The Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal Negotiation Committee has marked the conclusion of a series of detailed discussions with Crown officials. These sessions, each informed by comprehensive background papers, provide the foundation for a regional deal that aims to deliver transformational outcomes for Otago Central Lakes. Negotiations will continue in 2026.

Otago Regional Council is urging parents around the Queenstown district to plan ahead when using public transport to get their children to school, from the start of term 2 next year.

New rules and regulations governing navigational safety could be on the way for Otago’s waterways, with the opportunity for public input on a draft new bylaw from mid-January.

Otago Regional Council’s biosecurity team is once again rolling out its summer freshwater ambassador programme — this year with two new ambassadors who will be out and about across Otago’s lakes and rivers over the holiday season.

With warmer weather arriving and more people heading to their favourite rivers, lakes, and beaches, ORC launched its annual summer water monitoring programme yesterday.