Latest news with #Southlanders
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Avoid slip-sliding into winter injuries: ACC
ODT GRAPHIC Winter has arrived and with it come the inevitable hazardous conditions that cause injury. During the 2024 winter season, more than 11,800 Otago residents made claims to the Accident Compensation Corporation for injuries that occurred around their homes and a further 4458 Southlanders also claimed, costing a total of nearly $20 million to help them recover. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said as temperatures dropped outside, New Zealanders started to spend more time inside. But ACC statistics showed people were more likely to get injured around their home than anywhere else. "This is because we spend a lot of time at home and are probably more laid back than we might be in a work environment, which probably has a lot of safety measures in place." Winter conditions were also more hazardous, he said. Nationwide last year, ACC received 237,007 claims for injuries that occurred around the home during winter, costing $290 million to help people recover. Most injury claims in 2024 were from people aged 50-64. "It's important to be extra cautious around any potentially icy or slippery surfaces outside. "A nasty fall can have serious implications on your own physical and mental health, as well as on those around you. "If you hurt yourself slipping over, you might not be able to be as involved with your kids or grandchildren and your workmates may need to take on some of your tasks." Mr Whitaker said the most prevalent accident cause last winter was loss of balance/personal control (65,310), followed by lifting/carrying/strain (45,365), and slipping and skidding on foot (18,618). Most injury claims were for soft tissue injuries (150,738), followed by lacerations/punctures/stings (42,667) and fractures/dislocations (14,541). "The second-biggest danger in the home is moving stuff around — lifting, carrying and straining account for around 18% of all home-related injuries. "Too often we're trying to lift things that are way too heavy, way too bulky and awkward and we're doing it in ways that hurt. "Think — is this the best way to carry in my firewood? Could I do it in a few smaller loads or with a wheelbarrow to stay injury free? "The same goes with washing. Moving a few lighter loads is far better than piling everything into a basket all at once. "Regardless of what you're moving, have a nice straight back, avoid twisting and try to keep it as light as possible."
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Sensory delights offer wintry highlight
Photo: Nina Tapu The Illuminate Light and Sound Experience show lit up Queens Park in Invercargill despite the cold and rain last night. Photo: Nina Tapu Hundreds of Southlanders braved the wintry conditions to experience the popular light show, which included flamingoes, a spaceman and a dragon. Photo: Nina Tapu Illuminate will run its Invercargill show until June 15.
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Muster makes its return with more awards
A sample of last year's selection of utes at the Tussock Country Ute Muster 2024. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Ute-proud Southlanders take note, the Bayleys Tussock Country ute muster is returning this year with prizes for the best decorated deck, most kilometres and a bonus for best mullet. The competition is run by GWD Toyota Gore and branch manager Michelle McMaster said after the success of last year, they have brought the competition back with two new categories. The updated chances to win are best decorated deck, which gives competitors a chance to put their exterior design skills to the test, as well as best SUV. Ms McMaster said she is particularly excited for the best SUV category, to see more of what motor-mad Gore has to offer such as kitted-out and hunting SUVs and "mum" cars. The best mullet category is a serious business, Ms McMaster said, with both a junior and senior category. "It's cool to get the kids involved," she said. "Because there are some very out there mullets on some kids." When asked what makes a winning mullet, she said it just has to be something "unique" that stands out from the crowd. Of the 10 categories in last year's muster, the most kilometres went to Matt Tinker's 1990 Hilux, with 867,103km. A well-behaved canine in the back of a ute at last year's muster. Ms McMaster said in the past they have had some old classic vehicles that are done up to show condition, like last year's GWD Choice of the day winner Greg Elder with his 1948 Ford Bonus F1. She said she had also seen some really old rusty ones, where she wondered how they even made it to the competition. The muster also has its annual "bark up" section for a dog that can bark on command and if the furry friend does not do what it is told, the owner must bark instead. There is also best dog in ute category for the best looking canine on a ute tray. The competition will be held at the Field Days site, with a horizontal bungy for entertainment and a convoy at 1.45pm through town to the Croydon Lodge. At the lodge Southern country outfit the Possum Pickers will be playing and a prizegiving held. The Ute Muster is on Sunday, May 25. Utes can be registered online for $10 or on the day for $15, spectators are a gold coin donation. More information can be found on the Tussock Country website.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum Set For June
Press Release – Southland Regional Development Agency Great South General Manager Regional Strategy, Bobbi Brown, said the forum was a valuable opportunity for the region to collaborate and think differently about how housing can meet Southlands current and future needs. Great South, in partnership with Waihōpai Rūnaka and Southland's councils, will host the Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum on 12 June 2025 at Murihiku Marae. The event is entitled 'Thinking Differently Together' and will bring together a wide range of stakeholders – including developers, planners, businesses, iwi and community leaders – to explore practical, innovative solutions to the region's housing challenges and opportunities. Great South General Manager Regional Strategy, Bobbi Brown, said the forum was a valuable opportunity for the region to collaborate and think differently about how housing can meet Southland's current and future needs. 'Southland has always been known for its can-do attitude and its ability to find practical solutions,' she said. 'This is not just a talkfest – this is about action, learning from others and making progress together.' The forum will focus on three key themes: broadening housing options beyond the traditional quarter acre dream, aligning spatial planning and regulation to enable housing growth, and recognising housing as a critical economic enabler for Southland. During the forum, Waihōpai Rūnaka will also unveil new papakāika (housing) at Murihiku Marae. Waihōpai Rūnaka Kaiwhakahaere Cyril Gilroy said the opening of eight new papakāika and kaumātua whare (houses), which have been purpose-built for whānau, would be a proud moment. 'This is an exciting milestone for Waihōpai, as we support our kaumātua with warm, solar-powered housing on the marae grounds. We look forward to having our kaumātua close by, ensuring they receive the support they need, while our wider whānau benefits from their invaluable mātauranga (knowledge) and skills.' Brown said housing played a critical role in supporting Murihiku Southland's regional development goals. It is one of our key enablers and supports population growth, business recruitment and community wellbeing. 'We want to highlight the great work already underway, share ideas and approaches from other parts of New Zealand and beyond, and foster new partnerships that can help us deliver the diverse housing options Southlanders need,' she said. The forum will feature case studies from local and national projects, expert presentations on regulatory and spatial planning changes, and will include the launch of the new Build Southland housing website. The event is free to attend, and all those interested in housing, development and Southland's future are encouraged to register via Great South's website. Event details: Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum Southland Regional Development Agency 143 Spey Street, PO Box 1306, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand Phone +64 3 211 1400 Email info@ Date: Thursday 12 June 2025 Time: 9.00am till 5.00pm Location: Murihiku Marae, Invercargill To register for the forum please complete the following form:
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum Set For June
Press Release – Southland Regional Development Agency Great South General Manager Regional Strategy, Bobbi Brown, said the forum was a valuable opportunity for the region to collaborate and think differently about how housing can meet Southlands current and future needs. Great South, in partnership with Waihōpai Rūnaka and Southland's councils, will host the Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum on 12 June 2025 at Murihiku Marae. The event is entitled 'Thinking Differently Together' and will bring together a wide range of stakeholders – including developers, planners, businesses, iwi and community leaders – to explore practical, innovative solutions to the region's housing challenges and opportunities. Great South General Manager Regional Strategy, Bobbi Brown, said the forum was a valuable opportunity for the region to collaborate and think differently about how housing can meet Southland's current and future needs. 'Southland has always been known for its can-do attitude and its ability to find practical solutions,' she said. 'This is not just a talkfest – this is about action, learning from others and making progress together.' The forum will focus on three key themes: broadening housing options beyond the traditional quarter acre dream, aligning spatial planning and regulation to enable housing growth, and recognising housing as a critical economic enabler for Southland. During the forum, Waihōpai Rūnaka will also unveil new papakāika (housing) at Murihiku Marae. Waihōpai Rūnaka Kaiwhakahaere Cyril Gilroy said the opening of eight new papakāika and kaumātua whare (houses), which have been purpose-built for whānau, would be a proud moment. 'This is an exciting milestone for Waihōpai, as we support our kaumātua with warm, solar-powered housing on the marae grounds. We look forward to having our kaumātua close by, ensuring they receive the support they need, while our wider whānau benefits from their invaluable mātauranga (knowledge) and skills.' Brown said housing played a critical role in supporting Murihiku Southland's regional development goals. It is one of our key enablers and supports population growth, business recruitment and community wellbeing. 'We want to highlight the great work already underway, share ideas and approaches from other parts of New Zealand and beyond, and foster new partnerships that can help us deliver the diverse housing options Southlanders need,' she said. The forum will feature case studies from local and national projects, expert presentations on regulatory and spatial planning changes, and will include the launch of the new Build Southland housing website. The event is free to attend, and all those interested in housing, development and Southland's future are encouraged to register via Great South's website. Event details: Murihiku Southland Regional Housing Forum Southland Regional Development Agency 143 Spey Street, PO Box 1306, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand Phone +64 3 211 1400 Email info@ Date: Thursday 12 June 2025 Time: 9.00am till 5.00pm Location: Murihiku Marae, Invercargill To register for the forum please complete the following form:
