The Government has announced major changes to New Zealand’s planning and local government systems, promising a simpler, faster and more cost-effective way to manage land use and environmental protections. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say the changes will benefit ratepayers by reducing complexity

The reforms mark a shift away from years of centralisation and are designed to bring decision-making back to communities, improve accountability, and create stronger links between education providers, employers, and learners. Vocational Education Minister and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said, “Today is the start of a stronger, more responsive vocational

The Invercargill - Southland Chess Club will be hosting the New Zealand Chess Congress from this Friday (Jan 2nd) Congress organiser Richie Christie told whatsoninvers the two Grandmasters who have confirmed attendance are Daniel Fernandez (England). Daniel has visited our shores before in 2020 when he won the NZ Championships

The Invercargill City Council has confirmed a clear path forward for the opening of Te Unua Museum of Southland, with the new facility set to open to the public in 2027. Councillors considered the museum’s opening timeline at a meeting today, where three options were presented for discussion. Alternative

A free public shower facility in Invercargill will remain open until at least March 2026, despite high operating costs and questions around its long-term future. Located in the central city’s Wachner Place, the facility includes a restroom and free shower service that is used, on average, twice a day.

Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) has marked the first milestone in its five-year redevelopment plan for Peacehaven Retirement Village, with the official opening of a new show home on Tuesday, 16 December. The home offers a first look at the modern living spaces being created as part of a large-scale transformation

Gore’s water supply is now fully treated at the East Gore Water Treatment Plant, delivering cleaner, safer drinking water to the community. The Gore District Council announced the completion of the centralised water treatment project, which finished on time and under budget despite being a technically challenging task. The

Larry Kwon has brought Korea to Invercargill with his elevator-themed photo booths in Invercargill Central. The idea began rather serendipitously as one of his wife’s closest friends visited them with her husband after a family trip around New Zealand.  It turned out he was the founder of BYTP -