Southland
'Working harder, doing long days' - Healthcare services coping in south as Covid-19 lingers
More than 1300 cases were recorded in the Southern DHB on Monday, just a few hundred off the Omicron peak, but those on the frontline say healthcare services are holding up. Audio
Awarua fire: Firefighters worried wind will bring flare ups
Firefighters are warning a fire that has been devastating conservation land could flare up and spread with more windy, dry conditions on the way. Audio
Second fire near Awarua Bay contained as flare-ups continue in main blaze
The initial blaze at Awarua wetlands has been going for a week but today, a car fire under a transmission line power pylon on Tiwai Road spread to dense mānuka scrub.
Fire crews quickly contain second blaze to stop it merging with Awarua fire
Fire crews have worked quickly to stop a second fire merging with the nearby Awarua Bay fire, near Invercargill this morning.
Duck hunters warned to be vigilant in Southland
Southland duck hunters urged to take care this weekend in view of the wetlands fire south of Invercargill
Fire crews, helicopters resume efforts to control Awarua blaze
Six fire crews and six helicopters have continued working to control a large fire south of Invercargill today.
Southland town in danger of running out of water
A small Southland town is in danger of running out of water unless residents make some drastic changes to how much they're using. Southland District Councillor John Douglas lives near the town and… Audio
Chris Fleming announces exit from top health role
Chris Fleming will step down as chief executive of Southern DHB when it transitions to the new Health New Zealand authority on 1 July.
'Extraordinary place': Iwi fearful of fire damage to Waituna Wetland
The head of Te Rūnaka o Awarua says the Southland wetlands are extremely significant with tīpuna buried nearby.
Two hunters missing for three days in Fiordland found
The hunters walked out of the bush and are now being assessed by doctors.
Awarua fire: Weather aiding efforts to contain blaze
Fire crews are still working to a containment line around the major fire at Awarua, near Invercargill.
Coastal Southland sees driest summer on record
It is coastal Southland's driest summer on record and there is no real relief forecast as the drought pushes into the north of the region.
Firefighters worry wind change could spread blaze at Awarua
Firefighters are worried a wind change today could see a large blaze on conservation wetlands at Awarua, south of Invercargill, spread further. Audio
Fiordland tourist operators keen to put 'diabolical' years behind them
The tourists are coming back, but will one of the country's most special destinations be ready for them?
Southland Regional Council amends water shortage direction
Southland Regional Council has revised an irrigation ban in the province after outcry from local farmers.
Firefighters battle Southland fire: 'These guys are doing it hard out there'
A major fire at Awarua, south of Invercargill, is burning through about 1000 hectares of mānuka scrub and peat soils in the drought-stricken region.
Firefighters battle blaze in mānuka bush south of Invercargill
Firefighters are battling a major vegetation fire at Awarua, south of Invercargill.
Invercargill water restrictions may ramp up if rain doesn't arrive
The council has already banned unattended hosing and sprinklers under the first stage of restrictions to protect the city's sole water supply, the Ōreti River.
Burglars seeking fuel threatened property owner with firearm - police
A group of people used a firearm to threaten a property owner while they were trying to steal fuel, police say.
Men in stolen car try to steal fuel from rural property owner
A property owner was threatened by four men wanting to steal fuel from his vehicle, Invercargill police say.
