Dog owners desperate to retain a shady open space to walk their furry friends off-leash in Cromwell are commissioning an independent arborist report to determine whether a stand of pine trees poses a significant risk to public safety.Central Otago District Council is set to fell two blocks of pine trees close to town currently designated as dog exercise spaces, but dog owners are lobbying to retain at least a corner of the larger of the two blocks.On Tuesday, group representative Lisa Telle told the Cromwell Community Board 685 people were funding an approved council contractor to visit the site and complete their own report.She said the report would be delivered to the council by April and she hoped it would “stop the rush to fell those pines”.Late last year the council approved a staff recommendation to remove approximately 80 hectares of plantation pine across the two sites on Sandflat Rd and Bannockburn Rd.At the time, staff said the Bannockburn Rd site was set for development - so the trees needed to go - and it would be practical and cost-effective to clear the 40-year-old Sandflat Rd block at the same time.In a statement issued last year, the council said proceeds from the harvest were proposed to fund either replanting at the Sandflat Rd site or to support investigations into alternative investment opportunities.The council also confirmed both areas would become no-go dog zones for now.Lisa previously told the community board the two pine blocks made up the vast majority of Cromwell’s off-leash dog exercise space.She said the sites provided shaded areas where dogs could be exercised away from roads, cycleways and playgrounds, and in some cases away from other dogs.Alternative areas suggested by the council - Alpha St and Dustin Park in Pisa Moorings - were unsuitable, she said.Lisa said those spaces were too small, lacked shade and created potential conflict with other users.Read more: Cromwell pine harvest to proceed despite petitionHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Walkers and bikers were caught short on the Alexandra to Clyde River track on Thursday morning, after Delta contractors closed it at the 3km mark for tree felling.A ‘danger’ sign just past the confluence of the Fraser and Clutha River after the bridge, warns track users that work is being carried out to remove dangerous trees on March 5 and 6.The Central Otago District Council had a notification of the closure on their website, but several mountainbikers spoken to on the bridge were unaware after biking the first 3km, they couldn’t go any further.One man spoken to who walks the track regularly with his dog, said it was the second closure at that location in the past few weeks.Others were holiday makers who had parked at the Alexandra end and intended to bike to Clyde without realising they couldn’t do the full 12km.The popular track can be closed at short notice after storms and high river levels, including in November and December 2025.Parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure of a portion of the track.“Contractors were on site at short notice today (Thursday) removing a large branch that was hanging over the track.“The work is part of ongoing tree maintenance to avoid future issues and keep everyone able to use the track.” Up in Bridge Hill, the Kamaka walkway has also been closed until further notice. A willow tree limb has fallen at the Gillaly Way end of the track and contractors have been working to remove it.The CODC closed a section of the Roxburgh River Track in the town last week due to ongoing tree felling work, being carried out by the Department of Conservation.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The farm vet who had a t-shirt made up for the campaign trail encouraging people to vote - preferably for him - is Central Otago District’s newest councillor.With the final count completed on Wednesday, Andrew Dowling received 1,226 votes - 323 votes ahead of the next-placed candidate in the Vincent ward by-election.Andrew told The Central App he wants to continue the visibility from his campaign into his new role.“I intend to be an active councillor, getting out and about in the community,” he said.He plans to attend local markets and events, business gatherings, and community group meetings, and advertise in advance where residents can find him.“I might still need my t-shirt so people recognise me and know that they can come up and talk about issues,” he said.Listening, he said, would be one of the strengths he brings to the council.“I am good at listening to both sides to break down what the main points from each are, so we can clarify what we are discussing to help make sure everyone feels listened to and understands those major points,” he said.Central Otago's newest councillor: a PGG Wrightson vet with 'a knack for getting things done'. Image: SuppliedAsked what stood out while campaigning, Andrew said cost pressures were front of mind for many.“The increasing rates and water bills are on people’s minds and they want to know they are getting value from this money - are the council spending it well and are the prices going to continue to rise,” he said.Andrew works for PGG Wrightson, grew up on a Central Otago sheep farm, and moved to Alexandra three years ago.He is a keen outdoor enthusiast and the president of Mountain Bikers of Alexandra.As for balancing council responsibilities with family, community and work life, he said, “I’ll let you know next year how the balance is”.Andrew will be sworn in at a full council meeting scheduled for March 25 in Ranfurly.Voting in the three-way by-election closed on Monday.A total of 3,033 ballot papers were returned across the Vincent ward, representing 36.44 per cent of eligible to voters.Only 10 votes separated the two other candidates - former senior council staffer Louise van der Voort finished with 903 votes and business owner Nat Jamieson with 893.The by-election was triggered shortly after October's local government elections when newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie resigned after an invoicing issue from his time as a council contractor resurfaced.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

It’s a curious time to be in business in Aotearoa. On one hand, the RBNZ has signaled that the worst of the inflation fight is behind us. On the other, liquidation numbers have just hit a 15-year high.This is what economists call the ‘disappointment gap.’ It is that painful lag between the economy improving on paper and actual cash hitting your bank account.The Myth of ‘Hunkering Down’Many Kiwi business owners are currently ‘hunkering down’ while they wait for a definitive green light to grow. However, 2026 won’t favour the cautious; it will favour the prepared. We are currently seeing a wave of ‘cyber-driven’ and ‘debt-overhang’ insolvencies. These are businesses that survived the high-interest years but are finally running out of steam just as the finish line comes into view.Shifting Your 2026 Financial PlaybookTo navigate this gap, your strategy needs to move beyond simple cost-cutting toward resilience-led planning. In this ‘two-speed’ economy, a static annual budget is no longer enough. Consider these two critical shifts for your 2026 roadmap:Move to a ‘Rolling 13-Week Forecast’: If your cash runway is only three months, you are exposed. A rolling forecast allows you to see obstacles before they hit.Build a Six-Month Buffer: The goal is to create enough liquidity to snatch up market share while competitors are tied up with the IRD’s renewed enforcement of COVID-era debt.How to GROW Through the GapAs we’ve discussed before, naming your goals makes you significantly more likely to reach them. Use Love to Grow’s GROW model to bridge the disappointment gap:Goals: What does "winning" look like in a recovery? Is it a 15% profit increase or simply improving your supply chain? How many hours are you wanting for business versus personal areas?Reality: Be ruthlessly honest about the reality of your operational capacity, cash flow, debt management, business and personal priorities and ensure all these factors are planned well.Options & Obstacles: Identify what is standing in your way, whether it is team skills & capacity, IRD debt or a lack of automation, and brainstorm alternative solutions.Way Forward: Determine the specific, sequenced steps to improve as the your business moves through the recovery phase.Recheck those steps are aligned with your priorities.We’re Here to HelpIdentifying these steps is only the initial work; implementation is where the recovery is won or lost. As your strategic business partner, Love to Grow is here to help you make your cash flow more user-friendly and ensure you have the roadmap needed to cross your finish line.If you’re feeling the pressure of the ‘disappointment gap,’ reach out to us. Let’s turn 2026 into the year your business finally hits its stride.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

For many first-home buyers in New Zealand, the biggest hurdle isn’t choosing a property, it’s getting through the door at all.With Central Otago house prices remaining high, lending criteria tightening, and deposits harder to save than ever, more buyers are turning to a familiar institution for help: The Bank of Mum and Dad.Once the exception, parental assistance has become an increasingly common and often essential part of getting onto the property ladder. But while the intention is generous, the legal and practical implications deserve careful thought.What is the “Bank of Mum and Dad”?The phrase refers to financial assistance provided by parents or family members to help children purchase property.This assistance can take many forms, including:Gifting part or all of a depositLending money (with or without interest)Acting as guarantorsUsing equity in the parents’ own homeCo-owning property with childrenEach option has different legal, tax, and risk implications and not all are well understood.Why is parental help becoming so common?1. Property prices vs wagesWhile house prices fluctuate, the long-term trend in New Zealand has been clear: prices have outpaced wage growth.For many first-home buyers:Saving a 20% deposit can feel impossibleRent absorbs the bulk of incomeTime in the market matters more than timing the marketParental assistance often bridges the gap between “almost” and “approved”2. Tighter bank lending criteriaBanks are under increasing regulatory pressure to assess affordability and risk.This means:Larger deposits are often requiredIncome and expenses are scrutinised closelyGuarantors and family support are increasingly commonThe Bank of Mum and Dad has effectively become part of the modern lending ecosystem.3. Intergenerational wealth transferMany parents who bought property decades ago have benefited from significant capital growth.Helping children into property is increasingly seen as:A way to level the playing fieldAn early inheritanceA practical use of accumulated equityBut early wealth transfer should be structured carefully.Common ways parents help and what they mean legallyGifting moneyThis is often the simplest approach.Parents gift funds to assist with the deposit, with:No expectation of repaymentA gifting certificate provided to the bankKey risk: once gifted, the money legally belongs to the child. If relationships change or the property is sold, parents usually have no legal claim.Lending money to childrenInstead of gifting, parents may lend funds, sometimes interest-free.This should always be documented with:A formal loan agreementClear repayment termsConsideration of whether the loan is repayable on demandWithout documentation, loans are often treated as gifts in disputes or relationship property proceedings.Guarantees and security over parents’ propertySome parents guarantee part of their child’s loan or offer equity in their own home as security.This can be effective but it carries real risk:Parents may be liable if repayments are missedTheir own home can be exposedGuarantees can affect parents’ future borrowing capacityGuarantees should never be entered into lightly.Co-ownership arrangementsIn some cases, parents buy property jointly with their children.This raises important questions:Who owns what share?Who pays the mortgage and expenses?What happens if one party wants to sell?A property sharing or co-ownership agreement is essential to avoid disputes lateThe relationship property angleOne of the most overlooked risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad is relationship property law.Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, property acquired during a relationship is often shared equally if the relationship ends.Without protection:Parental contributions can be swept into the relationship poolA child’s partner may benefit from parents’ generosityTools such as contracting out agreements can help protect family contributions but they must be done properly and early.Tax and estate planning considerationsWhile New Zealand does not have gift duty or capital gains tax in the traditional sense, parental assistance can still impact:Estate planningFairness between siblingsWills and trustsClear records and consistent planning help avoid future family conflict.Why documentation matters (even in families)It can feel uncomfortable to “lawyer up” within families. But clarity protects relationships.Proper documentation:Manages expectationsReduces misunderstandingsProtects all parties if circumstances changeGood fences make good neighbours and good paperwork makes good families.The bigger pictureThe rise of the Bank of Mum and Dad highlights a broader reality: the path into property is changing.While family assistance can open doors, it also shifts risk, often onto parents who may not fully appreciate the consequences.Handled well, it can be a powerful way to help the next generation. Handled poorly, it can lead to financial loss and fractured relationships.For clear, practical guidance on property, estate, or relationship property matters, the team at Checketts McKay Law offers specialist support to help you structure family financial assistance safely and protect everyone’s interests. They provide straightforward advice and documentation to ensure your arrangements are secure, fair, and future-focused.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

Keeping all up-to-date with current listing - all you need to do is to click here Tall Poppy Real Estate

Wheels at Wānaka is a step closer to becoming Wheels at Cromwell after the community board approved changes to the racecourse that would allow the event to relocate.At a meeting on Tuesday (March 3), the Cromwell Community Board unanimously agreed to support the proposal, including earthworks requested by event organisers.A report from parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey outlined the physical changes needed to accommodate the event at the racecourse.They include creating a permanent machinery show area - described as a parade ground - large enough to fit a full-sized rugby field in the centre.The space could also be used for other activities such as concerts or future sports use.A separate machinery digging area would also be established with a viewing embankment alongside it.“This area will be dug up and re-levelled after the event each time to minimise any ongoing disruption to other reserve users,” Gordon said in his report.The motoring and machinery event, held every second Easter and attracting tens of thousands of visitors, was last staged at Three Parks in Wānaka, with the 2025 instalment billed as the “fourth and final”.The racecourse, a council reserve, is managed by the Central Lakes Equestrian Club under lease from council and has recently undergone a reserve management planning process aimed at enabling a wider range of sport and recreation uses alongside equestrian activities.The board was told the club supported the proposal.Board chair Anna Harrison said club representatives, Wheels’ organisers, council staff and elected members had met on site in recent months to work through how the event could fit alongside existing users.“There’s been lots and lots of conversations, lots of romping around at the racecourse,” she said.She said potential clashes with horse events had been discussed, with no equestrian fixtures scheduled to coincide with the proposed event dates.Gordon said the Wheels group had indicated it expected to run five events, held every two years.He said the revised layout for the reserve would result in the removal of one proposed sports field, but this was “not seen as material in the future supply of sports grounds” and would not prevent future sports development at the location.The wider council will now vote on the proposal, with final approval needed before the event can be held at the racecourse over Easter next year.Read more: Wheels at Wānaka eyes Cromwell moveHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Dunstan High School officially marked a significant milestone in its campus development on Monday with the opening of two new purpose-built facilities: the Vincent Block and the Lauder Block. The opening ceremony, attended by approximately 50 guests - including community leaders, Board of Trustee members, staff, and students - heralds a new era of creative and technical excellence for the school.The Vincent Block has been designed as a hub for creativity and self-expression. Featuring two specialised art classrooms and a dedicated photography suite, students will be provided with the tools and light-filled spaces necessary to explore their artistic potential.Principal Andrew King said the Lauder Block expands the school’s academic and technical footprint, housing a new suite for Design and Visual Communication (DVC), a language classroom, and a versatile general-purpose learning space."These new blocks are more than just additional desks; they represent our forward-thinking commitment to providing the Dunstan experience—where every student has access to the best possible facilities to express themselves and achieve their personal excellence." Inside the new art classrooms at Dunstan High School. Image: suppliedThe addition of the blocks has triggered a broader transformation across the school site. By relieving pressure on existing infrastructure, the school is now able to repurpose older spaces into a new Junior Hard Materials space and a second Food Technology classroom. “This strategic move ensures that the school's practical and vocational departments continue to meet the high demand of its growing student body,” he said.The project was completed on an ambitious timeline, a feat Andrew attributed to a highly collaborative partnership. "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Josh Edwards from the Ministry of Education for his advocacy and support. Furthermore, the teams from Southbase and Portacom were instrumental in bringing this project together so quickly and professionally, ensuring minimal disruption to our learning environment."As Dunstan High School continues to grow, the development ensures the school remains at the forefront of secondary education in Central Otago, blending modern pedagogy with specialised facilities."With the opening of the Vincent and Lauder blocks, we are ensuring our students have the right environment to achieve their potential."Significant expansion underway at Dunstan High School

South Island Fish & Game regions have wrapped up a coordinated duck trapping and testing operation in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand, strengthening New Zealand’s surveillance for avian influenza, or bird flu. The summer surveillance operation completed this month in North Canterbury, Central South Island and Otago, forms part of increased national monitoring in response to growing global concern about the spread of highly contagious avian influenza strains. In December 2024, the H7N6 strain of avian influenza was identified in poultry in Otago. That outbreak was linked to a likely local mutation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and was successfully contained to a single property and stamped out.Globally, a different and highly contagious strain known as H5N1 is spreading through wild bird movements. It has already been confirmed in sub-Antarctic seabird colonies and continues to expand its range internationally.While H5N1 has not been detected in mainland New Zealand, authorities remain vigilant. Fish & Game staff and volunteers helped MPI to sample more than 800 mallards across the three regions. All birds were live captured, tested, and released unharmed.Testing equipment used in the operation. Image: supplied Fish & Game New Zealand chief operating officer Richie Cosgrove said the programme highlighted the capability and professionalism of regional teams working together to support national biosecurity efforts.“Our regional staff bring strong field expertise, local knowledge and established relationships with landowners to programmes like this,” Cosgrove said. “Working alongside Biosecurity New Zealand, we’ve demonstrated how Fish & Game can contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s frontline biosecurity surveillance while ensuring the welfare of the birds we manage.”Biosecurity New Zealand has enhanced its avian influenza surveillance programme, including targeted testing of mallard ducks this season in the South Island, supported by Fish & Game. For the summer operation, Biosecurity New Zealand did an epidemiological assessment, calculated the sample size of mallards and determined the best locations. Fish & Game then indicated where they could get the required bird numbers and where the likelihood of capturing non-target species was low. Locations were prepared in advance through pre-feeding and predator control, with traps set ahead of testing days. On the day, birds were live captured, sampled by MPI veterinarians, and safely released. Should H5N1 or any other highly pathogenic avian influenza strain be detected in New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries (including its biosecurity arm, Biosecurity New Zealand) will lead the response. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 so Biosecurity New Zealand can investigate the cause. Do not handle or move the birds.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The real estate industry has undergone a dramatic shift in how property is marketed, moving from traditional, print-heavy campaigns to a highly targeted, digital-first strategy.The Traditional EraNot long ago, selling property meant newspaper ads, glossy brochures, window cards, signboards, and weekend open homes.In New Zealand, publications like the Property Press and local newspapers were central to any campaign.Success often depended on the size of the advertisement and the circulation of the paper.Agents relied heavily on their personal databases, phone calls, and physical mail drops. Marketing was largely local, and reach was limited to geographic boundaries.While this approach built strong community connections, it lacked measurable data. Vendors had little visibility on how many buyers were engaging with their property beyond open home attendance and enquiry numbers.The Rise of Online PortalsThe early 2000s marked a turning point with the emergence of online platforms such as Trade Me and later realestate.co.nz., and OneRoof. These platforms transformed property exposure from local to national, and even international.Suddenly, buyers could search 24/7, filter by price, location, and features, and compare properties instantly.Vendors gained broader reach, while agents gained data: views, watchlists, click-through rates. This allowed campaigns to be adjusted in real time.The Social Media ShiftToday, marketing extends far beyond listing portals. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow agents to micro-target audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviour.Paid campaigns can place a property in front of buyers who may not even be actively searching yet.Video content, virtual walkthroughs, drone photography, and short-form reels now play a major role. Buyers expect immersive experiences before they ever step foot inside a home.Data-Driven and Performance MeasuredModern campaigns are no longer “set and forget.” Every click, enquiry, and viewing can be tracked.Agents can report detailed analytics back to vendors, offering transparency that was impossible in the print era.Marketing budgets can be shifted mid-campaign to maximise exposure where engagement is strongest.What Hasn’t ChangedDespite the digital revolution, one thing remains constant: trust and relationships still sell property. Technology enhances reach, but strategy, negotiation skill, and local knowledge remain critical.ConclusionThe transition from traditional print advertising to digital marketing has reshaped real estate entirely.What was once a locally driven, print-based industry is now a data-rich, globally connected marketplace.For vendors, understanding this evolution is crucial.Choosing an agent today is less about who has the biggest newspaper ad, and more about who understands digital reach, analytics, negotiation techniques and strategic online positioning.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

Motorists at a major Cromwell intersection are having to re-familiarise themselves with give-way rules as a change in road layout leaves some confused.A traffic island and give-way signs were removed where State Highway 8 meets State Highway 8B near Deadman’s Point Bridge, but weeks on locals are taking to community Facebook pages to complain of near misses as drivers second guess navigating the junction.The changes were made by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) with input from local police.A NZTA spokesperson said the agency was aware the intersection had been a topic of discussion on social media, and two people had contacted it directly with concerns.However, the spokesperson said the changes were intended to simplify the intersection and make it easier to use.“The give-way signs on the left turn slip lane have been removed, meaning that people coming from Tarras and turning right must give way to all oncoming traffic coming straight or turning left from the Alexandra direction,” they said.“We ask people to take care travelling through the intersection and while adjusting to the change.”The intersection was a well-documented road safety black spot.NZTA data shows between 2021 and 2025 there were three serious injury crashes, three minor injury crashes and seven non-injury crashes at the site.“The serious crashes occurred in 2024 and 2025; 11 of the crashes involved turning vehicles,” the spokesperson said.An electronic sign warns right-turning motorists to give way after a roading layout change at a major Cromwell intersection. Image: The Central AppOtago Lakes Central acting road policing manager Sergeant Derek Ealson said the number of crashes in recent years prompted police to request a review of the intersection and how it could be made safer.“Our job is to ensure everybody is safe on the roads; our feedback assists partner agencies in any decisions around road changes,” they said.The Central App visited the intersection on Tuesday afternoon to observe traffic conditions first-hand.In the five minutes a reporter spent at the site, one right-turning driver heading from Tarras towards Cromwell stopped mid-turn, appearing uncertain, while another failed to give way, forcing a left-turning vehicle heading from Alexandra to brake heavily and sound its horn.Signage is in place at the intersection alerting road users to the new layout.The changes were completed last month to coincide with road resurfacing work.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The new Falls Dam near St Bathans has been described as an ‘insurance policy’ for drought, but having better storage capacity doesn’t mean there will be more water.As Manuherikia River Ltd (MRL) chair Jeff Grant points out, the new dam will allow better use of the water and in a more efficient way.The Government announced two weeks ago 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.The 90-year-old dam supports around 8000ha of productive land in the catchment, is near the end of its life, and failing to deliver enough water during dry years.The design work was already carried out in 2014, but now the Damwatch team from Christchurch has been commissioned to see if that model is still fit for purpose - 12 years on.Jeff said the likely cost of a new dam will be in the range of $120 million to $150 million, depending on whether it will built 6m or 9m higher than the existing 34m one.Following the Damwatch review, due to be completed in April, MRL will then contract a quantity surveying company to carry out the finer details and costings - dams need a contingency of 25%, because there are so many unknowns.“So there’s quite a margin around that, because we don’t know, is the rock face what they thought it would be? Does the dam face need to be 4m or 6m?" he said.One of MRL’s directors John Wright has been involved in other dam projects, and most of the experts are South Island based.“Clyde was the last big one but there have been several smaller ones since," Jeff said.Otago Regional councillors, Minister for Rural Industries Mark Patterson and Manuherikia catchment representatives at Falls Dam following the recent announcement. Image: suppliedJeff said dams cost money and that forces the water charges to go up with construction, because of the capital costs.The resource management process will be extensive and it's under Government review so there are many unknowns.But what MRL does know is that between 10-12 consents will be needed before work can start, including for building, discharge and a land use consent from DOC.And then there are the minimum flow rates to consider from the Otago Regional Council, that have been widely debated for years - the irrigators wanting the rate to remain low so allocations are not affected; the recreational anglers and conservationists fighting to keep levels high to protect the health of the Manuherikia river.“But we don’t want to get ourselves in a position that the minimum flow gets so high that all of the existing water we are able to gain… just suddenly disappears," Jeff said.He said building a new dam will allow them to moderate the flow better, with one option being to allow the Manuherikia River to have a variable rate.“They are all solvable problems and I think we will get there eventually.”MRL is hoping to start building the new dam by the end of 2027, but realistically it will be mid-2028. Jeff said because it’s being built for another 100 years, “it’s important we don’t get it wrong."The new dam will allow consistency of water to irrigators between November and January over the driest summer months, and then the restrictions will be put in place.While the main driver of the new dam is to increase reliability, eventually there will be other opportunities opened up for new users as well.Working with the Central Otago District Council, MRL is looking at finding a solution for a reliable domestic water supply for both Ōmakau and Ophir, and eventually stock water as well.The dam might service a further 2000ha of land within a few years, and then supply another 2000ha five years later - but it will be a gradual process.“Intensification doesn’t take up a lot of hectares. We might see 6-10% change in the land mass within 10 years.”Farmers only irrigate between 5% and 10% of their land, but horticulture and viticulture, which currently makes up 500ha of the catchment, requires more water for frost fighting and growing trees and fruit.“Will we see new land use? We might see little pockets here and there,” he said, but most probably closer to Alexandra on the edge of town like the existing orchards and vineyards.Jeff said the main issue is that the existing Falls Dam needs replaced, because eventually it may not get an engineer’s certificate. “It’s not just about how a community survives for another 50 to 100 years, it’s building a great legacy.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Cromwell Police responded to a complaint in relation to the driving behaviour of a motorcyclist around 11pm on February 26.Acting Senior Sergeant Regan Price said they located the rider crashed at an intersection, and he received moderate injuries, whilst the passenger was uninjured. Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.Two days later on February 28, police were called to an assault in Alexandra, and a 22-year-old female arrested for using a weapon, wilful damage and escaping police custody. She was bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court on March 5. On the same day, a 34-year-old male driver crashed his vehicle off the road on State Highway 8 in the Lindis Pass at 3:30am.Regan said the passenger received critical injuries and remains in hospital. The driver – who at the time was breaching court bail conditions, has been charged with driving offences as well as possessing methamphetamine. He will appear in Dunedin District Court on March 5. The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and enquiries into the crash are ongoing. 

Rural professional Andrew Dowling has won the Vincent ward by-election, securing a seat on the Central Otago District Council.The result was confirmed at approximately 1.30pm on Tuesday (March 3), with Andrew securing 1,164 votes, finishing 300 votes ahead of his nearest rival.A total of 2,882 votes were cast across the ward, representing a voter turnout of approximately 35 per cent.The result is based on close to 90 per cent of the votes returned being counted, and it does not include special votes or votes returned on Tuesday and still in transit.The by-election drew three candidates, with Andrew standing against former senior council staffer Louise van der Voort and business owner Nat Jamieson, who were separated by just 21 votes.It was triggered shortly after October's local elections, when newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie resigned after an invoicing issue from his time as a council contractor resurfaced.Louise, a repeat campaigner, was the first candidate to miss out on election in October, narrowly missing out to Dave.Andrew earlier told The Central App meeting residents across the ward had been a highlight of his campaign.“I’m having a great time chatting with people, learning as much about them as they do about me,” he said.Vincent ward candidates, from left Andrew Dowling, Louise van der Voort and Nat Jamieson. Image: The Central AppHe described himself as someone who can "listen to all sides, make decisions that best suit our community and then get things done".He said he was brought up in Ranfurly and had lived in many rural communities before moving to Alexandra three years ago as a veterinarian with PGG Wrightson.The council has operated one councillor short since its inaugural meeting for the new triennium following October’s elections.Andrew is expected to step straight into work on the council’s next Long Term Plan, alongside the establishment of the joint council-owned water services entity Southern Waters, and within the wider context of Resource Management Act overhaul and broader local government reform.By-election results:Andrew Dowling: 1,164 votesLouise van der Voort: 864 votesNat Jamieson: 843 votesFinal results will be made public on Wednesday.Read more: What Vincent ward candidates told business voters and The race for Vincent: Your candidates, their wordsHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Solar panels will be installed at the Lake Dunstan water treatment plant as Central Otago District Council looks to rein in rising electricity costs. Water boss Julie Muir told a full council meeting on Wednesday the council was trending over budget on electricity, even after lifting its allowance by 42 per cent.She said water and wastewater treatment facilities were using “huge amounts” of power, and solar panels were a way of trying to reduce operating costs.Another location being considered for solar generation is Clyde’s wastewater pump station.“We’ve got budgets in every year for a number of years to progress some of the work,” Julie said.“By spending this bit of capital, we'll start to reduce our OpEx (operating expenditure) costs.”She said staff were “working through” the numbers.“It’s looking like it would be quite positive for us.”Julie said the higher electricity costs were being driven by tighter drinking water and wastewater standards and network growth.She said additional treatment processes were being added across council sites to meet compliance requirements, while population growth was increasing electricity demand.In response to questioning from councillors, Julie said the council was purchasing electricity at a discounted public-sector rate but was still tracking over budget.Julie was also asked about investing in new assets that could later transfer to a new water services entity.She appeared unconcerned and said the associated debt would also transfer with the assets.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Uncertainty remains over future funding arrangements between Port Otago and the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.The Otago Regional Council - the sole shareholder of Port Otago, admitted a breakdown in relations between the two in September 2025, after a ‘letter of expectation’ was sent to the port for the $350,000 annual payment to be transferred directly to the helicopter trust.But issues continued and the last quarterly payment was missed at the end of last year, so the ORC had to step in and make it happen, out of its general reserves.Now five months on, there are still issues, which were discussed at its monthly meeting last week.Cr Gary Kelliher originally opposed the ORC motion last year to transfer paying the funding until the partnership was sorted between the port and the rescue helicopter trust, saying they were at the mercy of the directors.Rescue Helicopter Trust missing donations from ORCLast week Gary brought to light the fact that there was “some uncertainty,” still with the situation, and suggested that if the negotiation failed, they needed to return the financial responsibility back to the regional council.But deputy chair Kevin Malcolm said he was given an assurance on February 17 by the Port Otago chair that the payments for the 2026/7 year has been resolved.“I think this will just add to our frustrations,” he said, regarding Gary’s suggestion to add an extra level of protection to the arrangement.But chair Hilary Calvert supported the motion, “because they ought to be able to make this work.”Gary said they have a responsibility for that extra level of protection, and the regional councillors voted to make sure that was now in place.The Otago Regional Council funds the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust $350,000 a year. Image: fileMeanwhile, The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service will have a shortfall of about $2 million going into the next financial year, as it seeks to renew vital air ambulance contracts.HeliOtago director Graeme Gale told the Otago Regional Council in late 2025 that its 4-year contract with Health NZ/ACC will expire in October 2026, and there were no negotiations underway yet for its future.He said the Government contract for air ambulance services in the South Island was split between HeliOtago and Garden City Helicopters in Christchurch, and the Southern operation was able to subsidise the funding shortfall from the other areas of his commercial flying business.With five helicopters based at the Taieri airbase and a further two in Queenstown, the total missions over the past year increased from 2057 to 2165 - with hospital transfers the highest on 946, accidents 621, medical emergencies 490, and Search and Rescue 108.Graeme said he was concerned about future funding, and the new technological advancements meant they now faced a major funding shortfall more than ever.The air ambulance funding contract with the Government, which starts in October 2026, will be for the next 10 years.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Specialist contractors will need to be brought in to build the proposed ramp over the Manuherikia River for the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park project in Alexandra.The Vincent Community Board will reassess on March 17 whether or not to carry on with the more technical work - which is expected to cost considerably more than originally thought.Meanwhile, tenders are open for the next stage of constructing a viewing platform and mana whenua design integration, which is on track to be completed by June 30.Although a ramp was included in the board’s 2018 vision, ground conditions were unknown at the time, and board chair Jayden Cromb said yesterday, the main contractor has stepped aside from further work as it was beyond his scope of expertise.He said they were initially unsure how much the ramp would cost, “because no-one knew what the bank was like,” and the first step had been to remove all the trees and stabilise the site.In September 2025, it was then discovered that 9m+ poles would need to be driven into the ground to support the ramp, and the designs had to meet Geotech requirements as well as being flood resistant.Jayden said heavy rain over summer has also changed the river levels considerably, making the work more challenging onsite.Heritage work is an important part of the project, as researchers comb through old remnants and rubbish from the two pubs that operated downtown (the Bendigo pub was demolished in 2001 to make way for flood protection banks).Jayden sits on the working group for the project as an elected member, and acknowledged the frustration caused by the uncertainty moving forward.“We know we will blow the budget very quickly if we carry on, so it may be that we just tidy it up and have the viewing platform and call it a day,” he said.That didn’t mean a future board couldn’t go ahead and pick up the final stage of the project at a later stage, he said.If the board agrees to the future work, then it will need to be budgeted as part of the Long Term Plan.Dignitaries at the opening of the first stage of the Riverside Park project in downtown Alexandra back in September 2025. Image: suppliedIn the 2021/31 Long Term Plan council allocated $650,000 over three years for the construction of the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park, and additional funding of $723,848 was also received from Otago Community Trust ($100,000), Central Lakes Trust ($250,000), Lottery Environmental and Heritage Fund ($48,848), and MBIE TiF funding ($325,000). “A great deal has changed since the board first backed this project in 2018, and while we’re just as eager as everyone else to see the ramp stage move forward, we also have a responsibility to carefully consider the overall cost and logistics,” Jayden said. “We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved so far through our partnership with Rory and the trust that’s been built along the way. We’re looking forward to naming a new contractor soon and seeing this stage completed by the end of June.” Rory McLellan, chair of the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, is pleased to see the project continuing to move ahead. “It’s been fantastic to see the plaza and facilities so well used over the past year. Watching locals and visitors enjoy the space reinforces why we began this journey back in 2011,” Mr McLellan said. “As we move into the next phase we’re building on that momentum and creating a vibrant riverside hub our community can be proud of. It’s been a long road but seeing the project evolve step by step makes it all worthwhile.” The project is a collaboration between the Alexandra Riverside Park Trust, Central Otago District Council, mana whenua via their rūnaka-governed firm Aukaha, and the local community. CODC staff are currently preparing a report with a timeline and proposed costings of the ramp for the March 17 meeting, where a decision will be made on whether to complete the final stage.Read more: New community space opens - Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park

The $45.8M facility being built to replace the Cromwell Memorial Hall is months away from completion, but it remains unnamed as Central Otago District Council kicks off something of a community brainstorming session to rectify that.The council has been clear the consultation - short, sharp and over in two weeks - is open to anyone across the district with an idea, not just Cromwell residents.At a council meeting last week, elected members signed off on the consultation process, which comes with a $3000 pricetag.Staff told the meeting the topic of choosing a name had been brought to council displays at A and P shows in the district in recent weeks but hadn’t proved to be much of a conversation starter.In a statement opening the consultation, mayor Tamah Alley said the naming was an important milestone for the project.“We know this site means a great deal to many people, and we deeply respect the heritage of the former Cromwell Memorial Hall that stood here for so many years,” Tamah said.“This new building is an exciting next chapter that’s designed to be more than just a hall, and its name should reflect everything it will represent for our community.”It has already been decided the facility will have dual names: a gifted te reo Māori name and an English name.It is the English name the council is consulting on.The Cromwell cenotaph at its new resting spot outside the yet-to-be named Cromwell events facility. Image: The Central AppThe local Returned Services Association is on the record as having a preference for the word “memorial” to be included in the name, and a group of Cromwell residents is behind the ‘Retain the name Cromwell Memorial’ Facebook group set up in support.While a report presented at Wednesday’s meeting acknowledged any name including "memorial" carried "historical weight", it suggested a title reflecting the facility's "modern, multi-use function" was “worth considering”.“The venue is intended to serve not just Cromwell but the wider Central Otago region. A name that acknowledges its regional significance, shared funding, and anticipated broad usage should be discussed,” the report said.Feedback from the consultation will be brought to the Cromwell Community Board’s meeting in early April, then the board’s feedback and recommendations on a name will be brought to a full meeting of the council at the end of April - the deadline for a final decision.Deputy mayor and Vincent councillor Tracy Paterson, speaking at Wednesday’s council meeting, said councillors needed to go into the naming process with an open mind.“There’ll be no pre-determination,” she said.Name signage is expected to be installed ahead of the official opening in July.The building itself spans approximately 3000m2 and includes an auditorium, cinema, café, meeting rooms, museum, and a dedicated area for the RSA.In front of the building is a memorial space where the cenotaph was relocated to in early February and this year's ANZAC Day service is scheduled to be held.Keen to have your say?A survey can be completed online, with hard copies available at council service centres and libraries.Drop-in sessions:Tuesday, March 3, 11.30am-1.30pm, Cromwell LibraryTuesday, March 3, 5.30pm-7pm, Cromwell Town and Country ClubSunday, March 8, 10am-12pm, Cromwell MarketWednesday, March 11, 11.30am-1.30pm, Alexandra LibraryRead more: Seat sponsorship floated to fund $200k lighting upgrade and RSA pushes for ‘memorial’ ahead of name consultationHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Ratepayer-owned public toilets are increasingly being vandalised and the culprits getting away scot-free.That was the message delivered to councillors at Wednesday’s full meeting of the Central Otago District Council in a quarterly performance and business report.Risk and procurement manager Amelia Lines said 10 incidents of vandalism were reported across October, November and December - double the number reported in the previous quarter.Toilets in and around Alexandra bore the brunt of abuse, with six incidents of damage reported at facilities at Pioneer Park, Weatherall Creek, the boat ramp, and Riverside Park.Meanwhile, Cromwell’s Alpha St and Murray Tce toilets were each targeted once, along with toilets in Clyde’s Lodge Ln.Damage included a cistern and toilet bowl, soap dispensers and toilet roll dispensers “smashed”, a door frame “vandalised”, and taps “kicked and bent” and left "unusable", the report said.Amelia described the upwards trend as “disappointing”.“Every time we have incidents like that it does cost council and therefore the ratepayers,” she said.The damage from a deliberately-lit fire at a public toilet in Alexandra, June 2025. Image: SuppliedIn response to questions from councillors, facilities manager Garreth Robinson said there had been no success to date in holding offenders to account.“It’s really hard to prosecute,” he said.“We can’t film inside toilets.”He said technology was being used, with CCTV often positioned outside facilities and a “sound modulator” installed inside to capture noises such as “bashing”, indicating damage may be occurring.However, without catching someone “in the act”, that evidence was not enough.“It’s still not conclusive,” he said.Garreth said damage often occurred at night and was most commonly caused by “bored teenagers” rather than “malicious behaviour”.He said locking facilities overnight could help reduce the risk.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]