Mike Sanford

* Suzanne Prentice recognised for outstanding contributions to music, charity work and community leadership * Neville Gordon Phillips awarded for decades of service to firefighting and ice sports development * Investiture ceremonies at Government House continue until early May celebrating achievements across sectors Two Southland locals were recognised for their exceptional service yesterday

* Industries will soon control how they train apprentices and trainees across New Zealand. * New Industry Skills Boards will set standards and manage assessments from January 2026. * The Government says the changes will better connect learning with real-world job requirements. The Government is changing work-based learning to give industries more say

* Troopers Memorial closure marks final step in full Dee and Tay resurfacing project * Drivers advised of detours and road closures across Southland during Anzac events and upgrades * Maintenance schedule may change based on weather, holiday staffing and other local events The full resurfacing of Dee and Tay Streets in Invercargill

* Clinton Highway at Waiwera South closed after a truck and trailer crash * Diversions are set up but not suitable for heavy vehicles at this time * Motorists travelling through the area are warned to expect ongoing delays UPDATE: 11:50pm: Road now open. UPDATE 5:25PM SH1 remains CLOSED between Clifton

* Chris Ramsay appointed to new advisory role to provide local input for SIT decisions * Position follows ministerial directive to strengthen regional involvement across all Te Pūkenga divisions * Ramsay brings over a decade of SIT involvement and strong Southland community connections Chris Ramsay has been appointed to a new role as

* Southland mother Lynne Laverty encourages locals to host Pink Ribbon events this May. * Her personal journey highlights the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection. * Pink Ribbon Breakfasts raise funds for research, education and support for breast cancer patients. A Southland mum is urging locals to take part in this

A popular walking track in Bluff is under threat of becoming dog-free due to what the Department of Conservation (DOC) has described as an ‘obscene’ amount of dog faeces being left behind by careless pet owners. Foveaux Walkway, part of the Te Araroa Trail, draws hundreds of visitors daily, thanks

An 1900s steam locomotive took flight of a different kind today, as it was lifted by crane into its new permanent display home in Lumsden. The historic D class locomotive, D6, was installed through the roof of a railway shed, completing a project that began in 2013. The locomotive’s