News round up - South Island

In this week's TWN South Island round-up: Proposed salmon fishing rules changes could see a limit put on the number of catches, Cantabrians and West Coasters are calling for a review of a new NZTA policy, ‘Bloomfield’ the kea remembered for keeping Dunedin vets positive during lockdown, a name change is set for an under-fire Akaroa restaurant and Blenheim will be getting its first raised roundabout.

• Newshub reports in a bid to rebuild Canterbury's wild sea-run salmon population, Central South Island (CSIFGC) and North Canterbury Fish & Game Councils have proposed a season bag limit of four salmon.

Chair of (CSIFGC) Dr Andrew Simpson says it’s the most effective regulation to ensure enough sea-run salmon reach spawning grounds to sustain the fishery.

After spending three years at sea, between 40 and 60 per cent of salmon which return to spawn in rivers are caught.

The season limit of four salmon will reduce angler catches by around 16 per cent.

• The Press reports an online petition has been launched calling for NZTA to review a new winter road closure policy.

The policy has been introduced this season for Arthur’s and Porters Pass to close after heavy snowfall.

People are saying it’s cutting off Canterbury and West Coast business and ski field access.

In previous years drivers were able to use the road if they’re wheels had chains, but this year the roads will close until they have been de-iced.

• Otago Daily Times reports a kea named Bloomfield after New Zealand’s Director General of Health gave his vets “joy” during lockdown.

The kea was taken into care at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital during Level 4 after being found in a very poor condition in Fiordland.

Bloomfield was released with a transmitter placed on him after rehabilitation and could be spotted in Fiordland in the future.

• Stuff reports an Akaroa restaurant is set for a name change following its criticism.

Writer and academic Scott Hamilton claimed Bully Hayes Restaurant and Bar was a tribute to notorious Pacific slave trader, William "Bully" Hayes.

The restaurant's owner Wayne Jones said he had reflected on the criticism and decided "the time is right for a change”.

• RNZ reports the intersection of Weld St and Alabama Rd costing Blenheim residents $550,000 a year will become the town's first raised roundabout.

There’d been 14 reported crashes at the intersection since 2015, three of which caused serious injuries.

Marlborough Roads manager Steve Murrin says the new proposal would improve safety by reducing speed and crash severity.