News
Firefighter strike action, community fundraising, cultural festival planning, council discussions and regional funding announcements have all shaped the local news agenda this week.
Here’s a look back at the headlines featured on whatsoninvers.nz — Invercargill and Southland’s Live and Local News — and More! 24/7. What. When. Where.
Invercargill career firefighters are upping the ante with strike action moving to two days a week starting on Monday March 2.
FENZ Double Strike Action To Start Monday
Invercargill career firefighters are upping the ante with strike action moving to two days a week starting on Monday March 2. The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) originally planned to start this week but cancelled due to weather events up north. The National Committee meets every week to discuss
Aimee Wilson
Organisers of Southland’s Multicultural Food Festival are on the look out for some fresh new flavours for next month’s annual event. But be in quick, last minute registrations close 27th February.
Southland Multicultural Trust Looking For New Recipes
Organisers of Southland’s Multicultural Food Festival are on the look out for some fresh new flavours for next month’s annual event. But be in quick, last minute registrations close 27th February. With 55 stalls already locked in at Stadium Southland on March 21 - there is still room
Aimee Wilson
Hawthorndale Care Village has appointed Lynley Irvine as its new General Manager, marking a confident next step as the organisation strengthens its day-to-day operations and long-term direction.
Hawthorndale Care Village Names New Leader
Hawthorndale Care Village has appointed Lynley Irvine as its new General Manager, marking a confident next step as the organisation strengthens its day-to-day operations and long-term direction. Since opening, the Southland-based village has introduced a pioneering aged care model inspired by the Dutch De Hogeweyk approach. Designed to support independence
Mike Sanford
Ten newly independent polytechnics have been given a financial boost of more than $325 million following their separation from the national mega-institute. The funding has been provided by their former parent organisation to help secure a stable start as standalone institutions.
Polytechnics Receive Major Funding Boost
Ten newly independent polytechnics have been given a financial boost of more than $325 million following their separation from the national mega-institute. The funding has been provided by their former parent organisation to help secure a stable start as standalone institutions. Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds said the funding package
Mike Sanford
Par for Purpose, held on Friday, 13 February 2026, united local golfers, businesses and community leaders for a day focused on raising funds and awareness. The event showed how strongly the region stands behind hospice services that support families during some of life’s hardest moments.
Community Support Drives Hospice Southland Fundraiser
Hospice Southland has thanked event organiser Scott Whitaker after a successful charity golf day brought the Southland community together in support of hospice care. Par for Purpose, held on Friday, 13 February 2026, united local golfers, businesses and community leaders for a day focused on raising funds and awareness. The
Mike Sanford
The future of Invercargill’s Rugby Park stadium and grounds is safe for now. Invercargill City Councillors agreed at the Community and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday 17th, to include a proposal to invest in refurbishing the facility in the upcoming Long-term Plan 2027-2037.
Community Asked For Feedback on Rugby Park
The future of Invercargill’s Rugby Park stadium and grounds is safe for now. Invercargill City Councillors agreed at the Community and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday 17th, to include a proposal to invest in refurbishing the facility in the upcoming Long-term Plan 2027-2037. All remedial work including earthquake strengthening
Aimee Wilson
Graffiti artist ‘The Clap’ - now known as Kieran Todd Burtenshaw, claims there are others around the city that he’s been taking the rap for. Between August 2022 and 2023, dozens of buildings were targeted, but surprisingly, since Kieran was first charged by police back in August 2023, the graffitiing has all stopped.
Graffiti Artist ‘The Clap’ Unmasked
Graffiti artist ‘The Clap’ - now known as Kieran Todd Burtenshaw, claims there are others around the city that he’s been taking the rap for. Between August 2022 and 2023, dozens of buildings were targeted, but surprisingly, since Kieran was first charged by police back in August 2023, the
Aimee Wilson
For more local news as it happens, visit whatsoninvers.nz — Invercargill and Southland’s Live and Local News — and More! 24/7. What. When. Where.
The Southland Musicians Club’s iconic live music venue has a new name.
The Riff Live Entertainment Venue will be officially launched with a free show on Saturday 14 March.
The Riff Set to Become Heart of Southland Music Scene
Southland Musicians Club venue gets new identity The Southland Musicians Club’s iconic live music venue has a new name. The Riff Live Entertainment Venue will be officially launched with a free show on Saturday 14 March. The building at 33 Preston Street, Invercargill, has been home to the Southland
Chris Chilton