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Kia ora and welcome!
In this issue we’ve got small fish, BIG science and bee’s knees, and we meet a group protecting the unique biodiversity of the remote Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve.
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L is for … Lasioglossum.
In Aotearoa New Zealand we have 41 species of pī/bee — both native and introduced. There are 28 species of native bee, with 20 of these found in Otago.
Our native bees fall into four different genera (groups): Leioproctus, Nesocolletes, Hylaeus, and Lasioglossum. While some of our native bees are very common, others are much more elusive. And due to being relatively small and not coming in big numbers, they're often overlooked — most people don't even know of their existence … until now!
Lasioglossum bees (sweat bees)
The smallest group of native bees in Aotearoa New Zealand are the Lasioglossum bees, with only three species of these in Otago. They range from 4 to 8 mm in length, have only a few tiny hairs, and can appear black or greenish in colour. They nest in holes in the soil (like the Leioproctus bees) but have a very basic soil structure, as a few females may nest in the same hole.
Lasioglossum bees are known as ‘sweat bees’, as they are attracted to sweaty skin.
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Check out the amazing new resource on ORC’s website dedicated to bees.
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Biosecurity and biodiversity
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These two words look like they are closely related, but they actually mean quite different things. It’s good to know the difference, as they’ll be coming up a lot as ORC prepares a draft Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy to go out for feedback later this year, followed by notification of a refreshed Pest Management Plan in early 2027.
Indigenous biodiversity will be used to describe the living organisms that occur naturally in Otago, and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including all forms of indigenous flora, fauna, and fungi, and their habitats. It helps to make our region so special.
Biosecurity will relate to the activities ORC undertakes to prevent the introduction of pests into, or spread of pests across, the Otago region. It encompasses the work we do hand in hand with our communities to control, contain, or eradicate pests — on the land or in the water — that could affect our economy and destroy the beautiful parts of our region we all appreciate.
The two are interlinked — pests threaten our native biodiversity, and some of the biosecurity activities ORC undertakes will help protect that biodiversity through pest management.
Biodiversity needs biosecurity, and biosecurity needs everyone’s input to make it work.
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There’s a LOT happening with public transport!
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Route 4 bus at Hanley’s Farm, Queenstown
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Change is coming to some Queenstown and Dunedin bus routes and timetables from 30 June.
In addition, a new public transport service, Orbus On Demand, launches on the same day, offering a different way for people to travel around the Mosgiel area. Along with Orbus On Demand, a fleet of new electric buses will begin servicing Mosgiel–Dunedin routes.
Getting around in Queenstown
From 30 June, all Queenstown routes will be affected by changes — some frequencies will be increased and there will be some better connections. There will be minor tweaks to all timetables to reflect travel times, considering traffic volumes at peak and off-peak times. Find out more about the Queenstown changes.
Better Dunedin connections
Route and timetable changes in Dunedin will mean quicker trips and handy access to South Dunedin shops. Timetables on several routes are also changing to help buses run more reliably. Find out more about the Dunedin changes.
Orbus On Demand
This is a bookable rideshare service running weekdays from 8am to 6pm — replacing the Mosgiel loop service — which will mean hassle-free trips to essential services like medical and community centres or visiting friends and family across town.
Mosgiel and the Taieri are growing, so we’ve designed Orbus On Demand to provide a larger and better service area covering Mosgiel, Wingatui, East Taieri and Kinmont.
Passengers can book a trip on the 22-seat wheelchair-accessible electric bus using the Orbus On Demand app or by phoning ORC customer services (0800 672 8736). Find out more about Orbus On Demand.
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The new Orbus On Demand Mosgiel service zone
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Electric buses for Mosgiel
Thirteen new electric buses will soon be servicing Mosgiel, Brighton, Green Island and Fairfield (routes 70, 77, 78, 80 and 81). Six buses are much larger and can take up to 75 passengers, increasing capacity during peak times and allowing for growth in Mosgiel.
The new fleet is the final step in moving all Mosgiel buses to zero emissions, delivering cleaner more sustainable public transport for the region. Orbus now has a total of 24 e-buses servicing the Dunedin area. Read more about our electric buses.
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From left: Gemma, Sumit, Julian, Christine and Laura from the ORC Transport team
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Our Transport team is feeling the love — thanks to some amazing Queenstown students!
In May, students from Remarkables Primary School hopped on our bus network for free to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to do some research on New Zealand native birds. For some, it was their first time on a bus — and we hope it won’t be their last!
Kā mihi nui to these thoughtful tamariki! You made the team’s week with the beautiful thank you cards. And thanks to Jen in the Transport team and our Ritchies drivers in Queenstown for helping to make it all happen.
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Gearing up for elections 2025
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A big thank you to the stars of our ‘Stand’ campaign — lending your faces to our call for people to get involved in local democracy.
If you have what it takes to make a great councillor, or know someone who does, all the info you need — including the candidate handbook and dates for candidate information evenings — is on our elections page.
As you might have already heard (because we keep banging on about it!), local government elections are being held in October, and this year all of Otago will use Single Transferable Vote (STV) to elect ORC councillors.
Here are some handy tips to make sure your ballot isn’t bodged:
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Jamie from the Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin Conservation Group shows volunteer Paul how to connect to the wifi of a possum trap to record trap catch data
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Local landowners and conservationists have joined forces to act as guardians of the native biodiversity in the remote Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve, forming the Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin Conservation Group.
The group’s focus is on trapping predator pest species (such as possums) and tackling invasive plants — ultimately improving the reserve’s native biodiversity while building community connections.
Tucked inland from Waikouaiti, north of Dunedin, the Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve is home to some of the last unlogged podocarp forest in coastal Otago — podocarp forests are a mix of tall podocarp trees and smaller trees with an understorey of shrubs, plants and ferns. This area contains one of the best remaining examples of the forest types that covered the Coastal Otago hills before European settlement, and Hikaroroa / Mt Watkin is the mauka tīpuna (ancestral mountain) for Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, who the group has been working with closely.
The reserve is rich in biodiversity. It’s home to many native bird species, including karearea / native falcon, tūī, riroriro / grey warblers, as well as kōura / freshwater crayfish, tuna / eels, and insects. There are at least 17 different native species classified as At Risk or Threatened.
We’re proud to support this amazing community work through a two-year ECO Fund grant which has helped the group with possum control — building a network of traps set up by local farmers and volunteers.
Want to get involved? Become a volunteer and help out with predator control. The group is holding training days and trapping weekend events — get in touch to express your interest.
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Landowner David talks to members of the trapping team
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Check out the painstaking work underway to protect these galaxiids.
Together with Pomahaka Water Care Group, we recently caught and tagged 62 native galaxiids, releasing them at Pattersons Creek.
These tiny non-migratory freshwater fish are found ONLY in this part of Otago. They live their whole lives, including their spawning cycles from late winter to early spring, in these few local streams.
We don’t know a lot about the life cycle of the Pomahaka galaxias, so tagging helps to track and monitor the fish, providing information such as growth rate and longevity. This can help us manage the vulnerable galaxiid population better.
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Tagging involves inserting a small brightly coloured numbered tag under the skin just above the anal fin — the tag typically sits between the skin and the muscle
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This two-year project is led by Pomahaka Water Care Group and funded by the New Zealand Land Care Trust. It’s part of broader biodiversity improvements and restoration work, including riparian planting and keeping livestock out of streams to protect these special habitats. The work also looks at how fish passage impacts galaxiid populations.
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Tag team: from left, Pete (ORC), Craig (Otago Catchment Community) and Matt (ORC)
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Why is cape ivy a pest?
Cape ivy smothers ground and low-growing plants by forming thick, long-lasting mats that prevent native plant seedlings from growing. It produces lots of seeds that live for a long time and can be spread far from parent plants.
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What do they look like?
Size: Cape ivy often forms a thick, tangled shrub 2–3 metres tall with wiry to woody stems that have few branches.
Leaves: Fleshy, leathery leaves have up to three rough points on each side. The top leaves are smaller, narrower, and occasionally smooth-edged.
Flower/seed heads: Thick clusters of yellow ragwort-like flowers (11 mm in diameter) are produced, followed by fluffy seeds.
Habitat: In Otago, it is mainly found in the Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula areas.
What should I do?
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Slash any small infestations and hand-pull any regrowth
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Cut the stump near the ground and paste with a suitable herbicide gel, such as Tordon BK, containing either metsulfuron, triclopyr or glyphosate
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Spray foliage using a glyphosate-based product with penetrant or Banvine
Caution: when using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Find out more about cape ivy on our Pest Hub.
Disclaimer: mention of product trade names does not endorse these products nor imply criticism of similar products not mentioned. Otago Regional Council does not give any warranty that the information is accurate or complete or that it is suitable for all circumstances.
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Sarah Martin is Senior Advisor — Iwi Partnerships and Engagement at ORC.
Kia ora koutou,
as I near 18 months in my role, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the journey so far.
It’s been refreshing to be part of a team that is committed when it comes to building meaningful partnerships with mana whenua. There’s a strong and growing commitment to weaving mātauraka Māori (traditional knowledge) into how we plan, protect, and care for our environment. In my role, I support this mahi by helping ensure iwi voices are strongly heard, and then help to guide and shape the decisions that affect our region’s future.
A standout moment over the past year was ORC’s first-time participation in Otago Polyfest. The energy, pride, and diversity on display by our region’s schools and early childhood centres made it clear just how powerful cultural celebration can be.
Another exciting milestone is the Whare Rūnaka project, a partnership between mana whenua, Aukaha, and ORC, as part of the design of our new Dunedin headquarters. Already, if you drive past, you will be able to see the narrative of our region’s cultural richness beginning to take shape in the landscape and building design. It’s a visible reflection of the commitment to embed mana whenua perspectives, not just in our physical spaces, but in the way we work, and the stories we look to tell.
That same storytelling is now more visible through our updated ORC website, which includes narratives and voices that better reflect the people and communities we serve. It’s part of our ongoing effort to ensure the region’s identity is inclusive, grounded in partnership, and responsive to the diverse realities of Otago.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep working alongside our partners, staff and communities to help build a region where everyone’s voice matters and where shared aspirations lead the way to a thriving, resilient Otago.
Ngā mihi nui,
Sarah
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Adoption programme rolling out
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ORC’s metal ‘Only Rain’ fish, in the shape of a kōaro / climbing galaxias
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Dunedin residents are being encouraged to adopt stormwater drains as part of a new environmental initiative.
The Adopt a Drain programme is an initiative led by Otago Regional Council working with local councils and schools to educate about the impact stormwater pollution can have on the environment and our waterways. A community launch will be held in Dunedin later this year.
People are encouraged to ‘adopt’ their local stormwater drain and learn more about the impacts stormwater pollution can have on water health. An Adopt a Drain session ends with a metal fish being installed on a nearby stormwater drain.
Why is this programme needed?
Stormwater runs over the ground and paved areas towards a drain and picks up pollutants before moving through pipes and out to a nearby waterway. Unlike wastewater, it’s not treated – whatever goes down stormwater drains ends up in the environment.
A good rule of thumb is: only rain should go down the drain. This means preventing pollutants like car oil, soap suds, rubbish, and household and industrial products like paints, fertiliser, etc., from entering the stormwater network, as they can severely harm fragile aquatic environments.
Kudos to the creators
This programme was based on good work being done in Wānaka by the Touchstone Project and WAI Wānaka, who have been at the forefront of stormwater education in their community. Big thanks to WAI Wānaka and the Touchstone Project for their mahi in this space!
Learn more about stormwater and the Adopt a Drain programme, or find out how you can get involved.
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Find out about upcoming community events and Council meetings here.
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Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read it. If you have any story ideas or want to know anything specific about anything in this issue, let us know by emailing onstream@orc.govt.nz
If you have been forwarded this email, you can sign up here.
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