Community

The Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand is set to receive a major funding increase to support its efforts in preserving the country’s rail history. Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today that KiwiRail will increase its annual contribution to the Trust from $125,000 to $500,000. The funding

* Invercargill chocolatier Jane Stanton created special treats to support Cancer Society fundraising efforts. * Chocolates feature artwork by fellow cancer survivor Janet de Wagt for Daffodil Day. * Original artwork will also be auctioned to raise additional funds for cancer support. Jane Stanton, owner of the Invercargill-based Seriously Good Chocolate Company, has

* Structural steel installed for the museum’s double-hulled waka above the public foyer space * Western building nearly finished, eastern structure and terrace concrete pours progressing well * Behind-the-scenes work includes experience design, partnerships, and educational planning Construction at the Museum of Southland has reached another key stage, with major parts of

* John Titter led a 13-year mission to restore Lumsden’s historic railway precinct for visitors * His efforts brought in over $500,000 and included recovering buried locomotives in 2020 * Titter was recognised with a Community Service Award for his remarkable community dedication John Titter, the man behind Lumsden’s railway

Some people marked “Dry July” by giving up alcohol — but Invercargill JB Hi-Fi staff had a different take, plunging into the freezing surf at Oreti Beach in the middle of winter. The July event was held to support mental health, raising $3026 for McKenzie’s Gift, a charity providing mental

A group of Southern train enthusiasts are full steam ahead with trying to secure 7km of railway line between Lorneville and Branxholme, to start a heritage railway route. The Southern Steam Trust has been eyeing up the Invercargill-Ohai route for several years, and now KiwiRail has pulled out, the group

More community hubs, warmer homes and greener programmes are on the way after Rio Tinto New Zealand Aluminium Smelter and Ngāi Tahu awarded $500,000 to ten Southland projects in the third Community Development Fund round. The partnership between the smelter and iwi, signed in 2022, centres on remediation, energy

* Over one hundred leg hold traps were removed by Parks staff yesterday. * Council urges public to report any traps rather than touching or moving them. * Alternative pest control methods are in place to protect pets and community safety. The Invercargill City Council has raised concerns after more than one hundred