The Central App celebrates its seventh anniversary this week, prompting owner Vicki McLean to look to the future, not just the past.

Vicki, who has 30 years experience in the media industry, bought the business three years ago.

She was keen to move on from the corporate scene, so when the opportunity to buy The Central App presented itself, she embraced the opportunity and, ultimately, swapped the bright lights of Sydney for Central Otago.

“To now own my own media business, be it small, means we can feel and hear what the people need and adapt quickly- and having an app to provide honest and reliable information for the community was a no brainer.”

She enjoys the autonomy of working with the people she wants to work with - “like-minded business people and our dedicated team - it just makes it fun for all involved”.

Vicki believes the opportunity to own The Central App came at “the right time”.

“Before Covid, digital and QR codes had slowed down and for most it was not understood. So it's not a surprise to see we have grown over 100% in readership in the last three years. We also have our readers staying longer, and checking The Central App more regularly,” she said.

Last month's stats showed The Central App is downloaded on 50,043 mobile phones.

Between the app and website there are more than half a million page views a month, and is viewed by more than 14,000 people. 

“It's really outstanding and we are truly grateful for the locals' support. 

“Let’s not forget the foresight of people like Tony O'Regan who started iappnetwork and is the founder of Wanaka App with his wife Pippa. 

“Also, Marielle Craighead, whose blood,sweat and tears went into The Central App’s first four years to reach a foundation safe enough to build upon.”

Vicki said, now, with a strong team of seven locals working as one, we should all take the credit for putting up the stories that resonate with locals, and providing a service that keeps everyone in the know, and safe in Central Otago.

She said there was still a lot to look forward to and exciting developments on the agenda.

“We have grown so quickly, that now it's time to take stock of what we have, and make it even better. With our talented team members we are poised for reaching our vision of being the first choice for local news and information in Central Otago.”

There is a new website upgrade on the way, and as technology improves, so too will our service to you, she said. 

One of the questions Vicki is asked a lot is “how do we fund The Central App”?  

She said 98% of the funding is from those who advertise with us. All local small businesses.

“We ask you to support them, as they are the ones who give us the opportunity to provide your trustworthy news and information to you for free.   

“There is no question it costs a lot of money and energy to deliver a platform like The Central App. 

“We all have days where we ask ourselves 'Does anyone really care what we are doing'? Then out of nowhere an email will arrive to thank us for helping an event attract record numbers, or to say a dog was found thanks to our story, or for allowing someone to have a voice.”

Vicki says they are just some of the reasons we do what we do - and love what we do.

Remember, you can contact us with any news tips or feedback. We’d love to hear from you!