Rachael Kelly

Rachael Kelly | The Southland Times August 19, 2026 • 2:00am Copy Link

Gore District Council's decision to scrap two joint Head Start reform proposals has derailed Southland's expedited amalgamation plans, drawing

A controversial Chinese businessman facing prosecution by two Southland councils has turned the tables on authorities, launching a High Court judicial

The Government's changes to freshwater farm plans provide clearer rules and reduce red tape for Southland farmers, Southland Federated Farmers president Chris Dillon says.

Unstable snow and incoming torrential rain have prompted a precautionary closure along the notoriously avalanche-prone Milford Road on Wednesday.

Unstable snow and incoming torrential rain have prompted a precautionary closure of Southland's notoriously avalanche-prone Milford Road on Wednesday.

Comments As much of the South Island prepares for a winter storm, the temperature dial in Timaru is expected to plummet from a record 22.6C high on Tuesday to an overnight low of 2C on Thursday morning.

A Mataura woman has pleaded guilty to setting fire to the home of a man she had only been in a relationship with for a month, following an argument.

Comments The effects of a significant winter storm are already being felt in the South Island with road closures, avalanche warnings and surface flooding.

Comments Environment Southland is forging on with its long-term plan, despite the fact that it may soon not exist.