Mike Sanford

* 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

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* 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

* Julianne’s portrait exhibition, ‘Empowher’, focuses on empowering women of all ages and backgrounds. * Her creative process involved researching characters for women and making many of their costumes herself. * The exhibition features 44 women transformed into diverse characters, from mythological goddesses to historical figures. Julianne, a passionate photographer originally from

* Environment Southland is closely monitoring water levels in Waituna Lagoon due to rising concerns. * The lagoon's elevated level of 2.5m is affecting roads, paddocks, and local farming activities. * Any lagoon opening would require emergency powers and careful coordination to ensure safety. Environment Southland is keeping a close