Southland

More than 650 secondary school students descended on Southern Institute of Technology last Friday to see what happens after school ends. The open day at Hansen Hall showcased SIT's 190-plus courses across everything from electrical and automotive to beauty therapy and nursing. Students from 30 schools across the

The New Zealand Rally Championship returns to the roads of Southland in July when the Barry Robinson Memorial Rally Southland takes place. Organised by the Eastern Southland Car Club the event will take place on Saturday 18 July with a ceremonial start scheduled for Friday 17 July at Invercargill Central

South Port has a new chief executive. Derek Nind will take over as CEO on July 27, replacing Nigel Gear who steps down at the end of May after 8.5 years leading the Bluff port company. Nind brings deep port experience to the role. He previously served as chief

The Government has unveiled a $1.2 billion loan scheme to help thousands of New Zealand businesses move away from dwindling natural gas supplies while protecting local jobs. The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme will see the Crown guarantee 80% of each supported loan, enabling banks to offer lower interest

Invercargill City Council has backed a "One Southland" governance model, saying a single council would deliver the strongest path to regional efficiency and sustainability. The decision comes as Southland faces two parallel processes for local government change. The Local Government Commission announced today it will proceed to Phase

The Government will pump an extra $79 million into wilding pine control over three years, nearly doubling current funding to tackle what farmers call an ecological disaster spreading across New Zealand's high country. The Budget 2026 commitment takes total wilding pine funding to $109 million — a significant increase

Danone will fund three annual scholarships for Telford students in perpetuity, targeting agriculture, animal health, farm systems and equine programmes. The global food company's partnership with Southern Institute of Technology marks a significant investment in Southland's agricultural education sector. Three scholarships — covering academic excellence, practical skills

Construction of Stewart Island Rakiura’s long-awaited renewable energy project officially began today, with community leaders, government representatives, contractors, and residents gathering to mark the occasion at the future solar farm site on Airport Road. Associate Minister of Regional Development Mark Patterson and Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott turned