Mike Sanford

* Matt Russell praises committee for visiting regional aged care providers in New Zealand. * Presbyterian Support Southland faces funding shortfalls, rising care needs, and aging facilities. * Growing dementia care demands prompt calls for major changes in the aged care sector. Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) Chief Executive Matt Russell expressed his appreciation

* Southland median home prices hit record highs, with strong demand driving growth. * New listings in Southland rose 7.3%, contrasting with the national decline in listings. * Balanced market conditions in Southland offer steady opportunities for buyers and sellers. Southland’s property market finished 2024 on a high note, standing out

* A solar farm could reduce Stewart Island’s diesel use by up to 75%. * Council aims to implement renewable energy for reliable, affordable electricity and economic growth. * The project includes staged solar and wind energy solutions to benefit the island’s future. Stewart Island is set to take a significant

* Invercargill-based studio receives $40,000 CODE grant for developing a 2D action RPG. * Game development team includes SIT staff, graduates, and a current student. * Funding will create a prototype to secure investment for full game development. An Invercargill studio with close ties to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has

* Toxic algae identified in Waihopai River, posing risks to people and animals. * Residents urged to avoid algae and monitor other regional waterways for contamination. * Waiau River alert remains active near Excelsior Creek despite removal in Kennington. Toxic algae have been detected in the Waihopai River upstream of Queen’s Drive,

* Police arrested a Tapanui man on multiple drug charges after a long investigation. * The 25-year-old is linked to drug offences across Southland, Otago, and Central Otago. * Further arrests are possible, and police urge the public to share information anonymously. A 25-year-old man from Tapanui has been arrested and charged with

* Yellow-eyed penguin nest numbers on mainland New Zealand have fallen by 80% since 2008. * Fewer than 100 chicks remain across Stewart Island and the mainland this season. * Conservation efforts aim to prevent the species' extinction within two decades. Yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguins in the world and

* Invercargill central streets resurfacing to begin 12th January, expected to finish by March * NZTA asks drivers to follow detours and support local businesses during works You may experience delays on Southland state highways due to maintenance, renewal or third-party contractor work can be found here, and these sites are listed