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.

Mischa Thomlinson, Cromwell musician making waves

1. What has been the highlight of your year?

Going to America and performing 'At Last' by Etta James at The California Center for the Arts, in Escondido, San Diego.              

2. What has been one lesson 2024 taught you?

You can achieve your dreams if you work hard. I have always wanted to sing in America and never thought I would accomplish this by the age of 14.     

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

Getting 2 songs I wrote recorded and released on music platforms Spotify and Apple Music thanks to Play It Strange.     

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

Learning to not put too much pressure on myself.   

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

The people that were so willing to help with my fundraising to get to America by coming to performances, buying raffles, making donations to my Give a Little page and words of encouragement.    

6. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas means spending time with family and remembering all good things from the year and looking forward to the future.  

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

For Christmas this year I am going to enjoy being home with my family in Cromwell and spending lots of time at the lake.  

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

In 2025 I hope to keep writing songs and sharing my original music with the world. 

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

My advice would be to embrace the opportunity to learn something new and make your dreams a reality.