Education

The eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in Wellington this year, allowing young people from across the country – including Southland – to make their voices heard. This is a wonderful opportunity for a young person living in the Invercargill electorate to learn first-hand how democracy works and to represent their

* SIT enrolments have risen by 19% in January 2025 compared to the previous year. * Trades, Health and Well-being, and Applied Management are among the most popular courses. * The SIT Zero Fees Scheme continues, helping students access debt-free education. Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has kicked off 2025 with a significant

As the school year begins, students at eight Southland schools are taking part in a new $3 million trial to help bring their maths up to speed, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says. The targeted acceleration programme aims to give Year 7 and 8 students at 145 schools across the country

* Invercargill-based studio receives $40,000 CODE grant for developing a 2D action RPG. * Game development team includes SIT staff, graduates, and a current student. * Funding will create a prototype to secure investment for full game development. An Invercargill studio with close ties to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has

* Invercargill City Mayor hails return of SIT as a win for students. * Government to reinstate standalone polytechnics from January 2026. * Vocational education system redesign aims to strengthen regional economies. The return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) as an autonomous institution has sparked optimism in Invercargill. Mayor Nobby Clark,

An Invercargill couple’s outdoor learning programmes have been so successful that after 18 months, Southland schools are now choosing their programmes to support the learning of their students.  Katie and Gareth Oliver started ‘True in Nature’ last year to offer children of all ages outdoor learning

* Sunshine brought out crowds for Telford’s 2024 graduation and street procession. * Students celebrated in style, walking through Balclutha to their graduation ceremony. * Over 330 supporters joined the event, celebrating graduates' achievements in various programmes. Telford’s class of 2024 celebrated their graduation in perfect weather on November 28

* Aparima College students won top honours at the national Young Enterprise Scheme awards. * Their business, Treet Yourself Contracting, impressed with its focus on sustainability and innovation. * The YES programme fosters entrepreneurship in secondary schools, connecting students with business leaders. Students from Aparima College in Riverton have claimed the top prize