Mike Sanford

* Government says current $1.88 billion budget for Dunedin Hospital project is insufficient. * Ministers are considering reducing hospital scope or staging development to manage costs. * Key services like pathology lab and car parking were not included in initial cost estimates. The planned redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital could cost up to

* NIWA could acquire MetService to create a more efficient weather forecasting system. * The integration aims to combine forecasting science with hydrology and coastal hazard expertise. * Officials will provide further implementation details to support this streamlined approach. The New Zealand Government is considering a significant overhaul of the country's

* Public consultation gathered 280 submissions on Southland's new museum budget shortfall. * Four budget options were proposed, including design changes and delayed construction. * Council hearings and deliberations on budget plans are scheduled for October. Public consultation on the final budget for Southland’s new museum has concluded, with Invercargill

* Fonterra increases forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint for 2024/25 season to $9.00 per kgMS. * Strong earnings in FY24 lead to a total dividend of 55 cents per share. * Fonterra explores divestment of its Consumer businesses to focus on core strengths. Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has announced a 50

* Invercargill City Council addresses sound and livestream issues in its temporary chambers. * Civic Building decisions could take up to six years for a permanent solution. * Planned upgrades to the temporary venue are expected to be completed by March 2025. The Invercargill City Council is planning improvements to its temporary chambers

* Export Southland Gala recognised local businesses for their innovative contributions to global markets. * Ethan Todd won the NZAS Innovation in Export Award for his Backlanz bipod range. * The DHL Mentorship went to George Munro - Hokonui’s Laura Todd for her lambswool products. Southland’s most innovative exporters were celebrated

* Nela Fletcher’s exhibition supports the Otago & Southland Cancer Society with proceeds from art sales. * Retired surgeon Murray Pfeifer will give talks, adding medical insights to the art experience. * The exhibition includes various art mediums and raises awareness about breast cancer diagnosis. Nela Fletcher’s new exhibition Monstrosity of

* Waituna Lagoon will be mechanically opened to prevent ecological damage and assist the community. * High water levels have been affecting local roads, paddocks, and farming activities for weeks. * Lagoon opening aims to flush nutrients and sediment, resetting the environment for summer. Environment Southland has decided to use its emergency powers