Mike Sanford

Ambulance services will get $35 million over four years to tackle rising demand, with emergency calls expected to jump by 95,000 incidents over the next four years to 735,000 annually. The Budget 2026 funding targets immediate problems: more frontline crews, better technology, and stronger support systems. Two new

Presbyterian Support Southland has sold Resthaven Village to Phantom Eldercare, with the family-owned care home operator taking over on July 1, 2026. Phantom Eldercare runs multiple aged care facilities across Otago. The sale finalises a conditional agreement signed in March. "For 50 years, our organisation has had the privilege

Southland Hospital has installed a new $994,000 fluoroscopy machine that will improve diagnostic imaging services for local patients. Health Minister Simeon Brown said the upgraded technology represents a significant step forward in local healthcare quality. "This is a significant step forward in the quality of diagnostic imaging available

The 2026 Bluff Oyster & Food Festival is set to deliver a full day of seafood, entertainment, and southern hospitality as thousands of visitors prepare to descend on Bluff this weekend. Weekend Gig Guide – InvercargillWelcome to your Weekend Gig Guide! Looking for the perfect way to spend your weekend in

Construction of the new Museum of Southland remains on track and within budget, with completion expected later this year as work continues to transform the long-awaited facility into a modern cultural destination for the region. While builders continue progress on the physical structure, the museum team has shifted its focus

Southland farmers have been given an 18-month reprieve on freshwater farm plan deadlines as the government overhauls what it calls a flawed system. The original May 2026 deadline for submitting farm plans under regional rules has been pushed back to November 2027, giving farmers breathing room while new national standards

Invercargill teenager Cormac Buchanan's Barcelona Grand Prix ended almost before it began after a racing incident forced him into the gravel trap on the opening lap. The Southland rider had struggled to find his rhythm all weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya but was confident in his race

Police are investigating a motorcycle crash in Strathern yesterday morning that left a rider seriously injured. Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Southland Area Prevention Manager, said officers spotted a motorcyclist riding without a helmet on Pomona Street around 7.15am on 17 May and signalled him to stop. "The motorcyclist