Councils
The collective buzz we get to indulge in when we see our humble province taking on the rest – and coming out on top – gives everybody a lift that lasts a long time.
If there’s one attribute I’m most proud of when it comes to us Southlanders, it’s how quickly we get in behind to support our own. From wood chopping, cycling, swimming, shooting, motorsport, badminton, athletics … the list goes on.
We took immense pride in the efforts and achievements of our cricketers, our basketballers, and the Southern Steel (what a way to send off stalwart Wendy Frew, who exemplifies what makes the cream of the crop of Southlanders so special).
We love to see Southlanders doing well. We appreciate the hard yards that our best and brightest put in. We relish celebrating what makes Southland special.
Recently I was able to attend the iconic Southland Party at Parliament in Wellington. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take pride in the scenic beauty of our region, from Fiordland to the Catlins and everywhere in between, our magnificent sporting successes of 2018, and of course the finest our province has to offer in food and drink – not to mention some cracking yarns.
Now that I’m back home, I’m getting behind another Southlander doing amazing things on the national stage. Local musician Gabriel Lal is up for the People’s Choice title in this year’s Smokefree Rockquest. If you haven’t heard his name yet, you will soon – this young man has talent by the truckload. He needs our support, so let’s all come together and do what that Southland spirit does best.
Text gabriellal to 407 and help this young Southlander take the place he deserves in the Rockquest finals.