Southland secondary school students will benefit from increased trades training opportunities through the expansion of school Trades Academies. Budget 2026 increased the number of Trades Academy places from 10,000 to 20,000 over the next four years, with this jump in place numbers funded by savings from cancellation of

A Southern Right Whale tangled in a cray pot line for four days has been freed by marine experts off Stewart Island. A fisherman spotted the stuck whale on Saturday and stayed with it until Department of Conservation staff could form a rescue plan. The rope had wrapped around the

Majority of New Zealanders View Mining Positively, New Poll Finds A new nationwide survey has found that mining enjoys more support than opposition among New Zealanders, with many recognising its contribution to jobs, exports, and economic growth. The Curia Market Research poll, which surveyed 1,400 people across the country,

Invercargill Police are unable to directly access the new $2.3 million CCTV footage that was finally implemented across the city in April. The revelation came last week before the Invercargill City Council meeting, when councillor Steve Broad asked Southland Area Commander Mike Bowman if the process was working effectively.

TSB is selling itself to Heartland Bank for $620 million in a deal that would create New Zealand's largest regional bank. The conditional agreement would see Heartland Group buy all of TSB's shares from the Toi Foundation to create TSB Heartland Bank. The combined bank would

Trust and confidence in local police is rating the second highest across the country, according to Southland Area Commander Mike Bowman. Speaking to the Invercargill City Council last week, Inspector Bowman told councillors the new targets set by New Zealand Police had the south tracking at 74% - with the

Environment Southland is buying hybrid utes despite one breaking down during testing in remote hill country. Last week a committee approved replacing up to four vehicles with three BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrids, even after a test drive went wrong. Hydrology specialist Michael McDonald was testing the ute when its

Simon Thompson has won the top prize at the country music awards that matter. The Senior MLT NZ Gold Guitar Award went to Thompson over King's Birthday Weekend, along with $5,000 cash, a fully produced single, and a trip to the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival in