Help requested to fight wilding pines
Help requested to fight wilding pines
The battle against wilding pines needs to be tackled now or it could dwarf the rabbit problem in the high country, Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Group representatives say.
Rebecca Fox
Dukes Rd flood works concern
Dukes Rd flood works concern
Dukes Rd residents continued to push for high-cost flood protection, believing Mosgiel ratepayers should help foot the bill, at the Otago Regional Council's long-term plan hearings yesterday.
April in Dunedin was warm, dry and sunny
April in Dunedin was warm, dry and sunny
Official April weather figures have confirmed Otago enjoyed a warm, dry and sunny month.
Couple object to proposed works
Couple object to proposed works
Proposed flood protection works to protect a small group of Mosgiel residents, is opposed by a Riccarton Rd couple.
Duck shooters urged to take extra care
Duck shooters urged to take extra care
While police and Fish and Game Otago might disagree about the extent to which duck shooters mix hunting with alcohol, both organisations are urging extra care with firearms this weekend for the opening of the season.
Comment sought on new bylaw
Comment sought on new bylaw
A new clear, concise flood protection bylaw outlining added protection for flood protection works and flow paths on the Taieri and lower Waitaki River goes out for public comment today.
Skink research vindicates predator control
Skink research vindicates predator control
New research has proved predator-proof fencing and trapping can significantly increase the survival of endangered grand and Otago skinks but has also raised questions about their future management.
Regional councillors move out of chamber
Regional councillors move out of chamber
The Otago Regional Council had its last meeting in the Stafford St council chamber yesterday after deciding to move out to allow council staff to move in.
Long-serving ORC chief retiring
Long-serving ORC chief retiring
Long-serving Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin has confirmed he will retire at the end of the year.
Action needed on premises: CEO
Action needed on premises: CEO
Otago Regional councillors' delay in making a decision about a need for a new office block has led its chief executive to call for immediate action to remedy the "untenable" situation.
Wallaby sighting spurs action
Wallaby sighting spurs action
Wallabies have been sighted in Otago for the second time in two years, prompting more active surveillance and detection of the pests.
End of the golden weather but records in sight
End of the golden weather but records in sight
Otago's run of golden April weather came to an abrupt end yesterday, but the southerly has not spoilt the region's run at some astounding statistics.
River recreational spots more affected by bacteria
River recreational spots more affected by bacteria
While the water quality at swimming sites around coastal Otago has improved, some recreational spots on rivers still showed signs of bacteria several times during summer.
Last weekend of low-country fishing
Last weekend of low-country fishing
The main low-country river fishing season ends on Monday after a successful summer's angling, in which 97% of anglers complied with regulations.
New terrain beckons for Doc manager
New terrain beckons for Doc manager
Bill Wheeler is swapping his "family" at the Department of Conservation (Doc) for the challenge of developing a new all-terrain park in the Bay of Plenty.
System share idea rejected
System share idea rejected
A suggestion South Island local authorities band together to share internal rating system software has not gained any "traction", Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin says.
Water is still not up to scratch- report
Water is still not up to scratch- report
The findings of a report on water quality in Otago highlight the need for the Otago Regional Council's planned regulation changes, councillors say.
Water quality declining: ORC report
Water quality declining: ORC report
Water quality has declined in about half Otago's monitored waterways in the past 10 years, an Otago Regional Council report says.
More 1080 screening rebutted
More 1080 screening rebutted
Fish and Game Otago is disappointed ground 1080 poisoning in upland areas home to game birds will not be screened to reduce the risk of by-kill.
Pay rise coming for regional councillors
Pay rise coming for regional councillors
Otago Regional councillors will receive a 3.15% pay increase this year.