Community

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

Jeanna Rodgers’ tireless voluntary work has been at the heart of the Lumsden community for more than twenty years. Her ongoing dedication was officially recognised on Thursday evening when she received a Southland District Council and Northern Community Board Community Service Award. Mayor Rob Scott and community board chair Greg

A popular walking track in Bluff is under threat of becoming dog-free due to what the Department of Conservation (DOC) has described as an ‘obscene’ amount of dog faeces being left behind by careless pet owners. Foveaux Walkway, part of the Te Araroa Trail, draws hundreds of visitors daily, thanks

* Gay Munro received a Community Service Award for decades of service and dedication * Her conservation work has helped preserve Southland’s environment for future generations * She also made major contributions to local heritage, education, and community initiatives Gay Munro has been officially recognised for her lifelong dedication to conservation and

Otautau local Andre Bekhuis has been formally recognised for his tireless work and dedication to his community, receiving a Community Service Award from Southland District Council and the Wallace Takitimu Community Board. The award was presented on Saturday, honouring Bekhuis for his many leadership roles and hands-on contributions over the

* Men’s Health Expo to offer advice, checks, and connections in non-medical environment * Conference to include site visits, expert talks, and AGM for members and partners * Research on Shed health benefits will be released by The Selwyn Foundation in June MENZSHED New Zealand’s 2025 Conference is underway in Invercargill