Environment

* Invercargill Mayor criticised the government for a "lack of transparency" in waste policy changes. * A strongly worded letter urged full consultation and review of the Waste Minimisation Act. * Councillors unanimously supported the letter, now sent to the Prime Minister and ministers. Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has sent a

* Toxic algae identified in Waihopai River, posing risks to people and animals. * Residents urged to avoid algae and monitor other regional waterways for contamination. * Waiau River alert remains active near Excelsior Creek despite removal in Kennington. Toxic algae have been detected in the Waihopai River upstream of Queen’s Drive,

* Yellow-eyed penguin nest numbers on mainland New Zealand have fallen by 80% since 2008. * Fewer than 100 chicks remain across Stewart Island and the mainland this season. * Conservation efforts aim to prevent the species' extinction within two decades. Yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguins in the world and

Environment Southland has issued a warning after detecting toxic algae in the Waiau River near the Excelsior Creek inflow. While algae naturally occur in waterways, certain types can produce harmful toxins, especially during stable river flows and fine weather. Toxic algae can appear as dark green or brown slime on

* Researchers recorded earthquakes as deep as 40km in Southland's continental crust. * Study revealed unusually deep seismic activity due to unique crust composition with iron-rich minerals. * Findings improve understanding of hidden faults and future earthquake risks in Southland. University of Otago researchers have detected earthquakes as deep as 40

* Advocate fears Southland dumpsite erosion could harm marine life and coastal environment. * Southland Council maintains the site has low erosion risk, with regular monitoring in place. * Calls intensify for collaborative action to protect the vulnerable Colac Bay area. A community advocate has raised alarms over the future of an old

Southlanders caring for our unique species and taking action in their businesses and on farms, with the environment at heart, were among those acknowledged at this evening’s 28th Environment Southland Community Awards. The awards provide a vital platform for environmental leaders throughout Southland to be celebrated and for their

* Federated Farmers Southland calls on local farmers to boycott Fish & Game licences. * The boycott comes after a court ruling requiring consents for over 3000 Southland farmers. * Farmers asked to remove fishing access and replace signs with orange ribbons in protest. Federated Farmers Southland is urging farmers to boycott Fish