Orokonui Ecosanctuary's hopes of achieving an environmental Green Star 5 rating became visible this week, as the two former shipping containers, which will form the basis of its new visitor centre, were lifted in to place.
Concerns about conservation management plans locking film-makers out of national parks has led Film Otago Southland to appeal to the Otago Conservation Board for the industry and environmental organisations to "work together".
The Otago Stadium received further conditional approval yesterday, with the Otago Regional Council confirming its $37.5 million funding for the project in front of about 30 heckling opponents.
A move by Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Cairns to get his council to consider restricting its activities to "core business" failed to gain traction at a meeting yesterday.
Otago regional councillors are giving little away on the eve of making a decision on whether or not the council will contribute $37.5 million to Otago Stadium.
Otago regional councillors need to be "generally satisfied" as to the "overall viability and achievability" of Otago Stadium when they make their decision whether or not to fund the Otago Stadium at an extraordinary meeting tomorrow, chief executive Graeme Martin has advised.
Bull riding, dragon boats, firecrackers or fishing; the choice is yours this Waitangi weekend in Dunedin.
Sunny summer weather is expected over Otago for Waitangi weekend, with temperatures building up to 30degC or more by Sunday, the MetService says.
Air New Zealand's suspension of the Dunedin-Sydney service from April will have a severe impact on Dunedin International Airport, according to airport chairman Richard Walls.
Information relating to the "guaranteed maximum price" of the Otago Stadium was expected to have been delivered to the Otago Regional Council yesterday.
Rabbit numbers are increasing around Otago - even in areas not previously known for the problem - and farmers have to be more aware of the need for more control, Otago regional councillors say.
A consent customer survey has shown 74% of applicants rate the Otago Regional Council's quality of service as excellent or very good.
Who lives there: Writer Murray Grimwood (53) and teacher Jennie Upton (45), their cat and dog, and on and off, their two teenaged sons.
After six children risked their lives by trying to float down the Manuherikia River on inner tubes, Alexandra police are suggesting signs need to be installed warning of the river's dangers.
Otago Regional councillors need to know all the possible funding implications of its decisions on big dollar projects like the Otago Stadium, proposed office block and Leith Lindsay Flood Protection Scheme, Cr Doug Brown says.
More than 20 dairy farms are facing prosecution for effluent offences as the Otago Regional Council nears the end of its 2008 season inspections.
People required to have a hearing to consider their resource consent application could have to pay 75% of estimated costs upfront.
Some Otago and Southland fishermen are risking a $250,000 fine by refusing to take out Ministry of Fisheries observers under a new programme aimed at helping save endangered dolphins.
"Significant" costs of holding resource consent hearings have led the Otago Regional Council to consider seeking 100% of the costs from the applicant.
It was a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky, yet the ground was awash with water, homes submerged and people stranded on roofs, as Southland struggled with the biggest flooding event in its history.
