Southland

• A new international project aims to improve weather and climate models in southern regions • Laser and radar systems will study how aerosols affect cloud formation and rainfall • Invercargill’s clean air and existing weather facilities make it ideal for this long-term study A powerful laser is now scanning the skies

The Southland Stags touched down at Invercargill Airport this afternoon (Monday, 1 September) to a hero’s welcome, carrying the prized Ranfurly Shield back to Southland. Southland stunned Waikato 25–10 in Hamilton, securing one of the biggest victories in the province’s recent rugby history. At half-time, Waikato led

KiwiRail has confirmed that the Ohai Line will be mothballed, although the section as far as Lorneville will remain in use. In a statement, the rail operator said much of the line between Invercargill and Ohai will be mothballed due to the planned closure of the coal mine near Nightcaps.

The Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand is set to receive a major funding increase to support its efforts in preserving the country’s rail history. Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today that KiwiRail will increase its annual contribution to the Trust from $125,000 to $500,000. The funding

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