The Government has announced a significant restructuring of disability support services in New Zealand. By October 2024, the responsibility for delivering these services will shift from the Ministry of Disabled People to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). This move follows a critical review t

The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate (OCR) to 5.25%, marking the first decrease in four years. This decision comes after weeks of speculation, with many economists predicting a cut due to slowing economic growth and increasing unemployment. The OCR had reached a peak of 5.5% in May la

NOTE: This story has been updated to include comments from Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell Chair and Invercargill City Mayor Nobby Clark. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott has proposed a significant change to the region’s local government structure, advocating for a shift from four cou

Three Southland flood protection projects will benefit from today’s announcement of Government funding for climate resilience projects across the country. Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said the Council welcomed the Government’s decision to invest in flood protection and to recognise i

A trial underway to improve vehicle access in Invercargill for those with disabilities appears to be a New Zealand first. Resident Jack Lovett-Hurst spoke to the Infrastructure and Projects Committee on Wednesday about his struggle finding enough space to unload into the disability parking in the ci

A comprehensive package of benefit reforms announced today seeks to encourage more Jobseeker Support recipients into employment by introducing stricter requirements and consequences for those failing to meet their obligations. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston revealed that th

Installation of the 19th century C class carriage C100 in its permanent home in the Lumsden railway precinct moves the trust a step closer to completing a unique heritage train static display in the northern Southland town. Southland Machine Hire contractors Roger McCracken and Pete Metcalfe carried

Kiwibank’s latest Annual Regional Report presents a cautiously optimistic outlook for New Zealand’s economy. Although nearly every region has shown signs of economic recovery, Wellington continues to struggle due to public sector cuts. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr described 2024 as a year of