Trout, salmon, and perch be warned: dozens of Central Otago anglers picked up pro tips at a fishing workshop in Cromwell at the weekend. Organised by Fish and Game, pro-angler Lance Gill set up on the edge of Lake Dunstan at McNulty Inlet to run a hands-on session on using soft baits in freshwater fishing. Lance, who works with fishing brand Okuma, demonstrated rod and tackle set-up, as well as casting and retrieving techniques, answering questions from amateur anglers keen to upskill ahead of the summer season. Fish and Game hosted a hands-on information session for freshwater anglers at McNulty Inlet on Lake Dunstan. Image: The Central AppWhen it came to soft baits, hooks and jig heads, Lance had plenty of advice.“If you’re going to be stocking up your tackle box, I’d be getting size one hooks and a range of weights,” he said. His go-to weight is 1/8oz, which he said he “can use in a foot of water or a deep lake”, and his “all-time favourite” bait is a 2.7 inch paddle tail. “In my opinion, it’s probably the most effective out of the whole range,” he said. When it came to colour, he said the key was to mix it up: “The best colour is the one that catches fish on the day”.Lance’s go-to soft bait? A paddle tail, and he mixes up colours to see what works. Image: The Central App“I just go for the most natural colour. But if they’re not catching fish and you know there’re fish there, change it – they obviously don’t like that colour”. As he demonstrated casting and retrieving, Lance emphasised calm and control. “You just want a smooth cast,” he said.  “Give yourself a wee bit of line to actually do the cast [at least two foot was his suggestion] and you shouldn’t have any dramas.” For the retrieve, keep tension on the line so it winds tightly and neatly, he said, and keep the pace slower than you might think. “You don’t want to be setting your reel on fire,” he said. “You want [the soft bait to travel] at a natural speed, add some twitching to your rod...It will just make it [look] more like a fish.” He encouraged people to check their gear regularly for signs of breakage, particularly after a fish had taken their line past a rock. “That next fish could be the fish of a lifetime, and you’d only have yourself to blame,” he said. Lance shared his preferred knot for joining braid to fluoro carbon – a “clinch knot”. “This is what I’ve used for a very long time, and it’s never really failed,” he said. “It’s the same knot I use to tie lures on.” For anyone who couldn’t follow the demonstration, he had a simple top tip: “There’re thousands of YouTube videos showing what to do, but practice is key”, he said, so anglers can tie the knot quickly in any conditions. He also advised trimming ends carefully with a “good pair of braid scissors” - specialty serrated scissors that can cost as little as $6 - to prevent tangles. Cromwell-based Fish and Game officer Mason Court said upskilling anglers of all abilities was the aim of the day. A change to family fishing passes this season means each associated family member will receive their own ID card. Mason said the update was about encouraging women to fish independently of their partners. “There are so many different license options for people to give fishing a go.” He said soft baiting was a good place for beginners to start, as it was less “tricky” than fly fishing. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]  

Otago Community Trust is encouraging locals to complete its “He aha te mea nui – What matters most?” survey before December 12, helping shape future funding decisions across the region.Nearly 500 people from across Otago have already taken part in the campaign, which aims to ensure the Trust’s future mahi reflects the aspirations of the communities it serves.Since 1988, the Otago Community Trust (OCT) has granted more than $230 million to thousands of community-led kaupapa across North, Central, and South Otago, including Ōtepoti / Dunedin. Projects have ranged from emergency infrastructure in the Catlins, to youth development programmes in Cromwell, and the return of the tīeke (saddleback) to mainland Otago after more than 100 years.Chief executive Jemma Adams says the Trust wants to hear from as many people as possible before the deadline.“It’s great that nearly 500 people have already shared their whakaaro – and we’re excited to hear from even more voices,” she says.“OCT belongs to all of us in Otago. This is a chance to help shape the Trust’s future – not just for today, but for generations to come. The best ideas always come from the ground up, and this survey is another step to make sure our mahi reflects community voice.”Trust chair Andy Kilsby, who lives in Central Otago, says Otago’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Trust wants to reflect that in its decisions.“Otago is made up of many distinct communities – each with its own priorities, challenges and opportunities,” he says. “We’re encouraging everyone to take part, whether you’ve been involved in local projects for years or are speaking up for the first time. Every voice counts.”The online survey is open until Thursday December 12 at www.oct.org.nz. Those who complete it will go in the draw to win one of two $250 Prezzy Cards.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Central Otago residents can meet Health New Zealand leaders next week at a series of public sessions across the region.The four upcoming community events include an in-person session in Cromwell on Wednesday, November 26, and a virtual meeting later that evening. A panel of Health NZ’s leadership team will answer questions from the public.In addition to the formal sessions, face-to-face drop-in opportunities will be available for residents wanting more informal discussions with health leaders and local government representatives.Health New Zealand is developing a clinical services plan for the Otago Central Lakes region. MP Joseph Mooney, who has been part of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project since its inception, said the work marks a significant step forward.Joseph said it is the first plan of its kind in several decades — and the fastest of its scale in New Zealand.“The group has made serious progress over the past two years,” he said.The project group includes Central Otago representatives including Mayor Tamah Alley and MPs Miles Anderson and Todd Stephenson.Joseph said hundreds of local groups, including tangata whenua, had been consulted as part of the planning process.Community organisations such as the Wānaka Health Action Group have advocated for more specialist clinics at Dunstan Hospital and improved crisis-level mental health services.Joseph said new data revealed around 25,000 unnecessary health-related trips are made by Central Otago residents each year, and there were also certain health needs within communities that Health NZ hadn’t known about.“Ninety per cent of New Zealanders who live more than two hours from a base hospital are in Otago,” he said.People can submit questions online before the sessions. To register or learn more about health service planning in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, visit the Health NZ website.Health NZ:Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Raupo choking the Aronui Dam will be cleared this summer after the Central Otago District Council agreed to restore the site back to its 2015 condition.Friends of Aronui Dam representative Ken Churchill spoke to the Vincent Community Board this week. He said volunteers could no longer keep up with the fast-spreading weed.“It is now beyond us,” Ken said.The volunteer group has spent years maintaining the popular picnic spot and has repeatedly used diggers to remove raupo. Despite their efforts, Ken said “there is virtually no clear water left in the dam.”Raupo is a tall wetland plant that thrives in shallow, fertile water and can grow up to two metres. It provides breeding habitat for waterfowl but can quickly dominate small ponds.The dam and surrounding reserve were vested to the Central Otago District Council in 2016 after being transferred from the Department of Conservation.Ken told the board the overgrowth was now affecting the stability of the dam wall and causing leakage into nearby properties.“It’s prolific, this stuff, and very difficult to get out,” he said.Two Australian coots with their new babies on the Aronui Dam. Photo: The Central App.The council recently commissioned geo-engineers to assess the dam. They found the structure was not considered stable due to its age, similar to a number of older dams in the district. Although the southwest embankment shows visible deformation, engineers did not believe failure was imminent except in an earthquake.Constructed in 1909, the Aronui Dam originally supplied water to gold mining operations. It later became part of Alexandra’s water supply and feeds water to the nearby Lanes Dam. Shortly after its construction, the western wall began to bulge and a buttress was added. The board has now approved a dam break risk assessment, funded through the Long Term Plan and agreed for council staff to remove raupo back to its 2015 levels while retaining a small section forbird breeding.Council staff will also work with the Friends of Aronui Dam on future maintenance and funding needs.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

When it comes to managing your money—especially as you prepare for or settle into retirement—it’s important to know exactly what kind of guidance you’re receiving.One of the biggest sources of confusion we come across is the difference between a financial adviser and a financial planner. While the titles may sound interchangeable, they often reflect two very different approaches to supporting your financial wellbeing.Advisers: Focused on the ProductsMany financial advisers focus primarily on your investments. Their role is typically to recommend financial products—such as shares, bonds, or managed funds—based on your appetite for risk and your investment goals.Typically they don’t provide guidance across the full spectrum of your financial life. They often won’t help with planning for major life transitions—like retirement lifestyle changes, aged care decisions, or passing wealth to the next generation. Advice on tax efficiency, insurance, KiwiSaver strategies, and estate planning is usually outside their scope. Nor do they tend to offer a long-term plan built around your personal goals and values.That’s the key difference: where advisers manage money, financial planners help you manage your life.Planners: Focused on Your Whole LifeBy contrast, financial planners begin with a very different set of questions:What matters most to you in life?What does your ideal retirement look like?Do you want to keep working, travel more, support your family, or leave a lasting legacy?These questions aren’t about markets or money—they’re about you. A financial planner's role is to help you define what success looks like on your terms, and then design a long-term plan to help you achieve it.That holistic plan includes everything from retirement income strategies to insurance protection, estate and succession planning, tax efficiency, KiwiSaver, and more—along with investments tailored to your specific goals.Evidence-Based Investment ApproachCombining long-term planning with an evidence-based investment philosophy is crucial.Stock picking and market timing are not reliable long-term strategies. A disciplined, evidence- based approach—grounded in broad diversification and long-term consistency—has been shown to deliver more dependable outcomes over time.Working with respected fund managers, a financial planner will build highly diversified portfolios and tilt towards investment factors that research has shown can improve long-term outcomes:Small companies – which historically offer higher growth potential.Value stocks – those priced more attractively compared to their fundamentals.High profitability – favouring businesses with strong and consistent earnings.These are not just theories—they’re backed by decades of academic research and real-world results. These principles help build reliable, resilient portfolios that support your broader life goals.Planning Is a Relationship—Not a TransactionAnother key difference? A financial planner walks with you over time. When markets get choppy, or life throws you a curveball, your planner helps you stay grounded adjusting your plan as needed and keeping you focused on what matters most.A good planner also takes time to understand your behavioural tendencies, helping you avoid decisions that could put your plan at risk during periods of uncertainty.Can You Manage Without a Financial Planner?Yes, you can. But many of our clients tell us they wish they’d come to see us sooner—from a narrow investment-based approach to a comprehensive planning relationship that supports their life in a meaningful way.Before you settle for investment advice, make sure you're getting guidance that truly supports your whole financial life. Here are five questions that can help you find out:Do you advise on more than just my investments? Look for a planner who helps with retirement income, estate planning, insurances, tax, and KiwiSaver too.Will you help me plan for lifestyle changes or long-term goals? A good plan starts with your values—not just your portfolio.Do you offer an evidence-based investment approach? Ask if your adviser uses academic research and diversified strategies—not predictions.How will you help me stay on track during market volatility? Ongoing guidance matters just as much as the initial plan.Do you take time to get to know my personal circumstances and goals? You deserve a plan that fits your life, not a one-size-fits-all solution.Want to Know If You’re Getting the Full Picture?If you're not sure whether your current adviser is giving you the full picture, ask the questions above. Or — have a conversation with our team.At Central Financial Planning, we’re here to provide clarity, confidence, and a strategy that reflects your life—not just your portfolio.We’d love to help you plan with purpose.

This feature showcases the newest listings from Tall Poppy Real Estate, offering you a first look at the latest homes on the market.

A 10-year-old issue over 30-year-old trees in the Centrepoint Carpark in Alexandra is finally being resolved by the Central Otago District Council.Local business partners Russell Ibbotson and Daphne Hull addressed the Vincent Community Board on Tuesday, saying properties in the carpark area had been flooded due to leaves blocking drains on the roof.As directors of Limerick Properties, the pair said the most serious issue was the damage to buildings, including five instances of flooding to Alex Furniture.A letter from Russell to council in 2024 said that Limerick Properties had been financially disadvantaged by up to $20,000 in insurance claim excess payments, including reimbursement payments to tenants for damage they sustained as a result of the flooding.Later that year council removed one tree in the carpark and two in the surrounding area, but in a report to the board it said an offer made in 2019 to help businesses clear their roof gutters hadn’t been taken up.The trees were planted over 30 years ago to provide shade and amenity to the carpark area. The council report recommended that the community be consulted over the future of the remaining trees, but Cr Martin McPherson suggested removing them ASAP.“These trees are not fit for purpose.”Martin said he could see for himself the damage that trees did to the carpark area, having just driven past on the way to the board meeting, following heavy winds overnight.Limerick Properties director Russell Ibbotson addressed the Vincent Community Board this week about the issues. Photo: fileRussell thanked senior members of staff and Mayor Tamah Alley for helping address the issue, and said it was only through goodwill that there had not been legal action taken against the council - for not acting fairly and responsibly.  He said a legal opinion had placed the liability of damage to buildings directly on council, and tenants had been almost at the stage of walking out.Community board members agreed with Martin that the matter was urgent enough to not have to consult the community, and decided to approve the removal of the four Raywood Claret Ash trees.A landscape plan will also be actioned in consultation with business owners, to replant the area with more suitable trees.The council will make a final decision at its next meeting on December 17, and the trees removed prior to Autumn 2026.“Get rid of them and replant with something beautiful,” Daphne said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago can expect a warm, slightly cloudier-than-usual summer with more northeasterly winds and less rainfall overall, according to MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris. The outlook comes after national forecasters signalled a likely shift to La Niña conditions, prompting The Central App to ask what that means for life around the lakes and hills of Central Otago. “For Central Otago you should expect more northeasterly winds than normal,” Lewis said. “These will typically be accompanied by warm, humid air, potentially a bit more cloud than a typical summer.” While the region is tipped to be drier than average, a few wet days could easily balance things out.  “Less than average rainfall is predicted for Central this summer, but it being such a dry place, it would just take a few wet days to skew that closer to normal,” he said. The long-range outlook points to fewer southerly changes and less spillover rain from the West Coast.  “High pressure to our south means less cold fronts marching up the West Coast,” Lewis said.  “This means less spillover rain from the west but, on the flipside, less westerly winds means less of those extreme hot days with northwest winds.” Lewis said summer temperatures were likely to sit on the warmer side of average, but not necessarily push into extremes.  “La Niña warm is less of a noticeable heat as it’s not represented so much in the extreme afternoon heat,” he said.  “It’s more, warmer minimums and afternoon temperatures on the warmer side of average without touching extreme too often.” After a volatile spring that brought everything from snow to strong winds, Lewis said locals should expect a slower transition to settled summer weather.  “Spring is always a changeable season - people tend to forget that every year - but this spring was on the upper end of severity,” he said.  “I don’t think people should get their hopes up for summer to kick into gear on December 1st. It usually takes until Jan for consistent weather to become more common.” Earth Science New Zealand’s latest three-month climate outlook reports an 80 per cent chance of La Niña conditions persisting through November to January.  Lewis cautioned a La Niña climate pattern is not the sole driver of day-to-day weather.  “La Niña isn’t a weather event, it’s a phase of a naturally occurring global climate cycle,” he said. “It doesn’t cause weather, it just makes certain types of weather systems more likely.”  The big picture? The long range models are signalling more than average low pressure systems to New Zealand’s north-northwest, over the Tasman Sea, and more stubborn high pressure to its south.Further north, people are likely facing a wetter sumer than normal, with plenty of humidity, particularly at night.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Parishioners at the Lakeside Church in Lowburn are nearing completion of their new 600m2 facility and are now proposing a subdivision to help pay off the project loan.The Lakeside Christian Centre has applied to subdivide two 3000m2 lots from its site on Lowburn Valley Rd. The organisation hopes the sale of the lots will help fund the second stage of the church fit out.Pastor Bruce Wast said the congregation had spent the past year closing in the new church building and preparing for internal work once finances were secured.The new church is ten times the size of the original 60m2 building, which has been on the site since the 1980s. It includes traditional design features such as a higher pitched roof, vestibule and altar.After considering several designs, the congregation decided to build a separate structure beside the original church rather than join the two. The smaller building continues to be used for Sunday Schooland for hire for weddings and special events.The original Lowburn church remains onsite and is popular with visitors. Photo: File.Public submissions are now open on the proposed three-lot subdivision, closing on December 11.Land use consent is also sought to establish a residential building platform on the two new allotments.The proposal is considered a non-complying activity under the District Plan because it does not meet minimum or average allotment sizes for the Rural Resource Area. However, the Central OtagoDistrict Council noted the site sits within a clearly defined enclave of residential activity.Six neighbouring landowners have been identified as affected parties, along with Land Information New Zealand.A date for the official opening of the new church will be announced in the New Year.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The Kawarau Gorge will receive a $3.9 million upgrade under the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)’s Southern Resilience Project.The investigation is now complete of State Highway 6 from Cromwell to Frankton, and a detailed design underway.MP for Southland/Central Otago Joseph Mooney said the investment in Southern infrastructure, along with the boost for tourism promotion is excellent news for both locals and visitors.“Travellers to the lower South Island inject a huge amount of energy into the southern economy. These projects to improve key road networks and promote southern hospitality will further enhance the amazing experience visitors have when exploring the lower South Island.”The Kawarau Gorge is used by up to 6000 vehicles a day, but the 41km stretch of road is susceptible to natural hazards including rockfall, landslides or weather-related events. NZTA said when unplanned closures happen, there are limited detours - and those available add significant travel time and distance. Unplanned closures may become more common, due to climate changes, resulting in increased levels of disruption.The upgrade will involve installation of monitoring equipment for a corridor management plan and a management strategy for The Narrows.SH6 from Frankton to Kingston has also been approved for an upgrade ( $1.6 million) and SH94 from Milford Sound to Te Anau Downs ($2 million).“It’s great to see these key routes being given the high priority they deserve. Improving them will help the increasing number of visiting tourists and locals move safely around the South,” Joseph said.The national Crown Resilience Programme came about after severe weather events in 2023, which highlighted crucial investment in early preventative works to protect the transport network.The Government invested $419 million into resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on the national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on state highways, and $140 million for activities on local roads.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Geoff Moore has walked three races across Otago for the Alzheimers Society, but it was just as much about keeping himself going mentally.Wife Ann is in full time care in Ranui Alexandra, so every morning Geoff heads off for his daily steps, to clear his head and have some time for himself.He started with the Dunedin Marathon in early September and then the Cromwell half marathon on October 11.  At the weekend he completed the Queenstown Marathon 10km with Alexandra Parkrun organiser Sally Booth, who of course made him run the last 2km, and then his 6-year-old grandson Joey accompanied them across the last 75m towards the finishing line.“That's how we make memories for all of us,” he said.“What another great experience, just to be a part of it. The organisation and communication was terrific and again the enthusiasm shown from most of the volunteers just makes you feel happy.”New Zealand currently has 500 new cases of dementia every week, and Alzheimers is the most common cause - making up between 60% and 80%.Geoff has raised over $6000 for Alzheimers and has just two weeks left of his ‘Walk for a Cause’ campaign - the next event will be the purple tutu park run and then concluding with a special ‘Dance for a Cause' in Alexandra on November 28.Alzheimers Central Otago has teamed up with Alexandra Parkrun to make it a fundraiser on November 22, and Queenstown and Christchurch DJs are flying south to play some sounds at the Alexandra District Club on the last Friday of the month.Donations have continued to come in from around the world, from friends and family back in the Northern Hemisphere, and friends and businesses locally and in Australia.To donate to Geoff Moore’s cause click here.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Kawarau Station up the back of Bannockburn opened its gates this weekend to adventure racers on horseback, bike and foot for a rogaine supporting a worthy cause.Event organiser Mandy McFarlane described a rogaine as being “similar to an orienteering course…but you decide how far and fast you want to go”.The event raised funds for the region’s rescue helicopter service - a personal cause for Mandy.“I needed the rescue helicopter two years ago,” she said.“That’s motivated me to do it.”Participants could choose between a six or a three-hour course, competing as teams or individuals, across races on both Saturday and Sunday (November 15 and 16).Stations with points attached were mapped out, and it was up to those racing to choose which points to seek, all while watching the clock to get back to base - a historical woolshed - within the timeframe or face a penalty.Freya Greaves, 7, and her brother Zac, 5, at the end of their three-hour adventure race over hills out the back of Cromwell. Image: The Central AppMandy said close to 100 people took part, along with dozens of horses.Five-year-old Zac Greaves, of Wānaka, was in a team with his seven-year-old sister Freya.He said the hardest part of the race was “the prickles”, but mystery challenges dotted throughout the course made up for it.One of his favourites? Wooden rubber band shooters with cup targets to hit.Helena Ruud rides Red in Sunday’s three-hour rogaine fundraiser at Kawarau Station. Image: The Central AppHelena Ruud, a Cromwell vineyard worker from Norway, rode horse Red in Sunday’s three-hour event.She said the terrain was varied - “small rivers, steep hills, some rocky parts, mud” - and, despite being on the look out for rabbit holes, there were plenty of opportunities for the horses to have a good canter.It amazed her to see “a whole community come together to do something fun”, she said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Lowburn’s annual fishing competition drew one of its strongest crowds in years on Sunday (November 16), with 134 anglers taking to Lake Dunstan in calm spring conditions.Organiser Phil Henderson said it was “one of the highest entry numbers we’ve ever had”, and 38 children under 12 joined the field.Anglers brought brown trout, rainbow trout, perch and a couple of elusive salmon to the weigh-in, which took place at the community hall beside the Lowburn Inlet.Phil said there was “a good mix of all of those” and “some good-sized fish too”.Fish and Game officer Mason Court and Cromwell Rotary’s Craig Lunn at the weigh-in. Image: The Central App.The Rotary-run event has been going for 31 years. Phil said about half of all entries were made on Sunday morning, with people registering from 6am. Proceeds will “all go back through to the community through grants and supporting projects,” he said.Bannockburn angler Josh Dicey weighed in a 1.48kg rainbow trout caught “right up the top of the lake”. He said he’d had a good day on the water but planned to give the trout to his boat mate’s neighbour because he prefers saltwater fish.Nine-year-old Cromwell angler George Borges recommended his Tassie Devil lure and said he realised he had a strike when his rod started to bend.“I thought it was just going very deep. Then I ran to it and reeled it in,” he said. Carter Johnston, 10, with his brother Wyatt, 7, both of Queenstown, and George Borges, 9, of Cromwell. Image: The Central App.After fishing since 6.30am, another highlight was “jumping off the wharf” once he came back in.Clyde Primary School pupil Harlan Smith, 12, arrived with a bag of fish alongside his family.He described one of the tougher fights of the day: “We had to play them a wee bit. They were pretty strong,” he said. His brother handled the net, which their dad Jeremy said was “important because a lot of them are lost at the boat trying to get it in the net”.The Smiths planned to head home and cook their rainbow trout crumbed or battered “just like the fish and chip shop,” Jeremy said.Approximately 100 fish were weighed overall. The heaviest was a 2.24kg rainbow trout, while the top brown trout weighed 2.23kg.Matai Alexander of Cromwell didn’t land a fish but left with a prize. The heaviest perch of the day, weighing just over one kilogram. Image: The Central App.At the prizegiving, organisers asked for a 12-year-old with no catch to come forward. Matai walked away with six handmade flies crafted by Cromwell flyfishing stalwart Henry Smith.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea from midnight tonight (November 17) until 2pm Tuesday.A front over the Tasman Sea is moving towards New Zealand. It is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain overnight.Rainfall totals are expected to reach 100 to 140mm near the Divide and 70 to 100mm within 15km east. The freezing level is sitting high at 2800 metres.Although the risk of upgrading to a Red Warning is low, the impacts may still be significant.Streams and rivers may rise, and residents are warned to prepare for possible surface flooding, and difficult driving conditions.Closer to home, MetService shows the winds are on the way up, expect them to strengthen this afternoon and into tomorrow. Then we’re back to sunshine by Wednesday.Keep up to date with The Central App news throughout the day as conditions change, and if traveling check the Roads report before you leave home.

A new Central Otago District Council draft bylaw would ban camping and introduce on-leash requirements for dogs on council reserves and parks, but staff acknowledge some clauses may clash with existing rules.The proposed Parks and Reserves Bylaw is the first of its kind for the district and aims to guide how council parks and reserves are used and protected. It outlines restrictions on activities such as lighting fires, setting off fireworks, bringing animals onto the public spaces, playing sports without approval, and operating vehicles or aircraft, alongside provisions for camping and dog control.Under the draft, dogs would need to be kept on a leash in all parks and reserves unless an area is specifically designated as off-leash.However, the council’s existing Dog Control Bylaw allows dogs to be off-leash in public places provided they are “under control”, meaning they can be recalled instantly and do not cause nuisance or danger.CODC parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the Dog Control Bylaw would take precedence and confirmed the draft “may need further clarification to ensure consistency”.The draft bylaw also proposes a blanket prohibition on camping at parks and reserves unless the site has been clearly designated for overnight stays.Councillors previously decided not to pursue a separate freedom camping bylaw, citing low complaint numbers.Fifteen camping-related complaints were received over the 2023–24 summer and 13 the following year. Councillors instead directed staff to include camping rules within a future parks and to reserves bylaw.Gordon said the new bylaw would give council the ability to take enforcement action when people ignore the rules.He said it “will help limit behavioural issues that result in damage to council’s parks and reserves or cause a nuisance to other park users or create safety issues”.He listed damaging plants, digging holes, erecting structures, and interfering with sports approved by the council as examples of problematic behaviour.Public consultation is now open and submissions close tomorrow (Tuesday, November 18).Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Independent commissioners will this week consider a proposal for a six-lot multi-unit residential development at Pisa Moorings.The Big Units Ltd application will be heard on Wednesday and Thursday in Cromwell by chair Gary Rae and commissioner Ros Day-Cleavin as part for the Perriam Place development.The sites sit at the northern end of the existing lake inlet and were recently rezoned Large Lot Residential under Plan Change 19.According to the Companies Register, Big Units Ltd has four shareholders: Dean and Trina Affleck and Chris and Karen Denniston.The company received 22 submissions on the proposal in 2024. The process was placed on hold until July 2025 when the applicant asked for the matter to be considered by independent commissioners.The subdivision neighbours the Marsden Lake Resort marina development, which was originally consented in 2008 by Pisa Cove Ltd. The earlier development included a constructed 1.2-hectareextension to Lake Dunstan and 23 units built over the water.Multi-unit developments are restricted discretionary activities. They require at least 250m2 of site area per residential unit and connection to a reticulated sewage system.Central Otago District Council planning consultant Duncan Whyte has recommended the proposal be granted consent, subject to urban design changes.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The district’s outdoor pools have opened for summer, including in Roxburgh for the first time under Central Otago District Council management.Alexandra, Ranfurly and Ophir pools have also opened, and the council is reminding families to please keep a close eye on young ones.The Alexandra pool had about 3000 users of the outdoor pool in 2024, compared to 60,000 annual users of the entire facility.A decision was made to not heat the outdoor pool for the next two seasons, after the end of year financial report showed an increase in expenditure of $86,000 for pool operations - jumping from $154,000 to $240,000.Group manager - community experience David Scoones told council earlier this year that the high cost of heating the outdoor pool over summer contributed to the rise in fuel expenses, and the heat exchange system also was at the end of its life.A new system had been budgeted for in the Long Term Plan for 2027.CODC aquatics manager Carly Lipinski said the pool teams have been working hard to get everything ready for the season.One message pool staff want everyone to remember is keep watch, stay close, and be involved.Carly said they totally understand how tempting it is for parents to grab a moment for themselves while the kids are swimming.“Parents and caregivers are busy, and dropping the kids at the pool feels like some well-earned time-out; a chance to catch up on your messages, flick through a magazine or chat to your friends. But things can change in seconds around water, especially for little ones.”She said even confident swimmers, particularly kids under five, can find themselves in trouble if they get tired, panic or venture out of their depth.‘Active Supervision’ is about being engaged and ready to help if needed. It means not only having a direct line of sight on the child at all times, but being in a position to be able to provide immediate assistance.“Lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe, but they can’t replace a parent or caregiver’s eyes. “Drowning is quick and silent and can happen in less than two minutes,” she said.Supervision Rules•   Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years both in and out of the water at all times. A caregiver must not have any more than two children under five in their care at any time.•   Children under the age of 10 must be actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years at all times.•   The use of mobile phones, reading, or other distractions is not acceptable while supervising children under the age of 10. Caregivers must remain alert and attentive at all times.•   Safety comes first. Pool crew will insist that parents and caregivers meet their supervision responsibilities. When supervising children under 10 years of age.To make things easier, CODC pools use bright wristbands:Orange for under-fives - to remind caregivers to remain within arm’s reach. This includes the toddler pools. Purple for ages 5–9 - to remind caregivers to keep their children in sight at all times.“Don’t ‘drop and go’ this summer,” Carly said. “Stay and play. Those poolside memories – the scent of sunscreen and sausage sizzle, laughter and splashes echoing across the water – are what kids remember most. Let’s make sure those memories are safe ones.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]  

Around 15–20% of the global population is neurodivergent — that’s not a niche, that’s a vast pool of untapped brilliance.Yet traditional hiring practices still favour the smooth-talking, CV-polished, handshake-perfect candidate. And in doing so, we risk missing out on some of the most focused, creative, loyal, and detail-oriented minds out there.Researchers Dana L. Ott and Miriam Moeller are leading the charge in this space. They co-authored the Autism Employment Playbook, a resource that challenges outdated recruitment norms and offers practical, inclusive strategies for employers. Their work digs deeper into how businesses and organisations can do better — by recognising neurodiversity as an invisible inequality and making inclusion more than a buzzword. Even small accommodations — like offering alternative interview formats or quiet workspaces — can make a massive difference. And when neurodivergent employees thrive, productivity follows. (SAP saved $40 million thanks to a neurodivergent team member’s technical fix. Just saying.)EASI NZ was fortunate to attend a recent HRNZ workshop where the Playbook was presented. It was a powerful reminder that 80% of autistic people in Aotearoa want to work, but only 22% are employed. That’s not a talent gap — that’s a systems gap.Breadth of NeurodivergenceNeurodivergence refers to natural variations in how people think, learn, and process the world. It includes:Autism – differences in social communication, sensory processing, and routinesADHD – challenges with attention, impulsivity, and regulation, often paired with creativity and energyDyslexia – differences in reading, writing, and language processing, often with strong visual or spatial thinkingDyspraxia – motor coordination challenges, often paired with problem-solving strengthsDyscalculia – difficulty with numbers and mathematical concepts, often alongside strong verbal or creative skillsTourette Syndrome – involuntary movements or vocalisations, often alongside high focus and resilienceMany people experience more than one neurodivergence, and each person’s profile is unique.And here’s the key: neurodivergence isn’t something that needs to be fixed. It’s something to be understood, respected, and supported — because difference is not deficiency.In Aotearoa, the Māori word for autism is takiwātanga, meaning “in his or her own time and space.” Coined by linguist Keri Opai, this term offers a mana-enhancing, non-judgmental way to describe autism. It acknowledges that individuals may experience the world differently, and honours the need for space, time, and understanding.Takiwātanga reminds us that inclusion isn’t about fitting people into systems — it’s about shaping systems to fit people.So what can we do?For starters, ditch the one-size-fits-all recruitment process. Shake up the CV obsession. Invite video applications. Better yet, flip the script — include a short video in your job ad showing what it’s actually like to work at your organisation.What’s the culture? Who are the faces? What do you value? Demystify the process. Make it human.Because here’s the thing: kindness and productivity aren’t opposites — they’re teammates. When we build people-centric workplaces that honour difference, we don’t just do the right thing. We do the smart thing.Ready to Rethink Recruitment?If you’re still doing the same-old, same-old with your hiring practices and want to see where you can make meaningful change — get in touch with EASI NZ.We train business owners and managers in what good recruitment really looks like. Recruit well to recruit less, and think more about the loyalty, creativity, and depth that can come from hiring someone with neurodivergence — alongside all the other inclusive values that make a workplace thrive.You can explore the full Autism Employment Playbook here:FINAL_Autism_Employment_Playbook-Printed.pdfand the Simple Language version:FINAL_Autism_Employment_Playbook-_Simple_Language-Printed.pdf — both designed to support understanding and action.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing property expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme. All sponsored stories are reviewed to align with our values of community first, accuracy, and trusted people in our community reporting.

Last week at the Elevate Central business breakfast, we hosted the most engaging session - a practical, future-facing kōrero about the balance between Human Intelligence (HI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).With digital tools evolving fast, we invited Sydney-based strategist Kelly Slessor to help demystify how small businesses can use AI with their people, not on them. And wow, what a session.You may remember the story we ran in January after her last visit Click hereHere’s what we learned (and why it matters for business).It Starts With Mutuality: Build With, Not ForKelly reminded us: the biggest mistake organisations make is skipping the people. When AI systems are designed in a vacuum, without input from frontline staff or customers, they often fall flat.Simple shift: Co-create your AI tools with the team who will use them. Trust builds adoption.Try this: Choose one task (like writing product descriptions). Invite two staff to design prompts. Log learnings over 2 weeks. Share what works.Culture First: Mindset Before MachinesTech anxiety is real. That’s why culture, not tools, makes or breaks AI adoption.Kelly recommends starting with confidence-building rituals, not technical manuals.Small habits = big shifts.Try this: Begin team meetings with a 3-minute share: “What AI helped me do this week.” It’s low-stakes and builds momentum.Go Slow to Go SmartDon’t automate everything all at once.Start with one customer journey, like sending follow-up emails after an abandoned cart, and keep human oversight in place until you’re confident.Try this: Draft AI-generated emails, and require manual approval for the first 50 sends. Review performance and tone.What This Means for Central Otago BusinessesHere’s what stood out most for our region:Small is smart: Start tidy. You don’t need a transformation, just a trial.People first: Confidence trumps capability when getting started.Context is king: Businesses need tools that respect our pace, connectivity, and seasonality.Measure learning: Track what your team learns, not just how fast they type.Thanks for Being ThereTo everyone who showed up, asked bold questions, and shared your fears and ideas, thank you. And a huge shoutout to Kelly Slessor for sparking such rich conversations.Want to explore this further with your team? Reach out here and we’ll send you Kelly’s four-pillar PDF model.Be informed. Be confident. Be local.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme. All sponsored stories are reviewed to align with our values of community first, accuracy, and trusted people in our community reporting.