Southland

DNA profile points to Watene’s blood

DNA profile points to Watene’s blood

A mixed DNA profile found inside the barrel of a rifle thought to have been used in the shooting of Dale Watene was 400,000,000,000 times more likely to be his and another person’s than random...

Surprise reward humbling

An Invercargill man who was recognised for his volunteer work with a disabilities organisation says his biggest reward was seeing his son get his life back.

Rifle examination, blood evidence

Accused murderer Sandy Graham, and the man accused of being accessory after the fact, George Hyde...

Rifle examination, blood evidence

A person could fire a bullet from a rifle similar to that used to kill Dale Watene, without a magazine inserted and without them knowing it was loaded, jurors heard during a murder trial yesterday.

Murderer’s sentence appeal fails

Samuel Samson in court last year. PHOTO: ODT FILES

Murderer’s sentence appeal fails

The man convicted of the brutal murder of an Invercargill woman has had his bid for a reduced sentence tossed out.

Girls get hands-on industry experience

Southland Girls’ High School pupils (from left) Sophia Barton (16), Ane Schutte (16), Brooke...

Girls get hands-on industry experience

A group of Southland high school pupils swapped the classroom this week for a "hands-on" experience learning more about the infrastructure industry.

ED referrals system starts but GP slots look doubtful

ED referrals system starts but GP slots look doubtful

A pilot programme started this week in the Southland Hospital with aim to ease the pressures at the Emergency Department.

Appeal thrown out for murder at motel

Appeal thrown out for murder at motel

The man convicted of murdering a woman at an Invercargill motel has had his bid for a reduced sentence tossed out.

Minor injuries in Southland crash

A vehicle towing a trailer crashed at Mabel Bush in Southland this morning.

Accused’s rooms were bugged by police

The motel where the woman accused of the murder of Dale Watene stayed was bugged as police thought the search of her house would prompt her to communicate about his death, a court heard yesterday.

Man pleads guilty to aggravated robbery, sentenced to home detention

An Invercargill man says he thought he was going for a ride with two new friends but ended the night being involved in an aggravated robbery.

GP vouchers offered to get people out of emergency department

GP vouchers offered to get people out of emergency department

The Southern District Health Board is offering patients vouchers to get them out of Southland Hospital's emergency department and into GP clinics for free.

Gun's magazine found in friend's wheelie bin, court told

Gun's magazine found in friend's wheelie bin, court told

The magazine of the gun used to kill Dale Watene was found in a red wheelie bin at the property of one of the murder accused’s friends, an Invercargill court has been told.

Bleaching of Fiordland sea sponges may be largest of its kind

Bleached native sea sponges in Breaksea Sound, Fiordland. File photo

Bleaching of Fiordland sea sponges may be largest of its kind

It appears scientists' fears about the mass bleaching of sea sponges in Fiordland have been confirmed, with it likely the largest event of its type anywhere in the world.

Truck firm to trial move to hydrogen

HW Richardson Group chief executive Anthony Jones is excited about the conversion of its truck...

Truck firm to trial move to hydrogen

HW Richardson’s truck fleet is on trial.

Missing plaque latest in sights

War memorial restorer Elizabeth Ann Robbie, of Southland, stands with the Balfour Presbyterian...

Missing plaque latest in sights

Hot on the heels of receiving a Queen’s Service Medal, Southland’s Elizabeth Ann Robbie is continuing her search for more war memorials.

Order to pay outstanding wages

To qualify, employers must make best efforts to top up the $585 payment to a minimum of 80...

Order to pay outstanding wages

The former owner of a Gore child-care business has been ordered to pay an ex-employee $2400 in wages and holiday pay owed since 2018.

Murder trial hears of repeated police searches

Police conducted three searches of the addresses of murder-accused Sandy Graham and the man charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, Graham Hyde, during their investigation into the killing of Dale Watene.