Mike Sanford

The Government is providing immediate financial support to help small rural schools across Southland cope with rising fuel costs, including $37 million nationwide for boiler replacements and transport subsidies. Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the targeted relief package yesterday, designed to help schools keep classrooms warm and ensure students can

A 32-year-old Invercargill man has been arrested after allegedly stealing 855 litres of petrol from a local contractor's yard in a month-long crime spree. The man appeared in Invercargill District Court today facing multiple charges including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, theft over $1000, two counts of theft

An Otautau Lotto player is among eight lucky winners who each claimed $29,497 in Second Division prizes during tonight's live draw. The winning ticket was purchased from Fresh Choice Otautau, making it a celebration night for the rural Southland town. Across New Zealand, eight players matched five

Southern Institute of Technology students struck gold during a recent field trip when they spotted rare takahē birds roaming wild in the Greenstone Valley. The Bachelor of Environmental Management Year 1 students were on a three-day expedition in mid-March to learn backcountry skills like GPS navigation and apply classroom ecology

A mix of state highway renewals, district road closures, and council infrastructure works are underway across Southland this week. Here's what motorists need to know. Invercargill The major disruption for city drivers remains SH6 North Road at Waikiwi, where northbound lanes between Ruru Street and West Plains Road

Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams will headline a major Southland fundraising event this October, with organisers expecting strong demand for the rare New Zealand speaking appearance. Williams, widely regarded as one of golf's most successful caddies, will be the star attraction at 'A Night Out

The Southland Multicultural Food Festival has delivered another hugely successful event, with organisers reporting record crowds and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community. Office Manager Jo said the day exceeded all expectations, with constant crowds from the 10am start through to close. "It's been a great day.

South Island farmers will get more freedom to diversify their operations under new regulations for Crown pastoral land announced by the government. Land Information Minister Chris Penk and South Island Minister James Meager said the changes would allow pastoral lease holders to add activities like horticulture, beekeeping, tourism and hospitality