News Desk

Big weekend across the city. Friday night the Diagonals play Live in the Lobby at Two Doors Down, The Company take the stage at the Ascot Sports Bar, and Jetset headline at Waxy's. Saturday, the All Blacks take on Ireland on big screens across the city, The Diagonals

A community group is demanding answers about a $3.5 billion AI data centre proposed for Makarewa, just north of Invercargill — and they're holding a public meeting to get them. The Southland Sustainable Resource Coalition has organised an information evening next Wednesday at 7:00pm at the Invercargill

Invercargill City Council wants to know whether two underused parks should be sold off — and residents have until August 7 to weigh in. The two sites are Newfield Park in South Invercargill and JG Ward Reserve in Bluff. Both were flagged as potential disposal candidates during the Long-term Plan process.

The Eastern Southland Gallery has lost one of its most devoted friends. Sir Sam Neill, who died on July 13 aged 78, spent more than 25 years quietly shaping the Gore gallery's collection and championing the idea that provincial New Zealand deserves serious contemporary art. Gallery curator Jim

The Southern Institute of Technology is seeking Three Council MembersThe Southern Institute of Technology (Te Whare Wānanga o Murihiku) is seeking three experienced and forward-thinking individuals to join its Council. This is a significant governance role offering the opportunityto contribute to the strategic direction and long-term success of a leading

Paul Henry is heading to Parliament — or at least ACT is betting on it. The veteran broadcaster announced this morning he will stand as an ACT Party list candidate at November's general election, having resigned from the TVNZ board to do so. ACT leader David Seymour expects Henry

New Zealand's first herd of special interest has been officially designated — and it's in Fiordland. The Fiordland wapiti herd has been granted herd of special interest (HOSI) status, a recognition that locks in hunter-led management of the herd and gives the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation a formal,

Southland motorcycle racer Cormac Buchanan has finished 13th at the Moto3 World Championship round in Germany, his best result of the 2026 season and a badly needed confidence boost after a difficult start to the year. The Sachsenring circuit suited Buchanan from the first session. He went P9 in FP1