Southland

* Manapōuri Power Station's capacity to rise significantly with new transformer installation. * The 104-tonne transformer completed a complex journey across Lake Manapōuri. * Completion of transformer commissioning expected by Christmas, boosting winter power supply. Meridian’s Manapōuri Power Station has successfully received a 104-tonne transformer, marking a major step in

Work will commence this week on critical flood protection measures for Otautau. The project, covering 19 kilometres of stop banks from Otautau to Wreys Bush, includes erosion control, stop bank improvements, and removing crack willow from the Otautau Stream. According to Environment Southland catchment operations manager Randal Beal, although the

* Four men were caught fishing outside legal hours at Waiau river mouth in Southland. * Police and Department of Conservation conducted compliance checks as part of Operation Inaka. * Whitebaiters are urged to follow fishing rules to avoid fines, court prosecution, or equipment seizure. Police and the Department of Conservation apprehended four

Southland District Council is nearing completion of a key roading project linked to the SH1 Edendale realignment, located 30km north of Invercargill. The original realignment was finished in 2019, aiming to improve safety by diverting highway traffic away from the town and its local school. This has allowed smoother, quicker

* Colac Bay's iconic surfer statue may be replaced due to ongoing maintenance challenges. * The Southland District Council pledged $35,000 as a loan for the project’s costs. * Fundraising efforts will help cover the remaining costs for a new, more durable replica. Colac Bay, a small coastal town

* Over 100 women attended Winton’s annual Pink Lunch to support breast cancer research. * The event, now in its 14th year, raised $5500 for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. * Local businesses played a key role in supporting the event’s fundraising efforts. Pink was the colour of the day in

* Export Southland Gala recognised local businesses for their innovative contributions to global markets. * Ethan Todd won the NZAS Innovation in Export Award for his Backlanz bipod range. * The DHL Mentorship went to George Munro - Hokonui’s Laura Todd for her lambswool products. Southland’s most innovative exporters were celebrated

The restoration of the historic Tūātapere Railway Station in Southland is moving forward, marking another milestone in the project. Originally established in 1909 as the end point of a railway route from Invercargill, the station lost its purpose following the line’s closure in 1976. However, the Tū