Richard Davison

Water quality in New Zealand’s creeks and rivers has become a hot-button issue during recent years, and much has been made of the failure to live up to the nation’s "100% Pure" branding.

Clutha District Council is awaiting funding approval from the NZ Transport Agency for the next phase of a long-running Catlins bridge upgrade.

South Otago will be singing from the same song sheet later this month, to raise funds for a Kaitangata infant with cystic fibrosis.

Members of a South Otago community board remain unhappy with a proposed ward name change.

Lawrence business owners have had ''anxieties eased'' over remedial flood works in the town, after meeting officials.

Few people have to dodge sheep poo and heavy rain for their 15 minutes of fame.

A West Otago family was thrilled to receive a surprise celebrity visit during a recent hospital stay for their son in Auckland.

Clutha's youth have taken another step in the fight against drugs after christening their $10,000 anti-meth campaign.

The Clutha District Council plans to spend up to $40,000 fixing arsenic contamination on a private property neighbouring its Balclutha industrial park.

Black Horse Brewery in Lawrence is enjoying a greater-than-usual number of visitors eager to see its daffodils, thanks to mild and sunny spring weather.

Clutha District Council could soon have a new chief executive.

A desire to showcase ''epic emotions against an epic backdrop'' has helped a Tapanui-born actress and screenwriter reach the finals of a $100,000 TVNZ competition.

A proposal to install up to four additional CCTV cameras in Balclutha was approved unanimously by the Clutha District Council  this week.

Clydevale can expect a more reliable electricity supply under plans discussed in Balclutha recently.

Balclutha can expect increased police surveillance if a council proposal is approved today.

Despite concerns he might not make it, Santa is still coming to South Otago this summer.

A commercial trawler suspected of encroaching illegally on South Otago inshore waters has been cleared by officials.

A previously "toxic" Catlins community stoush over a new heritage track looks to have been defused after council intervention this week.