The Takitimu coal mine at Nightcaps has been granted resource consent for its expansion.

Temperature: Cold start, hot finish - extreme temperatures along the way. Rainfall: Very wet in Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Gisborne, Southland and the West Coast. Extremely dry in Northland, below normal rainfall in Auckland and east of the South Island.

Several large water and waste projects are under way in Southland District, with a value of about $3.5 million.

Southland District Council project engineer Bevan McKenzie said work will begin on upgrading the Ohai-Nightcaps water supply system soon.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority has a new chairman - Des Minehan, from Craigpine Ltd.

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno and Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes are angry at what they believe is a backdown on funding the Around the Mountain cycle trail.

Forty submissions have been received so far on four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, all relating to the Te Anau area.

Goodwill and cooperation have been the base for the new Papatotara Coast Road, which was opened on Saturday by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English is to investigate Southland's roading issues after a meeting with representatives from Southland District Council and Federated Farmers yesterday.

Mr English said he was happy to take up the issues raised with the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Two question and answer sessions on four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, relating to the Te Anau area, will be held in Te Anau in November.

The proposed plan changes are being formally notified tomorrow (Saturday 17 October) by the Southland District Council.

Two question and answer sessions on four proposed plan changes to the Southland District Plan, relating to the Te Anau area, will be held in Te Anau in November.

The proposed plan changes are being formally notified tomorrow (Saturday 17 October) by the Southland District Council.