Southland

The land the fire was burning is valuable conservation wetland. Audio

The fire is an area with a lot of precious birdlife and is a huge blow, DOC says.

A decision on reverting sealed roads back to gravel has been delayed.

Three Southland roads are at risk of reverting to gravel as the district council struggles to maintain its network amid funding issues.

Two teens who allegedly tried and failed to break into a jeweller's and a service station before looting a dairy have been arrested.

The fire burnt had environmental and financial consequences in an internationally recognised conservation area.

Southland police have also impounded two vehicles after investigating reports they were travelling at 150km/h.

A man in Invercargill has been arrested after choosing to rob perhaps the worst possible victims - a group of elite cyclists.

A spate of toxic algae appearances in Southland has prompted warnings at rivers across the region.

Finance is being sought to provide a solar energy farm for Stewart Island Rakiura residents.

Toxic algae has been found in the Waihopai River in Southland, just upstream of Queen's Drive.

The government has been accused of a "blatant disregard for transparency" as unanswered questions continue to mount on Dunedin hospital.

Efforts to target the issue with a new approach have come up empty-handed, a community board chair says.

Algal bloom can damage ecosystems and be harmful if touched or consumed.

The Southland District Council has publicly shamed the "brainless numpty" who vandalised Riverton's new $620,000 public toilets.

The collision at a home in Gore happened on New Year's Day.

A handful of crashes have slowed traffic throughout the country as many return home from holiday travels.

A southern council says it needs to "draw the line" with a community over its old dumpsite.

The Christmas street lights will shine for the last time this year as decorations are deteriorating and won't be replaced because council want to keep the next rate increase low.