Podcasts about Invercargill

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Pete Oswald from the Central Otago Wilding Conifers Group about the 2026 National Wilding Pine Conference in Invercargill, the major issues and key announcements and Pete's career as a professional freeskier, adventurer, film maker, businessman and environmental advocate... And he talks with Jarrod Godfrey, Findex Accounting & Business Advisory Partner, about farmers having a valuable window to get their finances and plans in order before the rural property market gets busy in spring, how to assess borrowing capacity and risk and why it's important to get annual accounts completed early. They also discuss what banks will look for when assessing finance and why thorough due diligence on things like water, effluent and infrastructure can make or break a purchase. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Pete Oswald from the Central Otago Wilding Conifers Group about the 2026 National Wilding Pine Conference in Invercargill, the major issues and key announcements and Pete's career as a professional freeskier, adventurer, film maker, businessman and environmental advocate. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

The Wellington Saints will take on the Southland Sharks at ILT Stadium in Invercargill. Newstalk ZB sports commentator Nick Bewley joined Piney to discuss the grand final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logan has the details of how Gore could be the king-maker in the amalgamtion of Southland's councils, research grade seaweed cultivation in Bluff, concerns over the avialability of small homes for retirees in Invercargill and the city plays host to the National Basketball League final.

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!National property values recorded their fourth consecutive monthly drop in July, slipping -0.3% to extend the quarterly decline to -1.0%. On this week's episode of the New Zealand Property Market Podcast, Head of Research Nick Goodall and Chief Economist Kelvin Davidson unpack the latest Cotality Home Value Index (HVI) results. We explore the deepening North-South divide: while Auckland (-0.7% month) and Wellington (-0.8% month) continue to drag, Christchurch (+0.1%) and Dunedin (+0.2%) remain resilient, and Invercargill has surged to a new record median peak of $565,000 (+8.2% YoY).The guys also discuss a tongue-in-cheek LinkedIn post by Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod, which highlighted a statistical correlation between per-capita cow populations and house price growth. We explain why strong agricultural export returns are buffering rural centres like Gore, Hurunui, and Mackenzie, while urban service-driven economies lag under high interest rates and pre-election policy uncertainty.Finally, we preview Wednesday's Q2 official labour market release following June's +0.1% filled jobs figure, evaluate why the unemployment rate could rise from 5.3% to 5.5% due to labour force expansion rather than mass layoffs, and review ANZ's July business confidence bounce.This week we discuss:July Home Value Index: Why national values fell -0.3% over the month and -1.0% over the quarter.The North-South Divide: Auckland and Wellington value softness versus Christchurch (+3.6% YoY) and Dunedin (+3.3% YoY).Invercargill's New Record: Why the southern city hit $565,000 alongside agricultural hubs Gore, Hurunui, and Mackenzie.Satish Ranchhod's Cow Post: How agricultural strength is directly supporting regional home values.Labour Market Preview: Why a forecast unemployment rise to 5.5% reflects a growing workforce rather than job destruction.Election Hesitation: How investor sentiment is cooling as buyers pause ahead of upcoming political tax debates.Listener Feedback: Addressing a Spotify comment on Christchurch suburb competition and the OCR path.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

The Green Party is calling for a one-year pause on new AI data centres, until stronger rules and regulations are put in place - with some pleased at the idea of tighter controls. Some Southlanders are opposed to the $3.5 billion data centre being built near Invercargill, while others welcome the investment. Samantha Gee reports.

A new $100,000 Pamona Street playground in Invercargill has shaped through community consultation and input from local schoolchildren, giving young people a real say in what they wanted The project was led by the council's play advocate Dr Damien Puddle - AKA Dr Play - he joins Jesse.

A funeral in New Zealand can cost between $8,000-15,000, and it keeps getting more expensive. So, can death be done with dignity, without debt, and with out a funeral director? When do you need a coffin and when don't you? What are the pros and cons of cremation versus burial? These are some of the questions addressed by funeral reformer Fergus Wheeler, one of a network of volunteers from the Far North to Invercargill, presenting a series of workshops.

Six thousands toy cars are set to be sold over three days by a Dunedin auction house. All the toy vehicles come from private South Island collectors. Among them, an Invercargill man in his 90s who died recently after spending decades amassing match box cars. Ronnie Proctor from Proctor Auctions in Dunedin spoke to Lisa Owen.

A global study published today shows New Zealand doctors are using too many antibiotics, risking the growth of 'superbugs'. An Invercargill mum who suffered for months with an antibiotic-resistant infection says something needs to change. A warning, this story includes details some may find disturbing. Felix Walton reports.

It's Mandela Day, a significant Kiwi is recognised from Fluffy's origins, FIFA is set to wrap and Invercargill is Rally-ready! Enjoy great music and fun banter with The Fluffy Slipper Lounge on Radio Southland.

Newstalk ZB's Night Host Marcus Lush felt the 5.9 magnitude earthquake from his Invercargill studio. The quake struck 40km north of Te Anau at 9.14pm this evening at a depth of 53km. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has assessed the quake and says strong currents are possible on the West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. It has downgraded its tsunami warning to an advisory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from our trip to Invercargill! Matty McLean and PJ Harding are New Zealand’s warmest, most unpredictable drive show - perfect for the commute, the school run or whenever you need something to laugh about on the way home! They’re live on The Hits nationwide every weekday afternoon from 3-7pm. Listen to the live show on iHeartRadio Click follow so you never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram @thehitsdrive | Facebook @thehitsdrive See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matty & PJ are together in Invercargill but are also sleep deprived so who knows what they're talking about... Matty McLean and PJ Harding are New Zealand’s warmest, most unpredictable drive show - perfect for the commute, the school run or whenever you need something to laugh about on the way home! They’re live on The Hits nationwide every weekday afternoon from 3-7pm. Listen to the live show on iHeartRadio Click follow so you never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram @thehitsdrive | Facebook @thehitsdrive See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello and welcome back! It was a pleasure to chat with Corey Finn recently, who is the Director of Agronomy of Yas Links, Yas Acres and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhahbi. Originally from Southland, Corey has had a fascinating career at courses such as The Hills and Doha Golf Club before his time in Abu Dhabi. Corey gave great insight into prepping Yas Links each year for the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour, working with Kyle Phillips and much more!We are proud to be presented by Power Turf NZ. Who are New Zealand's leading providers in Turf Care Equipment and Club Car Golf Carts. Check them out here: https://www.powerturf.co.nz/

Ben speaks to Anntwinette Grumball. The phone line wasn't the best, so please bear with it.

We talk to Wal from The Hits Southland who has booked Matty in to do drag in a show, on stage, in Invercargill... on Monday! Matty McLean and PJ Harding are New Zealand’s warmest, most unpredictable drive show - perfect for the commute, the school run or whenever you need something to laugh about on the way home! They’re live on The Hits nationwide every weekday afternoon from 3-7pm. Listen to the live show on iHeartRadio Click follow so you never miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram @thehitsdrive | Facebook @thehitsdrive See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two, we go to the place in New Zealand with the least expensive house prices. Ikamatua resident Anna McInroe takes us on a tour of the hidden West Coast village. Then, Paul of Invercargill walked out to his suburban backyard to find a cow staring back at him. How did it get there and what happened next?

It's time for Mayoral minutes, our regular segment where we speak with a local mayor about the challenges they're facing, how they're working to solve them and what makes their community special. Today we're heading to Invercargill from where Mayor Tom Campbell joins Jesse.

Two new Woolworths stores have opened in the South Island, but you can't get the weekly shop done there. The educational facilities in Dunedin and Invercargill are giving young people with disabilities training for jobs in a supermarket environment, creating 'launchpads' for future employment. Front-Line Training chief operations officer Nadia Steedman says this will allow people to work in a space that suits their individual needs. "With that, we have a direct connection with the local Woolworths stores, where work experience will eventually be available - as well as putting them in the limelight, with the potential for them to become employed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new Woolworths stores have opened in the South Island, but you can't get the weekly shop done there. The educational facilities in Dunedin and Invercargill are giving young people with disabilities training for jobs in a supermarket environment, creating 'launchpads' for future employment. Front-Line Training chief operations officer Nadia Steedman says this will allow people to work in a space that suits their individual needs. "With that, we have a direct connection with the local Woolworths stores, where work experience will eventually be available - as well as putting them in the limelight, with the potential for them to become employed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm immeasurably uplifted by some Trade Me data. Could it be we are finally getting the message on rural or provincial New Zealand? Job data increasingly shows we're looking to the regions for work. More people (68%) are prepared to move, supposedly. Always be careful of surveys because what people say versus what they do doesn't always equate. But at least some of the 68% must actually pull the trigger. There has been a 12% month-on-month search increase in job ads. The likes of New Plymouth is up 40%, Invercargill is up 37%, and Palmerston North is 23%. I have said for years, if you can do what you do anywhere, why would you do it in a place you can't afford to live in? A lack of money makes life miserable. It limits choices, makes us stressed, and closes financial doors. Too many people are stuck in places like Auckland. Auckland is disproportionately large and the salaries that this country pays, on average, do not support a decent life in a place like Auckland, or Queenstown, or possibly even a large slice of the Bay of Plenty. But there are a lot of jobs where the wage is the same no matter what the location. In fact, one of the most glaring pieces of intel is your average wage and it's broadly the same in most places in the country. It's a little higher in Wellington because of the public service, but overall, between $70,000-80,000 is where we sit on average. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that if, as a couple, you earn two lots of $70,000-ish a year, $140,000-ish together, it goes a hell of a lot of further in Nelson than it does in Auckland or Queenstown. The house on the West Coast is nothing like the north of the country. This land is festooned with amazing provincial cities that have a lot of the big city access and choices. Even Christchurch, which is booming, is still comparatively affordable and by the time you get to small town New Zealand you are rolling in it in your $500,000 house, no commute, later get-up, less stress, and all the while doing the same job. So I hope the stats are real and the move is on. There is a lot of New Zealand that has never been fully utilised or appreciated. If your lot is too hard, move. You won't know yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for a string of dating app attacks in Invercargill to be treated as a hate crime. Two 15-year-olds and two 16-year-olds have been charged with aggravated burglary, after four alleged incidents in which people were lured to secluded locations through dating apps and attacked. YouBeYou founder Gordy Lockhart says it appears to be a targeted attack, taking advantage of gay men's vulnerability. He explained the LGBT community are typically more alone, have less family and support networks - and have to meet people in places like parks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invercargill's mayor is condemning the thugs who attacked two people they lured off into a public park through dating apps.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Cam Richardson, founder of Paysquad, to dive into the latest in tech news and innovation. They discuss Amazon scrapping its West Auckland data centre plans, the expansion of AI-powered infrastructure in Invercargill, EV charging with ChargeNet, movie deal for a Kiwi-led Roblox game, Apple's Vision Pro headset future and data security concerns around Chinese EVs. Plus, they break down new rules at the Oscars regarding AI-generated content and Taylor Swift's play for control in the AI era. Cam also shares the origin, mission, and future vision of Paysquad, a Kiwi fintech making group payments possible at checkout.Thanks to our Partners One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Spark, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!The April Home Value Index (HVI) results are in, and while the national median technically rose by a modest 0.1%, the broader picture is one of a flattening market. This week, Nick Goodall and Kelvin Davidson peel back the layers on the regional divide - why are Auckland and Wellington softening while Christchurch and Invercargill continue to climb?We also dive into a surprising dose of 'hopium' from the March economic data. With filled jobs up 0.3% and the NZ Activity Index (NZAC) hitting its fastest growth in over three years, we ask if the economy is showing more resilience than expected, or if these are simply lagging indicators of a pre-conflict world.This week, we discuss:April HVI results: The national median is up 0.1%, but regional variability is the real story.The regional divide: Why Auckland's supply pipeline and Wellington's 'vibe' shift are weighing on values compared to the farming-backed strength of the south.March economic resilience: Filled jobs grew by 0.3%, and the NZAC rose 3.2% - could Q1 GDP be stronger than the RBNZ expects?Labour market preview: Why we expect the unemployment rate to hold steady at 5.4% this week.RBNZ watch: A preview of Wednesday's Financial Stability Review (FSR) and the ongoing quest for transparency.First home buyer report: A teaser for our upcoming release with Westpac, including surprising data on buyer ages.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

Logan discusses claims from Invercargill's mayor that local government is a "broken system," plus the extra backing the council is giving the development of The Southland Museum, a local sawmill plans a $115 million expansion and Southland Girl's High School's first male principal in its 147 year history.

Victorian Hydrogen is proposing a $3 billion urea plant to be located 30km northeast of Invercargill. The company says it could deliver 1.5 million tonnes a year of urea fertiliser (using 3 million tonnes of lignite), making New Zealand's agricultural sector fully self sufficient. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two, an employee steals $400 thousand from their place of work. The boss forgives them and ends the repayments early. The Panel talks to the managing director who decided 'enough was enough' and gave a former employee a second chance. Then, Melissa Aitken's annual event offering free haircuts, massages and brow shaping to people in need. It started in Invercargill, and ten years later has expanded to Dunedin and Christchurch, and now also offers services including eye tests, grocery packages.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.While some commentators are calling the current New Zealand property market slow, we are actually seeing an incredibly exciting window of opportunity. In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts breaks down the localized wealth booms, massive zoning changes in Auckland, and why high-net-worth foreign buyers are flooding the premium market.In this episode, we cover:The South Island Boom: While national property values only increased by 0.2% in March, wealth is highly localized right now. Invercargill jumped 1.7% for the month (up 7.1% year-on-year), and areas like Central Otago are hitting brand new all-time peak values.6 Years Post-COVID Reality: The latest QV House Price Index shows national home values are 21.6% higher than they were in March 2020. Christchurch values have skyrocketed 55% since pre-lockdown, while Wellington is sitting slightly lower than March 2020 levels.ANZ's Forecast Shift: With Auckland now accounting for 37% of New Zealand's housing inventory, ANZ has revised its 2026 house price predictions. We discuss why they shifted their forecast from a 5% increase to a potential 2% fall, and why this extends the buyer's market window.Auckland Plan Change 120: The government has mandated a new 1.4 million homes capacity floor for Auckland, allowing the council to downzone outer suburbs. However, 15-story zoning is locked in around the City Rail Link (like Maungawhau and Kingsland), legally protecting the development potential of transit-hub land.The Golden Visa Rush: Since the Active Investor Plus scheme changes on March 6th, foreign buyers froSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!March data confirms a property market upturn was underway - but global second-round inflation risks may have just drawn a line in the sand.In this episode, Nick Goodall and Kelvin Davidson break down the March Home Value Index, which saw a second consecutive 0.2% rise in national property values. While momentum was clearly building in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill through the first quarter, the escalating conflict in the Middle East has shifted the narrative toward cautionary gaps and a potential reversal of these gains.We also preview tomorrow's RBNZ Monetary Policy Review. With business and consumer confidence plummeting, will the Reserve Bank stay focused solely on sticky inflation, or will the growing risk of a real economy recession force a change in tone?This week we discuss:The March HVI: Why Christchurch and Dunedin are outperforming Auckland and Wellington.Momentum vs. Volatility: Why March's growth might be the last hurrah before geopolitical uncertainty takes hold.The RBNZ Preview: What to expect from the first policy review under a new Governor and the importance of uncertainty in their messaging.Labour Market Resilience: Why the rising unemployment rate is currently a story of labour force growth rather than mass job cuts.Construction Costs: A teaser for tomorrow's Q1 CCCI release and why the calm before the storm is ending.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

Invercargill's annual Burt Munro challenge pays tribute to the Southerner who set the world land-speed record back in 1967. But tomorrow, 200 significantly slower machines will line up for the 194-kilometre-long Southern Scooter Challenge, destination Te Anau. For more on today's regional spotlight, organiser Tash Clay spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A new $3.5 billion data centre planned near Invercargill has certainly got people talking. It will be the second-largest power user in the country, but many questions remain about what will be New Zealand's first AI data centre. The company says the project will boost the Southland economy and help ensure New Zealand stays relevant in the world of artificial intelligence. But many remain skeptical about the benefits of the mega-project. Peter Griffin is a Wellington-based science and technology journalist - he joins Emile for a chat.

A $3 billion data centre in Southland is being touted a game changer - delivering the most significant upgrade to New Zealand's digital infrastructure in a generation. Datagrid has received resource consent for a 78,000 square-metre data centre, which will be built in Makarewa, north of Invercargill. The development is descibed as an "AI factory", a data centre built to serve AI technology. So what are the implications for something of this size, and should we believe the hype around it? David Williams is Newsroom's South Island editor - and has been following this development for years - he joins Jesse to discuss.

A massive new power user could put extra pressure on the South Island's electricity system. Datagrid has just received resource consent for a $3 billion, 78 thousand square metre data centre north of Invercargill. About 1,200 jobs will work on the construction and about 50 people will staff the facility. It will be the second-largest power user in the country behind the nearby Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. Auckland University computer science lecturer Ulrich Speidel told Mike Hosking it's going to shift the power balance in the South Island quite a bit. He says in terms of power use, that's about 70% of what Christchurch consumes, and you can't just add major power users without eventually running into generation limits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is a flat property market your best window of opportunity? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a fascinating mix of global tension and local opportunity. While Middle East conflicts drive volatility in the share market, the New Zealand property market is presenting one of the best buyer's markets in recent history.We dive into why Auckland just recorded its busiest February for sales in five years, driven by a 9.6% drop in median prices. We also cover Cotality's latest regional data, Tony Alexander's insights on why speculative investors have thrown in the towel, and a radical new proposal on KiwiSaver.Key Topics Covered:Global Market Volatility: Why you shouldn't panic about your KiwiSaver balance, and how property acts as a tangible hedge against inflation.Cotality Regional Update: Auckland flattens out, Wellington City rises, and Invercargill hits a new peak.Auckland Sales Surge: How a drop in prices to $904,000 is drawing buyers back into a market with 15-year-high stock levels.The End of FOMO: Why first-home buyers are dominating the nearly 36,000 homes currently for sale.KiwiSaver 2.0: Reviewing the proposal to lock the withdrawal age at 65 and ramp up employer contributions to 12%.

In part two, crossing the road shouldn't feel like a gamble on your safety, but that's how an Invercargill high school is describing it. According to staff, cars and cyclists regularly whiz past the pedestrian crossing outside the junior campus of James Hargest College. The Panel hears from principal Mike Newell. Then, a brave 12 year old in Dunedin has guarded a sealion mum who's decided to give birth in the same St Kilda street twice. The Panel hears from Kaitlin Beyer about her mission to help Mika the sealion mum.

Belief from an Invercargill City Councillor the city doesn't need to rebuild its clock tower. The council plans to spend two million dollars on the renovation work in Wachner Place. Councillor Ian Pottinger says he believes the money could be spent on other things. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the money could go to a local high school which wants improved road safety. Pottinger says councillors were told they don't have money in the bank for that work, and would need to go and find funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!In this episode of the New Zealand Property Market Podcast, host Nick Goodall and guests discuss the findings of the Decoding 2026 report, which surveyed over 1,000 property professionals about their read on the market and expectations for the future.The conversation covers the improved sentiment in the market, regional differences in property values, the impact of interest rates, and the evolving digital landscape in real estate. The guests share insights on the resilience of Invercargill's market, the challenges faced by Wellington, and the importance of planning reforms and climate change considerations in shaping the future of property in New Zealand.The episode guests are:Diego Traglia from Team Diego Harcourts in AucklandJames McRobie from Ray White InvercargillTom Coad, Head of Industry Solutions at Cotality NZSign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.comThis podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Kurt Ludke. Kurt was born in Invercargill, NZ, and later moved to Western Australia. Kurt joined the army in 1998. After basic training, he was posted to 1 RAR in Townsville. Kurt faced adversity early in his career looisng his Mum to an aneurysm. Kurt took a compassionate posting for a few months before posting back to 1 RAR. Kurt deployed on multiple overseas deployments include multiple trips to East Timor, Afghanistan & Iraq. In 2005, Kurt applied and was selected for selection in 4 RAR Commando. After passing selection, Kurt moved into the reo cycle, where he was successful and posted into the regiment. Kurt served on SOTG Rot 4 in Afghanistan in 2007, Rot 8 in 2008, and Rot 12 in 2010. In the lead-up to Rot 12, Kurt and his company lost a good friend, Mason Edwards, in a prep deployment exercise. This was the start of several losses for the Company.  Kurt was involved in the Battle of Shah Wali Kot. Only a few days later, on the 21st of June, three Australian Commando's were killed in a Blackhawk helicopter. Kurt talks about being on the ground that day when he arrived at the crash.  Kurt went on to serve on TAG EAST, and the Special Forces Training Centre SFTC Kurt also served in Iraq. Kurt talks about burnout and suffering from PTSD, losing mates, and, after 19 years of service, having an administrative discharge. Like all veterans and first responders, Kurt struggled with the transition back to civilian life. He found purpose again, completing his MBA in 2022 and representing Australia at the Invictus Games in 2023. This is a powerful chat about the cost of serving at the elite level and finding purpose again after service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Kurt Ludke  Editor: Kyle Watkins

The enormous legacy of Sir Tim Shadbolt includes those praising his role in turning Invercargill's fortune around and his comic genius. Shadbolt died yesterday at the age of 78 in Invercargill. Former Invercargill City Council CEO Richard King spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

South Marlborough is in a restricted fire season, meaning permits are required, and Canterbury has cancelled fire permits for the weekend. Heat alerts have been issued for Whakatane, Napier, Hastings, Motueka, Blenheim and Kaikoura; Summer has been found to carry the most risk for new workers getting into construction; The enormous legacy of Sir Tim Shadbolt includes those praising his role in turning Invercargill's fortune around and his comic genius. Shadbolt died yesterday at the age of 78 in Invercargill; Just how hot is it going to get this weekend across New Zealand? A Hamilton Mum and her 8 year old daughter have found unexpected social media fame while taking a special road trip this summer.

A family-run business is making sure pets get where they're going safely - transporting more than 100 animals at a time on a bus that runs from Auckland to Invercargill. Morning Report producer Rayssa Almeida jumped on board.

Ché discusses the decision to pay $500,000 to remove large trees in Invercargill's central business district.

The boss of a Southland RSA is not pulling his punches after thieves pinched burial plaques off soldiers graves at an Invercargill cemetery. Police believe they were stolen from the St Johns Cemetery sometime between the 28th of October and November 22nd. The brass plates marked the graves of World War I and World War II veterans and those who served in the Korean war. President of the Awarua RSA, Ian Becker spoke to Lisa Owen.

Last night at Parliament the Prime Minister's Space Prizes were presented. These prizes were established to recognise the talented people working in space and aviation and also to inspire younger people to get into the industry. And it seems like it's working, Sophie Ineson, a Year 12 student from Southland Girls' High School won the prize for Student Endeavour, for her project to design better wound care for astronauts. Sophie's prize is NZ$50,000 for tertiary study; she tells Jesse what she plans to do with it!

Aside from the struggle to get power back on, farmers and contractors in Southland are grappling with huge amounts of damage from the devastating storm. Some say it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix the damage done to their properties and could take as long as a year to get sorted out. Charlotte Cook has been in Winton, near Invercargill.

An Invercargill man was caught off guard by "ferocious" weather today as the lower South Island was violently battered. Ian Hamilton was at the Invercargill Rowing Club when the storm came in so strong and thick he couldn't see the river anymore. As he made a quick getaway pine trees were toppling down around him. Ian Hamilton spoke to Lisa Owen.

Logan has the latest on the shape of the new council, the impact of the weather, a solar farm gets the go ahead and Southland's entertainer of the year.

Across the country today from Whangarei to Invercargill, thousands of people are expected to take part in a Day of Action for Pay Equity.