A refresh of strategic direction is on the cards for the Otago Regional Council, as it signs off and releases its Annual Report this week.Chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said it has been a busy year, but in looking to the future, the organisation recognises there’s more work to be done.“Our focus was not only on delivering efficient services to the people of Otago, but on supporting community-led environmental initiatives for positive outcomes,” she said.The Annual Report will be considered by councillors at a full meeting in Dunedin tomorrow.Cr Robertson said during the year council refreshed ORC’s strategic directions, setting clear goals and focus areas to realise its vision for Otago — "where our environment and communities thrive, ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea).”“To the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, and with proposed Government legislative changes still underway, we placed a strong emphasis on delivering a long-term plan which achieves organisational efficiencies, ensuring we give value for ratepayers’ money while continuing to sustain healthy and connected communities.”The development of a new Land and Water Regional Plan had been a priority for the regional council, with a work programme in place to achieve a notification decision this month. However, a shock Government announcement yesterday stated the Government would add an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill restricting regional councils’ ability to notify freshwater plans.The move saw ORC cancel today's voting on the matter.The Manuherikia River near Alexandra. More community-led environmental initiatives are on the cards for the Otago Regional Council in the next year. FILE SHOTIn ORC’s environmental monitoring and regulatory roles, Cr Robertson said staff completed 1411 compliance checks, including consent audits, dairy inspections, and forestry site visits, while the Pollution Hotline handled 1095 incidents, with 101 formal enforcement actions taken in 2023-24.She was “really pleased” that the annual ECO Fund was fully subscribed, again, this year, which supported targeted and general community environmental projects.“We’ve also actively fostered community-led catchment management initiatives in the Catlins and Upper Lakes,” she said.“Our valued partnership with mana whenua in Otago continues to underpin much of our work programme, with positive water enhancement work continuing through these partnerships.”For the year ahead, Cr Robertson said climate change remained a crucial focus area for the regional council.“This year, councillors endorsed the draft Strategic Climate Action Plan, and we’re now looking forward to seeking community input on this important initiative.”The regional council’s work on a variety of natural hazards adaptation programmes continued for South Dunedin, the Clutha Delta, and Glenorchy/Head of Lake Whakatipu, while climate resilience projects for its flood schemes have made significant progress, she said.Chief Executive Richard Saunders said that while he was pleased 48 targets were achieved overall, it showed there was more work for the organisation to do in setting its work programme and delivering those things for the community. “We did however achieve some great results in the face of challenging and changing times throughout the year, and especially in the Safety and Resilience sector, which met 11 targets, and missed none,” he said.He noted that under Safety and Resilience was management of Flood Protection and Emergency Management, both of which were under duress earlier this month around coastal Otago and some places inland, but both were reported to have functioned well and helped keep communities safe.He said of the 25 targets not achieved, a number were linked to the deadline for the final delivery of reports, reviews and plans, many of which had since been completed and were pending formal delivery.

Compostable dog poo bags that cannot be composted because they contain dog poo have won an award at Consumer NZ's inaugural Yeah, Nah awards.The awards aim to place a spotlight on products, businesses and services that are especially disappointing throughout the year.Consumer chief executive John Duffy told Midday Report the five winners (losers) they picked came from a desire to reveal issues that might be impacting consumers without them realising."Technically they are compostable. It's just at a practical level you could never do it because the industrial composting facilities that you need to compost these products don't accept products that have animal feces in them," Duffy said.Other winners included Air New Zealand, who won the "Taken for a ride" award for their dymanic pricing model which sees prices skyrocket during school holidays."What we've done is an analysis of over 600 flights across a 16 week period this year, covering two school holidays," Duffy said."Air New Zealand is significantly higher in terms of how much its flight prices go up compared to Qantas."Westpac's life insurance policy won the "grave disappointment" award.This award went to the lowest ranking product in terms of Consumer NZ's customer satisfaction surveys, Duffy said.Pam's value creamed corn received the "less isn't more" award for only containing 40 percent corn."We think you know anything below 50 percent is really not filling the bar if you're after corn," Duffy said.The "avoid at all costs" award went to Bosch for its heat-pump dryer which took four hours to wash and dry an average load of washing.Despite being one of the most expensive washer-dryers on the market, it took twice as long as equivalent brands to clean clothes, Duffy said.Some of the winners have responded to the undesirable awards.An Air New Zealand spokesperson said dynamic pricing was standard practice across airlines, hotels and car rental companies."We would love to add more capacity over these busy periods, however, with seven of our aircraft currently out of service due to global engine supply issues, there are no spare aircraft to add to the schedule" the spokesperson said.Westpac also responded."We're disappointed with this survey result and we continue to work alongside Fidelity Life, who underwrite our life insurance products, to respond to customer and banker feedback," a Westpac NZ spokesperson said.RNZ has contacted other winners named by Consumer NZ for comment.

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has axed plans to vote on its Land and Water Regional Plan tomorrow after a shock announcement from the Government today.Tonight the Government will be adding an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, restricting regional councils’ ability to notify freshwater plans.This meant the Otago Regional Council will no longer be voting tomorrow on whether it will notify or pause its Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).On Friday last week Environment Minister Penny Simmonds told The Central App she was continuing to monitor the regional council, and hadn’t ruled out further interventions or appropriate actions to ensure the freshwater planning did not impose unnecessary costs on ratepayers.The new pending legislation meant the regional council’s current water and waste plans were still operative, “so it will be business as usual for consent holders,” chair Gretchen Robertson said.Cr Robertson said although the regional council had worked closely with the Government in the lead-up to tomorrow’s vote, their new stance “is a change.”“We now need to take some time to consider the implications of this for the Otago community who still need these issues to be addressed.”More information around impacts of this change on Otago farming, business, recreational and environmental interests, will be communicated in due course, she said.Today’s announcement from Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay and Minister Simmonds, was made to provide farmers the clarity they needed around freshwater management, “and to minimise inefficiencies and duplication for councils, and prevent unnecessary costs for ratepayers,” the combined statement from Government said.“Labour’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (the NPS-FM) is extremely complex and expensive for farmers and councils to implement – and despite that it won’t deliver the outcomes for freshwater that New Zealanders would expect,” Minister Bishop said.“Regional councils must be equipped to manage freshwater resources in a way that is efficient, effective, and aligned with the Government’s future-focused goals. This amendment ensures the primary sector has clarity over regulations and that councils don’t waste time and resources developing plans that will soon be superseded by the new NPS-FM,” he said.Minister Simmonds said regional councils would still have an avenue to progress their freshwater plans in some circumstances – for example, where doing so would more quickly enable key housing or infrastructure projects to go ahead.“We look forward to working alongside councils as we develop the replacement NPS-FM. We will have more to say about it early next year.” Cr Robertson said the announcement would give the regional council some time to understand the changes the government was bringing in with the review and replacement of the NPS-FM.“This is not a pause that will stop the council from continuing to work with mana whenua and our community to improve freshwater in Otago, it is a pause for the planning process. The good work of protecting and enhancing our environment will continue across Otago.”“Additionally, the council will work with Government officials on legislative options to ensure that unintended consequences do not negatively impact on resource users or pose an unnecessary burden on ratepayers. We have specific time sensitive issues in Otago which will need to be addressed,” she said.She extended a “big thank you” to the thousands of people involved over the past almost five years in helping draft the plan, from attendance at public meetings and feedback sought, the partnership with mana whenua on the journey and a wide variety of rural and urban industry groups who got involved.“This has been a significant process, and everyone has worked well with us democratically so far – as we have worked towards a plan which has been years in the making.”“However, the Government made a different decision the day before our decision. We look forward to working with the Government on the Plan into the future,” she said.

An old 1940’s house in Clyde will be demolished and replaced by six two-storied townhouses, after gaining resource consent last week.Hamlin Enterprises was granted consent by the Central Otago District Council to subdivide 50 Sunderland Street and 11 Fache Street - some of which is partially contained within the Heritage Precinct.One submitter spoken to was disappointed to learn the consent had been approved, and felt that commissioners hadn’t listened to his concerns.He and another submitter were considering appealing the decision, with one saying he would lose much of his sun from the two-storied apartments.He also believed the developers were going to destroy the look of the village, by building them in the heritage precinct.The application was considered by councillors Neil Gillespie, Martin McPherson and Ian Cooney.Planning consultant for the council, Tom McIntyre, recommended the company be granted consent for the multi-unit development, subject to conditions.Under the District Plan, the erection of any new building or structure within the Heritage Precinct was a discretionary, or restricted, activity.The panel also considered a heritage impact report by Robin Miller, building surveyor and director of Arrowtown-based architecture and consultancy firm Origin Heritage, who found the subdivision responded well to the council’s heritage precinct guidelines, “and was a compatible addition to the precinct.”“Having carefully considered the heritage aspects of the application including the relevant District Plan provisions, The panel recognise that Mr Miller is suitably qualified expert, a highly regarded professional in his field and has an in-depth knowledge of the Clyde heritage design guidelines.”In its decision, the panel said while the proposed built form was larger than neighbouring buildings, they accepted Mr Miller’s findings that the multi-cellular design will sufficiently break up the mass of the buildings.Have a story you want to share? Contact us at [email protected]

A collaboration between a local musician and an artist is spreading joy and fun to 400 of the region’s children.Musician Liz Conway and artist Marion Vialade-Worch have created The Colours of Music workshop thanks to a $1435 grant from Creative Communities funding and $300 from the Alexandra Community Arts Council. Pupils can listen to live piano and creatively express themselves with felts, pastels, pencils, crayon and paint pens in any way they choose.Watch a one minute video of Alexandra Primary School’s year five and six workshop. VIDEO: The Central App Sixty five pupils from Alexandra Primary, Omakau School and Poolburn School attended during two thirty-minute workshops at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery yesterday, with more from across the region set to attend on Friday and next week.Liz said the workshop combined two senses at the same time and for many students listening to live piano was something completely new.“Combining visual elements with musical elements, both just become greater.“We are taking an auditory art form, piano music, listening to it and take it into our fingers and draw the feelings you receive from the music… those feelings go through your hands and onto the paper.”Liz said her favourite part was turning round from her piano and seeing the creations of the pupils, who often had experimented with colour, movement and emotion in their artworks.Alexandra Primary School pupil Mihi Amaru (10) with her drawing. PHOTO: The Central AppPoolburn School pupils Henry Hore (11) and Jack Murdoch (11) concentrating on their drawings. PHOTO: The Central AppMarion said as a creative, joining forces across disciplines was important and could spark fresh new ideas as well as grow the sense of community in the arts.“Everyone walks away feeling touched, or calm, or having had a little break during the day to have freedom.”She said the creativity of the youngsters was fun and unstructured and great to be a part of.Marion shows Arden Manson (10) and other pupils her drawing created live while Liz performed. PHOTO: The Central AppCentral Otago District Council (CODC) has a partnership with Creative New Zealand to promote, support and increase participation in arts and cultural activities within the district.The Creative Communities grants are funded by Creative New Zealand and focus on supporting artistic or cultural events and projects which are accessible to the community. Read more: An Alexandra woman’s grand dreamRead more: An artist view: Marion Vialade-WorchHave a story you want to share? Contact us at [email protected]

Four people were arrested in Clyde last week after a bus stolen from Dunedin got stuck in roadworks.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said after seeing a post on Facebook, members of the public in Roxburgh contacted police, when the small Mitsubishi Rosa travelled through the town.Police units formulated a plan to stop the bus and set up road spikes at both the Clyde bridge and State Highway 8.Snr Const Perkins said the driver turned onto Blyth Street where one police unit initiated a vehicle stop and blocked the road.The 40-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle, and two passengers - a 42-year-old female and 38-year-old male - were also charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle.“Both passengers had a conflicting version of events,” he said.The third passenger, a 41-year-old male was arrested and released without charge after cooperating with police, and proving he had no knowledge of the plan to steal the vehicle.A meth pipe and point bags were also seized from the vehicle and the three offenders will appear in the Alexandra District Court next month.In the same week, traffic in Clyde came to a standstill one morning after batteries from a set of traffic lights were stolen.Aspiring Highways reported 12 batteries had been taken from the portable lights on Sunderland Street in Clyde, after the battery leads were cut to access them.“Four traffic signals were connected together and created a bit of a bottleneck in the morning due to sequence of phase being disrupted.”

A dream home, with dream garaging!75 Stone Drive, CromwellEnquiries over $2,695,000Located in popular and desirable lifestyle subdivision River Terrace, on the edge of Cromwell. This luxury home will offer a spacious retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle whilst only being under an hours drive from Queenstown. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson.Stylish Modern Living in Prestigious Wooing Tree!27 Bragato Way, CromwellEnquiries over $895,000Welcome to 27 Bragato Way, perfectly positioned in the sought-after Wooing Tree Estate. This stunning home combines modern design with everyday comfort, offering a seamless blend of style and functionality, ideal for professionals, growing families, and retirees seeking modern comforts, easy-care living, and a relaxed lifestyle in one of Cromwell's most desirable locations. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Serenity Lifestyle Living189 Fisher Lane, AlexandraAsking price $1,090,000Welcome to 189 Fisher Lane, a homely residence located in the picturesque area of Galloway, Alexandra. This charming property offers the perfect blend of character and serene outdoor living, making it an ideal home for families or those seeking a tranquil retreat. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Developers Dream53 Hillview Road, AlexandraDeadline sale (by 6 Nov)Nestled in the outskirts of Alexandra, 53 Hillview Road offers a delightful oasis of country living, perfect for developers, families, and retirees, looking for a built-in retirement plan This well-appointed home boasts a harmonious blend of modern living with the charm of a countryside retreat. With great views across the Old Man Range, a spacious layout and an enviable setting, the property presents an incredible opportunity for those seeking a quiet rural location without sacrificing access to nearby urban amenities. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.Discover the perfect family home12 Leask Street, OmakauDeadline sale (by 8 Nov)At the heart of this home is a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a stunning rural outlook, making it perfect for family gatherings. Enjoy the sun-filled conservatory in the evenings, providing a cozy spot to unwind. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Marie Kahukura.Central Backpackers Alexandra12 Skird Street, AlexandraDeadline sale (by 31 Oct)Are you looking for a unique opportunity to invest in a versatile property or to establish a bustling business in a prime location? The Alexandra Backpackers is now on the market, presenting a fantastic chance for savvy investors or budding entrepreneurs to acquire a multi-purpose establishment to suit maybe seasonal workers or backpacker accommodation. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.Charming original home awaits your personal touch3 Arnott Street, AlexandraEnquiries over $660,000Welcome to 3 Arnott Street, Alexandra, a beautifully positioned family haven that has been lovingly cared for by its current owner for several decades. This charming residence is ideally suited for families, couples, or anyone looking to embrace the vibrant lifestyle that Alexandra has to offer. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.First Home in a Quiet Cul-de-Sac19 Cornish Place, CromwellEnquiries over $780,000This charming, 4-bedroom home, situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac with greenway access, offers an ideal opportunity for first home buyers. Enjoy views of the mountains from the spacious concrete patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, plus a separate laundry for added convenience. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Designed for Effortless Elegance!11 Blondie Drive, CromwellEnquiries over $1,650,000Step into this beautifully crafted home, where luxury and thoughtful design create an inviting atmosphere. The kitchen stands as a centrepiece, featuring a full-size Integrated Fridge and a full integrated Freezer, Vintech bar fridge, a large island with induction cooktop, and a walk-in scullery complete with ample storage, a Zenith hot water tap, cold and sparkling water, and waste disposal. The kitchens sleek design is complemented by the rich, charcoal oak walls, adding a warm, sophisticated touch to the living spaces. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Location, Elevation, Sun!2 Glencarron Street, AlexandraEnquiries over $780,000When you think of a family home well this is it! The minute you walk through the door of this home you will fall in love. The natural light coming through the windows, sun streaming in, the high ceiling creating space and we haven't even mentioned the location yet! Situated on an elevated position, this property is literally metres from the Otago Central Rail Trail! Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.First home buyers and investors need to view3 Plunket Street, Omakaudeadline sale (by 25 Oct)Featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, the home includes two spacious double bedrooms, a fully enclosed sun porch - ideal for a home office - an additional living space, a separate laundry, bathroom, and a separate toilet. The attached double garage offers ample space with a large workshop, perfect for extra storage or hobbies. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Marie Kahukura.Cute First Home Opportunity!3 Waenga Drive, CromwellEnquiries over $720,000Set in an elevated position capturing beautiful mountain vistas, this compact three-bedroom home offers an excellent opportunity for first home buyers to step onto the property ladder. Located close to local greenways, it's a short, safe walk to Goldfields Primary School, kindergarten, and the nearby dairy without needing to cross any major roads. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Delightful Family Home in a Handy Location71 Russell Street, AlexandraEnquiries over $745,000This family home offers a perfect blend of modern comforts making it an ideal sanctuary for you and your loved ones. As you enter this home, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that fills the spacious living area. The ranch slider leads out to enjoy the evening sunshine and admire the beautiful blossom tree. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Great family home3 Wilton Street, OmakauDeadline SaleNestled in the heart of Omakau, this could be the perfect first family home - just a short walk from the river, ideal for relaxing weekends. This sun-drenched 3-bedroom home is designed to capture natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Marie Kahukura.Deadline brought forward, act quick!19 Jollys Road, CromwellDeadline sale (by 16 Oct)Step into your first home or investment property that offers all the extras you've been looking for. This charming home has been thoughtfully updated and is ready for you to move in and enjoy. The home features fresh paint and new carpet throughout, providing a fresh, modern feel. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Family Home with Golf Course Views!82 Neplusultra Street, CromwellDeadline sale (by 17 Oct)On the market, for the first time, since it was built in 1972, this solid brick home offers a rare opportunity to secure a property with picturesque views overlooking the golf course. Lovingly modernised throughout, the home features three bedrooms plus an office, making it ideal for families or professionals working from home. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Build Your Dream Home19 Lanes Road, Alexandradeadline sale (by 23 Oct)Welcome to 19 Lanes Road, Alexandra, a prime building site offering the perfect canvas for your dream home. Situated on the popular Bridge Hill, this property boasts breathtaking views across to the Dunstan Ranges and over Lanes Dam, providing a serene backdrop for everyday living. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.Modern, Light-Filled Home!11A Quigley Crescent, Cromwelldeadline sale (by 8 Oct)Presenting a quality green home build, perfectly positioned with direct access to the nearby reserve walking track and within close proximity to schools and shops. Step through the lovely entranceway into the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area, where high ceilings enhance the sense of natural light and space. The stylish yet practical kitchen features a stone benchtop and enjoys abundant natural light through the window.Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Greenway Gold!6 Farrier Court, CromwellEnquiries over $890,000Offering a harmonious blend of comfort, practicality, and perfectly positioned next to the serene greenways and just a short stroll to Goldfields Primary School, this property is an ideal haven for young families, first-home buyers, and relocators alike. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.This feels like home39 Hazlett Street, ClydeEnquiries over $965,000Welcome to 39 Hazlett Street, Clyde - a charming 3-bedroom home that has been well loved and is situated on a corner section, this property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience to Clyde's amenities. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Old Cromwell Opportunity!16 Molyneux Avenue, CromwellEnquiries over $750,000This exceptional property at 16 Molyneux Avenue offers a rare opportunity to invest in a high-quality home situated in one of Old Cromwell's most sought-after locations. Just a short stroll from the pristine shores of Lake Dunstan, early childhood centres, and Cromwell Primary School, this residence combines affordability with enviable positioning. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Downsizing made easy7 Thyme Crescent, AlexandraEnquiries over $970,000This charming property invites you to experience the epitome of comfort and convenience. Nestled in a the sought-after Molyneux Estate, Alexandra, the 3-bedroom home boasts a seamless blend of modern features and is positioned in a sought after, established neighbourhood. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.Time to escape to Modern lifestyle!30 Porter Lane, AlexandraEnquiries over $1,300,000As you walk through to the living area you are greeted with natural light, large windows on all sides of the home meaning all day sun is streaming in and lets not forget that view! Being open plan this is a practical space with the kitchen overlooking the dining and lounge. Beautiful sleek kitchen with large walk-in pantry making it a breeze to entertain. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.The High-Octane Dream Section!6 Highlands Avenue, CromwellEnquiries over $480,000 + GST (if any)Imagine having the perfect garage setup to showcase and protect your beloved cars and trackside seats to all the action, right from the comfort of your home at the iconic Highlands Motorsport Park. The 600sqm titled section provides an exclusive vantage point for spectating the thrilling races and events at the world-renowned race track, all while admiring the unobstructed views of the Pisa Mountain Ranges to the north and Dunstan Mountain range to the east. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.The time is Right78 Hazlett Street, ClydeEnquiries over $640,000Welcome to 78 Hazlett Street, Clyde - a great entry level property for the discerning investor or first home buyers. The home boasts 3 bedrooms, providing ample space for a family or those who wish to work from home providing opportunity for an office space. The bathroom is well-appointed, open plan living space with separate laundry. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Modern Luxury8 Attfield Close, ClydeEnquiries over $1,150,000Welcome to 8 Attfield Close, Clyde - where luxury living meets stunning town and mountain views from the elevated tiered section. This immaculate property offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience situated in the heart of Clyde. First home on the hill, this home is the first to get those early sunshine rays and the last to lose them ensuring that the owners can soak up all that brilliant Central Otago weather. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Central Otago Dream Lots 3 & 4, 68 Ferris Road, AlexandraLot 3 Enquiries Over $450,000, approx - 1.5 ha now titledLot 4 Enquiries Over $430,000, approx - 2.6 ha now titledBoth these bare-land blocks offer a unique opportunity to create your dream property in the heart of Central Otago. Conveniently located just minutes drive away from Alexandra, the sections are elevated and provide stunning views and great building sites, making them the perfect canvas for your new home. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Prime section - Motivation to sell!24 Hosking Drive, CromwellDeadline SaleDiscover a rare opportunity to own a premium section in one of Cromwell's most sought-after subdivisions. With limited sections available, this is your chance to secure a prime location surrounded by stunning, high-quality homes that enhance the value of your new build. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew and Marie Kahukura.Driving for Perfection on Old Golf Course Road10 Old Golf Course Road, AlexandraEnquiries over $2,100,000Escape to the perfect blend of comfort and style, town and lifestyle, on the edge of the picturesque Alexandra basin. Taking in the current beautiful Autumn colours, the stunning surrounding landscapes, views, all day sun you can indulge in the serenity of this executive 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis boasting spacious living areas including a separate lounge for cozy nights by the open fire. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.OPEN HOMESOpen HomesNOW SOLD

As decision time for the Otago Regional Council’s decision on its Land and Water Regional Plan looms, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds is keeping a watchful eye on the outcome.Minister Simmonds and fellow Minister Todd McClay met with regional councillors in a closed door meeting in Dunedin on October 12.Following the meeting, Minister Simmonds told The Central App she continued to express concern that its approach to notify the plan may lead to duplication or unnecessary costs.“I am continuing to monitor the council and have not ruled out further interventions or appropriate actions to ensure the freshwater planning does not impose unnecessary costs on ratepayers.”Regional councillors will decide on Wednesday whether to continue and notify the plan or pause, until the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management review is underway.  “Local democracy means regional councils are responsible for freshwater management within their regions, while central government sets the national policy direction,” Minister Simmonds said. The Government has extended the deadline for councils to notify their freshwater plan changes by an extra three years, giving them until December 31, 2027. This would provide time to replace and start implementation on the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, she said.Otago Regional Council chair Gretchen Robertson SUPPLIED Regional council chair Gretchen Robertson, who was one of the seven councillors keen to push on with its regional water plan, said the ORC would weigh up risks and opportunities and take into account both its legal obligations and community needs. She said consecutive ministers have acknowledged that Otago’s current water plan was outdated.“Minister Simmonds has stated she prefers pausing notification to avoid duplication and costs, she has consistently reaffirmed that councils have the autonomy to decide on timing."Minister Simmonds has made clear she has not directed councils to stop. Her preference for a pause has been clear, but so too has her understanding of key local issues needing local solutions and of the time bound challenges Otago faces with its current plan.”  She said both the regional council and the Government shared the goal of a fair, efficient process that ensured healthy water and livelihoods. “ORC has the task of deciding whether this is through notification (which still enables any new Government policies to be incorporated through the hearing process), or through a pause till the resource management system is reformed. ''This is yet to be decided on the 23rd of October.” Cr Robertson acknowledged the regional council faced a key democratic decision. “Each councillor takes an oath to serve all the people of Otago. It serves a community that tells us in community surveys, that freshwater is its top environmental concern—vital for both livelihoods and futures.”

Central Otago residents may notice an increase of police on foot around the district over the next few months.Alexandra police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the initiative was a national police directive that started in October.He said it was to give communities reassurance that police in their towns were visible and available, and having a visual appearance was an important thing.Police were also monitoring high traffic areas around schools and early childhood centres, to ensure drivers were slowing down and coming to a compulsory stop at certain intersections.Snr Const Perkins said he had already given out many infringement notices to drivers recently who were not obeying the law.“They always ask for a warning but warnings don’t work because they just end up doing it again,” he said.With the increase in new licensed premises, particularly around Alexandra recently, police were also carrying out regular inspections.Starting back in early September. Snr Const Perkins said it has been great to see all of the new pubs full of people, and with few issues.“There’s been large numbers in all of the bars over the weekends, and good behaviour by the patrons.”Further checks again last weekend around Alexandra also found good compliance from all bar owners and no concerns.

The New Zealand Mixed Curling team’s medal hopes were dashed after the team was knocked out of contention for the 2024 World Mixed Curling Championship on Friday.The team consisted of Central Otago curlers Olivia Russell and Holly Thompson, along with Brett Sargon and KJ Fourd, of Auckland.The Kiwis had made a strong start to the tournament, putting pressure on their opponents to win their first three games. They went off the boil, dropping two games to briefly put their playoff spot in jeopardy, but eventually went into their last pool game against leaders Canada knowing that their qualification was secure.A win there would have placed them second in their pool, but despite playing probably their best game of the tournament they were beaten 8-5 and placed third.Sixteen teams made it through to the knockout rounds, with the New Zealand team coming up against an “efficient’’ USA side​​The USA team made it difficult for NZ to get scores on the board, winning the match 6-1.Skip Brett Sargon said to win against the top teams the Kiwi’s needed to “get something out of every shot’’ to put them under any kind of pressure."We weren't quite there, and they were. It has been a great competition though and we felt we deserved to be in playoffs, just didn't quite do enough to give ourselves a chance to make it to the quarters,’’ he said.This was just the second time a Kiwi side has qualified for the knockout rounds at a World Mixed Championship, the first being eight years ago in Russia.Defending champions Sweden claimed the gold medal on Saturday, going undefeated for 11 straight wins.Japan took home the silver medal - its first-ever World Mixed curling medal - while Switzerland beat Spain to claim bronze.

In New Zealand, planning for the future includes making provisions for how your personal and financial affairs will be managed if you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. This is where an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPRA) applications come into play. Both are essential legal tools that ensure your interests are protected, but they serve different purposes and are activated under different circumstances. This article explores the roles of EPAs and PPPRA applications, highlighting their importance and how they work. What is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)? An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone (known as your "attorney") to make decisions on your behalf if you become mentally incapacitated. There are two types of EPAs in New Zealand: Property EPA: This authorises your attorney to manage your financial and property affairs. You can choose for this EPA to take effect either immediately or only if you lose mental capacity. The attorney's duties might include managing your bank accounts, paying bills, and making decisions regarding property investments. Personal Care and Welfare EPA: This allows your attorney to make decisions about your personal care and welfare, such as medical treatment and living arrangements. However, this type of EPA only becomes active if you are declared mentally incapable by a medical professional. Why is an EPA Important? Establishing an EPA is crucial for ensuring that your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you can no longer make decisions for yourself. Without an EPA, your loved ones may face significant legal and financial hurdles to take control of your affairs, potentially leading to delays and decisions that might not align with your preferences. Additionally, an EPA can help avoid conflicts among family members by clearly specifying who has the authority to act on your behalf. The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPRA) The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 (PPPRA) is New Zealand’s legal framework for protecting individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs due to mental incapacity. If a person does not have an EPA in place and loses capacity, the PPPRA provides for the appointment of a welfare guardian or a property manager through a court application. PPPRA Applications: When and Why They Are UsedIf someone becomes mentally incapacitated without having an EPA, concerned family members or other interested parties can apply to the Family Court under the PPPRA. The court may appoint: Welfare Guardian: A welfare guardian is appointed to make decisions about the person’s personal care and welfare. This role is similar to that of a Personal Care and Welfare EPA, but it is granted by the court when there is no EPA in place. Property Manager: A property manager is appointed to handle the financial and property matters of the person who has lost capacity. This role is similar to that of a Property EPA. PPPRA applications are typically more complex, time-consuming, and costly than setting up an EPA in advance. The court carefully considers these applications to ensure that the appointed person is suitable and that the decisions made will be in the best interests of the incapacitated individual. The Relationship Between EPA and PPPRA While both an EPA and PPPRA applications aim to protect individuals who can no longer manage their affairs, the key difference is that an EPA is set up by the individual themselves while they still have mental capacity, whereas PPPRA applications are made to the court after the individual has lost capacity. Having an EPA in place reduces the need for court intervention, allowing for a smoother transition of decision-making authority.  Conclusion In New Zealand, planning for the possibility of losing mental capacity is an essential part of safeguarding your future. An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to designate someone you trust to manage your affairs, while PPPRA applications serve as a safety net when no EPA is in place. By understanding and utilising these tools, you can ensure that your personal and financial matters are handled according to your wishes, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.Contact one of our offices to set up your EPA - Checketts McKay Law works for you.FAQs What happens if I don't have an EPA? If you don't have an EPA and lose mental capacity, your family or other interested parties will need to apply to the Family Court under the PPPRA, which can be a lengthy and costly process. Can I have more than one attorney under an EPA? Yes, you can appoint more than one attorney, either to act jointly or separately. It's important to consider how multiple attorneys will work together.How do I revoke an EPA? As long as you have mental capacity, you can revoke an EPA at any time by notifying your attorney and destroying the original document.

Next Saturday afternoon offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you to meet our locally born and bred gold medallist, Finn Butcher, get your photo with him, shake his hand, touch his medal and just celebrate the amazing success of one of our sons. Finn has hardly been home since Paris, but he will be here next Saturday and at 2pm, he will paddle down the Manuherekia River accompanied by members of the Central Otago Whitewater Club who have been by his side since he was a kid paddling these same waters.  They will get out just under the Shaky Bridge and the paddlers will form a Guard of Honour for Finn with their paddles as he emerges on to the Linger and Die.  Finn will then walk along toward Centennial Park (the old pool site), giving a chance for you to get up close and personal.  What a moment of inspiration to see (how he put it) “just a kid from Alex” who went on to be the best in the world at something he started out doing right here. There will then be a Civic Reception at Centennial Park where you can hear speeches from Finn and others, including an International Olympic Committee representative who is travelling here to honour Finn. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet our first ever gold medallist and hear a wee bit about what his journey has been.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Police data from crime records is, for the first time, being transferred regularly into the country's leading repository of statistics for research.A one-off transfer of data from the National Intelligence Application went to Stats NZ back in 2018.This gave it a snapshot in time with the Integrated Data Infrastructure or IDI, which provides anonymised stats for researchers."This year we set up a system for the ongoing collection and integration of that subset of data into the IDI," Stats NZ said.The first lot went into the database in June. From now on, that will occur three times a year.Police first had to determine what would be appropriate for researchers to see, Stats NZ said.The NIA holds records about offences and incidents reported to police as well as intelligence notes, with data about vehicles, people and locations, which in turn can be linked to each other.In the IDI, the records are de-identified.Stats NZ said research access to the Integrated Data Infrastructure was tightly controlled."For example, all research proposals are assessed using Stats NZ's microdata access guidelines ... and data is only used for approved statistical or research purposes for the public good."The IDI underwent an "overarching" privacy impact assessment in 2017.A new one would be done if there was a significant change to the variables from NIA data added to the IDI, Stats NZ said.The Social Investment Agency - then called the Social Wellbeing Agency - talked to police in 2023 about the 2018 records in the IDI.It was "excited about the possibilities for the updated data to strengthen our analytical work in the IDI", it said."We gave police a sense of the research benefits would be of updating this dataset, and they provided a sense of the logistical challenges that would need to be worked through to make this happen, but agreed on the value, and they undertook to discuss with Stats NZ what might be possible."

After 27 years of championing adult education through Central Otago REAP manager Bernie Lepper is stepping down.Her final week was marked with a celebratory afternoon tea and cake at Alexandra Community House with colleagues and board members attending yesterday.REAP chairman Doug White said Bernie’s leadership was exemplary.“Bernie has not only successfully lead our REAP . . . she has served on its national body [for six years], mentored and supported other REAP's throughout the country and has just completed, with two co-authors, a REAP handbook …a wonderful guide for other REAPs,’’ Doug said.“[Central] is her turangawaewae. “Her time growing up at Earnscleugh, in the senior management at Dunstan High School, her time as mayoress and the membership of local organisations has meant she has a wonderful appreciation of existing and emerging education needs in Central and the ability to mobilise capable people to meet these needs.’’Bernie had wonderful people skills and had developed a great culture within a team across Central Otago, he said.“Bernie has managed her complex and quickly changing role with high level managerial skills and provided excellent support and guidance to the trustees.“Doug said his biking stories would never match Bernie’s.“Her husband Tony deserves a medal from the Governor General keeping up with her, but he's already got one,”Bernie thanked colleagues, friends and all who had contributed to making Central Otago REAP a success, she said the manager role kept on changing and new exciting challenges enticed her to stay on. PHOTO: The Central AppBernie told The Central App she felt really good about leaving, with handover going smoothly to new manager Kellie Weatherston, who has a background in early childhood education. Education was Bernie’s passion and she believed that through learning, people could change the course of their lives.“It’s the littlest thing that can be transformational for someone . . . perhaps getting their drivers licence, or improving literacy, ” Bernie said.  Watch part of Bernie’s farewell speech here (four minutes). VIDEO: The Central AppRecent projects she was proud of included the Drive My Life Programme, working to meet the needs of new migrants, and the handbook for other REAPs.When Bernie started at Central Otago REAP there were five staff, now almost three decades later, the organisation had grown to 30 people working in different locations across Central.Central Otago District Council staff past and present, teachers, current Central Otago REAP staff and other community members enjoyed speeches, drinks and a cake aptly named ‘Thyme to smell the roses’ as part of Bernie’s send off. PHOTO: THe Central AppIn June 2023 Bernie was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community and education in the King’s Birthday honours list. Husband Tony was made a member of the Order of New Zealand Merit (ONZM) in 2020. Prior to her time at Central Otago REAP, she was assistant principal at Dunstan High School, and taught geography and social studies at both DHS and Cromwell College.She enjoyed being part of Alexandra Community House from when the build was initiated in 2007 and during her time as chairperson from 2013.Bernie was heavily involved in the design and construction of the venue, a community hub housing 16 social services agencies, local arts and crafts and used by 150 community groups. “I really believed in the project . . . it was the first of its kind with social service agencies all being together.Bernie stepped down from the chairperson role in July 2022 after serving three terms in the position. She was also a trustee of the Central Lakes Trust from 2010 to 2019.Bernie at the end of the Sound-to-Sound bike race, from Queen Charlotte to Milford, around 1,500km over nine days in 2022. PHOTO: SuppliedStaying fit by spending time on her bike was something she would continue, especially as a newly purchased gravel bike was waiting at home for her. She and her husband, former Central Otago mayor Tony Lepper, have done bikepacking overseas including in Australia, South Korea, Cambodia, The Balkans and the United Kingdom.Her plans for retirement are firstly a three week holiday and bike packing trip to Australia encompassing a wedding too, then some relaxation as summer and Christmas arrive.Spending time with her three grandchildren, who are aged one, three and five was something she was looking forward to.“I’m going to enjoy a good break.”Read more: Central residents invited to help celebrate learningRead more: Connections keep local woman motivatedRead more: Social services in Central Otago beyond capacity

Former Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer Mary ‘Dawn’ Russell died in Alexandra on October 2, aged 86 years.Loving mother of Lee (Alexandra), Rebecca (Tauranga) and Anna (Italy), and proud grandmother of Hunter, Moss, and Maggie, Dawn began her years in Dunedin, and attended Arthur Street School.As well as a dancer, she led an interesting life as a teacher, an entertainer and was a generous hostess and friend to many.Her dream was always to study ballet and she finally persuaded her mother to agree. Naturally talented, she sailed through her exams and was awarded a scholarship with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and toured with the company.Dawn Russell performing with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in her younger years. PHOTO: SuppliedGood friend of 30 years Esme Kilgour, who spoke at her funeral, said she understood Dawn even danced with Sir Jon Trimmer - and along with his wife, became lifelong friends.Establishing a ballet school in Alexandra in her 20s, at the request of former artist the late Elizabeth Stevens - who wanted someone to teach her children, Dawn used to bus from Dunedin and then back to Roxburgh to give lessons, before heading home again.The Stevens family introduced her to her future husband Bruce, who was studying architecture.“Dawn’s life, from what I have gleaned over the years, was one of high achievement, hard work, generous hospitality and friendship,” Esme said.Travelling by boat to go to Sydney for her overseas experience, Dawn auditioned for the main role in Alice In Wonderland at a pantomime, which she was successful at, and was also a good actress on the stage as well.In her role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland at a Sydney Pantomime. PHOTO: SuppliedShe then continued on to London which took five weeks via sea, and married her husband in Tayaran where he was working at the time.They returned to Auckland to start a family, where each of the three girls were born, and Dawn took to sewing to supplement the family income.Several years later they moved to Alexandra where she took over Fay McKay’s ballet school, and Dawn choreographed and acted in many shows for the Alexandra Musical Society. At one stage she put on a concert to raise money for Greenpeace.After the marriage ended after 16 years, Dawn started Alexandra’s first wine bar ‘The Dandelion’ along Limerick St.“It was a wonderful place, small and welcoming with good food and great music,” Esme said.Dawn always exuded a warm welcome to anyone visiting her home, and her Christmas dinners always included people whose families were far away.“She worked hard at any job she took on - nothing was beneath her and all was tackled with a broad smile,” she said.In her later years she enjoyed the companionship of friends in Tai Chi, book group, mahjong, The Poetry Party and the Shakespeare group.“No matter how difficult things were, we could always have a glass of wine and laugh,” Esme said.

After decades of guardianship of the Manorburn Recreation Reserve, a small group of dedicated volunteers are stepping back to let the Central Otago District Council take the reins.Community stalwarts Dr Barrie Wills and Bert Kemp were part of a group of dedicated volunteers who were on a subcommittee of the Vincent Community Board (VCB). The subcommittee - which spent about 30 years making improvements to the reserve’s recreational and aesthetic value - was formed by a group of residents as a result of concerns that the Council of the day might dispose of the reserve near Alexandra.The subcommittee officially wound up at the VCB’s September meeting as it had served its purpose, - particularly as the Council was now taking a more active oversight of the reserve leaving the group “comfortable’’ with handing the delegation back to the CODC.On Thursday last week, Council began the process of gathering input to draw up a draft reserve management plan for the Manorburn Recreation Reserve. A reserve management plan is what enables things to be able to happen on a reserve, whether it be infrastructure, planting or different types of recreational use. Reflecting on his and Bert’s various achievements while guardians of the reserve, Dr Barrie said the pair had seen a lot of changes - the introduction of walking/cycling trails - and challenges - weed control and dumping of rubbish other items.It had been ‘’heartening’’ to see the renewed interest in planting natives on the reserve, he said.The group had done some planting and collaborated with the local wilding conifer control group to remove many of the pines growing out there."All going well in another decade or two we may see a valuable community reserve dominated by indigenous plants, attracting native birds and sheltering threatened herpetofauna. And a nice place for locals to visit for passive recreation," Dr Barrie said.Many hours of voluntary input from committee members, other locals and businesses over years had been so typical of Central Otago communities - very giving of their time, skills and labour to maintain and improve their environment at negligible cost to Territorial Local Authorities, he said.  Last month the community board resolved to notify its intention to prepare a reserve management plan with an accompanying report stating there would be $30,000 in the reserve’s fund at the end of the financial year.  Funding for future projects would be undertaken through the 2025/34 Long-term Plan process.Feedback for the process is open on the CODC Let's Talk website 

Last month Minister of Health Shane Reti and Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop announced the cost of the planned Dunedin Hospital redevelopment had ballooned to $3billion and would either need to be reduced, or done in stages. The shock announcement saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets in protest, angry at broken promises and the implications of what a smaller build would mean not only for Dunedin, but the wider Otago region. In Central Otago, residents live with the impacts of a stretched health system every day. Limited access to mental health and other key services, a maternity unit that was promised but yet to materialise and a lack of an emergency department coupled with isolated communities, long commutes to Dunedin - or further afield - for specialist care, dangerous winter road conditions and a burgeoning population adding more pressure to already stretched resources means Central Otago residents know first hand the impacts of a stretched health service. So is placing all of our eggs in the Dunedin Hospital basket the answer to the region's health woes? The Central App spoke with leaders from both Dunstan and Maniototo Hospitals about the impacts of the Ministers’ proposal on Central Otago. Dunstan HospitalCommunity-owned Dunstan Hospital in Clyde. PHOTO: The Central App Dunstan Hospital based in Clyde is a community-owned facility operated by Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL).The hospital includes a 24 acute bed inpatient ward, including a three bed High Dependency Unit, and provides secondary health services to more than 25,000 people living in the wider Central Otago and Wanaka regions.In the last financial year, Dunstan Hospital has experienced an increase in demand across the majority of its services. Patient admissions increased 17 per cent; the number of afterhours patients treated grew 38 per cent; chemotherapy and infusion treatments 17.5 per cent; CT scans 1.6 per cent and outpatient encounters 1.3 per cent. Patient Transfers in the COHSL vehicle between Clyde and Dunedin had increased 9.6 per cent. Not all services had experienced growth, with district nursing visits and equipment loans reducing by 6.5 and 6 per cent respectively.Central Otago Health Services Ltd chief executive Hayley Anderson. PHOTO: Supplied Central Otago Health Services Ltd (COHSL) chief executive Hayley Anderson said the majority of patients were elderly medical, complex palliative care, and rehabilitation with 85 per cent receiving the entirety of their care at Dunstan Hospital. COHSL had a “strong and supportive’’ relationship with their Dunedin colleagues and staff were in daily communication regarding the flow of patients in and out of the region. The same applied to Lakes Hospital, Hayley said. There were times the flow of patients in both directions was under pressure due todemand and it was important when patients required the services of Dunedin Hospital they were available.  “We cannot, for example, offer surgery as we have no theatre, we do not have an Intensive Care Unit, we have CT but not MRI,’’ she said. COHSL would like to see appropriate services divested from Dunedin to Central Otago - along with the required operational funding - so people could access those services “closer to home”.  “This would be in keeping with the Rural Health Strategy,’’ she said. The region’s population growth meant opportunities were evolving and health leaders in the region were no strangers to finding innovative solutions – on Monday, in collaboration with COHSL, Wanaka GPs, St John and Ka Ora Telecare, the Wanaka Acute Overnight Care service opened. The service will see an overnight nurse service linked to senior doctor support at Dunstan Hospital to meet an overnight gap in service availability. “We could be offering more in terms of outpatient support to our community however we need the contract volumes and the specialist staff to achieve this,’’ Hayley said. Maniototo HospitalIn 2019, after years of hard work and fundraising by the community, the revamped Maniototo Hospital opened, costing a cool $7million. Overseen by Maniototo Health Services Ltd (MHSL), the facility has 25 aged residential care beds along with six medical beds and an emergency department. MHSL also provides a range of health services across the Maniototo.Maniototo Health Services Ltd general manager Tracey Kubala. PHOTO: SuppliedGeneral manager Tracey Kubala said population growth in the district – both in new families and retirees – as well as its popularity as a holiday destination had placed pressure on services. MHSL had experienced approximately a 50 per cent increase in demand for services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, while aged residential care had shown “consistent high demand’’ along with community nursing and Meals on Wheels, she said. Patient referrals to Dunedin Hospital were usually for emergency or critical care and the community hospital was able to admit and manage “more stable conditions’’. “As such we have not had an issue with having access to services, however transporting to outpatient or specialist services is another issue,’’ Tracey said. However, downgrading the Dunedin Hospital build could have flow-on effects to Central Otago. “I can see there being a higher demand for Rural Health Service Providers to be providing more services with less funding.   “We are about our communities, and we are already fighting for every dollar we receive to ensure that we can meet the needs of our populations. Maniototo is no different,’’ Tracey said. “We are quite isolated as a community and the costs involved in running the hospital are higher due to this. We struggle to access services for our community that are readily available in Urban areas. We believe rural residents should have equitable access to all the services their urban counterparts have.’’ Rural hospitals needed to be valued and funded in such a way they could support our main hospitals to provide services, Tracey said. “The plan has always been to have equitable access to services wherever you are in New Zealand, it is a basic human right. So let’s look at our models of care and rather than seeing Rural Hospitals as the poor cousin fund us to support service delivery equitably.’’Next week: Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan gives his perspective Do you have a story you would like to share?  Contact us at [email protected]

As summer looms closer, authorities are urging people to ensure they are adequately equipped when heading out on the region's lakes and rivers.Central Otago police are warning people of the dangers of using inflatable boats without being adequately equipped, following an incident on Lake Wakatipu last week.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said two 18-year-old females were found cold and wet near Glenorchy last weekend, after their blow up raft deflated.The girls planned to paddle two nautical miles from Geordie’s Creek to Twenty Five Mile Creek with only one life jacket between them and no food or water.Starting their lake journey at 5:45pm, they failed to show up by 11:30pm, so their parents called police.Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Queenstown and two Otago Rescue Helicopters were all deployed to look for them, and they were located washed up amongst bushes 2km north in the early hours of the morning.“People need to be aware that their stupidity and inexperience is putting emergency services under pressure and themselves at risk,” Snr Const Perkins said.Police said it was important that people took some form of waterproof communication or a bag to put phones inside, and registered personal locator beacons were an even better option.Snr Const Perkins said the females had purchased their blowup raft from K-Mart.Many teenagers were oblivious to the dangers of using inflatable lilos and dinghies on Southern Lakes and rivers over summer, without wearing the appropriate clothing and life jackets in particular, he said.Changing weather conditions also made the inflatable toys dangerous - particularly in high winds, when they can be swept away very quickly.The Harbourmaster team will be patrolling Lake Dunstan as well as other Central Otago lakes and rivers over summer on the vessel Kaitiaki. PHOTO: SuppliedOtago Regional Council (ORC) harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook urged water users - whether a boatie planning to cross a bar, a keen paddle boarder or kayaker heading out on an Otago lake or river- to take the time to do a thorough check of their vessel and gear before heading off.“Before going out, prep your boat, safety and communication equipment, check the weather conditions and know the rules,” he said.“For those new to boating, please stop, think, and find out about basic boating safety rules to protect you and your loved ones. Be safe, it’s about enjoying our amazing environment and coming home safe at the end of the day. If in doubt, don’t go out”.“No matter if you’re on a power boat, jet ski or kayak, remembering the boating safety code is integral.”The Boating Safety Code reinforces five key messages:Wear your lifejacketTake two waterproof ways to call for helpCheck the marine weather forecastAvoid alcohol – booze and boats don’t mixBe a responsible skipper

Mark Twain said there are only two types of speakers in the world; one, the nervous, and two, liars.Although 35 students from Central primary schools were nervous, they bravely spoke from the heart in the first ever Dunstan Kāhui Ako speech competition held in Alexandra yesterday.Dunstan Kāhui Ako across school lead Rachel O’Connell said the competition aimed to provide another experience for students to come together and compete against their peers, in an event that wasn’t sport.“It takes a lot of practice and preparation to get up in front of everyone, they were heartfelt and expressive and did a great job,” Rachel said.A wide range of topics from the Olympics, cooking, national pride, gender equality, to animal testing and the use of social media were covered.Some students chose to include a pepeha (or mihi introduction) in te reo Māori.The judging panel for the younger children (Year 6 and below) was speech and drama teacher Heather Harries, primary school teacher Judy Cambell, and Dave Ramsey, who has been involved with adjudicating for the Lions club and Junior Chamber International NZ (the Jaycees).Relieved smiles for Year 1-3 speech competition entrants after taking their turn; pictured are (from left) Seb Dwyer (8), Zoe Cammell (8), Piper MacCormick (7), Claudia McNally (7), Lucy Lake (7), Adalyn Blakie (7), and Mitchell Brown (8). PHOTO: The Central AppParticipating schools were Alexandra Primary School, St Gerard’s School, The Terrace School, Clyde School, Omakau School and Dunstan High School.In the youngest group the prizes were first The Terrace School pupil Seb Dwyer, second Clyde School pupil Claudia McNally and third St Gerard’s School pupil Lucy Lake. PHOTO: The Central AppWatch a clip from Seb’s winning speech on the Olympics here. VIDEO: The Central AppThe next age group (Year 4-6) was won by Alexandra Primary School 10-year-old Naziah Kavanagh who spoke about how she couldn’t live without te reo Māori. Watch Naziah’s passionate performance. VIDEO: The Central AppSecond place was awarded to St Gerard’s pupil Ashna Joseph (10) who covered the importance of positivity. Clyde School’s Year 4 pupil Beau Mitchell placed third after his talk titled “Just imagine if…” focused on environmental issues.Judge Heather Harries said the quality of the work was exceptional, calling the initiative fantastic and next level.“It takes a lot to stand up here… what you've just done is courageous. Well done to you all and the mums and dads at home.“It was tough [judging], everybody was amazing, everyone that stood up did themselves seriously, seriously proud.”Pictured are Year 4-6 entrants (from left, front row) Walter Driesen (11), Isabelle Gwatkin (10), Emma Bartlett (9), Sophie McCurdie (10), Layla Wilson (9), Ashna Joseph (10), Naziah Kavanagh (10), Beau Mitchell (9) and Sophia Hinsen (11) and in the back row judges Judy Cambell, Dave Ramsey and Heather Harries.St Gerard’s School pupil Walter Driesen urged everyone to spend more time in nature in his speech. PHOTO: The Central AppSpeakers were marked out of 100 points on content (speech structure and merit of ideas), delivery (voice and general delivery), and overall effectiveness.For the afternoon sessions, tamariki aged year seven to ten the three judges were David Whitney, Simon Lewis, Anne Conder.Winners in Year 7-8, from first to third respectively were Alexandra Primary School’s Grace Foulds, Cohen Brown, of St Gerard’s School and Elise Breuk from The Terrace School.. Pictured are (from left) Year 7-8 winners Cohen Brown, Grace Foulds and Elise Breuk. PHOTO: Rachel O’ConnellYear 9-10 award winners were from Dunstan High School; students were (from left) second placed Lochy Hawkins, third Adeline Ball and winner Alice Bell . PHOTO: Rachel O’ConnellWinners from each of the four year groups were presented with prizes, and certificates and spot prizes were handed out too. Primary schools held their own competition initially, and then the top finalists made it through to yesterday’s final held at the Alexandra Bridge Club on Boundary Road. Rachel thanked the two judging panels for their help and Alexandra Paper Plus for sponsoring the prizes. Each year group had a time limit for their speeches, spoke for 1-2 minutes, year four to six and year seven and eight spoke for 2-4 minutes, and the final group year nine and ten spoke for up to five minutes.Whānau and friends The Central App spoke to were impressed by the calibre of the speech writing, stage presence and confidence portrayed by those in the final. The Dunstan Kāhui Ako is a collaborative community of learners including 2000 pupils and approximately 155 educators from nine Early Childhood Centres, eight Primary Schools and one High School.