At the end of each month we take a look at what made headlines over recent weeks. Here's a snapshot of what happened in February.

What’s hot . . .

Buying a castle in Central Otago - the 1920s Earnscleugh Station homestead is up for sale and looking for some love.

Featuring eight bedrooms, a snooker room, and a swimming pool with the option of either 11.3ha of land or 22.1ha, this has to be a fantastic new project for someone.

What’s also hot . . .

Olympic medalists Zoi Sadowski-Sinnott and Nico Porteous.

Watching those young athletes perform amazing tricks on the snow has been the perfect distraction from Covid-19.

Zoi Sadowski-Sinnott was among the winter oplympians who had us sitting in suspense during the Winter Olympics throughout February. PHOTO: Supplied

What’s not so hot . . .

The Omicron virus has hit Central Otago with a reported nine community cases. Two of those are teachers from Dunstan High School, who remain at home in isolation.

Principal of Dunstan High, Reece Goldsmith informed the school community through a newsletter to parents. "We will continue to keep those at Dunstan safe and informed"

All of us know it is only a matter of time before we or someone we know is at home in isolation due to Omicron. Be kind, and have your Covid-19 plan ready.

It has been a good month for . . .

The Central Otago District, which has topped the list of the country’s 31 regions for growth in total visitor spend for 2021, despite the challenges facing tourism from Covid-19.

The region recorded 19.3% growth in spend compared with 2020, putting it well ahead of the national average of 4%.

With all of our cycle trails, sunshine and wide open spaces, Central Otago is the place to be right now.

It has been a month for . . .

Millers Flat resident Colin Bayne who lost many of his prized motorbikes in a huge fire last week.

An accident involving a welding machine and an aerosol can meant all but one of his seven Honda motorcycles were destroyed in the huge blaze, but luckily he was able to escape out a side door.

You said it . . .

“This is not the time to pull off all of our armour, right when the enemy is right on our doorstep,” - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in relation to vaccine mandates.

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