In the midst of a geopolitical energy security crisis, some of the best and brightest brains have gathered in Queenstown this week to further the ambition of the region — and country — to electrify.

Expectant Queenstown mothers may once again be transferred to Invercargill after a contentious trial has ended.

Local author and historian Lloyd Esler has written a new book centred on graves in Southland and the stories behind them.