Central Otago is truly one of the best places to live on Earth, and I’m not joking. 

New Zealand has lived through COVID-19 for over a year and has weathered the pandemic better than any. Central Otago has gone through it and could arguably be stronger for the journey. 

I’ve had conversations lately which makes me believe we are living in one of the best districts in arguably the safest country on the planet. 

Not only that, but things continue to look up for us at the moment. 

For one, I think the opening of the trans-Tasman travel bubble will bring economic benefits to New Zealand and Central Otago, though don’t expect results right away. 

Let’s all hope we have a good snow season and plenty of Aussies come over to ski our fields, drink our wine, eat our food, sleep in our accommodation and cycle our trails. 

On that, the announcement of the impending opening of the Lake Dunstan Trail could not come at a better time. 

Cycle trails, of which their value is undisputed, continue to prove their worth as a social and economic asset. 

To be able to cycle a region at a low cost is a joy for the traveller, and a boost for the local economy. 

To be able to cycle from Queenstown to Dunedin one day, would be astonishing. 

To be able to cycle all across Aotearoa New Zealand would be miraculous. Soon people will trade in their campervans for cycles and a lot of us will be better for it.  

The Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail opens May 8. Photo contributed. 

Unemployment in New Zealand has fallen as more people than ever exited the Benefit and entered jobs. 

Central Otago, according to Council, has a lower unemployment rate than almost anywhere else in the country. 

Indeed, many local businesses, especially horticulture, are crying out for more workers. The job section in The Central App is one of our most visited buttons. 

RSE workers can not come soon enough, and with the travel bubble opening, it is hoped they will not be far behind the Aussies. 

While we have all of this great news we are not entirely without our faults or troubles. 

Housing affordability will continue to be a problem for some time, and it is hoped cheaper housing may be able to attract more people to the region to take up more jobs and create more businesses. 

This is especially true for younger people, who are still likely to move away for opportunities and less likely to return. 

For me, as we enter winter I have an optimistic view looking forward. We have weathered the last year-and-a-bit under COVID-19 better than anyone else on the planet. 

In some regards we have come out stronger than before. 

The next 12 months will be an interesting time as it is hoped the world will slowly open up again.

Remember to have your say on shaping Central Otago Future - go to Framing our Future and give your opinion of where we should invest to improve Centrals future.