We do need a better competition for the top clubs in the Mainland region no matter what [MPL or Div 1] division a clubs top team is playing in.
The fact that CTFC Turtles and a Bays team are in Div 1 makes that comp a mix match from one week to the other.
Sides for both CTFC and Bays could be stacked depending on what playing numbers or who gets picked up by these two clubs reserves or Mpl teams from week to week.
Could say Waimak and Parklands be closer to the top 3 in Div 1? sure you have to beat the rest in your league over a season to win a division.
I have seen it in previous seasons that a player coming back from injury and playing in the MPL has suited up for a div1 team for a game or two.
The thought of a South Island league of any sort is dead imo.
Football South have a couple of clubs that could compete in DunedinTech and Mosgiel but Caversham are all but done for as a viable club. Sure they have one good team but that is all and not much else [playing numbers or $$] to hang a clubs growth on.
Therefore if the powers that be in the Mainland office are wanting to grow the game other than in numbers of first kick kids they will have to look in the region.