Southland
Labour commits to Tiwai Pt aluminium smelter extension negotiations
Labour would negotiate to extend the life of the Tiwai Point Aluminium smelter by three to five years if elected, it says.
Mataura toxic waste stoush in Environment Court today
A dispute over 8500 tonnes of toxic waste abandoned near houses in a Southland town, heads back to court this morning.
Heavy snow, and falls to sea level expected for some parts of the South
Snow to low levels could be on its way for many parts of the South Island overnight and through until Tuesday, with MetService issuing warnings for travellers and farmers.
'Weather bomb' update with Philip Duncan
A significant severe weather event is expected to affect much of the country over the weekend. WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan delivers the latest. Audio
Cry me a river: Southland's town crier bows out
Broad shoulders, a good sense of humour, a loud voice and clear diction are what it takes to make a good town crier, says Lynley McKerrow. After five years as Southland town crier, Lynley is leaving… Video, Audio
Locals pleased part of flood-hit Hollyford Rd to be fixed soon
Work will get under way soon on an access road to a popular Fiordland track after it was partly wiped out by floodwaters.
No arrests after police raid houses in Southland
Southland police want to reassure the community after executing several search warrants around Gore and Mataura this morning.
Cheese racing in Bluff: 'Keep calm and roll cheese'
Bluff is to host the first annual Southland Cheese Roll this weekend. Audio
Oil from submerged, burnt boat leaking into Milford Sound
Work is underway to contain an oil leak into Milford Sound after a fire on a fishing boat early this morning.
National South Island transport plan focuses on safety, cycling, rail and bridges
National is pledging to upgrade roads and bridges around the lower South Island as well as exploring the feasibility of commuter rail between Dunedin and Mosgiel.
Authorities silent over Invercargill house explosion
Emergency services are refusing to say what caused an explosion at an Invercargill home yesterday and police won't say why they're investigating a fire that's not considered suspicious.
NZ First leader Winston Peters heading to Tiwai Point
Peters will this morning meet with Tiwai Point workers to spell out the two-decade lifeline his party is promising for the aluminium smelter. Video
Mataura toxic waste dispute goes to Environment Court
The Environmental Defence Society is seeking a ruling over who has ultimate responsibility for removing ouvea premix from Mataura's disused papermill.
Gore's ambitious new Art Gallery
Many museums and art galleries around the country are struggling with funding and visitor numbers. But Gore is pressing ahead with several ambitious projects with the full support of its community… Audio, Gallery
Invercargill city councillors spend day in crisis talks
Invercargill city councillors have spent most of an extraordinary meeting behind closed doors talking about how they plan to restore the public's trust and confidence.
Invercargill council estimates addressing concerns raised by govt review could cost $70k
The Invercargill City Council's plans to restore trust and confidence in its ability to govern is likely to cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars.
Fire at disused Mataura paper mill storing potentially toxic waste extinguished
A fire has at the former Paper Mill building in Mataura, where toxic aluminium waste is stored, has been put out.
Southland's Art and Museum space plans to open
Two years after Invercargill's two main cultural institutions were forced to close due to seismic concerns, a transitional Art and Museum space is about to open its doors. Audio, Gallery
National promises at least five years of Tiwai Pt smelter
National Party leader Judith Collins told an enthusiastic Southland crowd she was confident a commercial deal could be reached, preventing more than 2000 job losses across the region.
Invercargill City councillors react to government review
Invercargill City councillors have had a mixed reaction to being subject to a government review with some welcoming the scrutiny and others questioning why it is needed.
