News

James Hargest College has officially opened its doors to a state-of-the-art facility, naming the new wing after one of its most prestigious alumni: Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck. The Sir Peter Beck Science and Innovation Centre (S Block) was inaugurated on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for the Southland

Invercargill hospitality professional Candice Scarlett has returned from a career-changing trip to Asia after winning the 2024 Scott Richardson Memorial Scholarship. The Southern Institute of Technology graduate spent September and October in Malaysia and Singapore, visiting luxury hotels and completing an internship at the world-famous Marina Bay Sands resort. Scarlett,

A coroner has found a well-known Invercargill man died from carbon monoxide poisoning during an overnight boating trip at Lake Manapouri, with a combination of factors contributing to the fatal outcome. Richard Charles Murrell, 60, a car dealer from Invercargill, died between July 19 and 21, 2025, while aboard his

Stewart Island could have its long-awaited solar farm operational by Christmas, with construction potentially starting as early as June, officials say. The island's 480 residents currently rely entirely on diesel for electricity and are facing steep price increases due to Middle East conflicts driving up fuel costs. Southland

Nominations are now open for the 2026 ILT Southland Sports Awards, giving the region's sporting community a chance to celebrate another year of outstanding achievement. The annual event, New Zealand's longest-running sports awards ceremony, brings together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters from across Southland to

A crew member remains missing after being swept overboard from a fishing vessel operating hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand two days ago. The incident happened at 10.40pm on April 5 aboard the Amaltal Mariner while the crew was deploying fishing gear in the South Pacific Ocean, about

New Zealand First has surged to a record high in the latest political poll, climbing nearly four percentage points to put the government coalition back in a commanding position. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll shows New Zealand First jumping 3.9 points to 13.6%, its highest level on record.

A Gore-district farming family has been named the Southland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for transforming two neighbouring properties into a thriving, diversified operation. Tony and Michelle Roberts, alongside daughter Kate Roberts and her partner Mark Lieshout of Top Deck Trading, have built the combined 269ha