Central Otago is outperforming the national average across many industries, but faced different challenges to the rest of the country, Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said.Speaking to a small group at the Packing Shed in Clyde on Tuesday, he said the district was challenged by growing pains rather than a lack of growth.Organised by the Central Otago District Council, the Wellington-based economist packed a lot of detail into his 26-minute presentation, but the conflict in the Middle East was never far from his mind.“There is some economic momentum and even more so in Central Otago, but everything is incredibly uncertain.”With New Zealand facing the largest daily oil prices in 30 years (changing by the hour), Brad acknowledged petrol prices hitting the $3 mark was causing many challenges for householders.But he said it was within industries where it will hurt the most, such as aviation fuel and diesel, with 6% of horticulture’s operating costs coming from fuel.Otago, Southland and Canterbury’s primary sector has faced strong growth over the past year, particularly in the areas of dairy, meat and horticulture, with 6% of economic activity in Central Otago coming from those industries (compared with just 3-4% nationally).A small group gathers at The Packing Shed near Clyde to listen to the Infometrics presentation on Tuesday evening. Image: The Central AppConstruction was another growth industry across Central Otago - fuelled by the ongoing work in Queenstown Lakes, that was bucking the national trend.Brad said the challenge in construction for Central Otago was how to embrace and lead that development, “because you don’t want to get stuck as the dormitory suburb.”Otago and Taranaki are currently the only regions in New Zealand reporting growth in consumer spending over the past 12 months, backed by strong employment numbers and job opportunities.Otago has greater levels of international tourism compared to the North Island, with guest nights up 2.4% and international arrivals into Queenstown airport surging to between 100%-140% of pre-pandemic levels.But the figures for travel domestically were down 12% and Brad said electricity and gas prices, rising 12-16% last year - the largest increase since the 1980s, on top of a 3.8% increase in supermarket essentials was continuing to hurt New Zealanders.“We are really starting to see the pressure coming through. Power bills are hitting us so we’re not spending as much on everyday items.”CODC chief executive Peter Kelly asked Brad his opinion on the proposed Santana gold mine, to which he replied, “there is huge potential in the mine activity, in the right way.”He added that mining operations are “high value” for regions such as the West Coast, but would like to see the Government raise the revenue tax from it, to benefit local areas more.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Keen game bird hunters in Otago will need to be organised earlier than usual this season, with the Easter break throwing out the usual calendar.Mark-up day, when licence holders secure their preferred maimai sites ahead of season opening, is a week earlier.Otago Fish and Game said it was important hunters were aware of the shift and planned for it.“Mark-up day is a key date on the calendar for many of our game bird hunters,” Otago Fish and Game communications officer Bruce Quirey said.“With Easter falling early, the date has shifted forward, so we’re urging everyone to check their diaries and make sure they don’t miss out.”Hunters who had a maimai site last season can reclaim it anytime before 10am on Sunday, March 29 by purchasing their 2026 licence and attaching the claim tag.But, after that, any maimai untagged is fair game, open to other licence holders.Licences for the season go on sale from today (Thursday March 12), and Otago Fish and Game is encouraging hunters to get in early to secure their preferred spot.“Don’t leave it to the last minute,” Bruce said.“Buy your licence as soon as they’re available, get your claim tag sorted, and stake your claim before someone else does.”Otago Fish and Game said mark-up rules apply equally to private and public land.However, landowner permission is still required to hunt on any land, and without that permission, the mark-up rules are irrelevant.On public land, a marked-up maimai must be occupied by the tag holder before 7.30am on any day during the season.After that time, if it remains unoccupied, it becomes available to any other licensed hunter for the rest of the day.Hunters must also observe the 90-metre rule between maimai sites unless agreement is reached between parties.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Throughout this week, The Central App is celebrating International Women’s Day by featuring one amazing woman from our community each day, highlighting their unique journeys and contributions.Stacey Haig believes that backing yourself and putting your hand up, even when you're not sure where it will lead, is how progress really happens.Her journey started twenty years ago as a volunteer. From the very beginning, she was fortunate to join a team that was inclusive and supportive, and it's that foundation of belief and backing from others that she credits for everything that followed.What that experience taught her is that the right environment can change the entire trajectory of a person's life. When the people around you believe in you, it gives you the courage to keep saying yes, even when the destination isn't clear yet.This year's International Women's Day theme is Give to Gain, the idea that sharing knowledge and influence accelerates progress. Stacey's piece of insider wisdom is simple: don't be afraid to give something a go. You never know where it will take you, or what you might find out about yourself along the way.That philosophy has served her well. When she stepped into her current role as Volunteer Support Officer for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) in Central Otago, she had to stop and pinch herself. The girl who started as a volunteer all those years ago had no idea it would lead to something like this, and that's exactly the point.Looking toward a more equitable future, Stacey finds it hard to pick just one pillar. For her, it comes back to access. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the same access to opportunities across the board. But access alone isn't enough. You have to back yourself, put yourself out there, and stand up for what you believe in. Without that willingness to step forward, the status quo continues, and new ideas and opportunities never get the chance to take root.

What the Past 29 Years Can Teach Us About Long-Term InvestingIf you had known in advance all the crises the world would face over the past 29 years, you might never have invested in markets at all.Yet history shows that investors who stayed the course were still rewarded. “The market is designed to transfer money from the active to the patient.” Warren Buffett.Turn on the news on almost any given day and it’s easy to feel like the world is full of uncertainty. Wars, political tensions, inflation concerns, economic slowdowns, and market volatility dominate the headlines.For investors, this can raise a simple but important question: Is now really a good time to invest? The truth is that uncertainty has always been part of the investment journey — and history shows that markets have continued to grow despite it. Imagine it’s 1997. Someone offers you a strange opportunity: before you invest in the share market, they will tell you every major global crisis that will occur over the next 29 years. They describe the Asian Financial Crisis, Russia’s debt default, the collapse of the technology bubble, the September 11 attacks, the Global Financial Crisis, and a global pandemic that shuts down much of the world. With that information alone, many people might decide investing would simply be too risky. Yet the reality of what actually happened next tells a very different story. Between 1997 and 2025, the US share market (represented by the S&P 500 Total Return Index) delivered average annual returns of roughly 9–10% per year, assuming dividends were reinvested. In simple terms: $1 invested in 1997 grew to more than $13 by 2025. This growth occurred despite recessions, financial crises, geopolitical conflicts, and a global pandemic.Markets don’t simply reflect the headlines of the day. Over time they reflect the progress of businesses and people around the world; innovation, productivity, and the solutions people create when challenges arise. The same long-term trend can be seen here in New Zealand. According to Stats NZ national accounts, New Zealand’s economy has grown significantly over the past few decades. 1997: approximately $108 billion GDP 2021: approximately $349 billion GDP 2025: approximately $440 billion GDP This growth has occurred despite global financial crises, natural disasters, and the disruption caused by COVID-19. One of the most misunderstood aspects of investing is uncertainty.Many investors believe markets should be predictable. In reality, uncertainty is one of the reasons investors are rewarded over the long term. If the future were perfectly predictable, markets would immediately price in all known outcomes and there would be little reward for taking investment risk.Instead, markets constantly process new information — economic data, business performance, technological change, and global events. This creates volatility. But volatility does not mean markets are broken. It means markets are functioning exactly as they should. For most investors, the biggest challenge isn’t the market itself — it’s how we respond to it. When markets fall, it is natural to feel uncomfortable. The instinct is often to move to cash, wait for certainty, and then reinvest later.The difficulty is that markets rarely signal when the worst has passed. Recoveries often begin while the news still feels negative. Another common mistake investors make is focusing solely on recent investment returns.It is easy to look at a fund, a market, or a particular investment that has performed well over the past year or two and assume that it must therefore be the best place to invest. But chasing returns without understanding why you are investing in the first place can often be futile. Successful long-term investing is not about constantly chasing the highest return. It is about building a portfolio aligned with your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk, and then allowing that strategy to work over time. During periods of market volatility, many investors naturally look for safer options such as term deposits. Term deposits provide a fixed interest rate for a defined period, offering stability and predictable income. Reserve Bank of New Zealand data shows that term deposit rates have varied significantly over the past few decades: Late 1990s and early 2000s: 6–8% rates were common 2020–2022: rates fell below 3% More recently: many term deposits sit around 4–6% While term deposits provide stability and income, they have historically delivered lower long-term growth than diversified share market investments.For this reason, relying solely on term deposits is generally not considered a long-term investment strategy. Instead, they are best viewed as one component of a broader investment strategy, helping provide stability while other investments are positioned for long-term growth. Another key principle of successful investing is diversification.Rather than trying to pick a few winning companies, diversification spreads investments across many businesses, industries, and countries. Research by Professor Hendrik Bessembinder shows that only about 4% of listed companies have been responsible for creating the majority of stock market wealth over time.This means investors who concentrate their portfolios in only a few stocks risk missing the companies that ultimately drive long-term market growth. Diversified funds allow investors to participate in thousands of companies globally, increasing the likelihood of capturing those long-term returns. If an investor had invested $10,000 in global equities in 1997 and achieved roughly 9–10% annual returns, the investment could have grown to around $135,000 by 2025.This highlights the power of time, compounding, and staying invested. Uncertainty is normal. Markets have grown through wars, recessions, financial crises, and pandemics. Long-term investing rewards patience, and diversification reduces risk. Periods of uncertainty are a natural part of investing. Markets rise, fall, and adjust as new information becomes available. While the short-term path can be unpredictable, history shows that disciplined investors have often been rewarded for their patience. At Central Financial Planning, we focus on evidence-based investing and long-term planning — helping clients build strategies designed to navigate uncertainty while staying focused on what truly matters. Because ultimately, successful investing is not about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for it. Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

A Cromwell cherry grower working to prove his farm can run without fossil fuels has been named a finalist for a national sustainability award.Mike Casey, who grows cherries at Forest Lodge Orchard in Mt Pisa and leads electrification advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa, has been named a finalist in the sustainability category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.Mike told The Central App he felt “chuffed” to have made the shortlist.He said the award brings together very different versions of ‘sustainability’ - from food rescue and biodiversity to his own work on electrification - and the winner might ultimately depend on how judges chose to define the word.Mike said he had learned New Zealanders “turn off very, very quickly” when they sense virtue signalling, so he leaned heavily on his ‘boots on the ground’ experience establishing his electric orchard.He frames electrification as an economic no‑brainer that just happens to cut emissions as well.A field trip at Forest Lodge Orchard near Cromwell. Image: FacebookAward organisers described Mike as “a driving force” in the country’s move towards sustainable energy, saying he was “reshaping conversations on climate justice and electrification” while proving “green innovation is not only possible but profitable”.Russel and Teresa Trow, a Southland couple who have spent decades leading conservation efforts on Kundy Island, and Valerie Marie Ngaoa Teraitua, an Aucklander who has created a community gardening, food rescue and sustainability hub at a marae, join Mike as finalists in the category.New Zealanders were invited to nominate people for the awards, with thousands of nominations reviewed by a judging panel.Ten semi-finalists were selected in each category before being narrowed down to three finalists.Judges said the nominees stood out as people using their passion to make New Zealand a better place.Winners will be revealed at a gala event in Auckland next Thursday (March 19).Xero founder and philanthropist Sir Rod Drury, who lives in Queenstown, is one of three finalists for the overall New Zealander of the Year Award, alongside neuroscientist Professor Sir Richard Faull, and charitable sector leader Dame Julie Chapman.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Throughout this week, The Central App is celebrating International Women’s Day by featuring one amazing woman from our community each day, highlighting their unique journeys and contributions.Navigating the "organic" evolution of an editorial career while balancing motherhood was not always a simple path for Paula Wagemaker.From publishing houses to freelance life, Paula focused on building a career that blended technical skill with deep mentorship. When childcare became a priority in the late 1980s, she shifted to freelancing as "the only way I could see myself... being able to raise [my daughter] and continue my career."Instead of shrinking from professional challenges, Paula broke new ground by developing New Zealand’s first nationally accredited publishing course.She reflects on her "determination to take on new ventures within my career, even when feeling very unsure of whether I could pull them off," such as public speaking and running workshops for academic staff."In short, I guess I’ve embraced the opportunities that came my way, but I’ve also been fortunate in finding a profession that has suited me so well," she notes.Paula is candid about the internal hurdles many women face regarding self-worth and finance. She observes that "like many female- and arts-dominated professions, editing, writing and publishing are generally not well paid." This is often compounded by a generational struggle with "self-advocating for a reasonable level of payment," a trait she warns "can hold women back in terms of their own financial wellbeing."Despite facing personal challenges like divorce and a lifelong orthopaedic disability, she has "essentially kept on keeping on," identifying resilience as the true marker of her life. She views her work as a "giving profession," defined by the "collaborative-conversation" aspect of working with writers. Her advice to others is to value the mentoring component of their work. "There is something very satisfying about imparting your own skills and knowledge to others."In donating her time, Paula says that completing a four-year voluntary history of Gilchrist’s General Store "brought together all the skills I have learned in my career."The future of Paula’s advocacy centres on social equity and the urgent need for empathy. She remains deeply concerned by the current political climate,"I feel empathy—the ability to put oneself in other’s shoes—is in the shortest supply it's been in years, and it doubly distresses me that some of the people currently in government exhibiting lack of empathy are women. Which leads me on to equal pay, and our current government’s cancellation of 33 equal-pay claims from female-dominated workforces, which presents as a strong example of what women continue to struggle against.""I hold with the adage that the measure of a fair society is how well it treats the most vulnerable in it," Paula says.She believes that as we navigate an uncertain world, the attributes traditionally associated with women should not be sidelined but should instead "form the cornerstones of our societies and governments."

The Waiora Manuherekia Project has worked with 14 farmers to restore wetlands over the past year, but there is still the opportunity for others to get involved.Following the completion of its wetlands 2025 project, the group has been able to reallocate their funding to offer additional ones to farmers.The initial 11 applications involved the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) collaborating with farmers and working on weed control, fencing, replanting native species and other restoration activities to enhance and protect the ecosystems on their land.Administrator Emily Hart said in order to have the biggest impact, MCG is looking to work with farmers and growers that can put in the time and ongoing commitment.“We’re happy to help with funding but need their help to make it happen within timeframes we’ve got,” she said.Those involved in the project included; Jeremy Anderson (Hills Creek South), Anna and Ben Gillespie (Lauder), Ro and Karl McDiarmid (Hills Creek), Tiff and Bevan McKnight (German Hill), Sandy Sutherland (Hills Creek), Chanelle and David O’Sullivan (Cambrians), Andrew and Tracy Paterson (Chatto Creek, Chimney Gully, Buster Creek), Callum and Dayna Paterson (Kirk Creek headwaters), Chris and Jaimee Pemberton (Becks Creek) and Ky Farming at Thomsons Creek.Read more about the wetlands projects here The Becks Creek project before the habitat restoration began. Image: suppliedThe Waiora Manuherekia Project, led by MCG, was first launched in July 2024, thanks to Ministry for the Environment funding.The project is focused on connecting the community to the Manuherikia River and enhancing its health through various environmental initiatives. In just over a year, the wetlands project has achieved significant environmental outcomes:Treated 70 hectares for weedsPlanted 7.75 hectares with 15,000 plants on riparian, lake and wetland areasBuilt or repaired 67.7 kilometres of fencingSupported willow removalCreated soil and landscape mapping to support farmersConnected with the community through training sessions, events, school competitions, newsletters and celebrations More information (and the EOI form) can be found here: Funding Available For Wetland Restoration | Manuherekia Catchment Group 

Good news for Cromwell golfers - plans to upgrade facilities at the town’s golf course have taken a step forward.The Cromwell Community Board has recommended the Central Otago District Council approve improvements at the Cromwell Golf Club clubhouse, including an extension, a new outdoor deck and a larger pro shop.If approved by the council, the work would extend the clubhouse to expand the kitchen and relocate the bar and chiller closer to it, and add a new accessible toilet on the same level.“This reconfiguration will create a more functional and efficient operating layout for the provision of catering and beverage services to clubhouse users,” a report to the community board said.Also in the plans, a new outdoor deck beside the clubhouse, to provide “an attractive and functional space for club users to enjoy the outdoor environment following their game”.The final component of the proposed revamp of facilities is a larger pro shop, which the report said would allow the club to increase its retail offering and enable professional services such as coaching and club fitting.Staff said golf has “a long-standing history” in the district, and the upgrades would help the club cater for growing membership and visitor numbers.The club required council permission because the course sits on recreation reserve land on Neplusultra Street managed by the council, and any new buildings or alterations on such land require approval under the Reserves Act 1977.The board considered the request at its meeting on March 3.During discussion, a board member asked about the status of the golf club’s lease with the council.Staff said the lease, which dates back to 1981 and includes 22 hectares of land, still had a long time to run.As part of the approval process, the lease will be updated to include a standard clause requiring improvements on council-leased land to be removed at the end of a tenancy, or transferred to the council by agreement - a detail missing from the 1981 agreement.All costs for design, consenting, construction and ongoing maintenance of the upgrades would be met by the Cromwell Golf Club.If the council approves the recommendation, the club will be able to proceed once building consent is issued.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.

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Central Otago is experiencing steady growth. Towns such as Cromwell, Alexandra, and Clyde are attracting more residents, visitors, and businesses, driven by horticulture, viticulture, agriculture, construction, tourism, and supporting services. This growth brings opportunity, but it also creates pressure—particularly on housing and the local workforce. As the district expands, a widening gap has emerged: workers are squeezed by the rising cost of living, while local businesses, themselves facing higher overheads, may struggle to offer competitive wages to attract them.Housing availability is a key part of this challenge. While Central Otago has historically been more affordable than Queenstown-Lakes, rents are rising and long-term rental options are limited, especially in larger towns. Seasonal work patterns in horticulture and tourism further complicate the picture, with demand for workers peaking at the same time as demand for accommodation. As population and business growth continue, competition for housing is expected to increase unless supply keeps pace.These pressures directly affect employers. Job candidates are increasingly cautious about relocating without secure and affordable housing, and some employees leave roles when short-term or informal accommodation arrangements fall through. For businesses, this results in staff shortages, high turnover, and lost productivity. The challenge is not just filling roles but sustaining a stable workforce in a district where housing options are constrained.At the same time, Central Otago has set a clear ambition to lift wages and living standards over the long term. Achieving this goal cannot rely on higher labour costs alone, particularly in a tight housing market. Instead, it requires higher productivity—getting more value from the work that is already being done. This is where smarter workforce planning and better use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), becomes increasingly important.Before deciding to hire additional staff, many employers are beginning to ask whether work can be done more efficiently. AI and digital tools can help reduce pressure on staffing by automating routine tasks such as scheduling, customer enquiries, invoicing, reporting, and compliance administration. In seasonal industries, data-driven forecasting tools can help businesses better match staffing levels to demand, reducing the need for last-minute recruitment during peak periods.In professional services, construction, and council-related work such as consents and compliance reports, AI can support planning, document management, and project coordination, allowing skilled staff to focus on higher-value tasks. For small businesses, these tools can make a meaningful difference, helping owners manage growth without immediately needing to employ additional staff in a housing-constrained environment.This approach does not replace people, especially in hands-on roles that are central to Central Otago’s economy. However, it can reduce burnout, improve job quality, and support higher wages by lifting productivity rather than increasing workloads. For workers, this can mean more sustainable roles and better career progression. For employers, it offers a way to grow without being limited solely by labour and housing availability.Local planning and economic strategies increasingly recognise that housing, wages, productivity, and growth are closely linked. Enabling more housing in key towns, supporting business innovation, and encouraging smarter use of technology are all part of building a resilient local economy.As Central Otago continues to grow, success will depend not just on attracting more people, but on using the workforce well. By addressing housing constraints, lifting productivity, and being thoughtful about when hiring is truly needed, the district can support stronger wages, healthier businesses, and improved living standards for the whole community.For help mapping your strategic staffing needs, contact the team at EASI NZ. 

Central Otago District Council is moving away from simply replacing aging swings and slides in favour of a 30-year strategy that treats the entire district as a playground. According to the strategy, while they are are more than twice as active as the national average, 82 per cent of Central Otago's young people are still failing to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.The draft ‘Play Strategy’ was approved for public consultation at a council meeting on February 25 and outlines how play spaces will be developed across the district.Cromwell councillor Sarah Browne said the strategy encouraged people to make the most of outdoor spaces.“The bottom line is that we want our kids to be active...play doesn’t have to be structured and there are opportunities everywhere,” Sarah said.“I’m all for unwrapping the cotton wool and letting our kids climb trees and make rope swings.“We want to promote our kids living their best lives in this playground we call home.”CODC parks officer Maria Burnett said this is the first time the district has had a long-term, district-wide framework for play.“This strategy moves us from reactive renewals to intentional planning. It shifts us from many small, ageing sites towards a connected network,” she said at the February meeting.Maria said playgrounds were some of the most visible and heavily used facilities the council provided.“They influence whether families feel our towns are welcoming, how young people engage with public space, how connected communities feel, and how our public realms support wellbeing,” she said.A potential 'destination' playground? Image: CODCThe strategy proposes a tiered network of play spaces across the district, including a key “hub” playground in each ward - Pioneer Park in Alexandra, John Street in Ranfurly, King George Park in Roxburgh and Big Fruit Reserve in Cromwell - alongside smaller neighbourhood playgrounds.The strategy also proposes building play into everyday public spaces, not just playgrounds, using features such as “playable” paving along footpaths and stormwater basins that double as nature play areas.It identifies a gap in the district: the lack of a “destination-level” playground capable of drawing visitors from across the South Island, with Cromwell’s Big Fruit Reserve identified as a potential site.However, the strategy does not commit the council to specific projects or spending, and funding decisions would still be made through the council’s long-term and annual plans, Maria said.More than 580 people contributed to the draft strategy through surveys and workshops, including 143 pupils from Years 3 to 8.Public consultation on the draft strategy opened on Monday (March 9) and will run for four weeks.A final version of the strategy is expected to be presented to councillors for adoption in June.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Cases of Covid-19 in the Southern District are on the rise, following the announcement by health officials that the country is entering its ninth wave of the virus.In the past week there has been 27 cases of Covid-19 reported in the south, with 92 in the last 30 days.Similar numbers have been reported in Canterbury, with 23 new cases in the past week and 94 in the last month.Ninth wave of Covid-19 Up north, Counties/Manukau has reported 47 new cases over seven days and 170 in the past month.The new findings have come from wastewater testing which covers about 60% to 70% of New Zealand’s population and provides reliable trend data which doesn’t depend on people testing and self-reporting cases.Professor Michael Baker told media that the current wave has not peaked yet and hospitalisations could continue rising for a couple of months before declining again.But RAT tests are no longer paid for by the Government, and experts say this could be a problem, because not as many people will be testing when they have symptoms.Boosters have remained available for anyone over the aged of 30 every six months, but the uptake has been low.Last week only 1302 people received their third booster across New Zealand, and 59 received their second booster.Overall statistics show more people are having boosters in the over 65 age group, with 71.9% having received their second shot.Only 19.9% of those 30-34 have received their second booster, 21.9% of 35-49 year olds and 39.8% of those 50-64.Looking back at the data historically, total hospitalisations across the country dropped from a peak of more than 22,000 in 2022 to about 9000 in 2024 (a 60 percent decline).See Te Whatu Ora reporting here

Throughout this week, The Central App is celebrating International Women’s Day by featuring one amazing woman from our community each day, highlighting their unique journeys and contributions.Health and safety consultant Sarah Thomas reflects on over a decade in heavy industry while advocating for female representation in leadership for International Women's Day.Sarah founded her consultancy, Be Safe Now!, in 2011 as a sole practitioner, and in the early days, she often found herself being the only woman and the youngest person in the room. She built credibility by getting out on site and developing deep technical knowledge of safety legislation and guidelines. "Earning credibility requires balance," Sarah said. She aimed to be approachable and human, yet uncompromising in professional standards. Today, Sarah continues her work at locations ranging from Moke Lake to Roxburgh and Dunedin.She now uses her voice with confidence to help open doors for other women. Her primary advice to women in leadership is to stop waiting to feel ready. Sarah believes that clarity and courage are more important than gaining another certificate or course. "Confidence is often the differentiator, not competence," she said. She encourages women to invest in building strong professional networks from day one. For Sarah, a major career milestone involved delivering a nationwide webinar for the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management. This opportunity followed an intensive leadership programme in the United Kingdom. Sarah was mentored by Trish Kerin, a leading figure in Australian health and safety.She is passionate about seeing genuine female influence in boardrooms and industry working groups. Sarah believes that when women are present, conversations broaden and risks are considered more holistically. Equity leads to stronger decisions and better outcomes for everyone. "Representation matters because it shapes perceptions of risk," she said.Despite still being in the minority in some rooms, Sarah continues to pull up a chair. She recharges in the Central Otago backcountry to stay grounded as she pursues her mission of safer workplaces.

Central Otago District Council is asking residents to share their ideas about the future of libraries across the district.The council has opened a public consultation on how library spaces and services could evolve over the next 10 to 20 years.In a media release, the council said libraries had long been places where people read, study, use technology and connect with others in their community.But it said population growth, changing technology and shifting expectations of public spaces meant it was time to think about how those services might develop.Library manager Emma Sherie said the council wanted ideas directly from the community.“This is an opportunity to think boldly,” Emma said in the media release.“Libraries have always adapted to meet the needs of their communities. But the best ideas actually come from the people who use these spaces every day, and from those who might use them differently in the future.”The council said libraries already support a wide range of activities, including children learning to read, students studying, people using public computers and jobseekers building skills.The consultation is aimed at developing a district-wide vision to ensure libraries remain welcoming and useful community spaces as Central Otago grows.Residents can share their ideas between March 2 and April 10.The council said people could add suggestions to “100 Great Ideas” boards at local libraries, complete an online survey, or pick up a printed survey from a library or council service centre.Feedback from the consultation will help guide how library spaces and services develop in the coming years, the council said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Cromwell Community Board has recommended spending up to $300,000 to fix a “missing link" to the soon-to-be opened Kawarau Gorge Trail to help separate cyclists from motor vehicles.At a meeting on Tuesday (March 3), the board discussed the 185-metre gap between Felton Road and the Bannockburn Hotel - and the safety risk it posed, particulary with the influx of bikes predicted when the new trail opens in the coming months.“We currently see cyclists traversing that (section) the wrong way (i.e. on the right-hand side of the road) with traffic coming (towards them) across the brow of that hill,” a council staffer told the meeting.Board member Mike Casey questioned the safety of cheaper construction options on the table, pushing for a physical barrier to be included in the plan.“I think of myself as a responsible cyclist, and I ride the wrong side of that hill constantly,” Mike said.“If there are all of a sudden 20 cyclists on the hill…they’ll spill out onto the road again…We would have spent $300,000 to have the same level of danger".However, the board opted to recommend the cheaper of the two options on the table - a widened road edge rather than a completely separate cycle path, which would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars more.The project will be funded by Financial Contribution Reserves rather than roading budgets, which staff indicated were already squeezed.A report to the meeting said government subsidies through NZTA were currently limited, with funding approved for only four per cent of the roading improvement projects the council had requested."It is unlikely that the connection would attract NZTA subsidy anytime soon," the report said."Delaying the project to wait for alternative funding means the high risk 'missing link' would be present as trail use peaks."The recommendation now moves to the full council for final approval.Staff are investigating if "pricing advantages" can be found by combining the work with a water main project in June, and more detail on construction options will be in the final proposal to the council.Mike reminded the meeting how user numbers for the Cromwell to Clyde trail around Lake Dunstan were underestimated prior to its opening.“I think we're probably going to underestimate, again, how popular this is,” Mike said, referring to the Kawarau Gorge Trail.“Its going to be the newest thing to do when you land in Queenstown as an international or domestic visitor.”Staff told the meeting the first 18 to 24 months of the new Kawarau Gorge Trail would likely be "chaos" while visitors and tour operators figured out the new routes.Board chair Anna Harrison said a meeting with members of the Bannockburn Responsible Development Society was planned for the coming weeks.At the board’s last meeting society representative Harvey Perkins warned Bannockburn is unprepared for the hundreds of cyclists expected to converge on the township with the trail’s impending opening.Harvey said the township faces a major lack of basic infrastructure, including parking, public toilets, drinking water, and adequate green space for resting.Read more: Bannockburn group warns village not ready for cycle trail influx and Kawarau trail close to finishHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Not one submission has been received on Redwood Group’s commercial visitor accommodation development in Cromwell’s Wooing tree subdivision.The Auckland-based developer was granted resource consent by the Central Otago District Council in October to build 46 residential units onsite, but now wants to include visitor accommodation as an option.The CODC confirmed on Friday no submissions were received for the consent variation of The Grove development, which will now go to a hearing.Redwood Group director Tony Gapes said, when contacted, he wasn’t surprised there were no public submissions, but is surprised the council’s planning consultant is still not in favour of it.“If you were ever going to build visitor accommodation In Cromwell, which is a town that has a huge shortage of accommodation options, it would be on this site. “It is on the main highway in and out of Cromwell and has an underpass to the main retail/ food/beverage hub for Cromwell, so would be a very convenient place to stay.”He said they envisaged some of the units being used by owner occupiers and long term letting, and others for short stay accommodation, “so there will be a mix in the development.”The Grove proposed development will be built next to the state highway through Cromwell. Image: suppliedAlthough visitor accommodation was initially included as an optional activity in the original application, it was removed at council’s request due to concerns relating to notification and potential transport effects.The original site formed part of the wider Wooing Tree development approved under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, which included reference to visitor accommodation as a potential use for the lot. However, planning consultant Oli Monthule-McIntosh said in his initial report, that Redwood’s consent did not authorise visitor accommodation on the subject site and, in any event, was a separate and now superseded authorisation.Oli said that the conversion of an entire medium-density residential development to short-stay accommodation would represent a material change in how the site contributes to local housing outcomes.…”this proposal introduces a large-scale, commercial visitor accommodation use into an area still establishing its residential identity. “In the absence of a detailed and enforceable management plan, or a single accountable operator, the proposal does not provide sufficient certainty that adverse effects on neighbourhood character, amenity, and social cohesion can be effectively mitigated.”Since 2019, there has been 310 houses built in the Wooing Tree Estate, and a total of 370 will be fully consented by the end of the year.Of those 299 are Low Density residential lots, 91 Medium Density residential lots, and Lot 604 was purchased by Redwood for the final stage of the subdivision.The Grove will be situated adjacent to the Vineyard Cellar Door and underpass, and alongside State Highway 8b.Visitor accommodation is permitted in the subdivision, where certain conditions are met, including that at least one person resides permanently on the site and the maximum occupancy is six guests per night. The proposal has been given a 'discretionary' classification due to the nature of the visitor accommodation having no manager onsite.Oli said in his report there will also be a shortfall in parking onsite if the units are used for visitors accommodation.But in its housing and economic report Redwood Group said the proposal does not remove dwellings or change the underlying residential zoning of the land. “As a permitted activity under the operative plan, the owners of these units retain the ability to use them for permanent residential occupation at any time. “This inherent flexibility ensures the units can readily contribute to Cromwell’s long-term housing resource, while also enabling a response to market demand for visitor accommodation, all without compromising the district’s supply pipeline."Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A rare bird has popped up in Bannockburn, but it’s not the kind you might expect to find in the vineyards.Seventeen oversized kiwi sculptures have appeared across cellar doors and hospitality venues in the village this week as part of the 2026 Kiwi Art Trail.It is the first time the travelling public art exhibition has visited the South Island.The sculptures feature work from artists from around the country, including Auckland muralist Hayley King, known as FLOX, and musician-turned-painter Otis Frizzell, the son of Dick Frizzell.The exhibition is organised by conservation charity Save the Kiwi in partnership with Tourism Central Otago and Gallagher Insurance.Information provided in a media release said the sculptures are designed to bring attention to kiwi conservation while creating a free public art experience for locals and visitors.Tourism Central Otago head of destination Antz Longman said in the statement the organisation had been approached by Save the Kiwi to explore hosting the trail in the region.“We believe this is a great way to support Save the Kiwi and showcase our wineries, hospitality venues and the arts at a time of year where the region really shines its autumn colours,” Antz said in the statement.Visitors can view the sculptures free of charge at Terra Sancta Winery, Dicey Wines, Desert Heart Cellar Door and Vineyard Kitchen, Te Kano Cellar Door, Mt Difficulty Cellar Door and Restaurant, Bannockburn Hotel Wine Country Restaurant and Bar, Akarua Cellar Door and Carrick Winery.Kiwi on the lawn at Dicey Winery. Image: Morgan PotterThe artworks will remain there until March 29 before moving on to Clyde and Alexandra for April.According to the media release, a digital campaign encouraging people to explore the trail by bike, car or on foot launched this week.Each sculpture will also be auctioned online, with proceeds going toward kiwi conservation projects supported by Save the Kiwi.The organisation said more than $150,000 had been raised for conservation since the Kiwi Art Trail was first launched in Auckland in 2023.Save the Kiwi supports community-run conservation projects across New Zealand, including programmes that hatch kiwi chicks, raise them in protected crèches and return them to the wild.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Throughout this week, The Central App is celebrating International Women’s Day by featuring one amazing woman from our community each day, highlighting their unique journeys and contributions. Transitioning from the fashion industry into dog behaviour and nutrition was not a traditional career path for Lisa Telle. Lisa focused on building a business that blended adventure, training, and community. She entered the industry from a background that differed from traditional expectations. Lisa felt a constant need to prove her expertise in behavioural science and genetics to be taken seriously.Instead of shrinking from the challenge, she studied harder and asked better questions. Lisa eventually built her own table through a podcast and active community engagement."One room I had to fight to get into was the room of being taken seriously as a dog professional," Lisa said. These experiences shaped her into a leader who values depth over ego.Her advice to other women is to start before they feel completely ready. Lisa believes that waiting to be "ready enough" often allows less qualified voices to speak louder. Transparency regarding pricing, boundaries, and business mistakes is a key part of her leadership style. She shares her journey openly to help shorten the struggle for others."When we share the how, we shorten someone else’s struggle," Lisa said. She advocates for an environment where curiosity is welcome and heart-led competence is celebrated.A significant milestone was watching her team of women manage the business operations with confidence. Lisa has successfully shifted from a sole operator to a leader who trusts her team. Upholding brand values and caring for dogs at a high level are now shared team responsibilities. This collective effort allows the business to serve the community even when Lisa is not present. The future of her business focuses on flexible work that does not penalise ambition. Lisa advocates for career designs that align with life changes such as raising families or relocating."Flexibility should not mean lesser opportunity or lesser pay," Lisa said. She believes that when women are supported, the entire community benefits.Empowered humans raise regulated beings. Lisa believes this benefits both the dogs and the humans around them. This vision remains a central pillar of her ongoing work in the region. Lisa continues to focus on uplifting the Central Otago community.