* Researchers in Fiordland were shocked to capture a rare great white shark on video.
* The shark was spotted during a survey studying fish abundance and marine reserves.
* Footage collected will help assess new fishing regulations and marine conservation efforts.
A research team conducting an underwater survey in Fiordland recently made
* Environment Southland reported a rise in illegal dumping, including rubbish, vehicles, and animal carcasses.
* The council recovered costs for only a few incidents, putting pressure on its budget.
* A potential rates increase may be needed to cover cleanup and enforcement efforts.
Illegal dumping is becoming a costly issue for Southlanders,
Southland conservation areas, including Stewart Island’s Rakiura and Fiordland National Parks, will get a funding boost as part of a $30 million Government investment across the country to improve local attractions, enhance facilities, and protect our unique natural environment, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says.
“The funding will be used
* A review highlighted issues with communication, staffing, and emergency declaration processes in Southland.
* The response to Gore flooding and Bluecliffs erosion was affected by staff shortages.
* Recommendations included improving training, staffing, and emergency declaration procedures for future events.
An analysis of Southland’s most recent emergencies has revealed a range
Two offenders have been sentenced for their roles in a massive wildfire that swept through the Awarua Wetlands in Southland on April 2, 2022. The fire, lit during a prohibited fire season with a total fire ban in place, destroyed 1,330 hectares of the internationally recognised wetland.
Brendon Robert
* 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
