Pam Jones

Fish & Game councils need to change if they are to survive, as fishing licence numbers continue to decline and questions are asked about council governance, national council chief executive...

A rebranding of Alexandra's Centre for Space Science Technology to the Xerra Earth Observation Institute better reflects its focus and expertise, chief executive Steve Cotter says.

The Centre for Space Science Technology has been rebranded as Xerra Earth Observation Institute Ltd, but its mandate will remain the same, Xerra chief executive Steve Cotter says.

Long grass and fire risk have put Central Otago rabbits ''in a winning team'' , as the Great Easter Bunny Hunt is cancelled for the second year in a row.

A 10-year plan for Otago Polytechnic's Central campus will include further expansion of its Bannockburn Rd site, according to a resource consent application.

Government support has been offered to the Otago Regional Council to help it process new water consents in Otago, as fresh concerns are raised about the council's ability to meet the 2021 deadline...

A far-reaching study into Central Otago's housing situation is being done by the Southern District Health Board, in response to concerns about housing in the area.

Upper Clutha fishermen are being asked to help gather information on landlocked salmon as Otago Fish and Game Council members say they fear salmon in Lake Wanaka are ''disappearing''.

South Island fishermen are being warned to adhere to possible new bag limits for sea-run salmon or risk losing fishing for a period of time, as the national wild salmon fishery is declared in crisis.

Traffic was reduced to one lane on the Alexandra bridge early this afternoon after a truck carrying an excavator became wedged.

The Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust will discuss options for part of a new cycle trail from Cromwell to Wanaka, after the section past Brittany Cove was left in limbo.

A refurbishment of the Central Otago District Council offices has gone over budget and will now cost more than $1 million, councillors have heard.

Central Otago ratepayers are in line for an average 5.6% rates increase for the coming financial year, although growth in the district means the "real rate" is lower than that.

An application to rezone land near Highlands Motorsport Park for a 840-house development should be declined, Central Otago District Council planning consultant David Whitney says.

Controversial fencing proposed at Lowburn for a new Central Otago cycle trail has been shelved, as the trust behind the project says it has reached ''a compromise''.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan is taking the Otago Regional Council to task for what he calls its ''stupid idea'' to put a stock truck effluent disposal site on the Ripponvale straight.

An Aurora Energy deputation has assured Central Otago district councillors it is doing everything possible to improve the condition and reliability of the district's power network.

Cromwell's 60-year-old memorial hall should be demolished and a new multipurpose cultural centre built in its place, a group wanting to steer the future of the hall has said.