The Southland Tribune; Edition #203
So where to now for Southland's charity hospital? | A burning question the Pack the Park organiser had to answer | Southland Innovation Centre: A leap forward for business, community growth
So where to now for Southland's charity hospital?
A burning question the Pack the Park organiser had to answer
Southland Innovation Centre: A leap forward for business, community growth
'Safety first': Plea to Burt Munro Challenge visitors
Southland's Brendon Leitch still in fight for Asian Le Mans Series title
Out & About… Waitangi Day - Esk Fest
So where to now for Southland's charity hospital?
For some, the planned March opening of the Southland Charity Hospital appears optimistic. Just don’t point that out to Melissa Vining though. She’ll quickly dismiss that sort of suggestion. (READ MORE HERE).
A burning question the Pack the Park organiser had to answer
Melissa Vining jokes if she had been handed a dollar every time a particular question was asked on Saturday, they could probably fund a second charity hospital. Over 10,000 people turned up for Saturday’s Pack the Park and it appears there is an eagerness for more. (READ MORE HERE).
Southland Innovation Centre: A leap forward for business, community growth
The Southland Business Chamber has opened a new Southland Innovation Centre. The initiative has been backed by the Murihiku RÅ«naka and Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund. (READ MORE HERE).
'Safety first': Plea to Burt Munro Challenge visitors
Police is set to launch ‘Operation Aquarius’ as it stresses there will be zero tolerance for unsafe behaviour on public roads as the Burt Munro Challenge approaches. The annual motorcycle event, which is a massive boost for Southland’s economy, will run from February 7 to 11. (READ MORE HERE).
Southland's Brendon Leitch still in fight for Asian Le Mans Series title
Although the opening two races of the 2023/24 Asian Le Mans Series proved frustrating for Southland’s Brendon Leitch and his Leipert Motorsport team, they haven’t given up on fighting for the title with three races still remaining. (READ MORE HERE).
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Quick Quiz…
Name the Prime Minister who opened the Splash Palace Pool in 1997?
Kawakaputa Bay is found near which small Southland town?
Name the Southland driver who is currently lining up in the Toyota Racing Series?
Acting Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell immigrated to Invercargill from which country in 1981?
Which Southland town does All Black Ethan de Groot hail from?
Answers: 1. Jim Bolger 2. Colac Bay 3. Alex Crosbie 4. Scotland 5. Gore
(We are pondering the idea of partnering with a Southland business to name our daily Quick Quiz after. Flick through an email to logan@southlandtribune.com if you might be interested)
Out & About…
Waitangi Esk Fest - February 6 - Esk St, Invercargill
Waitangi Esk Fest in Invercargill will begin with a captivating waiata from kapa haka teams, followed by the city's top musicians delivering head-nodding rhythms.
Inspired by the community spirit, the festival brings back local roots, reigniting the appetite for entertainment. On Waitangi Day, this free event celebrates Southland’s diversity and unity through music, featuring renowned kapa haka and world-class talents.
Enjoy a day of entertainment, food trucks, and retail therapy in the reimagined city centre whilst Radio Southland supports performances for future enjoyment.
Joining us on this amazing day is Candy Floss Queen, Halo Hangi, Touched by Heaven, Flipside Donuts, Bluff Kitchen, Bao Buns, Maylanies Churroz, SAMS, Sweet As!, Southland Biltong and A's!
This event is proudly sponsored by ILT, ILT Foundation, ICC Wellbeing, ICC Creative Communities, Te Rou Rou One Aotearoa Foundation, Community Trust South, and Great South.
In case you missed it…
Pack the Park: It was like entering a portal into a twilight zone when walking into Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon. Close to 10,000 people showed up for a rugby game in Invercargill in January. It’s a time of the year when the footy boots are traditionally covered in spiderwebs somewhere at the back of the garage. (READ MORE HERE).
175 runs, 200 balls: There have been many special innings at Queens Park over the nearly 130 years cricket has been played there. Add Aaron Hart’s knock over the weekend to that list. (READ MORE HERE).
Obituary: Alison Hazlett had a special bond with ex-racehorse Tai Ho, a Great Western Steeplechase winner enjoying retirement on her farm at Waianiwa. Family and friends of Alison have had her in their thoughts since her death at Southland Hospital in Invercargill on January 20. She was 80. (READ MORE HERE).
National title: James McLeay’s first individual national title was the perfect way to start an important year for the Southland runner. The Southland Boys’ High School Year 13 student and SBS Bank Academy Southland Leadership Year athlete is feeling highly motivated ahead of a big season. (READ MORE HERE).
