Editing Ian Southern (section)

== Historical documentation ==

=== Original NPL introductory letter ===

The principal surviving primary source identifying Southern is the introductory letter circulated in December 1996 and preserved by [[Mercenaries Star]].

The document is signed by Southern as New Zealand NPL Director, 1997.

It outlines the objectives of the proposed organisation and the deadline for team registrations.

=== Mercenaries Star league history ===

The retrospective article ''The Rise and Fall of the New Zealand National Paintball League'' identifies Southern and Dave Pellet as the originators of the league.

It provides details of the founding field operators, the league's competition structure and its subsequent reorganisation.

The article also records the development of affiliated teams and the role of Second Division in introducing players to tournament paintball.

=== Second Division information sheet ===

The original Second Division tournament information sheet preserves details of the league's inaugural competition structure.

It includes scheduled rounds, team registration procedures, competition rules, fees and prizes.

Although the document does not independently identify Southern as its author, it provides direct evidence of the competition introduced during his inaugural year as league director.