* Government aims to speed up approval of agricultural and horticultural products to boost productivity. * Review recommends halving approval times, potentially saving $272 million over 20 years. * Industry welcomes changes but urges swift action to rebuild confidence in the system. The Government has announced plans to cut red tape for agricultural

The Invercargill City Council has reported an increase in hostile behaviour towards staff, with 29 cases of verbal abuse in just two months. The Risk and Assurance Committee were briefed by health safety and wellbeing manager Tash Anderson at a meeting on Tuesday. Over the past year the number of

* Southland athletes prepare to compete at the New Zealand track and field championships. * James McLeay and Ollie Davis target medals in middle distance and long jump. * Junior athletes, including Abby O’Boyle, also hope to make an impact. Southland’s top track and field athletes are gearing up for the

The Invercargill community will be consulted on a 9.47% rates increase, despite opposition from both the Mayor Nobby Clark and deputy Tom Campbell. At yesterday’s council meeting, Mayor Clark told the meeting from the outset he didn’t agree with the process they were using to determine the

* Helen Robinson is leading commercial and partnership efforts at Museum of Southland. * She brings experience in care, construction, and community-focused projects to her new role. * The museum aims to be a space for connection, history, and regional pride. Helen Robinson has stepped into the role of Commercial and Partnerships team

* SH1 Tay Street eastbound in Invercargill closed overnight for asphalt renewal on 23 February. * Multiple Southland highways undergoing resurfacing, pavement repairs, and third-party works with traffic management. * Road closures scheduled for Pyramid Waiparu Road and Nightcaps Opio Road for culvert replacement. Road users in Invercargill and Southland should prepare for

* New Zealand recorded a net loss of 47,100 Kiwis, the largest in a single year. * Departures of young people aged 18 to 30 made up 38% of migrant exits. * Net migration gain fell to 27,100, significantly lower than the 128,300 recorded in 2023. New Zealand’s net

* Government proposes reducing Warrant of Fitness checks for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes to yearly. * Southlanders, known for their passion for classic vehicles, will welcome the proposed changes. * Public consultation on the proposed changes runs from 24 February to 4 April 2025. The Government is seeking public input on a