A 63-year-old Queenstown man who "liked walking in bare feet'' was taken to Southland Hospital for treatment last week after "wearing the soles off his feet" on the Routeburn Track.

Justine Tyerman delves into the history of a grand old house in Manapouri, Fiordland.

My heart sank at the news the Govt is taking over negotiations on the price of power supplied to Southland's aluminium smelter and will subsidise that relic of "regional development".

Twice in the past decade, Solid Energy has enjoyed revenue close to $1 billion, and aside from last year has returned some healthy profits - and dividends for the Government.

The risks of illegal drug use have been highlighted by a South Island coroner in his findings on the death of a 48-year-old man who had injected morphine.

Southern authorities are warning motorists to take care today as swollen rivers peak in Southland.

A 16-year-old boy has died following a motorbike crash in Southland last night.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says Environment Southland chairman Ali Timms has damaged her credibility by telephoning him on a regional television talkback show.

Environment Southland is condemning its chairwoman's so-called unacceptable lapse of judgement in calling a televised talkback programme under an assumed name.

Irrigators, power companies and mountaineers could all be affected if climate change leads to changes in snow levels.

Police have arrested two men they allege are "linchpins" in the supply and distribution of methamphetamine into Southland.

Pamela Wade discovers Kiwi colonial heroes on the Hollyford Track.

Bevan Hurley tackles the stunning Hump Ridge Track in remote western Southland by night.

Pamela Wade zigzags her way around Milford Track's textured bush, bright prairies and breathtaking views.

This month's toll of job losses is striking - but it's a reflection of a slowing of the Chinese economy. It's time to look for jobs that have a future.

The Super City better watch out. South Island councils are setting up a "coalition of the willing" to have their voice heard in the corridors of Parliament.

A man whose 60-year-old son drowned at sea said he `lived for fishing'' and was happiest whenever he was out on the ocean.

Later today a decision will be made whether to send divers down to look at a fishing vessel, believed to be the boat that disappeared off the Fiordland coast on Saturday with two onboard.