Story leads in Southland

Hokonui Fashion Design Awards

Every year in July, the Peugeot Hokonui Fashion Design Awards are main stage in a fabulous weekend showcasing up and coming New Zealand fashion designers in Gore, Southland.  The Awards began in 1988 by a local radio station and its huge success meant it was then taken over by a group of local ladies.  12 years ago Heather Paterson, the current organiser, stepped in to manage the event after having been involved with the event from the beginning, firstly as a model and then as an entrant, winning the Award of Excellence. 

The Awards, now nationally known throughout the fashion world has attracted judges such as Margie Robertson, NOMD; Annah Stretton; Elisabeth Findlay, Zambesi; Karen Walker; Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester and Michael Pattison. The eight categories include Streetwear, Nightlife, Wool, Kiwiana, Knitted, Mens Apparel, Collections and Denim. 

For more information on this fabulous event visit www.hokonuifashion.com

Te Hikoi - Southern Journey

For more information contact Te Hikoi +64 3 234 8260

Invercargill Indian

Oscar award winning star Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Meet Joe Black) plays Burt Munro, the New Zealand motorbike speed legend the Hollywood movie The World’s Fastest Indian. 

The movie follows Burt’s life from Invercargill to the Salt Lake Flat of Utah where he races his Indian and goes on to break records throughout New Zealand and the USA between the 1920’s to 1970’s.  

The film captures the inherent thriving spirit of Burt Munro and his determination, humour and persistence which have made a legend in his own right.

Each year the Burt Munro Challenge is held in Invercargill, which draws thousands of motorcyclist enthusiasts to participate or just enjoy ‘one hell of a weekend’ of racing in various locations around Southland.   

Burt’s Indian can still be viewed at E H Hayes and Sons Ltd in Invercargill. 

Hook, Line and Sinker

There’s nothing fishy about tales of monster trout lurking in Southland’s pristine rivers. The Mataura River is a magnet for international anglers keen to test their skills on one of the best brown trout fishing rivers in the world. It boasts a high trout population and catch rates of any river in New Zealand. Indeed, the Eastern Southland township of Gore, which spans over its banks, has laid claim to the title: The Brown Trout Capital of the World.

While the spotlight is on the Mataura, there are numerous southern waterways that will richly reward the casts of the keen angler. Tranquil and secluded, Southland’s rivers, stunning Fiordland lakes and clear mountain streams are, nevertheless, easily accessible – most can be reached within just two hours’ drive from Invercargill. 

Wherever you go, the trout are as canny as they are plentiful. A catch is never a given, but the beauty and serenity of the backdrop is guaranteed.

 It provides an entertaining and engaging glimpse into the story of the South Coast Community’s unique and dramatic past and it describes how early Maori adaptation and settlement of the area was an important ‘first contact’ period and assimilation between Maori and European sealers, traders and whalers, from the around 1800 to original colonial settlement in the mid 1800’s. 

 For more information visit www.gorenz.com 

Croydon Aircraft Company

A passion for aircraft from a bygone era has soared to new heights for Maeva and Colin Smith. Since establishing the Croydon Aircraft Company in 1986, the Mandeville couple has cemented a reputation and client base spanning the globe. 

Croydon Airfcraft Company, based at the Mandeville airfield – New Zealand’s oldest aerodrome – is located on a main route between Gore and Queenstown and provided the perfect place to set up shop.  During his farming days, Colin dedicated his engineering skills and spare time to rebuilding a Tiger Moth aircraft. His talents impressed many and he was asked to rebuild another vintage plane, sparking the idea for the Aircraft Company.

The company concentrates on planes from the 1930s era, particularly the popular de Havilland aircraft. While the company is recognised as a world leader in restoration work, it also manufactures wooden components and fuel tanks for the old planes, employing 10 talented staff.

Visitors can watch the restorers at work and, for a thrill beyond compare, take to the skies in a Tiger Moth or for the daring, an adrenalin-filled acrobatic joy ride may beckon.

For more information visit www.croydonaircraft.com 

This chocolate is Seriously Good

 
Confectionary connoisseurs the world over are indulging in an unforgettable bite of Southland – Seriously Good chocolate truffles - that bring a taste to your lips as unique as the province itself. 

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company has been a sweet success for Jane Stanton who started the company in 2001. Much inspiration came from the irresistible smell of her grandfather’s West Coast chocolate shop still lingering from childhood. What began with just four flavours has expanded to a range of 54 chocolates, complemented by an array of other products at the company’s Invercargill boutique.

New Zealand’s southern region has provided inspiration for many of the mouth-watering creations as well as truffles infused with wine, champagne, Baileys and the good old kiwi hokey pokey!

Frolicking Fossils

New Zealand’s most successful Tuatara breeding programme has had a bumper season with its population growing from 21 to 51, after females Gael and Janie successfully hatched their eggs in early 2008. The legendary 111-year old Henry mated for the first time ever this year with his room mate Mildred. The success of this will be known later this year. 

Henry has been with the Museum since 1972 and had never shown an interest in mating but was recently caught in ‘the act’ with Mildred by curator Lindsay Hazley. The pair have had several unsuccessful attempts at mating in the past, which twice ended in Mildred having her tail bitten off by Henry! Henry has been well known for his aggression and for 15 years was kept in solitary confinement because he did not get on with other tuatara. 

Lindsay Hazley has dedicated more than three decades to the tuatara breeding programme and over two million visitors have flocked to the tuatarium over the past decade to view Henry and his friends.  

Leading Edge in Island Conservation

Ulva Island, situated in Paterson’s Inlet, Stewart Island, has a significant part in leading island conservation management. One of the few island sanctuaries in New Zealand, it has an important role to play in the conservation of threatened species and it provides a great opportunity for people to get up, close and personal with New Zealand’s unique ecology. 

 It is managed as an open sanctuary by The Department of Conservation and some of New Zealand’s rarest plants and birds live in a safe environment where the public can learn about and enjoy them. 

For more information visit the Department of Conservation

The Most Southern Cheese Factory in the World!                                       

Blue River is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of products made from 100% Pure New Zealand Sheep Milk. The thousands of sheep they milk each season are spoiled with the lush, green pastures of Southland on which they graze.

 Check the website to find local retailers and watch out for the retail outlet at the factory which is due for expansion soon!