* Schools will receive between $500 and $5000 to support structured literacy resource purchases. * The funding will go towards decodable books, games, and additional resources for schools. * A phonics check will be trialled and rolled out nationwide to support early literacy. The government has announced funding to assist schools in preparing

A new stadium for Southland is gaining momentum, with the working group involved in its feasibility given the go ahead this week. On Tuesday, Invercargill City Council’s Community Wellbeing and Regulatory Committee backed the creation of the group that would also include representatives from Rugby Southland and Active Southland.

The Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills has warned of more job losses as the government continues to reform Te Pūkenga, the country’s tertiary education network. Penny Simmonds stated that “pain” was inevitable in the sector, with further cuts expected as institutes either stand alone or join

* Southern District Police are urging rural communities to report suspicious or unusual activity. * Detective Senior Sergeant Gregory Baird stresses the importance of acting on instinct and reporting. * Simple security measures, such as locking gates and sheds, can help deter potential thieves. Southern District Police are calling on rural residents to

* Telford introduces a flexible animal healthcare qualification starting in February 2025. * The new programme offers students entry into rural vet technician roles across the country. * Students gain hands-on experience with large animals through local farming and veterinary partnerships. Southern Institute of Technology’s Telford Campus has revamped its core animal

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Invercargill racing driver Alex Crosbie at Round 4 of the F4 US Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario, this weekend. Arriving at the round just three points behind the second placed driver, Australian Daniel Quimby, an engine failu

* A collision between a truck and car on State Highway 1 resulted in one death. * The truck also crashed into a house, though no one inside the house was injured. * The road is down to one lane, with full reopening expected in the early afternoon. Police have confirmed that one

Briscoes Group, the operator of Briscoes homeware and Rebel Sport stores, has reported record half-year sales despite a challenging retail environment. In a statement to the NZX, the group announced sales of $372.1 million for the 26-week period ending July 28, 2024, a 0.77% increase from $369.2 mil