It’s time to make a splash in Mataura as stage two of the Tulloch Park redevelopment is celebrated at a grand opening on Saturday 5 April. A new splash pad and Exeloo toilets have been added to the site, joining the full-sized basketball courts and pump track installed last

* Government confirms two new Cook Strait ferries will enter service by Christmas 2029 * Ferries will carry cars, trucks and up to 40 rail wagons on each sailing * Project to reuse port infrastructure, reducing taxpayer cost compared to cancelled iReX plan Two new Interislander ferries with both rail and road capability

* Cormac Buchanan earned his first top 10 finish at the Moto3 World Championship in Texas * The 18-year-old Kiwi achieved the feat at one of the toughest tracks on the MotoGP calendar * Buchanan is the first New Zealander in the top 10 of a grand prix since 1998 Cormac Buchanan has

* Fonterra's earnings and milk collections rose as it focused on long-term value creation * Interim dividend announced as product demand, performance and milk price forecasts all remain strong * Chair and executive team named for potential IPO of Consumer business Mainland Group Fonterra has reported a solid first-half performance for

Councillors heard passionate submissions in support of Coopers Creek’s long-term future and community. * The domain’s management plan includes a proposal for 21-year licences with renewal rights. * Some locals say council favours conservation over community and want permanent village recognition. The future of a small, offbeat village inside Sandy

The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, a cherished annual event in Southland, has been granted its special licence for 2025 but will now be required to serve alcohol only in plastic cups or cans, after concerns raised by New Zealand Police. Related: Bluff Oyster Festival Faces Glassware Opposition The Invercargill

* Water pipe upgrade along Sydney Street may cause delays and lane closures until early May * Kelvin Street will be northbound only as Branxholme Pipeline Upgrade begins at the end of March * Highway works, roadmarking, and tree maintenance continue across Southland with detours in place Invercargill drivers are being asked to

* ILT has boosted its funding for the new museum to $1.5 million. * The museum will showcase Southland’s rich cultural heritage and community stories. * Construction is progressing with distinctive structures linked by a double waka feature. ILT has announced an additional $500,000 in funding for the new Te