News

Funding boost creates jobs to tackle Undaria in Fiordland

​A $2m funding boost is set to turn the tide in Fiordland’s battle against the invasive seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Undaria).

Tough decisions, strong future - Statement from Chairman Nicol Horrell

The Council is asking Southlanders to consider some tough options to ensure a strong, resilient future for our region.

Economic uncertainty a challenge for long-term planning

Public consultation for Environment Southland’s Long-term Plan consultation document is scheduled to start on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

New cruise ship deed of agreement signed

An updated Cruise Ship Deed of Agreement has been signed by Environment Southland.

Cultivation flight shows good preparation

​Last week we flew over a large part of Southland checking paddocks in preparation for winter grazing.

Flight to support winter grazing improvements in Southland

Environment Southland, with support from DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, will be looking at cultivated forage crop paddocks from the air, to identify water quality risks from winter grazing.

Toxic algae found in several places along Mataura River

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of the toxic algae in the Mataura River.

New Regional Forum members announced

The Southland Regional Forum welcomes five new members to the team to help complete their work over the next 18 months.

Now consulting on public transport

Southlanders now have the opportunity to provide input into the public transport plan, which is out for consultation until 5pm, Monday 12 April 2021.

Room to improve winter grazing practices welcomed

We welcome a decision by the Government to allow for continued testing and deployment of improved intensive winter grazing practices.

Community members needed to shape Southland’s future

Expressions of interest are now being sought for new members to join Southland’s Regional Forum.

Preparing for the future

A year on from the record floods in February, last week council received a report on the council’s disaster reserves and insurance cover for Southland’s flood protection schemes.

Statement from Chairman Horrell on removal of ouvea premix

We welcome the agreement that has been reached to move the ouvea premix from the old Mataura paper mill site to the New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited site at Tiwai Point.

Update from Judge about ouvea pre-mix removal

Judge's minute about Environmental Defence Society's court proceedings released by Judge Newhook.

Changes to proposed Southland Water and Land Plan adopted

Environment Southland’s proposed Southland Water and Land Plan is to be made partially operative following a council meeting last week.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Councillor Guyton

​Council ratifies climate action plan

Environment Southland reaffirmed its commitment to taking action on climate change with the ratification of its Climate Action Plan at today’s council meeting (27/01/21).

Fiordland ‘buffer zone project’ going ahead

Environment Southland’s existing weed control programme in the Te Anau area is receiving a boost.

Demonstrating leadership with climate change

The Council confirmed its position on climate change today (Wednesday).

Southland’s advice presented to ministers

The Southland Advisory Group established to look at the national intensive winter grazing regulations was very pleased to provide their advice to Ministers Parker and O’Connor this week.