Southland

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

Southland Girls' High School has appointed John Grogan as its new principal, making him the first permanent male principal in the school's nearly 150-year history. Mr Grogan, who has been Acting Principal since the start of the year and was previously Deputy Principal at the school, was

Southland dairy farmer and Federated Farmers President Jason Herrick will contest the Southland electorate for New Zealand First at the next general election. Herrick, who has been President of Southland Federated Farmers since 2024, brings more than 30 years of farming experience to his political bid. The dairy farmer and

A Southland chaplain is preparing for what he describes as a "meaningful" deployment to Turkey for this year's Anzac Day Gallipoli commemoration. Royal New Zealand Navy Chaplain Class 3 Rich Lander, who grew up in Winton, is among 38 New Zealand Defence Force personnel heading to