Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
The Southland District Council is advising drivers in central Southland against unnecessary travel, due to widespread icy conditions.
Snow overnight has caused treacherous conditions on roads around the district, with many areas of black ice. A number of vehicles have already slid off the roads, say council officials.
The Edendale and Wyndham areas are also badly hit, with ice covered roads throughout the area. Te Anau escaped the snow, but had a very heavy frost, which has also left ice on the roads.
Roading asset management engineer Hartley Hare says people need to be extremely cautious, as the conditions could be very dangerous.
“The roads are very icy in places that have had snow. Our contractors are monitoring the situation but we are advising that people take extreme care and if they can, delay non-essential travel in worst hit areas.”
Heavy snow has closed the Southern Scenic Route detour via Tahakopa Valley Road. Anyone intending to travel via the Catlins is advised to instead use State Highway 1.
Colac Foreshore Rd also remains closed due to stretched resources caused by the weather.
The conditions have affected state highways in the district as well, State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound is closed and NZTA have closed the Edendale Hill section of State Highway 1, and advised caution in other areas.
Conditions are also expected to be dangerous tomorrow, with the possibility of freezing temperatures causing black ice on the roads.
Council staff and contractors will continue monitoring the roads.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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