/news/lower-south-island/rss 九一星空无限 Keep up with the latest in Lower South Island news with 九一星空无限talk ZB. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:50:03 Z en /news/lower-south-island/woman-and-her-dog-missing-for-20-hours-after-going-for-walk-on-west-coast/ /news/lower-south-island/woman-and-her-dog-missing-for-20-hours-after-going-for-walk-on-west-coast/ A woman and her dog spent a night in poor weather after they went missing while going for a walk on the West Coast. West Coast area response manager Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said the woman set off with her dog about 12.30pm on Wednesday on the Brunner mine memorial track to Sewell Peak. “Around 8:30pm they contacted their parents to be picked up, but failed to show at the pickup point. The parents searched the area for her. “Distraught, they came to the Greymouth Police station at 4.24am this morning to report their daughter missing.” West Coast police’s Search and Rescue team along with a search dog, a rescue chopper and LandSAR teams responded in the rain and cold, Kirkwood said. The woman and her dog were located alive by a SAR team at 8.37am between the car park and Sewell Peak road. “The family were ecstatic that their daughter [and dog] were found. “Police would like to thank the LandSAR volunteers who came to search for the missing person.” Police wanted to remind people to have a beacon on hand when exploring the outdoors. “Beacons are a lifesaving tool which allow rescue teams to respond to your location as soon as possible. “Remember to register your beacon with Rescue Coordination Centre NZ before you head out: www.beacons.org.nz” Wed, 12 Jul 2023 23:23:34 Z /news/lower-south-island/ara-timaru-polytechnic-evacuated-closed-for-the-day-after-threat/ /news/lower-south-island/ara-timaru-polytechnic-evacuated-closed-for-the-day-after-threat/ About 250 staff and students at a Timaru polytechnic were evacuated from their building this morning after a threat was made relating to the premises. The ARA Institute’s Timaru campus in Arthur St was evacuated around 10am as a precaution, police said. Police cordons were been put in place around a city block and people have been asked to take alternative routes around the city. About 50-100 people could be seen standing outside the campus, according to a staff member at a nearby business as the incident began to unfold. A couple of police cars were seen parked outside the building but no other businesses are understood to have been evacuated. ARA’s campus manager Leonie Rasmussen said the campus would be closing for rest of the day as it would likely take a longer period of time for police to complete their processes. “Students gathered safely with ongoing support staff and student advisors,” she said in a statement. “Around 45 students who travel to the Ara campus by bus are being cared for and return buses have been ordered early today. Those with belongings left in classrooms have been assured these will be kept safe by Ara staff once they can access the buildings.” Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed State Highway 1 in Theodosia St through Timaru has been closed around the polytechnic between North and Arthurs St, is currently closed. “People are asked to avoid travel through central Timaru if possible as detour routes are being set up around the city block Arthur St, Grey Road, North St and State Highway 1 or Theodosia St,” a statement said. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 01:04:22 Z /news/lower-south-island/name-suppression-for-woman-who-lied-about-crashing-boat-at-lake-wakatipu/ /news/lower-south-island/name-suppression-for-woman-who-lied-about-crashing-boat-at-lake-wakatipu/ A public-facing professional who lied about crashing a boat cannot be named after an 11th-hour suppression order was made by a judge. The 45-year-old woman appeared in the Invercargill District Court this week after pleading guilty to a charge of providing false information under the Maritime Transport Act. Counsel asked that the woman’s neurodiverse diagnoses not be reported, but there was no application to keep anything else suppressed. Despite that, Judge Catriona Doyle granted the woman permanent suppression of her name and profession. Until sentencing this week, the woman had not previously had an interim order keeping her identity secret. On November 27, 2021, the defendant, her uncle and some work colleagues took a boat on a fishing trip at Lake Wakatipu. Her uncle, who owns the boat and was driving, experienced a diabetic low and could not continue to operate the vessel. As a result, another inexperienced member of the fishing trip took over the steering, grounded the boat and crashed into some rocks. All members had to be rescued and some suffered injuries. Maritime New Zealand investigated, and in an interview the defendant lied that she had crashed the boat, not her co-worker. She said she was willing to “suck it up” if she was fined the potential $1200 for crashing the boat. After her workplace discovered she had lied to authorities, they encouraged her to tell the truth. After getting legal advice she came clean, nine days after the interview. The woman’s manager said her employment may be compromised if she was convicted. Judge Doyle said it was “untenable” for someone in the defendant’s profession to have a fraud or dishonesty conviction. “I cannot see that it was done for any potential gain for yourself. There is no suggestion that you were going to come out of this better by saying that you were driving.” Judge Doyle granted the woman a discharge without conviction. “You committed to the lie because of your concern for your uncle.” Her uncle, who was responsible for the boat, faces three charges in relation to the incident. The work colleague who crashed the boat was not charged and was seeking reparation. “I cannot see that [the boat driver] is a victim ... I’m surprised she is not a co-offender frankly,” Judge Doyle said. - Felicity Dear, ODT Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:29:34 Z /news/lower-south-island/convicted-prescription-fraudster-was-gore-mayor-ben-bell-s-former-assistant/ /news/lower-south-island/convicted-prescription-fraudster-was-gore-mayor-ben-bell-s-former-assistant/ A woman who forged prescriptions to obtain tramadol and codeine from a Gore pharmacy can now be named as Shanna Marie Crosbie, who was formerly Gore mayor Ben Bell’s personal assistant. Although the 38-year-old was convicted and sentenced on three fraud charges in the Gore District Court in March, she could not be named after appealing the conviction, sentence and the judge’s refusal to grant her permanent name suppression. At the appeal hearing in the High Court at Invercargill last week, Justice David Gendall reduced her sentence to 75 hours’ community work and nine months’ supervision, but did not uphold the appeal in relation to name suppression. Her counsel Bill Wright indicated she would further appeal the suppression ruling, and she was granted interim name suppression for five working days. No appeal had been filed by yesterday evening. Shanna Crosbie. Photo / ODT Files Crosbie, who is Bell’s neighbour, was at the centre of a political wrangle in November when Gore District councillors blocked the newly-elected mayor’s request to employ her as his personal assistant. In a report for the new council’s first meeting on November 22, chief executive Steve Parry said the mayor’s ‘’private personal assistant’' had been assisting Bell with diary management, press releases and travel bookings. ‘’In some instances, the private personal assistant is committing the council to costs despite not being a council employee,’’ Parry said in the report. ‘’The current situation is confusing and poses a reputational risk to the council.’’ The following month, December, Crosbie admitted charges of forging a prescription to obtain property, using a forged prescription, and forging a prescription. Two other charges were withdrawn by police. In February last year, she began working as a contractor at the Gore Health Clinic, where she had access to its patient database. On August 19, she accessed the records of a male patient and used his name to create a prescription for 28 tramadol capsules, along with 11 repeats, forging the signature of a doctor employed by Gore Hospital. She then presented the prescription at the Gore Pharmacy, and returned on five occasions over the following five weeks, getting a total of 1400 capsules. On September 29 she accessed the records of another patient to create a prescription for 60 codeine capsules with two repeats, but despite four attempts could not print the document because of a printer malfunction. Crosbie once worked for Gore mayor Ben Bell as his personal assistant. Photo/ Supplied / Facebook When a clinic employee restarted the printer a few days later, it produced four copies of forged prescription. The defendant was confronted about her actions on October 5, and told she would be suspended while an investigation was carried out, but she resigned immediately. At her sentencing in March, Wright said her role as a contractor for Gore Health had put her in a position where she could not resist the temptation offered by her access to its systems and confidential database. It had been unwise of her employer to place her in that position given it was aware of her mental health issues. Her offending was ‘’absolutely incompetent’', involving the forging of prescriptions in her own name, taking those prescriptions to a pharmacy where she was well-known and a CCTV system was in operation, and even getting her loyalty card stamped, he said.  ‘’If ever there was an award for the most incompetent forger in history, she would be in the shortlist.’’ At both her sentencing in March and her appeal hearing last week, Wright pleaded for Crosbie’s name to be permanently suppressed, despite his understanding ‘’apparently all of Gore’' knew her identity. He was concerned that social media ‘’bullying’' could have a severe impact on her fragile mental health. - Guy Williams, ODT Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:50:49 Z /news/lower-south-island/w%C4%81naka-s-mt-iron-one-step-closer-to-being-owned-by-public/ /news/lower-south-island/w%C4%81naka-s-mt-iron-one-step-closer-to-being-owned-by-public/ The public is one step closer to owning 100ha on Wānaka landmark, Mt Iron. The Queenstown Lakes District Council announced yesterday settlement day was expected to be early next month and fencing around the reserve was nearly complete. The purchase price has not been disclosed. An opening event is being organised at the Allenby Place car park entrance at a date yet to be confirmed. Council community services general manager Ken Bailey thanked the current owners, the Cleugh family and Allenby Farms Ltd, for working with the council over the past 18 months on the ownership transfer. “With over 180,000 people scaling the existing tracks each year, council’s purchase of land on Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron is critical to protecting local recreation areas for residents, visitors and future generations,” he said. After the new title has been issued by Land Information New Zealand, the council will notify its intention to create a reserve management plan. Bailey said the management plan process would be a critical opportunity for the Upper Clutha community to share how it wanted Mt Iron managed. People would be able to continue using Mt Iron while the plan was being developed. Walking tracks would remain open, but no new developments would be permitted until community feedback had been received and reviewed. Bailey said there was already a range of ideas for how the site could be used and more community drop-in sessions were being planned. Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board deputy chairman Chris Hadfield is delighted the council has secured the land and is keen to hear more from the public. “This is a great opportunity for us to hear from people who cherish this location and to understand what it is about Mt Iron they love, what they want to see made available on the site, and what they want protected or maintained,” Hadfield said. The council has also applied to the Department of Conservation to acquire and manage another 52.8ha of reserve land next to the block being bought from the Cleughs and Allenby Farms Ltd. Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:20:01 Z /news/lower-south-island/missing-queenstown-woman-suzanne-frew-found-dead/ /news/lower-south-island/missing-queenstown-woman-suzanne-frew-found-dead/ Police have found the body of a Queenstown woman who was previously reported missing. Officers had previously appealed for the public’s help in finding Suzanne Frew who was last seen driving her silver Mitsubishi Outlander on Frankton Rd on Monday morning. She was wearing a pink hoodie and black tights. Around 8.30am today, police said they had found a body on Highview Tce in Queenstown. It followed an extensive search and rescue effort. “Our thoughts are with her whanau and friends at this difficult time. “The matter is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner,” a police spokesperson said. “Police would like to thank our search and rescue volunteers and members of the public that assisted with the search effort.”   Wed, 05 Apr 2023 01:03:25 Z /news/lower-south-island/man-dies-following-incident-in-southland/ /news/lower-south-island/man-dies-following-incident-in-southland/ A man was found dead after emergency services were called to reports of someone in difficulty in Southland. A police spokesperson said emergency services were called to the Hokonui Hills, near Mandeville Rd, Southland about 8.10pm on Thursday. The call related to a report of someone in difficulty. The police spokesperson said the person had died at the scene. “His death will be referred to the Coroner.” Thu, 23 Mar 2023 23:32:33 Z /news/lower-south-island/wild-boar-knocks-over-man-in-late-night-central-otago-garden-attack/ /news/lower-south-island/wild-boar-knocks-over-man-in-late-night-central-otago-garden-attack/ A quiet evening on the deck shooting the breeze and listening to music ended with a midnight dash for medical help and fears for the safety of children in a remote Central Otago village. Steve Easton and his mate Mike Mitchell, both of Oamaru, were on the deck of Easton’s St Bathans holiday cottage on Tuesday night when they heard a noise in the garden. Looking down, they saw a sow with six piglets. Easton went to chase them off and close the gate. What he did not see was the boar with them. He chased the little family across the road and was about 30m from his cottage when he heard a noise in the gravel nearby. “[The boar] was just flying. He hit me head-on.” Easton was knocked over a bank and was unconscious for nearly 30 minutes. When he came to he knew he was injured. “I thought ‘things are not too good’,” he said. His face was cut and bruised, and it looked like the boar’s tusks had just missed his eye. Worst of all was his dislocated shoulder. “I’m a tough old bugger but it was incredibly sore.” The marks on Steve Easton’s face show how close the a wild boar’s tusk came to his eye when it attacked him outside his St Bathans holiday home on Tuesday evening. Photo / Anna Easton Later that night the pain was so bad Easton decided they had to leave immediately for Oamaru. They made it as far as Ranfurly before the pain became too much to bear. They stopped at the Maniototo Hospital where his dislocated shoulder was treated. St Bathans Area Community Association secretary Alison Fitzgerald said the wild pig problem was discussed at the group’s meeting last month. One of Easton’s neighbours reported finding 10 piglets near his property. Most of the land surrounding the village was managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) or part of large privately owned farming stations, she said. DOC was the largest land owner around St Bathans and owned most of the historic buildings. At the last association meeting there was frustration expressed that DOC seldom responded to emails, she said. The association planned to ask DOC for help with the pig problem as residents could not manage it. DOC Central Otago operations manager Nicola Holmes said the organisation was aware of reports of a person being attacked by a wild pig in St Bathans. She said DOC undertook wild animal control, including pig control, in areas of public conservation land (PCL) near St Bathans. However, the area directly around the St Bathans village had many different landowners, and comparatively small amounts of PCL, meaning a community approach was needed. DOC was keen to see how it could offer support, she said. DOC advised people not to approach wild pigs as they could be dangerous. Easton said he was worried about the safety of children in the village if they disturbed pigs while playing. “I couldn’t get over how cute these little fellas were.” A child could be entranced by the little pigs and be at risk from the adult ones, he said. - Julie Asher, Otago Daily Times Wed, 08 Mar 2023 19:59:28 Z /news/lower-south-island/queenstown-police-seek-public-help-after-serious-fight-in-city-centre/ /news/lower-south-island/queenstown-police-seek-public-help-after-serious-fight-in-city-centre/ A serious altercation in Queenstown city centre overnight has led local police to ask the public for help in identifying those involved. One man received serious injuries as a result of the fight, a second man was moderately injured. The incident began at 4.22am on Shotover St, local police confirmed in a statement. Different parties were involved in the altercation, both of the injured people were hospitalised due to the nature of their injuries. Queenstown Detective Constable Tim Risstrom said the early morning assault was being investigated by officers, and police were trying to piece together what happened. “[We] believe there were a number of other people nearby when the altercation began and we need to hear from them,” said Risstrom. Shotover St is a busy public street at the heart of Queenstown city centre stretching 650m, lined with numerous food and shopping outlets. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via their 105 phone service, quoting the reference number P053756343. Members of the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:52:31 Z /news/lower-south-island/twizel-crash-victim-remembered-by-family-givealittle-page-set-up-to-support-his-young-daughter-mother-siblings/ /news/lower-south-island/twizel-crash-victim-remembered-by-family-givealittle-page-set-up-to-support-his-young-daughter-mother-siblings/ The family of a man killed after a car crashed into a canal in the central South Island at the weekend has been remembered by his family as someone with “big” dreams who “always needed to be doing something”. The 29-year-old - named by his family as Lucas - was the only occupant in the car which crashed off Ōhau B Canal Bridge near Twizel in the Mackenzie District south of Canterbury on Saturday. His body was located last night by the police dive squad. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing and police today appealed for any witnesses to come forward. The man’s family have set up a Givealittle page to raise funds for his funeral and to support his mother, siblings and young daughter. “My cousin, Lucas, passed away after a terrible accident ... him and his vehicle veered off course and plunged into the canal,” his cousin Emily Croft wrote on the fundraising page. “I need your help please, my aunty has lost her husband in recent years and has not been able to work due to the grief, and now she has lost her son too. “We are not a family of financial means, we are a rural farming whānau. “I’d like to gather some donations to help with the costs of the tangi (funeral), accommodation for family and friends, food, travel, and hopefully something to support his daughter, mother, grandparents, and brothers.” Croft said Lucas was “a father, a farmer, a hunter, and always needed to be doing something”. “He would often pace around the house when he had nothing to do - saying repeatedly ‘let’s go do something -anything! Come on ya townies let’s go to the river, up the hill, hunting, fishing ...’,” she explained. “He would look at my brother and I, simple town folk who he was hell-bent on getting us out onto the farm.” Croft shared her favourite memories of Lucas. “He taught me to ride a motorbike - well he laughed as I tried anyway,” she wrote. “He loved making RnB CDs and driving about the countryside listening to NeYo, Rihanna, Beyonce and Stan Walker. “He loved his dogs, especially Bro, and we would take them everywhere we went. “My fondest memory of Lucas was sitting up on the hill overlooking our Grandad’s farm, and we would talk about how when we were ‘big’ we would take over the farm for Grandad and yarn for ages about our dreams.” The Givealittle page was set up today and can be found here. If you have information about the fatal crash please contact the police. Call the non-emergency number 105 or visit https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and quote the file number 230115/5559. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 23:05:51 Z /news/lower-south-island/wanaka-man-named-as-deceased-in-lake-wakatipu-tragedy/ /news/lower-south-island/wanaka-man-named-as-deceased-in-lake-wakatipu-tragedy/ Police have confirmed the man killed in a South Island lake tragedy was 48-year-old Linkin Kisling. The Wanaka resident, whom police confirmed is a father, went missing after attempting to rescue a swimmer at Lake Wakatipu, near Queenstown. Emergency services were first called to Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy at about 2.55pm on Friday, Kisling had entered the water to assist a person but failed to exit the water himself. According to a Glenorchy resident, who spoke to the Otago Daily Times, a father and son had got into trouble in the water. It’s believed Kisling was trying to rescue his son when he went missing. A St John spokeswoman said an ambulance, a first response unit and a helicopter were sent to the scene on Friday. One patient with minor injuries was taken to Lakes District Hospital by road. Police initiated a search involving six boats while a helicopter was on a sandbank near the wharf. Photo / ODT A second helicopter was stood down before it arrived at the scene, the spokeswoman said. As a result of Kisling going missing, police initiated a search involving six boats, including some from Dart River Adventures, while a helicopter was on a sandbank near the wharf. A fisherman who was at Greenstone when the incident was reported had also taken part in the search. He was “gobsmacked that anything could happen here,” the fisherman said. The water near where emergency services were called to was basically waist deep, although there was a drop-off which could catch people out, the fisherman said. A police spokesperson said divers recovered the Kisling’s body about 3pm on Saturday. Police have thanked all those that took part in search efforts and provided assistance to whānau as the incident unfolded, with the Kisling’s death then referred to the coroner. They also confirmed a rāhui, or prohibition is in place on an area that covers Glenorchy and the Dart River end of Lake Wakatipu until 3pm on Tuesday. “The rāhui has been placed on behalf of Rūnanga o Ōtākou and Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua Kāhui, a blessing was held at the site yesterday,” a spokesperson said. Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:52:39 Z /news/lower-south-island/alexandra-teen-drowned-in-bath-after-huffing-butane-finds-coroner/ /news/lower-south-island/alexandra-teen-drowned-in-bath-after-huffing-butane-finds-coroner/ A Central Otago teenager who drowned in her bath was huffing butane at the time, a coroner has found. Jorja Ashley Stewart, 13, was found unresponsive in her Alexandra home on July 2, 2019 and could not be revived by family members or paramedics. No physical in-court inquest was held into the death, and Coroner Meenal Duggal released her written findings this week. “I find that it is most likely that Jorja was inhaling/huffing Rexona in the bath with the doors and windows locked, which inadvertently resulted in her becoming unconscious and slipping under the water, drowning, prior to regaining sufficient consciousness,” she said. Jorja’s friends provided statements confirming they had experimented with huffing on several occasions. One told police that they would use a facecloth or towel to inhale deodorant until they experienced “head spins”. They would repeat this two or three times in one sitting, sometimes going for half an hour. A friend said Jorja would do it when she was “stressed or wanted to have fun”. She was aware Jorja had been huffing on her own just a couple of months before her death because she had sent a Snapchat message to that effect. On July 1, 2019, the teenager had asked her mother to buy deodorant – an ordinary purchase. The next day, just hours before her death, Jorja was reportedly smiling and messaging friends on the ride home from school. While her mother spoke with a friend, she opted to take a bath. It was something Jorja did frequently, the coroner said. When her sister returned home at 5pm, the teen had been in the bath for nearly an hour, and there was no response when she was asked if she wanted to go on a bike ride. Family accessed the locked bathroom to find Jorja in the bath, a can of deodorant in the water beside her. Police found no suspicious circumstances, and measurement of the can showed more than a third of its contents had been used. Coroner Duggal said the dangers of inhaling butane had been the subject of numerous coronial comments and recommendations, and had resulted in public safety campaigns. Between 2000 and 2012, 63 people had died as a result of intentionally inhaling butane-based substances, of which 87 per cent were under 24 years old, the youngest being 12. - Rob Kidd, ODT Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:33:25 Z /news/lower-south-island/water-restrictions-in-place-for-queenstown/ /news/lower-south-island/water-restrictions-in-place-for-queenstown/ Queenstown’s council has put water restrictions in place, with immediate effect. The Queenstown Lakes District Council said this evening it had implemented water restrictions for the district, and was asking the community to conserve water as much as possible. The water alert level 1 restrictions require residents and visitors to: - Keep hand-held hosing to a minimum at all times - Only use irrigation sprinklers between midnight and 6am when general demand is at its lowest. QLDC Infrastructure Operations Manager Simon Mason said local networks were seeing significant demand as a result of the sustained warm dry weather, putting pressure on supply. “We have observed extended periods where water is being drawn from the networks’ reservoirs faster than it can be replaced, which obviously isn’t sustainable and can compromise the volume of water available to respond to an emergency, such as a fire or system failure. “By taking a few simple steps now everyone can help ensure that the network remains in good shape, especially with the hot weather forecast to stick around.” “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will remove the restrictions once demand has fallen to more sustainable levels. I’d like to thank the local community in advance for their co-operation. We’ll be providing further updates when things change.” Residents and visitors are also being asked to check Fire Emergency New Zealand’s (FENZ) safety tool before letting off fireworks, due to heightened fire risk as a result of the hot and dry weather. More information about water restriction levels and why they are needed can be found on the QLDC website here. Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:47:30 Z /news/lower-south-island/queenstown-man-arrested-after-crashing-his-car-and-involvement-in-assault/ /news/lower-south-island/queenstown-man-arrested-after-crashing-his-car-and-involvement-in-assault/ A Queenstown man has been arrested and charged with a number of driving and drinking offences, after crashing his car and getting involved in an alleged assault. Police confirmed they were made aware of an incident on Coronet Peak Rd shortly before 6am on Thursday. They responded to a car which crashed after being signalled by police to pull over. The driver, more than 150mcgs over the alcohol limit, then engaged in an alleged assault. A police spokesperson said a person involved was transported to the hospital for assessment while the driver, a 27-year-old man, was taken into custody. The man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court tomorrow on charges of driving in a dangerous manner and breath alcohol level over 400mcgs. He’s also charged with failing to stop when followed by blue and red flashing lights. Wed, 07 Dec 2022 23:19:40 Z /news/lower-south-island/dog-kills-little-blue-penguin-at-%C5%8Damaru-harbour/ /news/lower-south-island/dog-kills-little-blue-penguin-at-%C5%8Damaru-harbour/ Waitaki District Council is reminding dog owners to keep their pets on a lead after a little blue penguin (kororā) was killed by a dog at Ōamaru Harbour on Sunday. “The entire Ōamaru Harbour area is a beautiful space to exercise dogs, but it is an on-lead area. This means dogs need to be on their leads and under effective control at all times,” council senior compliance officer Tristan Hope said. Signs let the public know that the Ōamaru Harbour area is an on-lead area under the Waitaki Dog Control Bylaw. Dogs are also prohibited in the harbour area between sunset and sunrise because of the increased penguin activity. The ouncil is working with the Penguin Colony to update the signs to ensure everyone is aware of the rules and remind the public of the severity of affecting a protected species in New Zealand. Owners of dogs that kill protected wildlife face conviction and a prison term of up to three years or a fine of $20,000, or both. The dog may also be ordered to be destroyed. Waitaki District Council senior compliance officer, Tristan Hope and Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony science and environmental manager, Dr Philippa Agnew. Photo / WDC Dog owners found breaching council bylaws can also face an infringement fine of $300. The loss of the penguin on Sunday could affect an entire nest as penguins work as a mating team and rely on each other to raise their chicks. “We have been lucky enough to have an extended breeding season with the first eggs spotted in May. The chicks in the colony are close to fledging so we really want to send a strong reminder to please keep your dogs on their lead while visiting the Ōamaru Harbour area,” Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony science and environmental manager, Dr Philippa Agnew said. Dog owners can set an example to other owners by keeping their dogs on lead as there is a variety of wildlife at the harbour, including shags who are also breeding.  “Shag chicks are also beginning to fledge in the harbour area, please keep your dogs away from these young birds too,” Agnew said. Any member of the public who saw or has any further information about Sunday’s death, is asked to contact the council on (03) 433 0300. Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:48:18 Z /news/lower-south-island/invercargill-man-allegedly-threw-petrol-punched-flatmate/ /news/lower-south-island/invercargill-man-allegedly-threw-petrol-punched-flatmate/ A man allegedly threw petrol over his flatmate then punched and stomped on her, a jury heard yesterday. Gregory William Claxton, 60, denies two charges of assault with intent to injure, common assault and threatening to kill his flatmate on September 19 last year. The jury trial began before Judge Russell Walker in the Invercargill District Court yesterday. In his opening, Crown lawyer Mike Brownlie said while Claxton and Karleene May Fraser had been in a relationship, the offending took place after they had broken up but were still living together at Claxton’s Nelson St home in Invercargill. Claxton had returned from his son’s house about 6.15pm and had a conversation with Fraser as she lay on the couch. After making a cup of coffee for himself, he returned to sit on the couch and it was then Fraser told him she wanted to sleep. This enraged him, Brownlie said. “He nutted off. He was angry. He was swearing at her.” Claxton then threatened to burn the house down. He left the lounge, returning with a petrol container, and poured the petrol over Fraser as she lay on the couch, Brownlie said. “The Crown say the complainant [Fraser] started screaming and tried to get off the couch. The defendant’s response was to push her back on the couch and begin punching her.” When Fraser tried to break free, Claxton pushed her on to the couch and started stomping on her. Admitted statements of fact were read out by Brownlie in court yesterday. The first one was from a neighbour who said he heard screaming coming from a neighbouring property. At first he thought it was children, but after he heard the words “help me” he went outside to investigate. He got Fraser to come back to his house and called the police. Another statement was from a Southland Hospital doctor, who said Fraser smelt of petrol when she came in to be examined. The petrol was removed by way of a decontamination shower and the examination showed no signs of swelling, bruising or grazes to Fraser’s body or face. Claxton’s lawyer Richard Little said there was an argument on the night which led to Claxton asking Fraser to leave. However, his client denied there was a threat to kill. “It was simply a straightforward demand to get out.” He said the spilling of petrol on Fraser was accidental. “It’s denied there was any punching or stomping at all,” Little said. This was backed up by the doctor’s statement of fact about her lack of injuries, he said. The trial continues today. - Karen Pasco, ODT Wed, 02 Nov 2022 20:31:39 Z /news/lower-south-island/queenstowns-coronet-peak-closes-after-perfect-ski-season/ /news/lower-south-island/queenstowns-coronet-peak-closes-after-perfect-ski-season/ Much like the start of the ski season, the weather well and truly turned it on for Coronet Peak's closing day. From the first mammoth dump of snow in June, to yesterday's bluebird skies and spring temperatures, Coronet's ski season had been the "perfect" way to emerge from the pandemic, ski area manager Nigel Kerr said. "We've had some amazing snow all season and an early opening and an extended season — that's a pretty good outcome." While sturdy visitation numbers were expected, it wasn't until after the first week of operating the "penny dropped" and "a hell of a season" took off. "We didn't really budget for Covid to come off ... but we've had an amazing season. It's certainly the biggest season at Coronet Peak that I've seen while I've been here. "The count continues, but I think we're slightly over 60 per cent ... compared to where we budgeted." As well as welcoming Australians back to the slopes, officially marking Matariki up the mountain and celebrating Coronet's 75th anniversary have been the highlights of the winter, he said. However, the season wasn't without its challenges. From the get-go, it was a process of "fighting fires", including avalanche risks, clearing "non-stop" snow in the early winter and developing a robust workforce, he said. "One [challenge] was staffing and, to be fair, we haven't been able to manage fantastically well; but what it means was those that were here worked really hard. "A lot of staff have come through the season with us and they are the [cream of the crop] and I have nothing but my admiration for all of them." Although things were still pretty snowy up Coronet, he was already looking forward to getting on his mountain bike for the peak's summer offerings, Kerr said. "We'll just have a pause now ... and then start working towards next season." - Lucy Wormald, ODT Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:34:45 Z /news/lower-south-island/mycoplasma-bovis-another-mid-canterbury-property-tests-positive/ /news/lower-south-island/mycoplasma-bovis-another-mid-canterbury-property-tests-positive/ A property within the newly-identified Mycoplasma bovis control zone has tested positive for the cattle disease. Last week, it was announced the Wakanui area of Mid-Canterbury will face strict biosecurity measures, including a Controlled Area Notice (CAN), to eliminate a pocket of infection in the area. M. bovis programme director Simon Andrew today confirmed a beef property in the red area of the CAN is infected."We are also undertaking testing on another property in the area which is likely to be confirmed infected in the coming weeks," he said. The CAN, which comes into force on October 13, is a precautionary measure to restrict the movement of cattle in an effort to stop M. bovis circulating in the area. It coincided with the planned depopulation of a nearby feedlot, which Andrew said was an important step toward eradication. While the area is already under tight controls, and farms with known infection or suspected infection are under movement restriction, the CAN provides an extra layer of protection for farmers outside of the boundary by restricting animal movements out of the area. "We are intensifying our efforts to get to the tail end of the disease faster, which means farmers can expect to see more testing and more investigation into areas where there is residual risk, such as any possible transmission routes," Andrew said. Background surveillance and risk movements will continue to be followed up by MPI staff, along with the national Bulk Milk Test (BMT) and Beef and Drystock Cattle surveillance programmes. Andrew explained that this meant farmers could expect to continue to see M. bovis Eradication Programme staff on-farm. "Some farmers will be called to confirm whether they have cattle on their property for some time." MPI's BMT programme was going well, with no unexpected finds in recent months, Andrew said. "August 2022 is on track to be the first August since 2018 with no confirmed infection detected via bulk tank milk surveillance." Andrew acknowledged the hard work of the 272 farmers who had to cull their herds thus far and said it was crucial to protect the investment made to date. "It's also more important than ever that farmers continue to keep accurate NAIT records, as well as details of on-farm activity. "Tracing animal movements remains our best tool to quickly track the movements of infected animals, or animals at risk of infection." There are currently four confirmed properties in Mid-Canterbury - the only area in the country with infection. This compares to about 40 nationwide at the height of M. bovis. Thu, 29 Sep 2022 22:32:22 Z /news/lower-south-island/rental-property-scam-australian-worker-left-out-of-pocket-in-queenstown/ /news/lower-south-island/rental-property-scam-australian-worker-left-out-of-pocket-in-queenstown/ An Aussie working in Queenstown for the winter has fallen prey to a rental property scam. Paolo Scarpelli, 29, arrived in the resort at the end of last month to work as a liftie at Coronet Peak, but within a week found himself out of pocket, to the tune of $2200, and out of a home. Scarpelli turned to Facebook to find somewhere to live and was quickly contacted by a woman claiming to have a one-bedroom flat available for $250 a week in Dublin St. ''We got talking and she said, 'contact me by email from here on' … and then gave me the conditions and a contract to sign,'' he says. Scarpelli's requests to take a look at the place before signing were ignored, and he was told the security deposit was $1200 plus four weeks' rent, totalling $1000. Agreeing to the conditions and signing the contract which ''looked legit'', Scarpelli says things soon got fishy. During the time it took for the payment to go through, the alleged property owner — who wasn't in New Zealand — ''harassed'' him with messages, and told him she needed payment before she'd hand over the keys. ''We had a quick, short video call and the person that I saw did not match the profile picture [of the alleged property owner],'' Scarpelli says. He visited the property with his mates and says it didn't match with photos he'd seen, and there were people living there. Confronting the alleged property owner, Scarpelli was told the house was occupied by her sister who was supposed to be organising renting it out. ''It just didn't check out.'' Realising he'd been swindled, Scarpelli filed a police report and contacted his bank — he was told the transaction had been re-directed, a common sign of a scam. Police told him there's little they can do, while his bank says if they can get his money back, it may take up to seven weeks. He suspects there'll be other similar scams here and hopes people wise up before it's too late, at the very least meeting property owners before handing over money - Lucy Wormald, Mountain Scene Mon, 19 Sep 2022 22:29:35 Z /news/lower-south-island/weather-more-snow-forecast-for-the-south-island/ /news/lower-south-island/weather-more-snow-forecast-for-the-south-island/ Keep the fires banked and the stock sheltered — more snow down to 300m is forecast for Otago and Southland tomorrow. MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan said a trough was expected to move northwards across the country tomorrow afternoon and overnight into Wednesday, bringing cold southerlies which would deliver snow to some higher roads and passes around the regions. "We are expecting snow down to around 400m in Dunedin late on Tuesday and that will drop a bit lower overnight into Wednesday morning, but we're expecting it to just stay up in the hill suburbs, unlike last week's event where it got right down to sea level. Snowfall over next three days for lower South Island. Photo / snow-forecast.com "For sure, we're expecting a good dusting on the hills with that southerly flick that comes through in the later part of Tuesday." He said the situation would be similar for the entire southern region. "The southerly change that arrives brings the heaviest snow-producing precipitation with it around midday in Southland, and will move up the country, arriving at Dunedin around 3pm." Snow was expected to fall to 300m in Southland and Clutha, below 400m in Otago, and temperatures could drop as low as -3C on Wednesday. Now that farmers were in the full swing of lambing and calving, he advised them to be well prepared again and move stock to sheltered areas in case the snow fell to lower than forecast. "It's best to keep an eye on the forecast to see if any of the snow levels change and take any action to secure livestock." Changeable weather was typical of spring, and fluctuations in temperature were expected, he said. It was not uncommon to get warm, settled weather followed by cold outbreaks at this time of year. Sun, 11 Sep 2022 21:41:37 Z /news/lower-south-island/two-day-south-westland-search-by-armed-police-for-missing-tramper-who-made-threats-and-went-bush/ /news/lower-south-island/two-day-south-westland-search-by-armed-police-for-missing-tramper-who-made-threats-and-went-bush/ A reported case of a "missing tramper" was actually a serial absconder who terrified elderly hikers and fled into deep bush to avoid armed police out hunting for him. Police spoke on Monday about a successful search and rescue mission for a tramper missing in remote, "unforgiving" south Westland country over the weekend. They made no mention about an aggressive individual who sparked a dramatic high-country chase. However, a tramper who encountered the missing man at Welcome Flat Hut in Copland Valley was so troubled by the police's sanitised version of events given to media, that he contacted the Herald to tell his side. It involved a stranger's bizarre actions, threatening language, and absconding when police were called, taking off into the bush, crossing a high and freezing Copland River and avoiding a police dog, search and rescue (SAR) tracker dog, helicopters, and thermal imaging. The man, who has a history of absconding and who the Herald has decided not to name due to concerns over his mental health, had been camping in a tent directly beside the Copland Pass track to Welcome Flat Hut. On Friday, a group of trampers, who know the area well, came across him 15 minutes into their planned weekend in the area, and found him chatty and calm. Later, when they were at the Welcome Flat Hut, the man joined them, and after initially being friendly, albeit "slightly manic" and making odd comments, became aggressive during the evening. Police officers get ready to search for the man. Photo / Supplied One witness, who spoke to the Herald, said that an elderly group of three people had asked the man to quieten down when he started screaming and kicking their door as they barricaded themselves inside. "He was trying to kick in the door," the witness said. "He was anti-authority – he just didn't like being told what to do." After managing to calm him down, the man then stayed up all night, the witness said. When the man's erratic actions continued the next day, cleaning and digging trenches that he filled with coal – and the elderly group left - a DoC hut warden was informed, who tried to reason with the man, before phoning the police later on Saturday. Anyone who challenged him were called "Nazis" and "fascists", the witness said. Three police officers, armed with Glocks and Tasers, flew in via helicopter on Sunday morning, reportedly telling the tramping group that they knew who the man was and that they should try to leave him alone. But at the sound of the chopper, the man took off. A fruitless search ended and one police officer flew out, while two officers waited for him to return to the hut. When he did come, the witness says other trampers tried to alert the police that he was back, which spooked him and he took off again. He was chased by police but after escaping across the strong-flowing, cold river, the chase was abandoned for the day. Another helicopter arrived with more police officers, a police dog and thermal imaging gear, along with a SAR team. The police dog got a scent of him and another pursuit began. The man was eventually found around midday on Monday near Douglas Rock Hut, about 10 hours from the road and four hours from where he was initially seen. He was airlifted by Greymouth's rescue helicopter and is now receiving medical attention, West Coast Area Commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said. The tramper said he hopes that the man gets the help he plainly needs. Wed, 07 Sep 2022 23:56:39 Z /news/lower-south-island/invercargill-firefighter-killed-by-pet-stag-during-roar-season/ /news/lower-south-island/invercargill-firefighter-killed-by-pet-stag-during-roar-season/ An Invercargill firefighter who was killed by his pet stag had been warned by his wife and colleagues not to go into the stag's paddock during the roar. A finding released by coroner Alexandra Cunninghame says Benjamin Henry McLean, 63, died on April 15, 2020, at his lifestyle property in Makarewa as a result of multiple traumatic injuries and blood loss after being gored by his stag. McLean and his partner, Binita Kumar, lived on the 4ha farm where they kept deer, pigs, sheep, alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks. The bigger of two red stags kept at the farm, Robert, was four years old and had been bottle-reared by McLean and Kumar. The two stags had been separated because of fighting due to the rutting season, or roar, as it is commonly known. As a result, Robert was put in a paddock with high deer fencing and three other red deer hinds. Kumar, who was scared of Robert, had told McLean they should sell the stag but McLean reassured her that he would be safe because the stag knew him well. "Ms Kumar, as well as Mr McLean's colleagues, had told him not to go into the paddock with stags during the roar," the coroner's report said. On April 15, 2020, McLean went out to the farm at 11am and had not returned when Kumar left for work. When he did not turn up for his shift, McLean's colleagues became concerned and went to his farm. While searching the property, they found McLean pushed up against the fence, with serious injuries and ripped clothing. One of his colleagues checked McLean's pulse through the fence but could not find one. "During investigation, the police identified rut marks in the grass near Mr McLean's body, and the broken tip of an antler near him. Robert's antlers had blood on them," the report said. A WorkSafe New Zealand guideline for safe deer handling, referred to in the findings, says from late January onwards, stags tend to become more aggressive. Cunninghame's recommendations included Federated Farmers providing information on McLean's death to its members, "with a particular focus on its lifestyle block owner membership, in order to promote awareness among the community". The organisation has already advised it would be happy to do so, saying it would time its messaging for the 2022-23 summer. Tue, 30 Aug 2022 02:12:18 Z /news/lower-south-island/weather-snow-warnings-in-place-across-south-island-as-cold-blast-sweeps-up-country/ /news/lower-south-island/weather-snow-warnings-in-place-across-south-island-as-cold-blast-sweeps-up-country/ Snow warnings are in place across much of the South Island as a cold blast sweeps up the country. MetService says a cold south to southeast flow is expected to spread north over the South Island today, bringing snow and ushering in low temperatures for the next few days. Heavy snow warnings and watches are in place for Southland, Otago and Canterbury today, while some areas can also expect heavy rain and severe northwest gales. The forecaster says snow could affect several southern highways, including Dunedin's Northern Motorway and the alpine passes, throughout Sunday. Radar loop from 1am-7am shows a few features. Weak front over upper NI brings periods of rain, gradually easing through the day. A cold front in the far south is spreading north today, bringing snow to low levels, and there are snow warnings in effect. https://t.co/qHyE5zySvx pic.twitter.com/OODV92J33d— MetService (@MetService) August 6, 2022 By mid-morning all highways were still open but there were some restrictions in place: on State Highways 85 (Palmerston to Kyeburn) and 87 (Outram to Kyeburn) chains are essential and the roads are closed to towing vehicles. Chains must also be carried by those travelling over the Crown Range. There are heavy snow warnings for inland Canterbury, and heavy snow watches for Otago and Southland, where snow amounts could approach warning criteria above 200 metres. MetService said the widespread snow was "likely to significantly affect travel through these areas". Southeasterlies were likely to persist through to Wednesday, keeping temperatures low in the South. MetService said temperatures were forecast to drop as low as -3°C and the highs were not expected to reach double digits until the end of the week. Sun, 07 Aug 2022 03:05:28 Z /news/lower-south-island/juvenile-leopard-seal-shot-dead-at-southland-river-mouth/ /news/lower-south-island/juvenile-leopard-seal-shot-dead-at-southland-river-mouth/ The Department of Conservation is asking for the public's help after a juvenile leopard seal was shot and killed at the mouth of the Oreti River near Sandy Point in Southland. DoC was first alerted to the dead leopard seal on the morning of July 23. Initial investigations revealed the animal appeared to have been shot, most likely with a small-calibre rifle. Evidence on site also suggests a vehicle had been circling the animal, which may have caused it further distress. Leopard seals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 and offences against them carry significant penalties. "After collecting information and communicating with the local Waihopai rūnaka, it has been decided to allow the animal to decompose naturally," Doc senior biodiversity ranger Rosalind Cole said. "Leopard seals are considered a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu. Local iwi have expressed how sad and tragic it is that a member of the public would carry out such an act on a defenceless marine mammal. We completely agree." DoC is appealing for anyone with information to call their hotline - 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) - and ask for the Invercargill team. Leopard seals are easily identified by their snake-like appearance, with long slim bodies, disproportionately large heads, massive jaws and impressive teeth. They usually dwell in the Antarctic but visit New Zealand's shores sometimes, usually in autumn and winter. During initial investigations the juvenile leopard seal looked in otherwise good health, so it is unknown why it may have come ashore. Thu, 04 Aug 2022 01:31:31 Z /news/lower-south-island/south-island-ski-fields-get-bumper-snowfall-as-cold-snap-blasts-through/ /news/lower-south-island/south-island-ski-fields-get-bumper-snowfall-as-cold-snap-blasts-through/ A cold front that blasted over the South Island yesterday has ski fields rubbing gloved-hands with glee. While Christchurch, Nelson, and Marlborough were soaked by more heavy rain overnight, Canterbury ski fields received their best dumps of snow for the season. The fresh snap has since blown over the Mainland and snow warnings have now been lifted. MetService also says heavy snow has now eased on the Lewis, Arthur's and Porters passes and road warnings have also been removed. However, the weather won't stay calm for long. One weather event ends, another one begins. Fresh Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Watches for the next feature approaching from the west. This time, the west of the SI is in the firing line for heavy rain, starting late Mon into Tue. https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5 for details pic.twitter.com/UaIP2nUill— MetService (@MetService) July 30, 2022 Another weather system is expected in from the west late tomorrow into Tuesday, with more heavy rain and strong wind watches expected. "It's the winter that keeps on giving," said MetService meteorologist David Miller. And while today should be clear for most of the South Island, the north can expect a damp Sunday. Some showers and periods of rain over the North Island today should ease to start the working week, Miller said. And motorists on the Desert Rd still need to take care, with a road warning in place as snow showers are likely through this afternoon. MetService says 1-2cm of snow may accumulate on the road above 800m. Highs and lows for NZ's main centres tomorrow: Auckland high 15C low 7C Hamilton high 15C low 3C Tauranga high 15C low 5C Wellington high 12C low 9C Christchurch high 12C low 4C Dunedin high 12C 7C low Sun, 31 Jul 2022 02:35:17 Z /news/lower-south-island/salvation-army-slated-over-prices-at-queenstown-store/ /news/lower-south-island/salvation-army-slated-over-prices-at-queenstown-store/ A Queenstown woman says the price of goods at Gorge Rd's Salvation Army Family Store is extortionate, with some items costing hundreds of dollars. Bri Sexton, 24, says she, and many others, are "absolutely disgusted" with the price of clothing, furniture and homewares in the second hand store. She went there this week in search of furniture for her new flat, and was appalled to see a couch priced at $300, a rug at $120, and jackets, pants and dresses for over $150. "I genuinely don't understand that they're supposed to be a service here to help people, like myself, struggling, [but] I can't even afford to go in and get some warm clothes from them," she says. "I can't afford a really s****y couch for $300, I can't afford a jacket for $250 ... that's why I'm going to the Salvation Army." Sexton says with prices so high, the Family Store "doesn't help anyone in town". "For example, if you went in and you're really cold and you're struggling, just a single duvet is $20. "I just don't understand [how] they're justifying these prices when it's all donated goods." Sexton says she has always relied on the Family Store for reasonably priced clothing and homewares, and previously it was her first port of call. However, she alleges the store is now taking advantage of Queenstown's reputation of being expensive. Bri Sexton was appalled at the prices in the secondhand store. Photo / Mountain Scene "I think they're using the name 'Queenstown' to be able to try to justify those prices ... if anything, there's more of a reason for you to have reasonable prices because the cost to live here alone is so high." She believes the store is not catering, as it should, to the growing pool of people struggling financially post-Covid. "If anything, they should be cheaper now than they were five years ago." Sexton asked the manager this week why prices are so high and was allegedly told it relates to the store's overheads and because times are "tough". "Yeah, times are tough, that's why people are coming to a charity," Sexton says. "Many people in town [feel similarly], and I just don't understand how they keep getting away with it." Salvation Army Family Store national manager Gareth Marshall says as well as generated profits from donated goods going back into the community, the stores are a source of clothing and goods for other people in crisis. He says prices are set by each store manager, who is "based in the community", and items are priced to sell. "If people are in a financial situation where they are unable to afford items at our Family Stores, we encourage them to discuss this with the store manager or contact their local Salvation Army Community ministries team." Neither the Central Lakes Family Store area manager nor the Gorge Rd store manager could be reached for comment. - Lucy Wormald, ODT Thu, 28 Jul 2022 22:52:04 Z /news/lower-south-island/skifield-bosses-want-answers-from-aurora-after-three-power-cuts-in-three-weeks/ /news/lower-south-island/skifield-bosses-want-answers-from-aurora-after-three-power-cuts-in-three-weeks/ Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr says power supply failures are posing a massive health and safety risk for NZSki's customers, and he fears a "perfect hypothermic storm". Yesterday morning, the skifield, along with more than 2300 Arrowtown, Dalefield and Arthurs Point residents, lost power for the third time in three weeks — and the second time since last Friday. Kerr said it was only good fortune the outage happened before the skifield opened. "We did have one patroller on the line, but if it had been five minutes later, we could have had a full line of people who are sitting up there in the cold while we back up and run them off. "What happens if this happens — and there's a good chance it will — when we're at full power? "If it's cold or windy, then you've got the perfect hypothermic storm," he said. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the situation was "unacceptable", and the company yesterday requested an urgent meeting with Dunedin City Council-owned Aurora Energy. "We need to expect more from network providers. "While I shouldn't jump to conclusions, it's reasonably well-documented that there has been an under-investment in the network." Kerr alleged the two earlier power cuts, on June 22 and July 1, were caused by a cracked lighting arrestor, stemming from "a total lack of maintenance on the line". He further alleged he had been told by an Aurora employee recently, by way of explanation, "we got a stadium". That is a reference to the almost $30 million in subvention payments Aurora and its then-sister company, Delta, paid towards Forsyth Barr Stadium over the five years to 2016. Two investigations found Aurora under-invested in its network, including during the period it was paying subvention payments. "We're at the far-flung end of the universe as far as Aurora is [concerned] ... "It's decades of under-investment and pillaging of profit by the DCC to the benefit of its ratepayers, not Aurora's, or Delta's, customers." However, Aurora Energy people and customer general manager Sian Sutton said the company was "unable to speculate" on the cause of the faults until an investigation was complete. That was expected to be finished by the end of this week. "Until we find the cause and can repair it, there is a possibility it may happen again. "If it does, we would like to reassure customers that we are able to restore power quickly." Anderson said the impact on the business, and Queenstown, was significant. "You've obviously got reputational issues, for a start, when you've got a network provider who can't do the one job that they have to do, which is keep the lights on, let alone the health and safety issues if we've got a full ski area with power going down," Anderson said. The Remarkables had an on-site generator, capable of running all of its chairlifts if required, but NZSki tried to avoid using that because it ran on diesel. "We would rather be in a position where we can rely on clean power coming off the national grid, rather than having to burn diesel, for health and safety reasons," Anderson said. "If you end up in a situation where you've got an unreliable network, as it looks like we have, you've got major power users like ourselves having to look to do what you call embedded generation, and we certainly do not want to be burning diesel to do that." Wed, 06 Jul 2022 21:04:21 Z /news/lower-south-island/weather-more-snow-likely-in-south-island-crown-range-shut/ /news/lower-south-island/weather-more-snow-likely-in-south-island-crown-range-shut/ The path to the firewood pile will be starting to get well worn by now, and the bad news is, this cold snap looks like it will persist for a while longer. Queenstown, in particular, is feeling the effects. Temperatures at the resort's airport have not exceeded 10degC in the past six days and the most recent forecast shows it could remain in the single digits for the next 10 days. The Crown Range remains closed from the Eastburn Gates through to Cardrona this afternoon. A spokesman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said an avalanche assessment was completed yesterday, and road crews were working to clear "an impressive amount of snow" from the road from early today. The alternative route via State Highway 6 and the Kawarau Gorge is open. "While it might be a bit warmer and drier today, there are still going to be patches of ice lurking out there and plenty of grit too, so drive with caution. Extra care is required in shady spots and when crossing bridge decks." Meanwhile, the top section of the Tiki Trail will be closed over the next few days due to recent snowfall and icy conditions, QLDC advised today. An alternative route is via the Skyline access road where people can then rejoin the Tiki Trail. Signage is in place. The Lindis Pass (SH8) has been gritted, but there are still patches of ice around so extra care is required if using that route today. Crews continue working hard to clear snow from the Crown Range summit. We're hopeful the road will be open again tomorrow morning, but will confirm in our Winter Road Report before 7.00am. pic.twitter.com/hdFlcbKFtj— QLDC (@QueenstownLakes) June 15, 2022 In Central Otago, the Danseys Pass Road was closed due to snow on the Waitaki side, but reopened this morning. However, the road is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles (from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel). MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the average June temperature for Queenstown was 9degC, but it was unusual for the temperature to remain in single digits for so long. "Usually we'd have a run of southerly winds and then they would turn around to the north and bring a day or two of warmer temperatures before the next southerly arrives. We're not seeing that at the moment." Ferris said the southwest shift in wind direction was keeping a persistent flow of cool air across the country, alongside a heavy snow watch for southern Central Otago, Clutha and much of Southland and Fiordland today. He said snow was expected down to 300m, with periods of heavy snow possible above 400m. Snow amounts may approach warning criteria above 400m, he said. Cardrona skifield had been expected to open today but has pushed it back to tomorrow. Coronet Peak was scheduled to also open tomorrow. Winds gusted up to 131kmh in parts of Otago and Southland yesterday, and strong wind warnings and watches were still in force around the region today, where severe west to southwest gales could gust up to 120kmh in exposed places. The winds were expected to ease off tomorrow and Friday, he said. Wed, 15 Jun 2022 02:42:43 Z /news/lower-south-island/weather-lindis-pass-open-after-work-to-clear-15m-of-snow/ /news/lower-south-island/weather-lindis-pass-open-after-work-to-clear-15m-of-snow/ The Lindis Pass is now open as work to clear 1.5 metres of snow has been completed. A number of alpine passes in the South Island were closed after a dump of heavy snow over the weekend. The road reopened this morning but motorists are advised to use caution due to Ice. The Lindis Pass (SH8) was one of the worst affected and had been closed since Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Metservice is warning of a surge of heavy southwest swells on the southern and eastern coasts in the next of couple days with waves as high as eight metres expected. Heavy westerly waves which have caused significant inundation from Wesland to Taranaki, is on the ease today.A surge of heavy southwest swell is still forecast over southern & eastern coasts in the next couple days with 8m waves expected over Southland/Fiordland coast. pic.twitter.com/5pOPu94P2v— MetService (@MetService) June 13, 2022 Roads still closed The Crown Range Rd was still closed due to avalanche activity at 11.30am. The Crown Range Rd after heavy snowfall over the weekend. Photo / Supplied "Following what can only be described as 'snowmageddon' Crown Range Road will remain closed between the Eastburn Gates and Cardrona. "The assessment will help us understand what works are required to make sure all drivers using the alpine pass and our crews up there working are doing so in as-safe-as-possible conditions," a spokesperson for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said. The council is working to organise avalanche experts and hope to undertake the assessment at 9am this morning. The Upper Buller Gorge was still closed due to a slip at 11.30am with an update expected at 1pm. Caution urged on highways Motorists are being warned to use caution on a number of highways in the South Island this morning. SH65 Maruia to Shenandoah - surface flooding with a 50km/h in place. SH1 Waimate Junction (SH82) to Oamaru - down to 70km/h due to slippery surface. SH7 Hanmer turnoff to Springs Junction - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH8 Tekapo to Twizel - snow and ice conditions. SH8 Burkes Pass Village to Tekapo SH80 Aoraki Mount Cook Highway - snow and ice conditions. SH6 Hokitika to Fox Glacier - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH6 Westport to Greymouth - flooding. SH65 Maruia to Springs Junction - flooding. SH67 Granity to Mokihinui - flooding. SH1 Dunedin to Glanavy - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH6 Cromwell to Kingston - ice and grit. SH6A Frankton to Queenstown - ice and grit. SH8 Raes Junction to Milton - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH8 Alexandra to Cromwell - ice and grit. SH8 Tarras to Omarama - ice and grit. SH8 Twizel to Omarama - snow and ice conditions. SH83 Omarama to Otematata - snow. SH85 Kyeburn to Palmerston - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH85 Alexandra to Kyeburn - ice and grit SH87 Outram to Kyeburn - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH90 Raes Junction to McNab - strong winds. Care is required by caravans and high-sided vehicles, motorbikes. SH96 Mataura, between Terrace Rd and SH1 - slip repair works until Wednesday, 30km/h temporary speed. Weather warnings in south An orange strong wind warning is in place for coastal parts of southern Fiordland and Southland including Stewart Island until 6am on Wednesday. A mammoth effort is under way to clear the Lindis Pass of more than a metre of snow. Photo / George Heard Strong wind watches are in place for coastal Dunedin and Clutha. Snowfall warnings remain in place for a number of roads in the South Island with many being lifted later today. The Crown Range Rd after heavy snowfall over the weekend. Photo / Supplied The warnings cover the Lewis Pass (SH7) until 8am, Arthur's Pass (SH73) until 11am, Crown Range Rd until 6pm and the Milford Rd (SH94) until 9am on Wednesday An 九一星空无限 photojournalist at the Lindis Pass on Monday said 1.5 metres of snow had fallen on the summit over the last few days. Contractors are doing everything they can to get the road open, they said. Crews are working on both sides using graders and tractors to clear the large amount of snow to allow the road to open. On Monday afternoon, residents in parts of Northern Buller were being encouraged to evacuate as severe weather, including flooding and strong sea surges, continued to lash the area. Flooding in Buller on the West Coast on Monday. Photo / Supplied Mayor Jamie Cleine said emergency operations staff had been out meeting with residents in Ngakawau, Granity, Hector and Mokihinui. Cleine said staff had gone into these rural areas and encouraged residents to stay the night with friends and family on higher ground. It comes after snow blanketed parts of Central Otago on Sunday, bringing joy to the region's ski fields, with Cardrona ski field opening early and other southern mountains set to follow suit in the coming days. The wild winter weather created chaos across parts of Otago and Southland during the weekend, and forecasters are urging southerners to brace themselves for more of the same over the next few days. Heavy rain, snow showers and winds gusting up to 100km/h kept emergency services busy in Dunedin with small landslips in Caversham; heavy flooding in Marne St, Andersons Bay; fencing and a fallen tree over roads; and ice on the Northern Motorway. Wanaka residents woke up to a major dump of snow on Sunday morning. Photo / George Heard A police spokeswoman said it was a similar scene in Central Otago and the Lakes area. Heavy rainfall yesterday caused flooding on State Highway 6 between Luggate and Cromwell as well as at the intersection of Frankton and Perkins Rds, in Queenstown. Police were also alerted to several weather-related incidents across the region as cars struggled in slippery conditions, including a car which slid backwards on ice down Weaver St, Queenstown, about 3pm yesterday. Glenorchy residents woke up to a major dumping of snow on Sunday morning. Photo / George Heard MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said temperatures dropped below zero for much of the region, including Dunedin Airport where it dropped to -4.4degC yesterday morning. He said snowfall was heaviest in the Lakes area and the Milford Rd where about 70cm fell at the Homer Tunnel; and in a rare event, it fell to sea level on Stewart Island. - Additional reporting Otago Daily Times Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:30:58 Z /news/lower-south-island/weather-crews-working-to-clear-15m-of-snow-on-lindis-pass/ /news/lower-south-island/weather-crews-working-to-clear-15m-of-snow-on-lindis-pass/ A mammoth effort is under way to clear the Lindis Pass of more than a metre of snow. A number of alpine passes in the South Island were closed after a dump of heavy snow over the weekend. An 九一星空无限 photojournalist at the scene says 1.5 metres of snow has fallen on the summit of the Lindis Pass over the last few days. Contractors are doing everything they can to get the road open, they said. Crews are working on both sides using graders and tractors to clear the large amount of snow to allow the road to open. Graders were being used to clear the snow on the Lindis Pass on Monday morning. Photo / George Heard A spokesperson for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the road will remain closed overnight with an update expected at 10am on Tuesday. A mammoth effort is under way to clear the Lindis Pass of more than a metre of snow. Photo / George Heard Meanwhile, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been stood up in Westport as the area braces for more severe weather overnight. A mammoth effort is currently underway on the Lindis Pass to clear over 1.5m of snow. Photo / George Heard A spokesperson for Buller Emergency Management said current forecasting and modelling shows they could have a similar night to Sunday with rain, wind and high sea swells. Residents in northern Buller whose properties have been impacted by this morning's sea surges are strongly encouraged to self-evacuate to friends or families on higher ground. Flooding in Buller on the West Coast on Monday. Photo / Supplied An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been stood up in Westport as the area braces for more severe weather overnight. Photo / Supplied "We are working with our community coordinators on assessing the situation, andpreparing our communities for further weather coming in tonight," said Mayor Jamie Cleine said. People are advised to take bedding, water, food, medication, warm clothes and to remember their pets. Roads to stay closed The Buller Gorge and SH94 Te Anau to Milford are also expected to remain closed overnight. The gorge is closed due to a slip and the NZTA is reporting avalanche activity on SH94. The Arthurs, Burkes, Haast and Lindis passes were all closed on Monday because of snow or ice. The Arthurs and Burkes passes reopened at about 1.30pm. And large waves have been reported at the Greymouth Aerodrome in Blaketown this morning. SH67 Granity to Mokihinui Rd was closed due to sea debris over the road but has since reopened. The Ministry of Education says 12 schools across the country have closed as a result of the severe weather. In Canterbury, Aoraki Mt Cook School has shut while seven in the Otago and Southland regions have also closed – they are Makarora School, Glenorchy School, Mt Aspiring College, Te Kur or Take Kārara, Wanaka Primary School, Holy Family School and Hāwea Flat School. Meanwhile, weather warnings are still in place for parts of the South Island. A severe thunderstorm watch is in force for Nelson, Buller, Westland and the Canterbury High Country until 4pm. MetService is warning from western Tasman to the glaciers of Westland, there is a risk some thunderstorms may become severe until this afternoon. More snow fell overnight in Wanaka as a cold snap hits the country. Photo / George Heard The thunderstorms could bring large hail greater than 20mm in diameter as well as damaging winds gusting at more than 110 km/h. An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Westland south of Otira until noon and a strong wind warning has been issued for Marlborough, Westland, Buller and the Canterbury High Country. It comes after snow blanketed parts of Central Otago yesterday, bringing joy to the region's ski fields, with Cardrona ski field opening early and other southern mountains set to follow suit in the coming days. A number of highways in the South Island had been affected by snow on Monday morning. Photo / NZTA The wild winter weather created chaos across parts of Otago and Southland during the weekend, and forecasters are urging southerners to brace themselves for more of the same over the next few days. Heavy rain, snow showers and winds gusting up to 100km/h kept emergency services busy in Dunedin with small landslips in Caversham; heavy flooding in Marne St, Andersons Bay; fencing and a fallen tree over roads; and ice on the Northern Motorway. Wanaka residents woke up to a major dump of snow on Sunday morning. Photo / George Heard A police spokeswoman said it was a similar scene in Central Otago and the Lakes area. Heavy rainfall yesterday caused flooding on State Highway 6 between Luggate and Cromwell as well as at the intersection of Frankton and Perkins Rds, in Queenstown. Police were also alerted to several weather-related incidents across the region as cars struggled in slippery conditions, including a car which slid backwards on ice down Weaver St, Queenstown, about 3pm yesterday. It became stuck and needed to be towed. No injuries were reported, she said. Ski fields made the most of the snow storm on Saturday, but after snow drifts reached about a metre and more heavy snow fell overnight, several closed their gates yesterday. Glenorchy residents woke up to a major dumping of snow on Sunday morning. Photo / George Heard MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said temperatures dropped below zero for much of the region, including Dunedin Airport where it dropped to -4.4degC yesterday morning. He said snowfall was heaviest in the Lakes area and the Milford Rd where about 70cm fell at the Homer Tunnel; and in a rare event, it fell to sea level on Stewart Island. - Additional reporting Otago Daily Times Mon, 13 Jun 2022 03:49:09 Z