Idea to drop lake levels criticised
Idea to drop lake levels criticised
A pristine southern lake could suffer lasting damage if a push for more power generation leads to lower lake levels, an esteemed conservationist says.
Hamish MacLean
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Crs agree to seek $44m pines shortfall
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Crs agree to seek $44m pines shortfall
The Otago Regional Council needs to get the message to the government that spending money now on wilding pines will save money later, its chairwoman says.
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Flood warning system advances on agenda
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Flood warning system advances on agenda
The impact of heavy rain on the region will be better understood as a raft of improvements to Otago’s flood warning system continues, a report to regional councillors says.
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Wilding pine work may cost extra $44m
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Wilding pine work may cost extra $44m
Otago could face a $44million shortfall in its fight against wilding pines, a report from the Otago Regional Council says.
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Man stomped in Octagon attack
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Palestine supporter stomped in Octagon attack
A show of support for a Dunedin-born Palestinian teenager was marred by violence when a passer-by shoved two men to the ground, stomping on one of them.
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Toxic waste cleanup budget halved
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Toxic waste cleanup budget halved
The budget to clean up toxic waste in South Dunedin has been halved and the project pushed back a decade, the Dunedin City Council has confirmed.
‘A good, solid, sensible citizen of NZ’
‘A good, solid, sensible citizen of NZ’
Monty Wright: Angler, bird breeder, rugby official
Alarm raised as drycleaners steams up
Alarm raised as drycleaners steams up
A fire alarm was set off by steam at a Dunedin drycleaners this morning, prompting fire crews from Dunedin and St Kilda to respond.
Book to mark century of ‘Critic’
Book to mark century of ‘Critic’
A reporter for Otago University student magazine Critic Te Ārohi sneaked into a Beatles interview when the Fab Four played the Dunedin Town Hall in 1964.
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Councillors reluctant to ban wood burners
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Councillors reluctant to ban wood burners
Banning wood burners to heat homes appears to be off the table, regional councillors having told staff it was a step too far to improve Otago’s air quality.
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‘Under-explored’ Otago gold fields full of potential
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‘Under-explored’ Otago gold fields full of potential
A Canadian goldmining company preparing to drill in Otago says the region is under-explored, comparing its potential to an "extremely prolific" gold belt in West Africa.
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Councillors to give feedback on FTA projects
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Councillors to give feedback on FTA projects
Otago regional councillors will be involved in the council’s response to at least 15 fast-track projects in the region after a narrow vote.
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Rule easing risks hoiho safety: trust
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Rule easing risks hoiho safety: trust
Fisheries consultation under way in New Zealand appears to be at odds with the latest advice from the finance sector and precious wildlife is getting caught in the crossfire, the Yellow-eyed...
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Bus fare choice between ‘evil and evil’
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Bus fare choice between ‘evil and evil’
A choice between increasing costs for adults on buses or ending free trips for children is a choice between "evil and evil", an Otago regional councillor says.
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Bid to cap ORC staff numbers to save money fails
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Bid to cap ORC staff numbers to save money fails
A bid to find further savings has failed and Otago ratepayers will now be consulted on a 7.8% regional council rates rise.
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Transport cuts behind ORC rates drop plan
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Transport cuts behind ORC rates drop plan
Reduced spending on public transport has contributed to a considerable rates break for next year, an Otago Regional Council staff report says.
Service options will affect passengers, fares
Service options will affect passengers, fares
Children may no longer get a free ride and passengers going to Port Chalmers or Mosgiel might be asked to pay more if a shakeup to the region’s bus services goes ahead.
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No answers for Back Beach boat use issue
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No answers for Back Beach boat use issue
Oversize commercial boats are picking up passengers and pushing out locals at Port Chalmers, a Back Beach regular says.
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Plan to reduce climate risk reporting criticised
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Plan to reduce climate risk reporting criticised
A government proposal to reduce the number of New Zealand companies required to make climate-related disclosures is a "backward step", an Otago researcher says.
Cutting fishing footage from OIA reach mooted
Cutting fishing footage from OIA reach mooted
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says he wants to address industry concerns about "sensitive footage" from cameras on fishing boats, but environmentalists say they are not taking the bait.