Community

* Colac Bay's iconic surfer statue may be replaced due to ongoing maintenance challenges. * The Southland District Council pledged $35,000 as a loan for the project’s costs. * Fundraising efforts will help cover the remaining costs for a new, more durable replica. Colac Bay, a small coastal town

* New parking restrictions are proposed to address extended vehicle parking on Stewart Island. * Southland District Council suggests 30 new restrictions and adjustments to 16 existing ones. * Police may assist with parking enforcement if the council's bylaw is updated. Reworked Content: Residents of Stewart Island/Rakiura could soon face

* Thousands gathered in Dunedin to oppose cuts to the new regional hospital project. * Mayor Radich urges government to keep promises on health funding and facility standards. * Future campaign actions include lobbying Ministers and sending thousands of postcards. A massive protest took place in Dunedin, with around 35,000 people from

* Government says current $1.88 billion budget for Dunedin Hospital project is insufficient. * Ministers are considering reducing hospital scope or staging development to manage costs. * Key services like pathology lab and car parking were not included in initial cost estimates. The planned redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital could cost up to

Coopers Creek residents have had their licences to occupy the land for another 21 years, with a right of renewal for up to 35 years. It may not have ended decades of uncertainty for the 25+ residents at the Sandy Point village, but the Invercargill City Council wasn’t prepared

* Waituna Lagoon will be mechanically opened to prevent ecological damage and assist the community. * High water levels have been affecting local roads, paddocks, and farming activities for weeks. * Lagoon opening aims to flush nutrients and sediment, resetting the environment for summer. Environment Southland has decided to use its emergency powers

* Deaf and disabled communities demand Invercargill appoint a full-time sign language interpreter. * Lack of interpreter causes hardship, affecting hospital visits, events, and daily communication. * Recommendations include creating a disability portfolio and advocating for better inclusion policies. Invercargill’s deaf community is calling for the appointment of a full-time sign language

* Peacehaven Village raises $330,583 for dementia unit expansion in less than six months. * Six new dementia care beds will be added to meet community needs in Southland. * Only $55,417 remains to complete the $386,000 fundraising goal for the project. More psychogeriatric dementia beds are on the way