Landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations are invited to learn more about Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund and how to submit a strong application, with two free webinars taking place on March 3 and 10.ORC councillor Chanel Gardner said the 2026 ECO Fund will open for applications on March 16, with a total $919,800 available - a similar amount to last year.“The ECO Fund information webinar on March 3 is about clarity. We want potential applicants, including those who have applied before, to understand what the fund is designed to achieve in 2026, what’s changed, and how to position their project well before applications open,” she said.The following week, ORC will host a Preparing a Strong Funding Application webinar at 7pm on Tuesday March 10, designed to help applicants strengthen their submissions and maximise their impact.“The second webinar is practical. Good environmental projects deserve strong applications. Whether you’re new to funding or experienced, this session will walk through what makes a proposal clear, credible and aligned with Council priorities. We encourage all applicants to take part.”Two ECO Fund categories have been updated this year: Hill country erosion management, replacing Critical Source Area Management on private land, focuses on reducing sediment and soil loss through erosion control measures. This includes stock-exclusion fencing and tree planting for erosion control.Total funding available: $51,100Scaling up for biodiversity replaces Large-scale Biodiversity Projects and supports projects that protect and enhance native biodiversity at a larger scale. It also aims to help community groups build delivery experience and transition towards the Large-Scale Environmental (LSE) Fund or other long-term funding sources.Total funding available: $306,600Four existing ECO Fund categories will continue unchanged:General — total funding up to $306,600Sustained rabbit management incentives — up to $102,200Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land — up to $102,200Weed removal and revegetation — up to $51,100The ORC said there are some new requirements when applicants apply for funding.“We’ve introduced a quote requirement this year. It’s a straightforward step that strengthens accountability and helps ensure ratepayer money is used carefully, while still keeping the process accessible for community groups and landowners,” Chanel said.The ECO Fund is one of the largest regional council environmental funds of its kind in New Zealand. Every dollar allocated comes from an Otago home or business. “That means we have a responsibility to continually demonstrate value and maintain public confidence in how the fund operates.”More information about the webinars and the ECO Fund is available at orc.govt.nz/ecofundwebinarEstablished in July 2018, ORC’s ECO Fund supports work that protects, enhances and promotes Otago’s environment to enable iwi, communities’ and private landowners’ environmental activities. An annual review process occurs, to set up the funding categories for each year which align with Council’s strategic directions.Since 2018, the ECO fund has supported 194 projects from 420 applications, distributing just over $3.64 million (out of $10.45 million requested) across 11 application rounds. Each round has averaged 38 applications and has been oversubscribed by an average of 300%.

The directors of Cold Gold Clutha who had their gold dredge consent declined in 2023 in the Upper Clutha have a new mining application underway in the area.Awa Koura Mining - owned by Peter Hall and Daniel Walker, have submitted a resource consent application with the Central Otago District Council to extract gold from their land near Queensberry.The company is hoping to extract the mineral using earthmoving machinery and processing through a floating screen/trommel plant.They have asked for a three year consent before they convert the land to an eight-lot rural subdivision on their property.Terramark planner Darryl Sycamore, who is representing the company, said the applicants are highly experienced miners with multiple projects around the South Island. “It is proposed mining will occur only during standard work hours, Monday to Friday, to limit effects on surrounding landowners. Excavation will only be two to three meters deep into alluvial gravels and will not require any chemicals as part of the processing activity.“There is no risk of chemical contamination to land or water, dust or legacy issues which is often highlighted by opponents of hard-rock mining projects.”Darryl said the lifestyle subdivision on their land already has consent, and the mining will be no closer than 40m from the upper extent of the riverbank.The application is publicly notified solely because landscape effects on some landowners was deemed to be more than minor albeit for a short period, he said.The gold dredge that is currently in operation already on the lower Clutha River. Image: fileOther mining equipment used will consist of a floating gold processing screen plant, five excavators, two dump trucks, a bulldozer, pumps and ancillary equipment. Up to 2,520m3 of water per day is proposed to be used to run the processing plant, based on a flow rate of 70L/s over a 10 hour working day. A report to the CODC said the water will primarily come from groundwater brought to the surface into ponds, and supplemented from the Mata-Au Clutha River. Overall, the proposed activity is likely to have adverse noise and landscape effects on the wider environment that are more than minor.The report identified 16 affected parties - including Ngai Tahu, DOC, NZTA and Heritage NZ that should be served notice of the application.The company has been gold dredging in the Clutha River from the Beaumont area north for several years, but when an application was made to move the operation into the Upper Clutha, it came up against many opposing submitters.Concerns were raised at a hearing in Cromwell in 2023 about environmental impacts on the river, from both the exhaust emissions, the disposal of effluent onboard, as well as lack of cultural considerations.Submissions for the new application close on Thursday March 19 and a hearing will follow.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

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Understanding the Upcoming Changes and Their Impact on Retirement SavingsNew Zealanders will soon see changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates, affecting both employees and employers.With the country’s population structure evolving, these adjustments aim to encourage greater personal savings for retirement.Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming increases and their implications.Key Changes to KiwiSaver Contribution RatesThe minimum KiwiSaver contribution rates are set to rise in two stages:From 1 April 2026: Minimum employee and employer contributions will increase to 3.5% each.From 1 April 2028: Minimum employee and employer contributions will further increase to 4% each.These adjustments apply to all employees and employers currently making compulsory minimum contributions. For official details, visit Inland Revenue or MBIE.Why the Changes Are ImportantNew Zealand is experiencing significant demographic shifts. Research by Professor Paul Spoonley highlights a rapidly growing population aged 65 and older, declining birth rates, and a decreasing ratio of working-age people to retirees.These factors put pressure on public retirement systems and make personal savings more crucial than ever.What Employees and Employers Should ExpectEmployees contributing at the minimum rate will see their KiwiSaver deductions increase in 2026 and again in 2028, boosting their long-term savings.Employers will need to update payroll systems and adjust budgets to meet the new contribution requirements.Illustrative Impact: Comparing Contribution RatesConsider a 35‑year‑old earning $100,000 per year and starting with a KiwiSaver balance of $20,000. Contributing at the current minimum of 3% (employee) and 3% (employer) could see their balance grow significantly over time, assuming steady contributions and long‑term investment returns. Increasing contributions to 4% each could boost the projected retirement balance by around 25–30% over the same period. These figures are indicative only; actual outcomes depend on investment returns, fees, taxes, salary growth, fund selection, and time in the market.The Power of Small IncreasesEven modest increases in contribution rates can significantly impact retirement savings due to the effect of compounding.As employer contributions rise, additional savings accumulate over decades, becoming especially important amid New Zealand’s demographic challenges.Need Personalised Advice?If you’re unsure how these changes may affect your retirement plans, Central Financial Planning’s experienced team can help. They offer guidance on contribution options, model retirement scenarios, and support informed decision-making.Contact Central Financial Planning:📞 Phone: 03 448 8613📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.centralfp.co.nz

Two Dunstan High School-focused projects have received more than half a million dollars in funding from Central Lakes Trust.The largest grant of $520,630 was awarded to Molyneux Turf Incorporated (MTI) to develop a multi-purpose artificial sports surface on the grounds of the school.The project, which last year received $300,000 in ratepayer funding, will see the conversion of unfit-for-purpose tennis courts into a more usable space for sports of different codes."This facility will make a meaningful difference to our community," MTI co-president Chris Galbraith said.“It will provide a high-quality, all-weather surface that supports year-round training and competition for schools, clubs, and community groups across Central Otago. By increasing access to quality infrastructure, we are creating more opportunities for participation, improving wellbeing, and investing in the future of local sport.”Dunstan High School also received $68,445 to support delivery of its TradeBase vocational training programme.TradeBase is a partnership between Dunstan High School, Breen Construction and the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, giving students hands-on experience in building, construction and allied trades.Students attend two days a week during the school year, working toward NZQA credits while gaining practical industry experience."What makes TradeBase so valuable is that it puts our students into real construction environments where they’re learning directly from people in the industry,” school principal Andrew King said.“They’re earning NZQA credits, gaining confidence with practical skills, and seeing clear pathways into apprenticeships and employment. For some students, it opens doors they hadn’t even considered, and at the same time it helps build the skilled workforce our region relies on.”In addition, Haehaeata Natural Heritage Charitable Trust was granted $15,000 as an operational grant for the year ahead.The Clyde-based trust works to restore, educate and advocate for the unique dryland plant species found in Central Otago as well as the creatures that depend upon them.CLT approved a total of $1,407,059 in grants at the February meeting, supporting projects and organisations across Central Otago and the wider central lakes area.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

It was a packed house at the first Citizenship Ceremony of the year in the Central Otago District Council chambers on Friday.Residents from Bulgaria, Papua New Guinea, USA, Phillipines, South Africa, England, India, Germany and Brazil were welcomed by Mayor Tamah Alley, who shared some of the new citizens’ background stories.Each new citizen was given a kowhai tree to plant, and were treated to New Zealand kai including cheese rolls and pikelets, while the pupils from The Terrace School sang the national anthem.Mayor Tamah said all New Zealanders have come from somewhere else, the only difference is when they came.She quoted Martin Luther King Jnr, “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”Amongst the 20 new citizens was a policeman originally from the United Kingdom (Constable Mark Sheehan) and a retired medical professional who once worked in China in an attempt to ‘relax’ the one-child per family policy (Helen Axby - also from the United Kingdom).Terrace School pupils lead the national anthem at the end of the ceremony. Image: The Central App.Jinu James came from Southern India with a background in electrical engineering and is now settled in Central Otago with his family working as a construction foreman.Sandra Schubert and Thomas Kaestner were from Berlin and had lived in Christchurch during the earthquakes. They are now settled in Bannockburn.Charlie McLeod was a musical director from South England and met his wife Amy from Alexandra overseas, where they shared a mutual love of New Zealand band 'The Black Seeds.'They named their daughter Marley after the late singer-songwriter Bob Marley, and Charlie continues to teach the drums around Central Otago and play in bands.Charanjeet Singh was originally from India where he played professional cricket from a young age and opened a restaurant in Alexandra when he arrived. He is also a surveyor at Fulton Hogan, and has been playing for Otago Country cricket since 2021.The next Citizenship Ceremony will be on Friday April 17.

Potentially hundreds of local clubs and community groups operating as incorporated societies could be struck off the register in coming weeks if they fail to meet new legal requirements.Figures provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment show 254 incorporated societies with registered office addresses across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes have yet to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.However, the ministry said it could not provide figures specific to the Central Otago district alone, with postcode data used as a proxy covering both districts.James Betton, the acting national manager of business registries, said incorporated societies have been aware of the need to reregister for nearly three years.“During this time, the Companies Office has run an extensive information and education campaign and has developed many useful resources to assist with the reregistration process,” James said.More recently, staff have been contacting society officers directly to clue them up to the changes.Those still waiting to re-register have until April 5 to get the job, after which their club or group would cease to officially exist.But there is a reprieve.James said societies will be able to apply for restoration and registration under the 2022 Act for a period of six years.“Website content is being prepared to assist societies that are removed after the deadline to assist those that wish to be restored and registered under the 2022 Act,” he said.The revamped legislation replaces rules that were more than 100 years old.“The outdated 1908 Act has been replaced by modern legislation that strengthens governance and enhances protections for members, officers, and society assets,” James said.Societies must update their constitution to meet the new legal and governance standards introduced by the 2022 Act.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Westpac says it is cutting its three-, four- and five-year home loan rates.It is the first bank to move after the latest official cash rate (OCR) announcement.The Reserve Bank indicated it expected to raise interest rates a little faster and earlier than previously forecast - but not as quickly as markets had priced in.Wholesale markets fell as a result.Commentators said it could be good news for borrowers and should mean a temporary end to the increases in home loan rates seen in recent weeks.Westpac said it would cut its three-year special to 4.99 percent, which it said was the only three-year rate below 5 percent at the main banks.The four- and five-year rates will drop by 20 basis points to 5.19 percent and 5.29 percent respectively.Meanwhile, ASB economists say borrowers need to work out the best strategies for their circumstances in the current environment."With so much going on, it is an important time to have a mortgage plan."They said shorter-term rates were now down the most compared to their peaks. Floating, six-month and one-year terms are all 2.9 percent from the highest point.Senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said the message for borrowers was that rate were likely to rise over the next few years."The timing of when they'll go up is the uncertain bit and that just depends on if inflation cools quick enough for the Reserve Bank to be comfortable on the sidelines for this year or they need to act earlier or swifter than their forecasts imply."It has tended to be the case that a series of one-year fixes has proved cheapest overall, over time.Tennent-Brown said whether that continued would depend on whether inflation and the economy turned out to be stronger than expedited."There's still a lot of value in strategies like splitting mortgages over one, two and three years."It still comes back to that story of balancing up people's needs for certainty because you can get a lot of certainty now for historically low prices."We don't expect one-year mortgages will get up to the levels that the four- and five-year mortgages are unless inflation turns out to be a much bigger problem than we're currently thinking."He said one- and two-year rates had historically been where banks were most competitive."It looks like it'll be the place to be, but I don't want to discount the certainty you get if inflation turns out to be more persistent than the current thinking is, for some of the longer-term rates."He said he expected one-year rates to get into the early 5 percent range and two-year rates to go a little higher."Clearly the low point in rates is at best here and likely behind us. So you just need to work out, what are your needs for flexibility and what are the big risks for you? If I had a lot of debt and I couldn't deal with rates getting too much higher, there's a lot of value in those longer-term rates."If I need flexibility, the part of the curve around the one-year space has worked incredibly well for years and based on our forecasts should be okay, but it doesn't give you much protection if inflation and higher interest rates turn out to be on the horizon."

All outdoor fires will be banned across Central Otago from 8am Saturday February 21, as Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) declares a prohibited fire season.FENZ said the ban will remain in place until further notice, meaning no outdoor fires can be lit in the district.District manager Craig Gold said the move may surprise some residents after a slow start to summer and fewer long, hot days than usual."However, it’s been quite deceptive. Our grasslands are now very dry, and the fire risk has been slowly but steadily increasing - notably in Cromwell, Lauder, Clyde and Butchers Dam," he said."We have reached the threshold where we need to declare a Prohibited Fire Season."Craig said while several large, permitted burns had been successfully carried out over recent months, conditions had now changed."We appreciate the support of the farming community, in particular, in recognising that," he says.Central Otago is predominantly grassland, creating significant fuel for fires that could quickly become difficult to control."We want people to be very vigilant," Craig says."A ban on all outdoor fires will reduce the number of callouts and allow Fire and Emergency crews to manage other fires that may occur."Residents unsure whether their property falls within the prohibited area can check their address at www.checkitsalright.nz for specific information about their location.FENZ is urging the community to take the restrictions seriously and help reduce the risk of potentially disastrous fires during the dry period.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A little more than a quarter of eligible Vincent ward voters have returned their ballot papers ahead of a meet-the-candidates event in Alexandra today. Some 2,103 voting papers had been received as of Friday, representing a 25.29 per cent return rate.Voters have 10 more days to have their say in the by-election, which comes just months after ballots were last posted in October's local government elections.Returning officer Anthony Morton said votes could only be counted if they were received by the midday deadline on Tuesday March 3.He said voters still had time to return completed papers by mail, but Tuesday February 24 was the recommended final day to do so.From February 25, voters were advised to use one of the council’s branded orange voting bins, he said.Those bins were located at the Alexandra Service Centre on Dunorling Street, the council-owned Alexandra Library, Alexandra New World, Alexandra Woolworths, Clyde Night ’n Day and the Omakau supermarket.Anthony said similar bins were used during the October elections and were well supported.“Council received good feedback on the voting bin locations...and they were well used,” he said.“Electors appreciated an alternative return option to the mail network, especially over the closing week. We expect a similar level of use for the current by-election.”Vincent ward by-election candidate Andrew Dowling says his campaign t-shirt is a conversation starter. Image: SuppliedA meet-the-candidates event organised by Grey Power is being held today from 1.30pm to 3.45pm at the Alexandra District Club.A second event, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Elevate Central business group is scheduled for 7am on Friday February 27. An RSVP is required.First-time candidate Andrew Dowling said it felt a bit unusual campaigning so soon after an election cycle, but he had been out and about meeting residents across the ward and encouraging people to vote regardless.“I’m having a great time meeting people and chatting away, learning as much about them as they are about me,” Andrew said.He said the proposed Santana gold mine had been a frequent topic of conversation on the campaign trail.“It’s great to see the depth of resolve people have to see our region prosper into the future, but with safeguards,” he said.He encouraged voters not to put their ballot papers aside.“Many have voted already, which is great. I hope the others don’t find the envelope on the coffee table mid-March,” he said.Candidate Louise van der Voort, who narrowly missed out on election to the council in October, said people seemed really interested in the by-election."I think that's because affordability is a big issue for many households, and there are so many changes happening through government reform that will potentially affect people having a say about costs, delivery of services and the shaping of the future of Central Otago," she said."That's why people should exercise their vote and make sure they are well represented to get the best outcomes for Vincent."Candidate Nat Jamieson was also approached for comment but did not respond by deadline.Read more: Catch up on The Central App’s Q and A with all three candidatesWatch here: Candidate videosHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A South African swimming instructor has swapped the “hustle and bustle” of Johannesburg for the quiet of Cromwell, starting a new chapter in Central Otago.When Gill Baird told people she was packing up and moving half a world away to a town with fewer than 10,000 people, she said the reaction was often the same.“They’d say, ‘Where are you going?’ and I’d say, ‘the South Island of New Zealand’,” she said.“They’d go, ‘Is there anything there?’ and I’d say, ‘I have no idea’.”Gill has taken up a role as a senior swimming instructor and sports development officer at the Cromwell pool.She said she applied for the job “out of nowhere” after deciding it was time for a change.Her sister had already moved to New Zealand with her family, while her son and daughter-in-law were living in Australia, leaving Gill on her own in South Africa.“I actually started a new journey for myself,” she said.“And I’m so lucky that I found this job. It has been the most amazing start to a new journey.”Gill had been teaching swimming for close to 20 years before the move, and she and her sister previously owned and ran a swimming pool in Johannesburg.In Cromwell, the job felt different.“I just get to teach, I just get to have fun,” she said.“I get to do all the things that I love to do without all the stress of being a business owner.”Gill said the welcome from staff, parents and children had made the transition easier.“It’s been awesome,” she said.The move has also brought a slower pace of life.Gill described the constant “hustle and bustle” of Johannesburg as a stark contrast to the rhythm of her day in Central Otago.“You wake up in the morning and it’s just so lovely and gentle,” she said.“It’s so quiet....it’s beautiful.”Making the move at 50 was a significant turning point for her.“I’ve spent the last 50 years with family and friends, bringing up my child and running a business,” she said.“Just being able to pack everything up and move to the middle of nowhere on my own - it’s been the most liberating experience ever.”There have also been challenges in starting again in a new country.“When I walk around here, I have no memories of this place with people that I love from back home,” she said.“It’s quite a surreal experience, because it can be a bit isolating at times, but also exciting as well.”Despite that, Gill said she would encourage others to take a similar leap.“I suggest everyone have one of those adventures at least once in your life,” she said.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 the mayor.

Farmers, orchardists and viticulturists in the Manuherikia catchment will finally have some assurance that a rebuild of Falls Dam is on the cards.The Government announced today (Friday 20th) it is investing in the future resilience of Central Otago’s primary industries with a $2 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan to support pre‑construction work on the replacement dam near St Bathans.Associate Regional Development Minister and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson arrived at Two Farmers Farming in Lauder on Friday to make the announcement.The likely cost of the dam, which will be rebuilt in front of the existing one, was last estimated at a cost of $100 million, and National has been a strong supporter of the water storage upgrade for many years.The 90-year-old dam which supports around 8000ha of productive land in the catchment, is near the end of its life, and failing to deliver enough irrigation during dry years.The $2 million loan will go towards a pre-construction programme to ensure the district can plan for a secure and sustainable source of water.Manuherikia River Limited chair Jeff Grant explains the financing behind the Falls Dam rebuild to Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson and guests at Lauder on Friday. Image: The Central AppThe loan recipient, Manuherikia River Limited (MRL), will use the funding to confirm regulatory requirements, consenting, engineering and detailed design, procurement, construction costs, and financing options. MRL will contribute $2 million in co-funding towards the pre‑construction programme, which is expected to take around two years to complete.MRL chair Jeff Grant said the bulk of financing for the dam rebuild will be through private banking.The only difficulty with the pre-construction phase will be the consenting process because of proposed changes to the RMA, he said.Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said water supply is essential for the Central Otago community, and in the 90 years since the dam was built, the communities have seen major changes in land use and population growth.“This is a major step towards certainty and confidence for the many users of water from the Manuherikia River, and for the future of the river itself.”He said managing the Manuherikia water resource sustainably and efficiently is important for Central Otago from an ecological as well as economic perspective.In recent years, water users have faced significant restrictions on irrigation, with periods of complete shut off limiting productivity during a drought season.MP for Southland Joseph Mooney said he and Miles have been advocating for a solution to the water storage issue for a number of years.“A reliable water supply for agriculture, rural communities, and potentially town supply, coupled with greater climate resilience and the ability to store winter and spring flows would be a major boost for Central Otago,” he said. Potential benefits such as increased renewable energy generation, improved environmental flows, potential fish passage, and better flood protection all make a strong case for a replacement dam to secure and improve the area’s future, he said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]  

As thousands of people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the return of the screening bus to rural Otago and Southland is a welcome sight. The mobile breast screening unit is travelling to Clyde and will be there from March 5 to early June this year.While the bus does its rounds, WellSouth will promote the service and support the community, particularly Māori, Pacific Island and rural people, to access the bus. Since October 2024, WellSouth has held a Screening Support Service contract with ScreenSouth Limited, who administer the national breast screening programmes Te Waipounamu (BreastScreen South and BreastScreen Otago Southland) for BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA). According to the Ministry of Health, Health and Independence Report 2024, each year approximately 3,600 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Aotearoa, with Māori and Pacific Island women experiencing the highest rates of cancer. As at January 2026, 68.5% of Māori and 60.5% of Pacific peoples in Otago and Southland had been screened, this is up on previous years, but more work is to be done. WellSouth equity delivery programme lead Jen Lowrey said Māori and Pacific Island people experience poorer health and treatment outcomes due to lower participation rates, access to screening services and follow up treatment. “This means there are higher rates of cancer and as a result higher death rates in those communities. This is made worse with barriers including living rurally and in many cases the stigma associated with mammography screening,” she said. “We are trying to break down those barriers starting with enrolling high needs women on to the programme, alongside education, information, and our dedicated call centre talking with and supporting women to get to clinics or the bus and get these important checks. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can save lives and change communities who are losing loved ones.” Screening mammography alone won’t prevent breast cancer, but evidence shows that regular screening does help with early detection. A free mammography is available every two years through the BSA programme. Jen said that another focus has been growing partnerships with local Hauora Māori and Pacific Providers to support people to access their mammogram screening. The free BreastScreen mammogram age group has recently been extended, with women aged 70 - 74 now eligible. The age extension will roll out and will be fully in place by the end of 2029 to include all women up to the age of 74. This change makes around 130,000 more women eligible every two years and is expected to improve early detection. Women who are eligible will be automatically identified through the new online breast screening system and will be sent a personalised link to enrol/re-enrol and to book a mammogram. Facts from BreastScreen Otago SouthlandMāori and Pacific Island people have a significantly higher breast cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Māori and non-Pacific and are almost twice as likely to die from breast cancer as non-Māori, non-Pacific.The aim of breast screening is to find very small cancers before a lump can be felt in the breast. Early treatment has the best chance of success.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women.While screening mammography cannot prevent breast cancer, international evidence shows that mammography, when delivered through an organised screening programme, can reduce mortality from breast cancer.The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Three-quarters of women who get it are over 50. EligibilityAged 45 to 69 years of age or qualify for the extended screening range up to 74.Have not had mammography within the previous 12 months.Not be pregnant.Do not have symptoms of breast cancer.If previously diagnosed with breast cancer, be at least five years post-diagnosis.Be eligible for public health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.Mobile clinic dates are here.  

Award-winning novelist Laurence Fearnley is coming back to Central Otago next month to take a workshop for aspiring writers.Organised by the Creative Writers Circle in conjunction with the Central Otago Arts Trust, Laurence was the last artist-in-residence at the Henderson House between December 2024 and January 2025.Creative Writers Circle president Dr Roger Browne first started discussions with Laurence about holding a workshop in Alexandra several years ago, and now finally it has come to fruition.“She’s been very enthusiastic about having one,” he said.Already there has been a huge amount of interest right across the district, and for the first hour she will talk about the process of writing novels. The second hour will be devoted to questions presented by attendees and she will give insights into the publishing industry - which can be challenging amidst recent changes.Based in Dunedin, Laurence’s novel The Hut Builder won the fiction category of the 2011 NZ Post Book Awards and in 2014 her novel Reach was long listed for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.In 2008, Edwin and Matilda was runner-up in the fiction category of the Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Her second novel, Room, was shortlisted for the 2001 Montana New Zealand Book Awards and In 2004 she was awarded the Artists to Antarctica Fellowship.She also wrote Hawea mountaineer Lydia Bradey’s autobiography ‘Going Up Is Easy,’ after she was the first woman to climb Mt Everest without oxygen. Dr Roger Browne - trustee of the Central Otago Arts Trust and president of the Creative Writers Circle in Alexandra. Image: suppliedRoger is also an enthusiastic writer, having published a novel and anthology of short stories, and is already 35,000 words into his next one.The Creative Writers Circle currently has about 35 members and recently published a book of its combined creative works as well.The group started 15 years ago “and there was an early flush of enthusiasm and then we got it going again,” he said.They meet regularly to read extracts of their work and discuss the challenges they are having, encouraging constructive criticism.A former senior lecturer at Massey University, Roger retired in 2007 and has a PhD in physics and electronic engineering. Prior to writing fiction he had 60 works published during his academic years.The former Vincent Community Board deputy chair was involved in 10 different committees and boards up until last year, when he took a step back at the age of 81.More information on Laurence Fearnley’s workshop can be found on our What’s on section.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago District Council will assess the pros and cons of two possible sites for a replacement Roxburgh Entertainment Centre, more than a year after the building was destroyed by fire. The first is the Scotland St property the former building stood on, while the second is, for now, unknown, but put forward as an option by a member of the Teviot Valley community.CODC community experience group manager David Scoones said the council would only consider options submitted through a request for proposal (RFP) process.That process closed last week, with one alternative site put forward.“The exploration of alternative locations was initiated by members of the Teviot community, not by council staff,” David said.“Only one alternative site proposal was received from the RFP, which will be assessed alongside the existing site as part of the formal process.”Council staff will now prepare a report for the Teviot Valley Community Board and full council to consider at meetings in March.Until then, the location of the alternative site has not been made public.“The report will become publicly available when the agenda for those meetings are released,” David said.“Until then, no additional information can be provided.”David said the site investigation would assess the advantages and disadvantages of each location, including timeframes, costs, and overall benefits to the community.“The assessment will also consider any relevant goals and aspirations outlined in the Draft Teviot Valley Community Plan,” he said.The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre was destroyed by fire on Waitangi Day 2025.The former site, on Scotland St, has been cleared and remains vacant.In documents supporting the RFP, the council said the process was intended to invite alternative sites that community members believed should be considered alongside the Scotland St location.The project steering group and Teviot Valley Community Board previously sought approval to widen the project scope to allow consideration of alternative sites.That change was approved by the council in December, despite early opposition from some in the Teviot Valley.Elected members said at the time thorough due diligence was needed to ensure any rebuilt facility was future-proofed and aligned with community needs and aspirations over the next 50 to 100 years.Read more: Council approves Roxburgh site investigation after push to stay put and Teviot Valley resident questions council poll on Roxburgh hall rebuildHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is backing proposed changes to national rules for earthquake-prone buildings, saying a risk-based approach would protect public safety without forcing small communities to lose beloved buildings they cannot afford to upgrade. In a submission lodged on the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill, the council said the changes on the table could significantly reduce costs for districts like Central Otago, where the council owns 15 earthquake-prone buildings, all of them historic.The council said earthquake-strengthening costs under current settings would run into the millions for buildings that sit at the heart of rural communities, placing a huge burden on a small ratepayer base."These historic buildings deeply connect to the district’s identity. They reflect the regions gold-mining origins, resilient early communities, and the distinct way of life shaped by the climate, landscape, and cultural traditions," the submission said.Mayor Tamah Alley said the council supported the move to a risk-based approach.“A risk-based approach allows us to focus our resources where they are needed most, ensuring public safety while recognising the significant financial impact current settings have on small communities like ours,” she said.“We are committed to protecting both our people and our heritage buildings in a way that is practical, proportionate, and sustainable."The council said its earthquake-prone buildings ranged in age from 50 to 158 years old, with many performing poorly against modern building standards due to their age and original construction methods.The oldest, the Naseby Town Hall, was built in 1868 - just 26 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.Central Otago covers nearly 10,000 square kilometres but has approximately 25,500 residents and 15,500 ratepaying units, which the council said created “a significant funding and financing challenge” under current earthquake-strengthening requirements.CODC’s 2025-2037 Long Term Plan has budgeted $8.6M for earthquake strengthening across 11 buildings it plans to retain.If four buildings earmarked for potential divestment were also kept, costs would rise by $2–3M.“This would represent a spend in excess of $555 per ratepaying unit for the 11 to be retained; or almost $700 for all 15,” the submission said.The proposed legislative changes would allow the council to prioritise work on the highest-risk parts of buildings rather than requiring full upgrades to modern standards.The submission also highlighted strong community support for retaining council-owned halls and facilities.During consultation on the Long Term Plan last year, 650 submissions were received on the future of earthquake-prone buildings, with 85.8 per cent supporting retaining some or all of them.Public submissions on the bill closed on Monday (February 16), with a report due to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee later this year.Read more: Council weighs impact of new quake rules on local halls and assetsHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Fish & Game New Zealand is working on behalf of anglers and game bird hunters to secure changes to protect fishing and hunting, now and for future generations, in the Resource Management Act review. Fish & Game made a submission on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill which sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended — protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on. “We support replacing the RMA and we want this reform to succeed,” chief executive Corina Jordan said. “But the bills as drafted make it much harder for trout, salmon, and other valued introduced species to be protected. They define ecosystem health solely around indigenous species, which means environmental limits can’t be set with trout and salmon habitat in mind. “While Fish & Game has been advocating for a reduction in bureaucracy and costs when restoring wetlands, we are concerned that the ability to protect wetlands has been reduced in the bills. We want to see a definition of wetlands and clear mechanisms to protect them - we’ve already lost more than 90 percent of what we once had. “Access is a priority for our licence holders, losing access to a river is losing something we all have a right to enjoy. Access needs to be protected and improved. “Ultimately, these proposed reforms as they currently stand mean an uncertain future for anglers and hunters.” Fish & Game’s detailed submission on the reforms is available here. The submission sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended - protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on. Fish & Game’s submission calls for amendments to ensure:The goals framework explicitly includes recreation, fishing, hunting, public access, and habitat for trout, salmon, and game birdsThe ecosystem health definition is expanded to include valued introduced species so environmental limits can protect trout and salmon habitatWetlands are clearly defined and explicitly protected, while restoration pathways are enabledEsplanade reserve provisions are strengthened and the 20-metre minimum width retainedWater Conservation Orders and Sports Fish and Game Management Plans are recognised in planning and consenting decisions Recreational fishing and game bird hunting contribute to regional economies and are a cornerstone of recreation, wellbeing, and connection to place for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.“This submission reflects three decades of clear mandate from our licence holders: habitat, water quality, and access are what matter most. We are asking Parliament to listen to them.”

An overwhelming 92% of submissions on the Otago Regional Council Public Transport Plan (2025-35) said more support should be given to community transport initiatives.At a recent workshop, regional councillors heard from staff about the work being done across the district over the past year, to address the issues.A student researcher has been investigating the different types of transport options currently being offered across the region, including community initiatives such as St John, Red Cross, Presbyterian Support and the RSA - often run by volunteers.There are currently between 15 and 20 different organisations providing transport assistance - mostly for health care and community engagement in the region.Originally there were plans to trial assisting commuters living in Alexandra and Cromwell that work in Queenstown, given the high volume of traffic across the district.But it was downscaled back to just an investigation in 2025 due to government co-funding constraints.Cr Neil Gillespie asked whether there was a role for the ORC to support the community groups, as it appeared there was some duplication of the same services.“I’m not convinced that we are well connected and co-ordinated.”Research has shown that public bus services between Cromwell-Alexandra and Alexandra-Wanaka are well utilised. Image: suppliedStaff confirmed many of the groups worked in isolation with limited funding and volunteers, and provided some examples of other areas such as Canterbury where local government funding support models have worked well.A Community Vehicle Trust was one option where the existing volunteer model could move from being wholly community owned to having financial assistance from the ORC as a subsidised service.ORC staff will prepare a paper for the March regional council meeting, for councillors to look at some of the options, including a dedicated resource such as a community transport advisor to engage with the groups.A core aspiration for the council's involvement is to be an enabler for community groups, rather than becoming a direct service provider.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]