An Invercargill aquatic centre targeted by a serial pooper earlier this year is now "incident free", says its relieved manager.

Invercargill police are seeking information about a suspicious fire in the city.

Locals in the remote Catlins area who saw John Beckenridge in the days before he disappeared with his 11-year-old stepson are adamant the pair are alive.

Invercargill Police has urged members of the public to come forward with information about the assault of a female student.

A schoolboy believed to have been abducted by his stepfather could be suffering from the capture-bonding Stockholm syndrome: psychologist.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt is facing allegations of defamation from one of his city councillors.

New questions about the movements of John Beckenridge in the weeks before he snatched his stepson from school and disappeared have been raised.

An electrical fire at an Invercargill school is now under control after breaking out early this morning.

Police investigating the case of a missing Southland schoolboy are still hunting down leads that he is alive and remains in New Zealand.

Stephen Phillip Long wiped away tears yesterday as the Invercargill District Court heard how he mistook his son for a white-tailed deer.

The Meatworkers Union claimed for monies owed by Lean Meats after the company failed to provide paid rest breaks which it had agreed to in its employment contract.

Police are refusing to release any findings in relation to car of missing man John Beckenridge until all forensic testing is complete.

A truck driver was taken to Southland Hospital with moderate to serious injuries last night after being trapped in his crashed truck for almost four hours.

Stewart Island pub quizmaster posts cheeky photo of prince as he experiences island life in the raw.

Prince Harry charmed his way into the hearts of many southerners on the second leg of his royal tour.

Forensic testing is continuing today on the car of missing man John Beckenridge after it was hauled from the foot of a cliff.

Police say they still do not know whether bodies have been found in the car linked to missing Invercargill boy Michael Zhao-Beckenridge.

The Police National Dive Squad has left Curio Bay, as weather conditions continue to hamper the search for clues to the disappearance of an Invercargill boy and his stepfather.

The police national dive team has joined the Catlins search for missing 11-year-old Mike Zhao-Beckenridge and his stepfather, John Beckenridge.

After a heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis for newborn Southland identical twin girls the community has raised close to $30,000 for the grieving parents.

Police still have fears for the wellbeing of 11-year-old Mike Zhao-Beckenridge, who has now been missing for a week.

Concern for a missing 11-year-old Invercargill boy is growing as police continue to search for the boy and his stepfather, who is believed to have absconded with him five days ago.

A couple who were on the run after allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman with a knife and stealing a car have been arrested in Dunedin.

A former meatworks employee, who complained of intimidation by a fellow worker after he cut up animal hearts in front of him, has been awarded $5000.