NewsBank (Oamaru Mail)

A council employee falling over and injuring themselves while removing a goat from a public park was among the health and safety incidents identified in a report brought before Waitaki district councillors on Monday.

Newly-released guidance for older drivers removing “inappropriate” routine cognitive testing has been welcomed as a move towards a “fairer” system by Grey Power North Otago.

Hailed as a writer to watch, Susanna Elliffe, the recipient of the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize last year, has launched her new book.

Farmers should begin preparing now ahead of a predicted ‘‘significant’’ El Nino event which could bring with it drought and heavy rainfall, Otago Regional Council’s principal scientist says.

Black stilts in the Department of Conservation’s captive breeding facility near Twizel are among the prized native birds getting vaccinations for when avian flu eventually arrives on New Zealand shores.

Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust restoration officer John Baster has been busy restoring the old JM McCarthy building in the Heritage Precinct in Tyne St.

FARMLAND has been found to be an effective nesting habitat for endangered yellow-eyed penguins.

A Waikouaiti man who bit his 3-month-old baby told police the assault happened in his sleep while having an ‘‘aggressive dream’’, a court has heard.

A Poll Dorset stud will continue its more than 50 years of breeding history after returning to its roots in Macraes Flat.

Two North Otago bowlers got to mix it with the best in the country last month.

A historic whaling pot will soon be returned to its rightful home in Moeraki.

Network Waitaki gave more $125,000 to groups and projects around the district at its annual sponsorship awards.

The Waitaki Marine Reserve and four others along the Otago coast are a ‘‘really good start’’, a marine scientist who helped shape the protected areas says.

A local hero was celebrated this week as part of Road Safety Week.

A new population of a tiny fish — known as “jaws” — has been discovered in the Waitaki catchment, in a boost to the species clinging to survival.

Police and experts say it is not just excessive speed contributing to a recent uptick in fatal road crashes, but motorists’ poor attitudes to driving and lack of training.

Century Farms will again bring farming families and industry influencers from across the country to Lawrence this month, celebrating historic stories of land stewardship.

A lack of new volunteers could spell the end of the Performing Arts Festival in Oamaru.

How does a girl who grew up on an East Otago farm end up playing for the United States? Allied Media reporter Kayla Hodge hears more about Spirit halfback Abigail Paton’s journey from the Pigroot to the Rocky Mountains.

Grey Power North Otago members are “appalled” by the three rates rises out for consultation, the organisation’s president says.

PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin likens the business as it exists today to a braided river, reflecting the various mergers that have occurred over the past 175 years.

A truck driver airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition following a crash north of Hampden has five fractures on one side of his body and his family has been left asking for financial help.

Paddy Spillane will represent the South at an international event this year.

The restoration of the ‘‘heart’’ of Waitaki Boys’ High School was celebrated last week.

Police arrested a man after an alleged assault ‘‘during a professional meeting’’ last week.

A chance to enjoy ‘‘great food’’ and dress in traditional costume will all be part of the Oamaru Chinese Association celebrations of the Chinese New Year next weekend.

North Otago Tennis is bringing back its junior open this weekend.

Despite less than perfect summer conditions in Oamaru, North Otago tennis still put on a show.

North Otago farmers are being invited to go organic with Fonterra’s organic business now inviting applications from farmers in the South Island for the first time.

Oamaru families will have to find their own New Year’s Eve entertainment this year, after the Waitaki District Council opted not to hold annual celebrations to cut costs.