Ōhai's population has fallen to about 300 from more than 1000

Ōhai, a former coal town in Southland, once had more than 1000 residents. It now has about 300. Nightcaps, nearby, was home to more than 1000 people. RNZ's Tim Brown visited both towns ahead of Election Day on 6 November. Residents say they are fighting the loss of industry, families and opportunities, and struggling with rising living costs.