Environment

Water samples taken from the Waituna Lagoon following its opening to the sea on 31 January show water clarity has improved across all four long-term monitoring sites to within normal range, while salinity and conductivity have increased. “Visual observations at the time of sampling by experienced te

A lone rat has been found dead in a trap on Ulva Island, Rakiura triggering an incursion response. Ulva Island is a predator free island 780m off Rakiura Stewart Island, and is a popular location to experience one of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. Jennifer Ross, DOC Operations Ma

Environment Southland’s compliance and science teams have been investigating a report last week of dead eels in the Low Burn Stream near Mataura. Compliance manager Donna Ferguson said the team estimates several thousand dead eels over about a 10-kilometre distance. “Our staff have spent extensive t

This is an official message from the Civil Defence Controller, Simon Mapp.Update – Bluecliffs State of Emergency – #5 The state of emergency for the Bluecliffs area has once again been extended. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott signed off the extension at 8:15 a.m. this morning, which now extends

Kiwi numbers are increasing in a remote part of Fiordland for the first time in the history of their conservation, thanks to recent aerial predator control operations.    The population of Fiordland tokoeka at Shy Lake is growing about 2% per year, officially turning the tide and reversing their dec

This is an official message from the Civil Defence Controller Simon Mapp Update – Bluecliffs state of emergency – #4 With the extension to the state of emergency for Bluecliffs this week, Emergency Management Southland continues to coordinate efforts for the Bluecliffs community. Related: Bluecliffs

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found high levels of potentially toxic algae in the Upukerora River at Te Anau-Milford Road. Environment Southland senior scientist Katie Blakemore said water users should be vigilant and avoid contact with the algae. “This is a particularly popular spot

This is an official message from the Civil Defence Controller Simon Mapp:Update – Bluecliffs state of emergency – #3 The state of emergency for the Bluecliffs area has been extended for another week. Related: Southland Declares Local State of Emergency for Bluecliffs Southland District Mayor Rob Sco