Southland

The Government has unveiled a $1.2 billion loan scheme to help thousands of New Zealand businesses move away from dwindling natural gas supplies while protecting local jobs. The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme will see the Crown guarantee 80% of each supported loan, enabling banks to offer lower interest

Invercargill City Council has backed a "One Southland" governance model, saying a single council would deliver the strongest path to regional efficiency and sustainability. The decision comes as Southland faces two parallel processes for local government change. The Local Government Commission announced today it will proceed to Phase

The Government will pump an extra $79 million into wilding pine control over three years, nearly doubling current funding to tackle what farmers call an ecological disaster spreading across New Zealand's high country. The Budget 2026 commitment takes total wilding pine funding to $109 million — a significant increase

Danone will fund three annual scholarships for Telford students in perpetuity, targeting agriculture, animal health, farm systems and equine programmes. The global food company's partnership with Southern Institute of Technology marks a significant investment in Southland's agricultural education sector. Three scholarships — covering academic excellence, practical skills

Construction of Stewart Island Rakiura’s long-awaited renewable energy project officially began today, with community leaders, government representatives, contractors, and residents gathering to mark the occasion at the future solar farm site on Airport Road. Associate Minister of Regional Development Mark Patterson and Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott turned

Nearly 60 Southland athletes, coaches and teams will compete for recognition at the 2026 ILT Southland Sports Awards on June 12 at ILT Stadium Southland. The nominees span 22 sporting codes, from swimming sensation Londyn Dillinger to All Black prop Ethan de Groot. Five athletes with disabilities will compete in

Two Invercargill Lotto players pocketed $21,736 each last night when second division numbers came up at New World Windsor and Four Square Newfield. They were among 17 players nationwide who shared the second division pool, each walking away with exactly $21,736. Not life-changing money, but enough to make

The 2026 Bluff Oyster & Food Festival took place in Bluff on Saturday with the usual combination of Bluff Oysters, food, beverage, entertainment and music after overcoming several challenges including early doubts about the availability of the Bluff Oyster. The gates opened at 10.30am allowing those queuing outside to