News Desk

* Several Southland roads closed or affected due to flooding and hazardous conditions. * Motorists urged to exercise caution, with signage in place on affected routes. * Updated information on closures and flooding available through local council websites. Update: 12 noon Saturday 5 October: NZTA Road Update: #3 CLOSED - Ferry Road and

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds expressed her approval of an additional $50,000 in Government support announced today for farmers in Southland and parts of Otago. Related: Road Closures And Flooding Updates In Southland “This funding will assist farmers and rural communities in our region, through organisations such as the Southland

* Heavy Rain Watch issued for Inland Clutha and Southland from Thursday noon to Friday noon. * Rivers in the region are above normal levels, with no immediate signs of rising further. * Farmers are urged to reach out for support due to ongoing adverse weather conditions. The MetService has issued a Heavy

* Air New Zealand cuts capacity on three domestic routes due to reduced demand. * Invercargill to Wellington flights to end in January 2025 amid global engine issues. * Airline schedules changes for Queenstown, Dunedin, and New Plymouth routes. Air New Zealand is reducing capacity on three domestic routes by flying smaller planes

* The PPTA is proposing to allow membership for teachers working in charter schools. * David Seymour views this as a positive shift towards accepting charter schools. * Charter school teachers may gain collective bargaining rights through PPTA membership. The Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) is proposing to allow teachers from charter

* New parking restrictions are proposed to address extended vehicle parking on Stewart Island. * Southland District Council suggests 30 new restrictions and adjustments to 16 existing ones. * Police may assist with parking enforcement if the council's bylaw is updated. Reworked Content: Residents of Stewart Island/Rakiura could soon face

* Cam Davies shared his Global Chefs Challenge preparation with Southern Institute of Technology students. * Students gained practical experience and insights into competitive cooking at a professional level. * Mr Davies highlighted the importance of mentoring and collaboration within the hospitality industry. Te Anau’s restaurant owner and head chef, Cam Davies,

* Timaru's Alliance Smithfield plant could lose 600 jobs under a new proposal. * A 21-day consultation period will end, with a final decision expected by October 18. * Declining sheep numbers and land-use changes have led to a surplus in processing capacity. Hundreds of jobs at Timaru’s Alliance Smithfield