An air of optimism is swirling around Roxburgh as the Teviot Valley looks to go from strength to strength. 

The town has shaken off its unwarranted “rough” reputation, where once Central Otago children were threatened to behave or risk being sent to the “Roxburgh Health Camp”, many of us now make a joyful trip to fill our fridge with fresh produce and goods. 

Endemic Art Gallery’s Greg Slui, who moved to the town in 2003, says there is an air of optimism around Roxburgh and the Teviot Valley at the moment, with businesses opening on the back of renewed domestic tourism. 

The landscape photographer says Kiwis have discovered Central Otago. 

“It really seems that New Zealanders have discovered Central,” he says. “We never really relied on international tourists like Queenstown or Wanaka. 

“It’s really picking up strength after the recession and the riding trails have been absolutely fantastic. 

“You see quite a lot of people coming into town to ride and explore the cafes and shops.

“Last year, last summer, was quite good because there was that push for domestic tourism. 

“We are hoping for a good summer this year. It’s been very busy - there’s lots of small businesses popping up in town. 

“The old Four Square next door has been vacant for God knows how long, and that’s about to be a new business. 

“I can’t speak for all other businesses because of the pandemic, there have been some who have been hurt. 

“Roxburgh seems to be doing okay. It’s a lovely town and a beautiful part of the world.” 

The Government recently announced further funding to Central Otago Clutha Trails Limited - Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails. 

The funds, to the tune of $66,199, will go towards various trail repairs and maintenance work across both the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails. 

These include replacement of culverts, water table repairs and clearing of minor slips and slumps; bridge repairs; trail resurfacing; new interpretation and directional signage and removal of a dangerous tree. 

Jodi Gillam-Taylor, of Jerry’s Cherries near Roxburgh, says she is optimistic for summer but uncertainty exists around Covid-19 and labour shortages. 

She says while the tourist numbers may have dropped a little since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been more domestic tourism and stronger local support for businesses. 

“Tourists were a good part of the businesses before Covid, but we have had to adapt.”

“That means slimming down some product lines, or focusing elsewhere. 

“It’s all about changing and adapting, and that’s business. Change isn’t bad, in fact it can be a good thing.” 

Jodi and her partner Jered Tate moved to the area in 2015. Their orchard business is now growing as the pair move towards creating alcoholic beverages from their produce, such as schnapps, gin, whiskey and cider. 

Jodi says the main concern of her business is finding enough staff to get through the workload, with less fruit pickers and orchard workers on the labour market in general. 

“Our hope is to get most of the fruit off the trees this summer and get through the season,” she says. 

“The staff and the market are those two concerns, both influenced by Covid.” 

Jodi Gillam-Taylor and partner Jered Tate, of Jerry’s Cherries. 

Her partner Jered says the unknown is acting as the proverbial spanner in the works for any business, not just orchards. 

“The concern is Covid-19 rolling through and the government’s restrictive measures. 

“Domestically, stronger restrictions means small businesses, small markets, get shut down and that puts pressure on orchards. Then there’s export fruit and the unforeseen scenarios internationally. 

“The huge amounts of unknowns around those Covid-19 scenarios just put negative pressure on potential returns.” 

Photos: Rowan Schindler

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