Mike Sanford

* Invercargill councillors adopted the reserve management plan for Donovan Park after recent consultation * The move allows the process to begin for removing reserve status from part of the land * Only 26 submissions were received, with mixed views on potential sale and land use change Invercargill City Council has taken another

* A helicopter will fly low over rivers in Southland to collect environmental mapping data * Bathymetric LiDAR technology will help create high-resolution 3D maps of local riverbeds and estuaries * The project supports tsunami modelling, marine research and public access to environmental information A low-flying helicopter will be seen over parts of

• Rugby Southland announced a $177,000 surplus, boosted by one-off national funding support • CEO and Chair stress cautious optimism as operational gains still face national funding pressures • New President Rex Carter steps in, bringing strong grassroots focus and board experience Rugby Southland has posted a financial surplus of $177,000

* MENZSHED members gathered in Invercargill for a three-day national conference celebrating connection * Health expo brought vital services and support directly to members in an informal setting * Local attractions and Southland hospitality helped round out a successful and well-supported event MENZSHED NEW ZEALAND members from around the country came together in

* New award honours late business leader Reece McDonald and his community contributions * Nominations open from 15 April to 15 May on the Chamber’s official website * Public voting begins 1 June, with the winner revealed at September’s gala dinner The Southland Business Chamber has introduced a new award to

* Government proposes scrapping second practical test for full driver licence by mid-2026 * Eyesight test requirements could be cut to reduce unnecessary repetition during licensing process * Tougher safety rules to ensure restricted drivers stay offence-free before progressing New Zealand’s driver licence system is set for a major shake-up, with the

• Thirty-two Lotto players each won $9,527 in the Second Division draw tonight • Two players also landed Powerball Second Division, boosting their total prize to $19,875 It was a night of celebration for 32 Lotto players around the country, each taking home $9,527 from the Second Division prize

* Cleanup aims to stop further pollution from the old landfill near Ocean Beach in Bluff * A 90-metre seawall will protect the site and help reopen public access to the beach * The $3.5 million project is a joint effort between DOC, Council and Government agencies Work has begun to contain