Rebecca Fox

Lower spending boosts ORC surplus

A surplus of $12.8 million, nearly $4 million greater than budgeted, has been recorded by the Otago Regional Council for the 2012-13 year.

Severe poaching sentence pleases MPI

A four-year prison sentence, with a non-parole period of two years, for a Dunedin paua poacher has been welcomed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

New hope for Maui's dolphins

A break with tradition in Maui's dolphin protection decision-making could be a positive move for the world's rarest and smallest dolphin, a University of Otago researcher says.

Breaches of consents double with metering

Serious breaches of resource consent conditions have more than doubled in the past year.

Smith 'open-minded' on conservation boards

A panel appointed by Conservation Minister Nick Smith will make recommendations on the future of New Zealand's conservation boards.

Big clean-up next week

Hundreds of people will be out helping clean up the Taieri and Saddle Hill area during Clean Up week next week.

Spreading the load of the MBA

A drive to ''spread the load'' of work for the Mosgiel Business Association has been successful.

Track closed for now

A Ttrack popular with mountain bikers and walkers above the Waipori Gorge remains closed because of damage from an early winter snow storm.

ORC help with oyster proposal

A long ''pre-application'' process is expected before Southern Clams' proposal to finish Bluff oysters in Otago Harbour is accepted, the Otago Regional Council says.

Satisfaction in seeing improvement

Coastal Otago Conservation Award finalist Nigel McPherson stands beside a totara near the...

Satisfaction in seeing improvement

Colinswood Bush is alive with birdsong and has the feel of forest, a tribute to Conservation Award finalist Nigel McPherson's stewardship. Mr McPherson (84) talks about 20 years leading the volunteers responsible for the restoration of the biodiversity of the native forest remnant on Otago Peninsula.

Fishery asked to step up after 16 sea lions die

Sea lions and their pups in the Auckland Islands. Photo supplied.

Fishery asked to step up after 16 sea lions die

Sixteen critically endangered New Zealand sea lions have been killed in fishing nets near the Campbell Islands in the past three weeks.

Awards honour conservationists

Awards honour conservationists

The great work of people who go the extra mile for conservation will be recognised through the Otago Conservation Awards.

Empowering those with MS

Empowering those with MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Nicola Pollock (left) and Multiple Sclerosis Otago field officer Jo Smith rest up in Wall Street mall yesterday as part of the society's appeal week.

Report shows little change in shingle build-up

A new analysis showing there has been little change in the structure of the lower Rees River should reassure concerned Glenorchy residents, the Otago Regional Council says.

One glitch, but Dunedin's air quality good

It is hoped Dunedin's good air quality record this winter will be retained even though the city's air exceeded the National Environmental Standard once.

Student bus fare discount trial next year

A discounted tertiary student bus fare to be trialled during Orientation Week next year could cost the Otago Regional Council about $15,000 but it will not mean an increase in rates, the council says.