Rural areas between Enfield and Duntroon will have greater fire protection after 20 fire hydrants are installed this winter along the North Otago Irrigation Company's scheme, making available pressurised water to fill tankers.
About $375,000 has been raised so far for the Omarama Community Centre and Medical Centre project and fundraisers are optimistic they will reach the target of $650,000.
The public will be given an opportunity to say how they think the Waitaki District Council should be structured and whether they want changes.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton will have to convince enough of his councillors about the worth of setting up the Otago Wilding Trust to have the Waitaki District Council take part.
What will happen to the historic Craig Fountain in the Oamaru Gardens has yet to be decided by the Waitaki District Council, with a new report to be prepared on the structure which is in a state of disrepair.
Seven nominations have been received for two people to represent the Waitaki district at the Aspiring Leaders Forum at Parliament in Wellington from July 26 to 29.
Owners of pre-1900 buildings, including private homes, could face paying thousands of dollars getting approval for even minor alterations or maintenance under a Bill being considered by Parliament.
Waitaki district councillors plan to review during the next 12 months the limit on future rates increases.
It may be the middle of winter, but the fire danger in North Otago is moderate to high, prompting a warning yesterday from Waitaki District Council emergency services manager Chris Raine.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton wants to revisit a rates cap which would restrict Waitaki District Council rates increases over the next 10 years.
Average rates rise of 6.5% for Waitaki district ratepayers - described as a "cost crest" by Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton - will be formally confirmed by the Waitaki District Council when it meets on Tuesday.
A by-election for the Waihemo Community Board could cost between $5400 and $16,000, depending on whether a vote needs to be held.
Kurow is getting ready for an influx of tourists, particularly on bikes from the Alps 2 Ocean cycleway, by planning developments and attractions to encourage them to spend time in the town.
Two companies which caused a furore almost three years ago with plans to milk nearly 11,000 dairy cows in the Omarama area have gone into voluntary liquidation.
The Waitaki Community Recreation Centre will continue to get a grant from Waitaki District Council rates for the next three years, subject to conditions.
Waimate district councillor Sandy Mulqueen's Saturday - the day she was to launch her "We Desire Change" campaign to decriminalise cannabis - did not start well.
A homicide investigation with up to 25 police and other personnel involved has begun in Waimate after the discovery of two bodies in a remote area on Sunday.
The future of the Kakanui camping ground will be known within two weeks, with the release of the decision on whether resource consent will be granted to allow it to take more campers after being severely restricted by the Environment Court last year.
A by-election will be held for the Waihemo Community Board after the resignation of second-term member Diane Curtis.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton and deputy mayor Jim Hopkins have clashed over a water management plan for the upper Waitaki catchment, which Mr Familton hoped would get unanimous support from councillors.
