A fight during a ride-on lawn mower race at an A&P Show made it the 'best damn show' in years, a sponsor says.

A manager at a Wanaka mower and chainsaw shop saw red when his ride-on lawnmower was shunted by a bigger machine.

Rugby Southland say the "extremely challenging" rugby environment is behind the union's loss of almost half a million dollars.

Skipper Jamie Mackintosh is adamant Southland rugby has nothing to hide despite concerns over the union's financial situation.

New Year's Day is tipped to offer sunny weather for most of the country and some respite from the recent muggy, humid weather.

The bodies of five seaman and the 20 survivors from the sinking of a Korean fishing boat in the Southern Ocean arrived in Bluff last night.

Canterbury firefighters continue to battle two major fires in the region, but both blazes are under control.

A massive blaze has engulfed the hills above Waimate in south Canterbury and tonight continues to burn.