Mike Sanford

* Council purchased Henderson House in Invercargill for $3 million plus GST. * Building refurbishment is budgeted at $15.75 million and planning will begin soon. * Henderson House aligns with Council's future local government reorganisation plans. Southland District Council will bring its staff together under one roof after purchasing Henderson

* Reserve Bank’s OCR cut of 50 points triggers immediate mortgage rate reductions by banks. * Finance Minister highlights financial relief for families and businesses across New Zealand. * OCR reductions since August total 125 points, boosting borrowing power and easing budgets. The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate (OCR)

* Invercargill Airport won an award for managing Milford Aerodrome with innovative safety solutions. * Key upgrades included enhanced safety markings, walkways, and adherence to Civil Aviation Authority standards. * The project ensures Milford Aerodrome supports tourism while maintaining world-class safety and sustainability. Invercargill Airport Limited (IAL) has earned a prestigious award for

UPDATE: 8pm. State Highway 94 near Deer flat has fully reopened following a serious crash earlier today. Police would like to thank motorists for their patience. UPDATE: 3pm. One lane of State Highway 94 near Deer Flat has reopened following a serious crash earlier today involving a van rollover. The

* Crash on State Highway 6 closes road between Orion and Flora Roads. * Emergency crews work to rescue two people trapped in vehicles. * Motorists warned to steer clear of the crash site. UPDATE: 4:50pm. SH6 Makarewa is now OPEN State Highway 6 in Makarewa is currently closed between Orion Road

* Southland Woodworkers Guild showcases handcrafted wooden toys and gifts in annual exhibition. * Event runs across multiple dates, featuring free entry at Mary Street clubrooms. * Visitors can explore woodworking skills, toy assembly and buy handcrafted Christmas gifts. The Southland Woodworkers Guild has transformed into a hive of activity this festive season,

* Sophie Steel wins Southern Apprentice of the Year at 2024 HITO ceremony in Christchurch. * She receives a $2,500 prize and represents Southland's hairdressing industry on a national platform. * Steel also attended the Davines Pro Worldwide Hair Tour in Berlin this October. Invercargill hairdresser Sophie Steel was honoured

* Sixty-five Invercargill students receive ILT scholarships for tertiary studies in 2025. * Each scholarship provides $2,000 annually, supporting academic growth over three years. * ILT celebrates funding over 900 scholarships, valuing more than $5 million to date. Sixty-five Invercargill students have been awarded ILT Tertiary Scholarships, recognising their potential and supporting