitate 1.28km of pavement on the Dipton Mossburn Road.  Central Western Roading Limited was awarded contracts to rehabilitate 1.72km of Pahiwi Balfour Road and 1.59km of Wilsons Crossing Road...Read more.

Emergency 111 calls system restored

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

This is a mesage from Emergency Management Southland...Read more.

New webpage will match donations with need

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

The thoughts and sympathy of all Southlanders are with Christchurch people at this time of tragedy, Southland leaders Mayors Tim Shadbolt, Frana Cardno, Tracy Hicks and Chair Ali Timms said today. "Our love and best wishes go to all people affected by this tragedy but especially those that have lost loved ones, whether they be family or friends. We down here in the south feel helpless to do anything but we are setting up support that we hope will make a difference in the next few months as the city moves forward from this devastating earthquake."..Read more.

Help Christchurch

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

If you want to know how you can help the people of Christchurch please read this page from Venture Southland's Website...Read more.

Emergency 111 calls in Southland - Urgent

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

These services have now been restored. Please refer here for more information.[emergency-111-calls-system-restored/]..Read more.

Building to be demolished

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

A dangerous building in Wyndham is to be demolished to protect the public. Southland District Council building control manager Kevin O'Connor said Council had worked hard to try to save the building, both with the present owner and also with possible purchasers, but has been left with no choice apart from demolition. Council last year received a report of falling masonry from the building in Balaclava Street on to the footpath in front of it. The two-storey building already had a dangerous building notice on it because of a structurally inadequate stairway, and inadequate fire safety requirements...Read more.

Dog registration costs to increase

Friday, 11 February 2011

The cost to register your dog in the Southland District is being increased to $25, effective from July 1 2011. Group Manager Environment and Community Bruce Halligan said the cost was going up from its current $20 to $25 for several reasons, including..Read more.

Grants of more than $70,000 made

Friday, 11 February 2011

A new combined fund has been created from the amalgamation of the Southland Amenity Fund and the Southland District Council Community Development Fund. The new fund, called the Southland District Council Community Initiatives Fund, will be effective from the 2011-2012 year. Venture Southland group manager community development Rex Capil said the new fund was created by the Allocations Committee because many of the grants it was seeing could fit into both of the present funds' criteria. A combined fund would help community organisations only having to complete one application form and would take away any confusion as to what fund to apply to. Administration would be simplified as well. The fund would receive $108,890 a year from Council...Read more.

Final roading update

Friday, 11 February 2011

Roads affected by flooding around the Southland District this week are open now, but care is still needed as some of the roads still have water on them, or may have scouring from the floodwaters...Read more.

Roading update No 1

Monday, 7 February 2011

Several roads around the Southland District will remain closed overnight after being flooded by rising rivers. Southland District Council maintenance contractors will continue to check roads and are putting warning signs out, but please be careful and drive to the conditions if you are travelling on roads, particularly in the Waikaia and Lower Mataura catchments. Roads that are closed by flooding in the Southland District are:..Read more.

Roads affected by floodwaters

Monday, 7 February 2011

Drivers are being urged to be aware and careful on roads around the Southland district are being hit by floodwaters. Southland District Council maintenance contractors are out monitoring the situation and are putting warning signs out, but please be careful and drive to the conditions if you are travelling on roads, particularly in the Waikaia and Lower Mataura catchments. Roads that are closed by flooding in the Southland District are:..Read more.

Mayor's husband dies

Monday, 24 January 2011

Southland District Council elected members, management and staff are saddened by the death of Murray Cardno, Mayor Frana Cardno's husband, on Sunday. Council chief executive David Adamson said Mr Cardno, 71, was always hugely supportive of the Council and its staff. "Murray would always take time to talk to all the staff, and enjoyed finding out about people and what they did. He contributed to our organisation in very many ways, not least, of course, in his selfless support of his wife, the Mayor," Mr Adamson said...Read more.

Allocations committee grant more than $70,000

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

A total of $72,882 has been granted to various Southland organisations through the Southland District Council allocations committees which met recently. ..Read more.

Fire on southern coast under control

Monday, 17 January 2011

Fire crews have several fires under control around the area of a fire which destroyed part of Rarakau Lodge near Tuatapere on Saturday night...Read more.

Fire ban to be lifted

Monday, 10 January 2011

The total fire ban covering the Southern Rural Fire District, excluding the Naseby area, is to be lifted on Monday at 8am after this week's rain eased the fire danger...Read more.

No election needed for community boards

Monday, 10 January 2011

The Wallacetown and Wyndham Community Boards will have a full board for the next three years after one nomination was received for each of them in the recent byelection...Read more.

New system for treatment plant

Friday, 24 December 2010

Ohai-Nightcaps will have a new water treatment system, the first of its kind in Southland, next year...Read more.

Vandalism posing a great risk to safety

Thursday, 6 January 2011

Vandalism in parts of the Southland District has the potential to risk lives, Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss says...Read more.

Call for nominations

Monday, 20 December 2010

The Southland District Council is calling for people in the Wallacetown, Wyndham and Edendale communities to take a part in leading their towns into the future...Read more.

Total Fire Ban declared

Monday, 20 December 2010

A total fire ban is in place for all of Southland and parts of the Clutha District covered by the Southern Rural Fire District from 8am tomorrow (Saturday 18 December)...Read more.

Nominations sought for vacancies

Thursday, 9 December 2010

Nominations are being sought for the extraordinary vacancies on the Edendale, Wallacetown and Wyndham Community Boards...Read more.

Achievements highlighted in SDC Annual Report

Friday, 3 December 2010

The 2009-2010 Southland District Council annual report reflects a productive year and a $4.9 millon surplus...Read more.

SDC reviewing building policy

Friday, 3 December 2010

The Southland District Council is proposing to amend its earthquake-prone building policy to mitigate future risk following the devastation of the Christchurch earthquake...Read more.

Remembering those who were lost

Friday, 26 November 2010

Southland District Council has condolence books to remember the 29 men who were lost in the Pike River Mine disaster in every office in the District. Chief executive David Adamson said Southland residents can go into offices on Stewart Island, in Riverton, Otautau, Te Anau, Lumsden, Wyndham and Winton and at the main office in Invercargill on Forth Street to sign the condolence book and leave a message for the families of the men. The books will stay in the offices for two weeks before being collected and collated, and sent away, along with a personalised card for each of the men's families...Read more.

Decision on neurosurgery great news

Wednesday, 10 November 2010

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is thrilled by the news neurosurgery services will remain and be expanded at Dunedin Hospital...Read more.

Two-bin service to start 1 May

Friday, 26 November 2010

Southland District Council has begun work on setting up its two-bin recycling and rubbish collection system which will start on 1 May 2011. Council's water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said Council had agreed to move to the two-bin system in its Annual Plan 2010-2011 after several years of consultation and discussion. The current contract for the wheelie bin collection is coming to an end and in order to fulfil obligations towards minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill, Council has resolved to replace this with the new two bin service. ..Read more.

Te Anau Plan Changes now operative

Friday, 26 November 2010

Three changes to the Te Anau provisions of the Southland District Plan have been approved by the Southland District Council. The plan change process has been progressing over 2009 and 2010 and aims to provide for a more co-ordinated approach to emerging environmental issues and growth pressures in the Te Anau Basin. Council senior policy planner Luke McSoriley said no appeals had been received to the decision to accept the plan changes and so the District Plan will be deemed to be amended from 8 November 2010...Read more.

Consents value goes up

Thursday, 28 October 2010

The number of building consents may be decreasing but the value of them has more than doubled...Read more.

Poisoning of trees shocks Council

Tuesday, 26 October 2010

The poisoned trees in Manapouri will be taken out and replaced with other plantings along the foreshore...Read more.

Cardno back as Southland District Mayor

Saturday, 9 October 2010

Frana Cardno is back for her seventh term as Southland District Mayor. Mrs Cardno received 6,783 votes, with her challenger Rod Young receiving 1,643. This is based on 98% of the returned voting papers being counted. Special votes and voting papers returned today are not included...Read more.

SDC Office open on Saturday for votes

Friday, 8 October 2010

The Southland District Council office in Forth Street, Invercargill, will be open from 9am to 12noon tomorrow (Saturday 9 October) for people to make special votes in the local government election. Electoral Officer Phil Culling said special votes will be the last opportunity for people to have a say in the way their community will be managed for the next three years. "You will be deciding who you want to represent you in your community for the next three years, from your mayor to your community board members," Mr Culling said.  It will be these representatives that make the decisions on your behalf which is why it is so important to vote and express your views before the close-off time of noon."..Read more.

Southland residents poorly prepared for emergencies

Friday, 8 October 2010

Southland is constantly at risk from natural disasters that can cause disruption, property damage and even death, yet a recent survey shows most aren't well prepared to cope with an emergency. The phone survey on behalf of Emergency Management Southland showed that two thirds of residents have no plan for coping in an emergency. The most common reason for not having a civil defence plan is simply not having thought about it. Next week is national Get Ready Week and Emergency Management Southland is using the opportunity to reinforce the importance of preparation to Southland residents...Read more.

Use your right to vote

Friday, 8 October 2010

Now is the time to use your democratic voice and have your say about how Southland District is going to be managed for the next three years, Southland District Council electoral officer Phil Culling said. "By voting in the upcoming elections, you will be deciding who you would like to represent you in your community for the next three years, from your mayor to your community board members," Mr Culling said...Read more.

Council looking at ways to help out farmers

Friday, 8 October 2010

Southland District Council wants to work with the Southland Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers to see how best it can help farmers hit hard by this week's storm.  Chief executive David Adamson said council representatives will attend a meeting which is being organised by the support trust on Monday to look at how to help. Donation boxes will be also be put in every Council office around the province next week, Mr Adamson said. "Farmers that are struggling and worried about their rates can come and talk to us and we will look at ways we can assist them."..Read more.

Two bins for Southland ratepayers

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Southland District Council ratepayers will move to a two-bin rubbish and recycling service in May next year...Read more.

Work starts on fixing island slips

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Southland District Council is using a mixture of traditional and green engineering to fix the series of landslips on Stewart Island...Read more.

Ratepayers reminded about rates rebate scheme

Monday, 20 September 2010

Southland District Council wants to remind Southland ratepayers that some of them may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2010-2011 year...Read more.

Snow hits Southland hard

Monday, 20 September 2010

The weekend's snow storm has affected large parts of Southland and more is yet to come, Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said...Read more.

Some Southland roads closed

Monday, 20 September 2010

Several Southland roads have been affected following the weekend's wintery blast, with large dumps of snow falling in various parts of the South. ..Read more.

Inclusive Communities Strategy working well

Thursday, 16 September 2010

Good progress has been made on the action points included in the Southland District Council's Inclusive Communities Strategy...Read more.

Roading programme approved

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Southland District Council has approved its roading programme for 2010-2011, with the key driver ensuring the road network is developed and maintained strategically. Council strategic manager transport Joe Bourque said $26.8 million, including funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency, is to be spent on Southland roads and related services this coming year. The budget is split so that 39% will be spent on maintenance and 61% on renewals to maintain an agreed level of service. Council has approved some 17km of rehabilitation and approximately 138.3km of resealing, Mr Bourque said...Read more.

Two staff heading to Christchurch

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Two Southland District Council building control officers fly to Christchurch tomorrow to help out after Saturday's earthquake. Building control manager Kevin O'Connor said Lyndon Paul and Lance Patterson fly out on the first flight tomorrow morning, along with Invercargill City Council inspectors. "They will be up in Christchurch for a minimum of three days and we may rotate staff depending on need," he said. "I believe they will be assisting with inspecting residences."..Read more.

Erik Barnes new Group Manager

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Southland District Council has a new Group Manager Services and Assets. Chief executive David Adamson said Erik Barnes will replace Cameron McIntosh, who is moving to the Invercargill City Council. Mr Barnes has been based in Christchurch as the Manager Antartic Programme with Antartica NZ for the past four years. In that role he has been responsible for managing Scott Base and its science and non-science programmes and so has oversight over a diverse range of contracts, including telecommunications, aircraft, engineering and services. ..Read more.

CEO's contract renewed

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson has kept his job for another five years. Council human resources manager Henry Pipkin said Council resolved at Wednesday's meeting to reappoint Mr Adamson for another five years, starting from 22 January 2011, when his present contract expires. The chief executive position has to be advertised every five years or seven years if the contract is extended under the Local Government Act 2002...Read more.

Warning for dog owners

Friday, 27 August 2010

Dog owners are being advised to ensure their dogs do not wander during lambing and calving season, Southland District Council compliance officer Paul Bell says...Read more.

Council backs retention of services

Friday, 27 August 2010

Southland District Council on Wednesday affirmed its unanimous support for the retention of neurosurgery services at Dunedin Hospital...Read more.

Forest Hill Foundation backed

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

The Forest Hill Foundation is taking concerns over its investigations into making the Forest Hill reserve a fenced predator-free zone seriously and is keen to work with all parties to resolve them...Read more.

Happy Valley Road Closure

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

Happy Valley Road will be closed today, Tuesday 3 August, for emergency work, following the collapse of a culvert. The road will be closed between Harrison Road and Whyte Road, about 12.5km from the Tuatapere end of Happy Valley Road and about 5km from the Pukemaori end. The closure is only for one day...Read more.

Annual Plan adopted

Friday, 16 July 2010

Southland District Council has adopted its 2010-2011 Annual Plan. One further change was made on Wednesday at the Council meeting to adopt the plan, with councillors voting to transition the costs of the new wastewater and water operations and maintenance contract in over two years. Council had originally planned to allocate the costs on a per connection basis this coming year, but on Wednesday agreed to transition the changes over two years. Previously costs were allocated on a scheme basis...Read more.

$1.5 million saved by Council

Friday, 16 July 2010

Southland District Council has saved about $1.5 million on estimates for two major roading contracts. Group Manager Services and Assets Cameron McIntosh said a contract for sign maintenance and a second for reseals have been awarded and the tender prices have come in considerably lower than expected. "The savings of over $1.5 million on the two contracts is good news for Council. The estimate for reseals was $5,218,500 and the winning tender was $4,462,424, a savings of $756,076. The estimate for this year's signs maintenance contract was $1.6 million and the winning tender was $885,208, a savings of $714,792," Mr McIntosh said...Read more.

$4 million from Government for cycle trail

Friday, 16 July 2010

The Government has agreed to spend $4 million on the first stage of the Around the Mountain Cycle Trail and Southland District Council will discuss the agreement at its meeting on Wednesday June 30. Venture Southland group manager community development and events Rex Capil said the Ministry of Tourism's funding committee has recommended that Council be approved to partner with funding to construct stage one of the cycle trail...Read more.

Stewart Island levy bill under way

Friday, 16 July 2010

The Southland District Council (Stewart Island Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill 2010 had its first reading in Parliament last night and now goes to the Local Government and Environment Committee. Council senior policy analyst Wayne Heerdegen said this legislation will give Council the power to set and collect a levy from visitors to Stewart Island. The levy will be used to help pay for infrastructure, services and amenities that are used by visitors...Read more.

Councillors discuss submissions to Draft Annual Plan

Thursday, 17 June 2010

The sustainability of rating increases, the roading rate, waste and wastewater contract funding and kerbside recycling were some of the key issues talked about by Southland District councillors at an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss submissions to the Draft Annual Plan...Read more.

Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura) Empowering Bill 2010

Thursday, 10 June 2010

The Southland District Council with the support of Eric Roy MP, being the Member of Parliament responsible for Stewart Island/Rakiura, is promoting legislation to enable a levy to be set and collected from visitors to Stewart Island/Rakiura. A copy of the proposed legislation is available below...Read more.

Drivers risking their lives

Friday, 4 June 2010

People are risking their lives when they remove barriers on the closed Benmore Bridge and drive over it, Southland District Council engineering manager Peter Thompson said. The bridge was closed during the floods in late April-early May and remains closed because further inspection is required to determine the stability of the bridge piles. This cannot happen until water levers have dropped further. We do not know whether the bridge is safe or not and we haven't been able to get to the piles to check them," Mr Thompson said...Read more.

Cycle way still progressing - slowly

Friday, 4 June 2010

The Around the Mountain cycle trail is still being worked on, albeit with slow progress. Southland District Council chief executive David Adamson said Venture Southland had been maintaining pressure on the Ministry of Tourism for funding. "However, we are only getting $4 million from the Government so we are going to need to stage the trail, with the first section from Walter Peak to Mossburn being created first," Mr Adamson said...Read more.

Council encourages consideration on Gypsy Day

Friday, 4 June 2010

Everyone on the road is encouraged to show consideration on Gypsy Day, June 1, Southland District Council roading engineer Rochelle Leach said. Traditionally June 1 is the first day of the new dairy farming season when a large number of stock movements take place in Southland. Ms Leach said in the past some Southland roads have been covered in waste from cows and so Council is keen to encourage both farmers and truck drivers to think about avoiding waste getting on the road...Read more.

81 submissions on Draft Annual Plan

Friday, 4 June 2010

Southland District Council has received 81 submissions to its Draft Annual Plan, with submissions covering 25 different topics. Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said 25 of those submitters indicated they wanted to speak to their submission. "It's great to see the number of people interested in our annual plan process...Read more.

Samoan Language Week 2010

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

'O la Tatou Gagana Samoa i Nui Sila'..Read more.

Draft Annual Plan approved

Wednesday, 16 June 2010

The Southland District Council wants public feedback on issues in its Draft Annual Plan, including options for kerbside wheelie bin collection and adjustments to its roading rate model. Councillors approved the draft plan at an extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday. It is available online, and a summary document should arrive in every district mailbox by Friday, April 23. Submissions close on May 19...Read more.

Manapouri foreshore consent granted

Friday, 7 May 2010

Southland District Council has been granted resource consent to undertake some native vegetation clearing and earthworks on the Manapouri Foreshore...Read more.

One road reopened

Thursday, 6 May 2010

One road has reopened this afternoon, but two remain closed in the Central Southland area because of flooding and its after-effects...Read more.

Downer EDi new maintenance contractor

Monday, 3 May 2010

Downer EDi Water has been awarded the Southland District Council's water and wastewater operations and maintenance contract...Read more.

Update on Roading Conditions No 16 (9.30am)

Friday, 18 February 2011

Drivers are urged to exercise extreme care on newly opened roads as they may have been damaged by flood water and debris. Some roads still remain closed. ..Read more.

Urgent notice to Tuatapere, Lumsden-Balfour and Eastern Bush Otahu Flat water users

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Tuatapere residents are asked to urgently conserve water and to boil the water they do use until further notice...Read more.

Bridges, roads and drains under pressure from flooding

Monday, 26 April 2010

Roads and bridges around Southland are under continuing pressure from the rising floodwaters in the province...Read more.

Council keeping options open on review

Monday, 19 April 2010

Southland District Council is keeping its options open on the review of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, which has highlighted two areas in Southland that could be investigated further for mining...Read more.

Fonterra rail resource consent approved

Monday, 19 April 2010

Fonterra's resource consent application for additional rail facilities to service its Edendale dairy processing plant has been approved by the Southland District Council's resource management committee...Read more.

Council wants feedback on contract cost allocation

Thursday, 15 April 2010

The Southland District Council wants feedback from users of its water supplies and sewerage schemes on how they want to pay for the increasing operational costs of those schemes. Council chief executive David Adamson said the water and sewerage operational contract had last been let 12 years ago, and Council is in the final stages of accepting the new contract...Read more.

New library management system

Thursday, 15 April 2010

A new library management system will go live for Southland District on April 8. District librarian Lynda Hodge said Southland District Council is part of a consortia, at this stage made up of Dunedin and Invercargill City Libraries, Southland District, and Queenstown Lakes/Central Otago District Libraries, and the group has bought the new system...Read more.

Youth initiatives at SDC

Thursday, 15 April 2010

Southland District Council will be focusing on some new youth initiatives after receiving funding from the Ministry of Youth Development. Council senior policy analyst Wayne Heerdegen said a youth forum will be held in June/July in Invercargill by the Southland, Gore and Invercargill Youth Councils...Read more.

Southland rugby supports Road Safety message

Thursday, 15 April 2010

Southland rugby clubs have partnered with Road Safety Southland in a bid to reduce drinking and driving in our community. This rugby season all Southland premier rugby players will feature the message "I don't drink-drive" on their jerseys. Road Safety Southland community advisor of road safety Jane Ballantyne said Road Safety Southland has used many innovative ways to communicate its messages but this partnership with Southland rugby clubs has to be at the top...Read more.

Mine granted resource consents

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

The Takitimu coal mine at Nightcaps has been granted resource consent for its expansion...Read more.

Large water and waste projects under way

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Several large water and waste projects are under way in Southland District, with a value of about $3.5 million. Southland District Council project engineer Bevan McKenzie said work will begin on upgrading the Ohai-Nightcaps water supply system soon. Contracts have been let for the water main upgrade between Ohai and Nightcaps and some additional tank storage at the Nightcaps reservoir site, Mr McKenzie said...Read more.

Feedback still wanted on waste collection changes

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Feedback is still wanted from Southland District residents about what wheelie bin system they would like. Southland District Council asset manager water and waste Ian Evans said Council is leaning towards the two-bin system - one for general rubbish and one for recycling, but nothing is set in stone yet. "We are really interested in feedback from users of the wheelie bin system. Council has been considering what number of wheelie bins should be provided and because of the cost had been thinking three bins would not be viable, but if people really want it, they need to let us know," Mr Evans said...Read more.

New online request for service

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Southland District Council customers are now able to make a request for service online, thanks to an initiative launched in December. Customer services manager Janet Thomas said requests can be made on a diverse range of issues, from abandoned vehicles to potholes. "The online service now gives our customers another avenue to contact us."..Read more.

Bruce Halligan new Group Manager

Friday, 8 January 2010

Southland District Council's resource management manager Bruce Halligan has been appointed Council's new Group Manager Environment and Community. Mr Halligan will start the new role on 1 February 2010. The role encompasses the regulatory services group manager position, which Lindsay McKenzie has held until his retirement this week, chief executive David Adamson said. Mr Halligan will also be in charge of the libraries and area offices, and rural fire and civil defence...Read more.

Summary of submissions on proposed plan changes available

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

A summary of submissions received on the four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, all relating to the Te Anau area, is now available to the public. 89 submissions were received in total, with 19 on the proposed expansion of the industrial resource area, 30 on the proposed expansion of the urban resource area, 18 on the proposed creation of a lakeside creation area and 19 on the proposed private plan change...Read more.

About turn on cycle trail funding

Thursday, 3 December 2009

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno and Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes are angry at what they believe is a backdown on funding the Around the Mountain cycle trail. "We were promised substantial funding from the Government as part of the Prime Minister's national cycle way and now we are being told to save money and find other funding," Mrs Cardno said. "It is of great concern that there is this major about-turn," Mr Geddes said...Read more.

New Papatotara Coast Road opened

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Goodwill and cooperation have been the base for the new Papatotara Coast Road, which was opened on Saturday by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English. Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno, who spoke on behalf of Council at the opening, said the entire project of relocating the road after storm damage would not have been possible without the cooperation of landowners, contractors, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Council...Read more.

Regional CD organisation step closer

Friday, 6 November 2009

Southland's four councils are one step closer to one shared Civil Defence organisation for the region after agreement this week by Southland's political leaders, Invercargill Mayor and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chairman Tim Shadbolt said today. In a joint statement, the political leaders of the region's four councils explained the merits of the proposal. Mr Shadbolt said one shared Civil Defence organisation would lead to greater efficiencies, better use of resources and more services than are currently provided by the four councils acting individually...Read more.

English visits south

Friday, 30 October 2009

Acting Prime Minister Bill English is to investigate Southland's roading issues after a meeting with representatives from Southland District Council and Federated Farmers yesterday.  Mr English said he was happy to take up the issues raised with the New Zealand Transport Agency...Read more.

Unqualified Annual Report adopted

Friday, 30 October 2009

Southland District Council has received an unqualified Audit report to its 2008-2009 Annual Report which was adopted at a meeting yesterday. Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said she was proud to receive an unqualified audit report...Read more.

Proposed plan changes notified

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Two question and answer sessions on four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, relating to the Te Anau area, will be held in Te Anau in November. The proposed plan changes are being formally notified tomorrow (Saturday 17 October) by the Southland District Council...Read more.

Feedback sought on Curio Bay draft plan

Monday, 5 October 2009

Public comment is sought on the Curio Bay Recreation Reserve Draft Management Plan, which has just been released by the Southland District Council. Council reserves officer Leighton Hare said the plan is open for consultation for six weeks from 1 October. Copies of the plan are available for perusal at the Council area offices in Invercargill, Riverton, Otautau, Te Anau, Stewart Island, Lumsden and Wyndham. A PDF copy is also available on the Council website www.southlanddc.govt.nz..Read more.

Rock quarry granted consent

Monday, 5 October 2009

The Southland District Council has granted resource consent for a rock quarry in the Mataura Island area, after a hearing was held on 11 September. Idesia Investments Limited has been granted resource consent to take a maximum of 1,900,000 cubic metres of rock from a site at 47 Mataura Island-Fortrose Road, Mataura Island, with the consent having a maximum timeframe of 25 years, Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said...Read more.

Council urges decision on subsidy

Monday, 5 October 2009

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is urging the Government to make a decision on the drinking water subsidy scheme and make it soon. The Government announced last week it was putting the subsidy scheme on hold again to enable a review aimed at ensuring best use of the money in the scheme, which aims to improve drinking water supplies in small communities of fewer than 5000 people...Read more.

Next steps in joint planning review process

Monday, 17 August 2009

More than 220 people attended the nine Issues and Options held in Southland in June and July as part of the initial consultation stage of the Regional Policy Statement and Southland District Plan review...Read more.

Preliminary work on cycle trail moves along

Monday, 17 August 2009

Southlanders will soon find out more detail about the Around the Mountain cycle trail...Read more.

Southern Councils pleased with cycle trail announcement

Monday, 27 July 2009

Prime Minister John Key's announcement today about seven "Quick Start" cycle trails is excellent news for Southland and Otago, southern council leaders say. The Mayors and Chair from the seven southern councils - Southland District, Queenstown-Lakes District, Central Otago District, Clutha District, Gore District, Invercargill City and Environment Southland - have worked together to promote the Around the Mountain Rail Trail and it is fantastic that the Prime Minister has included it in his "Quick Start" projects, Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said. ..Read more.

Proposed plan changes to be notified

Thursday, 23 July 2009

Southland District Council will soon notify three proposed changes to the Te Anau section of the Southland District Plan. Resource management planner Luke McSoriley said the proposed changes follow on from the discussion document sent out to Te Anau ratepayers in June 2008...Read more.

Resurfacing contract let

Thursday, 23 July 2009

Southland District Council has let its single biggest annual roading contract for the 2009/2010 year. Southland District Council asset manager roading Russell Hawkes said the tender from Fulton Hogan Ltd of $4,943,000 excluding GST was accepted by Council's activities performance audit committee...Read more.

Council to apply for consent to clear vegetation

Thursday, 23 July 2009

Vegetation clearing on the Manapouri foreshore is on hold at the moment while the Southland District Council applies for resource consent...Read more.

Council defends response timeframes

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Southland District Council believes its resource management response timeframes have improved markedly from the Ministry for the Environment figures released recently. Finance Minister Bill English, who is also the MP for Clutha-Southland, has criticised the Southland Council for its 73rd position in the MfE report. However, Council chief executive David Adamson said the data in the report is between 12 and 23 months old (from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008)...Read more.

District funding of water and sewerage postponed

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Southland District Council has postponed a proposal to fund water and sewerage district-wide, rather than by individual communities, for a year. The proposal put up in the Council's draft 10-year plan meant ratepayers on water and sewerage schemes would pay the same across the district for maintenance and renewal costs...Read more.

Councils working together

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Planners from the Southland District Council and Environment Southland are working together on the review of two of the region's most significant planning tools - the Regional Policy Statement and the Southland District Plan. While the two documents have separate purposes, the District Plan has to give effect to provisions in the Regional Policy Statement so they are being reviewed together after each being in use for over 10 years...Read more.

Record number of submissions

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

Southland District Council has had a record number of submissions to its draft long-term plan, with 201 received. Council corporate planner Nicole Taylor said 61 of those submitters indicated they wanted to speak to their submission and that was also a record number...Read more.

Revamp for Council website

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

The Southland District Council website www.southlanddc.govt.nz[http://www.southlanddc.govt.nz/] has had a makeover. Communications manager Louise Pagan said the revamped site is now live after several months of work...Read more.

Presentation on new code planned

Thursday, 21 May 2009

Southland contractors, plumbers, engineers and utility providers are invited to a presentation this month about the new national code of practice for utilities' access to the transport corridor. Southland District Council roading manager Michael Voss said Council is preparing to implement the new code, which will replace the existing trenching bylaw and affect the subdivision and land development bylaw...Read more.

Council saddened by mill closure

Thursday, 21 May 2009

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno says the closure of the Brightwood Mill in Otautau next month is a tragedy for the workers. "I am disappointed at the way it has happened. The first thing I knew about it was in the newspaper today," Mrs Cardno said. It has been a tough year for Western Southland, with this and the announcement in February that Solid Energy is closing its Ohai mine at the end of June, she said...Read more.

Winter driving campaign starts

Thursday, 30 April 2009

Winter can be a dangerous time on the roads, so Road Safety Southland, ACC and Police have combined to deliver a Winter Driving campaign starting in May. Road Safety Southland community advisor Jane Ballantyne said ice, snow, rain and poor visibility can push drivers and vehicles to their limit...Read more.

Land use consent granted to South Coast Dairy

Thursday, 14 May 2009

South Coast Dairy Ltd has been granted land-use consents by the Southland District Council for gravel extraction and building construction at its proposed dairy conversion at Curio Bay. District Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said two land-use consents - to extract 9,000m3 of gravel and to establish and operate a dairy shed and six-bay implement shed within the coastal resource area - were granted with 27 conditions by Council...Read more.

Mayor Criticises Roading Changes

Wednesday, 8 April 2009

The Government's changes to road funding will have a significant impact on Southland, District Mayor Frana Cardno said. Under the changes announced today, regional fuel taxes are replaced with increased fuel tax and road user charges...Read more.

Council congratulates Barnes

Tuesday, 7 April 2009

Southland athlete Sarah Barnes has reached another pinnacle in her sporting career by being selected in Rowing New Zealand's elite squad for the world championships in Poland in August...Read more.

New Treatment System for Scheme

Tuesday, 7 April 2009

Southland District Council will use an innovative and new to New Zealand method to treat wastewaters from the new Edendale-Wyndham sewerage scheme...Read more.