The Central App is under new ownership, with the “cap” being passed from its founder to the new owner this week. 

The Central App's creator, Marielle Craighead, is delighted The Central App will be in safe hands with local Vicki McLean. 

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"I am absolutely stoked Vicki has bought the App - her extensive knowledge and experience in media and marketing will ensure the continued growth of the App. 

"I will be staying on in the meantime to ensure a smooth transition - there's a lot to learn about running a seven day-a-week news media business and both Vicki and I are focussed on making sure the App keeps delivering the trusted local news and information our applings have come to rely on whilst Vicki becomes completely familiar with the day to day running of Central's favourite app. 

"The App was launched on 1 November 2016 and I am proud of what I have achieved during the last four years. 

"A huge thank you to everyone who has worked with me along the way - in particular Rowan Schindler and Mary Hinsen who have created a trusted, reliable news source. 

"I am also very grateful for the support the App has received from our applings - without you using the App and supporting our clients there would be no App. 

"And, of course, a huge thank you to all our clients for your support during the last 4 years. 

“Your marketing is in better hands now than it was with me - Vicki's knowledge is extensive and world class." 

The Central App changes hands from founder Marielle to Vicki Photo Rowan Schindler

Vicki said she is extremely excited for the opportunity and loves what The Central App represents. 

“The Central App is such a gift to the community - with today's fast paced society where we want to know and find things immediately it's such an asset to have one place where everything local is collated for you. 

“These days we need to click so many sites and places to find what to do, or where to go, we get confused about what is fake news and what is true - so I’m excited to have the opportunity to provide a service to the community that solves that problem in one click.”

Vicki has been in the media industry since New Zealand deregulated in the late 1980s. 

“I graduated from the Australian Institute of Television and Radio in 1988 and came back to Dunedin and started my first job as a radio announcer on 4XO in Dunedin.  

“I then worked my way up the corporate ladder and country working in Radio in Hawkes Bay, Taupo, Rotorua and Auckland. Then to Sydney.”

Vicki spent 16 years in the harbour city before Central Otago called her back. 

“Full circle done and it's a blessing to be home in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” she said. 

“I’ve had the benefit of being a part of many media models and future thinking around the globe, and with the current pandemic I believe the time for community and connection has become more important than ever.  

“It’s so nice to have a tool that can deliver local news, local events and ways to connect with the community.”

While she may have journeyed elsewhere in her career, Vicki’s heart was always in Central Otago. 

The McLean family has deep roots in the area. The Alexandra Blossom Festival has featured a marching McLean for the last two decades. 

The McLean’s have marched in every Alexandra Blossom Festival parade for the last 20 years. Pictured: Vicki McLean, with mother Margaret, and sister Tracey. 

Vicki’s mother, Margaret, started the local Alexandra team marching team, The Central Pioneers, 20 years ago.

The McLeans, her father’s side, originally came to Naseby in goldrush days from Scotland, Vicki explained. The World War One memorial in Naseby features Vicki’s great-uncle’s name. 

On her mum’s side, the Arthurs came from England to farm in the Ida Valley. 

“As a child we had a caravan permanently parked at the Naseby camping ground, so grew up spending summers at the dam, and the winters ice skating,” Vicki said. 

“I spent many of my holidays here in Alexandra as my parents moved from Dunedin to manage Centennial Court then bought in Ophir. 

“They moved back to Alexandra last year - my sister, nephews and nieces are all here also.”

Vicki brings a wealth of media experience to The Central App, and believes in the community focus the app specialises in.

“Yes, I spent 16 years based in Sydney but worked globally,” Vicki said.   

“It came (settling back in Central Otago) due to wanting a different lifestyle and time with family. 

“I just love the long summer evenings here and the space, hikes and community that bigger cities just can’t offer.”

As for her plans for the App, Vicki said the goal will always be the same.

“The plans are to keep simplifying our lives by providing relevant content that saves you time.”

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