Two talented Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) chefs have been selected as finalists in the prestigious Proud to be a Chef (PTBAC) programme, which takes place in Melbourne, Australia, in February 2026. Recent SIT graduate Sam Kissell and current cookery student Hery Sakti will join 30 other emerging chefs from

This Saturday, there’s a record-breaking $55 million Powerball jackpot – and it must be won. The big question is: will one lucky player take it all, or will the prize be shared among several winners? In a Must Be Won draw, if there is no Division 1 Powerball winner, the

Hospice Southland has announced the appointment of Pete Thompson as its new Chief Executive, with his leadership beginning in January 2026. Thompson steps into the role with over two decades of leadership experience, having held senior positions in both local government and the not-for-profit sector. His past roles include Executive

Four new members have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Board, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced. “I am pleased to appoint and welcome Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato'otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood and Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman as new members

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging residents in Southland to take extra care when burning storm debris, after a series of hedge fires over the past ten days. These incidents have raised concerns about avoidable fire outbreaks during a time when the region is still recovering from late October’

Southland District Council will continue to manage its own water services, following the official approval of its Water Services Delivery Plan by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The Council’s decision was made as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms. These reforms required all councils

Invercargill city councillors will receive an extra $5702 more than during the last triennium but the Mayor’s salary remains the same at $165,687. At its second meeting under the new council structure, it was decided councillors will now receive $54,347, with chairs of committees $70,651. Councillors

Invercargill’s Queens Park is set to reopen in stages following major damage caused by last month’s severe weather event. Although the state of emergency in Southland was officially lifted last Friday, recovery work continues across the region, particularly in one of the city’s most beloved green spaces.