An Invercargill teenager, who set three men alight after he threw petrol on a fire, was given a warning under the three strikes law today.

It was bitter-sweet as Southlanders farewelled the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury last night.

Tim Shadbolt retained the mayoralty but another reign ended in Invercargill tonight.

She was the southern singer who knew the lyrics to Funny Face; he, well, just had one.

Jess Hamill added to New Zealand's medal tally overnight when she finished second in the parasport shot put.

Southland rugby officials have reminded security guards to be mindful of player safety on Saturday night.

A helicopter has crashed on the Banks Peninsula, less than 24 hours after two hunters walked away from a crash in Fiordland.

Weather for the school holidays has been fairly good across the country, despite the current rain warnings in the west.

Keep up to date with all the action in tonight's Ranfurly Shield clash between Southland and Auckland in Invercargill.

A wooden spring board floor will be shipped in from Singapore and Southland's velodrome will host the region's netball and basketball franchises, it was decided today.

The Ranfurly Shield is up grabs but both Southland and Auckland have avoided making it a main focus ahead of Thursday's clash.

Southland Rugby is certain tomorrow night's Ranfurly Shield match will go ahead against Auckland in Invercargill.

Auckland's preparing to deal with the possibility of snow in Thursday night's Ranfurly Shield match against Southland.

Questions are being raised about the strength of Stadium Southland's now collapsed roof.

Edgar Centre general manager Blair Crawford is encouraging the Southern Steel to shift base to Dunedin.

The roof of Stadium Southland, which was lowered 15 metres and had its pitch reduced to appease neighbours, suffered sagging problems during construction.

From software to electric bikes, serial entrepreneurs Shaun and Grant Ryan are proving that big ideas run in the family. Karyn Scherer reports.

Civil Defence has decided against declaring a state of emergency in Southland but is warning schools and businesses to be cautious about re-opening tomorrow.

The Southern Steel will be looking for a new home next season after Stadium Southland suffered extensive damage in a snow storm.

Heavy snow in Invercargill has caused Stadium Southland's roof to collapse.

Police investigating the killing of Manawatu farmer Scott Guy have moved the focus of their investigation to Invercargill.

Blogging the debate between Invercargill mayor hopefuls Tim Shadbolt and Suzanne Prentice.