Bahrain crackdown worries student
Bahrain crackdown worries student
Being on the other side of the world from your family when your home country is in turmoil is no easy thing, Bahraini student Noor Almahdi says.
Rebecca Fox
Rabbit population thriving
Rabbit population thriving
Rabbit numbers continue to rise, especially in Central Otago, Dunback and some parts of coastal Otago.
ORC critical of Oceana Gold's monitoring
ORC critical of Oceana Gold's monitoring
An audit of Oceana Gold's environmental monitoring data has shown inconsistencies, inaccuracies and failures, the Otago Regional Council says.
Software behind lack of warning
Software behind lack of warning
A piece of monitoring software failed during last month's flooding, leading to a delay of about three hours in telephone warnings to landowners.
Otago's water system mystery to others
Otago's water system mystery to others
Otago Regional Council concerns about the direction of national freshwater management policy have not been allayed by meeting Land and Water Forum chairman Alastair Bisley.
No way to save whales
No way to save whales
About half a pod of 107 pilot whales have died and the remaining whales have been euthanased after stranding in hot, dry conditions at the remote southern end of Mason Bay on Stewart Island.
'Divining' for water meets with approval
'Divining' for water meets with approval
Sending staff out "divining" for water in the Ida Valley is an example of local government at its best, Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead says.
Run-off policing plan slightly watered down
Run-off policing plan slightly watered down
Farmers be warned - the Otago Regional Council plans to get tougher on sedimentation run-off into waterways and will prosecute if necessary.
ORC keeps and eye on non-compliance
ORC keeps and eye on non-compliance
Legal proceedings for three offences were set in motion by the Otago Regional Council in the first six weeks of this year, and it issued five infringement notices for non-compliance, under the Resource Management and Biosecurity Acts
ORC taking more action over outdoor burning
ORC taking more action over outdoor burning
A lack of rural awareness about air quality restrictions on outdoor burning, as opposed to fire bans and restrictions put in place by local authorities, has led the Otago Regional Council to increase its education and enforcement.
Council approves rate rise to cover flood damage
Council approves rate rise to cover flood damage
Recent flooding and erosion on the lower south bank of the Waitaki River has led to a 40% increase in the Otago Regional Council's targeted rate.
ORC consultation 'extra effort' bid
ORC consultation 'extra effort' bid
With major, complicated projects that will significantly affect people's lives and rates bills to be considered in this year's draft annual plan, the Otago Regional Council plans to make an "extra effort" in the way it consults the public.
Men face charges of trade in geckos
Men face charges of trade in geckos
International reptile thieves may have again targeted Otago Peninsula. Two Germans have been arrested and charged with being involved in the illegal trade of jewelled geckos from the area.
TV chef marvels at market
TV chef marvels at market
Intrigued by manuka-smoked eggs and "blown away" by the variety on offer at Dunedin's Otago Farmers Market, chef Al Brown faced a dilemma when it came to deciding what to cook for his latest television show.
ORC to consider 2.5% hike
ORC to consider 2.5% hike
Otago Regional Council general rates could be increased by 2.5% in the coming year - that would be the first increase in the council's general rate in four years.
Swann's vehicles make sweet bargains
Swann's vehicles make sweet bargains
After having to deal with the fallout from Michael Swann's fraud at the Otago District Health Board, snapping up one of his vehicles at auction was all the sweeter for former Dunedin man Grant Taylor.
Breeding season very positive: Doc
Breeding season very positive: Doc
While avian diphtheria hit some Otago Peninsula populations of yellow-eyed penguins hard, overall the breeding season on Otago's coast has been very positive, the Department of Conservation says.
Strong gusts in Otago
Strong gusts in Otago
Severe gale-force gusts were experienced along most of coastal Otago yesterday.
Summer avoids Dunedin: data
Summer avoids Dunedin: data
Heavy rain in Central Otago last month set records, while in Dunedin summer failed to happen and the city was considered the coldest and wettest in the country.
Oyster season begins
Oyster season begins
The first of this season's Bluff oysters should be on sale in Dunedin today, but supplies later in the week could be scarce as forecast weather conditions are not ideal for fishing.