Mike Sanford

The Week in Review It’s been an unusually cold and wet week, and I can’t remember it being this chilly at this time of year. But then, a friend reminded me last week that it’s been 14 years since the roof of Stadium Southland collapsed under a

Southland’s business enterprises were front and center when the Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing, Andrew Bayly, visited Invercargill yesterday. "I had a really interesting day in Invercargill, meeting a range of successful businesses with my wonderful colleague, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds," said Mr. Bayly. "Many

* Thousands gathered in Dunedin to oppose cuts to the new regional hospital project. * Mayor Radich urges government to keep promises on health funding and facility standards. * Future campaign actions include lobbying Ministers and sending thousands of postcards. A massive protest took place in Dunedin, with around 35,000 people from

* Government says current $1.88 billion budget for Dunedin Hospital project is insufficient. * Ministers are considering reducing hospital scope or staging development to manage costs. * Key services like pathology lab and car parking were not included in initial cost estimates. The planned redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital could cost up to

* NIWA could acquire MetService to create a more efficient weather forecasting system. * The integration aims to combine forecasting science with hydrology and coastal hazard expertise. * Officials will provide further implementation details to support this streamlined approach. The New Zealand Government is considering a significant overhaul of the country's

* Public consultation gathered 280 submissions on Southland's new museum budget shortfall. * Four budget options were proposed, including design changes and delayed construction. * Council hearings and deliberations on budget plans are scheduled for October. Public consultation on the final budget for Southland’s new museum has concluded, with Invercargill

* Fonterra increases forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint for 2024/25 season to $9.00 per kgMS. * Strong earnings in FY24 lead to a total dividend of 55 cents per share. * Fonterra explores divestment of its Consumer businesses to focus on core strengths. Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has announced a 50

* Invercargill City Council addresses sound and livestream issues in its temporary chambers. * Civic Building decisions could take up to six years for a permanent solution. * Planned upgrades to the temporary venue are expected to be completed by March 2025. The Invercargill City Council is planning improvements to its temporary chambers