* Southland Sports Awards return with a revamped format focused on inclusiveness and accessibility * Event aims to spotlight achievements across a broad range of sporting disciplines and communities * Athlete with a Disability Award introduced to celebrate excellence in adaptive sport The ILT Southland Sports Awards are back with a fresh new

* New award honours late business leader Reece McDonald and his community contributions * Nominations open from 15 April to 15 May on the Chamber’s official website * Public voting begins 1 June, with the winner revealed at September’s gala dinner The Southland Business Chamber has introduced a new award to

* Buchanan crashed out after running near the front in a strong Moto3 performance * Despite the fall, he set his fastest lap of the weekend during the Qatar race * The 18-year-old Kiwi remains optimistic heading into the next round in Spain New Zealand motorcycle racer Cormac Buchanan was forced to sit

* Government proposes scrapping second practical test for full driver licence by mid-2026 * Eyesight test requirements could be cut to reduce unnecessary repetition during licensing process * Tougher safety rules to ensure restricted drivers stay offence-free before progressing New Zealand’s driver licence system is set for a major shake-up, with the

• Thirty-two Lotto players each won $9,527 in the Second Division draw tonight • Two players also landed Powerball Second Division, boosting their total prize to $19,875 It was a night of celebration for 32 Lotto players around the country, each taking home $9,527 from the Second Division prize

Great South has made the difficult decision to pause the 2025 ILT Kidzone Festival primarily due to rising costs and resource demands. Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said the decision had not been made lightly. “Kidzone has been an incredible event for Southland, loved by thousands of families and

Arguably the southernmost point on the planet where it’s being celebrated. The event originated in the United States and has expanded internationally, with official organizers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and Australasia. The first event was held in California with Metallica launching the event. Since

* Cleanup aims to stop further pollution from the old landfill near Ocean Beach in Bluff * A 90-metre seawall will protect the site and help reopen public access to the beach * The $3.5 million project is a joint effort between DOC, Council and Government agencies Work has begun to contain