The Southland Tribune; Edition #306
Mayor: Southland's hospital was built too small, now this | History-making 144th cap may also be the finale | Harness racing: 200 wins for southern stalwart
Mayor: Southland's hospital was built too small, now this
“We already have a postcode lottery when it comes to health in Southland, to the point that our dedicated community have gone out and built a charity hospital from scratch. Primary care services in our communities have depleted over the years, putting pressure on Southland Hospital, which was built too small 20 years ago.” (READ MORE HERE).
History-making 144th cap may also be the finale
Josh Bekhuis isn’t ready to make an official call on his playing future just yet, but he’s conceded his history-making 144th appearance on Saturday may also be his last. The 38-year-old lock will on Saturday move past Jason Rutledge to become Southland’s all-time most-capped rugby player at 144 games. (READ MORE HERE).
Harness racing: 200 wins for southern stalwart
Tom Kilkelly hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm for harness racing after putting 200 wins on the board as an owner. The Invercargill breeder-owner, former trainer and longtime industry sponsor reached the milestone in grand style when his promising trotter Fiery Bandito ran to a big win on a night of impressive southern performances at Addington. (READ MORE HERE).
Sav's Sidelines: Journey from Southland B to international coach
It’s fair to say Southland didn’t have a great relationship with Otago 15 or so years ago. Stags coaches Henderson and Culhane would make some “stealth visits” to watch a bit of club rugby in Dunedin. One of the targets was Kendrick Lynn. (READ MORE HERE).
Thriving Southland launches ‘Catchment Convos Podcast’
“We’re bringing you stories about impactful projects and grassroots efforts by local farmers and communities, and how they are driving change and sustainability in our region.” (READ MORE HERE).
Quick Quiz…
Air New Zealand announced on Monday it will stop its direct flight service between which cities from January 19?
Simon Edwards is a breakfast radio host in Southland on which radio station?
Who will the Silver Ferns play in Invercargill on Sunday?
What was officially opened to the public in Invercargill on July 14, 2022?
Federated Farmers is this year celebrating which milestone?
Answers: 1. Invercargill-Wellington 2. More FM 3. England 4. Invercargill Central 5. 125 years since the first Farmer’s Union branch
In case you missed it…
Flights axed: Air New Zealand delivered a blow on Monday announcing the Invercargill-Wellington return direct flights will end in January. Logan Savory takes a look at how it came about and what impact it might have. (READ MORE HERE).
Award winner: Southland’s Benji Culhane has been named Sportsperson of the Year at the University of Otago’s annual Blues and Golds Awards on Wednesday night. Culhane has emerged as one of the country’s rising stars in New Zealand hockey with the 21-year-old playing 15 matches for the Black Sticks national men’s team since making his debut last year. (READ MORE HERE).