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Nil rates rise backed by ORC - RMA changes dependent
The Otago Regional Council has backed a nil rate increase in its annual draft plan but changes around resource management may have the final financial say.
ORC
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Desks to be kept in new ORC office
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Desks to be kept in new ORC office
The Otago Regional Council is going to take its desks with it when it moves into its new building.
ORC reveals name of new headquarters
ORC reveals name of new headquarters
Two feature panels being installed on the side of the Otago Regional Council building this week hold clues to the name of the new premises.
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Otago rivers by and large ‘in really good state’
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Otago rivers by and large ‘in really good state’
Otago's rivers are by and large "in a really good state", the latest summer recreation report card says.
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Bus hub: Focus on central city safety
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Bus hub: Focus on central city safety
Preventing crime at Dunedin’s bus hub could hinge on ensuring threats are responded to rapidly, deploying prominent patrols and adjusting the area’s design, a report suggests.
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ORC’s pest plan ‘partially effective’
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ORC’s pest plan ‘partially effective’
The Otago Regional Council is effective at raising awareness of the threats wallabies pose to the region, less so at actually dealing with the pest, a new report says.
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Up to $2m to go to new environmental fund
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Up to $2m to go to new environmental fund
A new $2 million fund for environmental projects will go ahead next year, but in its first year it will not be paid for by the Otago Regional Council rates take.
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Email addresses shared by ORC
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Email addresses shared by ORC
Hundreds of people have been caught up in a privacy breach after the Otago Regional Council broke confidentiality and shared their email addresses - twice.
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'Intense ocean warming' on Otago coast
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'Intense ocean warming' on Otago coast
Otago's coast is experiencing ‘‘some of the most intense ocean warming’’ anywhere in NZ and a co-ordinated response is required to ensure its future health, an environment group says.
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Draft 10-year public transport plan ‘quite progressive’
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Draft 10-year public transport plan ‘quite progressive’
Otago's blueprint for public transport remains "quite progressive" despite central government driving in the other direction, a regional councillor says.
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Councillors divided over handling water issues
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Councillors divided over handling water issues
One regional councillor says seeking legislative changes to address gaps in Otago’s water plan is a "terrible solution".
Queenstown Lakes residents sick of ‘hopium’
Queenstown Lakes residents sick of ‘hopium’
Queenstown Lakes residents are wary of proposals providing a false sense of hope in the face of ongoing pressure as the fastest-growing district in Otago, a regional councillor says.
Freshwater plan: ORC councillor resigns after govt steps in
Freshwater plan: ORC councillor resigns after govt steps in
A long-time Otago regional councillor has resigned in protest after the govt moved this week to stop the council from voting on its plan to protect the environment.
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Council’s ‘concerning’ correspondence issues criticised
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Council’s ‘concerning’ correspondence issues criticised
The ORC has been criticised after a councillor deleted emails which should have been available for public scrutiny.
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Intervention ‘very sad day for democracy’
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Intervention ‘very sad day for democracy’
The Otago Regional Council will not vote today on tougher new rules for the environment after an "11th hour" intervention by the government.
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ORC to vote on plan notification options
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ORC to vote on plan notification options
An offer from Environment Minister Penny Simmonds was left on the table and the ORC will now consider three options when a vote on notifying its controversial land and water plan takes place later this month.
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To delay or not to delay the question
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To delay or not to delay the question
Otago regional councillors will today hold their third extraordinary meeting in the past four weeks to discuss the council’s deepening relationship with Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.
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South D risk assessment delayed after review
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South D risk assessment delayed after review
A detailed assessment of surface flooding, coastal erosion and high groundwater risks facing South Dunedin has been delayed until next year after a draft report was found to be lacking.
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Port being asked for millions in dividends to offset rates
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Port being asked for millions in dividends to offset rates
The Otago Regional Council is asking Port Otago to pay nearly $60 million in dividends over the next three years to offset rates.
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Council retains free fares for children
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Council retains free fares for children
Children aged under 13 will not be charged for bus trips in Dunedin and Queenstown, but the brakes have been applied to subsidised fares for other young people.