Mike Sanford

* Invercargill-based studio receives $40,000 CODE grant for developing a 2D action RPG. * Game development team includes SIT staff, graduates, and a current student. * Funding will create a prototype to secure investment for full game development. An Invercargill studio with close ties to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has

* Toxic algae identified in Waihopai River, posing risks to people and animals. * Residents urged to avoid algae and monitor other regional waterways for contamination. * Waiau River alert remains active near Excelsior Creek despite removal in Kennington. Toxic algae have been detected in the Waihopai River upstream of Queen’s Drive,

* Police arrested a Tapanui man on multiple drug charges after a long investigation. * The 25-year-old is linked to drug offences across Southland, Otago, and Central Otago. * Further arrests are possible, and police urge the public to share information anonymously. A 25-year-old man from Tapanui has been arrested and charged with

* Yellow-eyed penguin nest numbers on mainland New Zealand have fallen by 80% since 2008. * Fewer than 100 chicks remain across Stewart Island and the mainland this season. * Conservation efforts aim to prevent the species' extinction within two decades. Yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguins in the world and

* Invercargill central streets resurfacing to begin 12th January, expected to finish by March * NZTA asks drivers to follow detours and support local businesses during works You may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance, renewal or third-party contractor work can be found here, and these sites are listed

* SH1 roadworks in Milton will disrupt travel for Otago and Southland motorists. * Detours impact Invercargill travellers heading north or returning south from 6 January. * Businesses remain open during works; NZTA urges locals to show their support. People driving through Milton in South Otago should prepare for detours starting Monday, 6

* Vandals left wet toilet paper plastered across Riverton's newly built $620,000 public toilets * Southland Council’s frustrated post called vandals ‘brainless numpty’ after second incident in weeks * Staff say identifying culprits is difficult as damage often happens under cover of darkness The Southland District Council has called

* Invercargill City Mayor hails return of SIT as a win for students. * Government to reinstate standalone polytechnics from January 2026. * Vocational education system redesign aims to strengthen regional economies. The return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) as an autonomous institution has sparked optimism in Invercargill. Mayor Nobby Clark,