News

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

Dame Jools Topp has died aged 68. The comedian and singer, one half of the beloved Topp Twins duo, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday surrounded by her twin sister Dame Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and "all her fur-babies". She lived with breast cancer for

The Government will pump an extra $79 million into wilding pine control over three years, nearly doubling current funding to tackle what farmers call an ecological disaster spreading across New Zealand's high country. The Budget 2026 commitment takes total wilding pine funding to $109 million — a significant increase

Danone will fund three annual scholarships for Telford students in perpetuity, targeting agriculture, animal health, farm systems and equine programmes. The global food company's partnership with Southern Institute of Technology marks a significant investment in Southland's agricultural education sector. Three scholarships — covering academic excellence, practical skills

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

Local sports teams can win a poolside party with the SBS Bank Southland Sharks. Splash Palace has opened its annual competition for the third year, offering one team a meet-and-greet with Sharks players and catered party at the pool. Invercargill City Council Manager Aquatic Services Stephen Cook said more than

Nearly 60 Southland athletes, coaches and teams will compete for recognition at the 2026 ILT Southland Sports Awards on June 12 at ILT Stadium Southland. The nominees span 22 sporting codes, from swimming sensation Londyn Dillinger to All Black prop Ethan de Groot. Five athletes with disabilities will compete in

A government arts funding scheme that has backed creative projects across Invercargill and Bluff for three decades is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Creative Communities Scheme, administered by Invercargill City Council on behalf of Creative New Zealand, has provided accessible funding for hundreds of local arts projects. Council Manager Strategy,