Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno and Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes are angry at what they believe is a backdown on funding the Around the Mountain cycle trail.

A delegation from local government's Zone 6 area (from Waitaki south) had a positive meeting on the road funding issue with Transport Minister Steven Joyce last night.

Goodwill and cooperation have been the base for the new Papatotara Coast Road, which was opened on Saturday by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is not against the Haast-Hollyford Road proposal, but is also far more aware of the difficulties that surround it.

Southland is the place to and the interest shown in the Catlins tractor and free farm sale on Trade Me is evidence of this, Southland Mayor Frana Cardno said. "We've got it all in the south," Mrs Cardno said in response to a media question about what has Southland got.

24 March 2009 - Southlanders have been generous in donating just over $850 to the victims of the Victorian bushfires through the Southland District Council.

19 FEB 2009 - Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno is saddened but not surprised by the news Solid Energy is closing its Ohai mine at the end of June.

30 July 2008 - Nearly 800 people converged on Parliament last night to the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Croatian settlement in New Zealand hosted by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter.