Olivia Caldwell

Queenstown hockey sides are shaping up for another tough season in the Central Otago women's competition starting next month.

The Southern region has cost the New Zealand Police and outside resources more than any other province for search and rescue operations in the past financial year.

The Kingston Flyer is for sale again, after its owner of two years, David Bryce, announced yesterday he is moving back to his home town and vineyard in Marlborough.

After using a borrowed bike, Dunedin rider Alex McGregor narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the elite men's time trial at the New Zealand club road championships near Queenstown yesterday.

The Otago Regional Council's ''pollution wagon'' crew will carry out random checks on wood burners being used in Otago houses this winter.

Queenstown needs to attract and invest in more events, according to the Queenstown Lakes District Council's latest events strategy, which was adopted by councillors last week.

The puck will drop next month for the 2013 National Ice Hockey League season and already Southern Stampede players are arriving in Queenstown for what both captain and coach predict will be a case of third time lucky.

Queenstown Lakes ratepayers are now able to make submissions on the council's draft annual plan, which was accepted by the council last week.

The start of construction of the Southland District Council's $11 million Around the Mountains cycle trail is still some way off.

Cost-cutting at Queenstown Lakes District Council continues, with councillors accepting a recommendation for the sale of $23 million worth of property.