Several illegal attacks on endangered and protected wildlife in the Catlins recently have left a nesting yellow-eyed penguin dead and sea lions with serious injuries.
It was drier than usual in Otago but otherwise it was a typical spring October, consultant hydrologist Dave Stewart says.
An estimated $10 million tax break means the Otago Regional Council's funding for the Forsyth Barr Stadium might only cost ratepayers about $27 million.
Flood protection works in the Water of Leith could begin as early as next month on a stretch of the river in the Dunedin Botanic Garden as approval is sought for an alternate sequence of work.
The destruction of a wetland at the head of the Catlins River has been described by Fish and Game Otago as "bad news" for water quality, and recreational users.
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.
Just how the pool of money available to pay Otago regional councillors should be divided could not be agreed upon by all councillors yesterday.
Dunedin and Balclutha recorded their sunniest October since their respective records began in what has been described as a "spectacularly" sunny month around the country.
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.
A battle could be looming for chairmanship of the Otago Regional Council.
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.
