Nasbey’s cemetery is almost full to capacity, prompting the need to expand the site for future generations.The cemetery, on the aptly named Cemetery Rd, which has been operational for 164 years, has just a small selection of plots left available.As of January, there are six ashes plots and nine burial plots available, excluding those that have already been reserved.Last year an assessment of burial demand, forecast population growth of the town, and the potential burial capacity of the undeveloped area of the property was completed.The report, presented at this week's Maniototo Community Board meeting, showed that due to population growth projections and burial rates, specific to Naseby, an additional 482 plots would be required to meet the community’s needs over the next 100 years.Details around the extension strategy were presented at the meeting by Central Otago District Council (CODC) group manager - community experience David Scoones.CODC group manager - community experience David Scoones. PHOTO: CODCHe said as part of the CODC 2024 to 2034 Long Term Plan, money has been allocated to progress with the expansion of the cemetery over the next three years.The first year would be a planning stage, the second would focus on preparation and the third would be development of the site.To do that, council plans to expand the site on council owned land at the southern part of the cemetery, which is about 1.2 hectares in size and is planted in mature pines.A look at the new proposed cemetery layout. PHOTO: SuppliedThe surrounding property is privately owned by forestry company Ernslaw One.Development of the cemetery will require the removal of the over mature trees from the unused sections of the site.David said Ernslaw One has been in recent discussions with CODC and agreed, in principle, to remove the trees at their own cost and convenience, and retain any value gained from the sale of logs.

Central residents are being praised for their conscientious efforts towards fire prevention so far this summer.Fire and Emergency New Zealand group manager for Otago District - Central Otago Bobby Lamont said the hot and dry summer had not resulted in any more fires than usual around the district for this time of year.Central remains in a prohibited fire season, which means a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.“Overall Central Otago [residents] are generally very, very conscientious and aware of the fire danger and I think [that is] partly due to the community still being aware of what happened in 1999 in Alexandra with those large fires.”This month marks 25 years since “those large fires” swept through parts of Alexandra, where thousands of hectares of land and vegetation were scorched.“Generally, people are still very, very aware of the risk of fire danger and the risk of spread, so [we’re] pretty happy with Central Otago communities overall.” Bobby said.“Every year I say it, but I just thank them again for their efforts, and their awareness, and consciousness of that fire danger.”However, as teams battle a large fire in Christchurch’s Port Hills this week, exactly seven years after another large scale fire in the same area, people are urged not to become complacent.Bobby Lamont, of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. PHOTO: SuppliedBobby said in Central, fires are often accidental, predominantly when farm machinery heats up, or flicks a stone, which then sparks.He urged people to do those high risk jobs in the morning, when there was still a bit of dew on the ground. Bobby also reminds people that fireworks and lanterns are banned, until further notice.“We don’t want to be the fun police, but we do ask people to have a bit of awareness.”Anyone considering lighting a fire outdoors, no matter the season, should visit www.checkitsalright.nz to make sure there are no restrictions in place and read up on fire safety advice.People can also visit fireandemergency.nz where they can get some good fire safety advice, along with weather updates.Listen to more on The Outlet podcast.Read more at RNZ: Christchurch Port Hills fire: as it happened

Resource consent has been obtained for the Chinese settlement in Old Cromwell, and work on recreating the original site will be underway by the end of the year.The Cromwell & District Community Trust (CDCT) has been involved in the project for several years, to honour the Chinese living in Old Cromwell from 1866 to 1920.The remains of Chinatown were destroyed to make way for Lake Dunstan and the site was the best-preserved example of a New Zealand Chinese urban settlement.Located opposite the Victorian Arms Hotel, the Cromwell Chinese Settlement will form part of the proposed ‘Golden Highway’ - a world class cultural tourism experience, featuring stop-off points at the Arrowtown Chinese Camp, Alexandra’s Central Stories, the Lawrence Chinese Camp, and Dunedin.CDCT chair Ali Ballantine said the site would be levelled, a pathway and stone footings made to show the original buildings, as well as a recreation of one of their old huts.The group has been working in conjunction with Old Cromwell Inc, the Cromwell Museum, Goldfields Heritage Trust, the Chinese community, CODC, LINZ and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.Stage three will involve technology such as QR codes that people can scan to learn more about the history and the people who once lived there.Ali said one of the committee members had family in Los Angeles who was involved in the world of virtual reality and film, who could help them with bringing the settlement to life interactively with visitors.“It was about honouring the lives of the Chinese who lived down the worst part of town, but who also looked after people and had huge gardens,” she said.In a nod to the rich history embedded in Otago's goldfields during the late 1800s, Gibbston Valley Wines will be donating $5 from every bottle of China Terrace Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its Cellar Door to the project.  It also coincided with the start of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival.“Remnants of this rich legacy are scattered across the region, manifested in gravestones, schist houses, and artefacts that serve as poignant reminders of the struggles and triumphs of these early settlers. Their stories, etched into the soil, beckon us to acknowledge and embrace a shared history that has shaped the cultural tapestry of our community,” wine manager Jake Tipler said.

A hearing in Cromwell concluded this week to determine the town's next housing subdivision, under a proposed plan change by Fulton Hogan.A panel of two independent commissioners and the Central Otago District Council heard evidence on Plan Change 21, to rezone 118ha of rural land adjoining Pisa Moorings.In its application, the company said while the focus of the zone was residential, some commercial and community facilities were also anticipated, where they supported the local residential population, and were compatible with the character and amenity values of the zone.It included 81.15ha, which would be rezoned residential along with a further 10ha (medium density), with 4.72ha business, 2.32ha industrial and a further 22.28ha as well.Council consultant planner Liz White questioned in her report to the panel whether this was an appropriate location to provide such housing supply, but concluded that it would significantly reduce the shortfall in the wider township area.She noted that the Cromwell Spatial Plan concentrated on growth of the existing urban area through higher density development than has been occurring. No additional growth beyond the town boundaries, such as in Pisa Moorings were identified, and economic analysis has shown the planned housing would still not meet projected demand across the wider Cromwell ward.The proposed commercial and industrial zoned land would also provide some services and employment opportunities for those living in Pisa Moorings, and reduce vehicle trips.A new policy to provide for convenience retail activities serving the local community, as well as the inclusion of a new rule providing for travellers’ accommodation was also part of the plan change application.The PC21 Request was received by Central Otago District Council on September 23, 2022 and accepted on December 14.  Submissions were made by 14 individuals and companies/organisations.Hearing commissioners have asked Fulton Hogan to submit written closing statements within two to three weeks.

Triumph cars dating back through the decades will descend on Alexandra later this month.The Triumph TR Club will bring a weekend of celebrations to Alexandra from Thursday, February 29, before touring Southland, and finishing in Dunedin on Sunday, March 3.Coordinator Ian Ramage, of Fruitlands, said about 80 Triumph TRs will be joining the events from all over New Zealand, including some of the club’s affiliated members who will be travelling from Australia for the occasion.The cars are British two-seater sports cars, which are TR2 to TR8, and date from 1952 to 1986.Ian, who owns a 1971 Triumph, said the weekend’s events will include a concours in Pioneer Park on Friday, March 1, which will be open to the public, from 9am to 12pm.On Saturday, March 2, the group will take a drive through the Ida, Styx and Manuherikia Valleys, followed by a dinner and dance, where prizes will be awarded for the concours.“To dove-tail into the national weekend and after-tour, about 17 intrepid members are also doing a Cape Reinga to Bluff run, which will be a test of both man, woman and machine,” Ian said.“The after-tour will then go to Te Anau so members can either do the Milford Sound run or the Doubtful Sound trip.”He said 80 cars and 150 people are taking part in the overall event, making it one of the largest the club has ever organised.The tour will also go to Invercargill, the Catlins and Dunedin where a farewell dinner will be hosted.

A 39-year-old Roxburgh woman who was seven times over the excess breath alcohol limit had her license suspended for 28 days, after the public noticed her weaving along the state highway.Alexandra Police Acting Sergeant James McDonald said members of the public informed police on Saturday morning about the driver of the Toyota Hilux.Police went to a private address where the woman admitted drinking and driving - her excess breath alcohol level was 1367mcg.  Acting Sgt McDonald said the extremely high level was representative of someone who was a functioning alcoholic.Over in the Ida Valley on Monday February 5, two separate police officers stopped and ticketed a driver for excessive speed twice within 20 minutes.The road policing sergeant first stopped the 30-year-old driver, who was carrying a toddler in the back, going 121km/hr, and then Acting Sgt McDonald stopped him again going 114km/hr near Chatto Creek.On his first infringement he was fined $170 and received 30 demerit points, and on the second occasion received a further $80 and another 25 points.“He said to me he obviously hasn’t learnt his lesson,” Acting Sgt McDonald said.Speeding on quiet rural roads continued to be a problem, and some drivers were not clearly taking the speed limit seriously, he said.The Ida Valley and Maniototo roads were policed quite well, using both local officers and the road policing units.“People will try their luck on a rural road, and they are quite high risk for us as well,” he said.Just last Sunday a 54-year-old Cromwell man was stopped by police in the Kawarau Gorge going 123km/hr near the Victoria Bridge.He had an excess breath alcohol level of 806mcg, and had his license suspended for 28 days.   This was his third and subsequent charge and he will appear before a judge for sentencing on March 5.

Ettrick and Lawrence residents lost power earlier today after a vehicle crashed, causing extensive damage to a power pole.Aurora Energy has confirmed the crash happened just before 11.20am and a replacement pole will need to be installed.An Aurora Energy spokesperson said while the lines team has managed to restore the power temporarily, there will need to be an outage later today to install the replacement pole and complete the repair.“At this stage we do not have a timeframe for when this will happen, but the outage will show on our website when it is underway.”The initial outage affected 78 customers, with less than five still affected, according to the Aurora Energy website.To keep up to date with power outages visit The Central App’s power outages button.

Investigations are underway after an incident in the Lindis Pass last Thursday, where a Queenstown contractor crashed and spilled 800 litres of chlorine onto the road verge.Alexandra Police Acting Sergeant James McDonald said the road was closed for several hours while Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and contractors cleaned up the chemical spill.The driver of a Toyota Hilux, a 39-year-old man with an unbraked trailer hit a bank travelling north on the Cromwell side of the Lindis Summit.His trailer carrying 1000L of chlorine and a separate container of hydrochloric acid on the deck of his ute both came free after the ute landed on its roof - the container of chlorine landing some 30m away.Acting Sgt McDonald said because the driver was carrying dangerous goods, and without the required licenses to do so, it was a huge risk to emergency services at the scene.“It could be flammable or have gas that could kill you if leaked. Some chemicals also don't mix well, so there are huge risks involved.”Because of the seriousness of the incident, the commercial vehicle safety team was now involved while the investigation was underway to determine what charges would be laid.“The scene was cleared and the chemicals transported back to Cromwell to a safe location,” he said.There were also limits to how much a driver could tow with an unbraked trailer, Acting Sgt McDonald said.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Crown and Cromwell Borough Council of 1989 was brought to the attention of local government representatives yesterday.Cromwell resident Werner Murray was among those who spoke in the public forum of the Cromwell Community Board yesterday, about the proposed loss of delegated authority Cromwell, along with Vincent, Roxburgh and Maniototo wards were facing. The perception was that Cromwell would lose control of its assets under the Central Otago District Council proposal, more than 30 years after an MOU was put in place as part of an amalgamation deal.Werner told the board the current proposal went against all the hard work by the community all those years ago, to ensure the Cromwell board would maintain full control over its assets - following the Clyde dam project.There was also a protest underway against any change by council called STAG - or Stop The Asset Grab by Cromwell businessman James Dicey - with signatures in a letter soon to be presented to council.Council’s chief executive Peter Kelly has since started making new recommendations to the delegated authority proposals, which he shared at the Roxburgh Community Board meeting last week.He said there would be three options presented to the council meeting at the end of February; the first was to retain the status quo, the second was to include the discussion into the Long Term Plan, and the third was to push on with the proposed changes.On Thursday following the Roxburgh meeting, the Cromwell Community Board (CCB) sent out a letter publicly - signed by all members, to council stating its ‘position’ towards the proposals, which it was clearly against.CCB chair Anna Harrison told the meeting yesterday the length of time to make a written submission was limited, and that was one of the reasons why they didn’t submit.Acknowledging the historical information brought to the board from the two members of the public, she questioned, along with Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie, whether that MOU information was relevant to the current issue.She said it was a big piece of work, and they didn't have the skills, funds or time to look into it, and appreciated the work that the community had done.

Central Otago residents are being called on to support women affected by domestic violence.The initiative, called the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand, was launched in memory of Grace Millane, who was killed in an Auckland hotel room in 2018 by a man she met on a dating app.Central Otago coordinator Philippa Bain said anyone who wants to support the appeal can do so by donating a handbag filled with some basics, plus extras, or luxuries if people wish.“It doesn’t have to be a new handbag,” she said.“If it’s preloved . . . but it’s still in good condition, that also works.”The Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand was launched in memory of Grace Millane. PHOTO: SuppliedBasics include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, along with tissues, plasters and hair brush, if anyone wants to add extra items.The bags are being collected at Cromwell, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Maniototo public libraries.Luxury items such as perfume, makeup, a notebook and pen, among other items, are also welcome.Philippa offered to volunteer as the Central Otago coordinator after hearing about the initiative on social media. She felt it was a worthy cause after being involved in a similar initiative in Australia, where she previously lived.A list of the items people are welcome to include in their bag as part of the appeal. IMAGE: Supplied“I loved it. It felt like a real meaningful charity to be involved in,” she said.“When I saw a similar cause I jumped at the chance.”Philippa’s aim was to provide a collection point in each of Central Otago’s main towns to make it easily accessible for anyone wanting to get involved.Items donated in Central Otago will be given to the Dunedin Women’s Refuge.Kylie-Ann Kearney, this year's overall organiser, first ran an appeal in 2020 when she saw a Facebook post from the UK Love Grace Handbag Appeal and wanted to do something similar in New Zealand. After getting the go ahead from Grace Millane's cousin, Hannah, who runs the Love Grace charitable appeal in the UK, Kylie-Ann reached out to her network of friends to ask for help. Seven locations around New Zealand were organised, and during the appeal they collected more than 1000 bags, which were donated to the women's refuges around NZ.This year Kylie-Ann wanted to go bigger and decided to reach out to the community of loyal followers on the Love Grace NZ Facebook page that was created back in 2020. The response was incredible, and the amount of support received has been enough to help launch the appeal nationwide.“Without the support of all the women who have contacted me to join my team for this years Love Grace Handbag appeal, I would not have been able to pull this off," she said."We hope to continue to grow this appeal and raise awareness of male violence against women in NZ.”The appeal starts on February 14, Valentine's Day, and ends on March 8, International Women’s Day, with 29 collection points throughout the country.To find out more visit the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand Facebook page.

Vincent and Maniototo Community Boards are on board, the Teviot is not so sure and Cromwell Community Board members have all signed a letter to council disagreeing entirely with the new local government review.Central Otago District Council chief executive Peter Kelly was expecting Cromwell to make a submission like the Teviot Valley is planning, but in its governance letter supplied to media yesterday, the contents painted a different picture.“The contents of this position statement dated 7 February 2024 do not constitute a submission from the Cromwell Community Board,” the letter started.“The Cromwell Community Board (CCB) disagrees entirely with the proposal to change its delegations as detailed in Agenda Item 24.1.3 presented to the Board at its meeting on 23 January 2024." The board has been inundated by members of the public concerned that the council would be taking away its assets to fund district infrastructure projects.Some people believe the proposed changes don't acknowledge the history of Cromwell and the promises and assurance that were given to the community prior to the Clyde Dam being built.As a result the CCB asked that the council investigate the districtisation of all functions currently undertaken within delegations held by community boards.The CCB stated that it was concerned about the lack of consultation and time given to make a submission as that was a requirement of the current delegations.Before the CCB made a submission, it has also asked to see a register of land (including but not limited to area, current usage, any current statutory restrictions, hazards, zoning, development potential, current and potential developed value), resources and assets within each ward across the district.“This will enable CCB to better understand the likely implications of a change to the delegations for the CCB, but also for the other community boards within the Central Otago District.”The letter concluded that the CCB maintains that removing or amending delegations as currently proposed will ultimately require a conversation about districtisation and that this proposal is approaching the conversation the wrong way round. “Understanding the impact of districtisation on rates and levels of service for each ward should come first. Changing delegations without this understanding will lead to unintended consequences across the district that have impacts for all wards - not just Cromwell.”Read more: Central Otago community boards under local government review

Two former Teviot Community Board members have warned the Central Otago District Council that removing their delegated authority to make decisions will be devastating.John Lane - also a former councillor, and Helen Pinder both spoke in the public forum at the community board meeting in Roxburgh yesterday, warning this could be the end of community boards in Central Otago.“There will be one term and then community boards will disappear . . . no-one will want to stand on the board and they will wither and die,” John said.Council chief executive Peter Kelly assured the board that despite what happens, the role of the community board wouldn't change, under the Local Government Act.Pointing out that when council made decisions, it went through a significant engagement policy, which often meant consulting with the community anyway.“There are still protections that have to go through council.”So far, both the Vincent and Maniototo community boards are on board with the proposed changes by council, but Cromwell is totally against the proposal, and the Teviot will make a written submission - also opting to speak personally at the next council meeting on February 28.Peter said there would be three options at that meeting, the first is to retain the status quo, the second was to include the discussion into the Long Term Plan, and the third was to push on with the proposed changes.“We won't say where our preference lies, it will be what it is on the day,” Peter said.Teviot Community Board chair Norman Dalley said because the Teviot had no significant income or reserves to spend on new projects, he agreed with Peter that a lot of the big decisions that affected them came through council anyway. “So our responsibility has diminished over time and I don’t see that changing in the future.”However, there was a limited time to respond to the proposal - just three days for a written submission, which he said was an impossible task.   Peter outlined that a board representative would also be able to talk personally to their submission at the public forum of the next council meeting. While the proposal meant less decision making at community board level, the chair of each would present a report to council four times a year, giving another voice around the table.“I think there are some seeds of good in there,” Norman said.Read more: Central Otago community boards under local government reviewRead more: Maniototo Community Board supports delegation review

Public toilets around Alexandra are getting targeted by offenders who find it entertaining to break hand basins and stuff toilet paper into hand driers.Constable Scott Vollweiler confirmed another incident in Alexandra on Tuesday night, which targeted the toilets in Pioneer Park.The first incident in this spate of offending was in December, followed by January 5 and 6 in Pioneer Park and the lower Tarbert St walkway toilets.Further incidents were reported on January 11.Enquiries were ongoing, but police would be grateful for any information regarding those incidents.In December at a council meeting, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan first brought to attention the extreme vandalism of public toilets in the region - both in Alexandra and Cromwell.Mayor Cadogan warned at the time if the damage continued, the council might need to consider closing the toilets at night, which could cause discomfort for travellers, or late night workers.In other police matters, a man was arrested and charged with dangerous driving after chasing another vehicle through the Cromwell Gorge going 150 km/hr earlier this week, which was part of a domestic incident. Police also attended a separate domestic incident at Queensberry.Constable Scott Vollweiler, of Alexandra Police. PHOTO: SuppliedOut in the community, Constable Angela Graham has been working with all four high schools in the district, through the BLAST Blue Light programme.Both Dunstan High and Cromwell College have been involved for several years, with Maniototo Area School coming onboard last year and Roxburgh Area School now part of the programme too.Catering for up to 25 students, the programme is student-led and promoted by NZ Police into schools as well. The eight-week programme is held three mornings a week, and is run by youth workers, ex-students and both police and non-police volunteers.Looking ahead, there will be an extra police presence in Ranfurly at the end of the month for the Maniototo Rodeo.  Constable Vollweiler said he hopes everyone has a good time, but also encourages them to be on their best behaviour following a brawl after the Lawrence Rodeo that made national news recently.Information can be given to police in relation to the public toilet vandalism by contacting 105 or Constable Scott Vollweiler by emailing [email protected] and quote the relevant file number below.Tarbert St, Friday, January 5: 240116/7991Centennial Ave, Sunday, January 11: 240116/7455Brandon St, Sunday, January 11: 240116/7432Read more: Alexandra Police appeal for informationRead more: A cowboy walks into a bar . . .

Gold fever is in the air with another mining consent proposed for the Clutha River/Mata-au near Millers Flat.Hawkeswood Mining has applied to the Central Otago District Council for a 10-year land use consent just 1km from the township on farmland, which expects to create 20 jobs.A separate water and discharge consent would also need to be applied for through the Otago Regional Council.Almost a month ago, Cold Gold Clutha Ltd was declined its application to dredge an area of the river south of Luggate, but its consent for the lower part of the river near Tuapeka Mouth was still in place.About 120m north in the hills of Bendigo, Santana Minerals has confirmed it might have hit the jackpot with its exploratory drilling showing the biggest gold discovery in 40 years - worth billions of dollars.Meanwhile, Hawkeswood Mining has been using its minerals exploration permit to start looking for gold in Millers Flat, without the necessary consents to do so, a report from council said.An abatement notice was issued and the work stopped, after complaints to the council from members of the community.Hawkeswood also has obtained a Crown Minerals mining permit that was valid until April 2033, and is aiming for a six-day operation - its application stipulating that it would be either land based, or a floating dredge in the river.It is expected to move 12 million cubic metres of earthworks on the 68ha site in four stages, and talks have already been underway with the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust on diverting the track temporarily. Millers Flat has been the site of gold dredging activity on many occasions, dating right back to the 1900s.Part of the existing site is a former gravel pit owned by the council, which was closed off to the public in 2023.Independent commissioners will hear Hawkeswood’s consent applications in a joint hearing with the Otago Regional Council, and submissions close on February 19.

Omakau business owners are frustrated following the community’s seven-hour-long power cut on Friday, the third outage in two weeks.The latest unplanned outage also affected parts of Alexandra and Moa Creek, with many remaining without power during the height of the working day.The outage occurred just as an electrical storm was also passing over the district.Luana Gallo, of Muddy Creek Cafe, said power went off about 1.20pm.The team couldn’t operate much of their equipment, including the coffee machine and fryer, so they closed about 3pm, four hours early, which meant loss of revenue.Marjorie Paris, of Omakau Supermarket, said although she was able to remain open during the power cut, it was not business as usual.With no back-up generator, all the shop’s fridges and freezers stopped working, along with the eftpos machine.“I said to some of the locals, come back and pay later because I knew the people.”Friday’s power outage has continued to cause her problems after her computer "blew up" during the outage and the eftpos machine no longer functions correctly.A light in one of her fridges also no longer works, but aside from that, the fridge does function.“It’s really annoying,” she said, of the problems the outage has caused.Tony Herbert, of Omakau Auto Centre, had his own set of problems to deal with as a result of the outage.“I had four guys standing around not being able to work, we had three vehicles jammed on hoists that the customers wanted back that night. So, we couldn’t give them their vehicles back until the next day.”He also couldn’t use the air compressor and pumping petrol was not an option.“We lost everything.”A would-be-customer, who desperately needed fuel, had to get their partner to bring them some to get home.Tony said the ongoing outages were “frustrating” because Aurora Energy had spent time, money and effort upgrading the systemHowever, the community was still getting hit with power cuts, with Friday's affecting four hours of his and his staff's working day.Tony also offers an AA breakdown service, but callouts weren’t able to come through to him.A power cut hit parts of Omakau, Alexandra and Moa Creek during stormy weather on Friday. PHOTO: The Central AppAccording to Aurora Energy, there were 228 customers in Omakau who were without power from 10.40am on Friday. It returned briefly before being fully restored about 8.30pm.In Moa Creek the power went out at about 1.15pm affecting 302 customers, which was estimated to come back on at 6pm.Parts of Alexandra also lost power at 2.20pm, which affected 853 customers.Many of those people were also left without power on January 19 and 23, when a widespread outage affected almost 8000 customers extending from Clyde to Ettrick and Lauder Flat.Aurora Energy has confirmed last week's outage was "largely" due to a damaged overhead conductor, strong winds and intermittent lightning, which impacted the local network.Aurora Energy general manager for network operations Matt Settle said crews responded to an initial fault that impacted customers in the Lauder Flat area; the fault was repaired, but shortly after a lightning strike on another part of the Omakau network cut power to the same 228 customers, plus a larger area."We are aware these unplanned outages caused by bad weather come on the back of two recent outages in January and we know this will be very frustrating for customers. We have also experienced some glitches with our new outage website that we've now resolved."More information about the unplanned outages in January can be found here: Aurora Energy explains recent power outages in Central OtagoRead more: Third power cut strikes Central in two weeksRead more: Sequence of events cause of recent power outages

Cornish Point Rd will remain unsealed, saving ratepayers $400,000, and a decrease in carpark numbers over summer suggests it’s the right move.The Central Otago District Council has rescinded its resolution to seal the road, and at its meeting last week staff talked about future developments of the biking network through to Gibbston, likely to put more pressure on the Bannockburn Bridge carpark instead. Council’s road sealing policy is guided by traffic volumes, with a minimum threshold set at an average of more than 150 vehicles daily. Traffic counts conducted over the Christmas holiday season revealed an average daily count of  just 147 vehicles. The road services 12 lots, including vineyards and residential dwellings, and in June 2022 council applied for un-subsidised funding following increased traffic volumes after the opening of the Lake Dunstan Trail.Despite 84,000 users in its first year, usage of the Cornish Point parking area has significantly declined after three years, and council chief executive Peter Kelly recommended the planned work be stopped.A council staffer told the meeting last week that with the introduction of more biking trails around Central Otago, the usage of carparks across the network would spread out the numbers.The council will have conversations with cycle trail groups to establish the impact around Bannockburn, and how best to prepare for that.

Today marks 184 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, an occasion that will be commemorated at the Dunstan Rowing Club.A Whānau Day will be hosted by Uruuruwhenua Hauora at the club, featuring Matua Henry on the waka, from 2pm to 5pm.Everyone is welcome to attend, along with a towel, insect spray, drink bottle and sunhat.Whaea Francie Diver said Waitangi Day is a special time, giving whanau an opportunity to gather.For many people, they are away from their whānau and iwi so gathering with others is vital.“It doesn’t matter who they are, but they meet as a family, together,” she said.“When we call each other ‘whānau’ we are not necessarily from the same marae.”She said if Alexandra had a runanga, a Māori assembly or council, people would gather there on Waitangi Day, but as there isn’t one, people compromise and gather in other ways.The day is one that can leave Francie feeling homesick, but she looks to others to overcome that.Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan considers the day as one of great importance.“I have to admit that, prior to being mayor, Waitangi Day was pretty much just a day off work, in fact I never set foot on a marae until my first term as mayor,” he said.“Now the opportunities and experiences that being mayor has given me lead me to look at Waitangi Day as something very important both to me personally and to the nation as a whole.”

Exciting things are happening at Alexandra’s IceInline, as the structure of the new roof facility starts to take shape.Calder Developments has been onsite for the past two weeks erecting the fabricated steel trusses and beams, which were all made and transported from its factory in Tapanui.Roof project committee member Trevor Lawrence said for those who have been driving by the Molyneux Park facility over the past fortnight, it has been impressive seeing the structure grown out of the ground.“Everything is on track, at this stage Metalcraft panel roof being installed will signal the next milestone of the project; keep your eye out for more cranes mid-February,” he said.The major works for the roof project is expected to be finished in March 2024, and alongside that the committee plans on turning the existing lounge facility into more of a function centre.Families, businesses and sports lovers have been given the opportunity to buy their own piece of the ice surface, of which there is 1800 sqm in the Olympic size ice rink.The IceInline Committee has been working hard behind the scenes on fundraising the additional $200,000 for the upgrade of the building.The new IceInline roof is taking shape, which is due for completion in March. PHOTO: The Central AppAlmost $4500 has been donated so far towards the ice brick fundraiser, mostly from individuals, treasurer Melissa Booth said.The committee would now start canvassing the wider business committee to see who was interested in becoming a more major part of the development.The next steps are to replace end-of-life items such as matting, lighting, ice hockey nets and dasher boards around the rink, along with landscaping the site.Trevor said they had also received a huge amount of community support in recent weeks towards other improvements that can be made to the IceInline facility as a whole.“It is always a lot of volunteer work to get the ice rink ready for winter in May. But, there is some time to complete a few more jobs that would enhance the facility and grounds, these are being worked through with the committee.”Check out the website www.iceinline.co.nz for more information about purchasing some ice.

A group of just four women are keeping the spirit of art alive in West Otago, joining together for an exhibition at Central Stories in Alexandra.The group once had 10 or 11 members when it first started in 2015, but now because there are just four, they meet at each other’s house once a fortnight, for camaraderie and to share tips and advice on each other’s work.Tuatapere artist Wayne Edgerton once tutored the group - now made up of Jann Robertson, Norma Parks, Robin Edin and Lois Bishop. Art enthusiasts enjoying the new work from West Otago artists currently exhibiting at Central Stories in Alexandra.Central Stories welcomed the women at a special opening ‘Art With Attitude,’ on Friday night, showcasing four different styles and mediums of work.Robin has a collection of large oil landscapes of Central Otago, while Lois’ features bright portraits of Freddie Mercury and Dame Edna.Norma loves the colour red and her small stylistic works of bright Italian landscapes and ladies with large hats show off her talents.Jann has a passion for hand cut stencilling. Her latest quirky art works include Māori Tiki’s.