Latest news with #LindaMoore
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Agriculture bolstering economy
Clutha Development chief executive Linda Moore. Photo: supplied Anticipated record dairy payouts are helping Clutha's economy buck the national downward trend, new figures show. Regional development organisation Clutha Development has released the latest economic results for the district, which show a strong agricultural sector bolstering modest overall growth. Infometrics' Quarterly Economic Monitor showed economic activity in Clutha rising by 0.5% in the year to March 2025, outperforming the national economy, which shrank by 1.1%. This was underpinned by a record forecast dairy payout for 2024-25. The dairy sector is expected to inject $434 million into the local economy — an increase of $103m on last season. Meat prices are also contributing to rural confidence, as lamb and beef prices rise 10% and 15% respectively. Clutha Development chief executive Linda Moore said the report reflected the underlying strength of the district's primary industries. ''This quarter's results show Clutha is in a strong position. Our rural sector continues to perform, and we're seeing confidence return to the housing market and resilience in our local labour force.'' Despite subdued conditions nationally, Clutha's employment grew by 0.4% during the past year, while the national average fell by 0.9%. The local unemployment rate sits at just 2.4% — less than half the national figure of 4.9% — reflecting the district's continuing tight labour market. There were also signs of recovery in Clutha's housing market. House values rose 4% during the past year to an average of $327,557, supported by a 16% increase in sales volumes. And while Ms Moore said tourism and consumer spending were areas to watch, the fundamentals of Clutha's economy remained strong. Consumer spending was down 3% for the year, against a 1.4% drop nationally, although the latest quarter showed this to be easing. Tourism growth had started to ''dry up'' nationally — Clutha's tourism spend dropping by 4% to $97m against zero change nationally. ''We know households are being cautious, but there are clear signs of stability and even optimism. ''We're well placed to make the most of future opportunities, particularly as interest rates ease and confidence grows.'' Clutha Development is conducting its annual business confidence survey now. ''While the statistics tell a positive story, we're keen to hear directly from our local business community. Their insights will help us understand how the national trends are translating into day-to-day experiences here in the district.'' She said Clutha Development continued to work with local businesses and industry groups to ''build resilience and support growth''.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fire service 'not investigating' large gorse blaze
A blaze that ripped through gorse on a common is not being investigated, the fire service has confirmed. Firefighters raced to Browndown Common in Gosport shortly after 7pm on Sunday. Large plumes of smoke prompted several 999 calls from residents. Two separate fires were identified, with the first measuring approximately 80 by 30 metres, and the second around 100 by 30 metres. Crews from Gosport, Fareham, Cosham, Eastleigh, and Hightown attended and remained on the scene for more than three hours. The fire as seen from Ryde on the Isle of Wight (Image: But the following day, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze will not be investigated. Commenting on the Daily Echo Facebook post on the night of the fire, Mia Cameron-Dungey said: "Hopefully the fire is now out. "So scary as it is so early in the year for a fire like that." Linda Moore added: "Such a shame, the gorse was lovely this year and the wildlife will have been affected." People would told to steer clear of the area to allow access for emergency services. Ted Hart said: "Well done fire brigade for putting it out." READ MORE: Plane crash that 'seriously' injured pilot may have been caused by 'fuel system' Shortly after 10pm on Sunday, the fire, which had spread across an area of approximately 180 by 60 metres, was fully extinguished. It was brought under control using three hose reel jets, two main jets, two light rescue pumps, and four beaters. A Land Rover was also used to help tackle the fire. Both areas of fire were eventually brought under control and crews worked to prevent any further spread. Speaking on Sunday, a spokesperson for the fire service said: "The gorse fire, covering an area of approximately 180 by 60 metres, has now been fully extinguished. "Firefighters used three hose reel jets, two main jets, two light rescue pumps, and four beaters to bring the blaze under control. "A reinspection will take place tomorrow morning to check for any remaining hotspots and ensure the area is safe." This blaze comes less than two weeks' after a fire ripped through gorse and standing crop in Calshot. The fire affected an area of 600 metres to 200 metres overall.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
What we know after man shot in heart of city
A man has been shot in Southampton city centre in what police are describing as a "serious assault". Forensics teams spent hours scouring roads in a residential neighbourhood on Friday after a man was shot. Armed officers then rushed to arrest a man in Portswood later in the day in connection to the shooting. The victim, a man in his 30s, was shot in the arm at around 10.08pm on Thursday night and rushed to hospital, where his injuries were found not to be life-threatening or life-changing. Six marked vehicles attended the scene as forensics used instruments to investigate the crime scene. READ MORE: Residents of the area were left in shock when police released a statement to confirm a man had been shot. Linda Moore, 79, said 'oh my gosh' when the news was broken to her by the Echo, saying you 'don't expect' things like this in the area. 'People don't think we're a good area, but in actual fact, there's a lot of care in neighbours in the area. 'I don't recall anything like this happening.' Forensics scoured the crime scene. (Image: Stuart Martin) A 54-year-old woman walking her dog raised her eyebrows in disbelief, saying: 'I've been here five years and that's the first incident I've heard of someone being shot,' she said. 'You get a lot of rubbish round here. Not really any incidents, I live round the back so it's quiet where I am.' Ray Winton, who lives on one of the roads connected to the crime scene closures, was also shocked to hear the news. READ MORE: He said it was 'ridiculous' to think something like that could happen so close to his home. 'If this did happen then you'd imagine we'd hear it happen,' Ray said. 'I've seen nothing on Facebook, nobody saying they'd heard something.' Forensics worked with police inside the cordon. (Image: Stuart Martin) Two men separately said that the incident was 'typical Derby Road', while another woman did recall previous bad experiences in the area. The 62-year-old woman shook her head and said: 'After 9pm, my shift finishes at 9pm, I'm a worker in the hospital. When we finish there's a lot of boys standing around, it's scary for us. 'It's scary sometimes at night. I reach the road for quarter to 10 and I just put my head down and walk past because we are scared.' READ MORE: Armed police respond to incident in Portswood - as it happened Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test, said she was 'horrified' to hear of the inner-city shooting. 'I have spoken to police who are still investigating, but they have reassured me that it is an isolated incident, and that the community is safe,' she said in a statement to the Echo. 'There will be a continued police presence in the area for anyone concerned. If anyone has any information, please do get in touch with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods, and its why this new government has increased police funding, promised more neighbourhood policing teams and given the police more powers. 'I'll keep pushing for these changes to take place quickly to make Southampton's streets safer." READ MORE: The incident saw roads around Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib closed off for much of the day, including St Marks Road, Northbrook Road, Nichols Road and Argyle Road. A committee member confirmed no-one from the Sikh place of worship was involved with the incident. Forensics attended throughout the day, wearing white overalls, surgical face masks, blue rubber gloves and hair nets. Police communicated inside the cordon. (Image: Stuart Martin) They took pictures on the corner of St Marks Road and used an instrument on a tripod. Taxis and normal drivers kept turning around the sharp corner that connects Derby Road and Northbrook Road, before realising that the path ahead was closed. Officers told the drivers to turn around, and at one point a pedestrian walked underneath the tape and into the cordon. Police told him to leave, shouting 'you can't just walk through a crime scene'.
