Views on how willow trees could and should be managed throughout the Manuherekia Catchment were heard in Omakau last week.The session, which was funded by the Ministry for the Environment, allowed everyone to be part of the conversation on willow management, while also helping the group prioritise sites for action.The Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) hosted a public workshop at the Omakau Rugby Clubrooms on Wednesday, an event that attracted about a dozen people, keen to share their knowledge and opinions.MCG general manager Clare Hadley hosted the event alongside Sally Dicey and Mike Thorsen, both of Whirika Consulting in Dunedin.Clare said the input from the public had been good, with many keen to look at the detailed LiDAR data technology displayed on a big screen tv, which showcased where willows were located.The group said the aim was to get the community to provide input so they could understand community priorities and perspectives.Clare said the drop-in session was not designed to brand all willows as bad.A willow in the right place was a good thing, she said.But, a willow in the wrong place could be problematic, she added.In some cases, willows could consume a lot of water, ultimately affecting waterways, while also providing cover for trout, which can create a negative environment for Galaxias anomalus.However, a willow tree in the right place could also be a good thing, such as providing shelter.They are also good for long finned eel, as willows protect their habitat.Mike said while willows do not self-seed, a twig flowing down stream can re-establish itself.Willow leaves can also impact water quality by smothering organic matter, which affects the food chain and sucks the oxygen out of the water.Another negative was when willows choke up waterways, causing creeks to flood, break their banks, and affect crops.However, the group acknowledged there was a flip side, whereby if the wrong trees were removed, it could create instability.The MCG will now look at developing a strategic plan on willow management, based on the feedback it received.

Replacement of the public wastewater main has started in front of the Ranfurly Hotel on Charlemont St.Central Otago District Council (CODC) has temporarily closed some of the area’s parking spaces as a result, due to public safety and to ensure road access can be maintained.A CODC waterservices team spokesperson said while it was inconvenient for people not being able to park on the main street for the next couple of weeks, it was a step they had to take due to health and safety measures.It was also part of temporary traffic management guidelines by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, in order to carry out the essential pipe work.“We have taken proactive steps to highlight the alternative parking space, and we have marked this space with the minimum number of cones adjacent to the Four Square to comply with traffic management requirements.“We apologise for any inconvenience the work is causing and thank the community for their cooperation.”The area of the map marked red features parking spaces that are currently unavailable, those marked yellow are still accessible, although caution should be taken around temporary signage and traffic cones, and spaces marked green show the additional parking available on Northland St.CODC anticipates it will complete this phase of work within the next couple of weeks.Work on Thomas St is progressing at the same time and is expected to be complete by May 21.

Stormy weather did not deter the thousands of people who paid their respects across Central on Anzac Day.People of all ages attended the many services held across the district, from Alexandra to Cromwell, and Roxburgh to Ranfurly - and everywhere between.Alexandra-Clyde Returned and Services Association (RSA) president Kevin Harding said while the weather Gods were not kind, the number of people who braved the conditions was impressive.The sun came out for Cromwell’s Anzac Day parade. PHOTO: SuppliedHe said a dawn service at the Clyde Dam was met with gale force winds, which made standing up difficult.Another service that followed in Clyde was greeted with a rainbow, which added an “amazing” element to the occasion, he said.By the time the Alexandra service started, the sun came out, making for much better conditions.He said the amount of people who attended the various services was “amazing”.An estimated 150 people gathered in Omakau for a 10am Anzac Day service. PHOTO: The Central App“I think [the weather] would have put a lot of people off . . . but there were still a lot of people at each one, especially the dawn service [at the Clyde Dam].“That’s the biggest crowd we’ve had up there. There were cars up to the top of the hill.”He estimated the dawn service was attended by more than 1000 people.A 10am service in Omakau was also well attended, with an estimated 150 people.Penny Sinnamon watches on while children lay wreaths in Omakau. PHOTO: The Central AppPenny Sinnamon, who led the proceedings, said while the attendance was good, the weather had possibly kept some people away.If you have a photo from one of the Anzac Day parades you would like to share with our readers, email [email protected] more: Another Anzac Day ready to dawnRead more: Poppy Day support continues in Central

Outspoken Otago Regional Councillor Gary Kelliher never expected to stay onboard more than for three terms, but he’s thinking he may need to consider one more.From one long standing chief executive to then two subsequent Otago Regional Council (ORC) bosses who’ve come from outside the region, and now a third from within the council, he’s seen a lot of change around the table in recent years.He said the ORC’s new direction meant it had in the last 10 years “moved away from being a council that understands its regions, and with staff out interacting with what was happening out there,” to a council that became very Dunedin-centric and very much working to impose central Government direction.An engineer by trade, as well as a farmer, a quarry owner and also involved with the Manuherekia Irrigation Company scheme management, he brings many ‘hats’ to the table, and questions where that understanding is around the table about all of the region’s issues.To him it’s a governance role, but it was very much a career to some regional councillors, particularly those who have served for more than 20 years, he said.“What I see around the table is a very determined ideological perspective brought to the table to influence direction that’s not relative to what’s happening on the ground,” he said.Gary said the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan that has been worked on for years now, no longer aligned with the recently released Regional Policy Statement, “and it doesn’t fit the direction the new Government’s signalling, so while the Government’s scrambling to change its direction, we’re set on bulldozing ahead to try and beat it.”For a more in-depth analysis on the issues facing the ORC from Gary’s perspective, tune in to this week’s The Outlet podcast.

Power outages are affecting hundreds of residents across parts of Omakau and Letts Gully this morning.Aurora Energy has noted on its website there were 15 customers affected in Omakau from about 7.15am, including those on Huddleston, Lauder, McNulty, Racecourse and Stafford roads.It was not known what the cause was, but crews were investigating. It was not known when power was likely to return.Power also went out at about 8am across parts of Letts Gully, which affected 1188 customers, across dozens of streets and roads, including Springvale, Brassknocker, Ferris, Galloway and Golden roads, along with Ngapara, Pollock and Success streets, and many others.Crews are also still investigating the cause and according to the Aurora Energy website, less than five customers were still without power across the Letts Gully area.Central was under a strong wind watch this morning, from 9am to 11am, with some areas also receiving heavy showers at times.Showers are expected to return tonight, while strong northwesterlies will ease this evening.You can keep up to date on Power outages and Weather reports on the Central App.

Businesses that have a more diversified profile of domestic and international visitors have performed more strongly over the summer, according to a report by Tourism Central Otago.Central Otago District Council head of destination Anthony Longman noted in his report that some tourism operations reported declines in numbers as domestic travel demand had softened.This was due to high interest rates, inflation and political uncertainty, but those with a focus on attracting higher spending markets like the United States, did much better.The Gate manager in Cromwell Glen Christiansen also spoke to the council yesterday about the challenges they were starting to face, despite a strong summer period.Having just completed a $2million investment into a new restaurant and reception area, occupancy rates and revenue was up 10 per cent this summer, but only now just back to pre-Covid levels.Their biggest “battle” currently was in food and beverage which he described as a very tough industry - particularly with the cost of living crisis where people were tightening their belts.The price of butter was “through the roof” and it was no longer affordable to put blue cod on the menu.   This year was also the first time he’d had to constantly look at changing the menu regularly rather than seasonally.Employing 100 staff, he said it was increasingly difficult to find appropriate and experienced staff, and was reliant on transient workers, and then put them through training.But, having to pay immigrant workers $31.66 as a starting rate was also no longer affordable and he recently had the difficult task of laying off four staff, “because our business just can’t manage that.”“That’s been the worst part of my career, having to deliver that news.”Finding accommodation was another battle, and most local businesses were not in a position to be able to afford buying property to house staff.The Gate was fortunate in that it recently purchased a six-bedroom house for staff, which would make a huge difference, he said.Over the past eight weeks there had been an increase in the number of organisations wanting sponsorship from The Gate, such as free conference facilities, but that also wasn’t sustainable for the business.“We take our corporate responsibilities very seriously, so unfortunately we’re having to say no quite a bit.”

The owner of Hawkeswood Mining Ltd Simon Johnstone is not deterred by planners' reports recommending his proposed gold mining operation at Millers Flat be declined.A hearing is set down for May 14 in the Millers Flat Hall over three days, where the company will call on 14 expert witnesses in support of the application.“We’re still very positive about our situation and we’re confident to make a start on August 1,” he said.Planners for both the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council said the gold mining operation would cause irreversible damage to sacred Kai Tahu sites, and the company had not taken into consideration iwi’s relationship with the cultural landscape - including the Clutha Mata-au river.Simon said it had been difficult trying to engage with iwi, with numerous emails sent over several months ignored, and he had been struggling to find out what the specific issues were.However, last week iwi representatives finally came onsite for a look around and he had started to make some progress with them.A recent public meeting to answer questions about the gold mining operation in the community had also been successful, attracting over 100 people.Simon said the proposal would inject between $5million and $7million into the local economy, and the dredge had been reconditioned and was now ready for a new name.He accepted the reports from both councils, but was surprised more by the regional council, "but they have to do their job and look into all the effects.”

Central’s Anzac Day dawn services are likely to be met with unsettled weather, including wind and rain.MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said while the district’s many services could be held under damp skies, the biggest concern was for wind.A strong wind watch has been issued for some parts of the South Island, including Central Otago from 6pm Wednesday until 8am on Anzac Day.She said wind speeds could approach severe gale in exposed places.A strong northwesterly flow over the South Island is expected to bring rain to mainly the West Coast ahead of a series of fronts passing on Anzac Day, with the potential to spill over into Central on Anzac morning and again in the evening.However, accumulations in Central were not expected to be anywhere near the amounts predicted on the West Coast.“I'd recommend anyone heading out for [a] dawn/morning service to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and wear a raincoat for protection against the wind, even if there isn't much rain.”The heaviest falls are expected in the morning and again in the evening as fronts pass over the island, which have prompted heavy rain watches for Fiordland and Westland from late Wednesday night to early Friday morning.To keep up to date with weather forecasts click on The Central App's Weather & Reports button.For a list of Anzac Day services across the district click on our What's On button.

Cromwell Lions Club member Andy Andrews received an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation last week, in recognition of his 18 years' work stopping tonnes of recyclable material going to landfill.District governor Allan Fleury said Lions awards are given out every year, but for somebody to receive this award they had to go “above and beyond,” and Andy’s work had been unrecognised for 18 years.The award is the fourth highest that can be given to a Lion.It all started with collecting bottle tops from clubs all over the Southern district, raising thousands of dollars for Kidney Kids, and then moved onto sending eye glasses and personal protective equipment (PPE) gear to third world countries. “It has been such an honour to get an award like this and for every pair of glasses that I put in a bag, I knew it assisted someone less fortunate than myself,” he said.Spec Savers sends Andy 300 pairs of glasses a week, and two Cromwell wine bottling plants send him their bottle tops.  A team of volunteers then arrive at his home every week to start sorting them.In October they sent 1500 pairs of glasses to Tonga and 900 pairs went to Cambodia.   Now he’s involved in the club’s battery recycling project as well.Cromwell Lions Club members Neville Hucklebridge and Bill Thornbury were also both recognised for their 50 years of service to the organisation.Neville joined the club in October 1973, has been president twice, and received the Lloyd Morgan Life award in 2009, which was followed by the Melvin Jones award in 2021.Bill transferred to the Cromwell club from East Invercargill in 1997, where he also started his Lions journey in 1973, receiving the Lloyd Morgan Life award in 2003 and Melvin Jones award in 2007.Tony Cox received the Cockburn Quiet Achiever award, recognising someone who goes about their business behind the scenes without seeking the limelight.

After two years of planning, including submissions and deliberation, a decision on what some Central Otago residents can do with their land in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra has finally been made.The Central Otago District Council will move to notify Plan Change 19 this week during its monthly meeting, but the public will be excluded from the discussion.Plan Change 19 was first publicly notified in July 2022 and attracted 170 submissions. Hearings then began on April 26, 2023, and a decision was made by the panel at the end of March this year.Plan Change 19 has been driven by the direction set out in the Vincent and Cromwell Spatial Plans. The spatial plans were prepared by council to respond to demand for residential land and housing affordability concerns in the district, and to plan for the anticipated growth over the next 30 years.It sets out the way the district’s residential areas are zoned and managed, and involves rezoning new land for residential use, identifying some areas for future growth, aligning existing residential zoning with the proposed new zones, and includes new provisions for managing land use and subdivisions within the residential zones.The plan change aligns changes around density and allows for smaller sections in some areas and therefore more houses, and also new residential areas in the Cromwell and Vincent wards, around Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell.According to the legislation, Plan Change 19 must be completed by July 2024, but appeals will be likely.

Willow trees will be the topic of conversation when the Manuherekia Catchment Group hosts a public workshop in Omakau on Wednesday.The drop-in session, taking place at the Omakau Rugby Clubrooms from 11am to 3pm, is open to everyone, whether they have a favourite willow they want to protect, or those they believe are problematic.Manuherekia Catchment Group general manager Clare Hadley said no matter what someone’s view was, it was one the group wanted to hear.Clare said a willow in the right place was a great thing, but a willow in the wrong place could be problematic.If you have a favourite willow tree, or one you think needs to go, the Manuherekia Catchment Group wants to hear from you during its workshop on Wednesday. PHOTO: SuppliedThe session, funded by the Ministry for the Environment, allows everyone to be part of the conversation on willow management, while also helping the group prioritise sites for action.“We want people to give us guidance on where willows should be removed or enhanced.”Examples include someone’s favourite swimming spot, made perfect by the surrounding willows that provide shelter, while problematic willows could include those that consume a lot of water, or provide cover for trout, which can create a negative environment for Galaxias anomalus.Participants do not need to bring anything with them, other than their enthusiasm and insights, Clare said.Maps will be on hand to showcase where willows are located in the Manuherekia Catchment.

People across Central were digging deep on Friday for the 102nd annual Poppy Day street appeal.Poppy Day is the Returned and Services Association’s (RSA) main fundraising activity of the year, which welcomes a gold coin donation in return for a poppy ahead of Anzac Day.The campaign runs throughout April.Cromwell RSA president Denis Ryan and welfare officer Gordon Gates were among those who braved a chilly start to the day, to welcome donations at one of four street appeal stations in the town centre.They said despite tough economic times, people were still being very generous.“There’s been a few $20 notes,” Denis said.Gordon said it was “amazing” what denominations of money had gone into the collection bucket.Donations from Poppy Day helps the RSA improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand’s veterans, of all ages.The RSA was established in 1916.Its aim was to take care of New Zealand’s veterans and their families when soldiers returned from Gallipoli.While today’s soldiers face different challenges, the support towards them and their families remain.Money from the street appeal goes towards assisting ex service personnel or their widows.While it won’t be known for another couple of weeks how much was raised from this year’s poppy appeal, the first event in 1922 netted £13,166, with poppies sold for one shilling each.On average, close to one million poppies are now sold throughout the appeal.To hear about upcoming Anzac Day activities from Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding listen to our latest edition of The Outlet podcast.For a full list of Anzac Day services visit The Central App’s What's On button.

The Government is giving owners of earthquake prone buildings four extra years to do any required strengthening work.That extension, along with a review into the regulations, was announced earlier this week, which has been welcomed by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).Among those who support the move is Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan, who is on the LGNZ Zone 6 committee.“I think the most important part is the pause to allow a full review,” he said.“Many of our community halls are used very infrequently and I wonder if the answer lies not in spending huge amounts of money on strengthening such buildings, the reality of which may be unaffordability causing demolition, but in individual responsibility.”He said if a building was clearly shown to be earthquake prone, people could potentially make their own assessment as to whether they chose to hire it or enter it, something he described as a “more practical and mature approach”, instead of putting our heritage at risk.LGNZ advocated for the decision the Government came to this week as part of a remit led by Manawatū District Council.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk made the announcement on Thursday, including the fact work on the review would start immediately.“Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that gets in the way of doing business and getting things done.”He said without change, a significant number of buildings could sit empty, which would have a devastating impact on the economy in cities such as Wellington and provincial towns across New Zealand.“While there is already a review scheduled for 2027, the Government has decided to bring this forward to provide greater certainty and this work will begin immediately.”He said terms of reference will be agreed on next month.“The review will be extensive and consider the appropriate risk settings to protect safety while ensuring the rules are workable to support businesses, increase economic activity and create jobs.”The review will also look at the way overseas jurisdictions manage earthquake risk.

Plans are well underway for this year’s Alexandra Blossom Festival, after its annual general meeting (AGM) last week.Festival manager Martin McPherson said they have had an outstanding response already from vendors securing market sites, with 50 per cent of all food and beverage sites already sold.“The biggest fear is that people will miss out,” he said.Committee chair Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay welcomed and thanked returning committee members Rachael Lovering, Michelle Davies, Ian Gare, secretary Cathy Marsh, treasurer Tim Coughlan and Vincent Community Board representative Tony Hammington at the AGM.The 2023 Blossom Festival on September 22 followed one of the most successful blossom festivals on record in 2022, which was the 65th anniversary event.The committee was conscious of the fact 2023 attendance numbers would likely be down on the previous year given the significance of the 65th festival.  In a press release, the committee said as such, the budget was set assuming a more normalised level of attendance would be achieved in 2023.  This ensured entertainer/supplier costs were maintained at a sensible level to avoid the risk of any material cash deficits being incurred. The festival returned a surplus of $5360 for 2023 compared to $5867 in 2022. Last year’s Friday night Mardi Gras had to be cancelled last minute due to the weather in the run up to the event.  As such, early bird ticket sales were down on previous years. On a positive note, the weather came right on the day for Saturday in the Park, which resulted in strong on-the-day-sales and attendances at the event.While we estimate parade and attendance numbers to be 15 per cent down on the 2022 event, this was broadly in line with the committee’s forecast expectations, and given the poor weather in the run up to the event - and the fact Friday night’s events were cancelled -  the committee was extremely happy with the outcome of the event in the end, the press release noted.Treasurer Tim Coughlan said the impact the weather nearly played on the main Saturday in the Park event further reaffirmed how important its key sponsors were to the event, “and how important it is for the committee to have sufficient cash reserves set aside to deal with any unforeseen issues/cancellations.”Sharleen acknowledged the passing of Karen Peterson - the festival’s original Blossom Queen, “many of you would have had the privilege of meeting Karen when she returned to share her Blossom Festival stories with us in 2022, her passion and love for this festival and understanding of the positive impact it had and continues to have on our community was evident.  If you haven’t checked out her interview as she takes us down memory lane, I encourage you too, the float on fire story is a must hear,’’ she said. 

A Central Otago engineer has found a niche market producing barbecue wood pellets, using waste cherry wood from orchards.New Zealand has been producing biomass wood pellets for years as a by-product of the timber and forestry industries, but these are just used to heat homes and fuel industrial kilns.Jacob Freeman discovered there was a huge gap in the market for locally manufactured barbecue wood pellets, and will be one of the first in New Zealand to produce them.3 Kings Cherries Orchard manager Tim Paulin offered Jacob some space to help progress his ‘Southern Smoke’ business, and supply him the cherry wood. While the project is small, Tim said he was happy to work alongside Jacob. “The business shows potential and hopefully this will benefit both parties in the future.”In September 2023 Jacob ordered the chipper, hammer mill and pellet mill from China - personally funding the $25,000-$30,000, and has been experimenting with the cherry wood to make the perfect pellet.“I saw I could make a viable business and decided to take the plunge.”The machinery is capable of producing 300kg of pellets an hour - the great thing is, you can also use barbecue pellets in home fires, opening up the New Zealand market even further.Jacob Freeman (left) and 3 Kings Orchardist Tim Paulin with the chipper and hammer mill imported from China to make a new wood fruit by-product. PHOTO: The Central AppCherry wood is unique in enhancing the natural wood smoke flavour produced by the pellet barbecue, but many other fruit woods, along with natives such as manuka, red beech and rata were also popular.“I need a bit of diversity, so apricot and apple trees work well too, and I plan to mix some manuka in there as well at some stage.”Naturally, in a new business, there have been setbacks along the way - no instruction manual from China made life interesting, and despite the communication barrier with the overseas machinery company, Jacob was determined to push through the initial teething issues. “Cherry wood is quite hard, and I figured out it wasn’t being compressed enough by the current die that I was using. Compression is what generates the heat that forms the pellets by ‘melting’ the natural lignins in the wood.”The moisture content of the wood chip was also important - too high and the pellet ends up like a piece of popcorn, too low and they crumble.He’ll keep chipping away at his project until the perfect barbecue pellet is perfected, and then all going to plan, will launch his product on the market in the next few months.As well as the opportunity from 3 Kings, and being able to use abundant waste fruit wood onsite, Jacob also collaborated with a Cromwell developer turning an orchard into residential development, by harvesting 300 - 400 cherry trees that would’ve otherwise been sent to landfill.

Anzac Day preparations are well and truly underway across Central Otago.Planning the day’s events starts a year in advance, which for many branches involves work around advertising, communication, road closures and service groups.Speakers are also approached, along with pipe bands and RSA singers, among many others.Alexandra-Clyde Returned and Services Association (RSA) president Kevin Harding has been in his role for just two weeks, which has allowed him to lead the way towards any last-minute plans.He said his role as president came as a surprise, but with the support of a great committee, Anzac Day commemorations are coming along well.While two weeks does not sound long, his involvement with RSA and Anzac parades dates back to the mid 1970s.“I was part of the very first Cenotaph Guard as a territorial soldier. The parade back then consisted of mainly World War 1 and World War 2 veterans. Later it was Korea and Vietnam veterans.”Kevin said the parades also recognise those who completed compulsory military training, with many of them now aged 70 to 90.The ageing population means the 50 squadron air cadets, scouts and guides and schools are among those who help make up the numbers and will see the parades into the future.Anzac Day will take place on Thursday, April 25.To hear more from Kevin, listen to this week’s The Outlet podcast.For a full list of Anzac Day services visit The Central App’s What's On button.

Twenty submissions have been received following a proposal by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to make a section of State Highway 6 free of parking.The section of road the proposal relates to is around the entrance to the Kiwi Water Park at Lowburn, near Cromwell.An NZTA spokesperson said of the submissions received, eight were in support of the no-stopping area, seven were neutral and five were opposed.Submissions closed on April 3.The next stage will involve consideration of all the submissions, a summary report and recommendations.The area that could become a no-stopping zone runs for 1.3km. IMAGE: Supplied“If there is enough support for this change, restrictions will be included in the relevant state highway bylaw and implemented prior to 30 June, 2024. If not, there will be no change.”The proposal affects a 1.3km section on both sides of SH6.In an earlier statement, NZTA noted the inflatables water park and people accessing Lake Dunstan have dedicated, safe parking on LINZ land nearby, which meant there was no need for on-highway parking. NZTA has confirmed the proposal was in response to a number of crashes in the area, so it was doing all it could to make it safer.“This is essential given SH6 has a 100km/h upper speed limit so anyone pulling onto the highway is risking a serious injury crash, or worse,” NZTA team lead safety engineers Roy Johnston said.

The Cromwell MenzShed was once housed in a dilapidated shed, but members are one step closer to their new purpose-built 300sqm facility on Bannockburn Rd.Recently securing $120,000 from the Otago Community Trust, combined with $200,000 from Central Lakes Trust in 2023, the group of almost 60 members also managed to raise $70,000 - $80,000 from the paid work it does in the community.But, they are still $400,000 short and the current site is “completely maxed out” and almost a health and safety issue, trustee and funding co-ordinator Russ Fowler said.It currently operated out of two 40-foot containers and rotated the morning tea breaks to fit everyone inside.The new shed will allow the organisation to expand its membership and increase the number of community projects its members can take on, from building wheelchair ramps to constructing mud kitchens for schools.The new building will have a meeting room, which could be hired by other groups, toilets and an office as well as a large workshop.“The MenzShed is integral to the community network . . . it creates an environment where topics such as personal wellbeing, and other men's health issues, can be safely discussed either one on one or as an organised group session,” he said.Cromwell Foodbank has a set of new shelves, carefully crafted by members of the Cromwell Menz Shed. PHOTO: SuppliedMade up of mostly retired tradesmen, along with others looking to learn new skills, the reason for the ever-growing membership was due to a lot of people retiring to Cromwell and needing an escape from ‘underfoot syndrome,’ Russ said. “Even though there is a lot of work going on in Cromwell, these people have done their time and want to give back to the community,” he said.Bigger and more ambitious projects are on the horizon - “they are all about looking for the next community project, and that’s what they get out of bed for every morning.”The ambitious $900,000 project has already been designed and signed off, and the group was working with the Central Otago District Council on the requirements for the consent.Then there will be more funding to apply for, projects to keep on with - helping both the community and individuals in need, and making a little bit more income for itself.

Three hunters in the Lindis have been caught by police shooting a deer on private property without permission.Central Otago police have received numerous phone calls from the public about suspicious activity in the lead up the roar, highlighting the problem surrounding poaching in the wider area.Senior Constable Graham Perkins, of Alexandra, said last week that the men who were apprehended in the Lindis were caught on a property, but lied and said they had permission, and showed a map of the area they were operating in.  They were spoken to by police at the farmhouse and the deer was confiscated.“They claimed to be out of the boundary without realising it,” Snr Const Perkins said.Police could also seize vehicles used while offenders were hunting if they thought it warranted it, he said.During the roar in particular, offenders started targeting properties, driving through gates and leaving them open for stock to escape, as well as disturbing the animals, he said.Duck shooting season also starts on May 1 bringing more hunters out into the wild, and the message from police was to be aware of where you were shooting and well away from people and activity. In other incidents, an increased number of liquor ban offences have taken place in Cromwell recently, including one outside the Victoria Arms Hotel.Snr Const Perkins said while on pub checks around the town, officers noticed two females drinking RTD’s across the road overlooking the lake. They were both issued $200 alcohol infringement notices and moved on.  He said there had been an increased level of behaviour recently, whereby people were starting to ‘pre-load’ in public places before entering pubs and hotels, but this was illegal activity.Down in Ettrick, a man on a drink driving conviction with an alcohol interlock device got caught by police when his tail lights on his trailer weren’t working.Snr Const Perkins said somehow the man was able to bypass his device and continued to drive, but when pulled over by police had an excess breath alcohol reading of just 66mcg (the limit being zero).   The normal limit for alcohol while driving is 250mcg.