The Southland Tribune; Edition #337
Councillor announces 2025 mayoral bid | Thirsty Thursday: Our bespoke, treat-sized Christmas | The council tension attached to a town's wastewater | The Roar Podcast: Ft. James McLeay & Brendon Leitch
Councillor announces 2025 mayoral bid
Invercargill City Councillor Alex Crackett has announced she will run for the Invercargill Mayor’s job at the 2025 election in October. Crackett joins current deputy mayor Tom Campbell as the other person who has already announced their intention to stand for mayor. (READ MORE HERE).
Thirsty Thursday: Our bespoke, treat-sized Christmas
I think we spend a lot of time imagining that there is only one way to celebrate, and that certain traditions are sacrosanct and that if your day can’t be held up to fit the outline of Christmases in the past then it is a failure in some way. (READ MORE HERE).
Sarah McCarthy’s Thirsty Thursday column is brought to you each week thanks to Invercargill-based law firm Mee & Henry Law
The council tension attached to a town's wastewater
Mayor Nobby Clark says the Bluff wastewater consent situation has provided the council with its toughest decision of the term. It’s also generated tension around the council table - and with some council partners as well. (READ MORE HERE).
The Roar Podcast: Ft. James McLeay & Brendon Leitch
We’ve doubled up this week. Talented athlete and Southland Boys’ High School Dux James McLeay talks through his special 2024 while Bathurst-bound Brendon Leitch also joined The Roar Podcast for a chat. As per usual, whether you like it or not, hosts Nick Jeffrey, Nathan Burdon, and Logan Savory offer up their weekly Southland sporting ramblings. (HAVE A LISTEN HERE).
Southland 15-year-old musician capturing national attention
Anyone up to 23-years-old can audition for a spot in the New Zealand Youth Brass Band. It was no surprise that at 15 Lachie McGregor initially felt the odds were probably stacked against him this year. (READ MORE HERE).
Invercargill Cup Day: Looking for the top picks?
Looking for top picks for Group One Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup Day? The Invercargill Harness Racing Club has you covered. Check out the comprehensive tipping guide for Southland’s biggest day of harness racing on Friday. (READ MORE HERE).
Electricity capacity boost at Manapōuri Power Station
New Zealand’s electricity supply has received an early Christmas present following the commissioning of a new transformer at Meridian’s Manapōuri Power Station. New Zealand’s largest hydro power station has been operating at reduced capacity for around two years, following the discovery of faults in two of its seven transformers. (READ MORE HERE).
Quick Quiz…
Name the Southlander who was awarded the inaugural Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Professional Excellence?
Where in Southland will there be a horse race meeting be held on New Year’s Day?
Which political party did Invercargill city councillor Ria Bond previously represent in Parliament?
Name former All Black Mils Muliaina’s first high school?
In what year did Cue TV (formerly Mercury TV, Southland TV) close?
Answers: 1. Robin McNeill 2. Riverton 3. NZ First 4. Cargill High School 5. 2015
In case you missed it…
Investment needed: While Southland contributes $8.27b to New Zealand’s GDP, and 12% of all pastoral exports, the region only makes up 2% of New Zealand’s population. That can be a problem when it comes to attracting Government investment. (READ MORE HERE).
Betting drop: While the 2024 Christmas at the Races continues to be one of Invercargill’s more popular social events, it appears punters are more cautious with their money as betting turnover again took a hit this year. (READ MORE HERE).
