News Desk

Mairi Dickson’s lifelong commitment to her community was recognised this week with a Community Service Award from the Southland District Council and the Ardlussa Community Board. The honour was presented during a special event at the Waikaia Hotel on Wednesday night. Southland Mayor Rob Scott said he was proud

* Experts have confirmed that a shipwreck in Newport Harbour is Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour * The final report follows twenty-five years of global underwater and historical archaeological research * Only 15 percent of the ship remains, with efforts now focused on its protection and preservation After 250 years, the final resting

What began as one mother’s vision for a bare Southland block is now a multi-decade planting and fencing project – one creek, one paddock, one tree and one generation at a time. For Eastern Bush farmers Peter and Lynley Cassels, planting and fencing isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes.

Repeat violent and sexual offenders are on notice as the Coalition Government brings back the Three Strikes regime. From today, anyone convicted of one of 42 serious violent or sexual offences will face steadily harsher sentences, a move Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says answers public calls for safer streets

* New system blends government records with yearly surveys to deliver faster, cheaper population statistics. * Monthly inflation index from 2027 aims to sharpen decisions on rates, benefits, and budgets nationwide. * Minister says overhaul will restore confidence in Stats NZ by “measuring what matters” for every community. New Zealanders have filled out

Southland signwriting firm Creation Signs has clinched gold at the New Zealand Sign and Display Association Awards. Manager Riki Shuttleworth said the honour, announced in Nelson on Saturday night, was testament to his team’s passion for the industry. “We might be located at the bottom of New Zealand but

* Bluff event returns with music, market stalls, and a dramatic fire and light show * Gore’s glowing celebration includes performers, learning experiences and indoor spaces for warmth * Both events are free and designed for all ages to mark Matariki in style Bluff and Gore are preparing to light up the

* Police inspected 54 vehicles and found serious faults in over one third of them * Operation involved multiple road safety teams working across Friday and Saturday nights * Police urge the public to report antisocial driving behaviour as soon as possible Southern District Police cracked down on illegal and dangerous driving in