Hamish MacLean

Middlemarch rail excursions face financial threat

Otago Excursion Train Trust founding member Clark Simonds (left), trust life member Graeme Berry,...

Middlemarch rail excursions face financial threat

Fearing a future without trains in Middlemarch, an emotional crowd of about 70 heard Dunedin Railways chairman Kevin Winders explain how the "iconic Dunedin" tourism business needed to change.

DCC earmarks funds for new policy role

DCC earmarks funds for new policy role

A new position in the Dunedin mayor’s office will give "political advice around advocacy".

Regional council drawing from port, reserves plus rates rise

Marian Hobbs gets familiar with her new offices. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

Regional council drawing from port, reserves plus rates rise

Otago ratepayers could face a 9.1% rates increase even after the Otago Regional Council plans to dig up an extra $6million from other funding sources next year.

City housing shortage issues hotly debated

Capital values in Lower Mornington and Caversham (pictured) were up by 54%. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

City housing shortage issues hotly debated

As Dunedin braces for a predicted housing shortage, an influx of cash into the city — rather than people — could be the driving force behind the city’s housing woes.

Environment incident calls stretch ORC

Environment incident calls stretch ORC

With an average of about four callouts a day, Otago Regional Council staff continue to be called away from their everyday tasks to respond to a "high" number of environmental incidents in the region.

Housing wants not met in city

It is not just a housing shortage that looms for Dunedin — the current housing stock might not meet the demands of the population.

New e-scooter rules mooted

Dunedin could soon require e-scooter companies to hold permits and follow a code of practice similar to Auckland’s one.

DCC backs continuation of STV for elections

DCC backs continuation of STV for elections

The Dunedin City Council is ready to back its single transferable voting (STV) system to the justice committee inquiry into the 2019 local elections.

St Clair houses under notice remain empty a year on

Three Motu St properties stand empty after property owners were ordered to evacuate in December...

St Clair houses under notice remain empty a year on

Dangerous building notices remain in place for six properties in St Clair after a landslip posed an "imminent threat" more than a year ago.

DCC to consider new rules for e-scooters

Lime e-scooters have been operating in Dunedin since last year. Photo: James Hall

DCC to consider new rules for e-scooters

Dunedin could soon require e-scooter companies to hold permits and follow a code of practice similar to the one in place in Auckland.

DCC poised to buy Foulden Maar

Dunedin City Council poised to buy Foulden Maar

A property valuation for the Foulden Maar site is expected "shortly", Dunedin City Council chief executive Sue Bidrose says.

Minister: good process can manage ORC conflicts of interest

Minister: good process can manage ORC conflicts of interest

The Minister for the Environment has downplayed a perceived crisis of conflicts of interest at the Otago Regional Council.

ORC wants abandoned vehicles’ owners to pay

The ORC removes a vehicle from Smaills Beach on New Year’s Eve. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

ORC wants abandoned vehicles’ owners to pay

The Otago Regional Council is seeking costs from the owner of a car it removed from Hoopers Inlet over the holidays.

Conflicts stall water quality debate

Proposed changes to a regional plan to improve water quality were pulled from this week’s Otago Regional Council agenda because a "majority" of councillors face possible conflicts of interest.

Mayor has concerns over extent of Kainga Ora powers

The Government’s new public housing provider should work with local government and abide by local planning documents as much as possible, the Dunedin City Council says.

No submissions until mid-year on landfill

No submissions until mid-year on landfill

Dunedin City Council staff will not open talks with the public about a proposed Smooth Hill landfill until the middle of this year.

No short-term rental rates rises this year but plan on agenda

There will be no new rates rises for Airbnb properties in Dunedin next year, but city councillors this week directed council staff to consider a new type of property in its rates review for its 2021-31 long-term plan.

Maori Rd safety measures 'damaging cars'

Minor road safety improvements in Maori Rd are causing problems for drivers in Dunedin, opponents say.

Airbnb-type rates boost draws critics

Airbnb says it has recently introduced more stringent security features on its site. Photo: Reuters

Airbnb-type rates boost draws critics

An online NZ property rental platform says the DCC's proposal to seek commercial rates from residential short-term accommodation providers is "misguided" and will drive up the cost of visiting Dunedin.

Frequent mud tank cleans suggested

Among the "profusion of little lakes" that pop up around Dunedin due to backed up mud tanks - the ironically named "Lake Olveston" is perhaps the most persistent, Lee Vandervis says.

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Hamish MacLean