Swede mistake could recur
Swede mistake could recur
PGG Wrightson Seeds has promised a ''complete and utter systems review'' after Southland and Otago farmers learned this week they had grown a discontinued variety of herbicide-tolerant swedes.
Hamish MacLean
Oamaru to get whisky distillery
Oamaru to get whisky distillery
After years of uncertainty, the New Zealand Whisky Company has confirmed Oamaru will be the site of a planned $3 million distillery.
'Disgusted' after seal found decapitated
'Disgusted' after seal found decapitated
The Department of Conservation is ``disgusted'' after evidence of a grisly seal decapitation emerged this week.
Wrong crop linked to cow deaths
Error has farmers growing crop linked to cow deaths
Many Southland and Otago farmers were sold the wrong seed and have inadvertently grown crops linked to the deaths of hundreds of dairy cows in 2014.
Balancing values outlined by ECan
Balancing values outlined by ECan
Environment Canterbury has released a report detailing 25 recommendations on how to balance preserving the "outstanding national landscape and biodiversity values" of the Mackenzie Basin with needs of landowners and communities.
‘Shocked and appalled’ by decision to serve notice on gallery
‘Shocked and appalled’ by decision to serve notice on gallery
The Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust has served notice on a Harbour St art gallery to vacate its premises in a move that has "shocked and appalled" some in the town’s arts community.
Council starts collecting on $8m loan after cap hit
Council starts collecting on $8m loan after cap hit
The Waitaki District Council has started to collect money on its loan to the Observatory Retirement Village Trust after a milestone was reached when the trust hit the loan’s cap.
Wage cost to recycling park
Wage cost to recycling park
An increased minimum wage will cost the trust that runs the Waitaki Resource Recovery Park $26,000 a year — and the trust may need to renegotiate its funding arrangement with the Waitaki District...
Extra cabins approved at holiday park
Extra cabins approved at holiday park
Up to 24 more beds could be available for visitors in Omarama after the Waitaki District Council approved Omarama Top 10 owner Tony Chapman’s request to build six new cabins on the council reserve...
Emotion runs high on shop’s last day
Emotion runs high on shop’s last day
For nearly three decades, Kakanui's Debbie Shields was the friendly face at Awamoa Clothing. Hamish MacLean catches up with another North Otago local legend.
Tongan community keen to help victims
Tongan community keen to help victims
Oamaru's Tongan community probably all have family members suffering in the aftermath of the category 4 storm that ripped through the islands at the start of the week, Oamaru Tongan Community president Hotili Asi says.
Sleeping rough in Oamaru not so fine
Sleeping rough in Oamaru not so fine
An Australian motorcyclist was dumbfounded yesterday after waking up next to his broken-down bike in Oamaru's main street with a $200 freedom camping ticket.
Rory tweaks his maize maze fear factor up to ‘terrifying’
Rory tweaks his maize maze fear factor up to ‘terrifying’
Rory Foley just might be evil.
Totara Estate gets Landmark status
Totara Estate gets Landmark status
It was a landmark day at Totara Estate yesterday.
No snub, mayor says
No snub, mayor says
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher was not among the 22 mayors to receive an invitation from Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis to hash out solutions in Wellington next month to the country's freedom camping problem.
Life-threatening condition returns
Rare life-threatening bleeding condition returns
In 2005, 8-year-old Levi Koroheke made national news over surgery for a rare condition that caused uncontrollable bleeding from his mouth.
Breakwater category 1 recommendation
Breakwater category 1 recommendation
A Heritage New Zealand review report has recommended the Oamaru Harbour breakwater be upgraded to a category 1 historic place.
Dogs’ skills entertain A&P show patrons
Dogs’ skills entertain A&P show patrons
In its 151st year, the East Otago Show has gone to the dogs — and everybody seemed to be enjoying the scene in Palmerston on Saturday.
Environmental concerns ‘crucial' for zipline group
Zipline group views working through environmental concerns as ‘crucial’
Environmental considerations are "crucial" for the group planning a zipline for Oamaru Harbour, a spokesman for the project says.
Wheels starting to turn for coastal cycle trail
Wheels starting to turn for coastal cycle trail
The wheels could start turning on work for a coastal cycle trail in North Otago this year.