Community

The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, a cherished annual event in Southland, has been granted its special licence for 2025 but will now be required to serve alcohol only in plastic cups or cans, after concerns raised by New Zealand Police. Related: Bluff Oyster Festival Faces Glassware Opposition The Invercargill

* ILT has boosted its funding for the new museum to $1.5 million. * The museum will showcase Southland’s rich cultural heritage and community stories. * Construction is progressing with distinctive structures linked by a double waka feature. ILT has announced an additional $500,000 in funding for the new Te

* Southern region awarded $350,000 from Government to support off-peak tourism growth. * Initiative targets Australian travellers with focus on local culture, nature and unique experiences. * Local businesses and tourism operators expected to benefit from increased international visitors. A $350,000 funding boost is on its way to the lower South

Hawthorndale Care Village $39 million aged care facility was officially opened today, (Friday 21st March) celebrating the realisation of a long-held vision. The first residents will be welcomed in May and Hawthorndale Care Village Trust chair Frank O’Boyle expressed his pride in the project, saying, “Hawthorndale Care Village is

Invercargill’s Splash Palace leisure pool is set to reopen earlier than expected following the completion of essential maintenance work. The pool, which closed on 3 March for the installation of new foam tile flooring, welcomed visitors back on Saturday 22 March — two days earlier than scheduled. Invercargill City Council

Margot Hishon has been appointed as the new Chair of Community Trust South. With extensive governance experience, Mrs Hishon previously held the role between 2016 and 2018 and has a strong understanding of the Trust’s operations and the communities it supports. Community Trust South Chief Executive Jackie Flutey confirmed

Thousands of people enjoyed international food and entertainment at the annual Southland Multicultural Food Festival on Saturday. Tributes were flowing in from those invited to come along and be part of the special day, including the Southland Sri Lankan Society. “It was meticulously planned and executed making it a resounding

This weekend’s Southland Multicultural Food Festival will be its biggest yet, with 49 stall holders registered, showcasing a huge selection of international and local cuisine. Held at the ILT Stadium Southland and co-inciding with International Race Relations Day on March 21, the event attracts thousands of people and gives