The Central App has received its biggest update ever, with upgraded speed and load times, new buttons and new branding. 

The App’s brand promise of “be better” stands strong, with the app receiving a makeover in both the front and back end. 

Users will notice faster load times between screens and easier navigation. 

Fresh new images accompany the new branding, which takes inspiration from the clear skies of Central Otago, with plenty of “space” for everyone. 

The Central App owner Vicki McLean says the app has undergone a thorough rebranding as well as some fine-tuning done to the back-end. 

The Central App has had a complete overhaul. Google play store is live, Apple App store over the weekend.

When asked why the stars are part of the new look, Vicki explains “because the Southern Cross can be seen all year round it was used as a navigation tool, especially for those trying to find their way south”. 

“It is a symbol of location, destination and centrality,” she says.

“We felt this honoured our home here in Central Otago as the southern cross provides confidence in the ability to venture and expand and connect, but comfort and trust in knowing we are close to home.”

Gaze up at the sky above on a clear night in Central Otago and you’ll be rewarded with the sparkling wonder which is the Milky Way. 

“Amongst the billions of patterns and collections of stars shines the constellation of the Southern Cross; four bright stars form the outline, with another fainter star just below the crossbar,” Vicki says. 

The Central App’s branding uses the four stars of the Southern Cross as points of the app’s reach.

“The Central App has been around now for nearly five years and covid sped up the use of digital as a medium for information and delivering our everyday needs.

“More than ever, we are relying on our mobiles - not just for calling people and staying in touch, but also for banking, playing music, podcasts, asking ‘Mr Google’ questions, buying goods and services, the list goes on. 

Kiwis spend a staggering amount of their time on their devices and we feel lost without them.

“Mobile phones and digital services have become an extension of our lives,” Vicki says. 

“That is why we have worked on speed, and content. It has to be relevant and fast to find.  We want to hear "have you Central App'd it?"

“We want to make your lives a little bit better each and every day.”

We're working hard to be better, so you can too

The “Be Better” button is a major addition to the app, which will include articles, links, sources, quotes, and inspiration so every app user can find something that helps with anything from self-care, education to weekly guided meditation with Angela from Flow Space Yoga & Wellness Centre. 

“It's going to be a button full of surprise and delights, so keep checking it out, as it will grow with enriching content and experiences over the coming months.”

As part of encouraging us as a community to "Be Better" The Central App will roll out two campaigns to launch the additional button this month;

Dry July and Plastic Free July.

Journalist’s Mary Hinsen and Rowan Schindler will tackle the challenges and shed light on being a bit better in both these areas each week.

We wanted to be involved with Central Otago Drugs and Alcohol (CODA) and the Council to support "The Plan", Dry July and Plastic Free July as it fits the brand promise for The Central App to find unique ways to touch the hearts of people so they can be and do better for a better life.