A post-mortem examination on a 28-year-old woman found dead in Timaru yesterday will be completed some time this morning, police say.

A former Timaru woman serving a life sentence for murder has been released from prison for the second time.

Timaru Hospital has been closed to visitors while a suspected norovirus outbreak is contained.

Allan Hubbard is challenging the decision that saw him placed into statutory management.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson breaks down the latest round of the Super 15.

Prime Minister John Key was called a liar when he fronted a meeting in Timaru last night packed with vocal Allan Hubbard supporters. The PM was forced to defend the Govt's handling of South Canterbury Finance to a bositrous 500-strong crowd

The Crusaders have confirmed they will play the Sharks at Twickenham and the Bulls in Timaru in their next two home games.

Simon Power's decision to put Allan Hubbard in a commercial straitjacket leaves the Government "tailend Charlie" for the $2 million plus the Timaru financier's legal boys have chalked up.

A heatwave that saw Sydney record the hottest night ever has reached the South Island this afternoon.