Your Council
The Mayor's Blog
Planning for Southland's future
It's going to be a busy year for us here at Southland District Council and we will be seeking Southland residents' opinions on three essential projects.
Exciting weekend events
What an exciting weekend - lots on around Southland, a rather important rugby match and then some wild weather to cap it off!
Keeping it pure
In today's world it is all about the global economy and global environment, but I think we must start being aware of possible issues in our own country first. New Zealand is sold overseas as 100% Pure, but that marketing slogan is very much at risk.
Floral delight
The weather has been absolutely fabulous and Southland is a picture of greenery and flowers. Showcasing the flowers well was the Te Anau Spring Flower Show, apparently the second biggest spring show in New Zealand for entries, which was held this past weekend.
Arrival of spring
It's great to see spring arrive, with the blossom trees in full bloom and the tuis and bellbirds in a real spring mood. There are plenty of lambs in the paddocks as well, which is so much better than last year and the horrible snow storm that hit Southland so badly.
Busy schedule
It's been a busy time recently to the point where the Air New Zealand staff at the Invercargill airport are laughing at how many times I have been getting on a plane recently.
Once in a lifetime experience
I was incredibly privileged to be invited by the Rugby World Cup organisers to represent Southland at the opening of the World Cup. The weather was perfect and I was able to stay with old friends whom I haven't seen since college training days.
Quality education destination
Southland is a a quality education destination - that is the message the rest of the world is hearing and is the message we are receiving from those in the know.
Enjoyable trip with family
Arriving back from visiting family in the United States, it is always great to step off the plane and smell Southland's fresh clean air. California has lovely sunshine every day but I think it could get a bit boring. We have real weather here - a good variety.
Spring on the horizon
Spring - the busiest time of year for most farmers and if the weather plays its part and has a moratorium on polar blasts like what we are experiencing now, it can be the most satisfying. Southland can be likened to a coil of spring steel ready to burst into life.
