Environment

* Heavy Rain Watch issued for Inland Clutha and Southland from Thursday noon to Friday noon. * Rivers in the region are above normal levels, with no immediate signs of rising further. * Farmers are urged to reach out for support due to ongoing adverse weather conditions. The MetService has issued a Heavy

* New $30 million fund to support councils in cleaning up vulnerable contaminated sites. * The fund replaces the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and covers more remediation projects. * Eligible councils can apply to protect communities and the environment from potential risks. The Government has launched a new $30 million Contaminated Sites and

* Waituna Lagoon will be mechanically opened to prevent ecological damage and assist the community. * High water levels have been affecting local roads, paddocks, and farming activities for weeks. * Lagoon opening aims to flush nutrients and sediment, resetting the environment for summer. Environment Southland has decided to use its emergency powers

* Environment Southland is closely monitoring water levels in Waituna Lagoon due to rising concerns. * The lagoon's elevated level of 2.5m is affecting roads, paddocks, and local farming activities. * Any lagoon opening would require emergency powers and careful coordination to ensure safety. Environment Southland is keeping a close

* Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds supports farmers facing severe weather conditions in Southland. * Rainfall levels in some areas have exceeded 200 percent of the long-term September average. * Farmers struggle with ongoing wet weather, low lamb prices, and mental health challenges. Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds has voiced her support for Southland farmers

A planned aerial 1080 drop to rid Stewart Island of Norway rats and other pest species has some locals concerned, following a public meeting this week. Predator Free Rakiura is planning to use a 10,000ha trial block at the southern end of Rakiura in Autumn 2025, to learn what

* Ministers praise the interest in the agricultural and horticultural regulatory products review process. * Over 80 submissions were received, highlighting the need to streamline approval processes. * Recommendations will be tested with industry groups before presenting findings to the Cabinet. Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister

New Zealand’s inaugural national tyre recycling scheme, ‘Tyrewise,’ is now fully operational, with free collections beginning today. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds hailed the initiative as a critical step in tackling a persistent environmental issue. “The first priority product stewardship sche