Southland

Environment Southland is buying hybrid utes despite one breaking down during testing in remote hill country. Last week a committee approved replacing up to four vehicles with three BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrids, even after a test drive went wrong. Hydrology specialist Michael McDonald was testing the ute when its

Gore District Council has resolved two code of conduct complaints against councillors. The complaints were dealt with internally and are now closed, ending weeks of community speculation about what had happened behind closed doors. Mayor Ben Bell said the process worked as designed. "The Code of Conduct exists for

New Zealand added 4333 jobs in April, but economists warn the gains probably won't last. Stats NZ data showed filled job numbers rose 0.2 percent between March and April — the second consecutive month of growth. Compared to a year earlier, job numbers were up 0.5 percent,

There is a national story, and then there is a Southland story. The Budget announcements might not have everyone around the country jumping for joy. There is still plenty of conversation around caution, and businesses waiting for things to improve before making decisions. But honestly, Southland has never really operated

Gun licence fees will not skyrocket after the government found $44.9 million to fund the new firearms system. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said the Budget 2026 funding would prevent licence fees rising to six and a half times their current level. "This funding ensures New Zealand can

New Zealand will return to budget surplus a year earlier than expected, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivering a disciplined Budget 2026 focused on getting the books back in order. Treasury now forecasts a $2.6 billion surplus in 2028-29 under the government's preferred measure, compared to a

Fonterra has lifted its profit forecast and narrowed next season's milk price range as strong demand offset global shipping disruption. The dairy co-operative posted year-to-date operating profit of $1.8 billion, up $103 million on last year. Underlying earnings per share rose to 57 cents from 53 cents.

Rio Tinto will restart a mothballed production line at Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, backed by a new wind farm deal with Contact Energy. The companies signed a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement to support restarting Line 4, which has been idle since 2020. The arrangement would see