Hamish MacLean

Too little known of species to predict seal’s return

Too little known of species to predict seal’s return

There is "absolutely" no guarantee that the 2m young adult male leopard seal that visited Oamaru four times in August will return, Niwa marine mammal biologist and LeopardSeals. org researcher Dr...

Doc says campsite will remain open

Ahuriri River Bridge campsite (at right). Photo: Hamish MacLean

Doc says campsite will remain open

The Department of Conservation will not close its 30-site Ahuriri River Bridge Campsite while it waits for a fit-out to relieve the pressure from freedom campers.

20k worth of power tools stolen

The former Stringer and Co building at the corner of Thames and Eden Sts. Photo: Hamish MacLean

Power tools stolen from former Stringer and Co building

More than $20,000 worth of power tools have been stolen from a central Oamaru worksite.

Floating hotel plans explained

A multimillion-dollar floating hotel has been proposed for Oamaru Harbour.

Floating hotel plans explained

Both sceptics and supporters flocked to a public meeting yesterday to see plans for a multimillion-dollar floating luxury hotel proposed for Oamaru Harbour.

Eating can be a bloody business

Oamaru's leopard seal appears to have eaten some of Oamaru's other wildlife before settling down...

Eating can be a bloody business

It could have been the blood of prey, or it could have been blood caused by prey.

Pedestrianisation to be looked at again

Bruce Blackie outside his Harbour St business last year.

Pedestrianisation to be looked at again

A Waitaki District Council committee will revisit plans to pedestrianise Oamaru's Harbour St today when it considers a recommendation for a Saturday and Sunday closure for the tourist season.

Meeting to present floating hotel plans

Conceptual designs for a now-controversial proposal for a multimillion-dollar floating luxury hotel for Oamaru Harbour will be presented at a public meeting on Thursday.

Car-free Harbour St goes well

More than three-quarters of area businesses have reported either a positive, or at least neutral, impact on their bottom line after a second trial period of car-free weekends on Oamaru's historic...

Leaking pipe alleged as cause of flooding

A former Waitaki District Council deputy mayor says a leaking water pipeline is "compounding the problem" that has left Station Rd, near Totara, under caution for flooding for much of the winter.

Local Fiefia Evening an 'emotional' experience

Year 11 Waitaki Girls' High School pupil Sinamoni Sikei, of Oamaru, performs at the North Otago...

Local Fiefia Evening an 'emotional' experience

Even as a newcomer to Otago, watching the children at the annual North Otago schools Fiefia Evening in Oamaru was "quite an emotional" experience for one invited speaker on the night.

An orchid moment

This year’s recipient of the New Zealand Orchid Society’s John Easton Award for the most outstanding contribution in the culture and promotion of orchids in New Zealand, Margaret Harper, holds a...

Leopard seal returns to rest in harbour

Leopard seal returns to rest in harbour

For the third time this month, this 2m young adult male leopard seal has come to Oamaru Harbour for a rest beside Normanby wharf.

Hotel hearing would be independent

If an application for a resource consent for a floating hotel in Oamaru Harbour is lodged, an independent commissioner will be appointed to consider the application.

Power of pen prompts footpath action

It can be a bit of a bumpy ride for Palmerston’s Dena Henderson, who on her mobility scooter...

Power of pen prompts footpath action

A Palmerston woman who was "pretty unhappy with the state of the pavements" in the town wrote letters to her local community board and the Waitaki District Council, outlining her concerns.

Canopy project Trust’s first major in-house job

Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust restoration officer John Baster catches some shade under the first...

Canopy project Trust’s first major in-house job

The restoration of the canopy on the 1882 Loan and Merc building is a significant step in the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust’s focus of revitalising a cornerstone piece, and the first big project completed by its new in-house restoration officer.

'Pathetic' sum pledged to address camping issues

The Department of Conservation Ahuriri River bridge campsite (at right) will get a new toilet and...

'Pathetic' sum pledged to address camping issues

Plans for the Ahuriri River Bridge Campsite - a flashpoint for Omarama residents - and the amount of money the Mackenzie and Waitaki basin areas received to deal with freedom camping issues are "seriously inadequate".

Kircher praises Ecan rethink

Environment Canterbury has shown "a lot of common sense" by amending its initial proposal for representation, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher says.

War of words over floating hotel

A war of words over Oamaru Harbour development is playing out in Otago Daily Times' advertisements.

Unesco geopark comes a step closer

New Zealand national commission for Unesco natural science commissioner Dr Geoff Hicks addresses...

Unesco geopark comes a step closer

The Waitaki district's bid to establish the country's first Unesco Global Geopark has taken a significant step forward, with the signing of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust deed into official record.

Gallery project loses one of its funders

Gallery project loses one of its funders

The Waitaki District Council has lost a significant source of external funding for its now scrapped $6 million redevelopment of the Forrester Gallery, council documents say.

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Hamish MacLean