National Party leaders are defending their coalition government despite recent tensions with New Zealand First over foreign policy communications. The comments come after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accused coalition partner Winston Peters of "playing politics" following the release of emails about New Zealand's position on US

Accounting students at Southern Institute of Technology showed strong enthusiasm at a careers event that connected them with industry professionals last week. The 'Find Your Fit' event at SIT's Invercargill campus brought together students, accounting professionals and academics for an evening of networking and career insights.

Youthline Southland has closed its Invercargill office after 50 years of serving the local community, with operations now handled through a national support model. The office shut its doors last Friday following a year-long review by the Southland board, which examined the changing landscape of remote mental health services and

Southern Institute of Technology will offer 10 new scholarships annually to Aurora College students starting in 2027, providing debt-free pathways to tertiary education in Invercargill. The scholarships will cover any qualification from certificates to bachelor's degrees across all SIT faculties and continue for the full duration of each

The 2026 Bluff Oyster & Seafood Festival on Saturday 23 May could be the last! Unless this year's event attracts a capacity crowd there may be no option but to wind up the event say's Festival Chairman, John Edminstin. Edminstin says, "a range of factors

Southern councils have three months to come up with their own amalgamation plans or face government-imposed changes, ministers announced Tuesday. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop delivered the ultimatum, abandoning their previous approach of government-led Combined Territories Boards in favour of voluntary council groupings. "

Environment Southland has appointed Stephen Hall as its new Chief Executive, with the regional council veteran set to start on July 20. Hall brings more than 25 years of experience in resource management and regional councils to the role, including time at Bay of Plenty Regional Council and executive positions

Police are asking Southland residents to check their rural properties as the search continues for missing Kapuka farmer Kevin Belling. Belling disappeared from his Motu Rimu farm in Kapuka on January 9, sparking an extensive search operation involving Land Search and Rescue teams. Detective Sergeant John Kean said police have