* Southland District Council chose an in-house model after wide public consultation across the district * Nearly all public submissions supported continuing local control with adjustments to meet reforms * A Water Services Delivery Plan must now be submitted to Internal Affairs by early September Southland District Council has decided to manage its

* Government reforms aim to modernise Fish & Game New Zealand’s national operations and advocacy approach * Local hunting and fishing rules will stay under regional control despite major structural changes * Federated Farmers support some reforms but remain concerned about political advocacy by the body Fish & Game New Zealand is

* Bluff event returns with music, market stalls, and a dramatic fire and light show * Gore’s glowing celebration includes performers, learning experiences and indoor spaces for warmth * Both events are free and designed for all ages to mark Matariki in style Bluff and Gore are preparing to light up the

Business owner Shani Hopgood was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with one of New Zealand’s best florists more than 30 years ago. Taught by Donna Macpherson in the South City florist she biked past every day on her way home from school, Shani went on to

Five great Southland events are set to receive $93,000 in Government funding aimed at supporting them and driving economic growth across the province. The events to receive support are the Burt Munro Challenge 2026 ($16,000), the New Zealand Premier Motorsport Summer Series – Next Gen Round 4 ($20,000)

Southland’s property market has reached new heights, with average asking prices hitting a record $564,291 in May. According to realestate.co.nz’s latest data, that’s a 6.5% jump compared to the same time last year — the highest recorded since the platform began tracking prices 18

* Police inspected 54 vehicles and found serious faults in over one third of them * Operation involved multiple road safety teams working across Friday and Saturday nights * Police urge the public to report antisocial driving behaviour as soon as possible Southern District Police cracked down on illegal and dangerous driving in

The Government has ruled out proposals to ban cruise ships and close the airstrip at Milford Sound, instead announcing a $15.2 million investment aimed at upgrading infrastructure and protecting the environment. The funding is part of the first round of decisions under the Milford Opportunities Project, a long-term strategy