Mike Sanford

* Southland District Council chose an in-house model after wide public consultation across the district * Nearly all public submissions supported continuing local control with adjustments to meet reforms * A Water Services Delivery Plan must now be submitted to Internal Affairs by early September Southland District Council has decided to manage its

* Government reforms aim to modernise Fish & Game New Zealand’s national operations and advocacy approach * Local hunting and fishing rules will stay under regional control despite major structural changes * Federated Farmers support some reforms but remain concerned about political advocacy by the body Fish & Game New Zealand is

Southland’s property market has reached new heights, with average asking prices hitting a record $564,291 in May. According to realestate.co.nz’s latest data, that’s a 6.5% jump compared to the same time last year — the highest recorded since the platform began tracking prices 18

The Government has ruled out proposals to ban cruise ships and close the airstrip at Milford Sound, instead announcing a $15.2 million investment aimed at upgrading infrastructure and protecting the environment. The funding is part of the first round of decisions under the Milford Opportunities Project, a long-term strategy

* SBS Group achieved a $43.1 million surplus despite economic uncertainty across New Zealand * Support for first home buyers increased, helping nearly 1,500 Kiwis into their own homes * Digital upgrades and branch changes reflect shift in Member expectations and behaviours SBS Group has posted a solid financial performance for

We are saddened to share the passing of former Invercargill City Councillor Ronald Lindsay Abbott. Lindsay first served on the Invercargill City Council from 1971 to 1974, before returning in 2007 and serving a further five consecutive terms until 2022. Across his long tenure, he brought wisdom, good humour, and

* Enliven Southland to trial AI-driven pain detection app for 12 months from July * App allows staff to assess non-verbal signs of pain in dementia patients more accurately * Funding support enables improved care and smarter tech use in aged care settings The introduction of a new smartphone app is set to

* Trade Me has acquired a 50 percent stake in Stuff Digital, forming a new partnership * The deal excludes masthead publishing, Neighbourly and events, focusing only on digital news and listings * Both businesses expect strong growth by linking news content with property and motoring platforms Trade Me has taken a 50