Councils

Ageing tennis courts in the small Southland town of Otautau are set to receive long-awaited improvements, although the decision has divided opinion among some residents. Southland District Council approved unbudgeted spending on Wednesday to allow four of the town’s tennis courts to be re-asphalted. The courts, located at the

A proposal aimed at expanding transport options for people living with impairments has been rejected by Invercargill City Council, with leaders citing concerns about passenger safety. The issue was discussed on Tuesday during a council committee meeting reviewing the Total Mobility scheme. The programme provides subsidised transport for people with

A retired meat worker has claimed the vacant seat on the Mataura Community Board following a closely contested by-election. Born and raised in Mataura, Neil Sinclair received 185 votes to secure his place on the board. His opponent, Gina Adcock, finished with 145 votes. In total, 330 valid votes were

Don Frew has been elected to the Ōraka Aparima Community Board following the Southland District Council by-election that closed at midday on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. Final results show Frew received 443 votes, ahead of Mel Heddershaw (Independent) with 151, Marina Seager with 150, and Nick Kiddey with 76. There

Unseasonal summer weather across Southland has contributed to higher demand throughout the water and wastewater distribution networks. The Invercargill City Council Three Waters team told the Water Committee today that staff working hard behind the scenes to keep the network operating, were the ‘unsung heroes’ of the city. Throughout January,

The future of Invercargill’s Rugby Park stadium and grounds is safe for now. Invercargill City Councillors agreed at the Community and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday 17th, to include a proposal to invest in refurbishing the facility in the upcoming Long-term Plan 2027-2037. All remedial work including earthquake strengthening

Te Unua Museum of Southland is on track to become the first museum in New Zealand to receive a prestigious sustainability certification, following recognition from Australasia’s leading voluntary environmental rating system for commercial buildings. The project has been provisionally awarded a 4 Star Green Star NZ Design & As

Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell has called on the city council to urgently prioritise a backup water supply, warning the community remains vulnerable with only one source of drinking water. Speaking to a water committee this week, Campbell said public concern was growing and action was overdue. “I think as we’