Council claims its town has 'mysteriously disappeared' from map

For years, the New Zealand city of Invercargill has been the butt of numerous jokes, even once being dubbed "the arsehole of the world" by Mick Jagger. However, residents are now disgruntled after the city council claimed the city has mysteriously disappeared from Google Maps, a situation that has caused both amusement and concern.

The Invercargill City Council stated on its Facebook page that the Southland city had "mysteriously disappeared." Upon further investigation, while the city hasn't completely vanished, it does require zooming in to be displayed. In contrast, some smaller nearby towns, such as Gore and Bluff, are displayed more prominently on Google Maps, taking precedence over Invercargill, raising questions about the mapping algorithm.

Whether this is an elaborate prank or a simple IT error, the city council seems to be taking the matter with humor, stating online: "If you’re trying to find us, maybe try typing ‘that place near Bluff?'" They added: "For years we’ve been Southland’s best-kept secret – the cheese roll capital, the Burt Munro Challenge, and more. Apparently, Google is trying to stop people from getting to paradise – and honestly? Fair enough." This playful attitude aims to engage the community while addressing the issue.

In the post, the city council also jokingly targeted Gore, saying: "Whoever in Gore removed us, I will make sure your next cheese roll is stale and has no garlic butter." Responses to the post have also reflected a sense of humor, with some people even appearing happy to see Invercargill excluded. One user commented: "That's great. The less people that know about our little paradise the better. And there's Gore." Another user said: "Awesome, now it's a secret."

Various explanations have been offered for why Invercargill doesn't immediately appear on the map, with one person saying the city council forgot to pay its maintenance fees to Google, and another posting: "We have to buy it back in our rates bill." Invercargill City Council spokesperson Lisa Knight told Stuff news website that they are unsure whether the city's recent disappearance from Google Maps is simply a temporary glitch or "skulduggery from our rivals (we are watching you, Gore)."

Knight stated that they have contacted Google, requesting that they put Waihōpai Invercargill back on the map, while also seeking answers as to why they were removed. She added that despite Google Maps not showing Invercargill, the city still exists. "The cheese rolls are still rolling, our infamous southern hospitality is still ready to welcome anyone who can find us, and our main man – Henry, a lizard – is still steadfast in his new home, the Tuatara enclosure at the award-winning Queens Park."

However, this isn't the first time a large tech giant has caused consternation for New Zealand cities. In 2012, Apple mistakenly placed Dunedin International Airport in the Octagon and Timaru Airport was marked as being in a Christchurch suburb when updating Apple Maps. Google has been contacted for comment, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining accurate digital maps.