Environment

The High Court has found that Southland District Council was correct in its decision to grant New Brighton Colleries Ltd access to Council-owned forestry land near Ohai for coal exploration. Council’s decision had been challenged by the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand. In its j

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of potentially toxic algae in the Aparima River at Thornbury. Algae naturally occur in waterways and can flourish during hot and fine conditions. Most algae are harmless. However, some species can produce toxins and rapidly bloom to

Construction work to improve the Waihōpai River stop bank on the eastern side between Stead Street and the rail crossing at the north end of Philip Street is getting underway this week. Environment Southland catchment operations manager Randal Beal said stop banks are a critical part of Southland’s

Environment Southland is urging dog owners to take care this summer when visiting Southland rivers. We have had a report of a dog dying from suspected toxic algae poisoning after playing in the Upukerora River area, Te Anau, over the weekend. Environment Southland chief scientist Karen Wilson encour

Groundswell NZ is interested to see what direction the incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will take on some of the rural policies they have been protesting over the past few years. Founders Bryce McKenzie and Laurie Paterson met with Jacinda Ardern on December 15 after a two-year wait, and were s

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae in the Waiau River near the Excelsior Creek inflow. Toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) can be recognised in rivers and streams as a dark green/brown slime on rocks, or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge. Sever

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae at Hamilton Burn, at Affleck Road. Toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) can be recognised at rivers and streams as a dark green/brown slime on rocks, or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge. Several factors can co

A geophysical report has found that there is no obvious structural damage to the stop banks on the Mataura River as a result of the 2020 flood event, however, river engineers have raised concerns about a 600m section along the Mataura township that is at risk of erosion. Environment Southland commis