Matthew Rosenberg
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Articles by Matthew Rosenberg
Selwyn admits dog control bylaw expired nearly two years ago
A Canterbury district with more than 16,000 registered dogs allowed its bylaw to expire almost two years ago, leaving the council scrambling to update it. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting Legal advice confirmed the Selwyn District Council’s Dog Control Bylaw expired in November 2024. It was identified during a regulatory review earlier this year. Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon said it highlighted a concerning trend where "a few bylaws and policies ...
Council scrambling to open popular seaside campground for summer Original
A new lease on a coastal campground in Curio Bay, Southland, has been left "to the last minute", a local accommodation provider claims. However, the Southland District Council says it's been working since April to review the site and seek advice on leasing options. This month, a council report revealed the Curio Bay campground was at risk of remaining closed for summer after lessee South Catlins Charitable Trust pulled away from the expiring arrangement.
Council scrambling to open popular seaside campground for summer
Curio Bay campground is located just over an hour from Invercargill, in the Catlins.Stephen Jaquiery/ODT A new lease on a coastal campground in Curio Bay, Southland, has been left “to the last minute”, a local accommodation provider claims. However, the Southland District Council says it's been working since April to review the site and seek advice on leasing options.
Retired council boss received six-figure golden handshake
A former Environment Southland chief executive who retired last year received a six-figure severance payout and a car. Wilma Falconer held the top job at the regional council from June 2022 until her departure on 29 August 2025, meaning she worked just two months of the 2025/26 financial year. She was paid $474,077 across that short period, the council's recently-released draft annual report has shown.
Councillors reject advice on 'sinking lid' gambling policy
Invercargill city councillors have not backed a sinking lid policy for gambling, despite a staff report saying it was the best option for reducing harm. This week, a council committee was tasked with selecting either a sinking lid or status quo cap policy for consultation as part of a three-year review. Both options are designed to reduce harm, but the sinking lid arguably goes further, by not allowing relocations, venue mergers, or machine transfers, the report said.
Council pinged after wastewater spills onto Bluff foreshore
Invercargill City Council has been slapped with a formal warning after its broken pipe leaked wastewater onto the Bluff foreshore this year. Environment Southland has revealed it hit the city council with the warning in September - more than four months after non-compliance was first flagged on the pipe. The city council has pegged the pipe's failure on the 5.9 magnitude earthquake which hit 40km north of Te Anau on 16 July.
Popular seaside campground at risk of being closed for summer
A popular Catlins campground which clocked up almost 18,000 stays last year could remain closed for its busy summer season amid uncertainty over the lease. By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter Southland District Council is racing to find a solution for Curio Bay campground – a council-owned site situated in an area home to Hector’s dolphins and a petrified forest.
Businessman questions council trespass notice after $18,000 donation
Embattled Southland slink skin operator Da Cheng ‘Eddie’ Zhi has been trespassed by the same council he donated $18,889 to last year. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting The incident unfolded on Monday, when Zhi turned up to Southland District Council’s Forth St office with a box of dead animal skins. A council spokesperson said Zhi displayed behaviour that was "offensive to our staff" and was trespassed from the building.
Reseña de ‘DC vs. Vampires’, una divertida distopía con las leyendas de DC
DC vs. Vampires Autoría del libro: James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg, Otto Schmidt Formato del libro: Tapa dura Fecha de publicación: 24 de septiembre de 2026 ISBN: 9791370580384 Número de páginas: 360 Editorial: Panini Enlace a ficha del libro En diciembre de 2005, dos pesos pesados del cómic como Robert Kirkman y Sean Phillips dieron forma a uno de los universos alternativos más exitosos y entretenidos de Marvel: ‘Marvel Zombies’.
Public shut out of port discussions at Southland council Original
Environment Southland is staying silent on the outcome of two private meetings held over the last week to discuss South Port. The regional council is looking to reduce its 66 percent stake in the Bluff deepwater port, having previously consulted on dropping ownership to 51 percent. An extraordinary meeting of the council's investment committee last Friday was backed up with an extraordinary meeting of full council on Monday, with 'South Port Matters' listed as the topic for both.
'Bit nonsensical': questions over trees replanted in flight path
A southern council has been criticised by one of its own for removing trees because of an airspace issue – only to replant the same variety at the site. By Matthew Rosenberg for Local Democracy Reporting Invercargill deputy mayor Grant Dermody raised concerns during a committee meeting this week, saying the strategy was “a little bit nonsensical" and only addressed risk for 30 years.
What is the risk of a Fiordland tsunami? Original
The 'worst-case scenario' for a landslide hitting Piopiotahi/Milford Sound and causing a tsunami is among work underway on risks facing the tourist hot spot. Research has already discovered the village could be struck in minutes by a tsunami in the area, with limited evacuation options. The devastating Nepal disaster also came up during the discussion of an Emergency Management Southland report on Friday, which focused on landslides triggering a tsunami.
Invercargill council votes against Māori ward following ‘slam dunk’ feedback
Invercargill city councillors have voted against establishing a Māori ward, opting to stick with the status quo. The decision was made at a meeting this week where council manager Michael Morris said there had been overwhelming feedback from Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka to not progress with a ward. Ngā Hau E Whā were also opposed once it understood those on the Māori roll would only be able to vote for one Māori ward candidate and the mayor, Morris explained.
Invercargill council votes against Māori ward following ‘slam dunk’ feedback
New Zealand 16 hours ago Iwi issues trespass notice over commercial boat landings on private Māori land teaonews.co.nz - Lineni Tuitupou • 16h The Motukawao Islands, made up of 11 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, have been Māori land administered by the Ngamotuaroha Trust since its establishment … Churchill (Man.) 1 day ago Northern Manitoba chiefs raise new objections to corporation intended to enable Churchill port expansion CBC News - Bartley Kives • 1d Northern Manitoba First Nations are...
Invercargill council votes against Māori ward following 'slam dunk' feedback
Invercargill city councillors have voted against establishing a Māori ward, opting to stick with the status quo. The decision was made at a meeting this week where council manager Michael Morris said there had been overwhelming feedback from Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka to not progress with a ward. Ngā Hau E Whā was also opposed once it understood those on the Māori roll would only be able to vote for one Māori ward candidate and the mayor, Morris explained.
Invercargill council votes against Māori ward following 'slam dunk' feedback
Invercargill city councillors have voted against establishing a Māori ward, opting to stick with the status quo. The decision was made at a meeting this week where council manager Michael Morris said there had been overwhelming feedback from Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka to not progress with a ward. Ngā Hau E Whā was also opposed once it understood those on the Māori roll would only be able to vote for one Māori ward candidate and the mayor, Morris explained.
Bin inspections having desired effect in tough-love Southland
An inspection programme assessing the contents of kerbside recycling appears to have improved habits in a region where repeat offenders risk losing their bin. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting Southland's contamination rate dropped to 13% for kerbside recycling and public drop-off across the last financial year, compared to 18% in 2023/24 when inspections were not undertaken.
Council manager's honest admission: We don't know where all our pipes are
A Southland council manager has revealed there are pipes in the district's network which are unaccounted for. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting Southland District Council strategic manager water and waste Kevin Johnson made the admission during a meeting on Wednesday where he provided an update to councillors. In response to a question about how many kilometres of pipes the council had, Johnson said there was about 32,000km, adding there were some the council did not know about.
Details of bids to help struggling Fiordland airport under wraps
Key players in the rejuvenation of an embattled Fiordland airport are remaining tight-lipped about how much interest was received during a recent proposal process for private investors. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting Southland District council has owned Te Anau Airport Manapōuri since 2002, when it acquired it from Air New Zealand for $401,000.
'Linguistic oppression': The little-known rule impacting Te Reo speakers at councils
Te Reo Māori became an official language of New Zealand in 1987.Taranaki Daily News A widely accepted council rule requiring members to give two days' notice before addressing meetings in Te Reo Māori has been deemed an oppression of the official language. The rule is included in standing orders across the country, including in Southland, and allows councils extra time to arrange interpreters or translators if necessary.
‘Linguistic oppression’: The little-known rule impacting reo speakers at councils
Osage County (Okla.) 5 hours ago Osage Nation Congress asks for principal chief to consider reopening language immersion school kosu.org - Sarah Liese (Twilla) • 5h When the Osage Nation executive branch curtailed some services last week, the tribe's language immersion school was among the cuts.
There you go!
Hi. This one is gonna be so quick you’ll barely even know it happened. But first, how are you? Great. IF DESTRUCTION BE OUR LOT… seems to be more popular than we thought. Issues 1, 2, and 3 are all sold out and going back to print this weekend to land in shops September 2nd. Check out these gorgeous new covers from Andy MacDonald and Francesco Segala. All of this means if you want copies you’ll have to let your local comic shop know basically now. Issue #1 Third Print. Sad Abe. Issue #2 Second Print.
Southland council ignores community preference for amalgamation
Southland District Council has opted to submit a merger proposal for local government reform, despite community preference saying otherwise. On Wednesday, councillors voted to support a proposal for two councils to govern the region - a Southland-Gore unitary council and Invercargill unitary council.
The prank costing Invercargill City Council $5000 a year to fix
Passers-by on Invercargill’s Gala St could be forgiven for mistaking the city's main water fountain for a bubble bath at times. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting A popular prank in the southern city is to fill the water with soap suds and watch as foam billows into the air, but the gag is costing Invercargill City Council more than $5000 a year to fix.
'Traumatic experience' at cemetery due to drainage issues
An Invercargill councillor who gave a stern word to staff over a "traumatic" incident at a local cemetery has refused to reveal the details of what happened. By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter Councillor Andrea de Vries told a council meeting on Tuesday she had been contacted about a "pretty traumatic experience" at Greenpoint Cemetery. She said the incident was upsetting to talk about, and asked council staff why drainage was not being prioritised.
The region juggling two merger processes at the same time
Southland faces two local government reform processes simultaneously — one through the Local Government Commission and another through the Government's Head Start process. (file photo)Robyn Edie / Southland Times Invercargill councillors have taken shots at the Government’s amalgamation push during a lengthy meeting on impending reform.
Council warns of 'tipping point' for building consent costs
A southern council has issued a stark warning about the cost of building consents around the country as it battles to hit its own targets with reduced staff.
Residents back ‘exorbitant’ Invercargill council units despite early issues Original
Caption:Invercargill City Council's new $2.9 million Miller St project was officially opened in May.Photo credit:Supplied/Invercargill City Council Tenants at a council-owned housing complex in Invercargill have spoken positively about their new homes in the face of criticism they cost too much to build. Last month, two Invercargill city councillors labelled a $9200 per sqm build cost at the Miller St units "excessive" and "exorbitant".
A city built for cars? Invercargill’s public transport problem
Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell has called on his council to start from scratch as frustration brews over the city's public transport offering. A report presented to Invercargill City Council this week showed it was difficult to promote public transport as an option for getting to town when it was easier for people to use their own vehicle. Factors at play included Invercargill's grid formation, low congestion, and parking options.
Cost jumps for Southland mayor’s Scandinavian trip
The final cost of sending Southland's mayor to the other side of the world has increased, as emails show some councillors were concerned about how the trip could be perceived. By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter Last month, Southland District Council revealed it spent $12,840 sending mayor Rob Scott to Sweden and Norway as part of a six-day Infrastructure New Zealand delegation.
Firearms and smashed glass: What employees faced at one southern council
Verbal abuse, a windscreen shattered by a mystery object, and the discovery of a firearm while sampling river water are just some of the ordeals Southland council employees have faced. Notable situations were captured in a recent Environment Southland report which also showed the organisation had struggled to find a new health and safety manager.
Invercargill pump station issues discussed in private
The Invercargill pump station on Stead St, near the Invercargill airport. (file photo)Robyn Edie / Southland Times A southern regional council is refusing to reveal details around issues at its new pump station, but has provided reassurances the facility is operating as required. On May 27, Environment Southland went behind closed doors at a committee meeting to discuss “issues and associated resolution actions” relating to the Stead St Pump Station.
Power prices could jump on Stewart Island – again
A Rakiura Stewart Island representative warns the remote island could "lose population" as residents brace for another potential power price hike. Just two months since electricity prices on Rakiura jumped almost 5 percent, the island's community board will meet this week to discuss whether it should endorse a further increase from the current rate of $0.89/kWh - a figure which is already double that paid in the city.
Council eyes hybrid ute that broke down during test
A Southland council is gearing up to purchase new hybrid utes despite one of the vehicles breaking down in the “middle of nowhere” during testing. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting On Thursday, an Environment Southland committee approved the replacement of up to four vehicles with the intention of adding three BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrids to their fleet. But feedback from a senior council staffer who tested the ute showed it almost left its occupants high and dry.
Bluff tavern retains liquor licence despite damning inspection
A Bluff tavern has been given the green light to continue selling alcohol despite strong pushback from multiple agencies. In April, Golden Age Tavern was the subject of an Invercargill District Licensing Committee hearing after police, the Medical Officer of Health and the licensing inspector opposed its licence application. Issues raised included poor staffing, no courtesy coach, a lack of systems and unidentifiable food in the freezer.
Suburban crescent crowned Invercargill's noisiest street Original
Dust off your earmuffs, Invercargill has a new noisiest street - although some of its residents disagree. Information released by Invercargill City Council shows Waiau Crescent, Kingswell, has taken the crown after clocking up nearly twice as many noise complaints as any other street in the city. The crescent tallied 54 complaints from five addresses, which was well ahead of Tay St's 24 complaints, Tramway Rd's 16 complaints, and Nevis Crescent's 17 complaints for the same 12 month period.
Southland council defends water supply after Greenpeace raises nitrate concerns
Southland District Council has defended the amount of nitrate in its water supply amid claims from Greenpeace of a "public health crisis". On Monday, Greenpeace released a media statement saying Lumsden's water supply tested at 6.14mg/L of nitrate the previous day, which was above the 5mg/L threshold for increased risk of preterm birth. But Southland District Council, which manages the supply, says there is no cause for concern.
Invercargill art gallery report criticised for lack of Māori voice
An investigation into a possible new Invercargill art gallery has raised concerns about funding and a lack of Māori engagement. This week, city councillors discussed a recent feasibility study that assessed whether there was a case for a new or enhanced gallery in the city. Andrea de Vries said she was “appalled” by the report because it referenced the need to partner with Māori, iwi and mana whenua — and uplift Māori artists — more than 40 times without representing the voice of Māori once.
Invercargill art gallery report criticised for lack of Māori voice
An investigation into a possible new Invercargill art gallery has raised concerns about funding and a lack of Māori engagement.This week, city …
Council spends $12,000 sending mayor to Scandinavia
Southland mayor Rob Scott has defended his council forking out more than $12,000 on a six-day Scandinavian trip, saying every second was worthwhile. But former Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark said he would be asking questions if he was a ratepayer in the district. This week, the district council revealed it spent $12,840 for Scott to join an Infrastructure NZ delegation which visited Sweden and Norway from 4 May to 9 May.
Council rejects floating sauna in Te Anau
A company hoping to set up a floating sauna on a small Te Anau lake has had its dream sunk. By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter On Wednesday, Floating Sauna Ltd's bid to set up two saunas and a changing room atop a floating pontoon at Lake Henry was the subject of a council deliberation. The project had drawn strong community feedback in recent months, with 81% of a total 210 submitters objecting to a licence to occupy being issued.
Cost jumps for landing out-of-town member on Invercargill committee
The cost of recruiting an out-of-town member to an Invercargill City Council committee has ballooned to almost double the amount previously reported. By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting Last month, the council said it spent $12,268 landing Nelson-based Lee Babe for an independent member role on its water committee, noting that figure was to the end of February. It has since revealed the final amount was $23,658.
Southern council explores number plate scanning technology
Invercargill parking enforcement could soon include number plate recognition technology as the city council aims to "move with the times". The proposed changes follow news last year that Invercargill parking wardens sometimes worked in pairs following an increase in bad behaviour from the public. An active tender shows the council is looking to introduce vehicle-mounted technology which can work with handheld devices in hopes it will "improve parking accessibility and safety for our officers".
'Clear public interest': Ombudsman calls for change at Southland council
A southern council has been directed by the Ombudsman to change its record keeping after refusing a media request. In August 2025, Local Democracy Reporting asked all four Southland councils to provide mayoral or chairperson spending from the beginning of the previous term to 31 July. But Southland District Council refused, saying theirs was combined with other elected members, and a total of 665 documents or invoices needed to be sorted through, which could take up to 55 hours.
Bluff pub slammed for unidentifiable food, absent bar manager
A Bluff tavern is waiting to hear whether it can continue selling alcohol after multiple authorities objected to its licences being renewed. By Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter On Wednesday, Bluff’s Golden Age Tavern was the subject of an Invercargill District licensing committee hearing after a host of concerns were raised including poor staffing, unidentifiable food and the lack of a promised courtesy coach.
Invercargill council's new code of conduct could help with big bills
A new code of conduct has been approved at Invercargill City Council in hopes it will slow down escalations. On Tuesday, councillors voted to replace the existing code with a draft version from the government which aims for earlier intervention and resolution. "This is quite a significant step forward and will enable council to hopefully resolve issues short of having to engage an independent investigator each time," council manager Michael Morris said.
Council spent $12,000 getting Nelson man for Invercargill job Original
A southern council has revealed it spent more than $12,000 recruiting an out-of-town member for its new water committee. On 14 April, Nelson-based chartered director Lee Babe was endorsed by Invercargill City Council water committee members for an independent member and deputy chair role. The council used Sheffield to recruit for the position - which three people were interviewed for - and has since revealed it spent $12,267.63.
Climate change challenges laid bare for Southland
Southland faces a host of changes and challenges under the weight of climate change, a new report has revealed. Key findings included projections air temperature would increase by up to 3.4 degrees, annual rainfall by up to 12 percent, and wind speed by as much as 3.7 percent - all by the year 2090. The snowline could also rise 400-670 metres by that time, with an expectation snow volume would decrease up to 50 percent by 2050.
Red warnings issued to hundreds of recycling rule breakers Original
The clean recycling message has been slow to kick in for some Southland residents, more than one year after bin inspections began in the region. In March last year, WasteNet rolled out a three-strike system which meant offenders who received three red tags for significant contamination lost their bin. Since the programme's inception, 20 properties had hit that threshold and only five had applied for reinstation.
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