Dunedin North MP David Clark has presented his Invermay petition to parliament, with more than 12,000 signatures.

Dr Clark is the economic development spokesperson for the Labour Party, and he says he's overwhelmed by the level of support for the petition.

It asks the government to save the Invermay agricultural research campus near Dunedin, rather than shift staff north.

All up 12,450 signatures were added to the petition.

Supporters include farmers, business owners and Otago residents, as well as those throughout the country.

Members of different Lions clubs from around the world are gathering in Dunedin for a three-day convention.

The event begins this evening, and involves a special guest who's generating excitement among local organisers.

Top businessmen and women from throughout New Zealand are coming to Dunedin to give advice to budding entrepreneurs.

They're visiting for the fourth annual Startup Weekend, being held at Otago Polytechnic at the end of the month.

It'll see entrepreneurs, mentors and investors gather locally to launch new businesses.

Organisers say the non-profit event is a chance for locals to start businesses in just over two days, with support from experienced professionals.

The price of food is falling, giving consumers some relief from successive monthly increases.

In the last month food prices have come down by almost 1%, led by cheaper fruit and vegetables.

Meat's also less costly than it has been over summer, although the reduced price for some items is being countered by the rising cost of other products.

Sweets, energy drinks and fizzy is more expensive.

Apples have seen some of the greatest price fluctuation, down almost a quarter since January.