Public to be consulted on Dunstan councillor
Public to be consulted on Dunstan councillor
Otago residents now get to have their say on whether another councillor should be added to the regional council to represent its Dunstan constituency.
Rebecca Fox
Doc youth course funding cut
Doc youth course funding cut
Funding has been cut by the Ministry of Youth Development for a youth development course, formerly known as the Conservation Corps.
Researchers study robins' reaction to predators
Researchers study robins' reaction to predators
A search is on for robins that have settled outside Orokonui Ecosanctuary's predator-proof fence as researchers continue their efforts to determine how quickly rat-wise birds lose their fear of the mammalian predator.
Fears for kakapo after virus found in South Island
Fears for kakapo after virus found in South Island
New Zealand's endangered kakapo could be at risk from a potentially fatal virus newly discovered in the South Island.
ORC Low Burn assessment change needed if eels to survive: scientist
ORC Low Burn assessment change needed if eels to survive: scientist
Otago Regional Council scientists need to reassess its science around minimum flows for the Low Burn if threatened longfin eels are to survive in the catchment, an environmental scientist says.
Septic tanks 'biggest risk' to water
Septic tanks 'biggest risk' to water
The Hawea Flat community has significant concerns about the effect of intensive farming on its water supply, but is not prepared to accept the "biggest risk" is its own septic tanks, Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead says.
DCC survey may be last via mail
DCC survey may be last via mail
What might be its last mail-based annual residents' satisfaction survey has been launched by the Dunedin City Council.
Run off affecting Taieri tributaries
Run off affecting Taieri tributaries
Water quality in the Taieri River's upper reaches is good, but some of its tributaries are not faring so well, probably due to irrigation run-off and stock access to waterways, an Otago Regional Council report says.
'Loads of water' in terrace aquifer
'Loads of water' in terrace aquifer
Despite figures showing Cromwell's terrace aquifer is technically one of Otago's over-allocated bodies of water, an investigation has shown there is actually "loads of water", Otago Regional Council groundwater scientist Jenns Rekker says.
Big waves expected with south westerly
Big waves expected with south westerly
Large waves are expected to pound Dunedin's coastline this week increasing the risk of erosion as a biting southwesterly brings high winds and snow to Otago.
New building link to carpark
New building link to carpark
A proposed new commercial and retail building planned for Great King St could have a "future link bridge" extending from its first floor to the Dunedin City Council's neighbouring car-park building.
Severe weather forecast
Severe weather forecast
Snow flurries to near sea level are predicted for coastal Otago and eastern Southland tonight and tomorrow morning.
Dunedin sunshine city in autumn of 2012
Dunedin sunshine city in autumn of 2012
A crisp, dry autumn broke decades-long records for sunshine hours in Dunedin and Balclutha.
Otago 23 dairy farms breach regulations; year-round compliance emphasised
Otago 23 dairy farms breach regulations; year-round compliance emphasised
Dairy farms must be compliant 365 days of the year, not just on the day Otago Regional Council compliance officers visit, council chairman Stephen Woodhead says.
Otago ORC likely to contract rabbit work
Otago ORC likely to contract rabbit work
The Otago Regional Council will seek pest-control contractors to help it with rabbit control work this winter as it expects at least two properties to default on their management plans.
ORC takes action on old man's beard
ORC takes action on old man's beard
Owners of 11 Dunedin properties have faced action by the Otago Regional Council for not controlling the pest plant old man's beard.
Members for water committee decided
Members for water committee decided
A suggestion an independent commissioner is needed to hear submissions on the Otago Regional Council's "ground breaking" rural water regulations turned into a major debate on integrity and public perception, at a recent committee meeting.
Undersized lobster concessions upheld
Undersized lobster concessions upheld
Otago commercial fishermen have retained their right to take rock lobsters smaller than the national standard, following a four-year review of the fishery.
Councillors slate 'scary' report
Councillors slate 'scary' report
The possibility that regional councillors could be sidelined and any accountability to the public lost if the Government adopted proposals by the Land and Water Forum has horrified Otago regional councillors.
Decision to cut stadium rate defended
Decision to cut stadium rate defended
Otago Regional Council staff deny considering Forsyth Barr Stadium's budget for rates or talking to the Dunedin City Council before they proposed cutting the rates bill for the roofed venue.