Southland

Southland District Council has been ordered by the Ombudsman to overhaul its record keeping after refusing to release information about mayoral spending. The controversy began in August 2025 when media requested mayoral and chair spending records from all four Southland councils covering the previous term to July 31. While three

Youthline Southland has closed its Invercargill office after 50 years of serving the local community, with operations now handled through a national support model. The office shut its doors last Friday following a year-long review by the Southland board, which examined the changing landscape of remote mental health services and

Police are asking Southland residents to check their rural properties as the search continues for missing Kapuka farmer Kevin Belling. Belling disappeared from his Motu Rimu farm in Kapuka on January 9, sparking an extensive search operation involving Land Search and Rescue teams. Detective Sergeant John Kean said police have

Skilled plumbers and drainlayers will soon be able to sign off their own work under an expanded government scheme designed to speed up building projects and reduce costs. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced the Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers Bill will cover more residential work and some commercial

Environment Southland is asking residents and businesses to share their views on proposed changes to council fees and charges for 2026-27. The council has completed a comprehensive review of its Fees and Charges Schedule, aiming to improve transparency and ensure alignment with current legislation and council bylaws. Most fees will

A marketing manager from Invercargill has been recognised at a national level, earning a spot as a finalist in the Innovation category at the Reseller News Women in ICT Awards. Tina Guina of Focus Technology Group was selected from a record 217 nominations across 77 organisations in New Zealand'

1pm Update: State Highway 8/Tarras-Cromwell Road has reopened after a truck crash overnight that closed the road near the Lindis River Bridge. People are asked to take care travelling on this route. ends A crashed truck is blocking State Highway 8 between Tarras and Cromwell this morning, with contractors

A Winton health worker's three decades of dedication to rural maternity care has been recognised with a surprise Community Service Award. Debbie McDougall, service manager at Winton Maternity Centre, was presented with the award by Southland District Council and the Oreti Community Board on Thursday in a ceremony