Mike Sanford

* 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

* Export Southland Gala recognised local businesses for their innovative contributions to global markets. * Ethan Todd won the NZAS Innovation in Export Award for his Backlanz bipod range. * The DHL Mentorship went to George Munro - Hokonui’s Laura Todd for her lambswool products. Southland’s most innovative exporters were celebrated

* Nela Fletcher’s exhibition supports the Otago & Southland Cancer Society with proceeds from art sales. * Retired surgeon Murray Pfeifer will give talks, adding medical insights to the art experience. * The exhibition includes various art mediums and raises awareness about breast cancer diagnosis. Nela Fletcher’s new exhibition Monstrosity of

* Waituna Lagoon will be mechanically opened to prevent ecological damage and assist the community. * High water levels have been affecting local roads, paddocks, and farming activities for weeks. * Lagoon opening aims to flush nutrients and sediment, resetting the environment for summer. Environment Southland has decided to use its emergency powers

* Deaf and disabled communities demand Invercargill appoint a full-time sign language interpreter. * Lack of interpreter causes hardship, affecting hospital visits, events, and daily communication. * Recommendations include creating a disability portfolio and advocating for better inclusion policies. Invercargill’s deaf community is calling for the appointment of a full-time sign language

test for whats on

* Peacehaven Village raises $330,583 for dementia unit expansion in less than six months. * Six new dementia care beds will be added to meet community needs in Southland. * Only $55,417 remains to complete the $386,000 fundraising goal for the project. More psychogeriatric dementia beds are on the way