Mike Sanford

The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, a cherished annual event in Southland, has been granted its special licence for 2025 but will now be required to serve alcohol only in plastic cups or cans, after concerns raised by New Zealand Police. Related: Bluff Oyster Festival Faces Glassware Opposition The Invercargill

* Water pipe upgrade along Sydney Street may cause delays and lane closures until early May * Kelvin Street will be northbound only as Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade begins at the end of March * Highway works, roadmarking, and tree maintenance continue across Southland with detours in place Invercargill drivers are being asked to

* ILT has boosted its funding for the new museum to $1.5 million. * The museum will showcase Southland’s rich cultural heritage and community stories. * Construction is progressing with distinctive structures linked by a double waka feature. ILT has announced an additional $500,000 in funding for the new Te

* Southern region awarded $350,000 from Government to support off-peak tourism growth. * Initiative targets Australian travellers with focus on local culture, nature and unique experiences. * Local businesses and tourism operators expected to benefit from increased international visitors. A $350,000 funding boost is on its way to the lower South

* Simeon Brown criticised Health NZ for engaging in advocacy unrelated to healthcare delivery. * Brown cited examples including fast food opposition, raffle bans, and transport policy. * The Health Minister urged Health NZ to focus on improving immunisation rates and care access. New Zealand’s Minister of Health, Simeon Brown, has criticised

* A third young person has now been charged over a violent Invercargill store robbery. * Police located and arrested the youth without incident earlier today. * Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are still expected. A third young person has appeared in court following an aggravated robbery at a convenience store in

• Ten Torpedo7 stores will be rebranded as outlet shops focusing on discounted outdoor gear • Two more store closures confirmed as the retailer tightens its physical store footprint • Online sales and flagship stores will remain key priorities for the brand going forward Torpedo7 is undergoing major changes under its new owners,

* Two youths were arrested after a reported early morning burglary in Bluff * Police Dog Unit helped locate both offenders after they fled the scene on foot * One youth will face Youth Court while the other is referred to Youth Aid According to Senior Sergeant Mel Robertson, Police were called to