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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

Simon Thompson has won the top prize at the country music awards that matter. The Senior MLT NZ Gold Guitar Award went to Thompson over King's Birthday Weekend, along with $5,000 cash, a fully produced single, and a trip to the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival in

Cormac Buchanan has his speed back. The Southland grand prix racer finished within a second of the lead in every session at Mugello, proving his recovery from the injuries that have plagued his Moto3 World Championship campaign. "The weekend overall was a really positive one, especially with my feeling

The Southland Sharks extended their winning streak with a 99-89 victory over Otago in Dunedin on Sunday night. Caleb Asberry led the charge with 29 points, nine rebounds and four assists as the Sharks withstood an early barrage from the home side to claim their latest road win. The Nuggets

The following people have been recognised with awards in the King's Birthday Honours 2026. The New Zealand Order of Merit DNZM To be Dames Companion of the said Order: Mrs Susan Jean Hassall, ONZM, JP - For services to education Professor Elizabeth Mary Rata - For services to

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

The Northern Mystics beat the Southern Steel 61-53 in extra time on Sunday, climbing to the top of the table in a classic contest at Stadium Southland. After 60 minutes of regulation play ended 52-all, the Mystics dominated extra time 9-1 to claim the Georgina Memorial Trophy contested between the