Rebecca Fox

People are being warned to be careful around streams and rivers as dropping water levels and temperature rises could see toxic algae return this summer.

The release of an exotic pet turtle into Dunedin's Botanic Garden has been labelled cruel and potentially damaging to wildlife.

The deteriorating condition of rivers such as the Pomahaka in West Otago has driven the Otago Fish and Game Council to take a more proactive approach to ensuring the conservation and recreational values of Otago's waterways are maintained.

Spectacular in flight and considered to be as important to Otago's landscape as tussock, New Zealand falcons have captured the interest of Outram man Steve Lawrence for more than two decades.

The Otago Regional Council will seek special approval from the Remuneration Authority to reimburse councillors who travel long distances.

In an effort to better integrate "people with science", the Otago Regional Council has created a new natural resources committee.

After 130 years Dunedin residents finally have kiwi in their backyard.

Some of coastal Otago's key wildlife projects demonstrate how closely linked tourism is to successful conservation projects, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

KIWI 101: You will find them in the most inaccessible spots.

Blizzard conditions predicted to hit the deep south again this weekend are "certainly not welcome", Federated Farmers Southland president Rod Pemberton says.

Anglican Family Care social worker Lisa Levitt and social work student Tracey Mikaele have started clearing silverbeet from the plot in front of the Dunedin Railway Station for Family Care's food bank.

The deteriorating relationship between the New Zealand Fish and Game Council and the Otago Fish and Game Council will be discussed at a meeting of the Otago group tomorrow.

A test match against Australia is no easy matter whatever the sport - as Otago's youth bridge team found out recently.

It was panic stations on a University of Otago rowing boat in Otago Harbour early yesterday after a run-in with a sea lion left it taking on water.