The Southland Tribune; Edition #10
The $448k phone call that could change the arts/Tribute to Southland’s strange (but glorious) club cricketers/Rugby Southland appoints former Stag to new director of rugby role.
The $448k phone call that could change the arts
A salute to Southland’s strange (but glorious) club cricketers
Rugby Southland appoints former Stag to new director of rugby role
Today’s poll… What is the best part of the Invercargill Central development to date?
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #10 (The Catlins)
Out & About…. Southland Filipino Society’s 10th anniversary
Plus, Tribune Shoutout, Stories Elsewhere, our Quick Quiz and more
The $448k phone call that could change the arts
Murihiku Arts chairperson Rebecca Amundsen says suggests its recent funding boost is probably the most significant boost to the Southland arts sector, at a community level, ever. (READ MORE HERE)
A tribute to Southland's strange (but glorious) club cricketers….
You might not be aware of the strange but glorious individuals that give up almost their entire Saturdays, all for the battle between leather and willow. We pay tribute to them. (READ MORE HERE)
Former Stag appointed as new director of rugby….
Former Stag Matt Saunders has been appointed as Rugby Southland’s new director of rugby, a new role for the union. (READ MORE HERE)
Tribune Shoutout….
Good job Southern Steel for banking two preseason victories against the NSW Swifts (72-42) and Central Pulse (60-56) on Sunday and Tuesday. It’s a confidence boost heading into the ANZ Premiership opener on March 4.
The not-so-good news is star shooter George Fisher may play little to no part in the 2023 competition after suffering a serious knee injury on Sunday against the Swifts. While I’m stating the obvious, that would be a massive blow to the Steel.
We wish George all the best with her recovery.

Stories Elsewhere….
Southern farmers grow the best oats, a Scottish agronomist says. That’s exactly what we want to hear Southland.
About 70 people attended an oat industry field day on Graeme and Elspeth Gardyne’s farm Viewbrae in Chatton, about 20km north of Gore last week. Check out Southern Rural Life reporter Shaun McAvinue’s story where attendees explained to him why Southland oats are so great. It’s encouraging reading. Click here to read the Southern Rural Life story.
Quick Quiz….
Where is the largest collection of Britten bikes in the world on public display?
When does the Invercargill City Council plan to have a new museum built?
Who is the president of the Mataura Licensing Trust?
Which Southland high school did radio and TV personality Mike Puru attend?
Who is the Riverton prop who scored a try for the Black Ferns in the Rugby World Cup final win over England?
(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR ANSWERS)
Today’s poll…
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #10
The Catlins, Te Akau Tai Toka, the spectacular coastal stretch between Balclutha and Invercargill. Here you’ll find a world of native forests fringed by high cliffs, deserted sandy beaches, sparkling bays, cascading waterfalls, hidden lakes, blowholes, caves, picturesque lighthouses and even a petrified forest. These environments are home to an array of fauna, from native birds, to seals, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins.
The Nugget Point lighthouse provides a breathtaking viewing platform, while Slope Point intrigues as the South Island’s southernmost point. At Curio Bay (Tumu Toka) watch the outgoing tide reveal a 180-million-year-old Jurassic forest. Another must visit lighthouse is the Waipapa Point Lighthouse where you have a big chance of seeing some sea lions sunbathe. Travel inland to view the stunning McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and Matai Falls, some of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. (Blurb credit: Great South).
Upgrade to paid….
We are a reader-supported platform, so please consider joining The Tribune as a paid subscriber/supporter to help us produce more Southland content like this. You will also get access to all our paid subscriber only content we produce in the future.
Out and About….
Our Southland Filipino Society is having a big event at the Sacred Heart Hall on the Saturday (Feb 11) to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
There will be: A live band, Filipino food cuisine showcased by Filipino food sellers and a disco for all ages. Just a gold coin donation required.
Think someone should be on our mailing list who isn’t?
If there is someone you know who would like to get our digital newsletters sent to them, but they aren’t quite sure what to do, just send their email address to logan@southlandtribune.com
I’ll punch their email address into our database manually.
Substack App available for Tribune newsletters….
There is a Substack Reader App available on IOS and Android where you can keep up with Tribune newsletters from your phone as they are published.
You can download the App here or head to your App Store and search Substack Reader.
In case you missed it….
Debut single: Twenty-year-old musician Michael Kuresa's first single Across the Ocean has been officially released to the world. (READ MORE HERE)
City block move: Westpac has confirmed it will move its Invercargill branch into the new city block development later this year. (READ MORE HERE)
Thriving: There’s been plenty to take in for Sam Winders since joining the Steel, although she made sure she took time in her first outing in the dress to simply smile and enjoy playing. (READ MORE HERE)
Quiz Answers….
Classic Motorcycle Mecca (Invercargill) 2. December 2025 (Project 1225) 3. Horace McAuley 4. St Peters College (in Gore) 5. Amy Rule.