Community

* 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

The Rotary Club of Invercargill will mark its 44th Book Sale over King’s Birthday weekend in 2025, continuing a long-standing tradition that has helped raise more than $1 million for local causes. This year’s sale will be held once again at the Scottish Hall, making it the second

The residents of Coopers Creek are still not happy, eight months on from when they had their licences to occupy the land renewed at Sandy Point for another 21 years. Several residents spoke in council on Tuesday, including Kath and Brian McDonagh, on their submissions to the Sandy Point Management

Rugby Southland has confirmed the popular ILT Fireworks Spectacular will return in 2025, lighting up the sky after the SBS Bank Southland Stags’ home game against Manawatū at Rugby Park Stadium. Scheduled for Friday, August 15, the match begins at 7.10pm, with the fireworks set to launch around 8.

Southland District Council is closing the Manapouri Hall temporarily while asbestos found on the outside wall of the hall is cleaned up. Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh said the hall was being prepared for painting when contractors noticed what they thought was asbestos on the cladding under the windows. "

First Kidzone Festival, now Matariki Festival has paused for 2025. ILT Kidzone Festival to Pause in 2025Great South has made the difficult decision to pause the 2025 ILT Kidzone Festival primarily due to rising costs and resource demands. Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said the decision had not been

• Southland’s two refuges will benefit from funding for mental health and addiction training • 250 advocates across the country will be upskilled through specialist clinical support and training • Funding aims to improve local service access and ease mental health referral challenges Southland Women’s Refuges in Invercargill and Gore will

* Suzanne Prentice recognised for outstanding contributions to music, charity work and community leadership * Neville Gordon Phillips awarded for decades of service to firefighting and ice sports development * Investiture ceremonies at Government House continue until early May celebrating achievements across sectors Two Southland locals were recognised for their exceptional service yesterday