Central Otago orchardists are predicting a strong cherry and berry season despite October’s cold snap, with picking expected to start later this month.The Labour Weekend storm that swept through the South Island arrived almost exactly a year after last season’s cold front, but growers say warm weather since then has helped crops recover.Leaning Rock Cherries owner Pete Bennie said the season was shaping up well, with early varieties ready for picking from November 25 on the Alexandra orchard.Cromwell grower Michael Jones said cooler weather had delayed fruit development slightly, but Burlatt cherries would be available at local stalls by early December.“It generally ramps up mid-December which meets the Christmas demand,” he said.Michael added that an early export variety would likely be harvested in the first week of December.Gourmet Summerfruit manager Matt Tyrrell, who oversees 32ha of cherry blocks in Roxburgh East and 16ha of blueberries, said recent warm days had boosted fruit growth.“The crop looks amazing,” Matt said.He explained that while heavy winds and cold weather affected flowering earlier in the season, additional beehives were brought in to improve pollination. The orchard is now in the “shed” period, whentrees naturally drop excess fruit.“We’ll start to apply plenty of fertiliser and work hard to keep the crop healthy and minimise stress on the trees,” he said.Despite setbacks, the season has bounced back quickly following the October 28 snowstorm. Warm weather since has helped restore growth rates, bringing harvest timelines back in line with last year.Gourmet Summerfruit expects to begin harvesting its later cherry varieties in early January, with blueberries ready for picking from around December 18. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Old or forgotten farm chemicals stored in sheds across Central Otago could pose a hidden risk to people, animals and the environment, prompting a new regional push to get them safely off properties. Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) waste team says it is likely dangerous substances are still sitting in farm sheds and storage areas - and many can be difficult to dispose of responsibly. “As we are largely an agricultural and horticultural district, our history with chemical use is a long one,” CODC said in response to questions from The Central App on a new on-farm pick up service onoffer. “It is normal to expect that there are chemicals sitting in sheds that this chemical recovery scheme can offer an effective and safe disposal method for.“They are known to have a high toxicity, and they remain intact for a very long time and are toxic to both humans and wildlife.”To help clear out these unwanted agrichemicals – including fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides - Agrecovery is running an on-site collection service in Central Otago this December. The initiative, supported and partly subsidised by CODC and Otago Regional Council, allows farmers and growers to register their unwanted products for pick-up.  For most modern, registered products disposal is free thanks to a product stewardship model, as the cost is already built into the purchase price. Older or unregistered chemicals may incur a disposal fee, but CODC said subsidies will help keep costs down. “The full cost for the disposal of these is not yet known, as it will depend on the types of chemicals that get registered,” a council spokesperson said.This will be the first time CODC has supported an on-site collection, although the council has helped fund agrichemical return events in the past. The council emphasises this initiative targets rural users. Householders can still dispose of small quantities of hazardous chemicals through Alexandra and Cromwell transfer stations, although chargesapply.“This collection option coming up in December with Agrecovery is an efficient way for people with quantities to be collected on-farm,” the spokesperson said. “It helps support our aim to make Central Otago a low-waste district.” Collected substances will be handled and identified by qualified staff, then categorised according to type and required disposal method. “Agrichemicals are disposed, as appropriate, according to New Zealand regulations. Depending on the class of agrichemical, these are either disposed of in New Zealand or in France in specialisedhigh temperature incineration plants,” the spokesperson said.In an earlier statement, Agrecovery chief executive Tony Wilson said those taking advantage of the scheme could be assured that personal or identifying information would not be shared outside of thecollection programme. “We aim to keep the process simple and hassle-free, while giving farmers confidence that their unwanted chemicals will be disposed of safely. It’s about protecting people, land and waterways, andmaking it easier for farmers to do the right thing.” Farmers, growers, and vineyard operators have until Saturday (November 15) to sign up for the collection at agrecovery.co.nz or by emailing [email protected]. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

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

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

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

An aurora lit up skies at the southern end of the country overnight (12th November).Stargazers took to social media to post their photographs from places like Dunedin, Waihola Lake, Roxburgh, Cromwell and Mount Cook.Shot from Middlemarch, about 11pm. Photo: Ian Griffin, Tūhura Otago Museum / suppliedUnedited photo taken at McCracken’s Rest by Edwin Mabonga. Photo: Edwin Mabonga / suppliedŌreti Beach Southland, taken just after midnight. Photo: Kade Duncan / suppliedTe Whatu Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki in October told RNZ aurora could often be caught on camera, even when they were not visible to the naked eye."We're currently in a pretty high activity period with our sun, and the aurora is a direct result of solar activity interacting with the Earth's magnetic field."Taieri Plains, Otago, taken on a smartphone and unedited. Photo: Jennifer Gould / suppliedUnedited photo of Clifden Bridge, taken about midnight last night in Otautau. Photo: Edwin Mabonga / suppliedThe further south you went - place like Twizel, Southland and Otago - the better the view. Spots with less light pollution worked best.Photo: Supplied / Ian GriffinPhoto: Supplied / Ian GriffinHe said aurora were notoriously hard to predict in terms of how bright they would be, but people could keep an eye on the space weather forecast on the NOAA website.Meanwhile, Transpower has lifted the grid emergency that was issued on Wednesday afternoon now the G4 geomagnetic storm - the force behind the aurora - had reduced in severity.It said in a statement the South Island electricity transmission lines, taken offline as a precaution to prevent damage to equipment, had now been returned to service.There was no impact on consumers' electricity as a result of the storm.Taken at Woodlands, Southland. Photo: Kelly Gladwin / suppliedTranspower said this kind of action was standard when space weather reached a particular level. A plan had been developed over several years through work with the University of Otago, international space agencies and others in the electricity industry.Although New Zealand was well prepared for geomagnetic storms, Transpower said, it was a timely reminder to Kiwis that they should be prepared for a natural disaster or other major event that could interrupt their power supply and damage other infrastructure.Aurora as seen at Blackhead, Dunedin, between 10.40 and 11.15pm. Photo: Debbie RutherfordLast week, the National Emergency Management Agency and other affected agencies ran through a test scenario of a solar storm response in the Beehive's bunker, to make sure they are adequatelyprepared.

Traffic remains down to one lane at the site of a major slip in the Kawarau Gorge, as crews work to stabilise the hillside and restore full access on State Highway 6.NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said portable traffic lights are still being used at the “Tunnel Slip” site, though they are no longer required overnight. A temporary 50km/h speed limit remains in place.The slip - one of several that have affected the gorge in recent weeks - was caused in part by a tunnel built into the hillside above the road, which has been acting like a drain and saturating loosematerial.“More will be known as the loose material is removed,” NZTA maintenance contract manager for Central Otago Peter Standring said in response to questions from The Central App.Crews are working to redirect the water source and remove unstable rock and gravel, with up to 6000 cubic metres expected to come down before the area is fully stabilised.Ledges are also being added to capture any future falls.Some 6000 cubic metres of unstable rock and gravel is expected to come down before the slip is stabilised. Image: The Central AppPeter said work is still in the emergency response phase but is expected to be completed “in the next week or so” before moving into a recovery phase focused on reducing the risk of future slips.“There is always a risk of further slips in this type of terrain,” Peter said.“But we are focusing on reducing that risk as much as possible. The aim is to leave a site like this in a state where it is easier to maintain and less likely to impact on the road below.” Fulton Hogan is leading the response, and the overall cost is yet to be confirmed.Elsewhere in the gorge, planned work at Scrubby Corner has been completed, and crews continue to manage smaller slips near Roaring Meg.Read more: Extra weeks needed to finish Kawarau Gorge road stabilisationTo stay up to date on Road closures and roadworks, go to Central Road Closures under the Weather & Reports section on The Central App. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Cycling Without Age Central Otago took its first organised group of passengers for a ride on its electric trishaw in Alexandra yesterday.The Central Otago chapter began in June after Alexandra resident June Clarke purchased a second-hand trishaw — a three-wheeled electric bike with a passenger bucket at the front.“It was the most amazing thing I have ever done,” June said.She later approached Upcycles Charitable Trust to help formalise the initiative, which trains volunteer “pilots” to take people with limited mobility out for leisure rides.June was inspired by a friend in Petone who mentioned other Cycling Without Age groups around New Zealand. Until recently, Central Otago was the only chapter south of Christchurch, with a new one also starting in Te Anau.“I wanted to make a difference to people's lives,” she said.So far, Upcycles has trained 12 local pilots to safely operate the trishaw, learning about weight distribution, cornering and first aid.CWA Central Otago co-ordinator Bernie Lepper said the group had contacted social service agencies across the district to invite participation. This week, six members from 'Home Share' - a local group, went for a ride through McArthur Gardens in Pioneer Park.June laughed when one of the men asked if he could be taken to Bluff for some oysters.Bernie said the initiative helps strengthen community bonds and create lasting memories for elderly and disabled residents.“Our vision is to create a more connected and inclusive community where older people and those living with disability can continue to experience freedom, adventure and the joy of being outdoors,” she said. “Cycling Without Age Central Otago bridges that gap — offering the simple pleasure of a bike ride while restoring a sense of belonging, dignity and connection.”The trio marvelled at the roses in full bloom during their garden ride. Photo: The Central App.The trishaw is currently housed at Ranui Court Retirement Village and available for bookings.“Central Otago has a significant elderly population, many of whom face mobility barriers and limited opportunities for social engagement,” Bernie said. “The enthusiastic response to trial rides so farshows strong support from participants, whānau and volunteers alike.”The group hopes to secure funding to purchase more trishaws in future — one each for Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell. Each trishaw costs about $30,000 due to the design of the passenger bucket.The Home Share group plans to return for another ride in a fortnight. Anyone interested in volunteering or arranging a ride can contact Helen Thayer at [email protected]. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Talks on the proposed Regional Deal for inland Otago were back on the agenda on Monday (November 10) though members of the public weren’t invited to listen in.Representatives from the Central Otago District Council, Otago Regional Council, and Queenstown Lakes District Council met online for a workshop held under public exclusion.Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said the session was about getting any new committee members - of which there are “at least three” - up to speed on where negotiations with central government are at.According to the meeting agenda, discussions were closed to the public to avoid jeopardising the councils’ negotiating position with Wellington.It stated that while there is public interest in the deal’s development, premature release of information could lead to commentary that disadvantages the councils in negotiations — and could even risk the process being abandoned altogether.A new chair and deputy will be chosen at the committee’s first formal meeting next month.Former ORC chair Gretchen Robertson previously led the group, while Central Otago district councillor Tracy Paterson served as the committee’s deputy chair.Tracy continues this triennium alongside Tamah as the district council’s representatives to the group.The Regional Deal aims to secure long-term investment and coordinated planning and is one of three being negotiated for New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions. The region is pushing for new revenue-generating options such as a local visitor levy and mining royalties to ensure “growth pays for growth”; the upgrade and future-proofing of electricity supply (including grid extension, and rooftop solar and battery funding schemes for ratepayers); and a private-public health model that combines visitor/resident numbers for funding.In September consultant Conor English - the brother of former Minister of Finance and Southland MP Bill English - was appointed lead negotiator on behalf of the three councils.Read more: Conor English appointed to lead Regional Deal negotiations

The historic Speargrass Inn at Fruitlands is back on the market — and open to the public for the first time in years.Built in 1870 as a hotel, the property has also served as a restaurant and gallery. Its current owners, the Cubitt family of Dunedin, have used it as a holiday home since purchasing it in 2018.Interior designer Sandy Cubitt has spent recent years restoring the stone building — upgrading the whisky room, improving lighting and furniture, sealing the roof and stone walls, and installing new flooring.She and her husband Alan had planned to move in permanently before Covid-19, but chose to return to Dunedin to focus on their family businesses and spend more time with their grandchildren.“I just loved it there but I love Dunedin more. We’ve done a lot to it in seven years, working on the outside and the fencing,” Sandy said.Up until a few years ago, visitors would still arrive hoping for lunch or coffee, not realising it was now a private residence — Sandy said she found a couple innocently sitting in the bar one day, after she’d just come out of the shower.“It has been such a big project but it’s time for someone else to love it,” she said. “Everything is still in place to start it all up again,” referring to the still-consented commercial kitchen.Interior designer Sandy Cubitt has upgraded the historic building, sealing the roof, walls and floors and establishing fencing. Photo: Supplied.In 1986, a large restoration of the hotel was carried out by Jan Rasmussen, along with Bert and Annette Kemp - opening a year later as the Fruitlands Cafe and Gallery. It won both tourism and cuisine awards.Launched this week by Tall Poppy Central Otago, the property has a rateable value of $1.09 million. It includes the original gallery, a commercial kitchen with a chef’s residence above, two bedrooms, and a separate accommodation unit with three ensuite rooms, a whisky room, and established trees on 4500sqm of land.Tall Poppy owner Peter Hishon, who is marketing the property, said he remembers enjoying morning and afternoon teas there himself in the 1980s.“People used to drive out from Alex because there was nowhere else decent to go,” Peter said.In the 1990s, the Inn hosted countless birthday and Christmas parties and has remained an iconic part of Central Otago’s history.“It has great potential as a wedding venue,” Peter added. “There aren’t many other options in the area and Queenstown Lakes prices are exorbitant.”The historic Paddy’s Cottage in Fruitlands was also very popular when it went on the market earlier this year. Photo: Supplied.Real estate agent Dee Labes, also from Tall Poppy, said another historic Fruitlands property, Paddy’s Cottage, attracted more than 7700 views on Trade Me before selling for $580,000 in May.The Speargrass Inn will be open to the public this Saturday from 1–2pm, with wine and cheese available for visitors interested in seeing inside.“It’s early days but we expect a lot of interest,” Peter said.Fruitlands was once a thriving community in the early 1900s, home to two schools and 36 orchard lots. At its peak, 40,000 apple trees were planted on the Fruitlands estate, though only one crop was ever exported before harsh winters destroyed the orchards.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Lotto has jackpotted to $45 million for Wednesday's draw - but what would you do if you won it? While you might have a wishlist of houses, cars, travel and shopping, one financial adviser who has previously advised winners says there are a few things you should know.Tim Fairbrother, of Rival Wealth, said people who won were often in a state of disbelief initially.If you win when you're playing online, you will be sent a prize claim form.What do I do if the bubble bursts? Listen to No Stupid Questions with Susan EdmundsWinners with a physical ticket can take it to a shop they bought it from and fill out a form, or go to the Lotto head office in Auckland.In most cases, Lotto staff try to meet in person with winners to talk to them about what will happen (there is champagne offered).Winners are given a booklet that proclaims on the front "This is not a dream".In it, it offers tip on how to handle a life-changing amount of money.Secure the ticketFairbrother said many people spent some time carrying the ticket around before they claimed their win, because they almost could not believe it had happened."If you're telling everyone that you won but you haven't' secured your ticket then that can be a bit of a problem - perhaps if the ticket is suddenly not in the place you thought it was going to be."If you aren't going straight to claim, keep the ticket somewhere very safe.Deposit the money into a savings accountLotto advises that the money should be paid into an interest-earning account while you work out your next steps.If you win Powerball, it says, it can give you the details of the person at your bank who can help you with depositing the money.Some people do not want this to go through heir local branch.Think about who to tellLotto said people should carefully consider who they wanted to tell about their win.Fairbrother agreed. He said if it became common knowledge, the money could change people."Especially big amounts of money. It might not be you, it might be the people around you who suddenly have their hands out thinking 'man, this is going to be good for me'."People were likely to encourage winners to invest in various things, or spend their money in certain ways - he said these should be approached with caution.Have a planLotto advises that people think about what they want to do with their money, have a plan and list of goals and check in on it regularly.Fairbrother said people could work with an adviser to talk through their ideas and come up with a strategy."Make sure you have got the right accountant and lawyer so that you're getting your structure right for tax and optimising what that looks like."He said those discussions would usually involve talking to people about what was important to them."What are your overarching goals now you've won this money? It might be a million dollars, which is amazing. But it might be $44m, which is epically life-changing, isn't it?"If you're living in a $600,000 home you might want to go and extend the house, build a tennis court and swimming pool, or sell it altogether."How much do you want people to know this has happened to you? If you go and sell your $600,000 house and buy a $4m house, people are going to start asking questions.'An investment portfolio would be structured according to a person's wishes, he said.Some might want to invest in commercial property, or a residential development including a number of homes."Or it might be saying I don't want to deal with any of that, I'm just going to put it into a managed portfolio,. It's going to be a mix of those things and it's going to be a steep learning curve. You don't need to go about it quickly, there's no point rushing and doing things fast."Some purchases would be investments and others would depreciate, he said.Knowing the difference would help to make wealth last."I knew of someone many years ago before I was a financial adviser, who a significant amount in Lotto and basically within three years he had got rid of it all by buying expensive cars and not understanding those expensive cars are going to be depreciating assets."By the time you drive it off the lot it loses 20 percent or whatever, then two or three years later it is down 60 percent."Pay off debtIf you win a smaller amount than $44m, it usually makes sense to use it to pay off debt.Fairbrother said people with a mortgage would usually want to pay that off. "That puts them in a whole different financial position going forward into the future where they're now able to save each month as opposed to paying the bank for their mortgage."Be careful with giftingMany people wanted to give money to others, Fairbrother said, particularly to help their kids buy houses."If you want to give it, it's better to do what they call an interest-free loan payable on demand."That means if there are problems in the future with their own relationships or whatever they might be, you can ask them to pay the money back. If you give a couple $100,000 then as soon as it goes into their account it becomes relationship property whereas if you loan it to them then you can ask to have to back again in the future."Write a willFairbrother said as soon as people had that much money to their name, they needed to do some estate planning.A will would be essential to avoid disputes if something happened to them."You're not going to end up with your children arguing over the fact you promised them more for any particular reason."TaxLotto winners do not have to pay tax on their prize, as in some other countries.But they also cannot have it paid as an annual income, it has to be a lump sum.You don't have to declare it as income if you're getting a benefit unless you receive the accommodation supplement, temporary additional support or special benefit.But any income you make from your money will reduce your eligibility for support.

A Letts Gully resident has disputed council costs relating to an unfinished tyre wall at her Alexandra property.An independent hearings panel heard the case of Adrienne Lamb yesterday after she objected to a $3214 invoice from the Central Otago District Council for processing multiple resource consents connected to her property.The panel was chaired by Neil Gillespie with commissioners Ian Cooney and Tracy Paterson.Team leader – planning, Tanya Copeland, presented evidence outlining the council’s attempts to reach an agreement with Adrienne to construct a corrugated screening fence around the site.When the fence was not completed, leaving an exposed tyre wall, the property was found to be in breach of District Plan consent conditions, including rural colour palette provisions.Tanya said Adrienne declined to remove the tyre wall as an alternative solution, resulting in continued non-compliance between 2016 and 2025.She noted that council had not continued to charge monitoring costs “as an act of good faith.”Adrienne was first granted land use consent in 2016 for residential activity, travellers’ accommodation, and temporary tyre storage at the site.That consent required 32 conditions, including a tyre wall around the property boundary to screen proposed activities.A further consent in 2021 allowed the tyre wall, on the condition it be plaster-rendered within two years.When the rendering was not completed, Adrienne applied for another consent to remove that requirement. The application was publicly notified in April 2023 but later withdrawn in May this year.Tanya told the panel that interim invoicing for active resource consents has since been introduced to reduce outstanding payments.Adrienne’s formal objection, lodged in September, argued the council had incorrectly required her to lodge the variation application to address compliance issues.She said the consent process was not necessary, citing an earlier agreement to screen the tyres with a corrugated fence — a structure she believed was already permitted under the District Plan.Neil reminded Adrienne that the hearing was for an objection to costs and not the processes involved in the consenting.The hearings panel will release its decision within 15 working days.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Motorists travelling between Cromwell and Queenstown today (Tuesday, November 11) are being warned to expect an hour-long delay as blasting takes place at Nevis Bluff. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says explosives will be used as part of ongoing safety work to remove unstable rock approximately 100 metres above State Highway 6. “[The blasting] is vital to ensure the ongoing safety of road users,” a NZTA spokesperson said. Blasting to clear potential dangers at Central Otago’s Nevis Bluff this spring-summer season is due to conclude with a third and final blast session today at 1pm.The blasting will mean a one-hour delay, from 1pm to 2pm, for traffic on this affected area of State Highway 6.Video of the last blasting at the site can be viewed here.  Outside of blasting time today, drivers should still expect short delays of about 10 minutes when travelling past the bluff between 8am and 5pm.

High winds and rolling waves put miniature yachts - and their skippers - to the test during the DF95 Otago Radio Yacht Championship on Lake Dunstan at the weekend.Cromwell hosted approximately 20 sailers from across Otago and Canterbury for two days of competitive radio controlled racing on Friday and Saturday (November 7 and 8).It wasn’t all smooth sailing. “It was gusting 20-plus knots earlier this morning and we were racing. It was really hard yakka,” Cromwell Radio Yacht Squadron commodore Alexa Bell told The Central App between races offshore from the Cromwell Boat Club on Saturday afternoon. Radio controlled yachts race on Lake Dunstan in Cromwell. Image: The Central App“It was like ocean racing - literally, you’re boat is going up and down and you can hardly see it sometimes, but it’s a lot of fun.”Alexa said while some call them “toy boats” those who race them prefer “mini yachts”.“They’re like a large-scale yacht, but scaled way down,” she said.Imagine something similar to an America’s Cup race, just downsized, with racing manoeuvring controlled by sailors on shore using handheld transmitters.“You have two joysticks - a left and a right,” Alexa said.Sailors from across Otago and Canterbury compete in the DF95 Otago Radio Yacht Championship in Cromwell. Image: The Central App“One of them is the rudder and the other is the sails - both the mainsail and the port sail go together.“You’re probably getting into the water for $1,000.”Cromwell sailor Jonny Price said some of the weekend’s racers have full-sized yachts parked out the back of the boat club, but he came to the sport through a love of “playing with RC (radio controlled) cars”.“For a non-sailor, there’s quite a steep learning curve,” he said.“You’re using all the sailing rules - starboard has rights over a port boat, windward boat must keep clear; all that sort of stuff.”Jonny said the morning’s conditions had been “very challenging, with big waves and strong winds”.“That’s probably the extreme for what these little boats like to sail in.”Saturday afternoon saw the wind drop, allowing for some “good racing, in better conditions”, he said.The Cromwell Radio Yacht Squadron holds regular sailing sessions on Lake Dunstan near the boat club on Sundays over summer.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

A national trust helping young Kiwis chase their ice hockey goals has its roots in Alexandra.Pucks for Progress was founded out of Central Otago’s close-knit ice hockey community and aims to break down financial barriers for players representing their regions and New Zealand.The trust’s first national fundraiser is a raffle offering a seven-day trip for two to Vancouver to see the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks play live.Trust chair Michelle Wallis, who is based in Alexandra, said the goal was to ensure cost was never the reason a young player missed out.“Ice hockey in New Zealand is more than just a game, it’s a pathway,” Michelle said.“For many young Kiwis it opens doors - to friendships, travel, and international opportunities they never imagined possible. “Our players are achieving incredible things, but the costs of travel and tournaments can be overwhelming for families.”The launch follows a successful trip by a group of under-16 players from Central Otago who recently competed in Australia - part of a wave of youth players pushing the sport forward.Among them was Cromwell’s Liam Sangster, 14, who captained the Southern Spartans squad after earlier leading the New Zealand under-16 team across the Tasman. He said he loves the speed and teamwork of hockey - it’s physical like rugby, but with the passing and quick movement of basketball. “Everyone’s dream is to go to the NHL,” he said.“Being in New Zealand I don’t know how much of a possibility that is, but obviously everybody’s going to try."The chance to travel to Australia twice this year has given him valuable international ice time, where the play has been “full on” and motivating.According to the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation, player numbers grew by nine per cent in 2023, with more than 2,500 players registered nationwide, including 1,800 juniors and women.Funds from the raffle will go toward the development of young players and support for families facing high travel costs, as well as upgrades to community rink facilities.“This raffle is about giving back to the sport that gives us so much,” Michelle said. “Every ticket sold helps build the future of ice hockey in New Zealand - from grassroots to elite levels.”Tickets are available via www.galabid.com/nhl until November 24 2025. Only 3,500 tickets are being sold, with all proceeds going to authorised charitable purposes.Read more: Teens hold own at ‘all on’ Australian ice hockey compHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

There are two interesting heritage talks this month in the lead up to the Annual General Meeting of the Central Otago Heritage Trust.Dunedin-based fashion guru Dr Jane Malthus will share insights into the book that showcased Eden Hore’s glamours gowns, on November 12 at Central Stories.The book Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection was published in March this year and has sold so well it is being reprinted.The talk will feature a combination of biography and narratives by Jane and Claire Regnault, to learn about how the book came to fruition, and to share some of Eden’s interesting stories in the life he led in the Maniototo.Jane described Eden as a quietly spoken farmer, and someone brave enough to be himself.She said he embodied and boldly defied the stereotype of the ‘Southern Man,’ confidently forging his own idiosyncratic path through life. “He was an entrepreneur, really. In addition to having a keen interest in New Zealand high fashion, he wanted the collection to bring tourists to Naseby. “The book demonstrates the inextricable link between Eden, his fashion collection and the Central Otago landscape he so loved, and where he lived his entire life.”The late Eden Hore - still being talked about in both fashion and heritage circles. FILE SHOTThe process for writing the book started in 2023 and involved interviewing relatives of Eden Hore, his neighbours as well as other farmers in the district.“There was information from all over. Everyone had a story about going to visit his museum,” Jane said.“But it was hard to get any one truth, there were so many strands.”COHT will also hold a second heritage talk on November 26 on Rich history – Central Otago’s historical gold mine, with the AGM to follow straight after.Author Sophie Rogers will talk about how a high school research project became a historical romance novel. She will discuss what she discovered about Chinese-European relationships and marriages during Otago’s goldrush era. Sophie will also talk about where she sourced her information, and the challenges of weighing historical accuracy with entertaining fiction, plus the process of turning it into a novel.She published her first book, Nightshades and Paperwhites, in 2022 and is currently working on the sequel.Keep up to date with what is happening around Central Otago by looking at The Central App What's On guide. Full of fun and interesting things to do around Central.If you have something to promote click here.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

In New Zealand, having a legally valid and current will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after your death. Despite its significance, many people either delay making a will or forget to update it as life changes. This oversight can lead to unintended consequences, legal complications, financial reverberations and emotional stress for surviving family members.What Is a Will?A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets—such as property, money, and personal belongings—should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to:Appoint guardians for minor childrenName an executor to manage your estateExpress your wishes for funeral arrangementsWho Should Have a Will?In short, every person over the age of 18 years. You may not consider that your assets reach the threshold to justify creating a Will, however you probably have more than what you think. Almost all estates we deal with for persons under the age of 65 will likely involve Kiwisaver funds.Why Is It So Important?1. Avoiding Intestacy and Government ControlIf you die without a valid will (known as dying "intestate"), your estate is distributed according to the Administration Act 1969, which may not reflect your personal wishes. In some cases, your assets could even end up with the government if no eligible relatives are found.2. Protecting Your Loved OnesA will ensures that your spouse, children, and other dependents are provided for in the way you intend. Without one, blended families and stepchildren may face complex legal hurdles or be excluded entirely from inheritance.3. Appointing Guardians for ChildrenFor parents of young children, a will is crucial for nominating guardians. Without this, the Family Court decides who will care for your children, which may not align with your values or family dynamics.4. Minimising Disputes and DelaysA clear, legally valid will helps prevent family disputes and reduces the risk of claims under the Family Protection Act 1955. It also streamlines the probate process, saving time and legal costs.5. Tax and Asset PlanningProper estate planning through a will can help minimise tax liabilities and ensure that more of your estate goes to your chosen beneficiaries rather than to legal fees or taxes.Why Keeping Your Will Up to Date MattersLife changes—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, acquiring new assets, or relocating—can all affect how your estate should be distributed. In New Zealand, marriage automatically revokes a previous will, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce invalidates provisions related to your ex-partner, but separation does not. As life changes, so should your will.When Should You Review Your Will?The New Zealand Law Society recommends reviewing your will:Every five yearsAfter major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary)When acquiring or disposing of significant assetsIf you wish to change your executor or guardiansFinal ThoughtsCreating and maintaining an up-to-date will is not just a legal formality—it’s a powerful act of care and responsibility. It ensures your legacy is honoured, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is managed according to your values. Whether your assets are modest or substantial, a well-crafted will provides peace of mind and clarity during one of life’s most difficult transitions.If you don’t yet have a will, or haven’t updated yours recently, now is the time to speak with a lawyer. At Checketts McKay we can assist with all your estate planning needs. Get in touch with one of our lawyers who can create a Will which is tailored specifically to meet your needs. It’s one of the most important documents you’ll ever create.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing property expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme. All sponsored stories are reviewed to align with our values of community first, accuracy, and trusted people in our community reporting.

Cromwell motorists have been the main focus of parking enforcement efforts during the first three months of contracted parking warden duties in Central Otago.Central Otago District Council group manager infrastructure, planning and regulatory Quinton Penniall confirmed 215 infringement notices had been issued between August and October.The total value of fines issued was $8,690, with $5,843 collected to date.Quinton said the most common infringement type was overstaying allocated time limits.He said the focus remains on Cromwell, where initial enforcement began, but work is underway to review parking settings in Alexandra.“Following our parking survey, we’re looking at adjustments for Alexandra - locations and timeframes of time-restricted parking,” he said. “This will come to Council for approval in the new year.”Council’s parking enforcement is managed by Cougar Security, which provides services across both parking and animal control.One full-time staff member is split across both areas, with time allocated as needed, Quinton said.The council introduced contracted parking enforcement earlier this year after years of limited monitoring. It said the move followed public complaints about unsafe or inconsiderate parking, including vehicles blocking footpaths, yellow lines and mobility spaces.Read more: Parking fines coming - pp to $750 for rule-breakersHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Developers say future housing in Alexandra and Omakau could be stifled by increased development contributions, which in some cases have jumped more than 200% to keep up with infrastructure demands.Those spoken to in Omakau and Alexandra say that subdivisions granted under the new fees structure set by the Central Otago District Council in July 2025, will no longer make them financially viable.Alexandra developer Shanon Garden is part of a consortium that has two subdivisions underway along Dunstan Road.    Fortunately the company was able to proceed under the old policy, and he said development contributions were only $17,000 a section - now they have increased to $58,000.Shanon said it was no surprise there has been a huge jump in developments underway that were consented before the new fees came into effect.In Alexandra there is also Russell Ibbotson’s Molyneux Lifestyle Village (also on Dunstan Road), and Ngai Tahu’s subdivision on State Highway 8 in the Pines.But he expects there may not be any new developments for awhile, saying the new fees will just restrict further growth, unless land continues to increase in price.Shannon said developers in Alexandra will now have to pay contributions to council of between 11-15% of each land sale (while sections were priced around $500,000).He said this compares to only around 6-8% in Cromwell, with contributions increasing from $15,000 to just $34,000, and with much higher land prices ($600,000+) “This will accelerate the redistribution of growth away from Alexandra to Cromwell. Consequently it will starve Alex of employment, services, amenities, rates, events, whatever. I'd have thought as Alex is currently lagging behind, it needs support, not more headwinds imposed. I think this is a bad idea. “It has sent a strong signal to the developers who enable growth that Alexandra isn’t a place to take on new projects. It's hard to see any upside,” Shanon said.The new 14-lot consented subdivision in Omakau. SUPPLIED.Breen Construction has a new 14-lot residential subdivision underway in Omakau, and the company paid development contributions of $21,134 a section under the old policy.The expected sale price of the land is $350,000 and for a larger 2000sqm section; however if it had been consented under the new fees structure, the company would’ve had to pay $38,000 to council.  General manager of development Trevor Breen said the 3.2ha site on Cobham Street was consented and awaiting engineering approval. They are hoping to get the civil work underway before Christmas.But the company had to be clever with its subdivision design to make it work for the town, and to make it financially viable.Under the new fees structure the company wouldn’t have proceeded with its subdivision, because the numbers didn’t stack up.Trevor said the new development contributions will stifle growth in Omakau and across the district until there is a shift in land value.“You can’t dodge the costs so I think at a higher density the model works when the land value is higher like in Cromwell.”Mayor Tamah Alley said the updated Development Contributions (DCs) reflect the true cost of connecting new developments to council services. “Like many other local councils, we believe it’s appropriate that when new subdivisions or developments benefit from existing infrastructure funded by the community—or require infrastructure extensions—the cost should be met by those creating the demand.”She said importantly, DCs were ring-fenced. “This means that contributions paid in a specific area, such as Omakau, are allocated directly to infrastructure projects in that area—for example, water services.”When she first moved to the area, sections in Omakau were selling for around $60,000. Today, those same sections are closer to $300,000. “While that’s a strong return for landowners, it also means higher upfront costs for developers—which may explain why not everyone chooses to develop. “However, we don’t have to look far to see the consequences of infrastructure falling behind growth. “CODC is committed to ensuring the cost of growth is shared fairly and sustainably.”For context, Auckland City also increased its DCs last year, with contributions in Drury reaching $83,000 per housing unit and Tamaki rising to $119,000 per unit.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]