Mike Sanford

Cruise tourism continues to inject significant value into Southland’s economy, with the 2024/2025 season generating $15.8 million in visitor spend across the region. New national data from the Value of Cruise Tourism 2024/25 Economic Impact Assessment shows Fiordland led the way with $11.3 million, followed

After more than a century of bringing people together in Southland, the Tuatapere Sports Day will hold its final event on New Year’s Day, marking the end of a 116-year tradition. Organiser and long-time commentator Peter Templeton confirmed that this year’s event would be the last, citing major

Southlanders are preparing for a major city-wide celebration this graduation season, as Kelvin Street transforms into ‘Graduation Lane’ to honour students, the community, and the return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) to local control. The Graduation Walk procession, set for 12 December at 4pm, will close part of

A Nelson local is celebrating a life-changing win after taking home a massive $16 million prize in the latest Lotto draw. The winning ticket was bought at Fresh Choice Nelson City and includes $15 million from Powerball First Division and $1 million from Lotto First Division. “Tonight’s winner is

ILT once again brought festive cheer to Invercargill’s older residents, hosting the first of two Christmas dinners for people aged over 70 at the Ascot Park Hotel last night. Now a much-loved annual tradition, the event saw 700 guests treated to a three-course meal served by ILT board members

Rugby Southland has officially wrapped up its three-year charity partnership with the Hawthorndale Care Village (HCV) by donating $16,014, closing a chapter that has seen years of collaborative fundraising and community involvement. The latest donation was generated through the 2025 SBS Bank Southland Stags Charity Jersey, worn during Round

This week marks 100 years since the Southland Cenotaph in Invercargill was officially unveiled to honour local men and women who served and died in World War I. Unveiled on 6 December 1925, the cenotaph was revealed to the public in a significant ceremony led by then-Governor General of New

Southland Institute of Technology (SIT) has announced the appointment of Mr Bharat Guha as its new Chief Executive, with his term beginning on 1 January 2026. The newly formed SIT Council confirmed the decision following a competitive recruitment process that drew strong interest. Council Chair Mr Rex Chapman said, “Bharat