Otago Conservation Board

With its future hanging in the balance, the Otago Conservation Board has cancelled its next meeting.

Six places on Otago's Conservation Board will become vacant next year so the hunt is on for people with an interest in conservation.

The possibility of amalgamation between Otago and Southland's conservancies and boards is not something the Otago Conservation Board is aware of, chairwoman, Associate Prof Abby Smith says.

Plans for boutique accommodation to be provided in the historic St Bathans Post Office building have raised the ire of the village's heritage and environment preservation trust.

The Otago Conservation Board may understand why Port Otago wants to dredge the Otago Harbour, but it is concerned about the effect of such activity on the Aramoana salt marsh.

The Otago Conservation Board made history yesterday by electing its first chairwoman.

A lack of co-ordination and communication between the multiple agencies with an interest in Hawkesbury Lagoon, north of Dunedin, and its surrounds is frustrating the community group trying to restore the habitat.

The Otago Conservation Board will take its concerns about freedom camper pollution to a national tourism body but has not ruled out continuing to advocate for a nationally consistent response to the problem.

A land swap to allow the realignment of the road and a new bridge at the Gates of Haast has been approved by the Otago Conservation Board - subject to regular updates on monitoring the work.