Mike Sanford

Southland’s leading businesses were honoured at the 2025 Datagrid Southland Business Excellence Awards, held on Friday 19th September at a sold-out gala at Ascot Park Hotel. More than 400 business leaders, sponsors, and supporters attended the event to celebrate innovation, leadership, and performance across the region’s commercial landscape.

* Government confirms construction contract for Dunedin’s new inpatient hospital building has been signed * $1.88 billion rebuild will bring over 900 full-time construction jobs and boost the local economy * Hospital expected to open in 2031 with outpatient building operational by late 2026 The rebuild of Dunedin Hospital has taken

A series of road closures and water shutdowns are scheduled across the Southland region this week, with works affecting several towns and highways. An emergency road closure has been put in place outside 88 Birchwood Road. From Tuesday 16 September until Friday 17 October, the section of road will be

Invercargill’s Queens Park now has a new attraction for locals and visitors, with the recent installation of a giant outdoor chess set beside the Cheeky Llama Café. Completed this week by the Invercargill City Council’s Parks and Recreation team, the life-sized board is already proving popular. On the

Bluff Highway has reopened this afternoon following a fatal two-car crash that took place early this morning. Emergency services responded just after 6am to the crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Kew Road. Tragically, one person died at the scene. Police confirmed there were no other injuries.

* Briscoe Group posted an 11 percent profit drop despite near-record sales in 2025 * Chief executive Rod Duke says this is the toughest period for business since 1988 * Cost-cutting, discounts and strategic investment helped Briscoes maintain market share Briscoe Group has reported a full-year profit of $29 million for the year

Bluff Road now open, an update below. Bluff Highway Reopened After Fatal CrashBluff Highway has reopened this afternoon following a fatal two-car crash that took place early this morning. Emergency services responded just after 6am to the crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Kew Road. Tragically, one

The 2025 SBS Bank Tour of Southland is set to deliver a thrilling week of racing, with a reshaped course that blends tradition with innovation. Running from 2nd–8th November, the 69th edition of Australasia’s longest-running stage race will test riders’ tactics and endurance like never before as they