Matthew Rosenberg

Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt left a meeting this afternoon convinced councillors had launched a vote of no-confidence against him, but several people present say that's not the case.

The rejection of a new liquor outlet hoping to open in Riverton has painted a concerning picture of a toxic drinking culture in the small town.

An Invercargill city councillor says feeling invisible and being told to calm down is part of her experience of being one of the few women in Southland local politics. Only a quarter of Southland's councillors are women.

Invercargill's polarising deputy mayor says he would put his hand up to fill in as interim mayor if Sir Tim Shadbolt does not make it through this term.