ORC’s rate rise of 18% tests tolerances
ORC’s rate rise of 18% tests tolerances
Urban households would pay the Otago Regional Council $30 to $70 more a year in general rates under the council’s draft plan for next year, the council’s chairman says.
Hamish MacLean
Outbreak slower to dissipate in South
Outbreak slower to dissipate in South
The long tail of the Omicron outbreak is lingering in Otago and Southland as case numbers continue a slow descent.
Radio shift will not affect ORC: Laws
Radio shift will not affect ORC: Laws
Polarising Otago regional councillor Michael Laws says his return to radio will not interfere with his duties as an elected official.
Landfill opponents trying to raise cash for fight
Landfill opponents trying to raise cash for fight
The Brighton community group trying to stop plans for a landfill at Smooth Hill is trying to raise $43,000 to pay for the lawyers and consultants it says it needs to level the playing field at upcoming hearings.
City fills up for Easter
City fills up for Easter
Not since Easter four years ago, when Ed Sheeran drew people to Dunedin in droves, has the city been so busy over the autumn public holiday, Otago Motel Association president Pete Firns says.
Fatal crash at Jacks Pt
Fatal crash at Jacks Pt
One person has died and another was critically injured in a crash near Queenstown last night.
Marking Holi brings back colour and fun
Marking Holi brings back colour and fun
Bollywood music rang across the University of Otago Union Lawn on Saturday while about 50 students laughed and danced as an array of vibrantly coloured powders drifted on the breeze.
‘Ready, set, go’: throngs enjoy Parkrun after hiatus
‘Ready, set, go’: throngs enjoy Parkrun after hiatus
More than 150 runners crossed the finish line in Dunedin’s Parkrun on Saturday as the weekly 5km run returned after a seven-month hiatus because of Covid restrictions.
‘Bodies’ used to reinforce protest message
‘Bodies’ used to reinforce protest message
What appeared to be four dead bodies covered by sheets lay at the centre of Dunedin’s protest against the war in Ukraine in the Octagon at the weekend.
Colonial past uncovered at ACC build site
Colonial past uncovered at ACC build site
A prosperous period of Dunedin’s colonial past is being uncovered in the city’s centre as work begins on a new multi-storey office space for up to 650 employees.
Port Otago takes fight to Supreme Court
Port Otago takes fight to Supreme Court
Port Otago is taking a fight to the Supreme Court over "overly restrictive" environmental constraints the port says could have a significant effect on its operations.
Guidelines for floodbank access
Guidelines for floodbank access
New rules could make public access to Otago Regional Council-owned flood protection areas around the region easier.
Trams could work: readers
Trams could work: readers
What started as an April Fool’s joke could become closer to reality if a Dunedin city councillor and mayoral hopeful gets his way.
Frustration at permit delays
Frustration at permit delays
Council red tape is compounding Covid-related staffing issues, supply shortages and escalating prices in Dunedin’s building sector, a former Dunedin tradesman says.
ORC to seek feedback on cutting rates rise
ORC to seek feedback on cutting rates rise
Otago regional councillors have backed away from making drastic cuts to rates rises in the face of escalating living costs.
Omicron anxiety hitting some sectors hard
Omicron anxiety hitting some sectors hard
Anxiety concerning Omicron is hitting southern businesses hard as a different wave associated with the Covid-19 pandemic suffocates some sectors.
Extreme care called for around sea lion pup nurseries
Extreme care called for around sea lion pup nurseries
A Dunedin sea lion pup has been struck and killed by a vehicle on an Otago Peninsula road just days after the Department of Conservation called for caution from drivers in the area.
CEO: Bad press may be putting people off ORC
CEO: Bad press may be putting people off ORC
Undesirable media coverage of the Otago Regional Council could be hampering its ability to attract staff and contractors, the chief executive says.
ORC to seek extension for land and water plan
ORC to seek extension for land and water plan
The Otago Regional Council will ask Environment Minister David Parker for an extension on its forthcoming land and water plan.
Discussion about ORC rates rise gets tense
Discussion about ORC rates rise gets tense
The Otago Regional Council again teetered at the edge of disorder as staff and councillors bickered yesterday amid moves to drop planned rates rises in light of the climbing cost of living.