Remembering The Sugar Shack; Invercargill's “Calypso-Caribbean” past
Our new Prime Minister’s tough day out in Invercargill
Council Watch: Invercargill council's CEO search narrowed to four
Today’s poll… What’s your favourite food offering at Invercargill Central?
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #2 (Danny Owen - Deow)
Out & About…. Gore to Invercargill Cycling Classic
Plus, a Tribune Shoutout, the Stories Elsewhere wrap, our Quick Quiz and more
Remembering The Sugar Shack; Invercargill's “Calypso-Caribbean” past
Remember this? That time when a “Calypso-Caribbean” themed nightclub popped up in Invercargill but ended up becoming a home for gifted children. (READ MORE HERE).
March 1, 2019: Our new Prime Minister's tough day out in Invercargill
Plenty has unfolded since March 1, 2019, when Chris Hipkins was greeted by a sea of orange in Invercargill. Including the fact, he is now New Zealand's Prime Minister. (READ MORE HERE)
Council Watch: Invercargill council's CEO search narrowed to four
The Invercargill council chief executive role has attracted 33 applicants and that has now been narrowed down to a short-list of four. (READ MORE HERE).
Tribune shoutout….
It’s been a pretty big few weeks for Gore’s Sheldon Bagrie-Howley. Earlier this month Bagrie-Howley become the first Southlander to ever win the New Zealand men’s singles bowls title in 108 years of the competition.
Not surprisingly that victory has led to the Southlander being named in a 14-strong New Zealand squad for the Multi-Nations tournament on the Gold Coast in March.
Southland’s right behind you Sheldon.
Thank you Ann Robbie….
Community stalwart Ann Robbie has died after a determined struggle with illness and leaves behind an immense level of service honouring the south’s war heroes.
Over the past 30 years, Robbie has devoted countless hours and her own resources to the discovery and restoration of more than 400 war memorials throughout Southland, ranging from large public cenotaphs to gates, to small memorial boards.
Without her efforts, many would have been lost forever.
In September Robbie was presented with her Queen’s Service Medal for service to historical research.
Your work will forever be remembered Ann.
Stories Elsewhere….
The bizarre: Newstalk ZB talkback host Marcus Lush carried out part of his show on Tuesday night while driving from Invercargill to Bluff. He took talkback listeners on an unexpectedly thrilling journey. Check out The Spin Off article where Stewart Sowman-Lund recalls how that bizarre situation unfolded. (READ MORE HERE)
Mystery answered: The Southland Times/Stuff article, on the removal of about 150 blue gum and pine trees from the north side of the Waihopai River in Invercargill, has answered some questions. Like many, I sometimes walk/bike along the floodbanks. On Monday I was greeted by wide open spaces close to Dee St with the trees, that once blocked the sight of an industrial area, gone. It turns out Environment Southland did so because the trees were putting the flood blanks at risk. Not surprisingly nearby Gladstone Tce residents are not thrilled. (READ MORE HERE).
Quick Quiz….
In what year was the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter opened?
Who did Ben Bell replace as Gore’s mayor?
Which Southland cricketer took the wickets of Kane Williamson and Tim Southee on debut for the Otago Volts as a 17-year-old in 2012?
Who was the highest polling Invercargill councillor at the 2022 election?
What was the first high school All Black prop Ethan de Groot attended in Southland?
(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR ANSWERS)
Today’s poll…
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #2
(We think it’s worth reminding ourselves why Southland is such a special place, so that’s what we’ll do regularly)
Danny Owen (Deow). Southland can proudly lay claim to this brilliant graffiti artist as one of our own. Deow has been one of New Zealand’s more active graffiti artists in the past and has painted alongside some of the world’s best graffiti writers in Los Angeles.
Not only can his wonderful work be spotted throughout Southland, but through the South Sea Spray Festival he has played the lead role in attracting many of his fellow artists to the province to liven up some otherwise drab walls. Southland’s street art is now a genuine attraction.
Out and About….
Gore to Invercargill Cycling Classic today (Jan 26) + the ILT New Year Track Carnival tomorrow & Saturday + Ascot Park New Year Criterium on Sunday.
It’s a big couple of days for the Southland cycling community. It starts wth the Stonewood Homes Gore to Invercargill Classic - the longest-running club classic in New Zealand. The race is a 71km Open Handicap event for under-19, under-23, elite and masters riders. Under-13, under-15, under-17 riders will compete over a shorter distance.
Then it’s off to the track for two days of racing at the ILT New Year Track Carnival. All the best to all riders taking part.
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In case you missed it….
Tribune’s Born: Yesterday (Jan 25) we launched The Southland Tribune, a project that's looking at doing journalism a little bit differently in Southland. Have a read about what The Tribune is all about and how you can get involved. (READ MORE).
Family Man: On day one we shared Peter Mirrielees’ inspirational story as he talked about his past battles with alcohol and how the now father of four - soon to be five - is now helping others. (READ MORE).
Bikers gift to Southland: Yesterday we also featured a story on the multi-million-dollar gift that grassroots bikers have handed Southland - The Burt Munro Challenge. (READ MORE).
Mowing rate rises: The Invercargill City Council is in cost-cutting mode as it grapples with inflation and works to ensure ratepayers aren’t lumped with a 20%-plus rate rise. (READ MORE)
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Quick Quiz Answers….
1971. 2. Tracy Hicks. 3. Jacob Duffy 4. Nigel Skelt. 5. Gore High School.
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