For the future safety of Otago communities, the building of homes and businesses in hazard-prone areas needs to be restricted, and in extreme cases banned, by councils, the Otago Regional Council says.
An earthquake could render the pump station and floodbanks which keep water off the West Taieri plain inoperable for a "prolonged period of time" and at risk of flooding from Lake Waipori.
There is no need for a separate South Island Strategic Alliance, Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead says.
Hopes Sirocco, the world-famous kakapo, will again boost visitor numbers and revenue for the Orokonui Ecosanctuary have been dashed.
Otago regional councillor Duncan Butcher was "astounded" the suggestion of a European hub-style public transport system had never been discussed by the council.
The shape of the Otago Regional Council's constituency boundaries was debated yesterday as the council adjourned to consider submissions on its representation review.
Oceana Gold may face legal action after backing out of an agreement which protects the region from financial and environmental risk if a disaster hist or the company pulls out of its mining operation at Macraes, the Otago Regional Council says.
Cutting the "four wellbeings" out of the legislative purpose of local government will reduce councils to "sterile bean counters" and squash the "soul and character" out of them, Otago Regional Cr Michael Deaker says.
Southern right whale researchers are heading to the Auckland Islands today for the final year of a study into the subantarctic population.
South Island councils are to formalise plans to create a strategic alliance to provide a "stronger and more unified voice" on central government initiatives and the opportunity to reduce service costs for ratepayers.
Genetic testing used to boost the endangered kakapo population is now being used to help save rare Otago and grand skinks in the Lindis area.
Emissions from Speight's chimney might be looking darker but the brewery is still within its resource consent limits, a company spokeswoman says.
The Otago Regional Council has invited the Federated Farmers dairy chairman to visit Otago after he criticised the council's approach to water-quality regulations at a national conference last week.
Another councillor may be added to the Otago Regional Council as it considers how to ensure fair representation across the region.
Otago residents are feeling the impact of recent electricity price rises as winter temperatures plummet in the region.
Dunedin's Midwinter Carnival, due to take place last night, has been put off until this evening at the same time.
Failure of the Otago Regional Council to support a special needs man learning to use the bus service has frustrated his mother.
Recommendations for a significant rewrite of the Resource Management Act could mean fewer checks and balances in the system, the Otago Regional Council says.
Figures from the Ministry of Economic Development have confirmed what we all know - power prices have increased in the past year.
Taiaroa Head recorded the highest wind gust in the country in June with 161kmh on the 28th in what was a sunny but cool month for Otago.
