Southland is gearing up to welcome some of the world’s toughest endurance athletes as Gore hosts the MAGNIficent Adventure Race from 28 February to 7 March 2026. Part of the internationally recognised Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), the race brings together elite co-ed teams of four to compete non-stop

Boaties are being urged to take extra care on the Ōreti River, as large semi-submerged logs have been reported drifting along the waterway. Environment Southland says the logs were likely dislodged by recent high tides and are now floating just beneath or on the surface of the water. The lower

Southland has become the first region in New Zealand to launch a mobile lifejacket library, aimed at keeping boaties safe on the water this summer. The initiative is a partnership between Environment Southland’s maritime team and ACC. Regional Harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said this mobile option sets Southland apart from

The Invercargill City Council has confirmed a clear path forward for the opening of Te Unua Museum of Southland, with the new facility set to open to the public in 2027. Councillors considered the museum’s opening timeline at a meeting today, where three options were presented for discussion. Alternative

A free public shower facility in Invercargill will remain open until at least March 2026, despite high operating costs and questions around its long-term future. Located in the central city’s Wachner Place, the facility includes a restroom and free shower service that is used, on average, twice a day.

Gore’s water supply is now fully treated at the East Gore Water Treatment Plant, delivering cleaner, safer drinking water to the community. The Gore District Council announced the completion of the centralised water treatment project, which finished on time and under budget despite being a technically challenging task. The

Southland District Council is making progress on the redevelopment of its newly purchased office building in Invercargill. Work at Henderson House, on Kelvin Street, has included removing mould and repairing leaks — but according to project director Jendi Paterson, the work was all part of the plan. “Mould remediation work and

The Ulva Island wharf is fully operational again following the completion of essential maintenance work, ensuring continued access for visitors over the summer months. The wharf, located at Post Office Cove, is the only landing point on Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary within Paterson Inlet that attracts thousands of visitors