Lora Gorge couple thrilled to win rural competition
"Absolutely thrilled to bits" was the reaction from Southland farmer Mark Thomson after learning he and wife Elspeth were the winners of this year’s Otago Daily Times-Rural Life Rural...
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Millions worth of storm-related claims lodged
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Millions worth of storm-related claims lodged
Millions of dollars worth of insurance claims are flooding in following widespread disruption and significant damage to Otago and Southland properties and infrastructure.
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Well-known sights captured in exhibition
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Well-known sights captured in exhibition
A New Zealand photographer known for his detailed shots of forgotten buildings across the country says he fell in love with Southland for its natural beauty, its light and its big sky.
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29-hour dash to secure generators
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29-hour dash to secure generators
What do you do if there is a demand for generators in the aftermath of a storm and none available?
Govt puts in $150,000 for cleanup
Govt puts in $150,000 for cleanup
The government is making a contribution of $150,000 to help communities in Southland and Clutha impacted by the Labour Weekend severe weather.
Dairy farmer grateful for community help
Dairy farmer grateful for community help
After losing over $16,000 worth of milk, and working 40 hours straight, one Western Southland dairy farmer is in awe of the support from her rural community.
Community invited to 100th party
Community invited to 100th party
A Mataura man is turning 100 next month and would like his community to come to his birthday party.
New mapping platform launched
New mapping platform launched
A new online mapping platform launched by Environment Southland this month brings together public information from all four Southland councils and Great South into one easy-to-use digital hub.
Braving the wind for ‘mega strike’
Braving the wind for ‘mega strike’
School principals, teachers, nurses and more of Gore braved strong winds last Thursday morning to protest as part of a nationwide "mega strike".
Farmer punched man in head
Farmer punched man in head
Tempers exploded as a three-year feud between a Heriot farm owner and a contractor ended with one man being punched repeatedly in the head.
Food safety tips in wake of storm
Food safety tips in wake of storm
Food preparation, storage and cooking will require more thought and hygiene than normal to avoid getting sick from food during emergencies.
Wedding an ‘amazing day’
Wedding an ‘amazing day’
Hamish and Aimee (nee Kelly) Black share photos of their wedding with The Ensign readers.
Marksman’s precision wins world title
Marksman’s precision wins world title
One of New Zealand’s best skeet shooters has once again shown up on the world stage, coming back from Texas with a world title.
Album reviews
Album reviews
Bruce Springsteen released a curveball in 1982: a bleak, bare-bones record made up of acoustic home demos.
Wallpaper provides inspiration for artist
Wallpaper provides inspiration for artist
One artist is asking patrons of the Southland Arts Trail 2025 to go off the beaten track to view her wallpaper-inspired works inside an empty Wyndham house.
What a ride from all-new Mustang
What a ride from all-new Mustang
The American car industry is a master at creating muscle cars with thunderous powerhouse V8s, and one of the best is the Ford Mustang coupe.
‘Nothing to hide’ about planting trees on the Wisp
‘Nothing to hide’ about planting trees on the Wisp
A lot of country was solid bracken fern and gorse which was cleared with a bulldozer or digger.
Damage on one farm to cost more than entire relief fund
Damage on one farm to cost more than entire relief fund
A Southland farmer says fixing the damage to his business alone will cost more than what the government has stumped up for the entire region, following last week's storm.
Power restoration continues but 5600 properties still without
Power restoration continues but 5600 properties still without
About 5600 households in the South remain without power following last week's storm that caused havoc across the region.
Storm escalation 'took everyone by surprise', Southland mayor says
Storm escalation 'took everyone by surprise', Southland mayor says
The Southland mayor says his region wasn't prepared for last week's fierce storm that hammered Southland and South Otago, knocking out power, water and communications.