The Predator Free Dunedin partnership been selected as one of seven finalists for Predator Free 2050 funding.

One of the partners, the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group, has only been operating for 12 months.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has issued further water restrictions today for Lake Hayes Estate, Shotover Country and Arthur’s Point.

These areas, as well as Arrowtown, are experiencing hot dry weather and a high demand on water usage which is placing a lot of pressure on its reservoirs.

A former Southland pupil has proved he is in tune with success, after being accepted into two national youth music groups, for two different instruments.

19 year old Finn Bodkin left Invercargill today to spend the next couple of weeks travelling the country with some of New Zealand’s most talented musicians.

Minister for Seniors, Children, and Internal Affairs Tracey Martin visited department offices in Dunedin today.

She spoke with staff at Oranga Tamariki this afternoon, however there was one major topic of conversation, which as minister for children she has an interest in.

Next Thursday will see a young man attempt to ride a pogo stick up the world's steepest street for charity.

Pogo stick rider Harry Willis has a fundraising page on everydayhero where people can make donations towards Christchurch's Ronald McDonald House: https://give.everydayhero.com/nz/pogo-stick-up-baldwin-street-boy

A leopard seal pup which was born off Dunedin's St Kilda Beach, in September and died several days later.
Its about to be taxidermied and put on display at Otago Museum.

A feed of fish and chips during summer is a kiwi essential.

But lately there's been discussion stating some shops are skimping on their chip servings.

The University of Otago is uncertain about how much support the new government will put behind the Predator Free 2050 campaign.

Researcher Dr Mary McIntyre says the programme is on hold in Otago until financial backing is secured.

In the midst of a heatwave in the South, Southland town Mataura has been suffering through a water shortage after a significant drawdown of water from its main water source.

The level at the reservoir reached a low of 45 per cent on Sunday afternoon and a possible leak in the network could be to blame.

The Government has confirmed tax relief is available for farmers who are experiencing hardship in drought conditions.
But there are some regions of the country which aren't in an official drought yet.

A Queenstown resident has launched a petition calling for a ban on freedom campers in public reserves.

Justine Farquharson of Lake Hayes Estate told the south today she hopes to put pressure on local government to solve the problem.

She says freedom campers are ruining public reserves and pushing lake users away due to litter and overcrowding.

A controlled area notice has been announced in part of Fiordland in an attempt to stop the spread of an invasive seaweed.

Environment Southland announced the controlled area within Breaksea Sound last month to reduce the spread of the Asian seaweed, Undaria.

Preparations for the second annual South Dunedin Busking Festival are well underway.

Organisers say the prize pool for entertainers wishing to be judged on their performance has increased since last year.

A large Triffid-like plant has been found growing near Cargill's Castle.

With the record-breaking hot weather over the past few days, Dunedin residents are being asked to conserve water to avoid compulsory restrictions.

Last night the spell of dry weather was finally broken, but the Dunedin City Council says first level compulsory restrictions may still be imposed before the weekend.