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.

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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.

The votes have been counted, the judges have made their rounds, and the winners of the annual Light Up Central competition have now been revealed.Following a competitive festive season with entries lighting up neighbourhoods across the district, three Alexandra families have taken away the top prizes. The competition, supported by naming sponsor Aurora Energy, and support from Tall Poppy, once again highlighted the creativity and community spirit in Central.First Place Taking out the top spot this year was Elma Parkin, whose stunning display at 2 Bruce Place in Alexandra captured the imagination of voters.She said she was grateful for the win, but the real highlight was seeing the community enjoy the lights.“Thank you so much, this is an amazing prize and more so the experience of the happy faces of those who visited our place,” Elma said.The display actually held a secret to success, it featured recycled elements from another local champion.“I took some of the float pieces from the Filipino community float that won the Blossom Festival and put lights around it”Elma received the first-place prize, a massive gift basket from Paper Plus valued at $1,000.Second Place Second place went to Jen and Wayne at 22 Shannon Street, who took home a watch and earrings gift from Jamies Jewellers.For Jen, the display was much more than just Christmas decorations; it was a labour of love and a tribute to her mother.“This display was a tribute to my mum who sadly passed away recently, but she got to help set up the lights and enjoy them before she passed,” Jen said.“The Shannon Street lights will continue next year as a bright memory of our time together, and because of the joy it brought to Mum and those in our community.”Left to Right: Caitlin, from Jamie Jewellers, with second place winners, Jen and Wayne AdamsonThird Place was awarded to first-time entrants Ashley and her daughter at 63 Russell Street. They received a $250 voucher from Harmony Skin & Beauty.Ashley said she was thrilled to place in the top three on her very first attempt.“Oh man that is exciting news… This is our first year doing lights and me and my daughter have loved it,” Ashley said.The Central App extended a huge thank you to the local businesses that provided the generous prize pool, including Paper Plus Alexandra, Jamies Jewellers, and Harmony Skin &Beauty.Special thanks were also given to all entrants for making the event possible and helping to light up the streets of Central for another year.While the lights are down as we head into 2026, the feedback from locals has been fantastic and all look forward to seeing the creativity continue next Christmas.Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]

Teams searching for missing man Connor Purvis have located a body high on the southern side of Mount Huxley about 9am this morning.While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be the missing 20-year-old who intended to climb Mount Huxley late last month.This was hard work, in a remote, rugged and high-risk environment.Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search efforts, including multiple local volunteers and search teams such as the Omarama volunteer fire brigade, also members of the public whoreported information to help us understand our search area.It’s been a long, tough week for all involved.This has been a true team effort and the good people of Omarama and Mackenzie have been providing incredible support to the search teams.In particular we extend our thanks to the following agencies:Oamarama Land Search and RescueOamaru Land Search and RescueWanaka Land Search and RescueDunedin Land Search and RescueMackenzie Land Search and RescueOtago Amateur Radio Emergency CommunicationsOamaru Amateur Radio Emergency CommunicationsMt Cook Department of Conservation Alpine Cliff Rescue TeamQueenstown Alpine Cliff RescueWanaka Swiftwater, Canyon Search and Rescue TeamHeliventures (Oamaru)Helicopter Line (Mt Cook)Police are grateful to Connor’s friends and family for their input and assistance with the search.Our thoughts and sympathies go out to them during this difficult time.

Locals describe their favourite hidden spots - what do you love about this place and why is it special to you?Susan Heal gets to visit places in her job as the Manuherikia Irrigation Scheme race manager that few people will ever see.The main intake for the scheme is in the remote Ophir Gorge where a 470m-long tunnel was dug through the massive rocky hillside by workers during the First World War - otherwise known as Horseshoe Bend.The road to the tunnel is on private land and at certain times of the year the steep windy track down is tricky to negotiate.Susan drives into the gorge once a week to check the generator that controls the amount of water that can be taken from the Manuherikia River into the irrigation scheme.  “If it’s been raining it’s too dangerous to drive, so I walk in.”The generator broke down a few weeks before Christmas, and the contractor isn’t available to fix it until well into the new year, so at the moment she has to manually adjust the gates using a hydraulic pump.This place is special to Susan because it’s so inaccessible and remote, “and what on earth were the old timers thinking ploughing a tunnel through the hill to get water to the orchards and market gardens in Alex?’With 400 shareholders using the Manuherikia scheme around Alexandra, Springvale and Chatto Creek, summer is the busiest time of year, and the allocation of water can be challenging.“People complain about the cost of water but it’s all of the infrastructure we have to maintain.”

Local personalities share the top three songs on their summer playlist — and the stories behind them.One of the youngest elected members in Central Otago, Jayden Cromb, who was recently re-elected onto the Vincent Community Board, shares with us his top three songs.He said like most parents with young children, songs for the Christmas break have been influenced by his little ones.“We are finally moving beyond Frozen and K-pop Demon Hunters (thankfully).”1) Octopuses Garden - The Beatles. Aronui (4) has been obsessed with The Beatles. Recently she was very upset to find out that she couldn't marry John Lennon and asked Summer to go to heaven and bring him back so she could marry him. Since then, she has moved on to inviting Paul McCartney to her birthday next year. 2) The Fate of Ophelia - Taylor Swift. Sticking with the Aronui influence, we go much more modern than the last. I always enjoy hearing her singing from the back seat to this one.3) ‘Bad’ - Michael Jackson. Not to be outdone going old school, Tamati (9) has been blasting the King of Pop every chance he gets and is trying to get the dance moves down (who didn't at that age)?“Overall, looking at their influence on my summer playlist, it’s great having kids that already have a diverse taste in music. It’s fun watching them figure out what they like and dislike.”

With summer here, many of us are taking annual holidays for time with loved ones. Central Otago, with its stunning landscapes and influx of visitors, becomes especially busy during the festive season. Unfortunately, this also coincides with a rise in theft and burglary.According to NZ Police, burglary and theft made up 73% of crime in the Central Otago region in 2024, a reminder that rural areas are not immune to opportunistic crime.With simple signs like overflowing mailboxes, curtains shut for weeks, or a dark house at night, it doesn’t take much to make a home look empty. A few proactive steps before you head away, along with checking your insurance cover, can make all the difference.  1. Secure your place before you goBefore loading up the car or catching that early flight, take a moment to run through a quick home-security checklist:Lock every door, including side and back entrancesClose all windowsSecure sheds, garages, and outbuildingsKeep valuables out of sightReinforce sliding doors with a simple bar or piece of timberEven a small oversight, like a window left slightly open, can make your home vulnerable.Treat this checklist the same way you would your packing list.2. Let whānau or neighbours know you’ll be awayA trusted neighbour is one of Central Otago’s greatest security assets.Let them know the dates you’ll be gone so they can keep an eye out. Small actions go a long way — collecting mail, putting out bins, or parking a car in your driveway can all help your home look lived in. If they do spot anything unusual, it’s always best they call 111 straight away.3. Make the place look lived inBurglars tend to target homes that appear empty. A few simple touches can help:Use timers for indoor lightsLeave curtains slightly openArrange for the lawns to be mowed if you’ll be away a whileKeep the mailbox clearThese small details help your home blend in with the everyday rhythm of the neighbourhood.4. Think about adding a security systemModern systems are easier to use and more affordable than they used to be. Many allow you to check in on your home from your phone, giving you peace of mind no matter where your holiday takes you.Even a basic system with a couple of cameras or sensors can deter unwanted visitors. Some insurers may even offer discounts for approved setups.Summer should be a time to relax, not worry about what’s happening back home. With a bit of preparation, support from neighbours, and the right insurance cover, you can head off knowing your place is in good shape.If you’d like to check whether your current policy still fits your needs, the team at C&R Brokers is always happy to help. Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

Alyssa Serignese has owned Poncho her dog since she lived in Colorado where she grew up, and when she moved to New Zealand he came too.Poncho now serves as the greeter at her partner’s Alexandra Tattoo Co shop in Central Otago. "He just kind of, you know, chills people out and he's very good in the shop," she said. The dog is also known to cross the hall to the pet store, sometimes carrying money to buy his own treat.Poncho co-exists happily at Alyssa’s East Roxburgh animal sanctuary where he lives with alpacas, sheep, chickens and cats.Alyssa said the cats “rule the roost” for sure.The animal sanctuary is currently seeking to become a proper charitable trust to enable fundraising and donations. This will also allow them to expand their efforts to include rehabilitation and adoption services, as well as education for animal owners.

One of the world's largest inflatable water parks is in Cromwell, and Abbey Bisset works there.Kiwi Water Park is a sprawling inflatable water park on Lake Dunstan near Cromwell. Some of the structures like climbing walls and slides, are close to ten metres high. So far, 130,000 people had been on the inflatable structure.Abbey Bisset, 19, is the main point of contact for administration and customer service. This is her second summer in the role.Abbey Bisset at Kiwi Water Park.What does a normal day look like for you when the park is open?I will get there at 9am to answer the phone calls and emails we’ve had overnight. We have someone get there at 7am to do a bit of a pump up if anything has deflated overnight. When the air gets hotter during the day, the air expands, and then overnight it gets a bit colder.Then I start checking-in groups when we open at 10.30 am. Everyone has to wear life jackets. Everyone has to be over six [there is an inflatable playground for kids under six]. They all have to wear grip socks, like a trampoline park, because the socks stop ankle and knee injuries from happening. It stops people's feet from slipping out from under them, and their bodies not going quite so quickly.What happens when someone gets stuck on one of the tall towers and doesn’t want to jump down?It does look a lot higher from the top, to be fair. I'll give them that. But often, if they don't want to jump off the back, there are the slides, and if they don't, they'll just climb down the tower and stay on the obstacle course.We also have a new slide on the beach that we are putting in this year. It’s been designed and built especially for us. It has a tower that comes off the beach and becomes a slide into the water. It will be great for people who can’t pull themselves up onto the park or aren’t looking at being in the deep water and having to jump off the towers.What do you love about your job?I love working in the sun, which is great. I love working by the lake, and it is like a picture-perfect kind of job. I'm with people. It’s great job experience too.We have season passes so local kids buy a season pass at the start of the season, and they have like unlimited access to the park pretty much all summer, which is great. The kids get quite comfortable with us. We see them every day. They get excited to come and tell us about what they've done. It's really cool to get quite close with the local kids because a lot of them, I was in Year 13, when they were in Year 7. I grew up in Cromwell. I've lived here my whole life.​In our peak time in late December and early January, most of our customers are young adults between 20 and 30 years old from overseas. It is cool to see other people from places that don’t have mountains like we have and have such an appreciation for the place.What did you did you do last winter when Kiwi Water Park was closed?I worked at a summer camp in New York from May until the end of August, and then I backpacked around Europe until early October.Next winter, I'm doing my clinical courses with St John's to become a a local ambulance volunteer, and then I might travel to South East Asia.

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 Central Otago District Council’s Roxburgh Service Centre and Libraries team lead Di Hall.1. What is a great read from 2025 you would recommend to others, and why?Diana: My pick for 2025 is the new Thursday Murder Club book by Richard Osman, titled The Impossible Fortune. It is the fifth novel in the series and begins at a wedding that quickly turns dangerous. A missing best man, a bomb threat, and a hidden crypto fortune set the stage for another clever mystery. Readers will enjoy the warm humour, strong character development and contemporary twists.2. What is on your summer reading list, and can you describe your perfect spot to read?Diana: My summer reading list is more a listening list. I intend to revisit the wonderful Alphabet series by Sue Grafton featuring private eye Kinsey Milhone. These can be accessed as audiobooks from the “Libby” platform. I will be doing a lot of travelling over the holidays and a good audiobook makes the journey a breeze.3. Audiobook, paper, e-reader, or a mix of the three?Diana: Mainly audio books but now and again I’ll pick up a regular book.4. Tell us about a book that changed how you think.Diana: Not so much changed the way I think but changed the way I cook. The brilliant cookery books by Nagi Maehashi from RecipeTin Eats, entitled Dinner and Tonight. These books are super user-friendly with helpful tips, notes and alternative ingredient substitutes. Also, each recipe includes a QR code that links to a step-by-step how to video on the RecipeTin Eats website.

A frantic search for two beloved family dogs ended in a "miracle" rescue this morning, after a thief was caught red-handed by a sharp-eyed member of the public.The drama began on Saturday, January 4th, when a ute containing Nala (5) and Jock (9) was stolen from Omakau. The theft sparked a massive social media campaign and a relentless police search across the South Island, with owners Nolan and Jackson pleading for the safe return of their "babies."The first breakthrough came at 1:30 am when police located the stolen ute abandoned. However, the vehicle was empty, and the dogs were nowhere to be found, sparking fears they had been dumped or hidden.The situation took a dramatic turn at 6:30 am near Fairlie. A member of the public spotted a man struggling to ride a bicycle while handling two dogs. Thinking the cyclist needed help, the motorist pulled over to offer a ride.Once the man and the dogs were inside the vehicle, the driver immediately recognised Nala and Jock from the viral social media posts that had saturated local feeds overnight.In a swift move, the driver "threw the guy out of the truck" and drove the dogs straight to the Fairlie vets to ensure they were unharmed.The news of the recovery has brought an overwhelming sense of relief to the owners, who couldn't have hoped for a better outcome, and are so "beyond relieved."As the couple prepared to reunite with their pets, Jackson was already planning a celebratory canine feast.The owners say the recovery of the dogs, and the vehicle, is a rare victory in such cases. They credited the community’s vigilance for the successful outcome, and expressed their gratitude to each and every person who helped.Nala and Jock are expected to be back in their owners' arms by late morning, safe and sound after their unexpected South Island ordeal.

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 Pisa Moorings resident and Cromwell Community Board member Wally Sanford, who at the end of 2025 rolled his sleeves up and organised a weeding working bee at an overgrown state highway roundabout that had been creating a community headache.1. What was one of your very first jobs, and what did it teach you?Wally: Agricultural contracting. Working between fencing, hay/baleage, ground works etc taught me how quickly you can pick up different skills if you give yourself the chance. 2. When the holiday crowds arrive, where is your secret spot to escape the heat?Wally: In my garage. Full insulation was a great idea! 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?Wally: Cherries right off our trees (An average apricot is really bad, but a really good one is amazing though).4. What is a hidden talent or weird party trick that nobody expects from you?Wally: I know the McDonald’s kiwi burger song off by heart and can kind of walk on my hands. 5. Complete this sentence: "You know you’re a local in Central Otago when..."Wally: You complain about how cloudy it is, but can still see the top of Mt Pisa - that’s not cloudy!