Debate still lacks govt team
Debate still lacks govt team
Hampden is still trying to convince the National Party to front up at its annual debate, this year on the issue of asset sales.
David Bruce
Scientist on Russian mission
Scientist on Russian mission
A Twizel scientist who has been raising chicks in order to save the rare kaki-black stilt is now in a remote corner of Russia lending her expertise to an emergency programme for spoon-billed sandpipers facing extinction within a decade.
Clark to honour Haiti assistance programme
Clark to honour Haiti assistance programme
A visit to North Otago by the United Nation's third highest administrator, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, has been described as unique, recognising a North Otago programme to provide assistance in Haiti.
No more spending on subdivision
No more spending on subdivision
No more money will be spent on developing the Forrester Heights subdivision until the Waitaki District Council has clear title to the site on Cape Wanbrow.
Bill may be introduced to change subdivision designation
Bill may be introduced to change subdivision designation
The five-year saga of the Waitaki District Council's Forrester Heights housing subdivision on Cape Wanbrow, could enter another phase this week.
Fossil-fossicking bug contagious
Fossil-fossicking bug contagious
Collecting fossils, minerals and gemstones is a communicable disease, to which Jeff Fathers' wife, Heather, can attest.
Small boat could end as sandpit
Small boat could end as sandpit
A small fishing boat which has worked out of Oamaru for years may come ashore permanently as a sandpit in a children's playground at Friendly Bay.
Speedsters snared
Speedsters snared
More than 50 speeding drivers have been caught over three days during a campaign against speeding conducted by Oamaru police.
Waitaki Power Trust to continue discounts
Waitaki Power Trust to continue discounts
North Otago power consumers will get annual discounts on their electricity bills from Network Waitaki for at least another five years, and the electricity lines company will continue to be owned by the Waitaki Power Trust.
No mask festival
No mask festival
A change in school holidays has caused the cancellation of this year's Midwinter Masquerade mask festival in Oamaru, the first time in the 11-year history of the event.
Plugging away for a good cause
Plugging away for a good cause
The annual North Otago Mud Plug fundraiser by the Rotary Club of Waitaki, had 37 entries from as far away as Gore and Christchurch, a better field than at last year's event.
Rural life better with broadband
Rural life better with broadband
The Government's rural broadband initiative will help retain people in rural areas, a survey conducted by the University of Otago says.
Oamaru stone stables preserved
Oamaru stone stables preserved
What is believed to be the oldest Oamaru stone building in Oamaru has been preserved by the Oamaru Operatic Society with a $3000 grant from the Waitaki District Council's heritage fund.
Optimism Holcim plant will be built
Optimism Holcim plant will be built
The Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd team planning a $400 million cement plant near Weston and a $100 million shipping terminal at Timaru's PrimePort is "very hopeful" the projects will be approved later this year.
Holcim calling for expressions of interest
Holcim calling for expressions of interest
Contractors are being asked to register their interest in building a $400 million cement plant near Weston and a shipping terminal at Timaru's port, even although Holcim New Zealand still needs final approval for the projects.
Restaurateur to appear on 'Masterchef'
Restaurateur to appear on 'Masterchef'
Oamaru and Moeraki restaurateur Fleur Sullivan will put the spotlight on North Otago in an appearance later this week on MasterChef Australia.
Cement plant plan moves step closer
Cement plant plan moves step closer
A new $400 million cement plant near Weston, which will bring more than 300 new jobs to North Otago, has moved a step closer.
Most want power discounts retained
Most want power discounts retained
Putting more money into community sponsorship and community projects has been suggested for Network Waitaki profits, but most customers want to retain their annual power bill discounts.
Waitaki Council confirms 4.75% rates rise
Waitaki Council confirms 4.75% rates rise
An increase of 4.75% in the total rates to be collected by the Waitaki District Council in the 2011-12 financial year was formally approved yesterday, a process which took 12 minutes.
Power trust delays decision
Power trust delays decision
The large number of submissions on a review of the ownership of Network Waitaki means the Waitaki Power Trust has to delay considering them and making a final decision.