News

Summer shake-up: nationwide lifejacket rules and new gear-cleaning

Environment Southland is urging water users to brush up on the rules before heading out on Murihiku Southland's rivers, lakes and coast this summer.

Celebrating Murihiku Southland's Environmental Champions

Now in its 30th year, the awards celebrate remarkable projects from protecting critically endangered species and tackling wilding pines to growing food for local communities.

Continuing to deliver during challenging times – 2025-26 Annual Report

Building on a strong record of flood management upgrades and service delivery during challenging times is highlighted in the 2025-26 Environment Southland Annual Plan adopted today.

Environment Southland retains majority shareholding in South Port

Today Environment Southland has realised $30 million through the sale of 3,750,000 shares in South Port NZ Ltd, creating an opportunity to deliver greater long-term value for Southland ratepayers.

Head Start pause highlights unresolved questions

Southland will judge new planning system by its results

​Environment Southland Chair Jeremy McPhail says the success of the country’s new planning system will be determined by how it works on the ground, not by what is written on paper.

Review of datacentre water permit unable to proceed

​Environment Southland is unable to proceed with a request by Southland Sustainable Resource Coalition to review Datagrid NZ Partnership Limited’s consent.

Vigilant fisherman helps protect Rakiura from marine pest threat

The investigation began after a fisherman discovered and reported a single juvenile Undaria plant attached to a mooring line near Pukeweka Island.

Planning ahead for stronger marine biosecurity in Southland

Environment Southland is reviewing the Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan, focusing on biosecurity protection and considering whether it should cover more of Murihiku Southland’s coast.

Eddie Zhi – Tuturau slink skin operation

Mr Zhi’s protestations are a distraction that do not take away from the seriousness of the charges against him and the ongoing environmental damage caused by his activities.

Gore channel improvement work completed

Environment Southland is marking another significant milestone in its work to strengthen flood resilience in Gore and across the Mataura catchment.

Wettest winter in nearly 50 years as El Niño soaks the south

Murihiku Southland has gone from a drier than usual autumn to experiencing its wettest winter for more than 45 years – leaving the region soaked.

Riverbed vegetation control programme 2026/2027

Adjacent property owners and other users of the river channels listed are advised that helicopter and ground-based spraying is to be carried out within the flood fairways of these rivers.

Interim enforcement orders placed on Mr Zhi and NZAgri Development Ltd

Environment Southland has been granted interim enforcement orders by the Environment Court which place specific requirements on the Tuturau slink skin operation.

Have your say on requested Southland Water and Land Plan modifications

Environment Southland is encouraging Southlanders to have their say on proposed modifications, through a public consultation by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT).

Compliance and safety focus as whitebait season opens

Hopeful whitebaiters are lining Murihiku Southland's riverbanks with their nets at the ready as the much-anticipated whitebait season begins.

Environment Southland to use emergency powers to open Waituna Lagoon

Environment Southland will use emergency powers under the Resource Management Act to mechanically open Waituna Lagoon to the sea

Financial advisor appointed

Environment Southland has appointed independent investment and advisory group, Jarden, as financial advisors.

Regional Council supports One Southland proposal

The Council yesterday agreed to support the Invercargill City Council’s development of a One-Southland-wide unitary council.

Gore records first air quality exceedance for 2026

Gore recorded its first exceedance of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality since 2024 last week.