Dunstan High School (DHS) is getting involved in Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand’s (BCFNZ) biggest annual fundraising campaign, Pink Ribbon Breakfast this month.DHS service committee leader and senior student Isla Nelson said it was her second year organising the fundraiser together with student Sophie MacDonald and others. “It’s all about raising awareness. We have had teachers affected . . . everyone is touched by breast cancer at some point in their lives, perhaps their family or friends.”Last year’s breakfast attracted about 60 people and Isla said this year the menu was going to be as delicious.“There will be waffles, including a gluten free option, with fruit, yoghurt, cream or maple syrup. Also croissants with ham and cheese or jam, and juice coffee and tea.”Ten members of the service committee are cooking the waffles, and have been behind the scenes organising the breakfast for half a term. “This is one of our big [fundraising efforts]. We usually do one big one a term. "Next up is the foodbank and our Matariki market.”Isla said if anyone wanted to support the fundraiser, but could not attend on May 23 they could donate to the school office, or via the DHS pink ribbon breakfast fundraising page. “Also any business who wants to donate a raffle prize, or support us with food for the breakfast can email me, [email protected] - we would be so grateful for any donations.”The DHS breakfast is 7.30am to 8.30am on Thursday May 23. A $10 donation is needed at the door to gym classrooms (G2 and G3).Gold coin raffle tickets are available, prizes have been provided by local businesses, and include gift hampers, cafe vouchers, wine and spirits.Poster for DHS pink ribbon breakfast. PHOTO: Supplied Raffle prizes from the 2023 DHS pink ribbon breakfast. PHOTO: Supplied More than 4,700 New Zealanders have signed up to hold a breakfast event so far. If you would like to host your own breakfast, registrations close at the end of May. Visit Pink Ribbon Breakfast to sign up. All of the money raised will fund education, research and patient support. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi women. One in 9 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime, and 650 women in New Zealand die from breast cancer every year.If you or a family member needs support with breast cancer, BCFNZ’s specialist breast care nurses are available, contact 0800 BC NURSE (226 8773) or email [email protected]

A team of Australian curlers are in Alexandra training at the closest curling rink to their home city of Perth, IceInline’s indoor curling rink.The newly formed women's team is led by skip Helen Williams (51) and includes Sara Westman (32), Karen Titheridge (38), Michelle Armstrong (40), Kristen Tsourlenes (30) and coach Dustin Armstrong (40). The team from Perth and Melbourne are one of the 22 teams due in Central to participate in the Australian National Curling Championships (ANCC) for men’s, women’s and mixed fours teams in Naseby from May 13 - 25. Coach Dustin said it was his sixth trip over and he always comes early to train here and “stay in your own bubble or zone, rather than head to Naseby early.”The group said they found the indoor facility at IceInline amazing, as at home they train on an ice skating rink, after public skating sessions are finished.Originally from Scotland, Helen said she had been curling for about 40 years but her time visiting New Zealand was special.“We’ll have four practice games against local ladies. Last night Natalie Thurlow was here . . . and Bridget Becker is due one evening too.“I have a lot of respect for [the New Zealand women’s curling team] and we value their support.”Helen said the welcome and sense of camaraderie from the Central community of curlers was fantastic and there was a strong notion of respect going both ways across the Tasman.“The people [in Alexandra] and in Naseby running the facilities have been so accommodating and friendly, we want to thank them.”On Tuesday the group were practicing and timing their nine-minute warm up to ensure it was a well-oiled machine, perfected to roll out before their competition matches.Team Williams contains members of two teams who placed first and second in last years Australian Championships, but skip Helen has not won a gold in the nationals since 2017.The 2020 and 2021 Australian Championships were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Team Williams coach Dustin Armstrong (at front) inspects a delivery at IceInline. PHOTO: The Central AppWatch a warm up stone slide down the rink towards the house. VIDEO: The Central AppNZ Curling executive member Bruce Kissel said he always stayed for the first few minutes of any team's practice to check over the ice and how it was behaving.He was looking forward to the social curling competition starting tonight (May 9) in Alexandra.“We’ve been growing and growing, there are 42 teams of four entered this season.”Now the roof over the outdoor ice was up he said there were a few things still to be figured out about how curling might be different in 2024.“There might be a rumble of stones, or a bit of a roar . . . will it be like a wind tunnel? It might feel cooler on dull days . . . we’ll have the lights on while curling most likely.“But there will be no more cancellations due to weather and ice conditions.”To find out more about curling in Alexandra or Naseby see the listings for IceInline, and Maniototo Curling International (MCI).Read more: Kiwi curlers in Sweden for world mixed pairs and senior teams  Read more: Men’s curlers leave retirement residence, world champs next

Otago Regional Councillor Gary Kelliher has compared the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan as “a sales brochure for a new Ferrari that delivers a broken down Mini that is costing ratepayers a fortune."He then told the council meeting yesterday that farmers and foresters should stop all of their good environmental work and save that money for lawyers' fees to fight the plan.Despite his analogy, Otago Regional councillors voted 7-5 to send Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds an outline of costs, benefits and implications of notifying the Land and Water Regional Plan before the National Policy Statement on fresh water was released.Chief executive Richard Saunders told the meeting, staff were well aware of the strong differences in opinion around the table, but were not pushing their own agenda, “and it's wrong and inflammatory to suggest staff are doing that.”Cr Michael Laws then questioned him about the contents of the letter, implying that some of the statements were clearly subjective, and based on a judgement.“So who made those?” he asked, with which Richard replied that it was staff who gave their expert opinion to discuss as a draft at the council meeting.Contents of the letter outlined that while some areas of Otago have improving water quality trends, many were degrading, including the lower Manuherekia River, with nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and E.Coli levels measuring below the bottom line.However, the letter did say that there were improving trends in the river quality due to significant on farm effort. Cr’s Laws and Kelliher believe the degradation of the river was questionable.In terms of water quantity, many catchments in Otago also had a medium to high ecological risk as a result of water abstraction. The ORC said historical consenting of stored water has resulted in poor structuring of water allocation and low levels of water efficiency.Since 2018, the Otago Regional Council has invested around $18 million on science, monitoring and policy work to support the development of the new planning framework. That included around $2 million which has been spent on developing a minimum flow for the Manuherekia catchment. ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said despite the opposition around the table, they didn’t have a choice about sending the letter to the Environment Minister - “we have been directed to do this.”

Omakau’s proposed new community hub project is gaining momentum and the committee is set to host an open day to showcase its progress.The Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust, the group behind the establishment of a new community facility on the Omakau Recreation Reserve, will host the gathering, including a barbecue, on Sunday May 19, from 1pm-3pm at the Omakau Rugby Club rooms.The purpose of the open day is to bring the community up to speed with progress on the concept plans, funding, the next steps and to provide a forum for questions to be answered, about the multi-purpose facility, estimated to cost $5.2 million.The committee has already secured $1.7M for the project, including community contributions.Members of the community, CODC elected members and staff are invited to the open day.The Trust was granted $1 million by CODC towards building a community hub on the council-owned reserve to replace the existing rugby club rooms and the Omakau hall, while also accommodate several community organisations and sporting groups within the hub.The hall is officially closed and there is no alternative option for the community until the hub is built.Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust’s next fundraising initiative for the hub is a golf tournament, planned for Friday May 24, at the Omakau Golf Club.To register a team, contact Carolyn Brown on 021 0222 0704 or email [email protected] information about the Omakau Hub project can be viewed on the CODC website.Read more: Omakau Community Hub making progress

It’s time to put an extra blanket on the bed and stoke up the fire as more cold nights loom across Central.Tonight’s predicted low in Alexandra is -2C, followed by -1C on Thursday night.However, MetService meteorologist John Law warns people across the district could see the mercury drop even lower in some parts.He said the cloud that is feeding into the south of the country overnight Thursday may struggle to make its way up to Central Otago, which could allow those temperatures to drop down a few more degrees. “I would not be surprised to see some spots in the region dip down as low as -3 or -4C and would recommend keeping a close eye on the forecasts for the next few nights.”Snow flurries were predicted at the top of the Crown Range Road this afternoon, but little is expected to settle. PHOTO: MetServiceHe said temperatures would depend on several things; the cold air that is sweeping across the district now, how cloudy it is and how much wind there will be. Cold temperatures are likely to continue into the weekend and the start of next week, although they will be more in keeping with this time of year, with lows of about 1C or 2C.A look at the temperatures across Central late this afternoon. IMAGE: MetService“While these temperatures are cold for the time of year it is likely that we have still got some warmer days to come later in the month. However, I'd keep those winter jumpers close to hand.” To keep up updated on the forecast and road conditions, click on The Central App's Weather & Reports link.

The Roxburgh Pool is in the running for an Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) award. In a social media post, Teviot ward councillor Sally Feinerman said it was wonderful the Roxburgh Pool had been entered into the awards.“The photographer did an excellent job in capturing the beauty of the complex. This is quite an achievement for a small community like ours, and it's amazing what can be accomplished when a committed group works together.”The design by Hierarchy Group is described as simple and structural, blending organically into the site, with colours influenced by the Central Otago environment. Hierarchy Group design director Chris Wheeler said they were planning to put the project forward in other design industry awards this year and next. Local firm Breen Construction, together with Coombes Aquatics, built the new 25m lane pool, learn to swim and toddlers pool, replacing the 89-year facility that was decommissioned on the same site.Breen executive director Lindsay Breen said it was a pleasure working with the Hierarchy Group on the Roxburgh pool project and was thrilled the project had been submitted for the ADNZ awards.  “We wish the team at Hierarchy the best of luck. The Roxburgh community continues to demonstrate how amazing the results can be with a committed group working together to deliver fundamental assets like the pool. “It is a true credit to all those involved. Congratulations to everyone, and we eagerly await positive news from the award entries."New changing rooms, office space and a plant room were included in the long-awaited pool project, which was officially opened last December.The Roxburgh Pool committee has worked hard over the past 16 years navigating numerous finance, planning and design challenges to successfully fundraise the $2.7 million needed for the project.An aerial view of the Roxburgh Pool alongside the Mata-Au (Clutha) River. PHOTO: Lightforge- Dennis RadermacherAnother photo for the award entry, commissioned by the designers. PHOTO: Lightforge - Dennis Radermacher The ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards national gala dinner is on in Rotorua on Friday, November 1. Read more: Roxburgh Pool a new reality after 16 years

Discharges of wastewater to land/water under the partially operative regional policy statement by the Otago Regional Council (ORC) will be appealed in the High Court by the two inland Otago councils.The Queenstown Lakes District Council asked the Central Otago District Council (CODC) to join them in the appeal and an emergency executive committee meeting with councillors and the mayor was held yesterday to approve the decision.Under new freshwater plan provisions, the policy framework for new wastewater discharges has shifted from ‘preferred’ that wastewater discharges be to land, rather than water - to now ‘requiring’ any new discharge to be to land rather than water.Under the Resource Management Act, the national policy statement for freshwater management is at the top, followed by the regional policy statement, then regional plans, followed by district plans.In a report from group manager - planning and infrastructure Louise van der Voort, it was outlined that the first priority of the national policy statement for freshwater management, was the health and wellbeing of the water body, followed by people’s health needs (such as drinking water), and finally other users. Regional 3 Waters director Julie Muir said it was not just about discharges to rivers, but also to land near the river, “which changes the bar considerably,” and they needed to be able to have open conversations about that.Cr Tamah Alley said she didn’t think they could afford not to be involved with the appeal. But, because the CODC didn’t appear before the panel, it first had to make an application for leave to appeal.The report from council said the new regional policy statement narrows down the health needs of people, and may impact consenting wastewater treatment plant discharges and water allocation decisions for council water supplies.Mayor Tim Cadogan said he would write to ORC chair Gretchen Robertson and inform her of the council’s decision, along with the three affected iwi.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has approved the next stages of detailed design for the Cromwell Town Centre project.In the publicly excluded part of the meeting on April 24, the council met to discuss whether to progress with further analysis and development of preferred options for the town centre project to be consulted on in the 2025-34 Long-term Plan (LTP).After discussion, it was agreed that a detailed breakdown and further investigation of the costs would be required to enable the council to make a decision on the preferred options, to be consulted on in the LTP, which would be discussed at the council meeting on May 29.Funding of $665,000 for further detailed investigation was in the 2023-24 budget and is to be carried forward for the 2024-25 Annual Plan, currently out for public consultation. It was also agreed that a report on where the governance oversight sat - either the CODC or community board - should also go to the May meeting.The Cromwell Town Centre project is part of the Cromwell Masterplan, that started in 2018, which approved the process, funding and procurement approach for the project. Four workstreams were identified - the spatial framework, the Cromwell Memorial Hall, which was now underway, the town centre and the civic facilities.The Cromwell Masterplan was extensively consulted on, and funding included in the 2021-31 LTP. However, as a result of the current economic climate, and the cost increase in building the town hall, the council made the decision to consult with the community on the town centre through the upcoming 2025-34 LTP.In a separate resolution, the council also made a decision regarding the funding of any property purchases for the Cromwell Town Centre project. It was agreed that negotiations for property purchases should cease until the various options for the town centre were worked through and approved by council, and that those options would form part of the LTP.

Motorists can expect short delays when travelling along SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown over the coming weeks. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will start its autumn rockfall safety programme on the Nevis Bluff on Monday, May 13, with the expectation to have the work completed by Friday, June 14. NZTA maintenance and contract manager in Central Otago Peter Standring said people using the section of SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown are advised to build in extra time of about 10 minutes as delays will be inevitable while the work is carried out. Crews will be working on SH6 between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, subject to weather conditions. “We know these delays can be frustrating, but we’re asking people to be patient and to understand that they are necessary to ensure the safety of road users, which is our number one concern.”Peter said there would also be one or two days where closures of up to an hour will be necessary for blasting work. An aerial view of the stretch of SH6 where delays can be expected. PHOTO: SuppliedIt is anticipated that these will be occurring towards the end of May, early June. Road users will be given as much advance notice about the blast closure days and times as possible, with electronic signs advertising these longer closures a day or two ahead. People travelling to Queenstown Airport will need to bear these longer delays in mind. The Nevis Bluff is about half-way between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown.NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and for taking care while this important safety work is completed leading into winter. To stay up to date on roads daily click in The Central App weather and reports section under Roads

Help is at hand for people across Central who want to navigate their cell phone with more ease.Central Otago Reap is running a series of free digital phone courses, providing people with guidance and handy hints on how to use their phone, no matter whether it's an iPhone or Android.The course, held over five weeks for two hours at a time, is limited to four people so digital tutor Sonia Keogh can provide one-on-one time with each participant.Sonia said the course was developed by Age Concern during Covid-19 lockdowns, when they realised so many people didn’t know how to use their cell phone.She said for many people it was their only form of contact during that time, and while their phones had the capability of connecting them with the outside world, particularly with the likes of video calls, many didn’t know how to access the function.Taking part in a recent Roxburgh digital phone course are Geraldine Cook (left) and Arthur Moore. PHOTO: SuppliedSonia is currently hosting two courses - one in Alexandra and one in Roxburgh, with more regularly becoming available.At the end of each course, an extra session is hosted about online safety, which someone from Central Otago Budgeting Services also attends to assist with questions around topics like online banking.The final session on online safety is open to as many people that will fit in the room.Sonia said the courses are growing in popularity, but the key was to make people aware that the free course was available.For more information about other upcoming digital phone courses phone CO Reap on 448 6115.    CO Reap also has a range of other courses on offer, which can be viewed on their website.

The small town of Ophir is on the map again this NZ Music Month, as all things musical are celebrated across the country.Country-folk singer songwriter Tess Liautaud is playing a gig at Ophir’s historic Peace Memorial Hall celebrating the release of her new single ‘Gold Digger’ on May 17.She’s playing 12 shows across New Zealand together with her band members Adam Hattaway, Frankie Daly, Elmore Jones and Michael Kime. The tour is visiting some other small South Island places, including Arrowtown, Wānaka, Oamaru, Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton, Mapua and Golden Bay. Tess is originally from Paris, but is now living in Dunedin. Her newly released single was written in Otago and has been described as having a “through-line; honest truth cloaked in humorous word play and a simple melody” by website Under the Radar.Watch the video of the Gold Digger on YouTube. It was filmed in Otira and Arthur’s Pass in January.Gold Digger Tour poster. PHOTO: Supplied NZ Music Month launched in 1997 as New Zealand Music Week, in 2001 it moved to a month-long format. Visit the NZ Music Month website for more information.In 2023 Ophir’s Peace Memorial Hall hosted another pair of country musicians during May, kiwi musicians Kerryn Fields (Te Kuiti) and Matt Joe Gow (Dunedin). 

The newest addition to the Clyde Coastguard fleet was welcomed over the weekend at an official ceremony.Coastguard Clyde President James Robinson said they were excited to welcome Clyde Rescue II (CRII) to the fleet.“One of the features that is of particular interest is its easy on and off load capabilities, and improved communication capabilities to overcome signal disruptions in the terrain.“Our new vessel represents not only an upgrade in our equipment, but also our investment in our volunteers and setting up the unit for future success.” Built by KwikKraft Boats NZ (a division of Icon Custom Boats), this 7m Hamilton jet-powered rescue vessel is a major lift in the Coastguard Clyde unit’s capability to serve all water users and visitors around Lake Dunstan and the wider Central region.The new addition to the fleet is the CRII. PHOTO: Supplied It replaces the current 5.8m Naiad jet ‘Clyde Coastguard Rescue’ vessel, which has a long history of service with Coastguard, beginning its life as a surf rescue vessel in 1992 with Coastguard Sumner in Christchurch. While the old vessel served the unit well, the crew needed a vessel that had an enclosed cabin for crew protection and more space to work with casualties. Volunteers like Barrie Wills, Colin Horsnell, and skippers Tony Smith and James Robinson, each with over 15 years of Coastguard service, played a key role in designing and fundraising for CRII. Support from Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Lottery Grants Board, Central Lakes Trust, local sponsors, public contributions through Givealittle, and the unit’s own funds, has enabled the $500,000 project. Coastguard volunteer and cycling advocate Chris Foggin said it was a privilege to be the master of ceremonies and introduce guests Mayor Tim Cadogan, acting Coastguard New Zealand chief executive Matt Rae-Rankin, Coastguard Clyde president James Robinson, members of local iwi and Father Brendan Ward who officially blessed CRII.Coastguard Clyde’s work is diverse all year round; it can involve towing boats and stranded jet skis, river searches, or helping rescue cyclists injured on the region’s winding lakeside cycle trails. Clyde Rescue II is equipped with features to support volunteers in their lifesaving work, tailored to the unique landscape and accessibility requirements of the region. Features include jet-power, advanced electronic capabilities, including night vision navigation, GPS, and an upgraded radar and tracking system, ensuring precise navigation even in the most challenging conditions. CRII also has a specialised lowering bow door for seamless access and accommodating bikes or stretchers. Over 2022/23, Coastguard Clyde’s 13 volunteers contributed 1,379 hours, with 450 hours of practical training and 258 hours exclusively dedicated just to incidents.  

The word on the street is that using job titles or language like Superstar, Rockstar, Boy/Girl Friday, or Ninja in job advertisements may not be as effective nowadays when seeking candidates to join your team.It can say more about you than the potential candidates.And let's be honest, we all embody these qualities when we're in a fulfilling role, appreciated, and working at our very best ability!So here are some top tips for kicking off your recruitment campaign in the right vain!1. Grab Attention with an Engaging TitleThink creatively to capture the interest of your perfect candidate. What would make them pause and take notice? Consider what unique opportunities your position offers: flexible working hours, school hours, remote work, health insurance, training, and career development!2. Keep It Clear and ConciseIn a world of information overload, brevity is key.Write with clarity, using action verbs to make your ad easy to read. Trim unnecessary words and streamline your message, drawing from the job description – we all love a few bullet points! You should be able to easily condense all your details into 250 words.And to really kick your job listing up a notch, getting current employees involved adds that extra touch of authenticity.You may feel the need to include lots of details about your business but anyone worth their salt will go straight to your website and socials and find that information out for themselves.Additionally, if you include the hourly rate/salary range, you are going to get over 40% more engagement. People don’t enjoy ambiguity when it comes to money, so take the awkwardness out of those initial conversations. It will save a lot of backwards and forwards later in the recruitment process.3. Define Your Ideal CandidatePaint a clear picture of who you're looking for. Developing a "target candidate persona" helps you go beyond basic qualifications and envision the perfect fit for your team.Also, think about the kind of person you don't want to attract. If you need a strong leader, make that clear. If a nurturing vibe is what you need, then focus on that in your wording.4. Showcase Your Company's AppealHighlight what makes your company stand out from the competition. If you have company values that you put into action, then this is where you can really shine! Emphasise exciting projects, growth opportunities, and benefits. Let potential candidates see why joining your team is a game-changer for their career.5. Outline the Application ProcessMake the hiring process seamless and straightforward to encourage qualified candidates to apply. For instance, instead of a lengthy instruction, opt for a direct call to action like: "Send CV & cover letter to: [address]."You can also include a closing date for applications, but this might run the risk of discouraging a great applicant from applying if it’s a few days past. You can take advertisements down once you have decided to move forward to interviewing.Need some help?For guidance in recruitment and retention, your local specialist team EASI NZ are happy to help in all or any parts of the recruitment process. From developing job descriptions to reference checking, we are here for you! 

Freedom campers no longer appear to be causing issues in Central Otago over summer, and the council has deferred imposing a bylaw until April 2025.Under new legislation, people sleeping in vehicles that were not certified or self-contained were banned from freedom camping spots, but they could still live in a tent.Local authorities could diverge from the default position of the national rule by implementing freedom camping bylaws that permit freedom camping in non-self-contained vehicles in certain areas, or prohibit, or place restrictions on freedom camping in certain areas.Land Information New Zealand currently has designated the popular Lowburn and Jacksons sites as only for certified self-contained vehicles, but Bendigo and Champagne Gully were currently exempt.The sites around Lake Dunstan were becoming particularly congested several years ago and facilities overflowing, causing concerns for residents and others trying to use the areas recreationally. Many freedom campers were working in the area to pick fruit. Tim Cadogan told a council meeting last week, his phone wouldn’t stop ringing from people complaining about freedom campers when it first became an issue.The situation settled when Covid-19 disrupted overseas backpackers from coming into the country, but even though strong numbers of freedom campers had been noted again this summer, council staff reported few problems. 

The age-old skill of sewing is alive and well in Ophir, thanks to CO Reap’s popular series of classes.Seventeen women attended the first class of the six-week course at the Ophir Peace Memorial Hall on Wednesday, many with babies, ready to learn more tricks of the trade.Some came armed with clothing they wanted to mend, while others were keen to learn how to make a garment from scratch.The course was also helping to ease the burden as the cost of living increases, which has made buying new almost out of reach for some people.Everyone who registered for the course was also given the opportunity to start the class by making themselves a pin cushion.Course tutor Shona Bain was on hand to pass on her knowledge, along with several other helpers who had the skills to get the many participants on their way to making progress.Among the participants was Renee Matheson who joined the class to learn to sew like her mum.Her goal was to sew an apron for herself, followed by more for her children.Abi Book-Miller (left) receives some guidance from Bev Lawrence during the morning sewing session. PHOTO: The Central AppAbi Brook-Miller, who brought her nine-week-old baby, Ida, along to the course, was using it to enhance her existing sewing skills.“I thought it would be great so I could learn more techniques.”It was also an opportunity for her to get out of the house, she said.One of the group’s assistants, Bev Lawrence, was pleased to see so many young ones taking up the opportunity.“It’s wonderful to be with the young ones and keeping the skills going.”Shona was grateful to the women who joined her for the morning to assist, acknowledging the need for their support due to its popularity.“I needed my three ladies because they were busy.”The same course is also being offered in Cromwell this term.To find out more about the courses offered by CO Reap, visit their website.

Welcoming Communities and Business South are calling for applicants for the next leadership scholarships.Two Central Otago newcomers were awarded scholarships to attend the Business South Leadership Academy in 2023, the second year of the scholarship.Mactodd Lawyers property and commercial lawyer Caitlin Laurenson and C&R Insurance broker Dewald De Beer attended the Leadership Academy in Cromwell last November.This initiative is a partnership between Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Welcoming Communities and Business South and aims to support newcomers in the business community. Caitlin, who moved to Cromwell in 2020, said the most useful part of the academy was learning that leadership styles are individual, and - as a result - she has signed up for the business mentor programme.She said she is “looking forward to implementing some of the tips and tricks for team building and engagement” within her workplace. Dewald, who moved to Central Otago with his family from South Africa in 2017, reflected that learning about the variety of leadership approaches in business was invaluable, with every speaker providing meaningful information to apply to his own business development.The pair encourage newcomers to consider applying for future scholarships. Cailtin said the speakers were “inspiring”, and it was an amazing networking opportunity. Dewald said newcomers may feel vulnerable, but by being “bold” and stepping out into the business community, newcomers will be able to “share and connect . . . and ask for help”.The next leadership academy will take place in Cromwell on Wednesdays, from September 4 - 25, 2024. Applications close 30 June 2024.For more information contact Welcoming Communities officer [email protected].

I enjoy reading “Today in History” in the paper in the morning and a line in it on Friday caught my eye. It stated that on 3 May 1887 a new bridge across the Molyneux (Clutha) River at Roxburgh was opened. It was reference to the Molyneux River that caught my eye. My dad grew up in Alexandra around the time of the Great Depression and later, as I grew up in Balclutha, he would sometimes mention how the Clutha as we knew it was often called the Molyneux when he was a kid, and he often wondered whether back in the day if it was Molyneux upstream and Clutha down a bit, or how the name came about to go from one to the other. The piece about the bridge got my memory and my inquisitive brain going.  Back when dad was wondering about it, the internet didn’t exist and the Encyclopaedia Brittanica at home was no use, but now there is endless resource on the subject at the click of a few keys. The 1966 edition of the Encyclopaedia of New Zealand states “The early whalers and settlers of South Otago called the river and the district the Molyneux, and the name survived well into the gold mining era. It has often been stated that Cook gave the name Molyneux to the river, but this is incorrect for he never saw it. What he did name was Molyneux Harbour which was probably in the vicinity of Waikawa. The correct name is the Clutha, first suggested in 1846 when the Scottish emigrants were preparing to settle in Otago”.  The venerable volume misses the rather important Port Molyneux which stood, and to a lesser extend still stands, on Molyneux Bay near Kaka Point and was at the time it was going gangbusters at the mouth of the river. However, three disasters ended its journey to city status; the great flood of 1878 changed the course of the river, a devastating explosion in the Kaitangata coal mine killed 34 people six months later, impacting on a major customer of the port, and just months after that the railway between Balclutha and Dunedin opened, ensuring that port’s supremacy. The 1966 entry suggesting “Molyneux” was a South Otago name also belies the recollection of my dad that the river was called the Molyneux inland when he was a lad, and of course the name persists here today with Molyneux Park in Alexandra and Molyneux Avenue in Cromwell carrying the legacy. Wikipedia clears this up though, stating “During New Zealand's early colonial history it was officially known as the Molyneux from below the junction with the Kawarau River at Cromwell”. That at least answers part of my dad’s question, being that the change in name was chronological rather than geographical. So, when did the use of “Molyneux” stop? I have searched Papers Past and the last entry, other than Letters to the Editor arguing the point, delightfully demonstrates the muddle the whole story is, where a report from 11 August 1950 states that the dredge owned by the “The Clutha Dredging Company” was moving to the other side of the “Molyneux River”! That is not the end of the story though, because today, neither Clutha nor Molyneux is the official, legal name of the river; which is “the Clutha River / Mata-au” by virtue of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998, quite rightly reflecting what is truly the original name for this marvelous body of water.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) has moved Central Otago from a prohibited fire season to restricted.The recent move to restricted limitations means fires now require a permit before they can be lit.Previously, Central was in a prohibited fire season due to the particularly dry conditions, which meant there was a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were suspended.Fenz is also revoking the restricted fire season in the Queenstown Lakes fire zone from 8am today (Sunday), until further notice.It means people in the zone no longer need to have a fire permit by Fenz to light a fire outdoors.Declaring the fire season change, Otago District manager Phil Marsh said recent rain and cooler autumn temperatures had seen the fire risk drop below the thresholds that require ongoing fire permitting restrictions.“While permits are no longer required to light an open-air fire (in the Queenstown Lakes District), our local team remains on hand to provide advice to anyone looking to complete a burn,” he said.“Even with those cooler temperatures, vigilance around fire safety is important.“For Otago, any period of dry, settled weather at any time of year can increase the potential for unwanted fires. Escaped burns are a major contributor to this, so knowing how to burn safely is key.”Fenz advisor risk reduction Otago District Mark Mawhinney said everyone should visit the organisation’s Check It’s Alright website to better understand what they can and cannot do on any given day.

A Dunstan High School (DHS) student is gearing up for a nine-week trip to Europe to race in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Junior World Series for cross country mountain biking and he needs the help of the community.Eddie Adams (17) is training “hard out” until he goes, and at the same time is organising a fundraising event at the Alexandra Airport mountain bike (MTB) tracks.He said he needs $16,000 for the trip, his first to Europe, and has already squirrelled away about half of what he needs himself. From the events in France and Spain he hopes to gain UCI points, to give him a world ranking, and then be selected in the New Zealand team to ride in the MTB World Championships in Andorra, August 28 - September 1. “Selection isn’t made until June or July so this is building towards [my goal of] World Champs]. “My trip leads up to the world champs and we’ll have to see if I make the team or not. If I don't, maybe I’ll stay on and watch or come home a week early.“Once I get there, I’m going to train hard and at altitude to get ready,” Eddie said.Coach James Williamson said Eddie is facing 15 to 20 hours per week of training until he goes.“That’s training before school and after school. He’s pretty committed . . . and focusing on the process, this is the next step and there’s a fair bit of luck and chance in making teams. He’s getting done what needs to be done.”Coach James Williamson and Eddie when he won the national title in February. PHOTO: SuppliedEddie’s dad DHS deputy principal Todd Adams is hoping to accompany his son for part of the time.Successes for Eddie this season are mounting up. Along with winning gold in the XC MTB National Championships at Coronet Peak, he won the junior category in The Goldminer 40km endurance event at the same venue earlier in February. He participated in the under 19 Elite Road National Championships in Timaru earning sixth place (February 8-10), travelled to the Australian Cycling MTB National Series XC round one and two in the Gold Coast (February 3-4) where he earned fourth in round one and then a first in round two. He was the fastest individual in Prospector MTB Race on his home turf (March 8-10.) He earned a fifth placing at the Oceania Cycling Championships in cross country, held at Mount Cotton in Queensland in late March. Eddie has been nominated for the Central Otago Sports Awards in the junior sportsman of the year category. Read more: Central youngster shortlisted in CO Sports AwardsThe upcoming fundraiser is a six-hour MTB, walk or run where you can complete as many laps of the course as you like, individually or in a team.Eddie said there will be lots of spot prizes, including some biking goods from sponsors, and other local business supporters, a barbecue and plenty of good vibes. It is koha (donation) to enter, and you need to register on Sunday May 26 by 9am.If you can’t participate on the day, there is ‘Eddie’s travel fund’ Give a Little page.Find out more about the fundraiser on the What’ On listing.