Maniototo Area School teacher Sam Stevens is shifting his focus as he prepares to leave the classroom for more time on the land.Sam, who farms at Poolburn, has decided to leave his regular teaching role of almost 20 years to spend more time farming, but will still provide assistance to students in an agricultural capacity when required.His teaching career started in Invercargill in 1998 where he trained as an English and art history teacher.Tempted by opportunities overseas, Sam left New Zealand for England in 1999 where he taught children with learning difficulties in London.In 2000 he went on to teach at a school in Kent, which had a 20-30 acre farm attached.“So, I did some general farming stuff there and teaching.”He returned to New Zealand and went on to teach English and art history at Southland Girls’ High School in Invercargill from 2001 to 2002, and in 2003 Sam and his wife, Deb, who is also a teacher, bought their farm at Poolburn, prompting their next move.By 2004 Sam was dividing his time between the farm and Maniototo Area School where he had taken on a role as a relief English teacher.However, half way through that year he had welcomed another role as an art teacher and over the years also enjoyed teaching agriculture.“It’s only a wee farm [at Poolburn] so we were always going to need to do some teaching as well,” he said, of why it was never just one career, or the other.Sam said there is plenty he will miss at Maniototo Area School, but nothing more than the people.“I will miss the kids - always the kids - and the staff, there’s good people there.”The school’s new $11 million rebuild, which is now complete, is also something he was going to miss.“There’s nice facilities,” he said.“It’s a shame I’m getting out just when it’s all new.”However, he is not giving up on teaching entirely. Instead, he will be working for Primary ITO in a relief capacity at Dunstan High School and Maniototo Area School, sharing his knowledge with Central’s next generation of farmers.

A robust business case was needed for the Cromwell Memorial Hall to justify spending $43 million, the Central Otago district’s deputy mayor says.Neil Gillespie said there was still a lot of work to be done to get it across the line, including operating and depreciation costs, and council still needed to approve the tender for the rebuild. Four companies were shortlisted in that process and this was the single biggest capital project he had been involved in since his time in local government in 1998.The Cromwell Community Board, at its November 28 meeting, decided it needed to understand the total cost of the project, what its operating model would look like and how it would be funded.“It has taken awhile, but with numbers like that you have to get it right. There’s too much at stake to get it wrong.”The estimated $43 million was an “eyewatering” amount of money, and the community board couldn’t just keeping saying yes to everything.At its closed meeting on November 29 community board members questioned the long term picture of the $43 million hall.Board chair Anna Harrison said this was a significant project "and we want to be sure that we fully understand the ongoing costs of operating the building and what the impact will be on rates. “The information that has been presented to us is really complex. We want to be sure that we get it right so that we end up with an asset our community can be proud of.”The cost of maintenance and eventual replacement of the hall also needed to be carefully considered.The old hall will be demolished to make way for the new facility, plans for which include a 400-seat auditorium, cafe, cinema, flexible community and meeting spaces and the Cromwell Museum, according to council documents.Local aggregates will be used in the building and the design is intended to reflect the Central Otago landscape and its people.Funds for the build have been set aside in the council’s long-term plan, apart from about $11 million to come from grants and land sales.Construction is expected to take place this year once budgets are confirmed.

A popular programme to help parents and caregivers across Central build a healthy relationship with their child will return in the coming months.The Incredible Years Parenting Programme, taking place in Wānaka from March, is open to people throughout Central Otago who want to develop strategies to better understand and support their child, aged three to eight.The free programme, held over 14 weeks each Tuesday evening during the school term, is a Family Works Presbyterian Support Otago initiative, which takes place each year, either in Alexandra, Cromwell or Wānaka.It provides practical step-by-step suggestions for parents and caregivers to handle everyday family situations, including strategies to help manage challenging behaviours and have a better understanding of their child.A spokesperson for the programme said the most common themes the course supports people through are parental separation, anxiety and having two working parents due to the cost of living.She said the programme follows the same format each year, but discussion amongst group members reflects the challenges that arise for people, which are relevant to today.The course provides an encouraging and supportive group learning environment. It also offers individual support throughout the 14-week programme, or ongoing support following it.“It also provides a space for parents to gain the skills and knowledge to strengthen their relationship with their children and be able to have a kete (basket) of tools to utilise in a variety of situations.”She said there are many benefits that come from taking part. While both parents are encouraged to attend, it is still beneficial if only one can make it.“[Outcomes include] less challenges for parents/caregivers, they have a better understanding of the emotional needs and developmental stages of their children [and] children develop strategies for emotional regulation through a positive relationship with parents/caregivers.”Feedback from previous participants has been positive.“People have enjoyed getting to know other parents and to know that they are not alone in their parenting journey. Everyone takes away something different from the course and despite it being 14 weeks, each week builds on the next,” she said.“Parents/caregivers have also reported a greater understanding of their child and a greater self-awareness as a parent.”Anyone wanting to attend can talk to the organisers if travel or childcare costs are an issue.The 2024 programme will take place from March at the Wānaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall St, on Tuesdays from 6pm to 8.30pm.The course will be offered in either Alexandra or Cromwell in 2025.For more information and to enrol call Sharleen on 0508 396 678, text 021 244 7756 or email [email protected] learn more about Family Works, visit The Central App’s community button.

Water testing is becoming a way of life for a selection of Omakau School children.Each year the school’s senior pupils embrace the role of water testing for the Thomsons Catchment Project, a task they complete once a month at about seven sites.And, each year those children pass their knowledge and skill-set on to the next set of senior children who will take the reins the following year.  Year 5-8 teacher Wanda Jaggard said the school’s Year 8 pupils spend the last weeks of their time at Omakau School training Year 7 children on how they do the testing and what they test for, including things like e-coli and water clarity.This year marks the third year since the children started taking on the responsibility and have enjoyed the process and the lessons it has taught them along the way.A wetland, which forms part of the Thomsons Catchment Project, can be seen from a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, not far from where the trail meets Alton St, near the Omakau Golf Club.“It’s so close to us [at the school] and it’s such an amazing project,” Wanda said.Taking part in some water sampling are (from left) committee member Roger Williams, Will Gillespie and Zac Dougherty. PHOTO: Thomsons Catchment Project Among those who will be taking on the role when they return to school in the new year are Pip Tucker, Charlotte Kirk and Sophie Groundwater.They will take over from Zac Dougherty, Will Gillespie, Wiremu Haraway and Alexis Henderson.The children, along with McKenzi Hamilton and Milly Gillespie, who will both be in Year 7 when they return next year, also spent a day towards the end of last year helping to plant 50 kōwhai as part of the project. Omakau School children checking the quality of water alongside Becky Clements, of the Otago Regional Council. PHOTO: Thomsons Catchment ProjectThe Thomsons Catchment Project, which is led by local farmers, aims to improve the quality of water and biodiversity in the area.Other aspects of the project have so far included planting of other native species around the new wetland, which help filter out nutrients and keep the stream clean.About 600 carex secta have already been planted, while another 45,000 of the native grasses are also expected to go in, along with other species.A wide range of groups have supported the project, including Otago Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment, Fish and Game Otago, the Department of Conservation, Aukaha, local businesses and the wider community.Those groups were recognised for their efforts via a recent catchment group newsletter.“The generosity and support from everyone involved has made this a very special project,” it read.

People sleeping in vehicles that are not certified or self-contained could soon be banned from freedom camping spots, but tents will still be allowed.The Central Otago District Council considered a new Freedom Camping Bylaw in December, but have deferred a decision until after summer, with some councillors warning they will “cop it in the neck.”Both Mayor Tim Cadogan and deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie reminded the council about issues from several years ago, before Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) took control of the situation at its freedom camp spots around Lake Dunstan.Lowburn and Bendigo particularly were becoming congested and facilities overflowing, causing concerns for residents and others trying to use the areas recreationally.The situation had settled with Covid-19 disrupting overseas backpackers from coming into the country, but early numbers at freedom camp spots this season are already looking strong.A report to council by parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey showed Cougar Security had noticed peak numbers were already back to pre-Covid-19 levels.In particular, the smaller tourist camper vans, and also an increase in local people living rough - but mostly from Friday night to Sunday.Pinders Pond Reserve near Roxburgh was becoming a year-round, long term camping location, driven by the housing crisis and rising rental costs.There have been increased levels of domestic issues and intoxicated campers refusing to be moved on due to not being able to drive, in recent times.The council noted in its report that people experiencing homelessness were exempt from infringements relating to freedom camping. Pathways for assistance for people experiencing homelessness would be explored. The report said recent changes to freedom camping legislation was anticipated to reduce the number of small non-self-contained tourist camper vans, but also possibly increase those living in tents.LINZ currently has designated Bendigo and Champagne Gully as sites where non-certified self contained vehicles can camp, but Lowburn and Jacksons areas only allow certified self-contained vehicles.The council has agreed to monitor the effectiveness of these recent changes and enforcement provisions in freedom camping legislation over the 2023/24 summer season.They would also defer a decision to development a Freedom Camping Bylaw until after the April 2024 council meeting.Gordon said depending on what happened over summer, the council could choose to develop a freedom camping bylaw, which could help manage the impacts of freedom camping.“The changes to the freedom camping legislation that came into force [last] year may change campers’ behaviours, so the monitoring [of] camping behaviour on council land over summer will help make an informed decision on whether a freedom camping bylaw should be developed or not."

Did you hear the one about the mother in Southland who tried to get off her speeding ticket by telling the police officer she was yelling at her children?When it comes to speeding, New Zealand Police have heard it all, and in Alexandra they have been spun a few good stories too.“Is this all you have to do?” Senior Constable Graham Perkins has been asked, along with “go and catch some real criminals,” and cheekily “we pay your wages,” even crops up from time to time.There have been stuck jandals to stressed out dogs and a mother who was going 40km/hr over the speed limit who explained to police she got distracted while telling her children off.Despite the excuses, NZ Police’s new speeding campaign was no laughing matter, and officers will be out in full force keeping our roads safe this summer.Southern District road policing manager Inspector Brent Kingsland said while there was no excuse to speed, the reasons they heard on the daily were too funny not to share, but also hoped through the humour people would realise the consequence to their actions.“From ‘I’ve never had a ticket before, can I have a warning?’ to ‘I didn’t see the speed sign’, our police have heard everything,” Inspector Kingsland said.“There’s nothing funny about attending a death on our roads.“Every opportunity we can take to reduce speeds, even by a fraction, has the potential to make a huge difference to safety on our roads.”Inspector Kingsland said officers heard the same old excuses from drivers when they’re caught speeding, time and time again.But, police often also have to witness the horrific consequences when there’s a crash.Among some of the other excuses police have heard was 'there isn’t a speed limit here, it’s a passing lane and you can go as fast as you like to overtake safely'.Then there's the 'it’s not me, blame the car,’ mentality."But it’s not, it’s the driver,” he said.“In a crash, even when you’re not at fault, speed remains the single biggest factor in whether you and your passengers walk away or are carried away.“It’s simple: less speed means less harm.“We want you to get to your destination, so slow down, drive to the speed limit and drive to the conditions. And, know that you can expect to see Police out on the roads – anytime and anywhere.”

Thousands of books are drawing big crowds in Alexandra and it is all for a good cause.Yesterday marked day one of the four-day Annual Charity Book Sale, a fundraiser hosted by the Alexandra Rotary Club.The event is a popular new year tradition and this year is no exception, as people flock to the Alexandra Community Centre in Skird St, in search of some summer holiday reading.Co-organiser and past president Kevin MacKenzie said about 60 people were waiting for the doors to open yesterday, while many more followed throughout the day.“The first day is always our biggest day. That’s the day you get dealers and people who are really keen on getting something specific, so they line up and they come in, which is great.”Holiday-makers also make up a large portion of people who come through the doors.Holiday-makers Angie (left) and Laurelle Hopkinson (5), of Bluff, search for some books on opening day. PHOTO: The Central AppOverall, the event has raised more than $600,000 for various groups throughout its 36 year history.Kevin said this year marks the third year funds have been raised for the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, with last year’s event raising $28,000.A wide range of genres and titles will be available to choose from until January 4. PHOTO: The Central App“That’s our target for this year - we try to see if we can do better each year.”For many years the event was held from Boxing Day, but it was shifted to New Year’s Day and the group has not looked back since.“It works really well,” Kevin said.“It suits the people better because we aren’t messing with their family Christmases now, so it’s to stay on January 1st.”The sale will end on January 4.

Tinder dry conditions are keeping Central Otago fire crews busy.Crews from Clyde, Dunstan, Alexandra and Tarras were called to a grass fire in the Waikerikeri Valley area at 1.50pm today, while more crews are on their way to another grass fire on Moutere Disputed Spur Rd, near Chatto Creek.The fire in the Waikerikeri Valley area has affected about one hectare of land, but has been contained.Some of those crews are now responding to the fire on Moutere Disputed Spur Rd, which is also being attended by Omakau and Blackstone.No further details were available.Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Bailey Wells said conditions were still very dry and Central Otago remains under a prohibited fire season.The Central, Naseby, Upper Waitaki Lakes, Glendhu Bluffs and Lake Ōhau zones moved from a restricted to a prohibited fire season on December 18.A prohibited fire season means a total ban on open-air fires and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.Bailey said it was important people remained vigilant, even when doing tasks like mowing lawns, which could cause sparks to ignite.Anyone who sees smoke should call 111. 

Welcome to a new year.As we all know, the stroke of midnight often comes with a sense of “new”, from new adventures, new goals and a new outlook on life.While many of us have locked in one or all of the above, what brought us to make that commitment differs.In some cases, people are keen to break away from bad habits or experiences, while others simply want to embrace the clean slate 2024 can offer, or carry on what they started in 2023.For me, 2023 was full of unknowns and challenges. However, it’s important not to let those times overshadow the good. And, as I look back, there were plenty of great moments that will be forever etched in my history book.At the top of that list was, without a doubt, marrying my best friend.A few challenges followed soon after, including my redundancy from Alexandra Wastebusters, which closed down in the middle of the year.While it was tough on my bank balance and mental state, I’ve come out the other side, back into the world of journalism.So, here I am and I will be forever grateful.I’ve had a great time reconnecting with Central Otago’s wide ranging communities, from sports groups to artists and social clubs to service groups and everyone in between.Our team at The Central App takes a lot of pride in being able to share your stories and we can’t wait to tell many more of them in 2024.So, if you hear of someone doing great things, or you have your own story to tell, we want to hear about it.Let’s see how much news we can pack into 2024 together.You can share your news by emailing [email protected]

A mixed bag of weather is in the forecast for today’s end of year festivities across Central.MetService meteorologist John Law said New Year’s Eve weather was “looking like an unsettled story”, with the prospect of showers and possibly some thunderstorms and hail to see out 2023. Fine weather is expected to return by New Year’s Day.High pressure is building across the country for the start of 2024, which would mean many parts of the country will have a good start to the new year with “plenty of dry and fine weather in store”.“Central Otago looks to be one of the warmest spots with a forecast high of 25 degrees Celsius, similar to Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.”However, people are encouraged to keep an eye on weather forecasts, due to their ever changing patterns, which had been the case over much of the holiday season so far.John said MetService’s rain readings since Christmas had shown there had been 18mm at Wedderburn, 13mm at Alexandra and 9mm at Cromwell. He said while there is some rain in the forecast later in the week, the general trend is for a drier start to the year.People can keep an eye on thunderstorm charts here. To keep an eye on weather reports, click on The Central App’s weather button. Read more: Recent rainfall benefits the Maniototo.

People ventured from far and wide for a round of golf and, in doing so, have helped raise $7000 for the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust.Members of the trust hosted the golf tournament at the Omakau Golf Course on Thursday, an event that attracted 119 people from around the country, including as far away as Auckland.They made up 30 four-person-teams, who played an ambrose style tournament, which took place throughout the day in hot conditions.One player, in particular, took advantage of the heat - or maybe it was a bet - to play part of the tournament naked.It is the second year the trust has hosted the post-Christmas golf tournament, an event the Omakau Golf Club has run for more than 20 years.However, over that time the club has allowed several local community groups to use the tournament for their own fundraising ventures.Di Wilson (left) and Jayne Douglas enjoy the morning's session of golf.Derek Shaw on the barbecue, a popular stopping point on the golf course. Thanks to the Omakau Golf Club and the many people who took part, this week’s event has brought the trust closer to its aim - construction of a purpose-built, multi-use community facility on the Omakau Recreation Reserve, for the benefit of the township and surrounding communities.Trust chair Andrew Paterson said the cost and design was estimated at about $5.3 million, with $1.7M already secured.One team makes their way across the course, including member, Joe Flannery, centre, who opted to go naked. The group has not yet applied to some of the larger funding organisations.The trust plans to host another mid-year golf tournament in May, which will be open for registrations in April.To provide financial support, people can visit the trust’s Give a Little page.Anyone who wants to find out about joining the committee can email [email protected]: The Central App

Power outages across parts of Cromwell are keeping repair crews busy.Three generators were used to power three transformers after an underground cable fault caused a power outage in the town's Antimony Cr area.An Aurora Energy spokesperson said there were about 70 customers who relied on each transformer.Power was restored to those customers just after 10pm yesterday.“We thank all customers who were impacted for their patience while our contractors worked to repair the fault.”According to the Aurora Energy website, another power outage in Cromwell’s Ripponvale area is affecting 68 customers in Ord, Ripponvale and Ritchies Rds.Power is estimated to be restored to those residents at 12pm today.That outage initially affected 754 customers, but power has been restored to a large portion of those households.Keep up to date with power outages by clicking on The Central App’s power outages button.

Otago Sparks and Volts both took a hit during the opening of the Dream11 Super Smash at Molyneux Park on Thursday.The Otago Volts lost to the Wellington Firebirds by eight wickets, while the Otago Sparks lost to Wellington Blaze by 20 runs.Otago Volts were all bowled out for 47 after 12 overs and the Sparks scored 139 from their 20 overs.On January 1, Otago Sparks will return to the pitch against Auckland Hearts at Molynuex Park at 12.30pm.Otago Volts will take on Auckland Aces, also at Molyneux Park on January 1, at 4pm.Alexandra will play host for the Super Smash double header series one last time on January 3 when Otago Sparks take on Canterbury Magicians at 12.30pm and Otago Volts compete against Canterbury Kings at 4pm.The crowds enjoying the cricket and sunshine at Molyneux Park. PHOTO: The Central AppShaded areas were popular as the crowd watched the cricket in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppSparks head coach Craig Cumming said, ahead of the series, he was excited to be returning to Alexandra for the series.“As cricketers and as fans, there is so much history playing and watching at Molyneux Park. The best weather, lovely ground, grass banks and an awesome local community that we are thankful for their support,” he said.“There is no better place to be, and I know the Sparks cannot wait to play three games in Alexandra.”Volts head coach Dion Ebrahim was also looking forward to getting out into the regions throughout the season.He said it was exciting to be playing in Alexandra.“We know the team gets a lot of support from the area and there is always a fantastic family feel about playing cricket in Alexandra. The weather is hot, the locals friendly and the cricket is always entertaining.”Both Otago teams started their Super Smash campaign at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve, before they took on Canterbury on Boxing Day at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.This summer also marks the start of the three-year broadcast deal with TVNZ, which will broadcast all 64 Super Smash games on free-to-air.

Community Christmas dinners continue to be popular traditions on Central Otago festive calendars. Various communities across the district hosted events over recent days for people who would otherwise have been alone at Christmas, were from overseas, or just wanted to join in the fun alongside others.On Christmas Eve, Cromwell’s Church Untamed hosted a barbecue with the aim of providing a fun event for people, particularly younger residents who wanted to connect with others.Church leader Tim Muller said about 30 people attended the event, which also featured a sing-along of Christmas carols. He said although the event did not attract “too many” people, he hoped that over time it would grow.“It’s one of those things, if you do things regularly over time people hear about it. You have to be prepared to play the long game with these things.”The Alexandra Clyde Lauder Union Parish also hosted its annual Christmas Day dinner at St Enoch’s Church.Reverend Andrew Howley said the event, which attracted about 70 people, including volunteers, went “very well”.That number was slightly down on other years, which was partly due to some workplaces treating their overseas workers to meals on the day - a nice touch to their busy summer schedules.It was the second year the event had to be hosted entirely indoors due to wet weather, while another year saw the event venture indoors half way through.This year’s meal consisted of traditional ham and sausages, along with chicken and beef burgers.Rev Howley thanked everyone who volunteered on the day and donated money towards making it happen, in particular, the Alexandra Rotary Club, which was the core funder.

A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago despite two days of heavy rain in some parts of the district.According to MetService, there was 13mm of rain in Alexandra from December 24 to 25, with 4.2mm overnight on Christmas Eve and a further 8.8mm on Christmas Day.Heavy downpours continued on Boxing Day, but those figures were not available before The Central App’s deadline.A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said although the past 48 hours had seen some rain across the district, it was important people did not become complacent.He said Central Otago remains under a prohibited fire season, which meant there was a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were still suspended.“It’s still . . . a prohibited fire season and that won’t change until the powers that be make a more informed decision.”A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago. IMAGE: FenzHe said rainfall was not the only factor that would allow a change to come into effect.“There’s all sorts of things that go into it - humidity, fuel loading, current temperature - everything plays on each other.”Fireworks are also still banned in Central, as well as in Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lake Ōhau, Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice.The ban came into effect just days after a fire near Clyde earlier this month, which was caused by fireworks.Crews from five Central Otago fire brigades, along with helicopters carrying monsoon buckets, battled the blaze on a steep hillside above Lake Dunstan.“That fireworks [message] is huge because they can smolder away for some time, as was the evidence with the fire above the Clyde Dam. The risk is still very high.” To keep up to date with weather forecasts, click on The Central App’s weather button.To find out more about fire restrictions visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

If you haven’t driven or walked past Mike and Margaret Payne’s house opposite the council in Alexandra on the corner of Bringans St, then it’s worth a look before Christmas.It takes almost two weeks to set up Santa in his sleigh, Mother Christmas and the elves, and a 2.5m tree all lavishly decorated.“Some of the decorations require a bit of DIY stuff to make it work,” the former thermal power engineer said.Hauling out the Christmas collection every December 1, the display will stay for the next few weeks, “it makes it pretty hard to mow the lawns otherwise,” he said.Mike Payne in his Alexandra garden, which he has since transformed in time for Christmas. PHOTO: The Central AppMike and Margaret and sister-in-law Sandra Kelmsley moved to Alexandra in 1999 - Christmas garden decorations and displays have been one of the family’s retirement projects.The Christmas garden in the day time. PHOTO: The Central AppBut it was actually Sandra who first got them interested in decorating, when they all moved south from New Plymouth. They bought a campervan and drove back up there to her house to retrieve the lot - but they’re always adding more to the collection. “You do have to keep replacing them, especially the solar ones. And being a power station man I prefer real ones, like 240 volts.”One guy reckons he can see the top of the tree all lit up from the other end of Bringans St.The Central App has provided a Christmas lights trail to view all the properties lit up, and you have until the 4th of January to visit homes like 16 Fraser Avenue and remember to vote for your favourites.

Santa can expect some mild temperatures while delivering presents across Central Otago on Sunday night.By Christmas morning temperatures will start to creep up from about 13 degrees Celsius, to a predicted maximum of 28C.MetService meteorologist John Law said, overall, Central Otago was looking like a good place to be on Christmas Day.“While there will be the odd shower during the day, much of the time will be dry before cloud and showers move into the south of the region later in the day.”He said while the weather looks generally more unsettled for the week between Christmas and New Year, “much of the wet weather will be skirting” Central.While Central looks set to be a good place to be, so does the east of the South Island, Hawkes Bay and Nelson, with each of those regions expected to see some of the best of the festive weather.The hottest spots are likely to be on the east coast of the North Island, John said.He encourages people to stay hydrated and to avoid the hottest part of the day, while also keeping an eye on friends and family, “not forgetting the furriest of the family as well”.metservice prediction next seven days in Central OtagoFor more information about heat alerts and how to stay cool and calm when the temperature rises, visit the Weather in the report section of The Central App.

Christmas has arrived at Ewan Mason and Heather Kinley’s home in Ranfurly.Their property at 49 John St is intricately decorated in full Christmas glory for everyone in the community and beyond to enjoy.When The Central App caught up with Heather, the display had not yet taken shape due to the need for calm weather.However, last weekend they got the window of opportunity they needed to get the mammoth display ready, just in time for Christmas.Among its many highlights is a six metre mega tree with a star on top, featuring an animated lighting display that runs to music.A backdrop of LED Christmas lights have also been hung to coincide with the pixels Ewan runs as one of the main features - an artform he has mastered, right down to each and every bright glow.Music from The Greatest Show on Earth is also played through a sound system, which they try to keep to a minimum for the neighbours.CLICK BELOW TO GO TO 1MIN VIDEOThe display at 49 John St, Ranfurly, is best viewed from the Thomas St side of the property. VIDEO: SuppliedThe display, which operates from 8.45pm until midnight each night over the festive season until the second week of January, is one people come back to see time and time again, Heather said.“People come back every night. On New Year’s Eve it’s usually choka block out there.”The only downfall is daylight saving, which means it is a very late night for young children to see it at its best, Heather said.However, knowing just how much of a spectacle the display always is, lots of parents get their children out of bed to make sure they don’t miss out.Heather said seeing the looks on everyone’s faces makes it worth the effort.“We do it for the kids - we love the kids’ faces.”Heather said although their address is on John St, the Thomas St side of their property is where the spectacle is best viewed from, which will operate until about a week after New Year.Her one piece of advice to anyone who comes to view the show is to get out of their vehicles and view it from the fence.Anyone who has decorated their home for Christmas this year is encouraged to take part in The Central App’s inaugural Aurora Energy Light Up Central campaign, supported by Tall Poppy.The aim is to create a trail of homes or businesses that are decorated, which people can view from the road.So, if you have lit up your abode, register the address with our Light Up Central campaign and go in the draw to win some amazing prizes.Prizes include a $1000 home improvement from Central Interiors, one night’s accommodation for two with breakfast at Harvest Hotel and a movie night for you and up to 20 family and friends at Central Cinema Alexandra.For a list of addresses already registered on the trail, click on the Light Up Central button and vote for your favourite.

Owners of the controversial Shortcut Rd units that were listed on accommodation websites this year, will have to wait until early 2024 for their resource consent decision. Owners Jun Hou and Lihua Zhang were issued an abatement notice by the Central Otago District Council, for operating traveller’s accommodation without the appropriate consents.They have since applied for consent and following a hearing in early December, commissioner Louise Taylor this week asked the council’s planning consultant to provide more evidence regarding Cromwell’s rental shortage.Despite operating an unconsented business, the applicants told the hearing that they intended to use the units for both short and long-term accommodation, to help the housing shortage.Eventually, when the complex was completed, it would be used again for traveller’s accommodation.The applicants' son Jackie Hou would be the resident manager onsite to manage the accommodation, and there were currently nine units built in stage one, with two further stages totalling 22 units consented.The business had been listed on accommodation websites in mid-2023 and neighbours started complaining about the noise and anti-social behaviour from guests.On December 18 Judge Taylor issued a statement to the council regarding consultant planner Oli Monthule-McIntosh’s comments regarding the effects of the proposed activity on limited housing stock in the town, and difficulties for workers securing accommodation.“Mr Monthule-McIntosh relies (in part) on the shortage of residential accommodation in Cromwell and the adverse effect of removing residential units from the housing supply to support his opinion that the adverse effects of the proposal would be more than minor.”  She requested that Mr Monthule-McIntosh provide evidence to support those references made in his report, in particular the low supply of rental housing in Cromwell.He has until January 15 to provide the information, and the applicants would be then also given the opportunity to comment.