The Southland Tribune; Edition #24
Clare Hadley departs early from Invercargill City Council/Triumphant Team Avaya arrives at Taramea Bay/Australian-based American joins Southland Sharks
Clare Hadley departs early from Invercargill City Council
Triumphant Team Avaya arrives at Taramea Bay
Australian-based American joins Southland Sharks
Today’s Poll…. How will the Southern Steel go in 2023
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #24 (The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail)
Out & About…. Southland Heritage Month Opening Event
Plus, Stories Elsewhere, our Quick Quiz and more
Clare Hadley departs early from Invercargill City Council
Clare Hadley has officially finished at the Invercargill City Council despite her contract running through to March 18. Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark confirmed Michael Day has already taken over as CEO. (READ MORE HERE).
Triumphant Team Avaya arrives at Taramea Bay
One of the world’s most acclaimed adventure racing teams has wrapped up two decades of racing by winning New Zealand’s premiere expedition race, One New Zealand GODZONE, in Riverton last night [Monday]. (READ MORE HERE).
Australian-based American joins Southland Sharks
The Southland Sharks have announced another key signing for the 2023 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League with news today Australian-based American point guard Jeremy Kendle will return for his third stint in the competition. (READ MORE HERE).
Our stunning night sky….
The remarkable photos of our amazing night sky started to circulate at just before 11pm last night as the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, lit up the sky in bright colours.
Below is a photo taken by Chasing Nature Photography at 11.23pm at Invercargill’s Stead St Wharf.
I did a wee bit of research to try to best explain just what creates such spectacular skies.
1Aurora Australis is the result of collisions between energetic electrons (sometimes also protons) and atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere … and the electrons get their high energies by being accelerated by solar wind magnetic fields and the Earth’s magnetic field.
Not really sure how much that helps. But there it is.
It’s been said the best place to view it in the southern hemisphere is Antarctica, although Invercargill isn’t too bad to be fair.
Limited light pollution also helps to view the southern lights.
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Tribune Shoutout… (Adopt a Community)
Southland is joining councils from across Aotearoa to Adopt a Community to support communities up north impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Local Government New Zealand has come up with the Adopt a Community initiative, which matches a southern council with a council and community badly hit by the cyclone.
Southland District Council is supporting Waikato and the Gore District Council is attached to Tararua.
Invercargill had been matched with Gisborne District Council, where more than 170 damaged homes had been red or yellow-stickered in a city that was already suffering from a housing shortage.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said there has been requests from people out in the community asking how they can help.
“We know that what they need the most right now is financial support. This means we can encourage our people to give directly to the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund, so they know their money will go to the people who know where it’s needed the most.”
“We’re not asking people to give too much, just to give what they can give. We’re all hurting this year but these people are hurting plus they’ve got no home to go to in many cases.”
It would be nice to be able to connect with a community directly so that Invercargill would be able to feel like they were making a difference, Clark said.
“The damage and destruction up north is unbelievable and it’s overwhelming. By looking at helping one place it feels a bit more achievable,” he said.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the support was heartwarming.
“It helps to know that we have support for our community.
“It’s been a tough time in Tairāwhiti with repeated hits from severe weather events that have destroyed properties and livelihoods. It’s also taking a toll on our community’s wellbeing.
“So initiatives like Adopt a Community really help us to feel like we’re not alone in this. Thank you Invercargill City Council for having our back.
People interested in making a donation for Gisborne can deposit money in the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund bank account: 03 – 0638 – 0502288 – 00 // Reference - Disaster Relief Fund
Quick Quiz….
1. Bluff Oysters are dredged from what body of water?
2. What is the Māori name for Stewart Island?
3. Where in Southland will you find the Three Rivers Hotel?
4. Which national sporting championships will start in Invercargill tomorrow (Wednesday)?
5. Who is the chairperson of Environment Southland?
(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR ANSWERS)
Today’s poll…
Why Southland is a gem…. Reason #24
(We think it’s worth reminding ourselves why Southland is such a special place, so that’s what we’ll do regularly)
The Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. The trail offers an unrivalled diversity for cyclists. The 186km journey can be ridden in either direction, starting at Kingston or Walter Peak, and takes 3-5 days at a relaxed pace on this easy to conquer trail. This is one of 22 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand.
If starting in Kingston, your ride will be completed with a cruise onboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship back to Queenstown. Alternatively, the trail can also be enjoyed in the opposite direction, and it can be joined and exited in multiple places throughout the journey.
Opened in 2014, the trail is constructed on 56km of old railway line, 64km of easy new cycle trail, and 53km along backcountry roads. Immerse yourself amongst true southern hospitality as you pedal through historic townships and rural farmland. Soak up the alpine vista views and marvel at the pristine waters of the Mavora Lakes, one of the awe-inspiring locations featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Cycle alongside the Oreti and Mataura rivers and through the native tussock lands of Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas stations, both authentic high-country farms.
This trail is considered a Grade 2/3 - Easy/Intermediate trail based on the New Zealand Cycle Trail Design Guide. (Blurb credit - Southland NZ).
Out and About….
Southland Heritage Month Opening Event - Friday, March 3, 5pm
Heritage South is presenting Southland Heritage Month throughout March. It is an opportunity to celebrate all things heritage in Murihiku.
To open this year’s Heritage Month the Invercargill Inner City Heritage Treasure Hunt Trail will be launched on Friday. It will be fun for people of all ages.
The event will also be an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of Mick Hesselin to the built heritage of Invercargill and Southland.
It’s a free event at the Piano Lounge, Civic Theatre. People are asked to register their attendance by emailing southlandheritagemonth@gmail.com
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In case you missed it….
Decarbonisation: There are real examples of leadership and innovation in Southland when it comes to decarbonisation and that should be celebrated. Including HWR’s quest to convert its trucking fleet to hydrogen. (READ MORE HERE).
Where should the ‘town square’ be?: “I think while most people don’t want to lose Wachner Place from having the meeting capacity it does now, it’s probably not the best location for a town square.” (READ MORE HERE)
Quiz Answers….
Foveaux Strait 2. Rakiura 3. Wyndham 4. New Zealand Track Cycling Championships 5. Nicol Horrell
Source: universetoday.com