councils

* Environment Southland reported a rise in illegal dumping, including rubbish, vehicles, and animal carcasses. * The council recovered costs for only a few incidents, putting pressure on its budget. * A potential rates increase may be needed to cover cleanup and enforcement efforts. Illegal dumping is becoming a costly issue for Southlanders,

The Invercargill City Council has reported an increase in hostile behaviour towards staff, with 29 cases of verbal abuse in just two months. The Risk and Assurance Committee were briefed by health safety and wellbeing manager Tash Anderson at a meeting on Tuesday. Over the past year the number of

The Invercargill community will be consulted on a 9.47% rates increase, despite opposition from both the Mayor Nobby Clark and deputy Tom Campbell. At yesterday’s council meeting, Mayor Clark told the meeting from the outset he didn’t agree with the process they were using to determine the

* Helen Robinson is leading commercial and partnership efforts at Museum of Southland. * She brings experience in care, construction, and community-focused projects to her new role. * The museum aims to be a space for connection, history, and regional pride. Helen Robinson has stepped into the role of Commercial and Partnerships team

Bin inspections have been reintroduced across Southland to help combat ongoing contamination rates of recycled material being redirected from landfill. At the first WasteNet meeting for the year, director Fiona Walker addressed the committee and said Southland was among the highest rates in New Zealand - currently 19-20%. In comparison,

While Invercargill residents are having to pay $11 for a cauliflower in the supermarket, Mayor Nobby Clark said he cannot justify forcing a 10% increase on ratepayers in 2025/26. Speaking to whatsoninvers.nz founder Mike Sanford in his 90 Seconds segment last week, Mayor Clark said he still advocated

* Invercargill welcomed a delegation from Kumagaya, continuing a 31-year sister city relationship. * The visitors explored local attractions, businesses, and cultural sites across Invercargill and Bluff. * Officials highlighted the importance of exchanges in strengthening ties and fostering mutual benefits. Invercargill has once again welcomed a delegation from its Japanese sister city,

* SH6 Dee Street roadworks begin tonight, with southbound lane closures and detours in place. Upcoming Work – SH6 Dee Street Update Apologies for the late notice—there has been a slight change to the SH6 Dee Street roadworks schedule, with work starting tonight (11 February) at 6pm. Due to other roadworks