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As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information … View moreAs thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts … View moreWhether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫
What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇
20% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers & sealers and 20% off wallpaper and 20% off decorating accessories.
See your Resene Colorshop and bring out the best in your home.
The Local Government Commission is officially inviting everyone across Southland to share their views on the proposed council reorganisation. This is a significant conversation about how our region is governed, and the Commission wants to hear from you over the next fortnight.
Need more details?… View moreThe Local Government Commission is officially inviting everyone across Southland to share their views on the proposed council reorganisation. This is a significant conversation about how our region is governed, and the Commission wants to hear from you over the next fortnight.
Need more details? The Southland Times has you covered.
From student nurse to Village Manager, Ruben Kumar’s journey at Ryman reflects years of dedication, growth, and a passion for caring for others.
Today, as Village Manager, Ruben leads the community with the experience gained from progressing through multiple roles across the organisation.
… View moreFrom student nurse to Village Manager, Ruben Kumar’s journey at Ryman reflects years of dedication, growth, and a passion for caring for others.
Today, as Village Manager, Ruben leads the community with the experience gained from progressing through multiple roles across the organisation.
Click read more to learn more about Ruben's journey at Ryman.
The Post has been diving into our daily habits, and research suggests being an early bird or a night owl isn’t just a choice—it’s biology! We all have that specific time when our brains finally "click" into gear.
This raises a big question for the modern workplace. To get the … View moreThe Post has been diving into our daily habits, and research suggests being an early bird or a night owl isn’t just a choice—it’s biology! We all have that specific time when our brains finally "click" into gear.
This raises a big question for the modern workplace. To get the best out of everyone, should employers accommodate our natural body clocks? This idea is at the heart of the four-day work week and flexible scheduling movements.
We want to hear from you:
1. When does your brain "click" into gear?
2. Would a flexible (or shortened) schedule change the way you work?
Friday 20 & Saturday 21 March, 10am - 2pm.
Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities, we'd love to show you around.
Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Journalist Nikki Macdonald recently highlighted a growing crisis in Fiordland National Park: the devastating impact of surging deer numbers.
In a place as unique as Fiordland, the damage to native flora can take decades to undo. There are plenty of "cooks in the kitchen" suggesting … View moreJournalist Nikki Macdonald recently highlighted a growing crisis in Fiordland National Park: the devastating impact of surging deer numbers.
In a place as unique as Fiordland, the damage to native flora can take decades to undo. There are plenty of "cooks in the kitchen" suggesting solutions, from increased commercial harvesting to aerial control or hunter-led initiatives.
We want to know what you think: How should we tackle deer control in our most sensitive conservation areas?
🚁 Is it time for a more aggressive national strategy, or should we lean into local hunting communities?
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a … View moreASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited … View moreDOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Ever wondered what stories are hidden in our local streets? Well, it’s Southland Heritage Month! 📜🌱
Throughout March, the Invercargill City Libraries and Archives are celebrating with a programme of events exploring our unique history. Whether you’re a family of explorers or a solo … View moreEver wondered what stories are hidden in our local streets? Well, it’s Southland Heritage Month! 📜🌱
Throughout March, the Invercargill City Libraries and Archives are celebrating with a programme of events exploring our unique history. Whether you’re a family of explorers or a solo history buff, there is something to get you inspired.
Read more about the planned activities here
What’s your favourite piece of Southland history? Is it a legendary family tale, a favourite old building, or a local landmark like the Bluff oyster heritage? 🦪✨
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. … View moreSign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Discover the lifestyle that awaits.
*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Southland farmers are leading the way! 🚜🐄 With exports booming and "stellar seasons" on the books, our farmers are pumping value back into the region.
Even with a cautious approach to spending, the benefits are slowly making their way into the local economy.
We want to know: … View moreSouthland farmers are leading the way! 🚜🐄 With exports booming and "stellar seasons" on the books, our farmers are pumping value back into the region.
Even with a cautious approach to spending, the benefits are slowly making their way into the local economy.
We want to know: Are you feeling more optimistic about our local economy lately?
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