Councils

New government funding for wilding conifers will not solve Southland's problems. Environment Southland biosecurity team leader plants Jolie Hazley welcomed the $79 million nationwide boost announced this week but warned it had limits at a committee meeting last Wednesday. "I'm not expecting that any new

Environment Southland is buying hybrid utes despite one breaking down during testing in remote hill country. Last week a committee approved replacing up to four vehicles with three BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrids, even after a test drive went wrong. Hydrology specialist Michael McDonald was testing the ute when its

Gore District Council has resolved two code of conduct complaints against councillors. The complaints were dealt with internally and are now closed, ending weeks of community speculation about what had happened behind closed doors. Mayor Ben Bell said the process worked as designed. "The Code of Conduct exists for

This letter is to inform you that starting next Tuesday 2 June, and lasting for 1 to 2 weeks (weather dependant), there will be traffic management in place at the roundabout at the Leven St/The Crescent intersection, and along the east-bound lane of the Crescent between Leven St and

Invercargill bus fares and pool entry fees will stay the same next year. Invercargill City Council on Tuesday decided against raising bus fares by up to 14 percent and Splash Palace entry fees by 10 percent after more than 150 people submitted on the proposed increases. Most other council fees

Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) has highlighted the ongoing concerns to council about future provision of elderly housing in the city. A workshop for councillors on the future of elderly housing on Tuesday (May 26), outlined the current issues and challenges. PSS said 55% of Invercargill households are 1-2 person but

Invercargill City Council has backed a "One Southland" governance model, saying a single council would deliver the strongest path to regional efficiency and sustainability. The decision comes as Southland faces two parallel processes for local government change. The Local Government Commission announced today it will proceed to Phase

Construction of Stewart Island Rakiura’s long-awaited renewable energy project officially began today, with community leaders, government representatives, contractors, and residents gathering to mark the occasion at the future solar farm site on Airport Road. Associate Minister of Regional Development Mark Patterson and Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott turned