Environment

A total fire ban has been imposed across Southland from midnight tonight, January 14. The ban comes in the wake of today’s 32 degree highs. ‘There is an extreme fire risk for the next two days, with the forecast for even higher temperatures as well as wind,” ,’ says Elton Smith, Southland Principal

Environment Southland’s data confirms that Southland has had its driest year since 1971. Southland received only 79% of the usual normal rainfall, with some areas experiencing particularly low rainfall levels. Environment Southland director of science and information Graham Sevicke-Jones said the Cl

For the first time in more than a century, kakaruai/South Island robin have produced chicks on Motupōhue/Bluff Hill. Seven chicks, from three sets of parents, have been sighted so far this summer and hopes are high for more as the season progresses. Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust chairperson

A Controlled Area notice has been issued for an area of Breaksea Sound in Fiordland to prevent further spread of the Asian seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Undaria). Environment Southland biosecurity manager Richard Bowman said the notice issued for Breaksea Sound will not prevent access to the area, bu

Environment Southland’s latest check for toxic algae at the Aparima River at Thornbury has detected elevated levels of potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Also known as benthic cyanobacteria, which forms in lakes and streams, these algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals if swall

The Gore District Council has imposed a ban on all unattended hoses, sprinklers, garden irrigation systems and handheld hoses, effectively immediately, after a pump failure today at the town’s main water source. The ban also applies to car washing by handheld hose. 3 Waters Asset Manager Matt Baylis

Monitoring carried out by Environment Southland has detected potentially toxic algae in shallow areas/edges of the mid-Mataura river. The algae produces toxins that can be harmful to people and animals if swallowed, or through contact with skin. Environment Southland have added: Environment Southlan