Damning report highlights problems at ORC
The relationship between Otago regional councillors and the former chief executive was "unwell if not broken", a damning report into last year’s Clutha dumping incident has found.
Otago Regional Council
‘Intense’ pest control too expensive
‘Intense’ pest control too expensive
An intense approach to pest management will be too heavy on Otago ratepayers, a regional councillor says.
ORC’s draft public transport plan criticised
ORC’s draft public transport plan criticised
Roadblocks to creating an integrated public transport system in Dunedin have been lamented by city councillors.
Councillors opt for substantial rates rise
Councillors opt for substantial rates rise
Otago ratepayers will face a significant rates rise next year.
Gen Zero critical of council’s relationship with iwi
Gen Zero critical of council’s relationship with iwi
Generation Zero believes the Otago Regional Council have treated Kai Tahu like a stakeholder rather than a partner.
Control of local transport revisited by city council
Control of local transport revisited by city council
The Dunedin City Council continued its push to take control of the city’s public bus system yesterday as Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins spelled out the need for transport planning and planning for...
Call for ORC to get behind landowners in battle against rabbit infestation
Call for ORC to get behind landowners in battle against rabbit infestation
Richard Bowman, who had a decades-long career with the Southland Regional Council, says if landowners are making efforts to control rabbits, the Otago Regional Council should step in and help.
ORC hears plan to restore Lake Hayes
ORC hears plan to restore Lake Hayes
Boosting the flow of water into Lake Hayes by adding some from the Arrow River should help restore the lake’s health, Otago regional councillors have been told.
Board chairman slams ‘inadequate’ bus service
Board chairman slams ‘inadequate’ bus service
Public transport was an issue raised by many presenters during the Otago Regional Council annual plan hearing yesterday.
Councillors unable to vote on changes
Councillors unable to vote on changes
Two Otago regional councillors who are farmers have been deemed unable to vote on changes the council is considering around the issue of water permits.
Freshwater standards appraised
Freshwater standards appraised
Otago's water quality should be safe from further degradation under the new national freshwater standards, the Otago Regional Council says.
Water plan action will start well before 2020, ORC says
Water plan action will start well before 2020, ORC says
New water quality rules in Otago will start having an effect well before their introduction in 2020, the Otago Regional Council says.
Smaller buses may be used in future
Smaller buses may be used in future
Smaller buses may be a part of Dunedin's revamped public transport system, as the Otago Regional Council looks for flexibility in the network.
Rate increase unchanged from plan
Rate increase unchanged from plan
Otago ratepayers face a 2.49% increase in general rates, following an Otago Regional Council decision to approve its annual plan.
Bus use 'reality check'
Bus use 'reality check'
Analysis showing a decrease of about 1% in use of Dunedin's public bus system is a ''reality check'', Otago regional councillor Bryan Scott says.
ORC debates failure to meet air quality targets
ORC debates failure to meet air quality targets
Rather than lobbying the Government to relax air pollution standards, the Otago Regional Council should seek the reinstatement of more substantial subsidies for insulation and clean heating options, Cr Gretchen Robertson says.
Regional council focus on oversight
Regional council focus on oversight
An audit and risk committee will be formed to ensure Otago Regional Council is keeping up with law changes, is accountable and its processes are robust.
Regional councillors moving to tablet use in the new year
Regional councillors moving to tablet use in the new year
The Otago Regional Council is moving with the times.
Water plan change cost at almost $2.5m
Water plan change cost at almost $2.5m
Work on regulations to improve Otago's water quality has cost the Otago Regional Council $2.4 million so far.
Burn-offs put smoke pollution issue front and centre
Burn-offs put smoke pollution issue front and centre
The Otago Regional Council had no ''quick fix'' to remedy air pollution caused by outdoor burn-offs - described as a ''significant issue'' across the Otago and Central Otago regions.