Mike Sanford

The Commerce Commission has approved the merger of fuel retailers Gull and NPD, creating a nationwide network of around 240 service stations from Invercargill to the far north. The competition watchdog said today it was satisfied the proposed merger would not substantially reduce competition in New Zealand's fuel

A mixologist from Invercargill's The Langlands has made it to the top six in New Zealand's most prestigious cocktail competition. Stefani, who works at 360 rooftop cocktail bar, will compete in the MONIN NZ Cocktail Cup national final on Monday 11 May against some of the

Two of the South Island's major training providers have renewed their partnership to expand building apprenticeship programmes across the lower South Island. Otago Polytechnic and Southern Institute of Technology signed a new Memorandum of Understanding at SIT's Invercargill campus on April 15, building on their successful

Bus shelter improvements are on the way after Invercargill City Council completed a review of all 53 shelters across the city. The review was sparked by community organisation South Alive, which raised concerns about deterioration and maintenance issues at a council committee meeting in February. Council staff visited every bus

A Southland businesswoman who started her career as an auto-electrician has been appointed to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission. Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced Michelle Findlater's appointment to the TEC Board, recognising her extensive experience in work-based training and the automotive industry. Findlater now manages

The Government has announced plans to disestablish the Broadcasting Standards Authority following a controversial ruling that extended the regulator's reach to online platforms. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith said the decision comes as New Zealand's media landscape has changed dramatically while regulatory settings have failed

Southern councils have three months to come up with their own amalgamation plans or face government-imposed changes, ministers announced Tuesday. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop delivered the ultimatum, abandoning their previous approach of government-led Combined Territories Boards in favour of voluntary council groupings. "

Police are asking Southland residents to check their rural properties as the search continues for missing Kapuka farmer Kevin Belling. Belling disappeared from his Motu Rimu farm in Kapuka on January 9, sparking an extensive search operation involving Land Search and Rescue teams. Detective Sergeant John Kean said police have