Splish Splash – Invercargill Learn to Swim Programme making waves
Splash Palace’s Learn to Swim Programme is setting the standard for swimming education nationwide. This long-running initiative is the envy of many regions and significantly impacts the Invercargill community. On a busy May morning, we visited Splash Palace to witness the action firsthand. Aquatic Services Manager Steve Cook mentioned that the pool typically sees around […]
Southern Charity Hospital
Converting a pub into a life-saving charity hospital to honour a quintessential southern bloke like Blair Vining just felt right. His wife Melissa reckons it would have gotten the nod of approval from the big fella too. “It was this big brick building and a pub which I think he’d quite like. Blair’s initial concept […]
Funding Feature – New River School
Three years ago, four pupils at New River Primary School showed an interest in learning the ukulele. Little did they know at the time what they had just sparked. Teacher Paula O’Neill concedes she is not a musical person but found a way to put those interested kids through a real basic ukulele programme. The […]
Funding Feature – Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band
This is a story of longevity. Remarkable longevity. Officially the Invercargill Garrison Band – now the Ascot Park Hotel Brass Band of Invercargill – dates back to 1867. However, there have since been mentions of the band found from as far back as 1863. To put it all into perspective it’s the longest-running brass band […]
Building Mitey Children
19 primary schools across Southland have embraced a new approach to mental health and resilience education through Mitey. This pioneering initiative, owned and operated by the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, recognises the crucial importance of the mental well-being of our tamariki. Catering specifically to primary school children in years 1 to 8. It takes a […]
K9 Medical Detection
Dogs are renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, but the dogs from K9 Medical Detection have taken their abilities to new heights. These incredible animals are now trained to detect bowel cancer, simply by sniffing urine samples. At the helm of this organisation is Pauline Blomfield, Founder and CEO, who started the venture in […]
South Sea Spray Waihōpai
The inner-city walls of Invercargill are adorned with beautiful artwork, courtesy of South Sea Spray Waihōpai. In December 2022, the latest edition of this colourful street art festival brought together 24 artists to Invercargill. Following successful iterations in various locations around the region, including Motupōhue (Bluff), Aparima (Riverton) and Māruawai (Gore), with their Streets Alive […]
Enrich@ILT students getting creative!
There are some remarkable stories emerging from the old Elmwood Garden site in Invercargill. The Dee St building is now home to Enrich@ILT, a school that is an example of innovative thinking backed by the community, along with the ILT. It’s something Invercargill should be proud of. Enrich@ILT is a school that helps with the […]
Community Funding Feature – Lug South
Jimmy Paton probably didn’t know it at the time. But a decade ago when he decided to put his Lego work on display at the James Cumming Wing in Gore he smashed down a whole lot of barriers. It was the opening weekend of duck shooting in 2013 and he invited anyone interested to come […]
Community Funding Feature – CanBead
It started as a unique distraction during a difficult time. Sarah Clifford had been diagnosed with melanoma in October 2008 at the age of 28. While undergoing treatment in Christchurch in February 2010 Clifford was given an assortment of beads, wire and the tools for making jewellery. It kept her mind occupied amongst everything else […]
