Environment

* 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

* 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