'Huge implications': Fast-track bid sparks fears for Lake Pukaki
Meridian Energy’s fast-track proposal to draw more water from Lake Pukaki has sparked concerns it could hurt Mackenzie's tourism industry and threaten its pristine image.
Regions
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Wānaka health advocates say going public needed
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Wānaka health advocates say going public needed
Health Minister Simeon Brown has urged health advocates not to litigate negotiations through the media — but the Wānaka advocates say it is one of the few avenues they have.
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ORC to consult on bus fare changes
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ORC to consult on bus fare changes
Zones are back on the table for Otago bus users on the same day as Labour made a pitch to ride the buses for $10 a week.
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Five options on the table for district
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Five options on the table for district
Gore’s options for amalgamation are a “once-in-a-lifetime decision that will affect us all in the future”, councillor Nicky Coats says.
Having 5 photos chosen for exhibition ‘a surprise’
Having 5 photos chosen for exhibition ‘a surprise’
An East Otago photographer has had her work featured at Tūhura Otago Museum for the second straight year.
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Huge Queenstown housing plan stokes gridlock concerns
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Huge Queenstown housing plan stokes gridlock concerns
A massive Queenstown development risks triggering gridlock on the state highway, making it unpassable for emergency services vehicles, NZTA has warned.
Filming in NZ ‘took my breath away’
Filming in NZ ‘took my breath away’
Otago’s stunning and remote landscapes are about to hit the silver screen again — this time as a stand-in for the Alaskan wilderness with Brad Pitt centre-stage.
Warbirds’ economic impact up 40%: report
Warbirds’ economic impact up 40%: report
The Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow contributed more than $57 million to the regional economy this year — up 40% on 2024 — new data shows.
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Claim miner's heritage evidence ‘cherry-picked’
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Claim miner's heritage evidence ‘cherry-picked’
Santana Minerals has been accused of producing ‘‘cherry-picked’’ and ‘‘undercooked’’ heritage evidence.
Developer faces fury at public meeting
Developer faces fury at public meeting
The developer behind a sprawling gondola, housing and tourism proposal in Queenstown has told sceptical residents his family wants to help the community.
School to stage Shakespeare classic
School to stage Shakespeare classic
A Timaru high school is set to bring a touch of Shakespearean magic to the stage.
Cops identify suspects in 'suspicious' Oamaru school fire
Cops identify suspects in 'suspicious' Oamaru school fire
Oamaru police are treating a spectacular fire which ripped through trees at Waitaki Boys' High School as suspicious.
Ski fields delay opening due to lack of snow
Ski fields delay opening due to lack of snow
Ski fields in the South Island are delaying opening or weighing their options as mild conditions means a lack of snow.
Developer grilled over Bowen Peak proposal
Developer grilled over Bowen Peak proposal
The developer behind a sprawling gondola, housing and tourism proposal in Queenstown has told sceptical residents his family wants to help the community.
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MP plays down Wānaka health funding fears
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MP plays down Wānaka health funding fears
Wānaka’s ‘‘unexpected’’ population growth has left the town out-of-kilter with their expected after-hours health funding, but the local MP is assuring the public it will get sorted.
Fears power prices could drive people off island
Fears power prices could drive people off Stewart Island
A Stewart Island/Rakiura representative warns the remote island could ‘‘lose people’’ as residents brace for another potential power price hike.
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Centre seeks community support to remain afloat
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Centre seeks community support to remain afloat
A key South Otago sporting facility will become financially unsustainable without a fresh injection of cash, its overseers say.
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‘A lot of hope’: students school council on town’s future
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‘A lot of hope’: students school council on town’s future
Food festivals, public Wi-Fi and a small shopping mall are at the top of the wish list for a future Gore, a group of students told receptive Gore District councillors last week.
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Range of views from landscape experts at mine hearing
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Range of views from landscape experts at mine hearing
It is full of weeds and arid but the land being used by the proposed $4.5 billion Santana gold mine is a rarity and was described as an ‘‘incredible landscape’’.
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New water services plan approved
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New water services plan approved
Joining forces with other councils on water does not leave Waitaki with its hands tied when it comes to amalgamation, councillors heard this week.