The Cromwell MenzShed was once housed in a dilapidated shed, but members are one step closer to their new purpose-built 300sqm facility on Bannockburn Rd.Recently securing $120,000 from the Otago Community Trust, combined with $200,000 from Central Lakes Trust in 2023, the group of almost 60 members also managed to raise $70,000 - $80,000 from the paid work it does in the community.But, they are still $400,000 short and the current site is “completely maxed out” and almost a health and safety issue, trustee and funding co-ordinator Russ Fowler said.It currently operated out of two 40-foot containers and rotated the morning tea breaks to fit everyone inside.The new shed will allow the organisation to expand its membership and increase the number of community projects its members can take on, from building wheelchair ramps to constructing mud kitchens for schools.The new building will have a meeting room, which could be hired by other groups, toilets and an office as well as a large workshop.“The MenzShed is integral to the community network . . . it creates an environment where topics such as personal wellbeing, and other men's health issues, can be safely discussed either one on one or as an organised group session,” he said.Cromwell Foodbank has a set of new shelves, carefully crafted by members of the Cromwell Menz Shed. PHOTO: SuppliedMade up of mostly retired tradesmen, along with others looking to learn new skills, the reason for the ever-growing membership was due to a lot of people retiring to Cromwell and needing an escape from ‘underfoot syndrome,’ Russ said. “Even though there is a lot of work going on in Cromwell, these people have done their time and want to give back to the community,” he said.Bigger and more ambitious projects are on the horizon - “they are all about looking for the next community project, and that’s what they get out of bed for every morning.”The ambitious $900,000 project has already been designed and signed off, and the group was working with the Central Otago District Council on the requirements for the consent.Then there will be more funding to apply for, projects to keep on with - helping both the community and individuals in need, and making a little bit more income for itself.

Central Otago Indoor Bowls Association (COIBA) is running a fun have a go day this Saturday in Alexandra and everyone is welcome. COIBA publicity officer Dave Moreton said indoor bowls was inexpensive and a fun social activity over winter.“Like any ball sport, the secret is in controlling direction and weight. Get those right consistently and you will master the game in a very short time.”The have a go session is on Saturday April 20 at 1pm, in the Dunstan High School Gymnasium on Enterprise St, Alexandra. It costs $5 and you need to bring a plate, or a raffle prize and wear flat soled shoes.Indoor bowls are smaller than outdoor bowls, meaning no strength is required to get your bowl to the end of the 6.7 metre long carpet mat surface. It’s an inclusive game with different bowling stance options, some bowlers kneel on one or two knees, some stand. On the trial day, existing bowlers of all types will be there to help those new to bowling.There are options to play socially, compete in COIBA championships and team events, and to also play in South Island and national competitions. Secondary school students can also play in the national secondary schools' competition.There are several local clubs playing in Central, including Alexandra, Bannockburn, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh. Contact COIBA secretary Evelyn Bisset on: [email protected] to find local contact information. 

Legal Aid, provided by the Ministry of Justice, offers government funded legal representation to those who meet the applicable financial thresholds and circumstances. Despite common misconceptions, Legal Aid is not free, rather it is considered a loan; those in receipt of Legal Aid may need to repay some or all of the fees under their grant of Legal Aid. In some situations, if you own a home, you may have to authorise a charge over your home as security for your Legal Aid, any debt owing under your grant of Legal Aid would likely need to be repaid upon the sale of that home.Legal Aid is available for an array of areas of law, including but not limited to, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, and Family Law. Firms who offer Legal Aid may do so in one or more of these areas of law. Usually with Criminal Law, where you are facing a charge or charges carrying a maximum penalty of less than 10 years imprisonment, you would be assigned a lawyer upon the approval of your Application for Criminal Legal Aid, whereas with Family Law, you can approach a lawyer who provides Family Law Legal Aid and ask for them to be assigned on your matter(s).Legal Aid is a great resource that allows you to get the legal advice and representation you may require, whilst taking into account your financial and personal circumstances. At Checketts McKay Law we offer Legal Aid for Criminal and Family Law, so it always pays to ask whether you would qualify for Legal Aid, so we can best assist you. 

Family approved!9 Kohinoor Lane, CromwellEnquiries over $1,035,000Nestled in the coveted Prospectors Park, in Central Cromwell - an easy walking distance from Lake Dunstan, Heritage Precinct, Golf Course, Shops and more. Our latest listing will excite families looking for a home with space, flexibility and all the mod cons in a central location. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.Discover Cromwell Living Today!7 Electric Place, CromwellDeadline SaleStep into luxury through an enticing entrance to your newly expanded garage, perfect for all your vehicles and storage needs. Fully fenced for peace of mind, your furry friends can roam freely in the lush, landscaped yard, kept vibrant and green with efficient irrigation. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Contemporary Home With Ample Space!30 Ethereal Crescent, Mount PisaDeadline SaleStep into a modern contemporary masterpiece offering fabulous views and an expansive living experience. This remarkable home, built approximately in 2018, is perfectly situated close to the serene lake and scenic Dunstan trail, in Pisa Moorings, just 15 minutes from Cromwell and approximately 50 minutes from Wanaka and Queenstown. ensuring both convenience and tranquility. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Good Starter Or Holiday Home7 Old Bridge Road, AlexandraDeadline SaleA family home nestled in a peaceful neighborhood. This property offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, with easy access to the river and cycle trail. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Classic Appeal In Prime Location10 Mayfair Grove, AlexandraEnquiries Over $850,000Welcome to 10 Mayfair Grove, Alexandra, where modern comfort meets classic charm. This beautifully crafted home is a true gem nestled in a private setting, perfect for those seeking a balance of peacefulness and convenience. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Downsize Into Prime Location14 Schaumann Street, AlexandraEnquiries Over $715,000Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at 14 Schaumann Street. This inviting home boasts two spacious double bedrooms, plus a versatile single bedroom or office space - ideal for modern living. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Cromwell Lifestyle Opportunity94 Pearson Road, CromwellDeadline SaleWelcome to 94 Pearson Road. Ideal for those seeking an orchard lifestyle with income potential, as well as homeowners yearning for a harmonious blend of comfort, sustainability, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Modern Living At Its Finest!30a Monaghan Street, CromwellEnquiries Over $890,000Setting the standard for chic, modern living, this contemporary low maintenance home will impress and inspire. Located in sought after Old Cromwell and surrounded by mountain views. Its conveniently across the street from popular Cromwell Primary and an easy walk to the Heritage Precinct, Lake Dunstan - ideal for first-home buyers, investors and more. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.A Spectacular Luxury Pisa Home!39 Missy Crescent, Mount PisaEnquiries Over $1,525,000Behind the private high fence is a spectacularly luxurious family home located in affluent and desirable Pisa Moorings, one of the most admired and sought-after areas in the region, nestled on the edge of Lake Dunstan - a short drive from Cromwell, Queenstown, and Wanaka. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.Families Get Excited!69 Wallis Drive, CromwellEnquiries Over $1,265,000Families looking to upsize or relocate to Central will get excited with our latest listing in popular Prospectors Park. A short walk to Lake Dunstan, the Cromwell Golf Course, Schools, supermarket, and more - this four-bedroom modern and substantial home will exceed expectations. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.A Step Onto The Property Ladder!2 Gavan Street, CromwellEnquiries Over $650,000Welcome to this charming and versatile 1960's gem with LIM available, offering something for everyone - whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or holiday maker. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Rural Oasis: The Station Retreat In Omakau11 Half Time Close, OmakauEnquiries Over $1,000,000Escape to your own rural oasis at "The Station" retreat in Omakau. This exceptional property offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, providing a sanctuary for relaxation and leisure. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.OPEN HOMESOpen HomesNOW SOLD

The New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch will be cancelled this year because organisers say it's not financially viable.The Show has been held annually by the Canterbury A&P Association at the showgrounds in Christchurch each November since 1863.Livestock judging and competitions would still be held this year, without the public crowds, as was the case in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.Association board chair Stewart Mitchell said it was sad news and the show's current business model was under review.Mitchell said twelve months of costs but only three days of revenue was not a good model by anyone's standards."The decision to postpone the 2024 Show was a very disappointing one to make, but after several challenging years it gives us an opportunity to completely rethink our strategic direction."After two Covid years and a recent financial loss in 2023, the Association's financial reserves are limited, and with highly variable income streams, we are unable to sustain the risk of another loss in 2024."Mitchell said they were now focused on consolidating revenue to allow the show to return in 2025.Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association general committee president Bryce Murray acknowledged it was sad news."While this is frustrating, we promise to be back stronger and better than ever next year."

Tamariki at Cromwell Primary School (CPS) have been working as a team from the ground up displaying school values as part of an enviroschools project.The ecological building project is a cob wall made of mud and it has taken two terms to construct.It has been led by CPS student enviro-warriors group with the support of Enviroschools facilitator Lucy Francke and CPS year five and six teacher Barbara Caughey. Barbara said the wall was nearly at completion and the next stage would be to investigate how mosaic tile designs could be incorporated. “Park Güell in Barcelona was the inspiration [originally] . . . if anyone in the community has expertise in mosaic tiling, I’d love to hear from them. [The plan] is next term to do an art unit on mosaics.”Students working on the wall are (from left) Phoebe Lucas, Kelsey Speight, Paisley Salmon, Ariadne McDonald. PHOTO: Supplied Barbara said that in term four of 2023 all of the children were rostered on to take a turn contributing to the wall.“It’s become a whole school project . . . it’s been a wonderful activity for those who are more creative.”CPS’s cob wall nearly completed. PHOTO: SuppliedSome students have contributed in their own time and she said getting their hands dirty and stomping in the mud, sand and water has “become their happy place.”Benefits to tamariki have been improving teamwork skills, mental and physical wellbeing, tuakana teina (older children helping the younger ones), and embedding the school values of respect (whakaute), honesty (pononga), excellence (rawe) and contribution (hoatutanga). “It’s also been a learning process, [following] the mud recipe and getting the correct consistency. There’s been problem solving too as the irrigation came on and washed some mud away.”For more information email Barbara at [email protected] 

SPCA has launched a new Snip ‘n Chip campaign for cat owners in Central and some other South Island areas.From April 10 until June 30, 2024 SPCA is working with local participating veterinary clinics to offer a heavily discounted service to cat owners who are struggling with the cost of desexing and microchipping.Vouchers help those in need get their cat desexed and microchipped for $30. There are a limited number of vouchers available and it is dependent on participating vet clinic capacity.SPCA’s National Desexing Programme Manager Rebecca Dobson said the overpopulation issue is widespread.“SPCA is just one of the organisations that struggle with the sheer volume of animals coming into our care. Animal shelters around the country are constantly battling to create space for thousands of animals that need our help every year,” Rebecca said.“By making desexing more accessible to pet owners who may be struggling, we hope to bring down these numbers substantially, so we’re very pleased to be able to offer these vouchers.”Over 10,000 Snip ‘n’ Chip vouchers will be provided over 2024, with more locations being added as they become available. In August 2022 SPCA began a two year campaign to combat the overpopulation of companion animals in New Zealand. Aiming to desex more than 30,000 animals over the two-year period, the charity estimates that this will ultimately result in preventing more than 100,000 unwanted animals being born.Microchipping, included in the voucher, is a great way for owners to be reunited with their lost pets. Bookings need to be made online For information on desexing, see SPCA’s FAQ section.

An Australia-based shearer from small Central Otago horticultural township Ettrick has become the first person to shear 500 merino ewes in an eight-hour solo record attempt.Luke Vernon, 28, has surpassed the previous record by just three ewes, bearing out Hawke's Bay shearer Lou Brown's record of 497 ewes over the 480 minutes, in 2019.From the ringing of the bell at 7am on Friday at Thornton Park in Wandering in Western Australia, Luke Vernon had successive runs of 120, 125 and 125, entering the last two hours two-down.But a dramatic final run with the biggest-ever two-hour run in merino ewes records history needed to get him over the line, was successful.The team was made up with mentor Michael-James "MJ" Terry at his side, the current two-stand record holder, set in 2003 with brother Cartwright, and woolhandlers Maria Ormsby, originally from Rotorua, and Raven Waitere, Cyaniquah Rangawhenua and Santi Hemopo, and Pope Hick."A week off, back into the gym, and keep myself ready," said Vernon.The former boarder at Dunstan High School in Alexandra turned shepherd at Miller's Flats in Central Otago, made the move to Australia looking for farm work.There, he has worked at planting trees, wool pressing and other gigs before studying at shearing school and getting on the stand."There's always an opportunity around the corner. Honestly, I can't rule anything out," Vernon said.Vernon said he was planning to head back to New Zealand for pre-lamb shearing in Central Otago.The nine-hour record of 540, shorn by fellow New Zealander Floyd Neil in West Australia a year ago, dangles tantalisingly within reach based on Friday's hourly rate of 62.5 an hour or one ewe every 57.6 seconds.His latest record, better than any tally achieved in the woolshed, was the latest in a series of nine successful solo shearing record attempts in Australia and New Zealand over the last 16 months, dating back to breaking of the men's solo eight-hours strongwool lambs record twice in two days in New Zealand just before Christmas 2022.The World Sheep Shearing Records Society has two more solo strongwool record attempts booked for August in England, with English shearer Nick Greaves targeting New Zealand shearer Jack Fagan's eight hours lambs record of 754 and Scottish shearer Una Cameron chasing the women's nine-hours ewes record of 458 set in in the South Island by King Country shearer Sacha Bond in February.

There were several regulatory and legislative changes that came into effect on 1 April 2024.It's important to note these changes because they could have a big impact on your business or investments, depending on how they affect you specifically.Below is a summary of some key changes to be aware of:Tax laws for rental properties in 2024 The Government is in the process of reversing current legislation and allowing any interest on loans used to acquire residential investment properties to be deductible for tax purposes again. Before this law change reversal residential property landlords were limited on what loan interest could be deducted against the taxable income the property made.  So, in simpler terms, the Government is changing a law to make it easier for landlords to deduct loan interest from their taxes when they buy rental properties.From 1 April 2024, 80% of all interest incurred on loans associated with residential rental properties will be deductible for tax purposes, and from 1 April 2025, this will increase to 100%.This change in legislation is expected to significantly increase the profits that certain residential property landlords will receive in the future. For instance, let's say a landlord paid $30,000 in interest expenses on a loan for a rental property during the 2024/25 tax year. Under the new rules, $24,000 of this amount (which is 80%) will be allowed as a deduction for tax purposes. As a result, the landlord would pay approximately $7,000 less in taxes compared to the previous year. This alteration in tax laws will lead to a significant boost in cash flow for many residential rental property owners going forward. The minimum wage increaseThe adult minimum wage increased by 2% to an hourly rate of $23.15 from 1 April 2024. For those who employ a number of staff on the minimum wage rate, this could impact your profit margins materially.As a business owner, you may need to complete a forecast for your business to better understand the exact impact on your business and if you need to consider changing your business strategy to cover this cost increase and mitigate the underlying impact on cash flow.Road user charges for electric vehiclesFrom 1 April road user charges will be charged on both full and battery electric vehicles. The cost works out at $76 per 1000km for EV’s and $38 per 1000km for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The reduced hybrid rate reflects the fact this type of vehicle already incurs a road user charge for the petrol engine component of the car.Overall, it is estimated that road user charges for EV vehicles will increase by $1,000 per annum. If you have a fleet of EV vehicles, this could result in a significant cost increase for your business. Therefore, you may need to consider adjusting your business plan to mitigate these higher costs and minimise their impact on your cash flow. 39% trust tax rate changeThe tax rate on profits earned through trusts has been increased to 39%, up from the previous rate of 33%. This change could have a notable effect on your cash flow. If you generate a substantial income through a trust and haven't already done so, it would be a good idea to consider seeking advice tailored to your circumstances. This will help ensure that a trust structure remains suitable for both your business and investment endeavours in the future. SummaryThose are just a few of the regulatory and legislative changes which came into force on 1 April 2024. Some of the changes may result in a material uplift in underlying cashflow for people, but others may also result in a material decline in cashflow generation.If you haven’t done so already it may be prudent to review your forecast business cashflows in detail for the next 12-month period, and potentially take some advice where required to make sure you are fully across the changes and the potential impact on you and your business.If you'd like some assistance or need some professional advice, BDO is here to offer support and leverage our expertise to help you adapt to these regulatory and legislative adjustments.

The Cromwell Memorial Hall will receive an official farewell, with a dawn ceremony and blessing to be held on Monday, April 29.The green light was given to build a new hall and event centre for Cromwell at the Central Otago District Council meeting in February, with Naylor Love awarded the demolition and construction contract. Plans were put in motion to organise a farewell for the old hall, to enable the building to be demolished in May so that construction work could begin.Following the Cromwell Community Board meeting in April 2024 where the hall farewell was discussed, board chair Anna Harrison said it was important that people, many of whom had, had a long association with the hall, had a chance to say goodbye.“Since it was built in1960, the hall has been [a] focal point in Cromwell and served the community well. Now the time has come to replace it with a new facility that is fit for purpose and future-proofed, for a growing population and a greater range of activities.“People told us they wanted this new facility, and we are pleased to now be in a position to offer it, while also paying our respects to the old hall.”The blessing and waiata to be conducted by iwi, will begin at dawn to signify the first light of a new day and era for Cromwell and the wider Central Otago district. Sunrise is due at 7.36am. The community is welcome to attend the event and should aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes beforehand.The blessing will be followed by speeches from dignitaries including Anna, former Mayor of Cromwell Peter Mead (1980-1986), and Cromwell RSA president Denis Ryan. Other members of the stakeholder group and interested parties have also been officially invited.Do you have a memory or a photo of the old hall from days gone by that you’d like to share?To upload go to “Memories of the Cromwell Memorial Hall” on Let’s Talk: Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre | Let’s Talk Central Otago.Read more: Memorial hall farewell ceremony in the planning

Three hunters in the Lindis have been caught by police shooting a deer on private property without permission.Central Otago police have received numerous phone calls from the public about suspicious activity in the lead up the roar, highlighting the problem surrounding poaching in the wider area.Senior Constable Graham Perkins, of Alexandra, said last week that the men who were apprehended in the Lindis were caught on a property, but lied and said they had permission, and showed a map of the area they were operating in.  They were spoken to by police at the farmhouse and the deer was confiscated.“They claimed to be out of the boundary without realising it,” Snr Const Perkins said.Police could also seize vehicles used while offenders were hunting if they thought it warranted it, he said.During the roar in particular, offenders started targeting properties, driving through gates and leaving them open for stock to escape, as well as disturbing the animals, he said.Duck shooting season also starts on May 1 bringing more hunters out into the wild, and the message from police was to be aware of where you were shooting and well away from people and activity. In other incidents, an increased number of liquor ban offences have taken place in Cromwell recently, including one outside the Victoria Arms Hotel.Snr Const Perkins said while on pub checks around the town, officers noticed two females drinking RTD’s across the road overlooking the lake. They were both issued $200 alcohol infringement notices and moved on.  He said there had been an increased level of behaviour recently, whereby people were starting to ‘pre-load’ in public places before entering pubs and hotels, but this was illegal activity.Down in Ettrick, a man on a drink driving conviction with an alcohol interlock device got caught by police when his tail lights on his trailer weren’t working.Snr Const Perkins said somehow the man was able to bypass his device and continued to drive, but when pulled over by police had an excess breath alcohol reading of just 66mcg (the limit being zero).   The normal limit for alcohol while driving is 250mcg.

Central residents will soon get another chance to embrace the art of harakeke weaving.Roxburgh and Omakau will play host to a 10 week long course from the end of this month, which will showcase traditional weaving techniques used to produce various items.Teacher Marcanui, who has been hosting the classes in conjunction with CO Reap for about three years, visits different towns throughout Central each term to pass on his knowledge.Participants will be shown how to make a wide range of kete (baskets) as part of the workshops. PHOTO: Supplied Next term it will be Omakau and Roxburgh’s turn.Sessions will take place at Omakau School on Sundays from April 28, 9am to 3pm, and at the Roxburgh Town Hall on Monday’s from April 29 from 9am to 3pm.The courses will also teach participants Tikanga (customs and traditional values) and basic Te Reo associated with the craft.“They start with identifying the plant and how to harvest it,” Marcanui said.Participants then go on to craft a wide range of kete - a traditional Māori basket - from pencil cases to big baskets.He said anyone can take part.“We get all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons. Some people want to weave, some want to learn more about the Māori culture, [and] for some people it’s just a mental health day.”To find out more and to register visit CO Reap.

Runners, joggers and walkers in Central will have the global free community event parkrun on offer in Alexandra from mid-May.Event director Sally Booth has been the driving force behind bringing parkrun to Central, registering the course and coordinating volunteers.Sally said it had been a year and five months in the making.“It’s been a bit like a third job.”Sally also works as a social worker for Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and in mental health for WellSouth.She said everyone is welcome at every parkrun and she hopes it will bring more visitors to town, and boost peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing.“There’s never anyone in last place as there is a tail walker and there is no time limit.”Sally Booth took part in the Coast to Coast in a team with her family this year. She did the mountain run leg. PHOTO: Supplied The first official parkrun in Alexandra is at 9am on Saturday, May 11, and will be an up and back course, starting on the rail trail just north of the Dunstan Park subdivision, up to Coates Rd and then back, and into the pines for a 400m loop, finishing where it started. “We did investigate other options for various trails but [parkrun’s health and safety requirements are specific],” Sally said.She said that the run could not cross any driveways, roads or access ways, and it had to be wide enough for mobility scooters and prams, and potentially able to cope with around 200 people at a time.Prior to the first parkrun, two trials are being run this month on Saturday, April 20, at 2pm and Sunday, April 28 at 1pm. For the first official parkrun event in Alexandra she is hopeful of about 50 people coming along. Volunteers at the 250th Queenstown parkrun on February 3, 2024 included Alexandra’s Shelley Charlton (fourth from left). PHOTO: Instagram @yogabounce Prams and dogs are welcome, there is no need for fancy equipment. To find out more join the Facebook group Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun, Alexandra Trials.A web page will be launched next Friday, April 19. Participants and volunteers need to register online prior to the first parkrun. On May 11 they need to print out and bring their barcode along to take part.Sally thanked event director Sarah McKey, run directors Dean Gerling, Tom Health, Shelley Charlton, Murray Booth, Maria Burnett and others who have volunteered.Parkrun began in New Zealand in 2012 and has become a feature in many communities, uniting those new to running, families, visitors, young and old alike for an inclusive fun timed five kilometre run every Saturday morning.Across New Zealand there are more than 44 events in public parks or open spaces and along with participating there are lots of ways to volunteer, including setting up the event, marshalling, timekeeping, scanning, handing out finish tokens or tail walking.Read more: High energy from youngsters at Alexandra Athletics prizegivingRead more: Local women shine at Shotover Moonlight Marathon

A proposed multi-turf project for Ranfurly will be consulted on as part of the 2025-34 Long-term Plan. The Maniototo Community Board met this month and discussed the Maniototo ward component of the 2024-25 fees and charges schedule for inclusion in the Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Annual Plan 2024-25. The proposed turf and courts upgrade for the Maniototo Area School, expected to cost upwards of $900,000, was also discussed. Concerns had been raised about the safety of the aging turf in its current state, and what would happen should it be ruled as officially unsafe, meaning that Maniototo players would have to travel at least once a week for their games. A clear funding strategy for the new turf was yet to be agreed upon, however some progress had been made that would potentially include the disposal of three school properties, external fundraising through clubs, trusts and sponsorship as well as a council grant. After discussion, it was agreed in light of rates rises already signalled, that the presentation of a complete funding strategy and the proposed grant for the Ranfurly Multi Turf should be deferred for one year, so that council did not risk rating for something that might not occur until the following year. While the draft Maniototo Ward 2024-25 Annual Plan budget was agreed upon, it was decided that the grant be considered as part of the CODC's 2025-34 Long-term Plan. In the meantime, the community board has requested more information, analysis and time on the project before consulting.

The level of houses listed for sale is up nearly 30 percent, to levels not seen since 2015.At the same time prices had gone up by 2.9 percent over the past 12 months, the latest Property Report by Real Estate New Zealand found.The national average asking price was just under $887,000, up $27,000 from March last year.Central Otago was the region with the highest average asking price in the country, the report said.While the West Coast had the lowest average asking price - which surpassed the $500,000 mark last month for only the second time in 17 years.Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams told Morning Report the property market was very suppressed in 2023, with eight of the 12 months having the lowest listings on record for that month."There were interest rates, cost of living, but also it was an election year and Kiwis don't necessarily like to transact under uncertain times . . . now that we're sort of out the back of those, while interest rates are still quite high, inflation is coming down and the new governments in place, we've seen that flurry of sellers come onto the market."Average prices had also been relatively static for 18 months, sitting between $860,000-$890,000, she said.The lower prices and rule changes from the new government, were seeing investors coming back to the market, Williams said."We might see a bit of both; we might see investors looking to keep those properties because now financially they can work with the tax break, or we might also see an increase in supply because of the brightline test dropping back to two years."

The older I get the more I adhere to the theory of the pendulum swing; being that things tend to veer between the extremes until they find a sensible middle-ground. I’ve been at an LGNZ meeting this week where the new fast-tracks approvals process for consenting infrastructure was a hot topic of discussion. If you don’t know about this, the thumbnail sketch is that there is a bill before Parliament right now that is designed to provide a one-stop-shop form of authorisation, that captures all necessary regulatory approvals, access permissions and public works proclamations (the red tape some may say) to take or deal with land, under more than 10 separate acts and regulations. It will also see three ministers (Bishop, Brown and Jones) able to approve infrastructure projects of regional or national significance through to an expert panel who then can make recommendations on the project that the ministers can take into account as much as they wish when making a final decision. And, that final decision cannot be appealed other than on questions of law. On the one hand, New Zealand has a terrible record for the cost of getting consent to do anything compared to other OECD nations. For instance, a very recent Bofa Miskell report to the Ministry of the Environment estimated that the consenting processes for waste water consenting plants can take both significant time (between 2 and 4 years) and cost (an average consent process would be in the order of $500,000 to secure). The way we do things currently is out of whack in my view and absolutely needs sorted out. We have all seen or heard of people or organisations who are barely involved or affected by a project having a disproportionate say in outcomes under the current regime, and often those people or groups have money behind them, allowing a disbalanced fight in the courts.  But on the other hand, the proposal puts a lot of power in the hands of just three people. So where is the sweet spot, the place where the pendulum balances progress unencumbered by unnecessary expense against the legitimate needs of the environment and of the people who are genuinely affected? Time will tell, but it may sit somewhere in between what we’ve got and what we might be about to get. If you want to know more and perhaps make a submission on the bill, details can be found at Fast-track Approvals Bill - New Zealand Parliament. Submissions close next Friday.

New Zealand has experienced its coldest March in 12 years.The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) monthly climate summary said frequent cold fronts last month led to unusually chilly and windy weather.The nationwide average temperature was 14.8°C.NIWA said more than 25 locations experienced record-breaking or near-record low mean temperatures for March, with the lowest temperature of -4.9°C recorded at Waipara North in Canterbury on 16 March.Many areas also experienced significant dry spells, NIWA said."Napier and Hicks Bay observed 31 dry days, as they recorded their second driest and driest March on record, respectively. Meanwhile, an astounding 32 locations observed over 25 dry days in March, including Kerikeri, Gisborne, Blenheim, Kaikōura, Christchurch, Nelson, and Masterton."The highest temperature was 32.6°C, recorded at Clyde in Central Otago on 2 March.NIWA said of the six main centres in March, Auckland was the warmest, Dunedin was the coolest and least sunny, Christchurch was the driest, Hamilton was the wettest, and Tauranga was the sunniest.The highest one-day rainfall was 117mm, recorded at Milford Sound on 25 March.The highest wind gust was 178km/h which was observed at Cape Turnagain on 26 March.

Men will get a chance to improve their culinary skills when Central Otago Reap (CO Reap) launches another round of Bloke's Cooking next month.Bloke's Cooking is a free course, being offered in Alexandra and Cromwell, designed to give men the confidence to cook quick, nutritious meals from scratch.The course is designed for men who live alone, including those who want some guidance, or widowers who had previously been treated to meals with all the trimmings by their late wife.CO Reap educator Shona Bain said the course was first offered in the district last year, which was so popular that it made sense to bring it back for round two.She said it was designed to be hassle free, while giving men a chance to improve their basic cooking skills to ensure they were eating good nutritious food.Shona said it was also about teaching them how they can still eat well on a budget.“There’s quite a few of those [that have] suddenly got to work under a budget and food’s really expensive. Some of them are first time flatters, some have lost their wife, some just want to learn how to cook.”The workshops will be hosted by Marcanui, who will bring a wide range of skills to the kitchen.“He’s a great cook and relates really well to people, and he’s got a whole plethora of cooking that he’s going to introduce the men to,” Shona said.But, it won’t be a high paced pressure cooker, with fancy expectations.“It’s budget cooking,” Shona said.“It’s good, solid, basic nutritional meals.”The workshops are limited to 12 participants.“Our kitchen capacity is about 10, but because of the popularity of the course we squeezed a couple more in.”Shona said there had already been some interest so encouraged people to register soon to avoid missing out.The Cromwell course will take place over four weeks on a Friday from May 3 at the Cromwell Reap room, 19 Molyneux Ave, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.The Alexandra course will take place over four weeks on a Monday from May 6 at the netball pavilion at Molyneux Park, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.To register visit Adult and Community Education Categories - COREAP

The Alpine Fault magnitude 8 (AF8) programme has launched a short film and campaign weaving together Matāuranga Māori and western science to strengthen peoples’ understanding of the alpine fault.The film ‘Kauraka e Mataku, kia Takatū’ (Don't be scared, be prepared) is to encourage whānau and communities to work together to be better prepared for natural hazard events and emergencies.Watch the short three minute film on YouTube here. Emergency Management Otago (EMO) team leader Central Courtenay Jamieson said the film was a great example of different groups and perspectives coming together with a common call to action, to be prepared.“The film tells the history of the AF8 and just like it’s previous ruptures have built our beautiful mountains and landscape, another impending rupture will again drastically change the land we live on. “Not only will the landscape be altered, but our way of life too with infrastructure, roading and communications likely to be down. The reality of the earthquake’s impact can sometimes seem overwhelming, but there’s also the important message - if we’re prepared, we’ll be ok, kia kaha (stay strong).”Courtenay said the film shows pragmatic simple ways to take action to be better prepared for when an AF8 earthquake hits, such as organising emergency supplies like water, food and grab and go bags. “[EMO] also recommends signing up to Otago Gets Ready for regional emergency alerts and to check out getready.govt.nz for more info on how to be prepared for an emergency.”The film was co-produced by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the AF8 Programme with co-sponsorship from Toka Tū Ake EQC.From next Monday (April15) EMO are running an online preparedness survey, and respondents can go in the draw to win one of five family sized grab and go bags.  On the AF8 website it states that scientific research indicates there is a 75 per cent probability of an alpine fault earthquake occurring in the next 50 years, and there is a four out of five chance that it will be a magnitude 8+ event.