Southland

Renowned as the day when country comes to town, the 2026 Southland A & P Show is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to Donovan Park this Saturday 7 March. Now in its 156th year, the event continues to honour the rural traditions that have long shaped Southland’s identity.

Ageing tennis courts in the small Southland town of Otautau are set to receive long-awaited improvements, although the decision has divided opinion among some residents. Southland District Council approved unbudgeted spending on Wednesday to allow four of the town’s tennis courts to be re-asphalted. The courts, located at the

In a region known for resilience, hard work, and strong community ties, a new network is proving rural women in business are thriving. The Western Women’s Business Collective (WWBC) is bringing together entrepreneurs from across Western Southland, creating a supportive space where connection replaces isolation. Founded by Michelle Anderson

Gore’s well-known giant brown trout statue finally has a name, ending decades of playful debate in the Southland town. The statue, which has stood proudly since 1989, is now officially known as Trevor. The name was revealed on Sunday afternoon during the On The Fly Festival, held on the

Environment Southland has welcomed a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf-feeding beetle that will help control the invasive Chilean flame creeper. The approval is seen as an important step in tackling one of the region’s most aggressive pest plants. Chilean

Southern District Police are urging rural residents in Clutha and Gore to remain alert following a rise in burglaries across farming areas. Several incidents are currently under investigation in the heart of Southland, where offenders have been targeting fuel supplies and valuable farm equipment. Police say the recent spike has

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has lifted its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season, increasing the midpoint from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS. The forecast range has also been raised and narrowed, moving from $8.50-$9.50 per kgMS to $9.20-$9.

Southern Field Days has once again transformed 56 hectares of farmland at Waimumu, near Gore, into a bustling “tent city,” showcasing the latest in rural innovation, technology and community spirit. Committee chairman Steve Henderson said the event is driven by a passionate group of 23 volunteers from the local Young