Improving health is a common goal for many people in the new year, but where to start?Was that you I spotted at that New Year's Day group class at my local YMCA? If not, don’t worry. It’s not too late.The start of a new year is a natural time to think about health and make resolutions for science-backed habits that make a difference over months and years.Rather than extreme diets or complicated regimens, decades of research point to a handful of simple behaviours that are consistently tied to better long-term health.To start the year right, I wanted you to know the most important things you can focus on this year to improve your current physical and mental well-being and have it pay off for decades to come. And yes, I know how hard it can be to realistically follow through when motivation is low or life gets busy.Activities like taking a brisk walk or connecting with friends can improve your wellbeing over time. Unsplash / Natalia BlauthI asked CNN wellness expert Dr Leana Wen to break down five practical, evidence-based actions that can make a real difference in 2026 and beyond. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner.CNN: For your first tip, you said to prioritize regular exercise. Why does exercise matter so much for health?Dr Leana Wen: Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing chronic disease and improving quality of life. It benefits virtually every organ system in the body.Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.For adults, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. Even if you can’t hit those recommendations, some activity is better than none.If you do not currently exercise, start with a 5- or 10-minute brisk walk once a day; if you already walk regularly, try adding a few extra minutes at a time and increasing your pace.CNN: Your second tip is to get checkups at least annually. Why is that so important?Wen: Periodic checkups with a clinician are essential because many high-risk conditions develop silently. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, for example, often have no obvious symptoms until they have already caused significant damage to the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Detecting and treating these conditions early dramatically lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other serious complications.Detecting and treating some conditions early can lower the risk of serious complications. Image: Unsplash / Getty ImagesA checkup gives you a chance to assess risk factors like cholesterol, glucose levels, body mass index and lifestyle habits. You also can establish monitoring or treatment plans with your provider before problems become severe. Timely treatment through lifestyle changes, medication or both can slow or even reverse disease progression.These visits also pose an important opportunity to review vaccinations. Recommendations and public messaging from federal health agencies may change, but your clinician can help you understand which vaccines are appropriate for you based on your age, health conditions and personal risk.Staying up to date on routine vaccines — such as flu, Covid-19 and others recommended for your situation — remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and protect both individual and community health.CNN: Your third tip is to get adequate sleep. Why does sleep matter as much as diet or exercise?Wen: Sleep is not optional; it's a biological necessity that affects nearly every aspect of health we care about. Without adequate sleep, your body has trouble repairing tissues, regulating hormones and managing energy balance.Research suggests that chronic insufficient sleep is linked to greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mood disorders. One reason may involve hormonal regulation: Sleep deprivation increases hunger hormones and decreases satiety hormones, which can promote overeating, especially of high-calorie foods.Sleep also affects immune function and cognitive performance, so consistent rest helps us to better respond to stress and supports memory, attention and emotional regulation.Most adults benefit from seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and prioritising regular sleep schedules can improve quality over time.CNN: Your fourth tip centers on diet quality, in particular cutting out ultraprocessed foods. Why is working toward a healthier diet so important, and what steps can people take to improve nutrition?High consumption of ultraprocessed foods is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even depression and mental health conditions, Dr Wen says. (file image)Wen: What you eat influences your health in important ways. Ultraprocessed foods have become a dominant part of the American diet, accounting for more than half of total calories in many age groups.These foods, which include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, fast food, ready meals and sweetened cereals, are generally high in added sugars, unhealthy fats and sodium, and low in fiber, vitamins and minerals.High consumption of ultraprocessed foods is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even depression and mental health conditions. Replacing ultraprocessed items with whole or minimally processed foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes and nuts) supports both physical and mental health and helps stabilise energy, blood sugar and appetite.CNN: Your fifth tip may surprise some people: Consider social connection a core part of staying healthy.Wen: Human beings are social creatures, and our relationships have direct implications for our health.Strong social connections with family, friends, colleagues and community groups are associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression, better immune function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.Conversely, social isolation and loneliness have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and early mortality.Social connection motivates healthier behaviours and provides emotional support during stress, and it encourages engagement in physical activity and other positive habits. Simple acts, such as going for walks with friends, regular catch-up phone calls, shared meals or other group activities, are good for short-term mental health. These interactions also represent a long-term investment in your mental and physical health.CNN: What advice do you have for people trying to follow these five tips in real life?Wen: The most important thing is to concentrate on consistency. These habits do not need to be done perfectly to have an impact.Small, repeated actions add up. For instance, walking most days is far better than exercising hard once a month.Going to regular checkups is crucial, rather than waiting until something feels wrong. Improving sleep by even 30 to 60 minutes a night can make a meaningful difference.It also helps to remember that these five areas are deeply connected.Getting enough sleep makes it easier to exercise and eat well.Regular physical activity improves sleep quality and mood.Social connection supports motivation and resilience, making it more likely that people stick with healthy routines.So instead of treating these as separate goals, think of them as reinforcing one another.Finally, give yourself permission to start where you are. Health is not built in January alone, and it is not derailed by a bad week or a missed goal. The aim is consistent progress. Choosing habits that feel realistic and sustainable, and returning to them when life gets busy, is what makes these five tips work over the long run.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, find a patch of shade, and get lost in a good story. To inspire your own holiday reading stack, we’ve asked local booklovers to share their top picks from the past year and reveal where they’ll be curling up with a book this season.Today, we are reading with Clyde Library assistant Shelley Ludlow.1. What is a great read from 2025 you would recommend to others, and why?Shelley: One of my favourite books this year was Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, set in the 80’s in USA at NASA. You learn and are entertained at the same time by joining in on the main character’s journey. This book is a well researched historical fiction - I was often left thinking is this actually a non-fiction book and going off to Google names and places only to find so many others had too and, no, it is fiction.Another of my favourites is a children's fiction series my youngest daughter and I have been reading together: Paddock Grove by J. P. Prose. We like to end each day on her bed catching up and then settling into a good story. This series has left us eager for book three that is coming out in June 2026. These stories have us dreaming of being with the characters at their amazing horse-riding boarding school having fun adventures with friends. My true love is children’s picture books; the beautiful illustrations and kind stories just bring such joy to all ages. Last night we read together David Walliams latest book Bot. It is so funny and reminds us to lean into love and fun and not to stress on the messing things - just laugh it off.2. What is on your summer reading list, and can you describe your perfect spot to read?Shelley: I have a large stack of amazing books at home to pour through on this wee summer break; from crafts, travel, puppy training (wish me luck he he) and a Xmas read from my all-time favourite author Jenny Colgan: The Secret Christmas Library.3. Audiobook, paper, e-reader, or a mix of the three?Shelley: For me, I love walking with our sweet puppy Luna. With one AirPod in, off we go into nature, listening to a book playing in one ear and to our local birds in the other - it is pure bliss. I’m often strolling along quietly laughing away at the humour the author has flowing throughout the story; maybe in Australia, Italy, Svalbard - somewhere far away, taking me traveling in my mind to another place on this wonderful earth. It can make a day that has been tough melt away and leave me ready to carry on lighter and more upbeat.4. Tell us about a book that changed how you think.Shelley: There are always so many amazing books to read and listen to at our local libraries, we are never at a loss for inspiration or enjoyable escapism.

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Welcome to 'Central in an object', our summer series celebrating the rich history of the Central Otago district. We asked museum curators and volunteers across the region to strip it back to basics: choose just one item from their collections that tells a story about who we are. Today, Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery operations manager Paula Stephenson tells us about a bicycle that belonged to a survivor of a local industrial disaster.The objectThis object is a bicycle that once belonged to William King.While the bike itself is a standard mode of transport from its era, its owner was involved in one of Alexandra's most dramatic days.William was one of four miners trapped in a terrifying underground fire that shook the town on July 14, 1906.At the height of the gold dredging boom at the turn of the century, Central Otago relied on coal to keep things moving.There were 37 small coal mines operating in the district, feeding the hungry steam dredges working the river.On Friday, July 13, 1906, four men began the night shift in a mine on the bank of the Clutha River (then the Molyneux), less than a kilometre from Alexandra.The disaster unfolded in the early hours when the mine caught fire, trapping miners Samuel Churchill, Michael Keane, Archibald Bruce, and William deep underground.The fire was discovered at 3am by an engine driver on the surface.He was unable to raise the alarm to the men below because the wires had already burnt out, so he rushed to alert the town.The fire bell sounded at 4.30am, sending locals rushing to the scene where the mine's poppet heads and coal staging were already ablaze.The community response was immediate.A bucket brigade of 50 people formed, quickly extinguishing the fire on the surface, but they could make little impression on the roaring blaze in the shaft.A pump was secured from an adjoining dredge, and a dozen experienced engineers and rescuers worked in shifts to lower themselves into the mine.One rescuer described the searing heat of the shaft as a "living hell".Despite the extreme conditions, they managed to get the fire under control by 6pm, allowing rescuers to stay underground longer.At 8.30pm, William was pulled to the surface unconscious.Over the next few hours, the remaining three miners were also rescued, all suffering from exhaustion.By 10pm, the last rescuer emerged from the pit, marking the end of a gruelling day that would be etched into the memory of the community forever.The event, chronicled in John McCraw’s book Mine Fire: Alexandra's Day of Heroism, stands as a testament to the bravery and unity of the town.

We are continuing our ‘Five minutes with…’ summer series, where we slow the pace down to celebrate some of the people who make our district tick.We’ve put the same five questions to a range of residents to find out a bit more about who they are and get their unique take on life in our region.Today, we catch up with Bill May, a co-host at the Crow’s Nest Accommodation. Whether he's recording data at the Oturehua weather station (rain or shine), running movies at the local hall, or volunteering with Lions, Bill is a local fixture always ready to lend a hand.1. What was one of your very first jobs, and what did it teach you?Bill: The first paid job I had was as a research engineer, and one of the first jobs was to measure spray drift from an agrichemical spray event onto an ‘outdoor society’ proposed area for a recreation facility. As their policy was a ‘no clothes’ policy, it taught me to look directly into the person’s eyes when interviewing them!2. When the holiday crowds arrive, where is your secret spot to escape the heat?Bill: Walking around the Idaburn stream with my dog, aiming to have a coffee at Hannah’s Café, sharing the marshmallows that come with my coffee with the dog!3. It’s peak stone fruit season: Cherries, apricots, peaches or nectarines - you can only pick one. Which is it and what's your favourite way to eat it?Bill: It’s sliced peaches. They come in a tin from god knows where and go well on my toasted muesli!4. What is a hidden talent or weird party trick that nobody expects from you?Bill: Along with playing a snare drum in a pipe band (which most people are aware of), I play the spoons, bones and bodhran.5. Complete this sentence: "You know you’re a local in Central Otago when..."Bill: You can trace your Central Otago ancestry back two generations, and/or have lived in the region for at least 40 years. It helps if you know the lineage of older locals in the area!

Consumer NZ warns persistent sunscreen myths and misleading marketing may leave New Zealanders under-protected this summer.Consumer NZ sunscreen expert Belinda Castles said Consumer NZ’s recently updated sunscreen database is now the most comprehensive source of sunscreen information available in New Zealand, helping people make informed choices during summer.She said misleading marketing and long-held myths can result in people either overpaying for sunscreen or not getting enough protection.“Every summer I’m asked the same questions – from whether you need kids’ sunscreen, to whether higher SPFs really make a difference, as well as what sunscreen I personally use. That’s a question I’m reluctant to answer, because sunscreen’s effectiveness depends on how it is used.”“In the New Zealand environment, the best sunscreen is any you actually apply. But you have to apply it properly too – a lot and often.”She says sunscreen should never be the only line of defence.“It’s important to limit your time in the sun when the sun’s rays are most intense and to wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.”Three sunscreen myths debunkedMyth 1: Children need a special sunscreenBelinda said many parents are surprised to learn that children don’t necessarily need a separate sunscreen.“The best protection for babies and toddlers is staying in the shade and using sun-protection clothing – as is the case for everybody.”She said sunscreens marketed specifically for children usually just have a milder base for sensitive skin.“If your child doesn’t have a problem with the family sunscreen, there's no need to fork out for one that’s marketed to or for children.”Myth 2: Higher SPF sunscreens don’t need to be reapplied as oftenBelinda said this is one of the most common misunderstandings."Many people wrongly assume that the protection of an SPF30 is double that of an SPF15. There’s also a misperception that SPF50 doesn’t need to be applied as often as SPF30.”“All sunscreens, regardless of SPF, should be reapplied every two hours while you’re outside.”She explains that SPF15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF30 blocks 97 percent, and SPF50 blocks 98 percent. No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays.Myth 3: A tan means you don’t need as much sunscreen“A tan is a sign that skin damage has already started,” Belinda said.“You need to be even more careful about protecting it.”She says cultural beauty ideals around being “sun-kissed” or “naturally tanned” can be misleading.“Further UV radiation considerably increases the risk of sunburn and loss of skin elasticity – resulting in wrinkled, prematurely aged, leathery skin and possibly skin cancer later in life.”Belinda is particularly concerned by a TikTok tanning trend brought to her attention by her daughter.“This dangerous trend is about achieving quick and prominent tan lines by deliberately getting sun exposure when the UV index is at its highest.”“There is no such thing as a safe tan.”What the expert looks for in sunscreenBelinda said the first thing she checks when buying sunscreen is how recently its SPF has been tested.“That’s an important consideration when buying sunscreen, given inconsistencies and lack of regulation about how often they’re tested in Aotearoa.”Because sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours, price is also a key factor for her family.“We go through a lot of sunscreen, which makes cost an important consideration too.”She said Consumer testing has shown both cheap and expensive sunscreens can meet their sun-protection claims.“Don't assume the priciest sunscreen offers the best protection.”She points to testing by Consumer’s Australian sister organisation, CHOICE, which found Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ returned SPF results of just 4 and 5, despite retailing for more than $50.Consumer NZ is campaigning for mandatory ongoing sunscreen testing, after its research found some companies rely on reports that are several years old.“Our sunscreen database makes it easy for you to choose a sunscreen you can confidently rely on – you can filter by year of most recent testing and price. You can filter by SPF, water resistance and brand, too,” Belinda said.

What are you happy to say goodbye to from the last year? What new experience would you commit to for the year ahead? What’s a routine you’ll prioritise that keeps you sane/brings you peace? Two-week holiday anywhere you want in 2026...? I’m happy to say goodbye to those niggly bad habits. Picking my finger nails when I’m deep in thought. Eating crap food when I can’t be bothered cooking. Not properly listening to my kids when they are trying to tell me a story. PUT DOWN THE PHONE. IT CAN WAIT.I’m committing myself to healthier eating habits after finding out I have an under performing thyroid. Gluten will have to go and excess alcohol. I’ve discovered bone broth and spirulina instead. Both look like pond scum but that’s okay. As long as my gut and thyroid are happy. A routine I’m prioritising that I already re-started back in November is regular yoga practice at Flow Space in Alexandra. I love the space, the connection with others (without actually having to talk - as nobody wants distractions when they are trying to mediate), and just the downtime to unwind after a busy day.My two week holiday wish is to go and visit my sister in Hobart since she moved across the Tasman two years ago. I visited Tasmania with Lisa and my mother back in 2023 for a family reunion, after discovering we are descendants of the pioneering Lawrence family near Launceston. I loved Hobart and it wasn’t at all what I expected. Great seafood, awesome shopping and nice beaches. A completely different and more laid back vibe than Melbourne.But the last time I was there we were in a hotel and I got Covid and a raging ear infection, so didn’t get to fully appreciate it. Now that I have a family member living there, there is so much I am looking forward to exploring.  Next time I head up Mt Wellington I won’t be wearing a sundress! At 1271m the temperature at the top is quite different to the bottom. One minute we were swimming at the beach and the next we were driving up a mountain. All in one city.

Otago’s fire risk is expected to rise sharply over the next few days, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to avoid lighting any outdoor fires - especially on Sunday and Monday.Fire and Emergency District Commander Craig Gold says gale force north-westerly winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity all add up to high fire danger, and any rain that falls tomorrow (Saturday) is unlikely to reduce the risk significantly."It’s really not the time to be lighting fires of any kind - that goes for farmers, contractors and forestry managers, but also for holiday-makers," Craig Gold says.Most of inland Otago is in a restricted fire season, so permits are needed for outdoor fires. Permits include conditions which prevent fires being lit in windy conditions, or when strong winds are forecast. This applies to recreational fires as well as land management fires. See Fire rules on The Central App."A camp fire by the river or a bonfire to celebrate the season can have devastating consequences if they escape, and will be very challenging for firefighters to put out in the high winds we’re expecting," Craig Gold says.People often light recreational fires with good intentions but don’t realise the danger to themselves and others."Please find another way to celebrate summer," he says. "Our firefighters have got plenty to do already. If the party is at your place this holiday season, we actually prefer not to be invited, especially to an emergency."People who are in areas not covered by a restricted fire season should check the weather forecast for their area and go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find advice on outdoor fire safety.

Motorists travelling around the South Island this weekend are being urged to plan carefully, as warm temperatures are forecast alongside gale force winds and heavy rain.People heading home after holiday, are being reminded that conditions could be challenging on parts of the state highway network due to high temptures forecast.MetService has issued a range of weather warnings and watches across the South Island for the weekend.A strong wind warning is in place for Canterbury, covering the high country and areas near the foothills from Saturday night through to Sunday.Heavy rain warnings apply for Westland and Fiordland between Haast and Doubtful Sound from 3am Saturday, and from 11pm Saturday for the ranges of the Westland District about and north of Haast.Lesser wind and rain watches cover much of the remainder of the South Island, including Otago and Southland, where periods of unsettled weather could still affect driving conditions.New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is encouraging road users to adjust their travel plans and driving behaviour to suit the conditions.MetService has a host of weather warnings and watches in place for the weekend, when temperatures are expected to tip over 30 deg C in some parts of the South Island.“Heavy rain can lead to surface flooding, slips and reduced traction,” the agency advises. Drivers are urged to reduce speeds, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking and ensure their vehicles remain visible.In areas experiencing gale force winds, those driving high-sided vehicles, towing trailers or caravans, and motorcyclists are advised to take extra care.State highways may face temporary restrictions or closures if obstructions occur or public safety is at risk.Motorists are encouraged to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling, and to continue monitoring updates during their journey.Stay up to date on the weather conditions at the MetService site , and on the status of the state highways at the Journey Planner.

In a policy u-turn, people will only need to pay a single $5 co-payment fee for the new 12-month prescriptions coming into effect from February.The year-long prescriptions were announced as part of the 2025 Budget as a way to reduce the cost of seeing GPs.Patients would still need to collect their medicines every three months, and at the time it was thought they would have to pay a $5 fee each time but that will no longer be case.The backtrack is revealed in a series of Health Ministry documents proactively released three days before Christmas, titled "Cabinet material: Rescinding a prescription co-payment decision".They show the initial decision for repeat co-payments every three months was made in May, ahead of the 2025 Budget, "to mitigate the financial impact on Health New Zealand".However, the documents show a Cabinet committee on 17 September agreed with the minister's recommendation to change course and only have the $5 fee apply at the first collection."The previous decision does not align with the policy intent to reduce costs to patients," the Cabinet paper in Health Minister Simeon Brown's name said."I consider that, to achieve this policy intent, the additional co-payment every three months needs to be removed."Health Minister Simeon Brown Photo: RNZ / Mark PapaliiThe paper says the co-payment is a financial barrier, with about 191,000 adults in 2023/24 not filling a prescription because of the cost."After further consideration, I am seeking agreement to rescind the decision," it says."This has the potential to reduce the cost to a patient by up to $15 over the course of a 12-month prescription."The committee noted this would mean extra yearly costs to Health NZ of between $6 million and $23m."For outyears, this is estimated to grow over the previous year by around 5 percent," the minute of decision states.Cabinet confirmed the decision on 22 September.Other details under subheadings about how the decision would also reduce complexity for Health NZ and curb financial implications for both Health NZ and Pharmac were largely redacted.The Cabinet paper shows Brown has instructed the Health Ministry to get the policy ready to take effect by 1 February.Responding to questions from RNZ about the move, Brown said the decision supported the aim of removing financial and administrative barriers for New Zealanders and improving access to medicines."The removal of co-payments will also reduce the complexity of implementing the initiative, including changes required to external IT systems for prescribing and dispensing," he said."The increased maximum prescription length will come into effect on 1 February 2026. Health New Zealand is working with the primary care and community pharmacy sectors to support implementation ahead of that date, with the Ministry of Health and Pharmac also supporting the rollout."He said the extended prescriptions would make a real difference for people managing long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure.Brown's office also pointed to bullet points sent to reporters at the end of a media release in November celebrating the passage of the Medicines Amendment Bill."Patients will only be required to pay the $5 co-payment once when collecting their initial three-month supply. No further co-payments will be charged for the remaining repeats," one said.While that conflicted with earlier reports, no other comments made clear it was a change from the previous approach, and the bullet points were absent from the version released publicly on the Beehive website.Pharmacy Guild chief executive Andrew Gaudin told RNZ the change was a great thing, ensuring more affordable access for patients to medicines, GPs, and community pharmacies.He also welcomed a separate decision arrived at with the government last year, where Health NZ would "fully mitigate" a previously planned reduction in the fee it paid to pharmacists for dispensing services.He said that meant "community pharmacy will not be adversely financially impacted for dispensing services under 12-month/extended scripts. So two very good things here", he said.In another change taking effect from 1 February, more pharmacists will be able to also be prescribers, although pharmacists are unlikely to be ready by then, according to a pharmacy group.

Police can now release the name of the man who died in Wanaka on 5 January. He was 85-year-old David Simmers of Wanaka.Emergency services were called to a report of a man trapped under his vehicle.Sadly, despite efforts from emergency responders, he was unable to be revived.Police offer their condolences to David’s family and friends.The death has been referred to the Coroner.

Gold Rush: Who's cashing in on Queenstown? An RNZ series examining the money flowing into Queenstown - and who's missing out.In Queenstown, a hotel with rooms priced up to $50,000 a night is attracting visitors willing to book not just a suite, but sometimes the whole hotel.ROKI Collection is one of several new operators catering to the ultra luxury market, as international visitor arrivals in Queenstown climb 40 percent higher than pre-Covid levels.General manager Stephen McAteer said every element of the 15-room hotel, tucked just off the Lake Esplanade, had been meticulously designed to evoke a sense of serenity."High net worth travellers are looking for seclusion and escape. A little bit of tranquillity. New Zealand is one of the most sought-after destinations," he said.The hotel opened in September, on the former site of a backpackers' hostel.Junior suites start at $2800 per night in the off-season, while the Grand Roki Suite is around the $50,000 per night mark, McAteer said.Some groups have already hired out the entire hotel in late summer, McAteer said.Guests can expect bespoke mini bars, sophisticated interiors by designer Virginia Fisher, a Rolls Royce on standby, and a discreet back entrance for those wanting to avoid attention.The spa features a long list of treatments, yoga and wellness sessions, and - for those who need it - a "sleep concierge"."We offer a number of rituals in the sanctuary itself, and we have a sleep concierge who performs sleep resets for our guests in their rooms," McAteer said.Guests can move from a library bar stocked with first edition books to two restaurants helmed by director of culinary Paul Froggatt - including an "experiential offering" built around a 10-course fine-dining menu, McAteer said.Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonNearly 50 staff are on hand, including drivers, chefs, butlers and concierge staff ready to arrange anything from a private outing on a luxury boat, to a helicopter drop off at a golf course on top of Cecil Peak.ROKI Collection has been attracting visitors from New Zealand and overseas - most generally staying at least four to five nights, McAteer said.They were often people who prioritised "value over cost," he said."As long as we're providing that value, be it in the form of the experiences and the connections and those memories that they take away, it really doesn't matter what they pay," he said.ROKI Collection is one of several new operators catering to the ultra luxury market. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonVisitor arrivals upData from Queenstown Airport showed 895,669 arrivals from January 2025 to November - nearly 40 percent higher than the same period in 2019.The airport recorded about one private jet arrival or departure each day, making up about a third of the country's total private jet movements.Infometrics figures showed domestic and international visitors were spending approximately $2.83 billion a year on their visits to the district, with the lion's share going to food and beverage services.Two new hot pool complexes, a floating sauna on Lake Whakatipu, a luxury car concierge company and a heli-skiing festival experience were also among new additions to the district in 2025.Further high-end hotels are on their way, with the five-star Coronet Ridge Resort set to open in late 2025, and the $130 million Noctis by Kamana set to open in 2027.Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Mat Woods said it was exciting to see the private sector's confidence in Queenstown as a luxury destination."We are delighted to welcome these high-end products and believe there is a strong market for them," he said.Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon'More and more sophisticated clients travelling'Ricky Bennett caters to visitors willing to spend big on something a little outside the usual Queenstown itinerary, with bespoke tours in rare Aston Martin cars.Clients can choose between a James Bond-themed Vantage 007 Edition - one of only 100 in the world - or a DBX707 luxury SUV, Aston Martin's F1 tribute and official medical car."We work with a reasonably sophisticated market who really wants something that's unique. A lot of people have been to Queenstown before and coming back for perhaps to try something that theyhaven't done before," Bennett said.Bennett's outings, starting at $2500 for a few hours, range from vineyard trips with premium tastings to sightseeing circuits around the district."We try and work with the guests... to package up something that will be unique to what they haven't experienced," he said.The company recently launched an Aston Martin Field and Discovery Trip which was a combination of land, sea and air, he said."That's where passengers or guests fly in from a helicopter base, land on the back of a beautiful launch in Milford, have a two-hour private lunch and a cruise. They then fly back to Glenorchy, we pickthem up in the F1 Aston Martin, and then we finish off that day with a sightseeing tour around central Otago," he said.So far, guests have been a demographic cross-section, he said."A lot of Australians, a lot of Americans, surprisingly quite a few New Zealanders ... we have vouchers which wives can provide to their partners and vice versa," he said."I think there's more and more sophisticated clients travelling. They want better experiences, they want unique experiences."Bennett said the arrival of new top-tier accommodation in the district had brought in more visitors looking for "wow" moments.He said exchange rates had also been favourable for inbound tourists, particularly from the UK."And America, where we've probably been at record low levels in the last five years - so that means they can get reasonably good value for their money."Private stays in secret homesIn Wānaka, Nick Frame pairs carefully vetted guests with luxury property owners who do not want their homes advertised publicly.His high-end vacation agency, Release NZ, recently launched Black Label Retreats - an offering where only pre-approved guests willing to stay a week or more, and generally will to pay five figures anight, receive a password to view the properties.The company promises "guaranteed discretion" and "homes that cannot be browsed, booked or discovered anywhere else".Guests have a real sense of exclusivity, Frame said.He said many of Release's clients were holidaying families - often North American, usually business owners rather than celebrities - but all looking for something more remarkable than a hotel.Typically, the accommodation was just the start of their spending, he said."We add all the luxury touches. Daily servicing, chefs, hostess - and what Release does is design their stay in Wānaka, so we organise car drivers, personal chefs, personal trainers, helicopter rides tothe fiords, mountain biking, skiing, you name it," he said."For example, we had a large American family last year. And they probably spent in excess of $400,000 on the extras - which was helicopters to Milford Sound and Dusky Sound and Mount Cook. Theyspent over $30,000 on hired bikes, for just getting around town. We had a wakeboard boat on standby for them so whenever they wanted to go get in the lake, they could. Private chef every day,cleaning every day... heli fly-fishing, float fishing down the river, they just did everything."Frame said high-spending visitors put money into every corner of the Wānaka economy."The beauty of it is that money spreads right through the community. Your window cleaners, cleaners, linen companies, chefs, helicopter pilots, restaurants, you name it," he said.Mat Woods said despite the flurry of new, upscale services in the district, Queenstown was still popular with backpackers.The district could accommodate a range of budgets and travel styles, he said."It is likely that your first trip to Queenstown may be as a backpacker, returning later in life with more personal disposable income to spend on your accommodation and experiences," he said.

Two years ago Alexandra resident Susan Heal had an unexpected visitor. A ‘tuxedo’ cat turned up on her balcony and it came with a kitten.She named the cat ‘Tuxie,’ and assumed it was a female. Her own cat ‘Reowl’ (think onomatopoeia), was not impressed, but eventually the pair became friends.But she came home one day after work in October and Tuxie wasn’t in a good way. S/he had two bite marks and a lame shoulder, so Susan rushed the cat to the vet.  It was going to cost her $2000+ for surgery so she made the tough decision to put Tuxie down (then realising it was actually a boy cat all along).Two days later, she received a surprise on her front porch. There sitting in the same chair that Tuxie used to sleep on, was an almost identical cat. So she named it Ghost.“It was quite freaky actually. It was like, “here I am, I’m back,” she said.And so the whole process starts again, with Ghost now spending most of its time outside and creeping in for food when nobody’s looking.  

What are you happy to say goodbye to from the last year? What new experience would you commit to for the year ahead? What’s a routine you’ll prioritise that keeps you sane/brings you peace? Two-week holiday anywhere you want in 2026...? “I’m happy to say goodbye to people who are hell bent on spreading misinformation on anything and everything.”Neil confirmed this was largely in relation to the Local Government pre-election campaign, “but it still carries on,” he said.A new experience he’s looking forward to committing to in 2026 is getting his mountain bike out and tackling a few local rides, including the Lake Dunstan trail and the new Kawarau Gorge track.“My bike has suffered from a lack of use and needs to come off the rack. I have a trail on my doorstep.”A routine he’s prioritising that will keep him sane next year is avoiding social media (no joke), “and clearly anything that will improve my health.”A two week holiday anywhere in 2026?Neil and his wife Joy are looking forward to a 12-night Scandanavian cruise in 2026, as part of a trip around Europe.

Workplaces are dynamic environments, and sometimes things can go wrong. When they do, New Zealand employment law provides a pathway to resolve these disputes, known as the personal grievance process.Understanding how this works is important for both employees and employers, as it ensures workplaces operate fairly and allows for disputes to be resolved constructively.In Central Otago, where many businesses are small and seasonal work is common, knowing your rights and obligations can make a big difference. A well-managed process can protect legal rights and help to maintain strong workplace relationships.What Is a Personal Grievance?A personal grievance is a formal complaint raised by an employee, or an ex-employee if they believe they’ve been treated unfairly at work. They exist to ensure fairness and accountability in employment relationships.Common grounds for a personal grievance include:Unjustified dismissal – being fired without a valid reason or fair processUnjustified disadvantage – negative changes to work conditions without justificationDiscrimination or harassment – including racial or sexual harassmentEmployees must raise a grievance within 90 days of the incident (or 12 months for sexual harassment claims). The process usually starts with a written complaint to the employer, followed by mediation if needed, and as a last resort claims to the Employment Relations Authority or the Employment Court.Unjustified DismissalThis occurs when an employer:Lacks a valid reason for dismissal, orFails to follow a fair processValid reasons can include serious misconduct, restructuring, or bullying. Even with a good reason, the dismissal may still be unjustified if the process wasn’t fair.Unjustified DisadvantageThis happens when an employer’s actions negatively affect an employee’s work conditions without justification. Examples include:Removing responsibilities without explanationMaking changes that hinder job performanceIssuing an unjustified warningFor Employees: Know Your RightsIf you believe you’ve been treated unfairly you should seek legal advice to help you raise the issue with your employer. Ideally this should be in writing, be clear about what happened, how it affected you, and the resolution that you seek.If the issue isn’t resolved, you can seek free mediation through the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE). In the event that a mediation fails, the matter can then be escalated to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).Potential remedies can include compensation for lost wages or emotional harm, reinstatement, and rectifying the disadvantage.For Employers: Responding Fairly and LegallyAs an employer, receiving a personally grievance can be challenging. It is important to continue to act in good faith, and engage in honest, open and constructive communications with your employee. Failure to do so can escalate disputes as well as damage confidence and trust. As an employer it is important to:Acknowledge the grievanceReview the complaint thoroughlyFollow a fair process and allow the employee to respondSeek legal advice How to Avoid GrievancesEmployers:Keep clear employment agreementsDocument decisions and processesCommunicate openly and earlyEmployees:Raise concerns promptlyKeep written recordsSeek advice before escalatingThe Cost of Getting it WrongPersonal grievances can be expensive and stressful for both sides. Employers may face compensation orders for lost wages and emotional harm, legal costs, and reputational damage. While employees can experience financial hardship during disputes, as well as emotional strain and uncertainty. Seeking legal advice and an early resolution through open communication and mediation can often save time and relationships.Why This Matters LocallyIn Central Otago, where many businesses are small and there is a strong sense of community, handling employment issues with care and sensitivity is especially important. A well-managed personal grievance process not only protects legal rights but it also helps to preserve relationships and work place culture.How Checketts McKay Can HelpAt Checketts McKay, we assist both employers and employees with practical and timely advice. Whether you need help drafting employment agreements, raising a grievance, or navigating mediation our employment team can guide you through the process. We aim to resolve issues early and constructively, reducing the stress and cost for everyone involved.

We are continuing our ‘Five minutes with…’ summer series, where we slow down the pace to celebrate some of the people who make our district tick.We’ve put the same five questions to a range of residents to find out a bit more about who they are and get their unique take on life in our region.Today, we catch up with Terry Davis, the man behind some epic Central Otago rogaines and adventure races. He also works with the Otago Goldfield Heritage Trust and, this year, he’s part of the organising crew bringing the world’s best gold panners to the region to compete in September. 1. What was one of your very first jobs, and what did it teach you?Terry: One of my first jobs was fencing in the Nevis, with my brother Warren, camping up there in a stone hut, cooking over an open fire. The key thing I learnt was that it's not appropriate to crimp a detonator with your teeth before inserting it into the stick of gelignite (for exploding rock so you can dig out a post hole).2. When the holiday crowds arrive, where is your secret spot to escape the heat?Terry: I like to go high to escape the heat - the tarns just below Mt Pisa are incredible.3. It’s peak stone fruit season: Cherries, apricots, peaches or nectarines - you can only pick one. Which is it and what's your favourite way to eat it?Terry: Cherries, the second pick cherries - bigger and sweeter. I pop the whole cherry in, eat the flesh off the stone then just swallow the stone (less messy that way).4. What is a hidden talent or weird party trick that nobody expects from you?Terry: I can draw. I enjoy drawing trees and rocks.5. Complete this sentence: "You know you’re a local in Central Otago when..."Terry: You turn up at a BBQ and someone brings meat they just hunted and someone else brings cherries they just picked off their tree.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, find a patch of shade, and get lost in a good story. To inspire your own holiday reading stack, we’ve asked local book lovers to share their top picks from the past year and reveal where they’ll be curling up with a book this season.Today, we are reading with Māniototo Library assistant Michelle Knox.1. What is a great read from 2025 you would recommend to others, and why?Michelle: I really enjoyed the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh this year. The series is set in Cork, Ireland and follows the lives of a group of high school students. These books focus more on the characters and their relationships with each other, rather than having a plot as such. I got to know each of the characters really well and became very emotionally invested in each of the books. These books deal with some very heavy topics and themes, so can be quite a hard read, but are also very interesting.I’ve also recently started listening to Freida McFadden while I’m out on my morning walks. I’ve really enjoyed the two I’ve listened to and the way she writes makes you want to listen to/read more and more.2. What is on your summer reading list, and can you describe your perfect spot to read?Michelle: Over the summer I’m looking forward to reading some more historical fiction and romance, which are the two genres I really enjoy. I usually alternate between the two as I find it mixes it up a bit with harder and lighter reads. I’ll be out on my deck in the shade reading this summer and enjoying the fresh air.3. Audiobook, paper, e-reader, or a mix of the three?Michelle: I definitely prefer a paper book. I like something to hold onto and get into. I do listen to audiobooks while out walking though. I find it quite relaxing and find it easy to get into the story.4. Tell us about a book that changed how you think.Michelle: I don’t really have a book that’s changed how I think, but I do feel that by reading the amount I do, I have opened my mind and learnt things that I might not have known otherwise. As I read a diverse range of books it has given me a great general knowledge in life.

Welcome to 'Central in an object', our summer series celebrating the rich history of the Central Otago district. We asked museum curators and volunteers across the region to strip it back to basics: choose just one item from their collections that tells a story about who we are. Today, Clyde Museum committee member and author Russell Garbutt tells us about the founding object of the town's collection.The objectSitting in pride of place within the former council chambers at Clyde Museum is a cabinet of curiosities.While it is filled with an eclectic mix of specimens, the cabinet itself tells the story of its owner, Vincent Pyke.An eclectic mix: A close-up of a 'Rock with marine encrustations' displayed inside the cabinet. Image: The Central AppIt holds a special significance as the very first item in the museum's collection.While Vincent collected the items inside, he didn't simply donate the cabinet. Despite his immense public standing, Vincent wasn’t a rich man, and he sold the cabinet to the museum for 50 pounds.Russell describes Vincent as a man who was genuinely curious about the world around him.Born to a tinman in a small English town, Vincent received only a basic education. Yet, by the time he was 22, he had published a book of poems.After spending only five years in Australia, he knew enough to deliver a New Year's Eve lecture in Melbourne on the history of Australian exploration.He was widely read and had theories on everything from the fate of the Moa to the behaviour of bumblebees. He was also a skilled horticulturalist who understood trees and shrubs, and as the first Gold Commissioner, he could identify exactly where a nugget came from just by looking at it.When Vincent looked at Central Otago, he saw potential.His resume was staggering: he was a newspaper owner and editor, represented Wakatipu, Dunstan and Tuapeka in parliament, and was chair of the Vincent County Council. He understood that transport was the key to opening up the interior and was instrumental in pushing the railway through from the coast.His influence is even woven into the room where his cabinet sits; the magnificent council furniture and chandelier were all of Vincent’s doing.Despite his resume, Russell believes Vincent is often underappreciated."I don't think you could find a person in Central Otago's history that was actually more important than Vincent, and yet he's relatively unknown," Russell says.He hopes to change that with his new biography, Vincent Pyke: Goldfields Gladiator.The book captures the life of the man who "made things happen" and is available now at the Clyde Museum.

A brand of infant formula is being recalled over possible toxins, the Ministry of Primary Industries has announced.New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS), Pharmac and the Ministry of Health said they are are supporting Nestlé in its recall of five batches of Alfamino infant formula for babies with milk allergies due to the potential presence of cereulide.The products are not available in supermarkets and are specialist products purchased through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs."The problem with these products is that they could contain cereulide, a toxin produced by the microorganism Bacillus cereus, which can cause gastrointestinal illness. Fortunately, there have been no reports of associated illness here in New Zealand or internationally," said NZFS Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle."They are mainly publicly funded and available through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs. A small amount could have been bought over the counter at pharmacies or online."The affected batches of Alfamino 400g are:batch number 51070017Y2, use-by date 17.04.2027batch number 51080017Y1, use-by date 18.04.2027batch number 51480017Y3, use-by date 28.05.2027batch number 51490017Y1, use-by date 29.05.2027batch number 52030017Y1, use-by date 22.07.2027MPI's food recall page has full information on the recall."Prescribers and pharmacies are being advised of the recall and asked to inform the parents and guardians of infants who have been prescribed this brand of infant formula," said Arbuckle."If you have the affected Alfamino formula at home, do not feed it to your baby, if at all possible. Return it to the place of purchase."Pharmac funds a number of alternative products, so discuss what's best for your baby with your pharmacist or GP."Arbuckle said that if symptoms linked to cereulide in babies that have consumed the product may include vomiting and diarrhoea or unusual lethargy. These symptoms would typically appear between 30 minutes to 6 hours after exposure and typically resolve within 24 hours.Anyone with concerns about their baby's health should contact their healthcare provider, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.This recall follows a larger international recall by Nestlé, after cereulide was found in an ingredient used in a range of products available overseas."As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Nestlé to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," said Arbuckle.