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.
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.
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.
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 Otago Regional Council chief executive Graeme Martin has confirmed he will retire at the end of the year.
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.
Wallabies have been sighted in Otago for the second time in two years, prompting more active surveillance and detection of the pests.
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.
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.
The main low-country river fishing season ends on Monday after a successful summer's angling, in which 97% of anglers complied with regulations.
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.
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.
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 has declined in about half Otago's monitored waterways in the past 10 years, an Otago Regional Council report says.
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.
Otago Regional councillors will receive a 3.15% pay increase this year.
A small population of robins in the Silver Peaks survived a 1080 drop and even flourished due to the poison killing its predators, a University of Otago study has found.
The Dunedin City Council is testing the water in its Mt Grand reservoir after residents raised concerns about spray drift polluting the water last week.
The Otago Regional Council's Stafford St office building has been judged not to be strong enough to provide emergency civil defence management.
A South Otago rugby player was flown by Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter to Dunedin Hospital on Saturday after he was injured during a senior reserve game against Dunedin in Kaitangata.
