Southland

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

Lloyd Esler has spent 25 years digging through Southland's graveyards and emerged with 150 stories of murder, mishap and the occasional elephant. The historian and former Invercargill city councillor has turned his cemetery tours and 1200 newspaper columns into Dead and Buried in Southland — a collection that reads

Riverton Aparima Gears Up for its inaugural Riverton Retro Revival This King's Birthday Weekend, the seaside village of Riverton will burst into colour, creativity, and nostalgia as the very first Riverton Retro Revival rolls into town on Sunday 31 May and Monday 1 June. At the heart of

Southland artist Danny Owen has been awarded the contract to replace the much-loved 25-year-old landmark with a new sculpture designed to stand proudly for the next 30 years. Latest News Loading... A treasured part of the town for more than two decades, the original statue had well exceeded its intended