Hamish MacLean

Appeal for rating to reward biodiversity enhancements

The Otokia Creek flows swiftly as it heads downhill towards the marsh.

Appeal for rating to reward biodiversity enhancements

Biodiversity projects’ benefits are shared by everyone, but the costs are paid by landowners, Otokia Creek and Marsh Habitat Trust treasurer Viktoria Kahui says.

Fear over loss of science adviser

Fear over loss of science adviser

Two Otago Peninsula motels went under during the pandemic and without yellow-eyed penguins drawing in visitors more could be lost, Otago Peninsula Community Board chairman Paul Pope says.

Proposal to expand predator control work

Marking a major milestone on Swampy Summit yesterday are (from left) Halo Project manager Jonah...

Proposal to expand predator control work

Predator control work could expand by more than 30,000ha north of Dunedin with the help of the Otago Regional Council.

Lack of funding for Leith work came as a surprise

A concept design of what the Water of Leith in Dunedin might look like after restoration work....

Lack of funding for Leith work came as a surprise

Plans to turn the Water of Leith in Dunedin’s tertiary precinct into a natural stream never had the financial backing of the Otago Regional Council.

Water plan, rates draw farmers’ ire

The ORC is encouraging irrigators and other water users to be mindful La Nina conditions Photo:...

Water plan, rates draw farmers’ ire

Court costs for water plan changes at the Environment Court could easily run into the millions and should be paid from Otago Regional Council reserves, Federated Farmers says.

Consent fee waiver request for projects

Consent fee waiver request for projects

The group that disputed escalating consent costs for the restoration of Waipahi Wetland in South Otago has now asked the ORC to give its staff the ability to waive consent fees for environmentally friendly projects.

Air quality work urged

Some areas saw spikes in air pollution, mainly from burning wood and coal. Photo: NZ Herald

Air quality work urged

The Southern District Health Board has urged the Otago Regional Council to reconsider the proposed pause of its air quality work.

Fiordland Guardians want co-operative strategy to combat marine pests

Low-lying fog comes into view as we journey into the depths of Doubtful Sound. PHOTO: ALEXIA...

Fiordland Guardians want co-operative strategy to combat marine pests

A multi-region effort is needed to protect the southern coast from pests that are “just one boat ride away”.

University defends cost-saving measures

A recent restructuring at the University of Otago was aimed at cutting costs. PHOTO: ODT FILES

University defends cost-saving measures

Promises of millions in savings at the University of Otago have been thrown into doubt as staff numbers balloon in a division set up as part of controversial restructuring.

University council votes to join carbon alliance

University of Otago graduation ceremonies had to be cancelled in December last year. Photo: ODT...

University council votes to join carbon alliance

The University of Otago has agreed to join Dunedin’s Zero Carbon 2030 Alliance, at a closed-door session of the university council.

Lake polluters should pay, group says

A view of the Lake Hayes catchment area. Photo: Supplied

Lake polluters should pay, group says

Polluters should pay for the mess they make in lakes, not those who suffer the consequences, an environmental group says.

30 international students returned, 50 on way

About 30 returning international students have arrived at the University of Otago this year and another 50 are on their way.

Trust to decide sports hall of fame future

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame
faces an uncertain future.
PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

Trust to decide sports hall of fame future

Any possible relocation of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame will be decided by the trust that runs the Dunedin institution, Sport New Zealand says.

School of video games proposed for city

School of video games proposed for city

Dunedin could become the epicentre of video game development if an Otago Polytechnic plan gets off the ground.

Consent costs dispute resolved

The community-led Waipahi Wetland project, in West Otago. PHOTO: SHANE BOCOCK/SUPPLIED

Consent costs dispute resolved

Unexpected and mounting costs for consents to create an environmental showpiece in South Otago led to a lengthy spat between the Otago Regional Council and the Pomahaka Water Care Group — but both...

Environment survey ahead

Environment survey ahead

Otago residents will be canvassed about their environmental priorities and their expectations of the Otago Regional Council as it moves to better understand the people it serves.

Consider air quality in new rules: ORC

MBIE is raising building standards in line with a new map that shows where the country gets...

Consider air quality in new rules: ORC

Climatic differences and air quality concerns should influence proposed new insulation standards in New Zealand homes, says the Otago Regional Council.

Top-down national policy’s freshwater protections enshrined in regional plan

The Pomahaka River at Kelso, showing signs of lower water levels. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE

Top-down national policy’s freshwater protections enshrined in regional plan

New provisions protecting natural inland wetlands, rivers and fish passages are now enshrined in the Otago Regional Council’s Water for Otago regional plan.

Chch move for Sports Hall of Fame hinted at

An artist’s impression of a proposed national sports museum in Christchurch. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Chch move for Sports Hall of Fame hinted at

Sport New Zealand appears to be considering shifting the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame from Dunedin to Christchurch.

Room for three

Room for three

Students (from left) Emily Young, Jaime Mitchinson and Samantha Ponder-West (all 18) use one umbrella to stay dry at the University of Otago yesterday afternoon.

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Hamish MacLean