News

​Abundance of Daphnia pulex observed in Lakes Te Anau and Manapōuri

Environment Southland is investigating reported sightings of ‘white flakes’ in Lake Te Anau and Manapōuri.

New LiDAR mapping data of the lower Mataura catchment just released

New high-resolution LiDAR elevation mapping of the lower Mataura catchment, incorporating both digital elevation and digital surface models, was released last week.

​Duck hunters should be aware of toxic algae this opening weekend

River users in Southland should take extra care this duck hunting opening weekend, with elevated levels of toxic algae found this week.

Councillors set rates increase; approve fees & charges consultation

Today (3/5/2023), Councillors approved an average 6.9% rates increase for the 2023/2024 Annual Plan.

Toxic algae found in Waiau River Catchment

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae in three rivers.

Air quality monitoring season begins

​With the winter weather starting to bite, this is the time when people’s health is most at risk from poor air quality.

Councillors to set 2023/2024 rates increase at Council meeting

As part of the 2023/2024 Annual Plan, Councillors will set the rates for the 2023-2024 financial year at next week’s Council meeting (Wednesday 3 May).

Intensive winter grazing rules come into effect next week

New rules around intensive winter grazing come into effect on Monday and farmers are required to comply with the new rules.

Tree removal scheduled for April in Gore

Environment Southland is undertaking the planned removal of high-risk trees in the Gore township along River and Richmond Streets this month.

Environment Southland adopts carbon net zero target

Environment Southland councillors have adopted an organisational target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

New technology brings data to life

Environment Southland staff are pioneering innovative technology to capture and share river flows using remote cameras and drone flights.

Riverton oil spill exercise tests Environment Southland response

Rainfall provides temporary relief to dry conditions

While this week’s rain is a welcome reprieve for gardens, pastures and water tanks, it is likely to provide only temporary relief.

Toxic algae found at Waikaia River

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae at Waikaia River, at Waikaia.

Tree removal planned for Gore stop banks

Environment Southland is planning to remove a series of high-risk trees along the true right stop bank in the Gore township along River and Richmond Streets.

Toxic algae alert for the Aparima River

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of potentially toxic algae in the Aparima River at Thornbury.

Mataura stop bank strengthening progressing

Strengthening of the section of Mataura stop bank, identified at risk of erosion pre-Christmas, is on schedule to be complete by April.

Waihōpai stop bank strengthening underway

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.

Cultivation flights highlight few immediate winter grazing risks

Environment Southland staff took to the skies last week for routine intensive winter grazing inspections, and most properties had good management in place.

Undaria survey yields positive results

An Environment Southland dive survey on the southern coast of Rakiura/Stewart Island has found no sign of the invasive seaweed in Broad Bay, where a previous incursion was identified in 2020.