News

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.

Toxic algae found at Upukerora River following incident

Environment Southland is urging dog owners to take care this summer when visiting Southland rivers.

Independent monitoring begins around Tiwai smelter

Independent monitoring is underway into the impact of any contaminants from the Tiwai aluminium smelter on the adjacent coastal marine area.

Toxic algae found in the Waiau River upstream Excelsior Creek

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae in the Waiau River near the Excelsior Creek inflow.

Mataura stop bank strengthening in full swing

Strengthening of the 600-metre section of Mataura stop bank, identified at risk of erosion pre-Christmas, is in full swing this week.

Southland shifts to water shortage response Status 2

Environment Southland is moving to Status 2 of its water shortage response levels today, which involves active monitoring of water levels across the region.

Toxic algae found at Hamilton Burn

Environment Southland’s latest monitoring has found elevated levels of toxic algae at Hamilton Burn, at Affleck Road.

Flurry of stop bank improvements underway across Murihiku

Stop bank improvements across Murihiku Southland are underway this month, as part of the Resilient River Communities project.

Environment Court releases interim plan decision

An interim decision on the proposed Southland Water and Land Plan has been received from the Environment Court.

Prepare early for a dry summer

Following on from last summers’ record dry March, and drought across Southland, Environment Southland is encouraging Southlanders to prepare early for a potential repeat event.

Erosion a risk for Mataura stop bank

River engineers have raised concerns about a 600m section of riverbank along the Mataura township that is at risk of erosion.

Nicol Horrell to lead Mayoral Forum

Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell has been elected chair of the Southland Mayoral Forum.