The Central App popped onto our phones November 1 2016 and today it is a must-have for all Central Otago residents and visitors as the online world evolves.

With a new owner at the end of 2020 came new energy. The App is moving forward to the next stage of its evolution, while keeping its core foundations the same.

The Central App owner and chief, Vicki McLean, says the business she bought from founder Marielle Craighead is continuing to go forward in leaps and bounds.

The App fast became the place of reference for locals as the most reliable tool for up-to-date accurate information thanks to the team of reporters who live, work and play in our community. 

In 2020, the number of readers using the app regularly jumped to 22,573, with the number of sessions amounting to 692,398 - over 2,000 individual sessions per day. 

Astonishingly, page views numbered 3,557,813 for the year.

In the beginning of 2020 the development of the website to accompany the mobile app was a major boost, and is expected to fuel growth now that content is discoverable via Google Search and more easily shared on social media. 

Given the App can be accessed and fully discoverable on both desk-top and mobile, it is accessible to everyone in the community, wherever they are.  

The Central App has built upon the strong foundations of the past and is aiming for greater things in 2021. 

“Digital moved forward three years in three months due to the pandemic, staying home meant we needed to bank online, many had groceries delivered online, and most businesses adapted to these customer needs,” says Vicki.

“We can update anything on the App quickly and provide push notifications if something is important that the community needs to know urgently.

“Like with the recent floods, we were able to update information as it came in from our trusted sources, so locals could see what roads were closed, what areas in our region were required to conserve and/or boil their water.

“It's a service we are able to provide to keep the community safe, knowledgeable and connected."

Things aren’t slowing down. In a recent article Vicki says she was surprised by the numbers of readers who relied on the App.

“I had to look a number of times to check the statistics showing those who have the App on their phone and use it weekly were correct,” Vicki says.

Vicki McLean says The Central App is now looking at ways to better support advertisers, community and local events. Vicki (left) with her Mother, Margaret Mclean and sister Tracey McLean after marching at the Alexandra blossom festival parade 2020.

Vicki says a vital part of keeping The Central App running is the support of advertisers, who are all local businesses.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our advertisers; our advertisers help keep this tool free for everyone to use," she says. 

Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan is a supporter of The Central App, and council takes advantage of the App’s ability to communicate directly with the public.

“I find The App a very useful tool in my role as Mayor for communicating with the public. It’s a very fast means of getting messages out to a wide number and range of people.” Mayor Tim says.

Vicki says the App is here to stay. This year is not about changing anything, rather doing all we can as a team of four to continue the momentum achieved to date and provide all the information you need as a local or visitor to Central Otago.

Vicki says collaboration between the network of Apps is also planned.

“We are one of a network of community focused apps in NZ and we are fortunate to have the key person, (Tony O’Regan) who brought the concept to New Zealand, down the road in Wanaka; he also owns the Wanaka App with his wife Pippa. Central Otago, Wanaka, Queenstown and Southland Apps have recently formed an agreement to collaborate with relevant and regional news and events while also providing businesses greater exposure to a wider audience if desired."

Vicki says she wants to work more closely with local business clients to help them form unique campaigns that deliver results and provide them the tools and advice to simplify their marketing where possible. 

With 30 years of global media marketing and sales experience there is no doubt she can achieve this.

If you are, or know someone, in business, The Central App is offering a free simple to use 2021 marketing planning tool - simply Contact Us and provide your details.