A pilot has escaped injury after the Tiger Moth they were in flipped at Cromwell today. The bi-plane flipped, landing upside down while taxiing at Cromwell Aerodrome, near the Cromwell Racecourse about noon.Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) crews were called to the scene, just off State Highway 6, including two appliances from Cromwell and one from Clyde.No one was harmed when the Tiger Moth flipped while taxiing at Cromwell today. PHOTO: SuppliedA Fenz spokesperson said no one was injured or trapped.“So we just assisted, putting it right again.”Easter marked the return of Warbirds Over Wānaka for the first time in six years, but it is not known if the Tiger Moth participated in the popular event.

Five Stags Restaurant and Bar is set to become Central Otago’s first alcohol-free establishment.Group CEO Glen Christiansen said with the declining sales of alcoholic beer, wine and spirits, and the huge growth in non-alcoholic beverages, it was only a matter of time before the Five Stags Bar and Restaurant made the change. “We are very excited to be the first bar in Central Otago to head in this direction, however we won’t be the last.”He said increased compliance and operational costs also went into making the decision to pull out of the alcoholic drinks market, but it wasn’t an easy one.Glen said after talking with others in the hospitality industry around Central Otago, it was expected that some other bars would likely follow suit.Glen Christiansen looks forward to Five Stags Restaurant and Bar becoming alcohol-free. PHOTO: SuppliedThe change will officially happen today, April 1, but he was already noticing a calmer atmosphere in the bar, with people starting to get onboard with it.“We’ve started to get more bookings in the community, such as a local knitting group and book club wanting to use our more peaceful space. It’s going to completely change the dynamics and how we run our establishment.”

A special farewell ceremony has been planned to celebrate the Cromwell Memorial Hall before it is demolished to make way for the new facility.A report on the ceremony from Central Otago District Council property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson, will be discussed at next week’s Cromwell Community Board meeting. The ceremony is likely to take place on either Friday, April 26 or Monday, April 29, and Garreth said it was appropriate for the farewell to take place after Anzac Day, so the RSA can observe its final remembrance before the gardens and cenotaph are relocated to a new site.The demolition of the hall and salvaging was approved by council at its meeting on April 19, 2023, and the report said that allowed planning of that work with the contractor.“It is now appropriate to celebrate the role the hall has played in the lives of the community. This is about celebrating the past and acknowledging we are now making way for the future.”The hall was built in the 1960s and has been part of the lives of the Cromwell and wider communities since then.It has seen many family events such as 21st celebrations, weddings and funerals and a wide range of community events. The RSA occupy a small portion in the building, and the memorial gardens and cenotaph are the site of the Anzac service each year. The history and the significance of the facility also warrants a blessing by iwi and Aukaha has been contacted about this.The proposed programme for the day would be a dawn blessing followed by speeches from the chair of the community board and the mayor. Other past mayors and chairs and those with strong connections to the hall would also be invited, along with the public.

The controversial Land and Water Regional Plan has passed another hurdle after Otago Regional councillors voted in support by a slim margin to carry on with the controversial work.Five years in the making and $17 million has gone into the draft plan, and on Wednesday it was agreed to push out the deadline a further four months, until October 31.The decision comes hot on the heels of new recommendations from the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) panel that were approved this week.The October 31 extension was decided on to give council staff time to review the impact of the RPS decision.Chief executive Richard Saunders told the meeting that the recommendation from Environment Minister Penny Simmonds two weeks ago encouraging the council to delay their plan until 2027 was a political one, that had to be weighed up against the technical information they had.After a lengthy two hour debate on the issue, councillors appeared divided on whether to push on or not - some saying they needed to get on with it and respect the RPS panel that have put in a huge effort.“Delay, delay, delay, we just have to get this out,” Cr Alexa Forbes said. Cr Gary Kelliher stayed firm to his belief that there was a community out there that had been disrespected by councillors and those council processes in the draft plan for a very long time.He and Cr Michael Laws and Cr Kevin Malcolm have been opposed to the draft plan and believe the water quality and degradation around Otago has been deliberately overstated.“We have a very strong directive from the minister and new Government. They are sick of hearing from the community that these processes have let them down,” Gary said.He believes the proposed plan disregards all the good work that has been happening in the community to improve water quality.   “The 10 year trends are showing this is working,” he said after the meeting.Council chair Gretchen Robertson said Otago was a diverse and resilient region and emphasised that the ORC was not being rebellious.“We have followed the law, what more can we do”?She said the extension to the plan had been helpful and there had been no directive to stop any of the work from Government.“But we do need time to give the RPS a good looking over.”ORC staff will report back to council in May with an updated programme of work on the plan and will also inform Minister Simmonds on the reasons for the extended deadline.

The Cromwell-Clyde Rd (SH8) remains closed following a fatal crash this morning.Police have confirmed one person died at the scene of the three-vehicle crash involving two trucks and a car on the Cromwell-Clyde Rd at about 6.35am.One of the truck drivers sustained a minor injury and was assessed at the scene.NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said at this stage, SH8 is likely to be closed all morning, between Clyde and Cromwell.NZTA said motorists north of Cromwell could take the Lindis Pass, via Omarama and Tarras to get to Wānaka and Queenstown, but alternatively people should delay travelling until later today if possible.Police do not recommend a detour through Hawksburn Rd from Clyde to Bannockburn as it is narrow, and unsuitable for 2WD vehicles.The Cromwell Gorge is closed due to a serious crash. IMAGE: NZTAThe Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team are investigating the crash to determine what happened.Keep up to date with road reports by clicking on The Central App's Roads button.

Cromwell Police are investigating the theft of a grey Mazda Bounty overnight on Monday.Sergeant Regan Price said anyone with information is asked to contact police via 105 regarding the vehicle with the registration number DDZ885.Police would also like to thank the public for information resulting in the location of cannabis, unlawful firearms and ammunition.Anonymous information was received during March, which resulted in searches being conducted at several addresses. Two high powered rifles, a number of cannabis plants and ammunition were located during those searches, and two people are now before the court facing drug and firearms charges. The investigation into two recent assaults in the Old Cromwell area have resulted in one person being arrested and charged with assaulting a female.  Sergeant Price said the investigation continues in relation to two further assaults in the area. “Alcohol appears to be a major contributing factor in these incidents.”Cromwell Police would also like to remind the public of the liquor ban. Several alcohol infringement notices were issued in March to people consuming alcohol in the liquor ban area. These $250 infringements are a tool police will continue to use to reduce alcohol related offending in a public place, he said.

A new winter air quality monitoring site in Alexandra is needed in the town, after a recent report found the existing one had 23 per cent lower concentrations, giving inconsistent data.Otago Regional Council air quality scientist Sarah Harrison said, in her report to the Environmental Science and Policy Committee last week, current guidance states that air quality monitoring for regulatory purposes should be conducted at the most polluted location within an airshed.But, it had only recently been feasible to conduct highly spatially detailed monitoring, and the work revealed how localised the area of peak concentrations in Alexandra was.While the current site was representative of median or average concentrations across the town, both the current, and the previous site 720m away in Ventry St both under-represent the maximum concentrations in the town, as required by current guidance. Sarah recommended that the council relocate their monitoring station again, closer to the ‘hot spot’ area of the town, which included between Ashworth St and Simmonds St.The State of the Environment (SOE) monitoring for air quality for the year 2023 showed Alexandra, Arrowtown and Mosgiel recorded 17 PM10 exceedances during the last winter. This was consistent with previous years.Under the Resource Management Act (RMA), regional councils are required to monitor air quality, and to improve it where necessary. The main pollutant of concern is particulate matter (PM), which is a product of combustion.Long term exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 contribute to the risks of developing and exacerbating existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.Arrowtown had the most exceedances, with 10, as well as the highest maximum daily concentration of 81 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³). The highest annual mean occurred at Mosgiel, followed by Alexandra with 17 and 16 µg/m³ respectively.

Commissioner Louise Taylor has declined an application in Cromwell for the Shortcut Rd traveller’s accommodation business.Jun Hou and Lihua Zhang had been operating their accommodation business without consent in 2023, and the Central Otago District Council issued them an abatement notice.After removing the business from accommodation websites, the couple applied for the appropriate consents and opted for a hearing with an independent commissioner in November 2023.Many neighbours were opposed to the consent and some spoke at the hearing about the potential loss of their neighbourhood character, which they had experienced already before it was shut down.Nine of the 22 residential units have already been built and the application was for eight to be used as traveller's accommodation.The remaining two stages of the development was currently under construction, including three free-standing two-storey units and six units within a single-story building. Weight was given to the current supply of rental accommodation in Cromwell, and evidence from expert economist Benje Patterson through a report, showed the increase in supply had been insufficient to keep up with population growth.Between 2018 and 2023, Cromwell’s population expanded by 23 per cent, while its rental stock lifted by only 17 per cent. The statistics were similar in Wanaka and Queenstown.A considerable proportion of Cromwell residents relied on rental properties for their housing (approximately 863 households, which equates to one in three households as confirmed in the January 2024 report).The smaller increase in Cromwell’s rental stock compared to its population meant the number of active rental houses for every 1000 residents in Cromwell fell from 92.1 to 87.6 by 2023.A key matter raised in almost all submissions was the loss of contribution to social companionship, amenity and neighbourhood character that was likely to occur if the units were converted to travellers’ accommodation from residential dwellings. 

Allan Kane is stepping down as Central Otago Health Services Ltd chair, marking the end of an era that has been both challenging and rewarding.He joined the board 12 years ago, serving 10 of them as chair.Now, as he prepares to step down, Allan looks back at his time fondly, knowing just how valuable the organisation is to the many people it serves.It is because of Central Otago Health Services Ltd that Dunstan Hospital still exists, having been in the firing line of potential closures across the country in the 1990s.It was decided if the community could find a way to undertake ownership of the hospital, then it could continue to offer a range of services.Central Otago Health Inc was formed and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.Allan said while there had been numerous highlights during his time as chair, one in particular stood out.“Just to have continued to maintain a high level of compassionate care that Dunstan has always been known for,” he said.He said the arrival of Covid and the following four years had been among the most challenging aspects.“I think the team has responded significantly as an organisation. I think we can be very proud of how we maintained services over that difficult period.”Incoming Central Otago Helth Services Ltd chair Richard Thomson. PHOTO: SuppliedAllan, a farmer, is happy to be stepping down knowing the service is in good hands, which now includes Richard Thomson at the helm.While it will generally be business as usual, Richard hoped the coming years would see even more valuable services offered at the hospital.He said that meant bringing more specialists to the district from Dunedin for regular appointments.Dunstan Hospital has specialists visiting most days of the week from Dunedin Hospital, with some making the trip with Mainland Air so they can provide longer clinics.Those frequent flyers often include specialists from medical oncology, obstetrics and gynaecology, elderly health and general surgery.Richard said there were many other specialities that could be added to that list.The visits mean less patients need to drive to Dunedin for their appointments, which takes time and costs money.“I think health is made up of a lot of different pieces . . . we need to look outside of our own patch to see how we can facilitate more services closer to home in our region,” Richard said.A CT scanner, which was funded largely by the Central Otago community, also means people don’t need to go to Dunedin for diagnostic services.Outgoing Central Otago Health Services Ltd chair Allan Kane. PHOTO: SuppliedA patient transfer vehicle valued at $180,000 is also on order for the district, which is funded significantly by community donations.Richard, who has a background in psychology, but now owns a retail business, hoped more donations would be made so further services and equipment could be funded.Overall, he was looking forward to his new role and working alongside a team of invaluable people.“It is the staff here that makes this hospital and health services association . . . what they are, and we are incredibly fortunate with the quality of staff we have here.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) will host a meeting in Naseby over Easter to help residents limit the risk of a wildfire in the small remote town.The meeting comes following a devastating wildfire in Ōhau, a remote town in the Mackenzie District in October 2020, which destroyed dozens of buildings and scorched about 5000 hectares of land. Naseby Vision chair Adair Craik said the aim of Naseby’s upcoming meeting was to limit the risk and help people prepare.“We tried to do it straight after [the Ōhau fire] but it was still very raw at the time, so it was quite tricky, and we’ve been really keen to do it.”Fenz representatives will lead the meeting, taking place at the Naseby Town Hall, Leven St, on Saturday, March 30, from 1pm.Organisers hoped that having it over Easter would mean more people might be able to attend, including the many who have holiday homes in the township.A speaker system will be set up outside the hall in case there is not enough room for everyone. The meeting comes at a time when the risk of fire has become very real across Central Otago due to extremely dry conditions. “It’s so tinder dry so we have to be ready and the more prepared we are, hopefully the better the outcome.”Adair said it was not known how many would attend, but encouraged everyone associated with the town to go along.“It’s about educating them, how to protect their home, making it less ignitable [for example] getting rid of leaves, and trees that are high combustion.“When it happens, it’s so quick that you’ve got to be able to make quick decisions,” she said.Read more: Fenz thanks Central residents for reducing fire risk

A fund to support rangatahi led initiatives is being rolled out in Central Otago.The Otago Community Trust launched the Rangatahi-Led Fund for Central Otago earlier this week as part of its $10 million Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy.The initiative has also been rolled out in Waitaki, South Otago and Ōtepoti Dunedin, providing grants for youth-led projects that benefit young people.Rangatahi leaders from each region are at the helm of the fund, steering its purpose and criteria.They each collaborate with the Otago Community Trust on the final funding outcomes for grants up to $5000 that will support innovative youth-led initiatives administered by eligible organisations.Among those who are pleased the funding has been made available is James Avenell.He said the move meant young people now have the ability to get their ideas supported financially.“Previously, we could come up with an idea for us, however [we] would have no way of funding these ideas, especially if they were outside school.”James believed the fund would be a “strong driving factor” to get more young people sharing their ideas.Anyone with an idea is encouraged to apply.“Give it a go! Simple as that. At the end of the day, we are five young people who are running this fund. Don’t hesitate to send your ideas. They don’t have to be fully fleshed out and we can help work out the details,” he said.“If you think it’s a good idea and it will benefit young people in the region, that’s all we’re looking for. You never know until you try.”Last year the fund, which was in its inaugural year, supported a wide range of projects from youth networking spaces and multicultural intelligence development to all-ages events, and gatherings uplifting queer and gender diverse rangatahi.Chirlene Vorster said she was grateful to be part of the group for a second year.“Being part of something that you know is changing someone else’s life and seeing the positive effects this group has had on our communities, has been my highlight by far.”Otago Community Trust engagement advisor Liz Harburg said rangatahi have bold visions for shaping the future and it was important to give them a seat at the table.“I commend the mahi of these young leaders creating platforms for youth voices and leadership in Otago.” To apply for the fund, visit the Otago Community Trust website.

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake near Milford Sound was felt across parts of Central Otago late last night.Geonet reported the quake was 5km deep and struck at 11.36pm, about 35km north of Milford Sound.The rattle was graded ‘moderate’, enough to be felt by people across the district, including in Clyde, Chatto Creek, Millers Flat and Cromwell.A look at how widespread the earthquake was felt. IMAGE: SuppliedSeveral people shared their experience on social media, with some calling it a “little shake”, while others described hearing a noise, followed by a shake.For more information about earthquakes visit Geonet.

Central Otago farmers are set to get additional support as they battle through the persistent dry spell.The Government has expanded its medium-scale adverse event classification, which it has in place for Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman districts, to also include Otago and Canterbury.That move, announced by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay this week, will include a tax relief, and enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider rural assistance payments.Niwa meteorologist/forecaster Ben Noll told The Central App earlier this week that the dry spell could linger across the district further into autumn.He said it would take “a while” before any substantial rainfall arrived.Federated Farmers high country - Otago vice chair Andrew Paterson, who farms at Matakanui Station, said the dry conditions were affecting a lot of farmers across Central Otago.Those dry conditions saw Falls Dam drop to four per cent capacity in February, which has left farmers in the district on 25 per cent “water rations”. Andrew said that restriction has hit farmers hard.However, he said good work was being done to maintain minimum flow in the Manuherekia River.“We’re running the river higher than the voluntary minimum flow,” he said.To help ease the pressure, up to $70,000 will be provided to Rural Support Trusts in Otago and Canterbury to facilitate community and one-on-one support for affected farmers and growers.“It comes on top of the $20,000 allocated to Top of the South Rural Support Trust last month to ensure early support was available,” Todd said.Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane said the money would be well spent, supporting farmers and growers who need it most.“If this continues longer [in affected areas] and they stop stockwater, what happens then? We definitely don’t want to see that.”Luke farms near Tapanui, so has not been affected by the dry conditions.However, he said one “silver lining” to the contrast in conditions across the regions was a surplus of baleage.“There’s plenty available and . . . it’s good buying for the people that do have to go to market and buy it.”Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson visited affected regions recently, where he met farmers, growers and sector groups, and discussed the challenging weather conditions.“The dry conditions have affected some fodder crop yields and farmers have already been feeding out winter supplementary feed to livestock,” he said.“Rain over the weekend [last week] in parts of Canterbury and Otago failed to deliver any significant relief to parched soils.”The Ministry for Primary Industries has also been working with sector groups, regional bodies and farmers to prepare for El Niño since its arrival last year, and continues to monitor the situation to determine where additional support is needed.Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to call their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Central Otago Reap’s popular sewing classes are coming to Ophir next term, in a move to get the workshops into outlying rural communities.Tutor Shona Bain will host the weekly workshops from Ophir’s Peace Memorial Hall over six weeks each Wednesday, from May 1.She welcomes people of all abilities to join in.“It’s aimed at all levels - those that haven’t stitched at all, don’t know how to use a sewing machine, and those that are a bit more proficient.”Ex-sewing teachers will also be available to pass on their knowledge.Shona has hosted many workshops over the years, but it is the first time she has brought her classes to Ophir.“It’s part of our Reap strategy to get out into the communities,” she said.The upcoming sewing workshop will take place from Ophir's Peace Memorial Hall. PHOTO: The Central AppA lot of young women approach Shona with a desire to learn how to sew, but up until now have had to travel to Alexandra for the classes.Many of them also have young children, which they are encouraged to bring along to the workshops.“We try to make it as easy as we can for mums to come along,” she said.“We’ve found in the past, it’s the children that look forward to going as much as the adults - they enjoy each other’s company.”The sessions are free, but registrations are essential.And, if participants have their own machine, they should take it along so they can gain confidence on one they are already familiar with, even if just slightly.Shona said about 10 people had already registered for the free sessions, which will take place from 9.30am to 12pm.To register, sign up through Central Otago Reap.

Central Otago police are starting to get phone calls from the public about suspicious activity from hunters.Four males were seen with a bow and a set of binoculars walking down Fruitgrowers Rd last weekend, but police were not able to locate them.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said poaching was certainly more of an issue when the ‘roar’ and the ‘grunt’ were on.“We are looking at, if they are going out with firearms or a bow and arrow - they need to get landowners permission,” he said.There have been other instances recently that have proved harmless, such as four young boys observed by members of the public shooting wild goats behind the Dunstan Rowing Club.“They had permission, but members of the public were concerned.”Hunters needed to be aware of where they were shooting and well away from people and activity. He said the problems began when offenders started targeting properties, driving through gates and leaving them open for stock to escape, as well as disturbing the animals.“Central Otago has a lot of wild animals and the herd size can grow by a third every year, making more problems. Farmers will take steps by culling them.”Duck shooting season also starts on May 1 bringing more hunters out into the wild, and Snr Const Perkins said people just have to be aware about what they are doing.

It’s a case of the more the merrier when the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust gathers for its monthly meetings.The trust welcomes more people to get involved as it works towards construction of a purpose-built community hub on the Omakau Recreation Reserve.A long list of community groups have expressed interest in making the facility their home once completed, but only a select few are represented at the meetings.Trust chair Andrew Paterson welcomed more people to attend the meetings, and get involved in the project.“We’re going to have an amazing community asset, so come and help us make it happen.”The project was estimated to cost about $5.2 million, with $1.7M already secured, thanks to the Central Otago District Council and the Bob Turnbull Trust, which had given a grant of $600,000.The Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club has also pledged $80,000 to the project.A golf fundraiser, hosted in Omakau in the new year, added $7000 to its coffers, which the trust will increase further when it hosts another tournament in the next few months. The group’s next meeting will take place at the Omakau pavilion on Wednesday, March 27, at 6pm.To provide financial support to the project, people can visit the trust’s Give a Little page.For more information email [email protected]

The Central Otago District Council opened its books yesterday and held an annual plan workshop detailing the next year’s budget to the public.Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie led the meeting, and said this was the first time the council had held the workshops in public, which was also streamed online.He said although no decisions were made, it was valuable to update both councillors and the community on what the proposed 25 per cent rates increase was made up of.Big cost increases included a proposed electricity renewal in August 2024, risks around bridges, as well as internal skills shortages, with council still having to use consultants in key areas such as finance.Wastewater made up a big part of the proposed rates increase, with a 94 per cent increase in costs - or $820,000.Three Waters director Julie Muir said the sludge budget was facing exorbitant costs and would increase by 179 per cent or $530,000.Electricity costs would increase 59 per cent or $178,000, such as running the new Lake Dunstan treatment plant.In corporate services, insurance, audit fees and cybersecurity were all facing huge increases, but the finance team was able to trim off $80,000 from the CEO sustainability budget, when nobody knew what it was for.A budget of $3.5 million has been budgeted for the renewal of the Little Valley Road Bridge that connects to the Lookout Estate subdivision.The Ida Valley Omakau Road also has rehabilitation work budgeted of $1.2 million, with the option of pushing it out until 2025-2026 with operational cost considerations.The Cromwell Memorial Hall was the big budgeted spend for the year, estimated at $24 million for construction and materials (in year one).A formal decision will be made on the annual plan when the report comes to council in due course.

Otago Regional Council chair Gretchen Robertson assured the public this week that the council has no wish to be defiant or rebellious regarding its Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).The council issued a press release ahead of its Environmental Science and Policy workshop that attracted feedback from 27 stakeholders on its LWRP. The workshop’s purpose was for regional councillors to consider feedback on the draft and check whether anything can be improved ahead of public notification.“This is a really useful step and means that the initial draft may well be significantly different when it comes to public notification,” Gretchen said.Next week, on March 27, the council will decide whether there should be a change to the work programme on the LWRP, in line with Environment Minister Penny Simmond’s recommendation. None of the councillors at yesterday’s council meeting commented on the letter from Simmonds about pushing out the deadline to 2027.“The council is giving due respect to the helpful ideas received, regardless of when the notification date is set for the plan. Understanding what key issues face Otago's freshwater management and how key stakeholders feel these are best addressed is always going to be helpful,” Gretchen said.“ORC has no wish to be defiant or rebellious. We’re walking a delicate tightrope of honouring current obligations with emerging government visions for freshwater planning. We’re keen to establish a transparent and constructive relationships, which results in great outcomes for Otago’s people and waterways,” she said.Cr Robertson noted Minister Simmonds’ acknowledgement that the council’s position was “unique” in being one of the earliest in starting its land and water plan.“There’s been many years of work by ORC staff already invested in developing the proposals for the LWRP, which should be seen through to its natural conclusion. Otherwise, we face starting over again which would become a burden on ratepayers,” she said.

A domestic incident at a Ranfurly business last Friday night left the female victim unconscious and needing hospital treatment, along with the assailant who was attacked by her family.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the man, who was in his late 30s, took exception to his girlfriend having work drinks with other male colleagues.After allegedly assaulting her with blows to the face and head, knocking her unconscious, she was taken to Dunedin Hospital with suspected head injuries. Meanwhile, her family then stepped in and allegedly assaulted the offender and he was taken to hospital as well.Snr Const Perkins said the man was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as well as intent to injure, and was in custody with further investigations underway.Meanwhile, in Roxburgh on Monday night, a man in his 30s, recently released on bail from Napier, was intoxicated and started assaulting his new neighbour after a verbal altercation.The victim was in his 50s and an older man riding a bicycle across the bridge came to his aid, calling police, before the offender threw his bike into the bushes and came after him too.Snr Const Perkins said the neighbour tried to distract the offender so the other man could get his bike back, and when a second neighbour offered assistance and then retreated inside, he had rocks thrown at his house.Eventually the offender ran away before Snr Const Perkins found him walking down the main street where he was promptly arrested. Seven police units from Dunedin, including the tactical dog team with an Armed Offender Squad member were called for assistance, but later stood down by Snr Const Perkins when he made the arrest.The offender is in custody awaiting a court hearing and has been charged with assault with intent to injure.  Snr Const Perkins said he was still wanting to talk with the older man with the bike to see if he was okay.In terms of the community coming to the assistance of victims, he said it was better to be a professional witness from a safe distance and try and record the incident.Citizen arrests where people tried to contain the victim themselves was not recommended unless they had the necessary skills to deal with it.