Latest fromOtago Regional Council
![Council's role in river waste dumping 'extraordinarily embarrassing'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council's role in river waste dumping 'extraordinarily embarrassing'
The council did not initially say it had faced censure over the incident.
![Duchess battling against extra water permits for Sir Russell Coutts' golf course](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Duchess battling against extra water permits for Sir Russell Coutts' golf course
The sailing legend wants to take water from two creeks on the Crown Terrace.
![Hundreds of fish die in estuary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hundreds of fish die in estuary
The dead fish included smelt, flounder, giant bullies, trout and inanga.
!['Revolting' sewage system: Council fined $500k](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Revolting' sewage system: Council fined $500k
'Smelling like rotten eggs combined with decayed chicken when left in the sun.'
![Bus patronage drops by at least 90 per cent around NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bus patronage drops by at least 90 per cent around NZ
Almost empty buses still provide an important service, say providers.
![Weather chaos: Landslide hits hut, rescue under way, flood destroys highway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Weather chaos: Landslide hits hut, rescue under way, flood destroys highway
Rescue teams mustered this morning for evacuation of tourists.
![Mega-floods, extreme heat could be in store for Otago](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mega-floods, extreme heat could be in store for Otago
Parts of Otago could be hit with an increase in winter rain and soaring temperatures.
![Big Read: The big problem with Queenstown - and how to solve it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big Read: The big problem with Queenstown - and how to solve it
Queenstown's booming - but can it cope?
![Rabbit numbers down 25 per cent, farmers unimpressed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rabbit numbers down 25 per cent, farmers unimpressed
Effectiveness of K5 virus in killing rabbits has failed to impress Federated Farmers.
![Bus driver sacked for lewd conduct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bus driver sacked for lewd conduct
An investigation found his conduct had been in breach of his contract.
![Bus driver stood down over complaints of lewd behaviour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bus driver stood down over complaints of lewd behaviour
Ritchies investigate allegations of lewd behaviour towards female passengers by driver.
![Tramper swam raging river to get help for trapped mates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tramper swam raging river to get help for trapped mates
Four trampers plucked from Makarora River island after one swam for help
![Planner backs golf challenge at harbour site](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Planner backs golf challenge at harbour site
Residents oppose golf challenge and hire facility at Otago Harbour.
![Lindis River is dry, but fields still green](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lindis River is dry, but fields still green
Otago rivers are dry in some sections but farmers are still fighting against restrictions.
![Health fears after pony buried in backyard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Health fears after pony buried in backyard
The carcass was beginning to bloat as one of its legs had popped out of the ground.
![Otago's state of emergency lifted](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Otago's state of emergency lifted
The region has now officially entered a recovery phase with team assessing the damage.
!['Days to drain': Rain eases but floodwaters remain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Days to drain': Rain eases but floodwaters remain
People are urged to stay well away from flooded roads with water levels remaining high.
!['Right ... so gypsy is the new n word?'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Right ... so gypsy is the new n word?'
Michael Laws' post on social media has raised hackles.
![Rabbit virus brings hope to farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rabbit virus brings hope to farmers
Farmers in Central Otago hope a new method of biological control will give them some respite from the rabbit problem.
![Fishing boat spilling oil on Otago coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fishing boat spilling oil on Otago coast
A fishing boat has run aground off the sensitive Otago coast.