The last long weekend for a few months was action packed for Central residents with family friendly winter events, arts and sporting success.

In Oturehua the Ida Valley Winter Art Show attracted hundreds of people and raised $1,666 for the Oturehua Hall. 

A spokesperson said it was an unbelievable success and he had plans to make the next edition even better.

“The goal of using the hall, creating a fun social activity for the community and supporting local artists, who earned 100 per cent of their sales, was achieved,” they said.

Sculptor Martin Sullivan took home the people’s choice award of $2,750 and gained an invitation to return next year. One of his pieces sold for over $15K during the weekend. 

The Central App client liaison Dorothy Boyd presenting Martin with the people’s choice award. Photo: Margaret Mitchell

Other local artists who displayed works were Tony Stanford Shields (landscape paintings), Birgit Krippner, Ruth Arnott (ceramics) and Debbie Moore (pastel landscapes).

The red shark is one of Martin’s pieces included in the show. Photo: Margaret Mitchell

The amount of art sold totalled $25K and one artist sold everything they exhibited. 

Read more: Ida Valley winter art show to help Oturehua Hall

Maniototo Adventure Park (MAP) and Alexandra’s Ice Inline both hosted ice skating discos.

A MAP spokesperson said ‘Lights on Ice’ on Friday evening was a huge success with fabulous costumes, colourful lights and a good turnout. 

Alexandra’s ice disco was split by ages allowing the smallest of skaters lots of room and to be home for an earlier bedtime.

The Alexandra Ice Skating Club (AISC) members grasped hands and gave tips to those wobbling on the ice and a DJ played Disney movie hits and well known bangers under the roof and under lights.

Maori health provider Uruuruwhenua Hauora provided free tickets, including skate hire for families. Photo: The Central App

WellSouth funding assisted Uruuruwhenua Hauora to hold the discos for tamariki and rangitahi. For the junior disco Matariki themed activities were provided, including free face painting and a sausage sizzle. 

In Naseby the Erewhon cup ice hockey tournament was held. Eleven teams from across the South Island entered (in two divisions), and games were played over four days.

The Erewhon Cup is one of the the oldest sports trophies in New Zealand, dating back to 1938.  

Six teams contesting division one (the Erewhon Cup) were Alexandra Flames, Whakatipu Goldrush, Ice Junkies, Gore Grizzlies, and the Dunedin Penguins. 

Six teams made up division two (Opawa Cup): the Maniototo Hawks, Alexandra Renegades, Gore Moonshiners, the Dunedin Bulls, the Wild (Christchurch), and Dunedin Beast.

The Alexandra Flames won all four pool games, made the final, but ended up losing 1-3 to the Dunedin Penguins. 

The players in the Alexandra Flames team on Saturday night, prior to what one player described as their “crushing” defeat. Photo: Supplied 

The Maniototo Hawks were runner up in the other division two (or B) final to the Dunedin Bulls (0 - 2), after also making it through pool play unbeaten. Photo: Supplied 

Next year the tournament will return to Tekapo. The competition is always played on an outdoor rink if possible. 

The Alexandra United Football Club (AUFC) men’s team clinched the Central Lakes Football league division one title winning 13 of their 14 games this season. 

They played the Queenstown Falcons at home (Pioneer Park) on Saturday. AUFC won the game 3 -0 and won the title for the first time in seven years.

Seasonal Solutions Alexandra. Photo: Santana Minerals CO Football League 

The Alexandra Armadillos played the Maniototo Maggots in Ranfurly on Saturday, losing by three points (18-15). Armadillos player and captain Tyler Ford was the first player to bring up 100 points during the season at this game. 

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