Firefighter strike action, community fundraising, cultural festival planning, council discussions and regional funding announcements have all shaped the local news agenda this week. Here’s a look back at the headlines featured on whatsoninvers.nz — Invercargill and Southland’s Live and Local News — and More! 24/7. What. When. Where.

Spectators were treated to a day of exciting racing as the 2026 Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest got underway at Teretonga Park in Invercargill on Saturday. Virtually every class that ran two races produced different winners, with several events decided by narrow margins. A nostalgic highlight came during the lunchbreak

The Trackside commentator internship programme continues to pay dividends for racing’s future, with Dan Fogarty stepping into a full-time role as the commentator for the Southern region. Fogarty (23) called the Southland Guineas thoroughbred meeting at Ascot Park in Invercargill last Saturday, and followed that up with the Gore

The SBS Bank Southland Stags have confirmed the signings of rising outside back Denzel Samoa and loose forward Konrad Toleafoa for the 2026 NPC season, strengthening their squad with two in-form Moana Pasifika players. Both athletes have impressed during the early stages of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Their

Southern District Police are urging rural residents in Clutha and Gore to remain alert following a rise in burglaries across farming areas. Several incidents are currently under investigation in the heart of Southland, where offenders have been targeting fuel supplies and valuable farm equipment. Police say the recent spike has

Southland Musicians Club venue gets new identity The Southland Musicians Club’s iconic live music venue has a new name. The Riff Live Entertainment Venue will be officially launched with a free show on Saturday 14 March. The building at 33 Preston Street, Invercargill, has been home to the Southland

Invercargill career firefighters are upping the ante with strike action moving to two days a week starting on Monday March 2. The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) originally planned to start this week but cancelled due to weather events up north. The National Committee meets every week to discuss

Ten newly independent polytechnics have been given a financial boost of more than $325 million following their separation from the national mega-institute. The funding has been provided by their former parent organisation to help secure a stable start as standalone institutions. Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds said the funding package