What your rates pay for

Your rates help fund Environment Southland’s water quality monitoring programme, which tracks the health of rivers, lakes, estuaries and groundwater across Murihiku Southland. This monitoring helps us understand long-term environmental impacts and provides Southlanders with trusted information about their waterways.

As the regional council, we’re responsible for managing natural resources sustainably in partnership with our communities. We do this through compliance monitoring, consents, and practical on-the-ground support.

Our Land Sustainability team works alongside farmers, landowners and community groups, providing advice that helps protect soil, improve water quality and reduce environmental impacts.

Did you know: You can access water quality, river flow, river level and groundwater information through our Environmental Data Portal. The data helps communities, landowners and businesses make informed decisions about the water resources they rely on every day.

Your rates help reduce flood risks and protect Murihiku Southland from invasive pests and weeds.

We work with communities to reduce the impacts of flooding on people, property, productive land and essential services. Through flood modelling, river management and infrastructure upgrades, we're helping communities prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.

Our Biosecurity and Biodiversity teams work alongside Southlanders to prevent invasive pests and weeds from becoming established. We provide practical advice, pest control programmes and support for community action to protect farms, native and productive landscapes.

Did you know: The Southland Pest Hub helps you identify pests, report sightings, explore management options and find advice tailored to your area. Our biosecurity experts are also available to provide guidance and support when needed.

Your rates help keep Southlanders safe on the water and protect the region's coastal and marine environments.

Through coastal monitoring, environmental management and navigation safety, we help people safely enjoy our rivers, lakes, harbours and coastal waters. Our Harbourmaster and Navigational Safety team works with boaties year-round to promote safer boating, respond to maritime incidents and manage navigational hazards.

We also help protect nationally significant places, including Fiordland, through our rules and plans, such as the Clean Vessel Pass. All visiting cruise ships pay a Marine Fee, which helps fund work to protect and manage our coastal and marine environment. Together with boaties and communities, we're helping keep these waters healthy and productive for future generations.

Did you know: Environment Southland's Harbourmaster team is on call 24/7. Before heading out, boaties can check known maritime hazards through SouthMaps Maritime Hazards.

Your rates help keep Southlanders informed about the air they breathe every day.

We work with communities to help keep our air clean and support healthy communities. In Invercargill and Gore, our monitoring sites collect data that helps us track air quality trends, predict periods of higher pollution and work with Southlanders to improve air quality.

You can access real-time air quality information through our website, helping you make informed decisions for yourself and your whanau. By combining science and community action, we're helping create healthier communities across the region.

Did you know: You can explore environmental information for your area through our Environmental Data Portal, including air temperature, wind speed and direction, monitoring locations, and live PM10 readings for Invercargill and Gore.