Any operations at the newly consented Waikaka gold mine will not start until the last quarter of this year and the rocketing price of gold had no impact on its go-ahead, a company director says.

An operator of a Catlins camping ground says he is being forced out by council red tape, racist taunts and a lack of support from the wider community.

An overnight break-in at the Southland A&P Showgrounds at Donovan Park on Saturday left a bitter aftertaste to an otherwise near-record show weekend.