An Enviroschools teacher's hui in Cromwell last Thursday, attracted 22 educators from across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.Regional co-ordinator Chelsea Donnelly said the annual hui offered teachers from early childhood to secondary school level a refresher on the kaupapa and what resources were available to them.“Most of the teachers are key educators that have a key interest in Enviroschools, and our facilitators took them through a series of activities they could do with their students and staff.”They also heard from two Otago Regional Council staff about the mahi they do for the region and how schools can tap into their expertise and local knowledge. Catchment advisor Ollie Eden-Mann was among those who also gave an insight into their roles and the opportunities to connect tamariki with the wider regional mahi.Enviroschools facilitators Lucy Francke, back left, Nicky Grey, back right, Damian Foster, front left, and regional coordinator Chelsea Donnelly, front right. PHOTO: SuppliedThe third quest speaker was Julia Blackford, a plant-based specialist and food sustainability expert.Her work involves defining new product initiatives that are going to achieve behaviour change goals, understanding food systems and how we can rethink these so they are creating lower environmental impacts.She has also been working in the in the area of community food resilience. “Food resilience focuses on reframing our local food systems to one which will serve us in both short term crisis, or with longer term adaptation.”“Everyone present found Julia's presentation highly topical and it initiated a lot of discussion amongst the group of how to connect our tamariki and wider communities again with the art of growing our own food."Chelsea said it was important to show teachers that it shouldn’t have to be extra work being an Enviroschool, as there was funding to pay for teacher release time.The purpose of the day was also about connecting teachers with other environmental groups in their communities, so they can feel supported and know what is available to them.

Central motorists are being urged to “know your vehicle” ahead of the winter months.That was the message a team of GWD Toyota Alexandra mechanics passed on to the 11 people who attended a recent Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready workshop.The beginner course, organised by Central Otago Reap and presented by GWD, was designed to help people of all ages prepare their vehicle and ensure it was as safe as it could be in the lead up to winter.Emma McLean, of CO Reap, said the aim was to support people in the community to better understand their vehicle, know where things were such as tyre pressure readings, and to have confidence in their vehicle. Among the large range of aspects covered were the importance of topping up and changing fluids, wheel alignments, changing a tyre, and discussion around the other option of gloop, which is available in more modern cars - a product similar to what is used for bike tyres. Emma said the workshop was the perfect environment for people to ask questions.The free event, which took place on May 23, featured various stations where a car was set up so participants could try their hand at tasks and see what the mechanics were talking about under the bonnet.Participants watch on while GWD Toyota Alexandra technician Ishan Tennakoon completes a demonstration. PHOTO: CO ReapService manager Chris Morris and his team also talked about what to do during a breakdown, or when someone gets a flat tyre, along with the vital essentials people should have in their car, and allowing extra time so they can drive to the conditions.They also learned that warming up your vehicle for 10 minutes before setting off also adds more benefit than just a comfortable environment.“It also warms up the engine and ensures oil is circulated, and also ensures that the windows are all clear from frost and you have good vision,” Chris said.Another hint from the team of mechanics was to use the recirculate button for the heating to ensure air already heated is being circulated, not cold air from outside.Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready was the second workshop of its kind hosted by CO Reap, with the first one launched last spring.Emma said the plan was to offer them every six months.A mechanic’s emergency check list for your car:torch - one that doesn't require batteries (Phones have torches so have a charger in your car)gloves Raincoat - hi visblanketwater snacksTo learn more about courses and workshops offered through CO Reap, visit its website.

The Maniototo Community Board will meet for an extraordinary meeting tonight, Monday May 27, which could see the spelling of its ward altered.Members will meet online at 7pm to discuss whether Maniototo should be changed to Māniatoto, a move that has been backed by Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki.Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki is affiliated to two main hāpu groups of Kāi Tahu and are active participants in promoting the integrity of Kāi Tahu culture in the landscape.Suzanne Ellison, who is Rūnaka manager, has written a letter on behalf of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to Central Otago District Council (CODC) governance manager Wayne McEnteer requesting the change be madeShe said the Rūnaka has a long history of association with the Māniatoto area that predates the establishment of settler farms and the associated exclusion of ancestors from traditional places of occupation, Mahika kai gathering places as well as the trails that are used to connect coastal communities with their inland places of both permanent and seasonal settlement.“After consultation with the Rūnaka Executive Committee, and on the advice of our te reo experts, I am able to advise you that our Rūnaka is wholeheartedly of the view that the spelling on Maniototo should be corrected wherever it is used.”She urged the community board to “correct” the spelling for the ward to Māniatoto Ward as part of the Representation Review 2024.“We acknowledge that for some people the change from the familiar will be unwelcome, however giving meaning back to the name through the spelling correction seems the sensible and correct thing to do. Once an error in spelling has been identified then it does seem beholden on decision makers to rectify the mistake.”To listen to the meeting tune in via the CODC website.Read more: Representation survey questions up for discussion

Australia’s newest curling champions have been revealed following the country’s two-week-long national competition, hosted in Naseby.A full itinerary of events took place at Naseby’s indoor curling rink from May 13 to 22, to determine what teams would make it to their respective world championship events over the coming months.Australia’s national curling coach Perry Marshall said the event is always a “marathon”, given the amount of games that need to be played and the number of teams competing.There were 30 draws over 10 days.“[It’s] a lot of games over that period of time.”While that made for a hectic couple of weeks, the end result was always worth it, he said.“I was very pleased.“[There was] a lot of great curling out there, a lot of wonderful shots made from teams of all levels of skill and ability.”Ultimately, the best teams were brought to the forefront, or as Perry puts it “the cream rises to the top”.“And, I think we’ve done that very well with the teams representing Australia going forward.”The winners of the men’s and women’s pan continental will compete in Alberta, Canada in late October.Winners of the mixed fours will compete at the worlds in Aberdeen, Scotland in early October and the mixed doubles will compete at the worlds in April, next year, but a location has yet to be confirmed.For a full list of results visit Australia’s national curling website. Read more: Australian curlers converge on Naseby

The Dundass family of Alexandra have almost finished their seven-week specialised radiation treatment for daughter Mazie (2) in Atlanta, but it has been a tough ride.Mazie is fighting a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, Ependymoma, and her mother Haley said she was coping reasonably well to the treatment.She spends several hours every morning at the radiation centre across the road from where they are staying, five days a week, “and she’s still happy to go over every day without a fuss.”Mazie had a rough start with no appetite and all her taste buds had changed, but that was now under control, Haley said.“Fatigue has now kicked in and she has lost all her hair on the left-hand side of her head where the radiation is directed.”Five weeks into the treatment with just two and a half weeks to go, the three older children recently joined Haley and Todd in Atlanta so they could be together as a family, and make strong memories with their youngest daughter.“A big worry for us was coming over to the other side of the world and having to deal with all new medical staff, but the care here has been absolutely amazing, we are so well looked after which makes this difficult time so much easier. “We don't know if it's working or not, unfortunately we won't know this until it does or does not return in her life. Having radiation actually now puts Mazie at more risk of not only having her brain cancer come back, but a high chance of getting another two cancers through her lifetime.” The start of their journey to Atlanta also wasn’t great, with new scans on arrival finding another tumour, “and unfortunately best case for Mazie to beat this is with no tumours present before radiation starts.”Other parents staying at the apartments, run by an organisation called ‘Christophers Haven,’ for families of those having treatment, have been offering each other support as they each negotiate their children’s health struggles.“It’s amazing, truly lucky to be staying here and we’ve met some lovely families going through the same heartache.”Haley said the biggest day to day challenges throughout the whole journey was keeping up with everyday life and with their other children.“Life doesn't get put on hold while you navigate this process - it just carries on, and you have to keep going. Our life will now consist of constantly making memories with our little girl as we have no idea what is around the corner.”The treatment doesn’t stop for Mazie when she returns, either. Mazie (third, from left) with her siblings (from left), Hunter, Brydhi and Piper. PHOTO: SuppliedShe will continue to have multiple appointments and scans for the rest of her life.Haley said it was a strange feeling being that far away from home, and particularly in an American city not one most people would choose to visit as a holiday destination.“It’s very scary to be honest. Homeless people everywhere that constantly come up to you and follow you asking for money, people walking around carrying guns and knives and crime everywhere, you see it all day, every day.”But, the Dundass family have found ways to enjoy what little time they can spare their family in between Mazie’s treatment, including taking the kids for a trip to the zoo and aquarium.

Central Otago could soon have an extra regional councillor, as the Otago Regional Council (ORC) proposes to move one seat from Dunedin into the regions.Gary Kelliher (Alexandra), Michael Laws (Cromwell) and Alexa Forbes (Queenstown) make up the current Dunstan ward, but the ORC has now acknowledged the strength of population growth around Central Otago.At a meeting earlier this week, council agreed to consult with the public about the loss of a Dunedin councillor in favour of Dunstan.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said “we’re keen to hear what communities have to say about this proposed change and we’re not making up our minds until we hear what they say.”Staff will bring the formal initial proposal back to council at the end of June for notification, after which the community will be consulted on the structure of the region’s wards and number of councillors representing each ward on July 10. Should changes be made, they won’t come into effect until the next local government election in October 2025.Dunstan regional councillor Gary Kelliher said the growth across the constituency and especially in Wakatipu and Wānaka, meant that there now was a councillor numbers imbalance between Dunedin and Dunstan.The Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts covered many different communities and towns across a large geographical area, and councillors were expected to be available and talk through different issues.“You have to be familiar with the entire area,” Gary said.Cr Kelliher has accused the council of being Dunedin-centric in recent years, and said the new structure should create the rebalance that was needed for representation.Giving the Dunstan ward four councillors would mean that the increased population would have an additional voice at the table representing Dunstan issues that were important to people, he said.The Otago Regional Council ward areas. PHOTO: SuppliedThe last representation review for the ORC was completed in 2018. No changes were made to the existing constituencies or number of councillors. The ORC is made up of 12 councillors, elected from four constituencies:Dunstan                          3Moeraki                          1Molyneux                       2Dunedin                         6 The initial proposal will be brought back to the June council meeting for notification by the ORC. From there, the formal consultation and submissions process will follow. Council will then receive a final proposal for adoption, on September 25, 2024. 

Clear skies over Central are providing another Kodak moment as the moon starts to appear full this week.In recent weeks it was the Aurora Australis that left people in all corners of Central reaching for their cameras, but tonight it was the moon.An image taken by Kathy Smith from Juniper Close, Alexandra, shows the moon rising above the Knobby Range, dwarfing the town’s clock in the foreground.Tomorrow it will be full, so anyone who missed it rising tonight will get another chance to see it tomorrow, so long as the district gets another clear evening.The moon as it starts to appear over the mountain range. PHOTO: Kathy SmithAt the moment, it appears it could go either way.Tomorrow’s weather is predicted to feature a partly cloudy day, with a few morning showers and light winds, and a high of 8 degrees Celsius.However, a polar jet stream is on course to hit the South Island at the weekend, Niwa said.“Autumn is ending as it started - with below average temperatures.”The southerly change could also bring a period of gusty winds to some parts.Click on our Weather button to keep up to date and remember to check out Roads for conditions.

The Highlanders have praised grassroots rugby, referring to those who battled through last week’s snowstorm as “absolute legends”.As Matakanui Combined and Upper Clutha prepared to take to the field for Omakau’s Country Day on Saturday, snow began to fall, thick and fast.But, determination set in and the game went ahead, watched on by many spectators from the comfort of their vehicles.Those who did brave the sidelines captured some of the action on their phones, including Chris Pemberton whose footage found its way to the Highlanders’ marketing team and now features on the team’s Facebook page.Heavy snow fell throughout the game. PHOTO: Arna IrvineSpectators take to the sidelines to support Matakanui Combined and Upper Clutha during heavy snow on Saturday. PHOTO: Scott PollardHighlanders marketing manager Amanda Gould said the dedication from both teams to continue playing in the wintry conditions was a true characteristic of the region.She said the players showed “dogged determination, competitiveness and the desire to continue playing, not for yourself but for your team”.Amanda said while the Highlanders had experienced some “trying weather conditions” during their Carisbrook days and at other venues, she did not believe they had played in snow like Saturday's conditions.And, with a roof over the Highlanders’ home field at Forsyth Barr Stadium, it meant that is unlikely to happen in the future.She said teams are guided by the tournament manual as to what conditions they can play in.If weather started to impact the integrity of the fixture, match management would make the call to continue, or stop playing, she said.“However, once the game starts the team is always reluctant to call it without a result.”Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club president Steve Hore said there was no question whether or not the game would go ahead.“We were always going to keep playing.”The game finished with Upper Clutha taking home a win, with a final score of 34 - 13.But, the dedication both teams showed towards their sport and commitment to their teams in trying conditions was something they could be proud of.“We would expect nothing less from grassroots rugby in the Highlanders region - absolute legends,” Amanda said.The Highlanders are currently celebrating their 'club round', which offers all registered junior club players and their coaches throughout Otago, Central Otago, Southland and North Otago, free entry into the game.So far, there have been more than 1000 free tickets distributed.A large portion of those redemptions have been made by Otago country clubs this year, including those from smaller areas like Kurow, which have provided busses to get their players to the games. On Sunday, the Highlanders will play against Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 2.30pm, a fixture which has freed all Highlanders players up to get out on the junior rugby field on Saturday morning to ref junior club rugby.Read more: Heavy snow surrounds the ManiototoAs winter nears, don't forget to keep up to date with Weather & Reports via The Central App.

Teviot Valley Rest Home is getting closer to its dream of a redeveloped garden.The facility, based in Roxburgh, received $5000 in the latest round of Otago Community Trust (OCT) grants.A further $14,000 from the Central Lakes Trust means Friends of the Teviot Valley Rest Home, which is behind the garden redevelopment project, is just $2000 short of its target.Jenny Craig, who re-established Friends of the Teviot Valley Rest Home about a year ago, was grateful for the support the group had received.She said an area at the front of the rest home will be re-developed to include aspects like pathways and a seating area.“[We’ll] turn it into an area to make it very pleasant for the residents to use . . . just to encourage them and give them a nice outdoor area.”The support received so far means the group is almost ready to start work.“We’re only $2000 short now of our target of what we need, so we’re almost ready to go. It’s very exciting.”Jenny is one of four members on the Friends of the Teviot Valley Rest Home committee and welcomes more to join.The Otago Community Trust’s latest funding injection has benefited about 30 groups throughout the wider district to the tune of $756,276.It has been allocated to a diverse range of organisations and initiatives, which will empower local communities, bolster social services, promote arts and culture, and enhance educational opportunities.Among other groups within Central to benefit from the latest round of funding from OCT is the Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade, which received $20,000 to purchase a 4WD light support vehicle.Read more: Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade to get new 4WD

A burglary and fire are among the incidents that have kept Central police busy over the past week.In Cromwell, a commercial property in Ripponvale Road was broken into last week where a gun safe and electric bike were stolen.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the gun safe was recovered leaning up against a tree in a shelter belt the following day, but no access had been gained.The Trek e-bike was taken without its battery, and police said it appeared the offenders had gained entry through the back of the property.No forensic testing was carried out because it had been wet overnight, and Snr Const Perkins said the incident was quite an isolated one, as burglaries didn’t happen very often in Central Otago.Police and fire attended an incident at the Roxburgh Trotting Club on May 20 after a drum with rubbish inside caught fire.Snr Const Perkins said the incident happened after a function overnight and club members had gone back to clean up, “and it looks like cigarettes and ash have made it go up.”A member of the public alerted emergency services to the fire, which could be seen from the road.Snr Const Perkins said one moment’s inattention could’ve set the entire building ablaze, with dire consequences.A final message from police about winter road conditions following Central Otago’s snow day last week: four drivers were stopped and given a ticket for speeding and not driving to the conditions.Winter and foggy days are upon us, prompting a message from police to make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions, and your headlights are working. PHOTO: FileSnr Const Perkins said the roads have been slippery and some vehicles have been found with only one headlight working, which was unsafe, particularly on foggy days.Remember, lights on an hour before dawn and an hour before dusk.

A total of 245 vehicles coming into and leaving Alexandra on Friday night were stopped by police as part of a drink-driving blitz, and not one person was over the limit.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the checkpoint, on State Highway 8 before the golf course, found only four people who were all under 250mcg.Resources were brought in from Roxburgh and the rural police team, with a very positive result, he said.However, further north on the same night, a man was stopped driving 118km/hr between Pisa and Cromwell, with an excess breath alcohol reading of 367mcg.  He was given a $500 infringement fee and 50 demerit points.Earlier in the week on May 14, a motorist in the Cromwell Gorge was stopped by police after a member of the public reported him dangerously overtaking another vehicle.Snr Const Perkins said the incident happened in fog and he was located at McNulty Inlet, where police found his vehicle was not up to warrant of fitness standard.His car was green stickered and he was also given a ticket for the dangerous manoeuvre.  Snr Const Perkins said his tyres were bald and the vehicle had a cracked windscreen, which would’ve impaired his vision.On Saturday night two people were processed for drinking driving after leaving a Cromwell pub, which police said was starting to become a common occurrence from patrons at that particular establishment.“If you are seen leaving a hotel in a vehicle, you will be stopped,” Const Perkins said.

Line dancing has traditionally been done behind closed doors, but now the clubs are filling up and in Australia they do it in the streets.It was Alexandra's turn to host a Line dancing social on Saturday, which attracted 120 participants from all over the South Island.Held in the Terrace School Hall and led by local instructor Cherie Nicolson, they were busting out the Charleston and many other waltz and box steps at the weekend.The Alexandra club has about 35 active members who practice up to three times a week under Cherie, who has been dancing for 25 years.Cherie was taught by Barbara McCabe who first started the Alexandra club, which incorporates members from Clyde and Cromwell as well.“It brings everybody together. It’s a real friendship thing,” she said.Alexandra Line Dancing club instructor Cherie Nicholson (centre) with members Donna Bain (left) and Julie Davie.Line dancing has different levels depending on how technical the dance is, with participants starting at beginner and working through into improver, intermediate, high intermediate and advanced.Club member Julie Davie said it was very popular in Australia where there are competitions, but in New Zealand it was more recreational, with socials held around the country most weekends.A good line dancing space needs plenty of room and a good soft floor - no partners are required, and at the weekend’s social there were at least 10 men involved as well.Line dancers kick their heels up in Alexandra during a gathering last weekend. VIDEO: The Central AppComing from Darfield, Nelson, Invercargill, Oamaru, Mosgiel and Bannockburn, there were many groups of women from all ages, along with a few young males in their 30s right up to 70s.Julie is a retired nurse who lives in Clyde and now has a group of five on her street involved every week. The husbands come too but they make the afternoon tea.Cherie said line dancing used to have such a stigma and wasn’t often talked about, but some clubs such as Darfield now have waiting lists of people wanting to join and learn the moves.“In Tamworth they had 6000 people doing it in the streets,” she said.

An early learning provider is answering the call from young families who are desperately searching for childcare options in Central Otago.A shortage of childcare availability across the district has prompted Barnardos Early Learning to reach out to people in the community who might be interested in becoming an in-home provider.Barnardos Early Learning service delivery manager Rebecca Chatwin said the not-for-profit organisation’s priority has been to expand its home-based network.The service provides care for up to four tamariki in a familiar home environment, allowing for smaller groups and an individualised approach.Barnardos is recruiting new home-based educators in Roxburgh, Clyde and Alexandra, as well as in Wānaka, Hāwea and Queenstown.Rebecca was hopeful there could eventually be someone in each of those towns.“While having educators in every town might not be immediately achievable, it’s definitely our long-term vision. By actively recruiting and expanding our network, we aim to provide whānau in all Central Otago communities with access to early learning options, regardless of their location.”The move comes following a shortage of availability at some of the district’s early childhood centres.Among those with waitlists is Alexandra’s Little Oaks Early Learning Centre, which is full until the end of next year.Barnardos is working to recruit more in-home education providers to help ease the pressure on young families, and education centres across Central. PHOTO: BarnardosBestStart Alexandra also has a wait list and is regularly fielding requests from parents.A spokesperson for the centre said some parents are signing their child up before it is born in the hope of getting in.“More centres are definitely needed. It’s really difficult for parents.“My heart really goes out to parents that have jobs waiting for them.”Central Otago Reap educator Shona Bain said through her Strengthening Families role she comes across a lot of parents who need and want to return to work.She said in many cases the dad works, while the mum is at home with a young one.As a result, people are tightening their belts.She said the range of courses she offers, such as sewing classes, were often filling up as people looked at ways to save money.Shona was pleased to see Barnardos working to improve the situation.“I think it’s fantastic to meet the needs of our community. It will make all the difference for all these families that are on my books.”Barnardos has hosted information sessions for potential home-based educators in Alexandra and Wānaka over recent weeks, and the response has been positive, Rebecca said.“Several individuals are currently in the application process, and we’re confident these sessions will contribute to a growing network of passionate educators in Central Otago.”People who want to become a Barnardos Early Learning home-based educator need a passion for inspiring young children through daily activities, and a commitment to creating a positive difference for families.They will also need to provide a home environment that meets health and safety requirements, and a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care qualification - or be willing to enter a training programme to obtain one while working.Visit the Barnardos Early Learning website to find out more or phone 0800 227 627.

Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade is one step closer to adding a new 4WD light support vehicle to its fleet.The brigade received $20,000 in the latest round of Otago Community Trust grants to go towards the purchase.Project convenor for the purchase of the new vehicle Ewan Mason said the vehicle would serve multiple purposes, including in a support role.“When one of our main trucks goes out this will likely accompany it.”He said it would also be used to help control traffic, transport more people to an incident and act as a front runner to a medical call out.“It doesn’t have a set function.“This new vehicle, with custom built deckhand lockers, will allow the firefighters improved access to more remote and often difficult locations.”The fire brigade covers a large area of the Maniototo, which includes about half way down the Pig Route (SH85), and towards Danseys Pass, Middlemarch and Becks when required. Ewan said the new vehicle, which he hoped could arrive in August, would allow the crew to “keep up with the times” and would replace a similar vehicle it has on loan by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.The Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade started its acquisition project last May, which meant placing an order, making the purchase and turning it into a fire unit.Otago Community Trust noted in a statement earlier this week the investment recognises the vital role played by volunteer firefighters in ensuring the safety and preparedness of rural communities.The trust’s latest funding round has injected a combined $756,276 into the Otago area, benefiting a diverse range of organisations and initiatives.Its aim is to empower local communities, bolster social services, promote arts and culture, and enhance educational opportunities.

Australia’s elite curlers have descended on Naseby this week, each keen to return home with the title of national champ.The remote Central Otago town’s indoor curling rink has been a drawcard for Curling Australia’s national finals each year since about 2005.And, this year is no exception with about 60 people arriving in the town for the series of competitions taking place until Saturday, May 25.The Central App caught up with technical delegate and Australia’s national curling coach Perry Marshall between games.Brad Patterson throws a stone while warming up ahead of a game. PHOTO: The Central AppHe said Australia’s top curlers travel to Naseby for competitions annually, due to their homeland not having a dedicated facility.“It’s been a long tradition.”In Australia, curlers play on arena ice, which is dedicated to the likes of ice hockey and figure skating. Ice made specifically for curling is different, something Reece Aiken, of Dunedin, specialises in.He has been in Naseby this week, also, to make sure the ice is in prime condition between matches.Andrew Collins, who is in Team Bence, has a training run before competing in Naseby on Tuesday. VIDEO: The Central AppHis expertise will not go unnoticed by those who are competing in the nationals this week, which features four championships - men’s, women’s, mixed fours and mixed doubles. There are four women’s teams, seven men’s, eight in the mixed fours and six in the mixed doubles, all hailing from around Australia.Three draws are played each day, allowing Reece time between to make any adjustments required.“An ice maker’s job is never done,” Perry said.Perry’s role with Curling Australia is not one he takes for granted.“I get to see all of our best curlers curl and make sure they have a great event.”Winners from each category will go on to compete at their respective world events, the first of which is mixed fours taking place in October, followed by the pan continental.Results are posted on curlingzone.com and the Curling Australia website, where the games are also streamed.

Vanuatuan fruit pickers are finally starting to head home after Air Vanuatu went into voluntary liquidation.Seasonal Solutions Cooperative (SSCO) has been working hard to find alternative flights on Fiji Airways and Solomon Airlines for many of those who had been left stranded.SSCO board director James Dicey said it had been a difficult process to get everyone home as there was only so much space on flights.“There are some pretty sad guys out there who are eager to get home. They’ve missed births, there have been divorces, all sorts of things but they just carry on. That’s normal life.”Nationally there were 213 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers waiting on flights, with 85 of these in the south. Air Vanuatu cancelled all of its international flights for a week last Saturday as the company went into liquidation. The Vanuatuan government was assisting the airline carrier on its finances.This was not the first time there had been issues with flights, with Air New Zealand temporarily suspending their regular schedule into Vanuatu in 2016, citing runway issues.Air Vanuatu has also cancelled flights in the past due to mechanical problems.“The logistics of getting the boys home is difficult. It has always been a difficult process.”James said on his vineyard he had left it up to the crew to sort amongst themselves who should go home first, prioritising those with wives and children.The first group of 11 will leave on Monday, followed by another group of 29 a few days later. A few more were still sorting out visas.SSCO and other RSE contractors were working with orchard workers to continue providing pastoral care, to ensure they had enough food and money to stay in New Zealand while they waited for flights home.

Commissioners involved in a hearing at Millers Flat for the proposed Hawkeswood Mining project were not impressed yesterday about the company carrying out earthworks without any consents.Led by Louise Taylor, Rosalind Day-Cleavin and Craig Welsh, the panel questioned the lawyer Jeremy Brabant about the earthworks, on day one of the hearing.Jeremy replied that the ‘why’ was irrelevant in the current context of the application and said the panel’s decision-making process shouldn’t be influenced by what had happened in the past.The panel further prompted the lawyer about their concerns with the company’s commitment to rehabilitating the site.“It wasn’t a good start to the process . . . hopefully the site looks a lot better than it does now,” Louise said.Hawkeswood Mining Ltd expects to create up to 30 jobs and inject an estimated $5 to $7 million annually into the local community with its gold mine on the banks of the Clutha Mata-Au River.Aiming to be operational by August 1, the project received more than 470 submissions, the majority of which were in support, but both the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Central Otago District Council (CODC) consultant planners recommended it be declined.Jeremy said the company aimed to return the land to pastoral use after it had finished, “and was certainly not darting around its responsibilities.”He said the company was also very open about ongoing consultation with affected parties such as iwi, and rehabilitation work would be ongoing throughout the 10-year project.Hawkeswood Mining first applied for a discretionary consent in 2022, for a two-hectare mine over a period of five years.This was - by request of the applicant - publicly notified by the ORC and CODC in 2023.Hawkeswood Mining then paused the application to make amendments - extending the proposed mine to cover approximately 10 hectares for a period of 10 years.The councils determined a new application needed to be made due to the significant increase in the intensity and scale of the activity.A CODC document show the unconsented work had exceeded the district plan allowance by 2118m3 and the company admitted it was an oversight by its survey team.Hawkeswood Mining is seeking consent to use the land as well as to take water, and discharge water to land only, with no risk of contaminants being discharged to water.

Central Otago police are disappointed at the high number of drink drivers caught in and around Alexandra over the past four days.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said seven men have been processed for excess breath and blood alcohol levels since Thursday last week.On May 9, a 20-year-old man was stopped on Brandon St with a reading of 440mcg. He elected for a blood test, which took hours longer to process.Snr Const Perkins said because of his aggressive nature, Omakau Police were called to assist.And, while that was happening police also received a call to Fruitlands where a disqualified driver crashed into another vehicle and had an excess breath alcohol level of 508mcg.Because Alexandra and Omakau officers were busy in Alexandra, Cromwell police had to attend the incident.On May 10, the rural liaison team stopped seven drivers for speeding, and a 23-year-old man returned a reading of 400mcg after he was pulled into the Millers Flat Tavern.In Omakau on the same day a 19-year-old Alexandra youth was stopped by police and his excess breath alcohol level was 250mcg (the limit being 0mcg under 20).On May 11 in Ranfurly, following a rugby game, two men were stopped for drink driving, and both blew 400mcg and were given infringement notices.Finally, on Sunday night, May 12, a 42-year-old motorist who was seen weaving on the road by a member of the public, was stopped in Fox St, Alexandra, and blew 474mcg. He also opted for a blood alcohol reading at the hospital.Snr Const Perkins said what people didn’t realise was because alcohol takes a while to metabolise, a blood alcohol reading two to three hours later could actually end up being higher.The seven drink driving incidents were all from people from different ages and “all walks of life,” and were endangering people’s lives by being on the road, he said.“Police are out there, anywhere, anytime. Country people die on country roads. Our police are at random spots and are getting results that we don’t want to have. But, we’re getting people off the roads.”

A new Abbeyfield 14-bedroom shared house could be built in Alexandra by the end of 2026.The formal steering committee for the Abbeyfield housing proposal is now in the process of becoming a registered charity.Alexandra Council of Social Services (ACSS) secretary Carole Gillions said once the charitable trust is formed they can start with funding applications for the proposed $4 million elderly persons facility.“We’re building a membership and looking for key stakeholders,” she said.Land had been secured that was walking distance and within 1km of local services, but the committee was still working with the developer as it went through a subdivision process. ACSS secretary Carole Gillions looks over plans for the proposed Abbeyfield development in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppAbbeyfield was an innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence, but enjoy the company of others, including shared meals.Research showed elderly people were vulnerable living on their own as they got older, and the Abbeyfield concept enabled both independence and security.There were currently two other houses in the lower South Island - Wakatipu and Dunedin, with three in Christchurch and four in Nelson.The idea for the rental accommodation followed two community huis - the first one back in 2018, that identified a strong need for more elderly persons housing in the town.ACSS carried out a survey for over 65s in Alexandra in 2023 which showed 60 out of the 300+ people were interested in shared housing.Carole Gillions introduced the Abbeyfield concept to the ACSS in 2023, and once the steering committee was formed, it also gained consent from the parent body to go ahead with the proposal.The steering committee was made up of Cathy Wagstaff, Marie Roxburgh, Helen Adair and Dr Bill Kaye-Blake.Funding for the development would be both on a local and national level, and each of the 14 residents would have their own private space including an outdoor area.“Abbeyfield New Zealand have been amazing to work with and given us that support to get to the next step,” Carole said.