‘Unsightly Gateway’ to Invercargill Slammed Shut In a decisive move, the Invercargill City Council has permanently closed a controversial gateway into the city, dubbed the “unsightly entrance” by local residents. The gateway, located on State Highway 6, had come under fire for its dilapidated appearance and poor design. Locals complained that it presented a negative first impression of their city. Following extensive community consultation and public outcry, the council approved a plan to demolish the gateway and replace it with a more aesthetically pleasing design. However, the project was delayed by resource consent issues and spiraling costs. In the meantime, the gateway continued to deteriorate, becoming an eyesore for residents and visitors alike. Frustration mounted, and the council was urged to take action to resolve the situation. Last week, the council voted unanimously to permanently shut down the gateway. Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt said the decision was “a no-brainer.” “The gateway was a blight on Invercargill,” Shadbolt said. “It had become an embarrassment and a symbol of our city’s neglect. It was time to take action.” The closure has been met with widespread support from the community. Residents praised the council for listening to their concerns and taking steps to improve the city’s appearance. “It’s a relief to finally see this gateway gone,” said local resident Jane Smith. “It was a constant eyesore that made me ashamed of my city. Now we can move forward and create a more welcoming entrance to Invercargill.” The council is now working on plans to replace the demolished gateway with a new structure that will reflect the city’s identity and values. A design competition will be held to solicit ideas from the community. In the meantime, the closed gateway has been barricaded off. The council is urging motorists to use alternative routes into the city until a permanent solution can be implemented.The deputy mayor of Invercargill has expressed strong criticism of a roundabout at the northern entrance to the city, describing it as “the ugliest I have ever seen.”The deputy mayor of Invercargill has expressed strong criticism of a roundabout at the northern entrance to the city, describing it as “the ugliest I have ever seen.” During a recent council committee meeting, Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell raised concerns about the North Rd roundabout leading to Riverton/Aparima and Queenstown. He said he had received multiple complaints about the structure, which he claimed was damaging the city’s reputation. “It’s the most disgusting thing you can imagine and it’s the gateway to the city,” Campbell said. The roundabout falls under the jurisdiction of Waka Kotahi, New Zealand’s transport agency. Erin Moogan, the council’s group director of infrastructure, stated that she had raised concerns with Waka Kotahi, but their focus was primarily on safety rather than beautification. Moogan explained that Waka Kotahi was hesitant to take responsibility for the roundabout due to its location in a high-speed zone. However, she noted that other councils had assumed responsibility for roundabouts on state roads. Despite Moogan’s concerns about the potential cost to the council, Campbell emphasized that it was the city’s reputation that was at stake. He believed that Waka Kotahi should be held accountable for the negative impact the roundabout was having on the city’s image. The committee agreed to press Waka Kotahi to address the issue, seeking a higher level of maintenance. The meeting also discussed other roundabouts in the city. Councilor Ria Bond commented on the excessive height of vegetation on the Tweed St roundabout, which she said was creating line-of-sight problems.Invercargill Gateway Closed Amidst Outrage Invercargill’s iconic “gateway,” known as the Otepuni Avenue archway, has been abruptly closed, sparking widespread outrage among residents. The decision to close the archway, which has stood since 1930, was made by the Invercargill City Council without public consultation. The council cited concerns about the structure’s safety and the need for expensive repairs. Local residents and businesses have slammed the decision, calling the archway an “unsightly eyesore” that detracts from the city’s image. They argue that the repairs could have been made without the need to close the landmark. The archway has been a popular spot for photoshoots and a meeting place for locals. Its closure has left many feeling disappointed and frustrated. “It’s a disgrace,” said one resident. “The council is supposed to protect our heritage, not destroy it.” Business owners say the closure is hurting their livelihoods. Tourists and locals alike used to stop at the archway to browse local shops and cafes, but now they don’t have a reason to visit the area. “We’ve seen a sharp decline in customers since the archway was closed,” said a business owner. “It’s like the city has cut off our lifeline.” The Invercargill City Council has defended its decision, saying that the safety of the public comes first. They claim that the archway is in a dilapidated state and could pose a risk to visitors. However, residents and businesses remain unconvinced. They demand that the council reconsider its decision and reopen the archway, either after repairs or with temporary measures in place to ensure safety. The closure of the Invercargill gateway has cast a shadow over the city, deepening the division between the council and the community.