The government is sending mixed messages in its approach to truancy as southern regions have had funding cut for school attendance officers, a Southland principal says.

A Bafta-winning producer says her journey to the prestigious award began with her first job at Dunedin’s local news station.

A tandem effort from Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich and Cr Lee Vandervis sought to put a spoke in the wheel of cycleways spending.

Reduced spending on public transport has contributed to a considerable rates break for next year, an Otago Regional Council staff report says.