A cemetery plan for future burials in Naseby had to be amended after an archaeologist report found pre-1900 features within the existing site that needed protection.A report to the Maniototo Community Board last week from Central Otago District Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey highlighted a reservoir and tunnel outlet through the south wall - an exact match with ’Lory & Co’s Dam’ shown in an 1877 plan.The dam fed ‘Newmarch’s water race’, which runs down the cemetery ridge on the west side of the section, curves to the east and skirts around the reservoir, and runs off to the south. Another water race was fed by the reservoir, starting at the tunnel outlet in the reservoir wall. “To the south-east of the reservoir wall there is a possible sod hut site, now indicated by a low rectangular mound with a depression in the middle that probably indicates the wall outline.”Gordon said in his report that being pre-1900 the features were protected under the Historic Places Act 1993 and should not be destroyed or altered. He told the meeting that following the removal of mature trees onsite, there had been a change in the layout to protect the historic features.The new layout varied from the initial plan, with the first stage of development being undertaken immediately adjacent to the existing cemetery on the western side. Stage one will see 46 burial plots and 24 ash plots adequate for the next 10 years and more, based on projected population numbers. Implementation of the Naseby cemetery plan has been reflected in 2025 -2034 Long Term Plan, with funding set aside this year of $10,000 and $100,000 in the 2026/27 year.The report said fencing work on the existing cemetery would be undertaken as the budget allowed, as would maintenance of the regrowth within the undeveloped area.“Stages 2 and 3 will happen to meet future burial demand and it is envisaged that the stumps will have decomposed significantly before then making the area easier to develop while continuing to protect that heritage features within the area. “These heritage features will be incorporated into the cemetery layout to showcase and reflect the history of the area.”Naseby Cemetery was established in 1860. Operational for 164 years, the occupied part of the cemetery is now close to capacity requiring that council plan for future burial needs of the Naseby community. In 2023 an assessment of burial demand, forecast population growth of Naseby, and the potential burial capacity of the undeveloped area of the property was completed.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Hato Hone St John has decided to cut a range of community programmes - therapy pets, hospital volunteers and community carers - from the end of June 2026.St John deputy chief executive community health Pete Loveridge said the organisation’s governance group has approved a new direction for its community health arm to focus on expanding health education, enabling proactive health monitoring, and improving access to health services.St John conducted a review of existing programmes and services to ensure they were aligned with the new direction and made the “difficult decision” to conclude the therapy pets, hospital volunteers and community carers programmes next year, he said. “We know this is disappointing news for our volunteers, clients, and staff who are impacted,” Peter said. “This change is not about cost saving but ensuring the work we do has the greatest impact and is aligned with our strategic goal of helping people to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes.”The therapy outreach pets involves visiting elderly people, schools, and rest homes, while caring callers is an outreach programme which provides regular contact for some of the lonelier or isolated members of the community.“We want to thank and acknowledge the significant contribution of every individual who has put their time, compassion, and energy into these programmes,” Peter said.St John is currently exploring opportunities to transition the soon-to-be-axed programmes to the organisation’s service partners, including hospitals and rest homes, he said.St John continues to offer a range of community programmes. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

This weekly feature showcases the newest listings from Tall Poppy Real Estate, offering you a first look at the latest homes on the market and updated every Thursday.Refurbished Family Home in Alexandra24 Boundary Road, AlexandraWelcome to this tidy, fully refurbished brick home located at 24 Boundary Road, Alexandra. Set on a corner section, the property combines modern conveniences with the character of a solid 1976 build. With three generously sized bedrooms, it is the perfect home for first-time buyers, families, or investors looking to expand their portfolio. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon and Dee Labes.Rare Bannockburn OpportunityLot 4, Hall Road, Bannockburn, CromwellPositioned in one of Central Otago’s most coveted locations, this 1,500sqm (approx.) section offers a rare opportunity to secure a slice of Bannockburn’s prized landscape. Elevated and expansive, the site boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the area - panoramas that stretch across iconic vineyards, rugged hills, and down to the Kawarau River. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Prime Industrial Location46 Boundary Road, AlexandraA great starting point in any business venture is a prime site with high traffic volumes, boundary road offers the budding entrepreneur with an affordable corner site in an established industrial site on the corner of Success and Boundary Roads.Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon and Dee Labes.Absolute Beauty on Ventry!99 Ventry Street, AlexandraThis stunning four-bedroom split-level home has been thoughtfully transformed into a beautiful, modern haven – perfect for families seeking comfort, style, and space in the heart of Alexandra. Elevated to capture sweeping views over the town, the home features open-plan living with a contemporary kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry. The modernised interior offers a fresh, light-filled atmosphere, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Perfect Starter or Investment Opportunity!3 McKellar Street, AlexandraLocated conveniently close to schools and sports facilities, this bungalow offers a fantastic opportunity to enter the property market. This home has been in the family for over 40 years and is ready for the next person to add their touch and make some memories. Compact in size but enough room for the family. Good heating with both a woodburner and heat pump, comfort is assured all year round. While some modernisation is needed, it’s perfect for a handyman or those keen to add value. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Large Family Home with Private Garden in Alexandra108A Ventry Street, AlexandraWelcome to 108A Ventry Street, a 250m2 residence located in the heart of Alexandra. This beautifully refurbished two-storey home combines modern convenience with comfort, making it an ideal option for families seeking space and accessibility to the community. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property caters to all your needs, ensuring both privacy and togetherness. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon and Dee Labes.Want to see more? click here to view all of Tall Poppy’s current listings.

Maniototo residents may have a second chance to keep the Patearoa, Wedderburn and Waipiata halls in council ownership, if community proposals are not forthcoming.Councillor Stu Duncan asked council staff at the Maniototo Community Board on Thursday (August 7) about the divestment process of the halls if they weren’t retained by the community.“What’s the process for taking them off the books?” he said.Central Otago District Council chief executive Peter Kelly said that if a decision on those halls wasn’t made by communities before the next Long Term Plan (LTP) in two years, there was room for further discussions on their future.“If the community still isn’t happy with the council decision, do they have an opportunity in the LTP to say ‘we think you have made a mistake’?” Stu asked.Peter said “potentially”, but reminded the meeting that the decision to divest those community halls had already been made by council.In June, the council agreed to divest eight low used halls/community facilities across the district, but there were already community group proposals underway in the Maniototo to retain Patearoa, Wedderburn, and Waipiata halls.Council community experience group manager David Scoones said opportunities for communities to retain their own halls was on a “first dibs” basis.He said the Patearoa Hall proposal was already well underway, and all of the halls earmarked for divestment would continue to be funded by council for the next 18 months, until a final decision was made.A total of 13 halls and community facilities were retained by council: Millers Flat, Poolburn, Becks, and Ophir halls; the Clyde hall, museum and railway station; Ranfurly Hall, Wallace Memorial Rooms, and Centennial Milkbar; Naseby Hall and general store, and the Fenton Library.Ongoing escalating costs of halls and buildings including $12.7M identified earthquake strengthening led to the review of the facilities.Community groups that acquired buildings to maintain would have the on-going operational maintenance or earthquake strengthening of the building as an alternative of ratepayers.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The Flames Ice Hockey club in Alexandra knows how to organise a good fundraiser: Round up some celebrities and the people will come.In 2023 they teamed up with chef and Royalburn Station co-owner Nadia Lim to raise $50,000 for a pee wee (U-14) trip to Melbourne, and now they’ve convinced Matt Chisholm to run their own version of ‘It’s In The Bag’.On August 22, the Alexandra Town Hall will host a revamp of the old television series, giving contestants a chance to take home some big prizes - and the odd booby prize.The club is aiming for $30,000 to support its representative players from the event (the club’s second big fundraiser) as many have to travel nationally and overseas for competitions.Fundraising committee chair Michelle Wallis said they had 18 talented players selected for representative teams this season - the highest ever for the club.“This is an amazing showing from our small club, however the additional financial pressures it has put upon our families is very real with additional costs running into the thousands,” she said.“We decided to form a group and fundraise together to support this year’s group, and hope to hold an annual fundraiser to try and continue to support new players to get involved in rep level sport.”For It’s In The Bag, one person from each table was guaranteed to get up on stage and have a chance to win or sell their chosen bag.“And yes, there is a chance they might get a booby prize,” Michelle said.There were also encouraging people to dress up in 70s and 80s garb “and we’ll also do a spot prize for the best dressed guest”.Read more: Record numbers of representative players from Alexandra Flames Find more details about the event, which will take place later this month, here. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

An ancient festival found a new home in Lowburn on Friday night (August 8), as Cromwell women - some new to the town, others well-settled - came together to celebrate Teej.Timed with the onset of the monsoon in parts of India, Teej is a centuries-old festival dedicated to women.Japleen Kaur said it was traditionally a time when married daughters would return to their parents’ homes during the rainy season to sing, dance, and share food with their childhood friends. “Teej holds special significance in agricultural communities as it falls during the monsoon season,” she said.“This period marks a pause after the busy harvest, allowing farmers and their families to rest and rejuvenate, so in that leisure time daughters visit their families.”For Japleen, who hails from Punjab and moved to Central Otago two years ago, hosting a Teej gathering with a small team of organisers in her new town was a way to honour traditions, have fun, and meet with others from her homeland.“I feel very lucky that we are doing something, as we are so far from our homeland,” Japleen said.“I think it’s important - otherwise we might miss the festival altogether, plus it’s a chance to meet a lot of people.”Parmpreet Kaur on a swing to celebrate Teej. Image: The Central AppThere were fairy lights, traditional dress, dancing, singing, childhood games (including one similar to local favourite hopscotch), and home-cooked food.Stirred atop the stove in the hall was a large pot of kheer, an Indian version of rice pudding, cooked by Japleen.It was served with chasni, a syrup flavoured with saffron and cardamom, and malpura, a type of fried, sweet roti, similar to a pancake.Outside, strung from a tree beside Lake Dunstan, adorned with flowers and more fairy lights, was a swing - another traditional feature of the festival.Parmpreet Kaur, another new Cromwell resident, said the swing would have acted as a gathering point for women - usually a cool spot under the shelter of trees to appreciate the cooler winds of the monsoon.“You put a swing there and enjoy your time together with your friends,” Parmpreet said, explaining how songs and stories would be shared, with a playful atmosphere.Parmpreet moved to Cromwell from India a year ago. Back home, the calendar was packed with festivals; here, the opportunities for social gatherings are fewer. “This is a great way to celebrate, to get together, and enjoy,” she said.The women donned colourful salwar kameez, a common outfit worn by Punjabi women consisting of a long, loose-fitting tunic, trousers and a scarf.But for Japleen, the ‘Punjabi suit’ isn’t pulled out solely for special occasions - it’s for day-to-day wear too, regardless of her address.“I always prefer to wear this outfit,” she said. “If I’m going to the supermarket or Queenstown - even at Light Up Winter - and people here, they appreciate it. Sometimes people, they stop me and they say, ‘You look gorgeous’.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Each week, mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues council is tackling.Democracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to mayor Tamah Alley.

If it doesn’t rain it pours. After what seemed like a man drought for several years, the world offered up some options, just to keep me in check.The boyfriend from 25 years ago has gone abroad for three months. It was already planned before we reconnected. He said he might not make contact while away, but I thought he was joking. It’s been three weeks and there is absolutely no sign of him. Has he been kidnapped? Stuck in the desert without water? Beheaded by a camel? Or perhaps something even more sinister like being involved in some random drug heist. Eeek.With our lives being worlds apart - literally - I decided to focus on something else. Myself. Fitness. Health and wellbeing. And then I bumped into an old mate in the supermarket that I hadn’t seen in years. He too, was into fitness and wellness and everything good like I was.He offered some advice, having worked in the fitness industry, and I couldn’t not take up his offer. Of course, I could tell he had an ulterior motive, but what was the harm in that? If anything I was flattered. I told him about my new/old love - my recycled boyfriend who had disappeared overseas - and he said “anything can happen in three months”.  He’s so right. So we’re hanging out. If Recycled Boyfriend had done the courtesy of messaging me, I could’ve explained.“If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with?” Finally, that song makes sense.There’s another funny twist to my now ‘active’ personal life: A guy I’ve had a crush on for years and years, who finally disappeared months ago because quite frankly I stopped thinking about him, is also back.   First he appeared in my dreams two nights in a row. I was actually quite annoyed. Like I need any more distractions right now. And then the day I had coffee with Fitness Boy he appeared in the cafe - the ONLY other person in the cafe at the time. It feels like the universe is trying to have some fun. How could I be in the company of two extremely good looking men at once? Only one was giving me attention, but the other one certainly had mine. It was a struggle to keep on track. So there we have it. A conundrum. Will the Recycled Boyfriend come back, and if he does, will he still be interested? And Fitness Guy. After being mates for so many years and then arriving back in town, we’ve already had the discussion about the risk of taking it further and then losing what we had.And the crush? He’ll just stay the same, nothing less and probably nothing more either. Unless he becomes single all of a sudden, and I don’t want that happening because of my influence. It’s just really weird that he always pops up when I start seeing somebody.   And as for the online dating world? Well, I’ve hardly had time to look this month, there’s enough happening in my everyday life.   

The sporting code and club I’ve followed most closely over the past two seasons is football — and specifically, Wanaka AFC.Since the arrival of Ben Sippola in late 2023, via Major League Soccer in the USA and the highly regarded Ole Academy in Porirua, the club has made big strides out of its small community base.In 2024, Wanaka AFC won promotion to the ten-team Southern League, a major step up. At the time, they were described as a team of “transients, tradies and Central Otago locals.” Right now, they sit 8th out of 10 teams, with five wins and eight losses.Under the leadership of director of football Ben Sippola and his coaching staff, a cultural shift has taken place; one based in part on the model Sippola experienced at the Ole Academy. It’s a move away from casual, recreational football and towards a culture where players join because they want serious football, not just the lifestyle.Was this a gamble in a community like Wānaka? Possibly. There are certainly plenty of lifestyle attractions that would draw players to the Upper Clutha, the scenery, the snow, the long summers. But there’s more to the dream now.Wanaka AFC has become the first Central Otago club to reach this level of the sport, and they’ve done it with purpose.The 2025 squad includes new players relocating from the USA, Canada, the Wellington Phoenix Academy and regional elite academies. The pull and reputation of the club are being noticed globally, a testament to its rapidly evolving plan and vision.Football is hugely popular across all age groups in Central Otago, and now, thanks to Wanaka AFC, there’s a clear pathway beyond junior football. Not just in Wanaka, but across the region.Is this just the beginning of something bigger for this club?That's my view from the sideline.

A petition organised by a Cromwell fisherman to extend the whitebait season by four weeks has gone to Parliament with 3,500 signatures.Trevor Hannah has been whitebaiting on the Mataura River near Fortrose for 34 years, and believes the last public consultation on the industry in 2018 was “woefully inadequate".He approached Southland MP Joseph Mooney recently with his petition on behalf of whitebaiters in the south, wanting the season extended from August 15 to November 15, two weeks either side of what it was now.Joseph presented it to the Petition Committee last week.The ‘hybrid’ petition involved collecting signatures both online and in person, “because literally it was an up and down the river bank petition”.The Department of Conservation sets the rules and has said since 2018 that whitebaiting was in decline, but Trevor believes there hasn’t been any actual hard evidence to support that.“There is plenty of bait out there and always has been.”There have always been different regulations between the East and West Coasts - those fishing in Southland and Otago have a slightly longer season, and there were more rules regarding the use of screens and stands on the West.Trevor’s mate John Laughton, of Alexandra, has been whitebaiting at Okuru for the past 16 years and was annoyed he had to decrease his stand from 18m down to just 6m under new rules introduced two years ago.“We do acknowledge that there are more fishermen out there catching but they are catching from the same amount of bait that we have had for decades.“Mum and dad ‘baiters just want to catch a feed and spend some well earned mental health time on the river. Not everyone sells it,” Trevor said.Joseph said the Petition Committee would decide next whether to invite submissions on the issue, then make recommendations on what to do next.There were thousands of whitebaiters in New Zealand and 26 social media groups - including Kiwi Whitebaiters NZ (with 16k members) and South Island Whitebaiters (7.7k).Andrew said he would like to see more research and investigation take place. “Let’s find out if the whitebait is actually in trouble, and why, then perhaps we could find the real issue and protect them properly.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

In “the ultimate intergenerational collaboration”, the Alexandra Blossom Festival is inviting mobility scooter riders to ride their scooters - decorated by teenagers - in the Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival Grand Parade on September 27.Even seniors without a mobility scooter can join the fun, as festival organisers have partnered with Ted Clouston, a 92-year-old local scooter business owner, to help provide a small fleet of wheels for the occasion. Ted - who attended the first Blossom Festival in 1957 - said he already had a group of scooter enthusiasts ready to go. “Everyone I’ve spoken to is dead keen,’ he said. It was over a decade since Ted last took part in the Grand Parade, and he was looking forward to cruising the street again - albeit on a very different ride to previous years, he said.Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the idea was about community, creativity and bringing the generations together - as well as “a bit of fun’’.“Imagine a squad of mobility scooters driving in a flying ‘V’ formation down Centennial Ave, all decked out in blossoms thanks to the youngsters - it will be magnificent,’’ he said.Martin was keen to hear from rest homes and senior clubs, as well as students, keen to get involved.“Whether you're a senior keen to cruise or a student with a bit of flair, this is your chance to roll through Alexandra in style,” he said.Students would be rewarded with free entry to the Contact Party in the Park, and festival organisers will shout them lunch, Martin said. Contact Martin ([email protected]) to get rolling or decorating.  Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A Central Otago tourism leader says charging foreign visitors to access some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions is a fair way to ensure the costs of tourism are shared more evenly.Last week the government announced international tourists would soon pay a fee to visit four famed visitor hot spots: Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Cathedral Cove, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.Tourism Central Otago head of destination Antz Longman said the move was “a positive step” in a context where the benefits of tourism have been well accounted for – but the burdens have not.“We have to protect the assets and environments that we enjoy and value as New Zealanders - and [which] are one of the main reasons why travellers choose to visit New Zealand,” he said.Antz said the proposal aligns with international practice, but the key will be ensuring revenue is reinvested locally.“What is critically important is that the funds raised are clearly reinvested back in the place they are charged and not returned to a central pot,” he said. “Overall, as a country we do need to be conscious of the cumulative effects of charges (GST, International Visitor Levy and location-based charging) to our international visitors – over time.”While none of the initial fee sites are in Central Otago, he said the principle reflected work done in the district’s own Destination Management Plan, which identified the need for a self-sustaining funding model to support both short and long-term investment in infrastructure, environmental health, and community wellbeing.Central Otago’s cycle trails were one example where extra funding could make a difference. Maintenance and development were currently sustained by volunteer-led trail trusts, contributions from commercial operators, donations from riders, and limited central government support.Antz said central funding for cycle trails comes largely from the International Visitor Levy, which is mostly paid by people who don’t use them.“Cycle trails across the country are primarily utilised by New Zealanders and Australians who do not pay the IVL,” he said.Cromwell-based international expedition leader and Africa travel wholesaler Natasha Sinclair, who runs trips in Africa and India, said such fees are common overseas and generally well-accepted.“At Victoria Falls, for example, you have three tiers of pricing…and the whole reason for having that is ensuring visitors can make a meaningful contribution to the site, but that it is still accessible to local people within the country to enjoy.”She called New Zealand an “outlier” by opting until now to not charge visitors for access to its most popular natural attractions. She said in many countries visitor fees are a practical way to help manage the environmental and infrastructure pressures tourism creates.“The more people who do come to a place, obviously creates its own big issues – with rubbish management, maintenance and all of that. And if the country doesn’t have a high average wage or, like ours, has a small population, people have to pay for that stuff.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Snow is falling across parts of the South Island, prompting travel warnings for several inland highways in Central Otago and Canterbury.New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has issued area-specific alerts for the following routes:State Highway 8, Omarama to FairlieState Highway 8, Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass)State Highway 6, Kingston to LumsdenState Highway 85, Ranfurly to BecksNZTA says crews are actively monitoring and responding to conditions, with snow and sleet creating hazardous driving conditions in higher areas.MetService has also placed snowfall warnings across South Island alpine passes, advising caution for those travelling over the next few days.Motorists are encouraged to drive to the conditions: reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden braking or turning.“Visibility is key — please keep your lights on and ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving,” said an NZTA spokesperson.Frost, sleet and snow are expected to continue intermittently across inland routes. Travellers should plan ahead using the NZTA Journey Planner and check for live updates.The Central App will update Roads again tomorrow morning - stay updated on Roads

Snow is falling across Central Otago’s higher routes and the Manitototo this afternoon, prompting warnings for drivers to take extra care.At midday, road crews were dispatched to Lindis Pass as snow began settling on the ground.The route remains open with care, with ploughs currently working through the area.Snow has also been reported settling on Williamson Hill, along the Ranfurly side. An update from a Fulton Hogan contractor said Williamson Hill Rd had visible snow cover, with ploughs now heading out.Drivers are urged to check conditions before travelling and to drive slowly if heading over any elevated routes.Dansey's Pass is now closed from the gates past the hotel due to snow.MetService is forecasting further flurries throughout the afternoon as a cold front moves up the South Island. Locals have been quick to share pictures of wintry scenes on social media, though authorities say the situation could become more serious overnight.“Even a light dusting can create black ice and make for very slippery travel,” a road maintenance contractor said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep the main roads passable, but we advise caution if people don’t absolutely need to travel.”The Central App will continue to update this story throughout the day as more information becomes available. If you have photos of snow in your area, feel free to send them through to [email protected] updated via The Central App Road updates.Reader picture sent in - Ida Valley

MP Joseph Mooney has written to the Health Minister regarding the cutting of transitional rural health funding for Roxburgh Medical Centre.Joseph told The Central App on Thursday (August 7) he had concerns about WellSouth’s financial management, and questioned how the ‘extra’ funding had gone unnoticed for 10 years.He said there were “red flags” regarding the funding arrangements being transitional, with supposed overpayments of $130,000 made to HealthCentral for the Roxburgh Medical Centre.“How does something of that scale slip through unnoticed?” he asked.Joseph said given that a third of the Teviot population was aged over 65, it was a large portion of the community that needed access to health care.“It’s a largely elderly group of people that are vulnerable.”MP Joseph MooneyThe Roxburgh Health Services Trust is also seeking answers from WellSouth about its PHO funding, noting it had doubled in the past eight years.The trust has written to WellSouth voicing its disapproval of the decision, but WellSouth said the transitional funding had been an error, and only meant to have been paid for one to two years.It was still unclear the percentage decrease in funding Roxburgh would receive - HealthCentral says 84 percent will be cut (as it also covers Alexandra), while WellSouth said it was only 54 percent.WellSouth agreed that rural funding models were out of date. The primary health organisation supports 79 general practices across its network, with 37 classified as rural general. WellSouth confirmed it received $5.48M rural funding this year, which had to be divided equitably.CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs said in working closely with Health NZ recently to understand how rural funding was distributed, some practices stood out, such as HealthCentral, “that needed to be investigated and understood”.The transitional money had to be put back into the pot and spread across the rest of the rural practices, he said. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Up to 70 established trees lining a Cromwell street could be removed under a proposal that council staff say addresses mounting safety risks, damage to public and private property, and unsustainable maintenance costs. At a meeting on Tuesday (August 5), the Cromwell Community Board agreed to consult the public on whether to remove the London plane trees along Gair Avenue. While staff acknowledged the trees' aesthetic value, they told board members that ongoing “reactive” repairs to the surrounding footpaths and roads were not a sustainable long-term solution. “We can’t see what’s going on beneath the ground,” roading manager Paul Fleet told the meeting, suggesting the damage could be more extensive than currently known. He said repair work to date had been short-lived.  “We're getting three or four-years life out of footpath repairs before we have to go back,” he said.  “We're in the situation now where there are legitimate trip hazards, particularly for people that probably aren’t quite as physically able as the average person.” A council report presented at the meeting outlined the plane trees, which are 40 years old, have developed extensive root systems that are now damaging footpaths, kerbs, fences, and private water and wastewater connections – prompting a petition to council from affected local households. “Unfortunately, no amount of root pruning or management can completely mitigate these issues,” the report said. Damage from roots of trees on Gair Ave in Cromwell prompted a petition to council from affected property owners. Image: The Central AppPrevious efforts to manage the problem - including selective tree removal and the installation of root guards – have proven largely ineffective. According to the report, the council’s roading team has spent approximately $57,000 on footpath repairs since 2018 to address ongoing trip hazards. While the trees themselves are in good condition, the report said relocating them is not viable. Removing all 70 trees and grinding the stumps would cost approximately $65,000, with replanting costs, including root guards and hand watering during establishment, expected to be a further $50,000. Council staff said the full cost of the project is not budgeted for in the current Long-term Plan, meaning any decision to remove the trees would need to be reflected in a future Annual Plan. Under council’s tree policy, tree removal is considered a “last resort” and must meet specific criteria. Public consultation is required where significant trees are proposed to be removed. The board voted to proceed with consultation, allowing the Cromwell community to have its say.  A consultation plan will now be developed. Board member and Cromwell councillor Neil Gillespie said he wanted any consultation document to talk “not just about removal but what to do next”. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Teams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), led by the Labour Inspectorate, have launched a sweeping compliance monitoring operation in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. Coinciding with the peak ski season activity, the four-day operation, codenamed Operation Fandango, is focused on ensuring that both employers and employees in the ski sector are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law, MBIE said in a statement. The majority of the businesses being visited will be in the hospitality and retail sectors but construction, cleaning and security businesses will also be under the spotlight. “Our aim is to promote the fair treatment of workers - particularly those who may be vulnerable - by checking that employment and visa conditions are being met,” Labour Inspectorate’s head of compliance and enforcement Joanne Hacking said.  The operation was initiated following ongoing complaints and concerns about compliance with minimum employment standards in Central Otago and Queenstown. The Labour Inspectorate is being supported by a team from Immigration New Zealand with joint visits planned throughout the operation. Accredited employers are required to meet a range of obligations above minimum employment right and obligations and Immigration New Zealand may complete checks at any time during the accreditation period. The teams will be checking on businesses in Alexandra and Cromwell, as well as Queenstown, Frankton, Glenorchy, and Wānaka. Joanne said while identifying breaches of minimum employment standards is a key focus, educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities is also an important part of the operation.“We also want to raise awareness of the Labour Inspectorate and the importance of complying with minimum employment entitlements,” she said. “The operation will include compliance checks for businesses that may not have previously engaged with the Inspectorate, as well as follow-up visits to support ongoing compliance among employers who have had issues in the past.” Operation Fandango follows a successful similar joint MBIE initiative led by the Inspectorate in the Queenstown area during the 2024 ski season. Joanne said ski field and related sector employers need to understand that no matter whether employees are employed on a casual, part-time or fixed-term basis they all have minimum employment rights. “This includes providing all workers with a written employment contract, paying them at least the minimum wage if they are 16 years or older, allowing them meal and rest breaks, and entitlements such as holiday pay, sick leave and public holiday pay.” She stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping for time worked, payments, holidays and leave taken, and entitlements.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Human Resources (HR) and Health & Safety (H&S) haven’t always been best mates. HR is often busy wrangling contracts, recruitment, and culture-building, while the safety team is out in the yard running toolbox talks and chasing reports. But here’s the kicker: under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), these two functions are most definitely on the same team.So, let’s unpack where HR and H&S intersect, pull up a seat at the same lunch table, and, more importantly, look at how they can work better together.Mental health and wellbeingHSWA defines health as both physical and mental, meaning psychosocial risks (stress, bullying, fatigue) fall squarely into H&S territory. But who handles that in most businesses? HR.This is where the partnership matters. HR might roll out an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), but without risk assessments around workload, unrealistic KPIs, or toxic leadership, it’s just treating the symptoms. Safety professionals bring the structure: hazard identification, risk management, and controls. Together, HR and H&S can design safer, healthier work from the outset.Employment agreements & health and safety dutiesEvery employment agreement in NZ must include a section on health and safety responsibilities. Why? Because every worker, manager, and officer has duties under HSWA, and these need to be clearly understood from day one.If your employment agreements are silent on safety, you’re missing a chance to set expectations early. Onboarding isn’t just about showing new staff where the coffee machine is, it’s about making sure they understand how they contribute to a safe working environment. HR sets the tone, and H&S backs it up with systems and processes.Performance management & safetyHere’s where things can get tricky. Say someone keeps ignoring a critical safety procedure, what happens? HR gets involved, usually with a performance management lens. But under HSWA, ignoring known safety protocols isn’t just poor behaviour, it could be reckless conduct.HR and H&S need to work together here. Is it a competency issue? A training gap? Or a wilful breach? A joined-up approach ensures the response is fair, legally sound, and proportionate.Why the intersection mattersWhen HR and H&S work in silos, things fall through the cracks. Stress goes unreported. Training gets missed. High-risk behaviour gets handled like a simple HR issue instead of the safety red flag it is.But when they work together?Investigations are more thorough.Inductions are smarter.Culture is stronger.And ultimately? People go home safe and retire healthy.So HR and H&S, slide your trays down to the same end of the lunch table. When you work together, it’s not just the business that wins. It’s the people.For independent advice in the areas of HR and Health & Safety, contact our Business Partners today.

A new nationwide council performance measurement framework has been introduced to give people a clearer picture of how Central Otago is performing, and how it compares with others.Led by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the first set of council performance metrics was published on July 31, 2025. People want to know where their rates are going and how their council stacks up against others of similar size.CODC sits in the ‘Small Provincial Rural’ group of councils, alongside Clutha, Gore and Waitaki and 25 others (towns under 30,000).Clutha recorded a 16.4 percent increase in rates compared to Central Otago’s 12.47, while Gore was only 8.8 percent, and all of the others except Grey and Westland were 10.3 percent and under.Central Otago District Council (CODC) chief executive Peter Kelly said the new approach will provide transparency for residents and valuable insights for councils. “Every council in New Zealand operates within its own unique context; shaped by geography, infrastructure demands, population trends and past investment decisions. It’s important that any comparison acknowledges these differences.”Central Otago had an AA credit rating (stable), with debt headroom at 145.6 percent - offering good borrowing capacity if required for future investment, he said.Its capital expenditure was the highest of the group at $188M, compared to the average of just $81M.CODC’s operating expenditure of $70.2M was also above the group median of $54.5M - reflecting the broader scale of services required to support the district’s large geographic area and aging infrastructure.“We are responsible for maintaining infrastructure and delivering services across one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in our group,” Peter said.“That scale, combined with ageing assets and rising community needs adds complexity and cost and reinforces the importance of long-term planning and sustainable investment.”Mayor Tamah Alley recently made no secret of the fact Central Otago was an expensive place to live - pointing out in 2014 the average house price in Central Otago was $280,000 and in 2025 it had jumped up to $760,000.She said having to truck in goods to Central Otago was never going to be cheap, as it wasn’t the easiest place to get things to.The new performance measurement framework is part of the government’s broader Local Government Systems Improvement (LGSI) programme and is supported by the proposed Local Government (Systems Improvement) Amendment Bill, expected to enter Parliament later this year. Peter welcomed the opportunity for open dialogue with residents. “This new framework provides a platform for residents to ask meaningful questions about priorities, performance and outcomes.”Although the initial metrics focus on financial indicators, the framework is expected to expand over time to include service delivery, governance and contractor expenditure.In August 2024, the government announced measures to refocus councils in response to cost of living concerns. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said a concern about rising rates led to a desire that council spending concentrated on core services and infrastructure, and the efficiency of decision-making was improved.Local Government New Zealand vice-president and Mayor Campbell Barry said in March 2024, it was no secret that the funding system for local government was broken. Rates accounted for more than half council funding, and relying so heavily on rates alone was unsustainable.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]