Mike Sanford

Two offenders have been sentenced for their roles in a massive wildfire that swept through the Awarua Wetlands in Southland on April 2, 2022. The fire, lit during a prohibited fire season with a total fire ban in place, destroyed 1,330 hectares of the internationally recognised wetland. Brendon Robert

* Invercargill Mayor criticised the government for a "lack of transparency" in waste policy changes. * A strongly worded letter urged full consultation and review of the Waste Minimisation Act. * Councillors unanimously supported the letter, now sent to the Prime Minister and ministers. Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has sent a

Six people have been injured in a serious crash in Southland, prompting a major emergency response. Two individuals are in critical condition, while a third is also critical but stable after being airlifted to Dunedin Hospital. Three others, suffering serious injuries, were transported to Kew Hospital by ambulance. Related: State

* NZME plans to cut 40 roles across NZ Herald, BusinessDesk, and Newstalk ZB. * The restructure aims to focus on stories that engage audiences and grow subscriptions. * The changes include fewer stories, new digital investments, and streamlined production. NZME, the owner of the NZ Herald, BusinessDesk, and Newstalk ZB, has announced

* State Highway 6 closed after a serious crash near Gap Road East. * Two people critically injured and four others sustained minor injuries. * Diversions in place as motorists advised to avoid the area. UPDATE: Southland Crash Leaves Six Injured Southland Crash Leaves Six InjuredSix people have been injured in a serious

* Shane Reti demoted as Health Minister, falling from fourth to ninth in rankings. * Simeon Brown takes over health portfolio, aiming to improve healthcare access for Kiwis. * Prime Minister Luxon focuses on economic growth with several other cabinet role changes. In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has demoted

* Police carried out search warrants following a Southland street racing incident. * Two vehicles were impounded, and two men are set to appear in court. * Police urge the public to report street racing to help address the issue. Police in Southland have taken action following an illegal street racing incident, impounding

* Donald Trump begins second term with sweeping changes targeting immigration and federal policies. * Inaugural speech announces strict definitions of gender and end to diversity programmes. * Events moved indoors due to frigid weather as Trump pledges to “rescue America.” Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the