The radio and television personality says he decided to "take a shot" after learning that many locals weren't happy with the candidates.
No one was injured in the blaze at Cardrona's shop.
Police are urging caution for Southland road users on Friday.
It appeared the seal had been shot with a small-calibre rifle, DOC said.
MetService is warning wild weather will set in from tomorrow.
Another person who left the scene is helping police with their investigation.
Police were called to the crash on Ferry Rd at about 11.30pm and discovered a vehicle had crashed through a barrier on a bridge over the Oreti River.
The deep South council has been plagued by issues and in-fighting this year, with particularly pointed questions raised about whether Sir Tim still has the competence for the job.
Emergency services were called to Gore Street on Thursday afternoon with reports of "serious injuries".
MetService says the wet weather is just getting started as a storm makes it's way up the South Island.
Motorists are warned that driving could be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
The measure affects those wanting to visit inpatient wards, amid a surge in cases.
Carpet sea squirt and the invasive seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Undaria) have both been spotted on the Island.
New Zealand Functional Foods wants to build a plant-based beverage manufacturing facility north of Invercargill.
The driver was allegedly involved in several near misses with oncoming traffic.
Another man remains in Christchurch Hospital recovering from serious injuries.
One person was shot in the leg and taken to Southland Hospital where they are being treated for moderate injuries.
It is a big morale boost for businesses before skiers start hitting the slopes next month.
The car was driven onto a footpath in Winton, narrowly avoiding a coffee cart and several people along the way.