Central Otago District Council has received the highest possible rating for communications and engagement in an independent review, with assessors finding the council is “thriving” in an area where local authorities are often heavily criticised. The result formed part of a Te Korowai independent evaluation report presented at Wednesday’s council meeting, the first full council meeting of the year. Mayor Tamah Alley said the top rating for engagement showed the council was performing strongly on something “that councils as a whole generally cop a lot of flak for”. Te Korowai consultant Mark Abbott said that tension was common across local government. “Quite frankly, I haven’t seen any council over the last decade or decade and a half that scores particularly well with its community in terms of communication, because they’re always expecting something better or something different or something more,” Mark said. The review assessed council performance across four areas: governance and leadership, financial decision-making, and service delivery, as well as communications and engagement. Overall, the council received a rating of Mauri Tū - the second-highest possible result in the programme. CODC staffer Amelia Lines, who presented the report at the meeting, said the overall result showed the council had strong foundations. “It means we have a good foundation to work from as well to improve if we choose to do this again,” Amelia said. Not all councillors supported the review. Maniototo councillor Stu Duncan said he had not supported the decision to undertake the evaluation, suggesting the council had been “pushed into it by some of the ratepayers who were not happy with council performance”. “I felt it was looking for faults, and I feel it’s not there,” Stu said. He said the council was already in a process of continuous change, suggesting the assessment did not alter that trajectory.Mark said the programme was not designed to find fault. “The intention of the programme as it’s currently shaped and framed is very much around development, improvement, and looking for what is positive,” he said. Te Korowai programme manager Elke Thompson said the independent nature of the process helped build trust and transparency. “Through the independent evaluation, it’s not just you singing your praises,” she said. “People can actually see that it was a robust process and that you are doing really well in many, many areas.” Tamah said she hoped members of the public would read the report. “It’s in a format that can be easily digested by our community,” she said. “It’s not full of jargon or confusing graphs or terminology they’re not going to follow.” The Te Korowai evaluation, run by Local Government New Zealand and formerly known as CouncilMARK, was carried out between June and August and included written submissions, interviews, and an in-person assessment by independent evaluators. Councillors voted to receive the report and note its findings.  The next step will be a workshop to develop an action plan addressing areas identified for improvement.The full report is available on the council's website.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago District Council has formally adopted its Economic Development Strategy for the decade ahead, setting an ambitious target to raise the district’s average wage to match the national average by 2035. Central Otago's average wage sits at $66,867, trailing the national average of $78,731. The strategy, praised by Mayor Tamah Alley as “aspirational”, also outlines priorities for sustainable growth, thriving communities, resilient infrastructure, and partnerships with local businesses and mana whenua. CODC economic development manager Nick Lanham said the strategy would now be put into action, with a 12-month work programme to be presented at the next council meeting. Despite only 18 formal submissions received on the draft plan, Tamah said she was comfortable with the level of consultation and feedback from members of the community. “The numbers were not as high as we might have liked, but the quality of the feedback that we got from them I thought was really great.” She referenced a retired “high-flyer” from Australia with a holiday home in Central Otago, who travelled from Queenstown to meet with her about the strategy. She said he told her the strategy was unique in that it included direct reference to aspirational goals, when often such documents could be “airy-fairy”. “He was very complimentary of the strategy and that gave me faith that the people we were hearing from...really knew what they were talking about...and it wasn't a tick-box exercise for them.” At Wednesday’s full council meeting, the strategy was adopted with unanimous support and little discussion.Nick recapped for elected members the 10-year plan was developed following extensive engagement with mana whenua and players from key sectors including construction, horticulture, viticulture, and tourism. Staff held 11 workshops and conducted an online survey with more than 200 responses, before the six-week consultation on the draft strategy, which received 18 submissions, including three from organisations. There were common threads in what respondents had to say, he said, concerns raised about overdevelopment, environmental sustainability, and balancing growth with the district’s character. But he cautioned the comments sat against the “backdrop of some large projects” potentially on the horizon in the district and top of mind for some.Nick agreed with the mayor the low number of formal submissions did not undermine the strategy, particulary in light of the wide-ranging community consultation prior to the document being drafted by an external consultancy.“At that early stage of engagement, it’s a lot easier to get a higher number of responses, because you’re asking wider, more holistic questions. Whereas when we go back to consult on a 40-page strategy, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to sort of dive into that.” In the timeframe of the strategy, CODC has flagged the district’s population is set to grow to 32,500.The full Economic Development Strategy 2025–35 is available on the council's website.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Despite a colder summer in Central Otago and cherry exports currently only half what they were last year, there are some good quality apricots being picked.Remarkable Orchards co-owner Sid Burtles said after having to pull out of cherries at the end of the season because of the weather, the apricot season has started well.The Teviot Valley missed a lot of the earlier rain over the Christmas and New Year but then copped bad weather in recent weeks. Sid estimated he’d lost about 15% of his cherry crop, but growers in Cromwell faired much worse.The latest Summerfruit NZ export market report shows apricots are doing much better than last year, currently sitting at 6304kg compared to just 3397 in 2024/25.Export cherries are currently at just 1,530,111kg compared to 3,098,839kg at the same time in 2024/25.Heritage plums such as greengages are also producing well this season. Image: fileSid said most of his apricots would remain in the domestic market because there wasn’t the destination for them overseas, “and it’s hard to get into Aussie.”He will start picking nectarines early next week, followed by peaches, but both had a lighter crop this season.“You just take it as it comes.”Also a pipfruit grower on his 100ha orchard at East Roxburgh, he was looking forward to the apple season in late February, and the fruit was looking good. “Apples can weather anything, but stonefruit is very vulnerable to the weather.”Summerfruit NZ technical advisor Richard Mills said Hawkes Bay was about to finish its summerfruit season, while Central Otago was just starting to ramp up.He said the lack of overlap between the two fruit growing regions was positive for Central Otago, because it kept fruit in the market, but at a rate the consumer could cope with.An early Hawkes Bay season meant the region was two weeks ahead, whilst in Central Otago it has been running a week or two behind - with Roxburgh being the exception.Meanwhile, in the viticulture industry, Central Otago Winegrowers general manager Carolyn Murray said the overall vine health is excellent, despite the season being marked by continuous rainfall. “Yields are tracking small to average, with a smaller regional crop expected and smaller berry size.“Quality is looking very promising, though we're hoping for a warm and dry February and March. Harvest is shaping up to be slightly later overall.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you’ll know the landscape for Central Otago homeowners just shifted.As of 15 January 2026, the Government’s new legislation regarding "granny flats", or minor residential units, has officially come into force.For many in Cromwell, Alexandra, and the surrounding basins, this is the "green light" they’ve been waiting for. But before you back the ute up with a load of timber, there’s a bit more to the story than just "consent-free" building.Here’s what you need to know about the new rules and whether a secondary dwelling is the right move for your property.The New Rules: What’s Changed?The headline is simple: you can now build a standalone, single-storey dwelling up to 70 square metres without a building or resource consent, provided you meet specific criteria.Size & Scale: Must be 70m² or less and single-storey.Safety First: The build must still comply with the NZ Building Code. This isn't a DIY free-for-all; work must be done or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs).The Paperwork: While you skip the consent, you must apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from the Central Otago District Council (CODC) before you start. This identifies natural hazards (like flood zones or schist-heavy ground) and ensures you're on the right track.The Setbacks: Your new unit must be at least 2 metres from any legal boundary or other residential buildings.The Pros: Why Build Now?Multi-Generational Living: With Central Otago’s property prices remaining high, providing a space for adult children to save for a deposit or for aging parents to stay close (while keeping their independence) is a huge win.Passive Income: Whether it’s a long-term rental for local workers or a short-stay option for the bike trail tourists, that extra 70m² can significantly help with the mortgage.Capital Growth: Generally, adding a self-contained unit increases the overall value of your asset. It’s an "add-value" strategy that just got a lot cheaper and faster to execute.The Cons: The Reality CheckDevelopment Contributions: Even without a consent fee, the CODC may still charge Development Contributions (DCs). These fees cover the extra load on our pipes and roads and can range from a few thousand to over $20,000 depending on your location.Infrastructure Costs: Connecting to power, water, and wastewater isn't cheap—especially in rural areas where you might need a new septic system or a specific potable water setup.Landscape & Aesthetics: In our part of the world, we have "outstanding natural landscapes." Your PIM will flag if your design needs to meet specific colour palettes to blend into the hills.Real Estate Insider Tip: Check Your CovenantsBefore you get too excited, check your Record of Title.Many modern subdivisions in Central Otago have private covenants that may strictly forbid a second dwelling or "transportable" homes, regardless of what the national law says.The law change removes Government red tape, but it doesn't override a private legal agreement on your land.Next StepsCheck in with us if you would like to consider your options with an eye on the future. The opportunity to unlock value in your backyard has never been better, but a mistake here can be a costly headache when it comes time to sell.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

As we close out 2025, it’s fair to say the year has tested patience for many investors and households. While markets ultimately delivered positive results, the journey was anything but smooth. Headlines were loud, emotions often ran high, and yet, once again, long-term discipline quietly did its job.The Quarter in Review: Steady ProgressThe final quarter of 2025 saw most global share markets move higher, building on gains from earlier in the year.International shares were the standout performers, particularly in the United States, where large technology companies continued to benefit from strong enthusiasm around artificial intelligence.Closer to home, New Zealand and Australian shares lagged global markets, though both still delivered positive outcomes over the year.Fixed interest returns were also modestly positive, supported by the welcome decline in global interest rates from their post-Covid peaks.In short: nothing spectacular, nothing disastrous, just steady progress.Decoding the Headlines: Signal vs. NoiseYou may have noticed that political and geopolitical events dominated the news cycle throughout the quarter.From US politics to unexpected international developments, the commentary often felt unsettling.One example late in the year was heightened media coverage around Venezuela and US involvement there.While confronting on a human level, events like these typically have little to no material impact on globally diversified investment portfolios.This is an important reminder: What feels urgent in the news is rarely important for long-term investors.Markets absorb information quickly, adjust prices accordingly, and move on. Reacting emotionally to headlines often does more harm than good.A word of caution on “hot” investment themesArtificial intelligence has been a major driver of returns in 2025, particularly in the US share market.A small group of large technology companies now makes up a significant portion of global indices.While AI may well be transformative over time, history reminds us that concentrating too heavily on any single theme is risky.Many investors will remember the dot-com boom and bust of the early 2000s, where exciting technology stories didn’t always translate into sustainable returns.At Central Financial Planning, we continue to favour broad diversification, not because it’s exciting, but because it works.Emerging markets back in the spotlightAn encouraging development this year has been the strong performance of emerging markets, which outperformed developed markets during 2025.Countries such as India, Korea, Taiwan and parts of Latin America benefited from improving fundamentals and renewed investor interest.Emerging markets don’t always lead, and they can be volatile. But over long periods, they have played an important role in diversified portfolios.This quarter reinforced why we don’t ignore them—even when they’re out of favour.What about New Zealand?For many New Zealand households, 2025 felt harder than expected.Economic growth was sluggish, costs stayed high, and confidence remained fragile for much of the year.The good news is that inflation is now back under control, and the Reserve Bank cut interest rates several times during the year.These changes take time to filter through, but by late 2025 there were signs that spending and hiring were slowly picking up.Looking ahead, most forecasts point to a gradual recovery in 2026. It won’t be a straight line, but the foundations are starting to look more stable.Why we don’t try to predict the futureIf the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that forecasting is a dangerous game.The next shock, be it economic, political, or otherwise, will almost certainly be something nobody is expecting.Rather than trying to predict the unpredictable, our focus remains on:Owning high-quality, liquid investmentsDiversifying widely across asset classes and regionsAligning portfolios with each client’s stage of life and tolerance for riskThis approach doesn’t eliminate uncertainty—but it does help manage it.The takeaway As 2025 comes to an end, the key message is a familiar one:Progress rarely feels comfortable while it’s happening.Markets reward patience, not prediction. While headlines come and go, well-constructed portfolios quietly do their job in the background.After all, good financial planning isn’t about chasing the best return this year, it’s about giving you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind over many years.If you have questions about how your portfolio is positioned, or you’d like to revisit your plan as you head into 2026, we’re always happy to talk. Brent Wilson – [email protected] de Beer – [email protected] Sinclair – [email protected]  Deep Dive: This update is based on our full October–December 2025 Economic Commentary. For the complete report, please email us at [email protected] Viewing: "Tune Out the Noise"We highly recommend this documentary film which explores the rationale behind evidence-based investing. It illustrates why market timing and stock picking are generally ineffective compared to a disciplined, long-term approach. Watch on YouTubeSponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

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Central Otago District Council has changed its nominee for the fast-track panel assessing Santana Minerals’ proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine, citing the scale, complexity and workload involved in the decision.At Wednesday’s full council meeting, elected members agreed to put forward a new nominee - hearings commissioner Gary Rae - replacing former deputy mayor and Otago Regional Council councillor Neil Gillespie.Chief executive Peter Kelly said fast-track panel convenor Jane Borthwick had advised the application would place heavy demands on panel members.“We all know it’s going to be a really complex application to go through,” Peter said.“There’s over 9000 pages.”He said Jane had indicated the panel was likely to consist of six or seven members, and Otago Regional Council had also put forward its own nominee.Jane would ultimately select one representative from the two councils - if any - and that person needed to be ready to “get stuck in”, he said.Mayor Tamah Alley said she had spoken with Neil, who remained willing to serve if that was councillors’ preference.She said the council’s original decision to nominate him reflected a desire to have someone on the panel who “understands Central Otago and our people”.However, given the anticipated workload and Neil’s existing regional council responsibilities, it preferred to provide an alternative option, she said.Tamah said Gary had already been approached and was available, describing him as someone familiar with Central Otago planning issues and community concerns through his work as an independent commissioner, despite not living in the district.Gary has previously chaired or sat on hearings panels for the council, including the contentious Helios solar farm development near Ranfurly and the Plan Change 13 process relating to the River Terrace development in Cromwell.At the meeting, staff also warned councillors about the intensity of the fast-track process, describing the timeframes as “brutal”, the volume of material as “intense”, and stressing an expectation that all panel members would “pull their weight”.Councillors agreed to submit the new nominee, with the final decision on the panel’s composition resting with Jane as fast-track panel convenor.The panel is expected to convene in February.Read more: Agencies seek more time, challenge engagement on gold projectHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The Manuherikia River is at its highest peak flow in five years, due to recent heavy rainfall.Manuherikia Irrigation Scheme race manager Susan Heal said the river measured at the Alexandra campground was currently running at 53 cumecs (53,000L/sec), whereas this time last year it was more typical of a dry summer flow at 0.9 cumecs.The last time the river had been this full over summer was back in 2021 when there was flooding on January 2.Falls Dam near Naseby was also full and it was spilling into the river because of heavy rain in the catchment - usually at this time of year it was running empty and land owners were put on water restrictions.“To see Falls Dam full in February is amazing,” she said.Because of the excess water, landowners had stopped irrigating, but that was also causing problems with flooding further down the catchment.Farmer and Dunstan ward Otago Regional councillor Gary Kelliher said it was definitely a unique season in terms of the amount of water available to landowners.“It is a very rare year that we are having, and ensures the reliability of our irrigation water.”The new Ranfurly water treatment plant recently commissioned. Image: suppliedThe recent heavy rainfall was also having an impact on water supplies in Patearoa and the Central Otago District Council has asked the community to reduce usage.New ultraviolet and filtration systems were installed at the Patearoa Water Treatment Plant before Christmas, but heavy rainfall in the Sowburn catchment last weekend has made it difficult to produce clean water.As a result, the council is relying on stored water supplies until it settles. The new Ranfurly water treatment plant is also now fully up and running.Council said because the Patearoa supply relies on a surface water source, it is vulnerable to turbidity following rain.When this occurs, the plant is shut down, treated water is supplied from reservoirs, and a conserve water notice is put in place.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Voters in the Vincent ward will head to the polls following the resignation of newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie in October.The by-election will determine a new representative on the district council, with three candidates standing for this role.As part of our election coverage, we have put four questions to each candidate, covering key issues facing the ward and the wider district.All candidates were given the same questions, a 200-word word limit for each response, and the same deadline.Their answers will be published over the next two weeks, in their own words, to allow voters to compare the candidates’ positions directly.The series continues today with a question focused on must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollars.The prime minister has challenged councils to ditch 'nice-to-haves' and focus on the basics. In our ward, what do you consider a 'must-have' that you would protect at all costs, and what is one 'nice-to-have' service or asset you would be willing to cut or defer to keep rates affordable?Nat JamiesonAs a new candidate, I want to be upfront that I don’t yet have access to the full financial detail of council spending, so I wouldn’t pretend to know exactly where savings can or should be made. What I can say is that my starting point is very clear: council must protect core services that keep people safe and communities functioning.For me, ‘must-haves’ are things like maintaining local roads and footpaths, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, and essential community safety and emergency services.Louise van der VoortCouncil must focus on the essentials such as high-quality infrastructure including roads, bridges, water services (until transfer to a CCO), and waste management and minimisation. These services allow households and businesses to function well, support economic activity, and must be planned properly to meet growth across the district.Council also has a role in providing facilities and spaces that enable learning, recreation, and social connection, such as libraries, museums, and recreation areas. These contribute to the health of our communities and enhance Central Otago as a place to live and visit, with tourism remaining a significant part of our economy. I see these as must-haves because they support quality of life and economic resilience.However, not every service needs to be duplicated in every location, and council must be disciplined about understanding long-term operating costs, usage, and funding implications before committing to new assets. Deferring or re-scoping non-essential projects may be necessary to keep rates affordable.Affordability matters. Ultimately, these decisions should be guided by the community. Residents deserve a clear understanding of what services cost, what value they deliver, and what trade-offs are involved, so they can help shape priorities and determine what they are prepared to pay for through their rates.Andrew DowlingWater infrastructure is essential. Finish projects that have already been started before beginning new ones. Not having signage, rubbish bins or shade near picnic tables or the new cycle pump track might mean people don’t find and use them, so not finishing a job can be a wasted investment.The government proposed regional council restructure is going to soak up unbudgeted resources, but it is very important we are fully invested in this to secure our voice.The long term plan is our blueprint for things that are essential for our region to function into the future. There are also the four priorities for 2025-2028 identified by council; looking for funding options other than rates, protecting our local identity, attracting the businesses and people who will help our communities diversify and grow, and providing leadership particularly when the government is creating policy that could weaken our ability to make decisions in our backyard.Affordability is a focus for all of us as individuals, businesses and councils. Doing jobs efficiently can save as much as only doing the 'must-haves'.Important dates for the Vincent by-election: Voting opens: Voting papers will be sent to eligible voters from Friday January 30Voting closes: Midday on Tuesday March 3Final instalment: Part four will be published on Tuesday, focusing on must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollarsRead more: Why should the community trust you to represent them, and what does 'transparency' look like to you in practice and How will you ensure this ward’s voice is heard while still making responsible decisions for the region as a whole?Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The Thomsons Catchment Committee is inviting people to its Orkney wetland this Sunday to learn more about the work being done.Held in conjunction with World Wetland Day, it is also a good opportunity for people to learn about bird life, pest control, weed control and to take home some seeds to grow for the wetland.Manuherekia Catchment Group administrator Emily Hart said people can take a walk around the wetland or bike along the Otago Central Rail Trail. “The wetland will be open to view from the platform, with committee members and volunteers on site to share what’s been happening since construction wrapped up.”She said Jo Wakelin will be running a hands-on seed-planting demonstration, and the day will conclude with a real fruit ice cream back at the Omakau Golf Course.Emily said the group is currently in maintenance mode with plants that they planted last year, in areas where they removed willows or restored wetlands.There will also be a wetland restoration field day coming up on February 27 at Hills Creek Station and Merino Ridges.“We’ll be sending out ‘save the date’ material for this via letterboxes in the catchment later this and more info will be posted on our Facebook.” Last year the group official opened a new walking path and viewing platform overlooking the 5ha wetland.Originally receiving funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Jobs for Nature fund, local farmers, volunteers have turned the wetland into a thriving ecosystem.Teams of locals and experts dug out 1.5 hectares of land, planted 41,000 native Carex secta, and welcomed the return of native species – including longfin eels, black-billed gulls and galaxiids.A dedicated bird monitoring team now keeps watch over the wetland, while a backyard growers group cares for native plants at home - to be planted out at future restoration days. Across the catchment, 50,000 native plants have been planted, 50km of fencing has helped lift riparian protection from 87% to 95%, and school-led water quality monitoring has been carried out in partnership with the Otago Regional Council and Enviroschools. Work to protect the threatened Central Otago roundhead galaxiid has improved fish passage at three key sites, while pest control and bird monitoring were helping biodiversity flourish.The wetland open day will go ahead even if the weather is bad - the Omakau Golf Club will provide the back up alternative from 2pm-4pm on Sunday.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago’s mayor and councillors are set to decide today (Wednesday January 28) whether former long-serving councillor Neil Gillespie is the right fit to sit on the panel assessing Santana Minerals’ proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine.The decision will be made at Central Otago District Council’s first full meeting of the year, as elected members consider guidance from fast-track hearing panel convenor Jane Borthwick on the skills and experience required.The council has already nominated Neil - a former deputy mayor and current Otago Regional Council councillor - to sit on the expert panel that will hear submissions on the gold mine application.However, a report to councillors notes the Fast-track Approvals Act differs from earlier fast-track legislation and requires panels to collectively hold a broad mix of technical and decision-making expertise.In guidance provided to the council, Jane said panel members must collectively have “qualifications relevant to the approvals sought in the application, as well as demonstrated expertise in environmental matters”.She also said panel members needed “strong writing skills, proven decision-making experience, ability to work collaboratively, and willingness to personally commit significant time and effort to the project,” noting careful selection was critical to ensuring the process was “timely, efficient, consistent, and cost-effective”.The report said, given the technical nature of the Santana Minerals application, it was possible Jane may not accept Neil’s nomination.As a result, it was considered “prudent to discuss other possibilities to provide options for consideration”.The mayor and councillors will decide whether to nominate an additional candidate alongside Neil.The report said there were no financial implications for the council, and the final decision on panel appointments rested with Jane as panel convenor.Proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine area. Image: Facebook/Santana MineralsThe nomination question follows a conference last week where councils, government agencies and iwi representatives signalled broader concern about both the fast-track process and Santana Minerals’ proposal.Counsel for Central Otago District Council told the conference the scale and technical complexity of the Bendigo-Ophir project warranted more time than the standard fast-track timeframe.They also raised concerns about the quality and consistency of early engagement from the developer ahead of the application being lodged.Read more: Agencies seek more time, challenge engagement on gold projectHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The Otago Regional Council has picked out 14,000 randomly selected ratepayers to take part in a community survey.ORC chair Hilary Calvert said the survey will start appearing in mailboxes this week, and will help shape the future of services.“In these uncertain times, it is even more important to know as much as we can about what people in Otago feel about what the Otago Regional Council is doing well and what we can do better. This will help us be the very best council we can be in the time we have left.”By switching from cold calling phone numbers to the hard-copy mail-out format ORC hope to prompt an increase in overall responses, and the survey will also be available to anyone interested via a Facebook link, as a cost-effective alternative.General manager strategy and customer, Amanda Vercoe said public input is really important to ORC, “which is why we carry out regular community surveys to understand how people across Otago view the council, its role and work, their understanding of our services and their perceptions of environmental factors.” “The surveys help track changes over time, highlight what matters most to communities throughout Otago, and shows us where projects, programmes or monitoring are working well or need improvement.”Householders’ receiving the survey have until February 22 to respond.Amanda said while people will be aware central Government is proposing a wide range of reforms affecting many aspects of regional council governance and work programmes, those reforms will take time to legislate and implement.“In the meantime, ORC still has a job to do on behalf of the public and environment with services to deliver. This includes existing protections around water, air and land monitoring, ongoing consenting responsibilities, engineering work over multiple flood schemes through to preparing for emergency management situations.”Amanda said looking across the most recent community surveys some clear patterns and key issues have been highlighted.Most people know ORC manages Otago’s natural resources, but awareness is lower among younger people and non-ratepayersWater quality remains the biggest environmental concern across OtagoClimate change is becoming a more important issue for more peopleViews of ORC improve most when work is visible, such as flood protection projectsMany people still want clearer communication about what ORC does and why “The survey results will help inform decision-making, improve services, and meet accountability and transparency expectations.”While councils are required under the Local Government Act 2002 to report on performance and outcomes, community surveys are one of the key tools ORC uses to support this reporting. Link to survey

Starting university is a milestone filled with many "firsts"—new friends, newfound independence, and exciting challenges. However, it’s also a critical time to consider whether your teenager’s belongings are protected.From halls of residence to shared flats, ensuring they have the right cover provides the peace of mind needed to focus on their studies.Is Your Teenager Actually Covered?Many families assume their child is automatically covered under the existing home contents policy. This is not always the case. Understanding the nuances of student insurance early can prevent significant financial stress later.A single stolen laptop or a liquid-damaged phone can derail an entire semester. Without the right cover, the cost of replacement falls entirely on the student or the parents.What Does a Standard Policy Include?Most domestic contents policies offer limited "off-site" cover for family members in secondary or tertiary accommodation.However, the level of protection varies:Halls of Residence: Often automatically covered, but usually subject to lower sub-limits.Flatting or Boarding: Some policies extend cover here, but often with strict conditions regarding security.Off-Site Limitations: Coverage may only apply while the items are physically inside the student’s room.Example Scenario: Why the Details MatterA student spends the year in a university hall but moves into a friend’s flat for summer school. While traveling home for Christmas, their bag—containing a laptop and headphones worth thousands—is stolen. Because the flatting arrangement wasn't disclosed to the insurer, the claim is declined. The insurer considers the flat a "change in risk" that wasn't on the policy.Why You Must Keep Your Insurer in the LoopThe move to university is a major life change that insurers need to know about. Transparency is the best way to protect your claim.Address Accuracy: An incorrect address can jeopardize a claim. Policies distinguish strictly between home, halls, and private flats.Security Requirements: Many policies for flats require forced entry for a theft claim to be valid. If a flatmate leaves the front door unlocked, the insurance may not pay out.Disclosure: Any change in living situation (moving from a hall to a house) must be reported immediately.What is Usually Excluded?Even with a good policy, certain scenarios are rarely covered:Items lost or misplaced (accidental loss vs. theft).Theft without evidence of forced entry.High-value items that exceed "sub-limits" (e.g., a $5,000 gaming laptop may need to be specified individually).Unattended property in public places (e.g., leaving a bag in the library).Is Student Insurance Affordable?Contrary to popular belief, protecting a student’s gear is highly affordable. Options include:Low Monthly Premiums: Designed for student budgets.Flexible Excess: Choose a higher excess to lower your premium.Bundling: Adding a "Student Extension" to a parent’s existing policy is often the most cost-effective route.Expert Risk Management TipsPrevention is always better than a claim. Share these tips with your teenager:Digital Security: Use FaceID/Fingerprint scanners and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all accounts.Tracking: Set up "Find My" on all Apple or Android devices and link them to a backup email address you can access from any computer.Visual Deterrents: Never leave expensive tech near ground-floor windows or in plain view in a car.The "Cloud" Rule: Ensure OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive is set to Auto-Save. A laptop can be replaced; three years of research notes cannot.Smart Banking: Set spending limits on PayWave/Digital Wallets. If a card goes missing, make sure your student knows how to use the banking app to "freeze" it instantly rather than waiting to call the bank.Peace of Mind for the Year AheadInsurance isn’t about expecting the worst; it’s about making sure a mishap doesn’t upend a student's academic year.With a quick check-in with your insurance broker, you can ensure your teenager is protected for whatever the semester brings.Need advice? Talk to us at C&R Insurance, we’d love to help!Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

At the start of the new year, it’s common to make bold business and personal goals. We promise to tackle challenges differently and set our sights on ambitious targets.However, as business owners understand, a resolution without a roadmap is simply a wish.Achieving your preferred W.E.A.L.T.H™To move beyond the cycle of "just getting by," financially and with your well being, we encourage you to evaluate your success through these six vital pillars:Work: What is most important to focus on and how much time do you want to spend doing it? In 2026, market "noise" is louder than ever. Re-focus on your unique strengths and evaluate whether your current service mix truly serves your bottom line. How much cash do you want in your bank account at any given time? What activities do you want that cash available for, including both for business and personal?Enjoyment: Are you finding fulfilment in the daily grind? What do you want to do differently to enjoy yourself, in business and personal areas? What needs to shift, so you are closer to a work-life balance that allows you to switch off without worrying about things?Achievement: Reflect on 2025. What did you nail? Use those victories as a springboard for the milestones you aim to reach this year. Reward yourself, without using money to do so.Love: Are you carving out enough time for the people and places you love? Your business should be a vehicle to fund your life, not a vacuum that consumes it.Time: What is the most important use of your time? How can you manage, delegate better, within your team and also externally to your business? What are the big rocks in your personal world that are non negotiable time wise in 2026? How can you better hold boundaries ?Health: The stress of business takes a toll. Specifically when in your week can you fit in your physical and mental well being time slots? How to GROW in 2026Evidence shows that the simple act of naming your goals makes you significantly more likely to reach them.We recommend using the GROW model to navigate the months ahead:            Mastering the GROW ProcessGoals: What do you actually want? Use SMART goals ( specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound. For example, "I want to increase profit by 15% while reducing my work week by one day by 31 July 2026.") Consider alternatives and ensure they are in your plans.Reality: Where are you right now? Be ruthlessly honest about your current cash flow and operational capacity. Ensure the reality is in your plans and you focus to you priorities.Obstacles and Options to improve/prevent them: What road blocks do you think will arise? What are ways to improve or prevent those? Make a list. Recognising what may be difficult gets you halfway to resolving it. Consider your alternatives and the sensible sequence.Way Forward: once you have done steps 1-3, determine the specific steps to turn your goals into reality. Ensure your plan is aligned with your priorities and sequence of the steps also allow for your time and money budget.Right Now, is a great time to pivot your focus toward achieving your preferred version of W.E.A.L.T.H™ You will then be able to hit the ground running for the Apil 2026 – March 2027 income year.We’re Here to HelpIdentifying your priorities is the first step; implementation is the second. As your strategic business partner we can walk you through our GROW and W.E.A.L.T.H™ steps.Whether it’s working out the key steps of your critical path, making your cash flow more user-friendly or identifying which tax planning options are best for you, Love to Grow is here to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.If you'd like to discuss your W.E.A.L.T.H™ please reach out to us - we'd love to help! We can be a sounding board and keep you on track during the implementation steps. As an aside, your tax planning for the 2026 year also has a few changes to keep in mind, such as tax threshold shifts, new investment incentives available, likely changes to your loan structures and interest management.We can help you incrementally adapt your plans as your business changes and weave the specifics into your overall plans.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

Voters in the Vincent ward will head to the polls following the resignation of newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie in October.The by-election will determine a new representative on the district council, with three candidates standing for this role.As part of our election coverage, we have put four questions to each candidate, covering key issues facing the ward and the wider district.All candidates were given the same questions, a 200-word word limit for each response, and the same deadline.Their answers will be published over the next two weeks, in their own words, to allow voters to compare the candidates’ positions directly.The series continues today with a question focused on the tension between district responsibilities and ward expectations.As a Vincent ward councillor, you’ll face a balancing act between local needs and the wider district’s goals. How will you ensure this ward’s voice is heard while still making responsible decisions for the region as a whole? Louise van der VoortLocal voice matters. Vincent has its own character, priorities, and challenges, and it is essential these are clearly understood and represented at the council table. Strong connections with the community are key to making sure local perspectives are heard and inform decision-making.Council’s role is to set clear strategic direction that delivers long-term outcomes for the district while allowing for local context. When this is done well, what benefits Vincent also strengthens Central Otago as a whole.If elected as a Vincent ward councillor, I will be required under the Local Government Act to serve the best interests of the district through the formal declaration of office. My responsibility will be to serve both the people of Vincent and the wider Central Otago district. Good decisions must always be made with the whole district in mind, ensuring delivery of services is fair, affordable, and equitable across our communities.With ongoing government reforms, it is more important than ever that Central Otago, and Vincent ward is not overlooked. I will advocate constructively, stay connected to the community, and bring a district-wide lens to every decision, ensuring Vincent’s voice is heard while acting responsibly for the region’s future.Andrew DowlingThis position represents the Vincent ward, so that would be my priority. I will also be responsible for getting information back to the ward members to make sure they can make informed opinions or understand why decisions have been made that may not have fallen in their favour.I’ll be putting up the best arguments to make sure Vincent ward needs and requests get considered, as I expect councillors from other wards to also be doing.Our ward is strong when the CODC district is strong. When it comes to those wider issues, like water management, we need to work together to get the best outcomes for CODC.Nat JamiesonAs a new councillor, my first responsibility is to listen. I want to be visible, accessible, and actively involved in the Vincent ward so people know their concerns are being heard and taken seriously. That means regular conversations with residents, community groups, and local businesses, not just during election time but throughout the term.At the same time, I understand that every decision affects the wider district, and I’m committed to looking at the bigger picture when it comes to long-term planning, budgets, and infrastructure. I believe you can advocate strongly for your local community while still making fair, responsible decisions for the whole region by being well-informed, open-minded, and willing to work with other councillors.My goal is to bring the real, everyday experiences of Vincent ward into the council chamber, while also supporting solutions that benefit Central Otago as a whole.Important dates for the Vincent by-election: Voting opens: Voting papers will be sent to eligible voters from Friday January 30 Voting closes: Midday on Tuesday March 3  Next instalment: Part three will be published on Thursday, focusing on must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollarsRead more: Why should the community trust you to represent them, and what does 'transparency' look like to you in practice?Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The daughter of renowned New Zealand artist Douglas Badcock has picked up her paint brushes for the first time since she was a teenager, and soon she’ll have her second exhibition in Alexandra.Jen Anderson was the only sibling amongst three brothers that never followed in her father’s footsteps - up until now. At 75, she’s rediscovered painting, and her love of gardening provides the perfect subject.“My head was in a different space and I kept pushing it behind me.”When her 13-year-old granddaughter Emily came to stay two years ago, they worked on a painting together, and that’s when the magic began.Her brother John Badcock, of Geraldine, is Jen’s favourite artist, and he is often seen painting en plein air in the Dunedin Octagon.“I love the freedom of his work and technique and the light. If I could paint like John I would be over the moon.”Last year Jen held her first exhibition at the Forfar gallery in Roxburgh, submitting 33 works of art that were all very popular. But few people have made the connection to her Badcock roots and Jen has been hesitant to use her family name to further herself.“I’m doing this for my own wellness and I want to keep it at a level where I’m not wanting to achieve any status,” she said. “And it could also take away the joy of painting.”Her next exhibition - although much smaller, will be held in the Heaphy Gallery of Central Stories in March, where she will also give a talk.Douglas Badcock died in 2009 but his paintings are still very sought after to this day, his work features many prominent landscapes mostly of the Queenstown Lakes area.But when developers started occupying his favourite spots, he and wife Bonnie packed up and moved to Clyde.A fulltime artist from 1949, Douglas won numerous Kelliher art awards in the 1960s, and found painting was the only thing he could do, as he struggled with asthma.Artist Jen Anderson has been quietly producing work from her home studio in Alexandra. Image: The Central AppSon Brian is also an artist in Blenheim and David paints in Cairns. John Badcock and his youngest daughter Susan have a gallery in Geraldine where some of Douglas’ work can still be found.Jen and her husband moved from Invercargill to Alexandra in 2013 after running a successful nursery. But first she trained as a hairdresser and owned her own salon.The only time she’s been interested in painting was back in her middle year of high school in Queenstown. But there was no art teacher so she had to do it by correspondence.Growing up in a family of artists, there was also that feeling of perhaps never being quite good enough, and hence why it has taken her so long to pick up the paint brushes again.Like many artists, Jen has used inspiration from tragic events in her life including the recent loss of friends to express herself through painting.“Douglas never taught his kids how to paint but I can understand why. I don’t think you can teach anyone to paint, it’s a process you have to go through. It’s such an individual thing that comes from you.”What her father did teach her was how to look after your brushes - washing them in sunlight soap, before drying out in the water heater cupboard.“My favourite smell is still turps,” she said.John also taught her not to take art too seriously, “and that often comes to me when I’m working. Just to let go and enjoy it.”Jen’s favourite saying comes from one of the true masters Vincent Van Gogh -“If you hear a voice within you saying, you are not a painter, then by all means paint. and that voice will be silenced.”Jen said that’s what she’s been saying to herself her entire life, but now she’s learning to be vulnerable and just go with it.“So many people say they can’t paint. But I question how do you know?”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Music lovers in the Maniototo would’ve been disappointed after the cancellation of the Taiari Wai River festival in Patearoa at the weekend.Organisers made the difficult decision to pull the pin on Thursday when the rain showed no sign of abating.The third annual festival was originally set down for January 10 but had to be postponed because of the weather, and after a slightly changed line up of entertainers, organisers were hoping to make January 24 work.“Unfortunately Lachie Hayes and band couldn't reschedule but we're pencilling them in for next year.”More than just a music festival, the Taiari Wai River Festival has a meaningful purpose — bringing the Otago community together to learn about, celebrate, and protect the Taiari River and its unique freshwater ecosystems.The long-term vision is to connect communities from Dunedin to Alexandra and beyond, growing into a boutique festival that draws music lovers from near and far.Meanwhile, over in the Gibbston valley, thousands of music lovers enjoyed what was possibly the only dry place in Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes at the weekend, for the Valley festival on the grounds of the Church Cellar Door and Cafe.Hollie Smith, Reb Fountain, The Black Seeds and Kora entertained the crowd into the early evening, with literally only about seven minutes of rain the entire day.And many of those attending the Ed Sheeran concert in Christchurch were reportedly soaked to the bone after it poured with rain the entire night. But the show still went on.The former Gibbston Valley concert held by Greenstone Entertainment, concludes the summer line up with its annual festival moved to Three Parks in Wānaka this year.The line up for this coming weekend (January 31) includes Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Zed and Hoodoo Gurus, and the forecast is for sunshine and 21degC.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Accommodation businesses in Central Otago are looking for new ways to make better use of their assets.Two businesses, in Roxburgh and Cromwell, have applied for resource consent to separate their accommodation into unit titles, giving future owners more choices.Both the owners of Roxburgh Motels and Cromwell travellers accommodation company GZR Property Investment will have their applications considered by a hearings panel on February 10.Although considered non-complying under the District Plan, planning consultants have recommended the subdivisions be given consent.The owners of the Roxburgh Motels are hoping for a staged subdivision of the land and buildings, firstly separating off the manager’s residence and then creating unit titles over the nine motel units.Rebecca Kennedy-Perkins said in her report, that the purpose of the subdivision is to enable each of the accommodation units to be owned and managed individually, with the choice to continue to be used as visitor accommodation.The Mead Avenue travellers accommodation development in Cromwell will also involve separating each of the 28 units into individual titles.Planning consultant Chris Pearse-Smith outlined the application as additionally involving a condition to reduce the consented three-bedroom units into two, and reducing one block into two-stories instead of three.As a result of the changes, the accommodation will reduce the maximum number of guests from 90 to 80 through changing the size of the units.The application is considered non-complying because it doesn’t meet the minimum lot size of 200m².Land use consent was originally sought and approved in December 2021 to establish 18 traveller’s accommodation units in Cromwell.The company then sought to modify the arrangement of the apartments in order to accommodate a number of single bedroom units - and consent was approved, bringing the total of units to 26.The Lakeside Christian Centre application for a subdivision in Lowburn will also be heard the panel in February.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A clear split has emerged over how quickly the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project should be assessed, with government agencies and councils pushing for a significantly longer decision-making period than the default setting under fast-track legislation.The divide follows the release of documents and video footage from a panel convener conference late last week, where attendees also challenged what they described as slow information-sharing and a lack of meaningful engagement by the mining company ahead of the application being lodged.Otago Regional Council principal consents planner Shay McDonald told the conference it would require “no less than 140 working days” to properly assess the 9,400-page application.“The application is substantial in scale and is technically complex,” Shay said.“There are likely to be a relatively large number of principal issues in contention.”Central Otago District Council also supported an extended timeframe, recommending a minimum of 120 working days.Legal counsel Jayne Macdonald said the council considered a longer timeframe was required given both the scale of the proposal and the state of engagement between the applicant and other parties.She said pre-lodgement engagement had been “limited and fragmented”, with repeated requests made for a description of the proposal, draft application and draft Assessment of Environmental Effects to help inform the council's own experts.Jayne said technical information was released progressively, but represented only a subset of the documents ultimately submitted, while some requests for expert site visits “could not be accommodated”.Representatives of DOC echoed these concerns, citing requested information from the mining company was slow to come and some site visits cancelled.In its memorandum, DOC said the scale of potential ecological effects was “potentially unprecedented”.“For example, more than 100,000 absolutely protected lizards are likely to be impacted, with the majority expected to be killed and the remainder disturbed and/or translocated,” DOC said.The department also said proposals to relocate rare plants at that scale were untested in the local environment, while Central Otago’s dry conditions posed additional challenges for water management and the mitigation of adverse effects on aquifers and aquatic ecosystems.Representing local Māori interests, Kā Rūnaka expressed “deep and immutable concern” about the breadth and longevity of the project’s effects, including long-term risks associated with hazardous substance storage."For Kā Rūnaka, effects on their cultural values or te taiao are incapable of being 'offset' or being otherwise mitigated – those effects are there, regardless of the wording which may be placed around them to make them appear less. In Kā Rūnaka’s view, the effects arising from this application are significant, and permanent," the group said.Kā Rūnaka also said the developer’s engagement to date had fallen short of consultation expectations.“Kā Rūnaka considers the approach taken by the applicant does not fulfil consultation requirements, and any efforts made are insufficient gestures taken in order to ostensibly fulfil legislative requirements, ” it said.Matakanui Gold, the applicant and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals, offered a different view during the conference, with legal counsel saying the company had “extensively engaged and consulted with relevant administering authorities, iwi, key stakeholders and the community, and continues to do so”.In the cases of CODC and DOC, they said regular meetings had been happening since 2017.They said prior to lodging its application the mining company had undertaken 56 community drop-in sessions and presented its plans to more than 25 local organisations and businesses.However, community group Sustainable Tarras said the newly released documents reflected its own experience of the process.“We are not at all surprised, but remain highly concerned,” a spokesperson said.The proposal is being considered under the Fast-track Consenting Act.Santana Minerals initially sought a 30-working-day decision period, later indicating it would accept 60 working days for its proposed underground and open-cast gold mine above Cromwell.Read more: Bendigo gold mine decision-making time under debateHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]