King of Commitment – Doug Gets It DoneThey don’t come any more ‘local’ or devoted than Roxburgh’s Doug Dance, who’s clocked near on 70 years as a local founding St John Ambulance volunteer, Roxburgh Brass Band member and movie projectionist.In fact, there’s not much in town that Doug’s not into, representative on important community trusts and boards, making hospital recommendations, all from the tender age of 16.A born and bred orchardist, now 85, he somehow finds time in his exceptionally busy community commitment schedule to work part-time at Fairview Orchards, after being deemed “too old” to work at 72 by previous employer NZ Gourmet, much to his amusement.Doug, still at it in the orchard. Image, supplied.To Doug, “commitment is key”, no matter what your age. “I’ve always been a stickler for commitment. If I say I’ll do it then I’ll bloody well do it,” he says. “They seem to lack that these days.”The son of an experienced horticulturist, Doug’s expertise was still in demand after selling the family orchard in 1997, travelling to America to check out cherries and blueberries for the local growers.If there’s a job needs doing in the local community, they know Doug will commit.It’s been that way since he was a kid.It’s the way he was brought up, initially on the Moa Seed Farm, near Roxburgh, that his dad managed for the government, then purchased.He then bought their family orchard in 1952 – a rundown property that he turned into a horticultural success. Doug took this over in 1968, already having honed the skills required. “Me and my three sisters always helped picking dead heads off thousands of flowers and bundling thousands more – tulips, sweet peas, all for export, then picking fruit,”Doug says. “We drove a horse and cart with beetroot on board until 1952.”The school bus delivered the mail, so it was a long ride home.A badminton champion in his teens, Doug took out the Otago U19 Singles Championship title two years running and a C Grade Mixed Doubles Championship with his sister.When the Roxburgh Hydro Dam construction was completed in 1957 and the 3000 workers dispersed, a public meeting was called by the local Progress League to replace the ambulance service which the Ministry of Works had previously run for the dam project. Doug was there at 16, voted onto the committee, by then a member of the Roxburgh Boating Club having designed and built his own boat.That year at 16 he passed his adult First Aid licence certification, quickly moving on to Advanced First Aid and Advanced Home Nursing qualifications, all in preparation for the town’s ambulance service.“The tutors came every Tuesday from Dunedin and taught us volunteers at the local school.”Doug, at 18, with the orignial Roxburgh ambulance that he was sent to collect. Image, supplied.Doug then drove the first Roxburgh ambulance up from Dunedin in 1959, aged just 18. “They sent me down in the bus.”Roxburgh had a fully equipped hospital back then due to the dam construction and Doug had barely arrived home when a local lady became seriously ill with a heart attack. “I’d been back five hours, and the doctors decided she had to go to Dunedin, so they rounded up the local traffic cop to drive and put me in the back as orderly. The roads were all gravel, and we got to Round Hill where the traffic cop was swearing because there was a large black cow sitting in the middle of the road!”By 1960 he was Roxburgh area rep on the Otago Ambulance Centre Committee at 19, coordinating ambulances for the area. “We had lots of meetings in Dunedin at 7pm and I’d drive there after work at the orchard and back that night for about 40 years. By the early 90s he was on the St John Trust Board, helping with the negotiations to set up the first Speights-sponsored rescue helicopter.As a teenager he was transport officer, in charge of the ambulance volunteer drivers’ roster – a 24/7 role coordinating the 14 volunteers.“We only had a manual telephone exchange, and the doctors and Police all had to have a copy of the roster so they knew who was on duty to ring.“In later years I’d be at work and my wife would come to get me, or the kids would ride down on their bikes, yelling, ‘Dad, they need the ambulance!’”Doug was chairman of the Roxburgh Hospital Committee by 1968, at 27, five years after marrying wife of 62 years Jean – a position he held for 14 of his 18 years of service, also on the Otago Small Hospital Committee.He’d been old enough to join the Roxburgh Township Jaycees, then the Junior Chamber of Commerce, by 18, chairman at 25 in 1966 - the year they got into the National Jaycee Debating Finals, up against slick big city lawyers and accountants.Jaycee News - Doug being awarded his Jaycees president's badge in 1966. Image, supplied.He served two terms on the Roxburgh Borough Council from 1974, not bad for a kid who was forced to leave school at 14 to help on the family orchard, a desire to study architecture just not an option back then.Besides Doug’s community volunteer commitment had already begun, the local cinema projectionist from age 13, winding the film reels and showing the slides at half time. “We got 6 shillings and 11 pence initially from the council per showing, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. That helped offset the rates,” Doug says. “When they gave up the Jaycees took it on, so it was me, then the Rotarians took over, of which I was one, so me again. Then the Roxburgh Silver Band took it on next - I came with that package too, then the local hall improvement committee of which I was chairman took over, all voluntary.”He received a special award for 60 years of service at the 100-year anniversary of movies in Roxburgh, even a special congratulatory note from local actor Sam Neill.Doug with his trophy celebrating 100 years of movies in Roxburgh in 1998. Image, supplied.Doug was still the movie man until eight years ago when technological advances got the better of him.Besides he had enough on.He joined the Roxburgh Brass Band, now the Roxburgh Pioneer Energy Brass Band, in 1958, playing the tuba for 66 years, still performing at Christmas Shows, Anzac Parades, A & P Shows, Alexandra Blossom and Arrowtown Autumn Festivals. “One year the Blossom Festival organisers put our band right behind the Clyde Pony Club’s large contingent,” he grins. “There was a lot of different foot work going on.”'Dance'ing through the generations - Doug, second left, with the members of his family also in the Roxburgh Brass Band. Image, supplied.Foot work’s his specialty though – as a member of the Band Ballet Corp, Doug starring in The Nutcracker and Swan Lake alongside other hairy legs and armpits in his delightful green tutu.Movies and concerts were always in the Town Hall, which sadly burnt down last year – cause unknown, Doug, of course, leading the charge as chairman of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre Improvement Committee in 1994. “We raised $1.6m for that four-year project and in half a day it was burnt down.”Doug was promoted to Commander at St John in 1995 and is a Life Member of both Jaycees and Rotary, also a Paul Harris Fellow.He’s received Central Otago Community Services Awards twice (1993 and 2015), been a Local Hero of NZ in 2017 and was “very honoured” in 2022 to receive a special minted medal from the Queen for his 65 years’ service to St John. “It landed on my back doorstep via courier due to Covid restrictions.”Somehow Doug found time to broadcast the weather on the radio every morning from 1997 too, still broadcasting his own weekly ‘Tales From The Teviot’ show: “It’s all been quite busy, but it’s all about commitment,” he says.

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. 

Jessica Devonport still marvels at the honesty and generosity of her new Central Otago community.Seeking a slower pace of life and wholesome opportunities for their children, Jessica and her husband Marty made the decision to relocate to Alexandra at the end of 2024, after Marty secured a position as a building inspector. It didn’t take long for them to feel they had made the right choice.One of the first things that struck Jessica was the openness of the people around her. She laughs when recalling her early experiences scrolling through local social media pages.“We’ve got apricots, help yourself,” she remembers reading, a small gesture that felt wonderfully refreshing compared with what she’d seen on social media in the past.Her first impression of Alexandra transported her back to her childhood in Australia. A place where life felt safe, and people were nurturing. “It was like being a kid again,” she said.The kindness continued on her street. “Our neighbourhood is so generous. We had neighbours dropping off food for the kids’ lunch boxes, offers of furniture and one special neighbour even knitted me a jersey.” (She provided the mohair.)Jessica and Marty first met in Taupō, where she had originally planned a simple working holiday. Born in Australia and proud of her Swiss heritage, Jessica was drawn to the landscapes of Aotearoa and has called New Zealand home since 2009.She began her New Zealand career as a musculoskeletal therapist at DeBretts Spa before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching, a profession she has loved for the past 14 years.Her background in education has now led her to Central Otago REAP, where she works as the early childhood and schools team leader, coordinating education programmes and whānau support across the region.“REAP has been the best place to make friends and merge into the community.“Many of our courses run over several weeks, so you naturally connect with people. Something that’s vital in rural settings.” Find out more about their programmes and courses on The Central App.Jessica and Pip enjoying some mother daughter bonding. Image: suppliedOutside of work, Jessica has embraced Central Otago life with enthusiasm. A lover of health and craft, she has joined a gym, taken up pottery, and is perfecting the art of sourdough baking. She admits being initially hesitant about the limited retail options compared to the lakeside resort towns she was used to browsing. But those doubts quickly faded.“Alexandra and Clyde have so many hidden gems,” she says. “It’s been exciting discovering these beautiful shops, and the assistants are all so friendly.”Living in Central Otago, she has discovered, means planning ahead. Particularly when balancing children’s sport and the travel that comes with it. Whether it’s maximising what each nearby town offers or ordering essentials online, she sees it all as part of the rhythm of rural life.The move hasn’t been without challenges. Loneliness, especially in those early weeks, was the hardest hurdle.“Not knowing anyone at the supermarket when you do your weekly grocery shop is hard,” she admits.But the personal growth that each family member has experienced since relocating has made the transition worthwhile.“Despite the challenges, it feels right. Central Otago has given us space to breathe, to connect, and to grow.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] Central Home is proudly brought to you by Central Interiors - Design dreams made into reality

Two people are due in court after police uncovered cannabis and cash at a Cromwell home.Police in Cromwell launched an investigation into the supply of cannabis in the area after receiving a tip-off via the anonymous Crime Stoppers service.During the execution of a search warrant at a Cromwell residential address, officers found close to two kilograms of cannabis and $8,000 in cash.A 50-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were taken into custody without incident.The pair are due to appear in Alexandra District Court on Thursday (March 12), charged with possessing cannabis for supply.Otago Lakes Central Area commander Inspector Paula Enoka said the result was significant for both police and the local community."We will always work hard to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs within our communities, however we cannot do this alone," Inspector Enoka said.She thanked the person who provided information through Crime Stoppers, saying it had helped police."With this result, a lot of harm has been removed from the streets to keep our communities safe," she said."We will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, and urge anyone with information relating to illicit drugs within the community to please contact police."Police said information can be provided online via 105, by phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A survey commissioned by Santana Minerals suggests nearly half of the people interested in working at its proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine already live close by.In a March 5 media release, Santana Minerals said 48 per cent of the 647 people who responded to its survey live in Central Otago or Queenstown Lakes districts.Another 27 per cent are based elsewhere in the South Island.People and culture manager Vicki Blakeborough described the project as a “residential mine”.“There is no FIFO here,” Vicki said in the statement, referring to fly-in fly-out workforces at some mining operations.The survey results showed two-thirds of respondents already have accommodation within an hour of the proposed mine site in the Dunstan Range, while 94 per cent would use company-provided bus transport from centres including Cromwell, Alexandra, Queenstown, Wānaka and Hāwea if available to them.The company has previously said the project could produce 120,000 ounces of gold annually at peak production for 14 years, and generate more than 860 jobs.These figures were included in background information accompanying the company’s release.However, community group Sustainable Tarras has cautioned against relying on headline economic projections linked to mining proposals.In a Facebook post on February 17, the group said discussions about mining developments could be influenced by “extraordinary figures about profit” and projected jobs.The group questioned how 860 new jobs would affect a region already facing high housing costs and low unemployment, expressing concern workers might shift away from the tourism, viticulture and horticulture sectors.Respondents to Santana Minerals' survey reported experience across construction, mining operations and mineral processing - surveyors, engineers, machine operators, health and safety specialists and drill and blast specialist among them - while 176 said they were new to the mining industry.The company described this as a "pipeline of talent ready to be trained".“We don't just want to hire Central Otago, we want to train it," Vicki said.The Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project is currently progressing through a fast-track consenting process.The company said the survey was carried out over 35 days in January.Respondents were people who had already expressed interest in working on the project.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Quinn McCutcheon (16) and his family are off to Italy at the end of May to prepare for the Junior World Kayaking Champs, after his recent NZ Under-18 selection.The Junior World Champs are being held in Krakow, Poland in July, and Quinn will meet up with his Kiwi team mates in June to start training - following his U-18 Oceanic 2026 title in January.The 2026 Oceanic Canoe Slalom Championships were held on the Wero Whitewater Course in Auckland, bringing together elite paddlers from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Korea.Quinn delivered an exceptional performance and dominated the opening day of racing, finishing first in his age group and immediately establishing himself as a standout competitor.He moved his position from 15th to 9th overall, out of 34 male paddlers, and among several other international Central Otago Whitewater Club members, including Finn Butcher, Nick Collier, Tom and Ollie Goldsmith.It was Nick who first inspired Quinn to give canoe polo a go back in primary school (11), and then he progressed through the program into slalom and loved it.Quinn was told two years ago that if he truly wanted to go far in the sport, he needed to train six days a week, all year-round. From that moment, he committed to 20+ hours of training each week across six days. The results came quickly: at the first nationals held after that first cold winter of training (2024), he earned a silver medal in the K1 Men’s Under-16 category. He backed it up the following year with another silver in Under-18. That steady rise culminated in his biggest achievement yet: winning the Oceania Championship, a result that confirmed he now belongs among the region’s best.  This marked a significant achievement and highlighted his potential on the international stage.16-year-old Quinn in action on the water. Image: suppliedMum Aimee, has been frantically organising overseas travel for the family - husband Matt and daughter Grace are coming too.“It’s Quinn’s first time wearing the Silver Fern on the international stage, and no question about it - we want to be there to support him."Quinn wasn’t expecting to win the Oceania title and certainly not expecting international competitions in his first year.Aimee was involved with the judging, and got the heads up early on from other officials that her son had potentially just won the Oceania title.But Quinn still had another event, and nobody wanted to put him off his game. Even his coach Alex Goni wouldn’t let him look at the results board, and had told Mum to stay away from Quinn as he needed to focus.  “I couldn’t quite believe I had won. I had to wait until the prizegiving the next day to know,” Quinn said.The CO Whitewater Club employs a kayaking coach from overseas every season, and this year Alex has joined the club from Spain (October until end of April).The club has always been strong and people wanting to learn the sport are introduced through different levels - first starting in a pool, then into an irrigation pond, eventually out to the course at Earnscleugh, before tackling Central Otago rapids.“We’ve got an awesome lot of parents and other adults who help run the club – without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, the kids of Central Otago are truly lucky," Aimee said.Quinn said he was mentored and helped by Finn, Nick and Ollie and loves the community within kayaking as much as the sport itself. “Even our neighbours comment on how impressed they are seeing me putting the boat on the roof of the car when it’s been freezing or snowing day after day – I must say though this year I am looking forward to missing lots of the winter by being in Europe,” Quinn said.The family are fundraising through a Givealittle Page and are holding a Quiz night on April 22 at Ida Bar to help raise funds for their son’s trip.The Central App will follow Quinn’s progress overseas through his mother (now offical manager), in coming months.Read more

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.

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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.