Mike Sanford

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), including its Telford campus, will once again operate independently from 1 January 2026, following a Government announcement to restore regional governance to ten institutes nationwide. OPINION: Putting Polytechnics Back in Local HandsBy Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education Vocational education is one of

* Clyde Street in Invercargill will be closed southbound for resurfacing repairs on 16 and 17 July * Several state highway sites in Southland will have lane drops, detours or stop/go controls * Contractors and events will also affect traffic with short closures and managed diversions in place Motorists in Invercargill and

* Schools and preschools across New Zealand wore pyjamas to support hospitalised children’s families * Ronald McDonald House Charity warned more funding is needed as demand for help continues to rise * Southland locals joined nationwide efforts to help families stay close during medical emergencies In late June, schools, childcare centres, and

* Margaret Brown to step down after 17 years in aged care leadership roles * She helped shape Hawthorndale Village into a model of compassionate dementia care * Brown will stay on until September to support the transition of leadership After 17 years dedicated to aged care, Hawthorndale Care Village general manager Margaret

* New digital health service allows virtual consultations with NZ-registered doctors and nurses. * Over 4,500 people have already used the service since its pilot in May. * Aims to reduce pressure on emergency departments and improve access to care. New Zealanders across the country can now access trusted primary healthcare around

Invercargill Airport is preparing for a significant terminal upgrade aimed at improving security, passenger flow, and overall customer experience. With a $4 million investment, the airport’s redevelopment is designed to meet aviation security screening standards while paving the way for more efficient jet services. Key changes include upgraded systems

Invercargill City Council is leaning towards changing its recycling system to separate glass from other materials, amid growing concern the city is falling behind national standards. Currently, residents use a single 240 litre bin for mixed recycling, collected fortnightly. This includes glass, which has led to safety issues and cost

* Scott O’Donnell appointed to help grow KiwiRail’s freight and logistics capabilities * A conflict-of-interest plan ensures transparency with his ongoing business connections * He also led Invercargill mall redevelopment on time and within budget Southland businessman Scott O’Donnell has been appointed to the KiwiRail board, adding valuable freight and