One of Oamaru's most prominent backdrops - Cape Wanbrow - could undergo a major visual change, under a proposal to be considered to fell its pine forest because it is so dangerous.
A playground proposed for the new Bluestone subdivision just south of Oamaru has been put on hold by the Waitaki District Council because of questions raised by councillors.
A surplus of almost $2 million has been recorded by the Waitaki District Council in the last financial year, more than 10 times what it budgeted for.
Waitaki District Council-owned Whitestone Contracting Ltd has recorded an overall loss for the past financial year, but continues to be a major employer in North Otago and contributor to its economy.
Having seven candidates standing for the Waitaki mayoralty has turned the contest into a bit of a lottery, making it difficult to pick a likely favourite.
The Otago Daily Times is profiling mayoral candidates in Otago's heartland. Today, David Bruce talks to Eric Spittal, standing in Waitaki.
The Otago Daily Times is profiling mayoral candidates in Otago's heartland. Today, David Bruce talks to Gary Kircher, standing in Waitaki.
Voters in Waitaki will be spoilt for choice for mayoral candidates in October's local elections, with seven candidates vying for the mayoral chains - but voters in one council ward will be unable to vote for a single council representative.
It was standing room only in the Opera House Inkbox last night for the second Otago mayoral debate, this time between the seven candidates seeking the Waitaki mayoralty, who faced voters at a good-humoured forum.
Having seven candidates standing for the Waitaki mayoralty gives voters varied choices they can learn more about tonight at the second Otago Mayoral Debate.
Farmers in Waitaki are being warned they could face both heavy fines and police action if they do not keep the district's rural roads free of mud.
The North Otago Museum is working through a backlog of acquisitions in the hope of eventually ending a three-year moratorium on accepting new items.
Extra rates or levies are likely for some Kurow residents, to ensure a community-managed drainage scheme is properly maintained and allay fears that flooding does not threaten the town's annual horse-racing meeting.
The estimated $1.6 million repair bill to fix a host of flooded roads in the Waitaki district is not as bad as expected.
Federated Farmers say huge rate rises for rural properties in Waitaki this year could have been mitigated had concerns raised by farmers been heeded sooner.
The company proposing a 127km toll road through South Westland from Haast to the Hollyford Valley is aiming to make a start before next year's general election - just in case there is a change of government.
A proposed 22-section residential subdivision at Forrester Heights may not go ahead, even if a parliamentary select committee decision to reclassify reserve land as endowment land is ratified by Parliament.
The Waitaki Concerned Citizens and Ratepayers Association yesterday accused the Labour Party of abandoning Oamaru's natural heritage after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of a controversial Bill to confirm land at Forrester Heights as endowment land.
New cost-saving measures and the scrapping of council-funded road safety courses in schools are expected to result in a lower-than-expected rate rise in Waitaki.
What residents want from their parks and reserves will be the subject of four public forums planned by the Waitaki District Council over the next two weeks.
