The Southland Tribune; Edition #372
Gore... We have a big financial problem | Decades-old Southland records broken | Standing ovation for Hawksy | Bekhuis' passion and service for Otautau recognised | NZ U20s selection | Plus More
Gore... We have a big financial problem
The formula doesn’t stack up. The revenue streams are limited, but Gore still has the costs many larger councils have - and Mayor Ben Bell isn’t sugar-coating Gore’s financial situation saying, “We can no longer operate this way”. (READ MORE HERE).
Decades-old Southland records broken in Nelson
Records are made to be broken. Sometimes it takes a while, then along comes a James and a Hunter to erase marks set back in the 1980’s. (READ MORE HERE).
Tokanui to host unique wāhine festival in 2026
The Shepherdess Muster is returning in 2026 – and this time it’s heading to Southland. From March 6 to 8, the small rural community of Tokanui will host a unique three-day festival for wāhine from across provincial New Zealand. (READ MORE HERE).
Standing ovation for Hawksy
The Famous Young Chefs Degustation Luncheon has been organised by well-known Invercargill-based chef Graham Hawkes who on Sunday said after 60 years in the hospitality industry he was stepping down. (READ MORE HERE).
Bekhuis' passion and service for Otautau recognised
Andre Bekhuis has never been one to shy away from a challenge – a trait which has seen him embrace many leadership roles in the Otautau community over the years. (READ MORE HERE).
NZ U20s: Two Southlanders selected, one on standby
Two Southland players have been named in the New Zealand U20s rugby squad, and another has been placed on standby in a piece of encouraging news for Southland’s pathways programme. (READ MORE HERE).
Sav's Sidelines: Sydney club’s Star injection
This week’s Sav’s Sidelines column delves into a top-flight Sydney rugby club that now has a significant Southland connection attached to it. It looks at New Zealand U20s rugby squad announcement, as well as the debate around the question of whether Ethan de Groot was rested or dropped. (READ MORE HERE).
Harness Racing: Southern filly eyes Addington raid
Captains Mistress can set the direction for her new campaign when she returns in a Magness Benrow Sires Stakes Semi Final at Addington on Friday night. (READ MORE HERE).
What’s on in Southland…
Looking for something to do in Southland? Check out our Southland Tribune events calendar - powered by Southland NZ
Quick Quiz…
Southland Racing Club president Sean Bellew wants to step in and restart which popular Invercargill event in 2026?
What event will take place at Teretonga Park this weekend?
Name the Southlander who faced the infamous underarm ball playing for New Zealand against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1981?
On Saturday a new “splash pad” kids play space was officially opened in which Southland town?
Thornbury farmer Cameron Smith won which event held at the Winton Racecourse at the weekend?
Answers: 1. ILT Kidzone Festival 2. George Begg Festival. 3. Brian McKechnie 4. Mataura 5. Otago-Southland FMG Young Farmer of the Year