News Desk

Invercargill City Council will charge $20 for property file requests from Monday 11 May, as it moves the service online to handle growing demand. The council receives around 500 property file and Land Information Memorandum (LIM) requests monthly, with 6000 requests processed last year alone. "Last year, Council received

Southern Institute of Technology will offer 10 new scholarships annually to Aurora College students starting in 2027, providing debt-free pathways to tertiary education in Invercargill. The scholarships will cover any qualification from certificates to bachelor's degrees across all SIT faculties and continue for the full duration of each

Youthline Southland has closed its Invercargill office after 50 years of serving the local community, with operations now handled through a national support model. The office shut its doors last Friday following a year-long review by the Southland board, which examined the changing landscape of remote mental health services and

Workers at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter will begin industrial action on Monday after bargaining talks with Rio Tinto broke down. Around 185 E tū union members are set to take action on May 4, 6, 8, and 10 following months of unsuccessful negotiations that began in 2024. E tū

Environment Southland is asking residents and businesses to share their views on proposed changes to council fees and charges for 2026-27. The council has completed a comprehensive review of its Fees and Charges Schedule, aiming to improve transparency and ensure alignment with current legislation and council bylaws. Most fees will

Southland District Council has been ordered by the Ombudsman to overhaul its record keeping after refusing to release information about mayoral spending. The controversy began in August 2025 when media requested mayoral and chair spending records from all four Southland councils covering the previous term to July 31. While three

Environment Southland has appointed Stephen Hall as its new Chief Executive, with the regional council veteran set to start on July 20. Hall brings more than 25 years of experience in resource management and regional councils to the role, including time at Bay of Plenty Regional Council and executive positions

Police are seeking public help following a violent break-in at a rural property on Mataura Island Road early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 6:50am on April 28 when intruders were disturbed at the property. A struggle broke out between one of the victims and an unknown man, during