* Colac Bay's iconic surfer statue may be replaced due to ongoing maintenance challenges. * The Southland District Council pledged $35,000 as a loan for the project’s costs. * Fundraising efforts will help cover the remaining costs for a new, more durable replica. Colac Bay, a small coastal town

* Several Southland roads closed or affected due to flooding and hazardous conditions. * Motorists urged to exercise caution, with signage in place on affected routes. * Updated information on closures and flooding available through local council websites. Update: 12 noon Saturday 5 October: NZTA Road Update: #3 CLOSED - Ferry Road and

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds expressed her approval of an additional $50,000 in Government support announced today for farmers in Southland and parts of Otago. Related: Road Closures And Flooding Updates In Southland “This funding will assist farmers and rural communities in our region, through organisations such as the Southland

* Rugby Park renamed Bekhuis Park to celebrate Josh Bekhuis’ record-breaking 144th game for Southland. * The name change acknowledges his contributions to Southland rugby and support from his family. * Stags play North Harbour at Bekhuis Park this Saturday, marking the end of the season. Rugby Park in Invercargill has been temporarily

* Heavy Rain Watch issued for Inland Clutha and Southland from Thursday noon to Friday noon. * Rivers in the region are above normal levels, with no immediate signs of rising further. * Farmers are urged to reach out for support due to ongoing adverse weather conditions. The MetService has issued a Heavy

* Air New Zealand cuts capacity on three domestic routes due to reduced demand. * Invercargill to Wellington flights to end in January 2025 amid global engine issues. * Airline schedules changes for Queenstown, Dunedin, and New Plymouth routes. Air New Zealand is reducing capacity on three domestic routes by flying smaller planes

* New $30 million fund to support councils in cleaning up vulnerable contaminated sites. * The fund replaces the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and covers more remediation projects. * Eligible councils can apply to protect communities and the environment from potential risks. The Government has launched a new $30 million Contaminated Sites and

* The PPTA is proposing to allow membership for teachers working in charter schools. * David Seymour views this as a positive shift towards accepting charter schools. * Charter school teachers may gain collective bargaining rights through PPTA membership. The Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) is proposing to allow teachers from charter