Southland

The Colac Bay surfer statue may be replaced after being deemed beyond repair A new statue could cost $140,000 with most of it coming from fundraising efforts The community sees the surfer statue as an important part of the area's identity A new surfer statue could be

Here’s the latest roading update for 25–31 August from Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, and Highways South, highlighting where to expect maintenance work and possible delays. Road Closures * Oreti: Durham Street from Mary Street to John Street will be closed between 7:30 am and 5:30

* Planned closure of Takitimu Mine removes most freight need, prompting rail line mothballing decision * KiwiRail says repairing storm damage then upgrading bridges would cost many millions over five years * First nine kilometres stay open to serve Lorneville meat works, coal switches fully to trucks Bathurst Coal Ltd’s decision to

Southland has retained its position as the strongest performing region in KiwiBank’s 2025 “Regional Divide” report, with Invercargill’s construction boom driving the local economy. KiwiBank’s annual heat-map, released on 1 July, again awarded Southland a score of 5/10 — the highest in the country, matched only by

* Bluff Maritime Museum's collection is now digitised for global viewing and improved access * Project Ark team helped establish consistent systems for managing and locating artefacts * The project supports better preservation and sharing of Southland’s regional heritage stories A major digitisation effort at the Bluff Maritime Museum has

Solar power is on its way to Stewart Island and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says she’s delighted that the community will benefit from this exciting project both financially and environmentally. A $15.35 million suspensory loan, from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, will see the first stage of

* Michael McLees was posthumously honoured for decades of dedicated community service in Blackmount * He gave 38 years to the local fire group and helped establish key community assets * Southland leaders praised his selfless service and lasting impact on local morale Michael McLees, a well-known figure in the Blackmount community, has

Mairi Dickson’s lifelong commitment to her community was recognised this week with a Community Service Award from the Southland District Council and the Ardlussa Community Board. The honour was presented during a special event at the Waikaia Hotel on Wednesday night. Southland Mayor Rob Scott said he was proud