Reporting pollution to the ORC

We rely on the public to let us know where and when you see pollution of air, waterways, land and the coastal marine area. Our pollution hotline is 0800 800 033.

Pollution In Otago Photographer Jono Young 2020

Pūrokohia he parahaka Report pollution

If you notice air, water, or land pollution in Otago, call the Pollution Hotline which is staffed 24/7 on 0800 800 033 to report it or fill in the form.

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Airshed Arrowtown IMG 20240429 WA0001

Te taurima hau takiwā Air care

Clean air is fundamental to the health of our families and the health of our region.

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Markus Deng In Stream Biodiversity IMG 1895

Te taurima wai Water care

Managing water is a big part of what we do, whether it’s water quality monitoring and research, protecting wetlands, or keeping an eye on rainfall and river flows.

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Biodiversity [new]

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ALS ORC Landscapes DSC2249 Shag Point Coast Line

Te taurima takutai Coast care

Coast care delves into Otago's coastal environment, offering insights into coastal features, biodiversity, and water quality. Our coastlines are beautiful, and we want to keep them that way. We manage coastal water quality from the shore out 12 nautical miles.

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ORC Harbourmaster Boat Kaitiaki 4300

Te kaiwhakatere aka Harbourmaster

Our Harbourmaster works to ensure that our waterways are safe for everyone to enjoy. Otago Regional Council are responsible for the regulation of ports, harbours, waters, and maritime-related activities in the Otago region under the Maritime Transport Act (1994).

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IMG 0365 Erik Button Soil Digging

Te taurima whenua Land care

Changes in Otago's land use affect soil health, contamination, and pest control. The region has seen growth in conservation areas, dairy farming, and horticulture. The Otago Regional Council works with others to use land responsibly and control pollution. Maps help manage resources better, making Otago more resilient and sustainable.

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Storm Trees Flooding Wind Photographer Jono Young Otago Scenic 2020

Te hurika o te āhuaraki Climate change

Earth experiences natural changes in its climate, the rate of these changes. The impacts we observe today are the result of historical emissions, and the increase in emissions in recent decades will lead to significant change in the coming years.

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Community Planting Day Toitū Te Hakapupu Pleasant River Restoration Project 3 Sep 2023

Te whakarākei me te tāwharau Enhancing and protecting

Passionate about sustainability? Explore funding sources for environmental projects and education in Otago. Environmental education plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future, empowering individuals to make informed choices and take responsible actions for the well-being of our region. Let's shape a greener future.

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Kā kīrearea me te haumaru koiora Pests and Biosecurity

Discover everything about pests in Otago, from our comprehensive pest plan to the challenges posed by harmful organisms. Learn how to identify these pests, understand why they're problematic, and find out what actions you can take to safeguard Otago's ecosystems.

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Microplastics Inside Soil Adobestock 494570213

Para Waste

As a nation, Aotearoa New Zealand creates a lot of waste yet 65% of the average rubbish bag could be recycled or composted. Explore Otago’s waste minimization rules and reduce landfill waste. Together, we can shift to a circular economy.

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Brad Thomas (Environmental Technician) Installing Cabling

Mahere whenua me te rarauka Maps and data

We collect environmental data from all over Otago. This information helps us and others make informed decisions about managing our resources. Explore our map and data links to better understand our region’s environment.

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