News

A young New Zealand sea lion pup has been killed after being struck by a vehicle on a Catlins coastal road, prompting the Department of Conservation to urge drivers to watch for marine mammals. The five-month-old male sea lion was found dead on Hinahina Road near the Catlins Boating Club

A company's plans to set up floating saunas on a small Te Anau lake have been rejected by Southland District Council after strong community opposition. Floating Sauna Ltd had applied for a licence to place two saunas and a changing room on a floating pontoon at Lake Henry,

First-time race goers are being invited to experience harness racing at Ascot Park with a new initiative designed to make the sport more accessible. Firsties is landing in Invercargill this Sunday, offering newcomers and casual fans a relaxed introduction to the trots with no pressure to know the ins and

Stories of Southland's past, present and future are taking shape behind the scenes as the Museum of Southland prepares for its 2027 opening in Invercargill. With physical construction on track and within budget for completion later this year, the museum team is now focused on developing the narratives

It has taken three years already for a decision to be made on the future of Invercargill's art gallery, but for now the temporary one will do. The Community and Regulatory Committee decided on Wednesday May 13 to extend the contract to operate the transitional public art gallery

Environment Southland has detected toxic algae in the Upukerora River at Te Anau Milford Highway, prompting a health warning for water users. The regional council's monitoring team discovered the harmful algae during routine observations. Officials warn that similar algae growth may be occurring in other waterways across Southland.

Six people are facing drugs charges after Southland Police concluded Operation Mud Dog this week, targeting the supply and distribution of illicit drugs across the district. Police executed four drug-related search warrants at addresses across Southland earlier this week, resulting in charges against six people for various drug supply offences.

Southland Mayor Rob Scott has defended spending more than $12,000 of ratepayer money on a six-day trip to Scandinavia, calling it a worthwhile investment. The Southland District Council revealed this week it spent $12,840 for Scott to join an Infrastructure NZ delegation that visited Sweden and Norway from