As 2024 wraps up we chat to Central Otago locals and newsmakers, reflecting on the year that was and what the season of Christmas means to them.

1. What has been the highlight of your year?

We have had some major fundraising events for our 2025 trip to Vietnam. These have become wonderful opportunities to showcase our school to the wider community. I’ve been so proud of how students have led so many of these activities and built skills in planning, public speaking and hosting events.  

2. What has been one lesson 2024 taught you?

Moving house is over rated! We moved into our new house in October, and it’s great to have a place of our own again. But the process of moving is as far from fun as it gets! 

3. What is something you achieved this year that you are proud of?

We finally finished our gym redevelopment. Well, almost! We still have the exterior paint to come. To have a top class fitness facility for our school community is fantastic. Our poor PE staff have had to teach outdoors for a year now so to finally get in teaching in the new space has been special. 

4. What has been the biggest change/challenge for you or your community this year?

There has been a lot of rapid and unexpected change in education. It is nothing we can’t handle, but at times the pace of change has been challenging. 

5. What was a moment of kindness you witnessed or experienced in your community?

When one of our head students lost her mum to cancer, the community support was incredible. Out of real tragedy came this real display of love and support. It was humbling and beautiful. For me, it was a reminder of how special rural communities are. 

6. What does Christmas mean to you?

Time for a break! I love Christmas and my family always tease me for wanting the tree up in November. I love everything about it - the carols, the food, the decorations. I also stockpile novels and build in plenty of reading time.

Most of all - it’s time for family. I’m very close to my family and really cherish the time we spend together at this time of year.

7. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas/New Years this year?

My family are all coming here and we will have a big BBQ for Christmas Day. We have both of our children home for Christmas which I’m super excited about.

We are planning lots of good eating, some time on our bikes and some work in the garden. I’m also training to walk the Camino in 2025, so plenty of walking is on the agenda! 

8. What are your hopes for your community for 2025?

I hope for all families that 2025 is full of calm and joy, and good health. I know many in our community are doing it tough and I hope that next year is brighter and better.  

9. If you could give one piece of advice going into 2025 what would it be?

Look after each other and don’t sweat the small stuff.