We are continuing our ‘Five minutes with…’ summer series, where we slow down the pace to celebrate some of the people who make our district tick.

We’ve put the same five questions to a range of residents to find out a bit more about who they are and get their unique take on life in our region.

Today, we catch up with Pisa Moorings resident and Cromwell Community Board member Wally Sanford, who at the end of 2025 rolled his sleeves up and organised a weeding working bee at an overgrown state highway roundabout that had been creating a community headache.

1. What was one of your very first jobs, and what did it teach you?

Wally: Agricultural contracting. Working between fencing, hay/baleage, ground works etc taught me how quickly you can pick up different skills if you give yourself the chance. 

2. When the holiday crowds arrive, where is your secret spot to escape the heat?

Wally: In my garage. Full insulation was a great idea! 

3. It’s peak stone fruit season: Cherries, apricots, peaches or nectarines - you can only pick one. Which is it and what's your favourite way to eat it?

Wally: Cherries right off our trees (An average apricot is really bad, but a really good one is amazing though).

4. What is a hidden talent or weird party trick that nobody expects from you?

Wally: I know the McDonald’s kiwi burger song off by heart and can kind of walk on my hands. 

5. Complete this sentence: "You know you’re a local in Central Otago when..."

Wally: You complain about how cloudy it is, but can still see the top of Mt Pisa - that’s not cloudy!