Freshwater plan: ORC councillor resigns after govt steps in
A long-time Otago regional councillor has resigned in protest after the govt moved this week to stop the council from voting on its plan to protect the environment.
ORC
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Council’s ‘concerning’ correspondence issues criticised
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Council’s ‘concerning’ correspondence issues criticised
The ORC has been criticised after a councillor deleted emails which should have been available for public scrutiny.
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Intervention ‘very sad day for democracy’
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Intervention ‘very sad day for democracy’
The Otago Regional Council will not vote today on tougher new rules for the environment after an "11th hour" intervention by the government.
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ORC to vote on plan notification options
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ORC to vote on plan notification options
An offer from Environment Minister Penny Simmonds was left on the table and the ORC will now consider three options when a vote on notifying its controversial land and water plan takes place later this month.
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To delay or not to delay the question
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To delay or not to delay the question
Otago regional councillors will today hold their third extraordinary meeting in the past four weeks to discuss the council’s deepening relationship with Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.
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South D risk assessment delayed after review
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South D risk assessment delayed after review
A detailed assessment of surface flooding, coastal erosion and high groundwater risks facing South Dunedin has been delayed until next year after a draft report was found to be lacking.
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Port being asked for millions in dividends to offset rates
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Port being asked for millions in dividends to offset rates
The Otago Regional Council is asking Port Otago to pay nearly $60 million in dividends over the next three years to offset rates.
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Council retains free fares for children
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Council retains free fares for children
Children aged under 13 will not be charged for bus trips in Dunedin and Queenstown, but the brakes have been applied to subsidised fares for other young people.
Council may support Free Fares campaign
Council may support Free Fares campaign
The Otago Regional Council will consider supporting a national campaign to make public transport free for certain users.
Robertson elected as ORC's new chair
Robertson elected as ORC's new chair
Otago Regional councillors have elected Cr Gretchen Robertson as chair and a fresh face as her deputy.
Harbourmaster sounds warning ahead of long weekend
Harbourmaster sounds warning ahead of Labour Weekend
As the summer boating season kicks off, Otago Regional Council harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook is looking for safe boating behaviour all over Otago.
Storms could cost ORC over $2 million
Storms could cost ORC over $2 million
Flood damage from four winter storms this year could cost the Otago Regional Council more than $2 million.
ORC partnership with runanga expanded
ORC partnership with runanga expanded
THE Otago Regional Council’s governance level forum with its Māori partners has now officially expanded.
ORC yet to see advisory group’s report on Manuherikia River
ORC yet to see advisory group’s report on Manuherikia River
A crucial report on the Manuherikia River has been delayed and it will now be nearly a year after calling for the work to be done before Otago regional councillors see it.
Report into ORC due soon
Report into ORC due soon
The "initial findings" of an investigation into the Otago Regional Council are in, but neither the environment minister nor the council is releasing them yet.
Flood clean-up costs millions
Flood clean-up costs millions
The Otago Regional Council says $3.4 million has been spent in an ongoing clean-up of summer flooding that inundated large parts of Fiordland, Southland and South and West Otago more than two years...
ORC confirms 18% rates rise; balanced budget vote
ORC confirms 18% rates rise; balanced budget vote
Despite calls to halve the proposed rates rise and put a hiring freeze in place, regional councillors have confirmed an 18% increase for Otago next year.
No sign of ORC mediation as CEO exits
No sign of ORC mediation as CEO exits
No report was produced as a result of mediation between councillors and Otago Regional Council staff, the council’s chairman says.
Playing with fire
Playing with fire
Is it going too far to visualise Otago Regional Council chief executive Sarah Gardner breathing a huge sigh of relief, starting a cheerful whistle and kicking up her heels as she walks out the...
ORC head to leave next week
ORC head to leave next week
Otago Regional Council chief executive Sarah Gardner says she is leaving the council in "good heart".