* Ministers praise the interest in the agricultural and horticultural regulatory products review process. * Over 80 submissions were received, highlighting the need to streamline approval processes. * Recommendations will be tested with industry groups before presenting findings to the Cabinet. Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister

* Two cultural events will be hosted by the Invercargill Malayalees Association this weekend. * A Mega Thiruvathira performance will showcase Kerala's traditional dance at Invercargill Central. * Both events promise to highlight Kerala’s cultural richness, spirit, and unity in Southland. Invercargill is set to come alive with the rhythm

Endurance racing returns to Teretonga Park in Invercargill this Saturday as Round 1 of the Racer Products South Island Endurance Series takes place. The event will feature three endurance races – two 1 Hour races plus a 3 Hour race. The 3 Hour race has a smaller than usual field this

* The Grrreat Invercargill Photo Competition showcased stunning local talent in four categories. * Parag Tambe won the Iconic category with a striking photo of Queens Park’s band rotunda. * Judges praised the competition’s celebration of Invercargill and Bluff's unique faces and landscapes. Invercargill’s up-and-coming photographers were celebrated

* The Stags face Canterbury on Friday in the first of three games in Roar Week. * Ethan de Groot returns for his first Southland game since 2020 at Rugby Park. * Key players include Jack Taylor in his 15th game and Angus Simmers making a start. The Southland Stags are gearing up

* Environment Southland recorded 856 speeding breaches by staff between April and June. * Speeding data was analysed following requests by the risk and assurance committee. * Significant decrease in higher speed violations seen after managers began receiving reports. Environment Southland (ES) has been closely monitoring the driving behaviour of its staff, revealing

* 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.