# Backroads to the Beehive: No country for coal men

> Southland towns face decline as coal industry fades and costs rise.
- Title: Backroads to the Beehive: No country for coal men · RNZ
- Summary: Southland towns face decline as coal industry fades and costs rise. Southland's coal towns struggle with population loss, high living costs, and political…
- Keywords: southland, coal towns, living costs, election 2026, ōhai, nightcaps, takitimu mine, solid energy, rural new zealand, pensioners, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2375260/backroads-to-the-beehive-no-country-for-coal-men
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-05T22:25:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: southland, coal towns, living costs, election 2026, ōhai, nightcaps, takitimu mine, solid energy, rural new zealand, pensioners, politics, news
## Coal towns decline
Southland's former coal towns face population loss and economic hardship.
## Ōhai's coal history
Ōhai once had over 1000 residents and hundreds of miners but now has about 300 people.
## Coal mine closure
Ōhai's last coal mine closed in 2021 after Solid Energy collapsed in 2015.
## Land promises broken
Local residents say promised land restoration with pastures and lakes was replaced by pine forests.

> It's just sad. New Zealand's been sold out
## Farming struggles
Farmers face wet weather and high costs as small towns decline.
## Rising living costs
Pensioners pay over $4000 annually for rates in rural Southland towns.
## Political distrust
Residents blame politicians for neglecting small towns and failing to address economic issues.

> They've got our tax out of us for 50, 60-odd years and now they've just chucked us on the backburner
## Election day near
With Election Day tomorrow, Southland towns face political uncertainty.
## Living the dream
Residents say their small towns offer stunning views and a simple life despite economic challenges.

> I'm living the dream
## Key takeaway

Southland's coal towns struggle with population loss, high living costs, and political distrust ahead of election.