Central Otago's ongoing housing crisis is showing no signs of slowing ahead of a proposed rates rise in 2024.Mayor Tim Cadogan said a day never went by where he wasn’t confronted with an email or phone call from someone desperate for somewhere to live.In equal amounts was the correspondence from 'Nimbys', which stands for 'not in my backyard', and comes from people who were concerned developers were going to build a ‘ghetto’ in their neighbourhood.“My response to them is short and it’s getting a lot shorter,” he said.People were going to have to accept that intensive development was needed, and the current proposed Plan Change 19 could help enable that, he said. “We are going to have to get used to accepting taller houses on smaller sections."Tim said his sympathies would always lie with the ‘have nots’ rather than the ‘haves,’ because he was a single father once and knew what it was like to be struggling.Just last week he warned community board members in Alexandra and Teviot to “buckle up” as next year was going to be tough, with rates looking to increase over 20 percent.New drinking water regulations, old bridges, audits and insurance costs were through the roof, and yet many people moving into the area were still struggling to find anywhere to live.Predictions show that by 2073 Central Otago could have as many as 83,000 residents, but given the significant increase over the past 10 years it could also be as high as 131,000, he said.“And, we can’t put them all on 2ha blocks,” Tim said.He has been in talks with developers of the Simplicity Living programme in Auckland where they have been able to build bulk housing for around $2500/sqm and rent them to those who might never be able to afford their own home.The key to that model’s success and what could also work here was offering residents a long-term secure, efficient, warm rental property.It would be up to developers to make that model happen locally and run with it. The other option was that council invested in it themselves, like it had done with the 98 elderly people’s housing units.Tim said council could look at building 20 apartments, for example, to show how the model worked.“But, the problem is we have a huge rates increase happening, so is that the right time to be doing something else?” The public will be able to have their say on more of these issues in mid-2024 when submissions will be made on the next Long Term Plan (2024-2034).For more on the issue:Read more: Mayor's column.Read more: Central Otago Mayor warns of rates increase.Read more: Shortage of Central rentals hit home.Read more: Affordable housing issues widespread.

Dreams really do come true, just ask the team at Uruuruwhenua Hauora.The group spent recent years gaining funding and support for two waka ama, which have since been purchased and blessed, ready for use on Lake Dunstan.On Friday morning, under grey skies, more than 50 people attended a naming ceremony for the waka ama, now known as Sweet Kōura and Tuna Kuwharuwharu.People of all ages attended the event on the shores of Lake Dunstan, including Francie Diver, who is Ngai Tahu representative in Central Otago and an Uruuruwhenua Hauora board member.The name Sweet Kōura was an emotional tribute to Francie, as it was the name of her former farm on Dunstan Rd. The name also means freshwater crayfish.“I didn’t know,” she said, of the surprise she got when she saw the name on the front of one of the waka ama.The other name, Tuna Kuwharuwharu, means long finned eel.The ceremony, led by board of directors chairperson Louise McKenzie, started with a karakia by Alan George and Murray Radka.Louise McKenzie (right) conducts a blessing during the naming ceremony.Murray called to Tangaroa, the keeper of the lakes, rivers and oceans and prayed to God to bless the waka and keep those who paddle in it safe.“Waka, it’s not just a sport, it’s not just a competition - it’s a spiritual thing for the people of the Pacific,” he said.He said anyone who paddles in the waka ama will be keeping traditions alive.Sport Otago community sport and active recreation advisor Jo Knight also attended the event.She said when she heard about Uruuruwhenua’s plans to bring waka ama into the district, she felt the need to support the initiative.Sport Otago manages the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund, which benefits projects just like this one, Jo said.“That fund [benefits] initiatives that get young people active. This one came up, I heard a rumour and I thought that’s exactly what we need to be doing in this community.” Uruuruwhenua manager Melanie Kuiti thanked everyone for their support and for attending the day’s special occasion.She recalled the process starting with an application and idea that was already on the table when she joined the organisation five years ago.“They had that dream for our community because they knew how much it would mean,” she said.PHOTOS & VIDEO: The Central App

Ranfurly Pool is gearing up for summer with more opening hours throughout the season than in previous years.The pool, which opens for the season on Monday, December 4, will be open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.There will be at least two lifeguards on duty during those hours. The longer opening hours mean staff have regular hours to work rather than split shifts.A part time lifeguard will also be rostered to facilitate breaks and cleaning duties.There will be bookings such as school and learn to swim lessons when the pool will need to be closed to the public for short periods, but will be advertised in advance.Central Otago District Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the request for longer hours was put to the Maniototo Community Board (MCB), which it has supported.“We have listened to community feedback who wanted more regular hours of opening and the MCB were supportive of the permanent change.”In previous years the pool, which was typically open from mid-November to early April, had much shorter opening hours.Public supervised sessions were previously available from 3pm to 8pm on weekdays during the school term, 1.30pm to 8pm in the school holidays and 1.30pm to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.You can always check The Central App Things to Do page and click on Activities Swimming Pool - Ranfurly Pool

IceInline Alexandra is moving into the final stage of its redevelopment, and will start approaching the community and businesses to help fundraise another $200,000 to complete the upgrade.The major works for the roof project was 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.The $1.4 million roof is underway with Calder Developments from Wanaka, thanks to funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, NZ Lotteries and the Central Otago District Council.Roof Committee spokesperson Trevor Lawrence said the next steps were to replace end-of-life items such as matting, lighting, ice hockey nets and dasher boards around the rink, along with landscaping the site.Fundraising was continuing to help provide these, but IceInline would like to offer the community the chance to be involved in this next exciting stage.This summer IceInline is looking to raise $200,000 in the hope to complete the five-year capital improvements that have seen a new refrigeration plant heat the neighbouring Molyneux Aquatic Centre, new curling facilities and now the roof.IceInline Committee member Dianne Elliot looking through old newspaper clippings from the initial project almost 30 years ago. PHOTO: SuppliedFamilies, businesses and sports lovers will have the opportunity to buy their own piece of the ice surface, of which there is 1800 sqm in the Olympic size rink. IceInline also went out to the community 27 years ago back in 1997, to finish its new building in Alexandra, after the rink was relocated into town from the Manorburn Dam.People were asked to support the club, formerly known as the Alexandra Winter Sports Club, by purchasing a sheet of gib for $17 each from Mitre 10, and $17,000 was raised, with teams of families and local trades people giving up their time to help build the new facility.IceInline spokesperson Dianne Elliot said they put the call out almost 30 years ago and managed to line the whole building in a weekend, which showed great community spirit.“Businesses were generous and we hope they will do the same again,” she said.Trevor said this latest fundraising will be a ‘one-off’ to turn the complex into a sporting facility that Central Otago residents can be proud of.Anyone interested in being involved in the venture can find out more at the IceInline website.

Maniototo Library is entering a new chapter as it trials the concept of late nights.The extended hours take place each Thursday from 6pm to 7pm as a way of providing the service to as many people as possible.Central Otago District Council group manager community experience David Scoones said the extended library hours, which began on November 2, is a trial to see how it works for people and would be assessed in due course.The Maniototo Library is located in Ranfurly. PHOTO: Central App“It is all about making the library as accessible as possible to people who might not be able to get there during the day,” he said.The library, which is run through the Central Otago District Council, moved into its new premise just over a year ago, which was part of the Maniototo Area School’s new build.The library's usual hours of Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, remain the same.Maniototo Library is one of seven in the Central Otago district, with the remaining six in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Millers Flat, Omakau and Roxburgh.Membership is free to permanent residents and ratepayers.To find out more about each of those libraries visit the Central Otago District Council’s website.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan has warned rates across the district could rise above 20 percent next year, as the council grapples with increased costs throughout the local Government sector.“Buckle up folks,” he told the Teviot Community Board yesterday in his Mayor’s report, as well as the Vincent Community Board earlier this week.Describing it as horror show, he said depreciation of council assets, bridges needing fixed, massive audit fees as well as insurance were all things they couldn’t ignore.“And, we are not alone, other councils around the country are facing these costs too,” he said.Three Waters was another huge expense they were anticipating, and the recent outbreak of campylobacter in Queenstown had put a greater emphasis on protozoa barriers, in three of its plants - Cromwell, Patearoa and Ranfurly.Over 10 percent of the rates increase would go towards the membranes needed to block the bacteria in water supplies.Tim said while that had already been budgeted for in the 2018 Long Term Plan to be done by 2028, “now we’ll have to pull them in sooner, and it will cost more too.”Describing it as a “pretty rubbish situation,” he asked the Teviot board to consider what things the community was doing now that they could do without.Many households and businesses were already struggling with their budgets, and he warned between now and the next Long Term Plan coming out in June 2024, it would be a pretty rough ride.One board member said it was a bit of a scare to hear the level of rates increase, and asked if there was anything they could do.“If there are services that maybe you could put up to be cut, that will have a greater effect on the board,” Tim said.Talking after the meeting, Tim said he realised now was the time to speak up about the huge rates increase, because the numbers were starting to add up.“I’m not doing it to frighten people, but to get them aware that it is a situation.”

No challenge is too big or small for Maniototo Area School pupil Jayson Dumapis.Jayson (18) has just added the finishing touches to his tiny build, a Level 3 Design Technology project, which he completed through the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation Te Pūkenga (BCITO) at the school.The finished product resembles a hobbit house, but at 3m long, 2.41m wide and 1.85m high, it is bigger than he had imagined it would be.“When I was designing it I thought it was small at first, but when I built it, it was pretty big.”The build is attracting a lot of attention at the school.There have been suggestions it could be used as a sleepout, if a mattress could be squeezed through the door, or a child’s playhouse.Jayson’s teacher Clement Lind was impressed by his efforts and determination to complete the project, which took him the entire year to finish.The build gets the seal of approval from some of the school's youngest pupils. “At Level 3 they have to basically run the show themselves,” Clement said.“They can ask questions and that sort of stuff, but he had to talk to suppliers and he chose to create the design himself.”Clement said Jayson was an ingenuitive thinker, who liked to think outside the box “and put curved roofs on them”.Jayson spent the first term of the school year designing the build. He spent the second and third terms collecting supplies for it and building it and in term four he put the roof on, thanks to Extreme Roofing in Cromwell, which supplied asphalt tiles.Ellie Norman (5, left) and Briar Gillespie (6) try the tiny build for size.They donated the whole lot, which saved Jayson about one third of his budget.All other materials cost about $1200.The tiles were the perfect solution to the curved structure thanks to their flexibility.Jayson said the tiles were his favourite aspect of the build, because they also gave it the character he had hoped for.He said feedback had been pleasing with people telling him how good it looks and that he had done a good job.The tiny build is now for sale and can be viewed on the Maniototo Area School Facebook page.Money raised from the sale will go towards Jayson’s studies at Ara next year, where he plans to study welding.PHOTOS: The Central App

Central residents are being urged to pause before they pay this Black Friday.The warning comes from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Consumer Protection team, to help people avoid falling victim to scammers. Major promotional events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday see scammers use the heightened sense of urgency to attract consumers with fake online shops and advertisements. These often include brands, which do not have a direct presence in New Zealand. Those online shops are known to have websites that end in nz.com or newzealand.com, rather than .co.nzAlexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said Facebook was another trap for people, where it looked like administrators of the social media company were sending out a link for users to secure their account.He urged people to look closely at the web address because often there was a giveaway such as a different font or extra words used in URL.“If there are too many questions then don’t open the link,” he said.Scammers also use banks to try and trick people into securing their accounts, asking people to lodge a complaint, “but as soon as they get in and the money is transferred overseas we have lost them.” A recent survey from Netsafe found shopping scams were the second most common form of scam in New Zealand. Ian Caplin from MBIE’s Consumer Protection team said consumers should consider three things when they’re shopping over the promotional weekend. “Check the online trader is who they say they are, that they’re contactable if there is a problem with your order and that they will deliver what you ordered in good time," he said. “Things to look out for include lack of local contact details, a web address that doesn’t match what’s being sold and if the price is noticeably lower than everywhere else. Make sure any website asking for your information has a padlock symbol next to the web address in your browser. “You can also protect yourself by using trusted payments systems like PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Wallet.” CERT NZ’s new consumer-focused website, Own Your Online website contains up to date guidance for anyone concerned about online shopping scams. The Consumer Protection website also provides general information on your rights when shopping online.

The future of Molyneux Park and its aging stadium is under the spotlight again, 15 years after a $13 million proposed sports hub failed to gain ratepayer support.Built by Breen Construction back in 1975, Molyneux Stadium caters for a range of activities, and a recent study commissioned by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) showed that it was no longer accessible to all groups and clubs.Group manager community experience David Scoones and parks officer Marie Gordon presented a study to the Vincent Community Board yesterday, from Global Leisure Group Ltd (Nelson) and Boffa Miskell called ‘Molyneux Park Supply and Demand Assessment Update.’Sport Central confirmed in the report that the stadium needed updating, particularly increased seating and ablution areas, and that many clubs were missing out on its use.Councillor Tracy Paterson said it would be useful to know who those groups were that couldn’t use the facility, in case there were other options available to them.The stadium also had mixed ownership, such as the Alexandra Rugby Club with the clubrooms, the CODC and the changing rooms, as well as merino shears and gymsports with their own separate areas as well.The report found the stadium was no longer fit for purpose and it wasn't meeting the needs of users, and the proposed Molyneux Stadium feasibility study would be an appropriate tool to look at options to address those issues.Overall, the report found that while the population of Alexandra was increasing, sport participation had stayed the same, and although there was adequate provision of space with regard to sports fields, the quality of some assets was a concern.Molyneux Park is under the spotlight. PHOTO: SuppliedNo additional sports fields were required to be developed within the next three years, provided that Dunstan High School continued to support the community use of their facilities.Funding was proposed in the draft Long Term Plan (2024-2034) to prepare a development plan and allow for other passive opportunities for Molyneux Park.This work would be concluded in 2024 and also have relevance on the future of an artificial sports turf in Alexandra, as it was noted that some children were playing hockey in Cromwell as late as 9:30pm.

Police urge people to think twice before driving while tired, following a fatal crash in Central Otago at the weekend, allegedly caused by driver fatigue.The driver, who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel while driving in the Lindis Pass on Sunday morning, collided with a motorcyclist who died at the scene.The driver of the car received moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.No further details have been released, but investigations are ongoing.Alexandra Police senior constable Graham Perkins said it was a timely reminder for people to rest up before driving, particularly those who arrive in the country on a long-haul flight.He said it was common for tourists arriving in Christchurch following a long flight, to get into a rental car and drive south before having sufficient rest.“Fatigue was the big factor in this one,” he said, of Sunday's crash. Snr Const Perkins said it was just as bad as drink driving when a driver chose to get behind the wheel after spending hours on an international flight, and then continuing on with their journey when they were fatigued.“It’s happening regularly and often in vans as well, with only one driver allocated. They are often from overseas and have limited driving experience.”The latest Lindis Pass crash took place about 15 kilometres from the summit of the pass on State Highway 8 at about 8:30am.The highway was closed for about eight hours on Sunday causing huge amounts of traffic to divert onto SH85, where police also ticketed 36 people for speeding.Snr Const Perkins said it was disappointing that so many people were speeding, who were clearly trying to make up for lost time from the detour on State Highway 8.“Don’t try and get there quickly. It just puts others at risk,” he said.NZ Police have been proactive at helping drivers stop and take rests with their ‘Driver Reviver’ campaign, offering snacks, drinks and a barbecue over busy weekends and public holidays at certain areas in the district.Tarras and Lawrence are two spots where police will collaborate with local community groups to offer drivers a safe place to stop and take a break in the coming months.

The Earnscluegh Fair returned to the district on Sunday, attracting hundreds of people, many of them tempted by the Devonshire tea on offer.Organiser Angela McNaughton was one of the women who cooked up a storm in the hall kitchen, serving scones to guests in the dining lounge, something that has become a real drawcard to the event.Angela said committee member Jane Robinson baked 80 scones for the event, but had to prepare at least another 30 on the day as they quickly ran out.There was also about 10kg of sausages cooking on the barbecue outside.The Earnscleugh Hall is community owned and has been popular for weddings and functions over the past few years, as the committee has spent time and money upgrading it.The hall was officially opened in October 1926, so was nearing its 100th anniversary, and Angela said the timing will be perfect as the restoration should be complete by then.The biannual fundraising fair has been gaining huge popularity in recent years, an event that allows locals to sell their wares, including pet bowls and planters, cushions, soaps and Christmas decorations.Maria Laura Muniz has lived in Clyde for the past two years and, since moving from Argentina to Central Otago, has reignited her passion for art and landscapes.Maria Muniz, of Clyde, with some of her landscapes at the Earnscleugh Fair. PHOTO: Central AppMany of her paintings are inspired from either the internet or memories of her home country.She started coming to the fair to sell her work in May 2023, and also sells her paintings at exhibitions and shows around Central Otago over summer.

Maniototo could well have just unearthed its own version of Indiana Jones.Michael Johnston-Graham, the man who discovered large fossilised footprints in the Kyeburn River four years ago, this week learned they were 3.6 million-year-old Moa footprints.Although he made the discovery, Michael is very quick to give full credit to the team at Tūhura Otago Museum, and other groups they have worked alongside, due to the countless hours they have poured into researching his find.“I didn’t really do anything. I just found them and let the museum know. They did everything.”Michael, who lived in the Maniototo at the time, was walking his boss’ dogs when he made the discovery, a large-scale footprint etched into the Kyeburn Riverbed, about 1m under water.“Just as I was walking in the river I saw one of them. I didn’t think too much of it, and then I saw another one and another one.”There were seven in total.He took a couple of photos on his phone and sent them to the museum.Moa footprints discovered in the Maniototo are 3.6million years old. PHOTO: Michael Johnston-GrahamFour years later, the team at Tūhura Otago Museum can now reveal just how historic and significant Michael’s find was.Not only are they millions of years old, they are also the only ones reportedly in the South Island.Michael, who is now based in Alexandra, was surprised to learn just how old they were.“I didn’t expect it to be that old. I was thinking a couple of thousand years old, not millions of years.”The Kyeburn River flowing over the footprints. PHOTO: Michael Johnston-GrahamHe said at the time of his discovery, he was aware they could have been of some significance.“No one’s got an ostrich farm in Ranfurly so [I knew it wasn’t] an escapee,” he joked. The majority of the footprints were 46mm deep, 272-300mm wide and 260-294mm long. An associated separate footprint was 448mm wide and 285mm long.A report on the findings has recently been published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand.A team consisting of researchers from Tūhura Otago Museum, the Department of Geology – University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and Aukaha have identified the footprints as a moa from the Emeidae family, probably from the genus Pachyornis, with a mean mass of 84.61kg, travelling at about 2.61kmh.The single adjacent footprint was made by an individual from the family Dinornithidae, most likely from the genus Dinoris, with an estimated mass of 158kg.The footprints represent the second earliest fossil record of moa.A lot of work and care was taken to extract the fossilised footprints, a collaboration which involved Tūhura Otago Museum, the University of Otago and local rūnaka.The research team have now compiled their findings, which can be viewed in their published report.Kane Fleury with the extracted footprints in the background. PHOTO: Tūhura Otago MuseumLead author Kane Fleury, who is the natural science curator at Tūhura Otago Museum, said the release of the research marks a satisfying milestone in a process that began when he responded to Michael's Facebook Messenger inquiry four years ago. “This whole experience has been incredible”, he said. “A lot of luck goes into the fossilisation of footprints—conditions had to be absolutely perfect for these tracks to be preserved, and they had to be just right again to expose the fossils without destroying them. The public really got on board with how spectacular this find was and had heaps of questions, so it’s a great feeling to be able to follow up with some answers.”

Latest works by Ranfurly photographer Janyne Fletcher will be revealed from today.Her exhibition called New Outlooks opens to the public today, which marks the first time she has hosted such an event since opening her gallery in 2016.There will be about 15 works on display, all of which are new to her collection.She describes her works as a contemporary take on the Maniatoto landscape.“We are all really familiar with Maniatoto landscapes through the good work of photographers and artists, but I guess I have my own interpretation,” she said.Janyne, who was awarded NZIPP Landscape (Open) Photographer of the Year for the second consecutive year, is looking forward to revealing new work from her award winning portfolios. “I have been busy printing and framing this work and tucking it away,” she said.“I’m quite excited about my own work because it’s developed in quite a new way of viewing this area.”Janyne’s work is well known for presenting a different view of the iconic geography of the province. "It has been a big seven years since the gallery opened and part of the reason I wanted to have this exhibition was as a thank you to all of the locals who have supported me.” New works will be on display during the two week long exhibition. PHOTO: Janyne Fletcher.The support of people close to her is high on Janyne’s list of reasons for her ongoing success and she wants to thank all of the people who have helped her over the years, including her family and especially her partner Deane, she said.Some of Janyne’s work will also be featured in the Blue Sky Perspectives art exhibition run by Arts in the Maniatoto on December 2-3. “I am excited about revealing a new signature piece at this exhibition and having my work displayed alongside other talented local artists,” she said.Her exhibition, New Outlooks, will run from November 18-29 at her gallery on Charlemont St, Ranfurly.

Central Otago residents will soon get a chance to hear from medical Professor Garry Nixon, who will share his vast knowledge of rural health.The Earnscleugh-based doctor of 31 years is Associate Dean of Rural Health in the Department of General practice at the University of Otago.He also works at Dunstan Hospital in a clinic role and teaches cardiorespiratory medicine in rural hospitals, as well as supervising PhD and masters’ students.On Monday he will be giving an inaugural professorial lecture at the Earnscleugh Hall on ‘Rural Health in Aotearoa New Zealand - ‘On Solid Ground.’Dr Nixon is leading a project to develop a geographic classification for health that will improve our understanding of urban vs rural differences in health outcomes and access to services in New Zealand.When asked what he was most looking forward to with his lecture, Dr Nixon said, “this is where the ivory tower, including its traditions, meets the day to day realities of rural healthcare delivery. My job will be to demonstrate how this can be a relevant and useful meeting.”   His other research interests include workforce development, the management of cardiovascular disease in the rural context and the role of rural hospitals. The focus of his MD was rural diagnostics, including point-of-care ultrasound and laboratory testing.Dr Nixon has collaborated closely with rural researchers in other parts of the country, including the far north and Waikato. He has PhD students researching rural chest pain assessment pathways, the scopes of practice of rural allied health professionals, healthcare consumption across the urban rural spectrum and the workforce outcomes of rural interventions in the undergraduate medical programme.The free event is already booked out, but you can watch the livestream on Monday at 5:30pm. 

A certified marine engineer and skipper who once worked on the Cold Gold Clutha gold mining operation told a hearing in Cromwell this week, the operation had significant environmental shortfalls.Cold Gold Clutha Ltd has applied for resource consents (land use, water and discharge permits) through the Otago Regional Council to suction dredge further up the river, moving from the Millers Flat-Beaumont area, to upstream near Luggate.A consent duration through until February 25, 2031 - just over seven years - has been sought for all consents.  It has currently been operating between Roxburgh Dam and Tuapeka Mouth for the past 10 years.The new dredging area on the river will cover from the Luggate Bridge to the confluence of the Clutha and Lindis rivers.Former Lyttelton Port marine engineer Reginald Hall, who has lived in the Upper Clutha area for 20 years, made a live submission to the ORC hearing on Wednesday, opposing the operation.He also worked for Cold Gold Clutha Ltd and made it clear his departure was amicable.A total of 36 people in total submitted against the proposal, but the applicant has also put forward a strong case being led by Terramark Ltd.Reginald told the hearing, design issues on the dredge when he was employed meant it had to be removed from the river temporarily, and he was surprised to learn after 10 years many of the issues had not improved.Unburnt diesel fuel moving out of a valve resulted in exhaust emissions, which were then discharged into the Clutha River, and the dredge ran on a “dirty, noisy and inefficient” old engine.He said the odds of a fuel spill were extremely high and he believed there were no maritime qualified crew to respond to any emergencies.To remain afloat, the dredge would also have to be located in the middle of the river, and was very limited in its response to move away from other vessels, he said.“The river is considerably narrower than the lower Clutha River and will be “severely restricting” other vessels, he said.Consultant planner Josie Burrows, on behalf of the ORC, recommended the application be declined.She believed there was inadequate information to assess the effects of the suction dredging proposal on cultural values. While the applicant commissioned a Cultural Impact Assessment, Aukaha advised that inadequate information had been provided to mana whenua to assess whether the proposal provided for cultural values, including the mauri of the water (ecology, biodiversity and archaeology.)

Dunstan High School principal Reece Goldsmith will soon be calling it a day after seven years at the helm.Ending his tenure on July 5, 2024, Reece intends to have a good break before deciding what his next career move will be.The 56-year-old has taught at seven high schools throughout New Zealand, and has been a principal for 10 of those, formerly at Mackenzie College in Fairlie before he and his family moved to Alexandra.Reece was raised in Tokoroa and is married to Kira, who is also a teacher at Dunstan High School.Dunstan has played a pivotal role in his career, being the school he has worked at the longest throughout his 32-year-long career.“I felt it was time now to look at other opportunities. But, this has been the most rewarding place I have ever worked in.”Being a high school principal was all consuming, but it was clear his passion for the job was still there - now he feels it’s someone else’s turn.With eldest son Tom heading off to Waikato University next year and Ollie (17) in his last year at Dunstan in 2024, Reece was also keen to broaden his own horizons and see what else was out there.He said teenagers were at times emotional and not always rational, but seeing some of his students grow and change throughout their secondary years was immensely satisfying.“It has been such a privileged profession to be in, and I will miss that part of it hugely,” he said.The reactions from teachers have been mixed, some obviously were sad while others have given him acknowledgement of a job “reasonably well done,” which was nice, he said.The couple don’t plan to move anywhere just yet - Reece and Kira have found Alexandra the best place to bring up kids and would love to stay living here.The huge sense of community and ‘hands on’ role that parents/grandparents/caregivers and wider family play in children’s lives in Alexandra was particularly noticeable, compared to other areas they have lived, he said.Challenges as a principal over the years have included finding the balance with technology, “and dealing with that trial by social media,” where young ones were constantly interacting with each other online, more than ever.He’s proud of how far Dunstan High School has come in terms of catering for the diverse needs of all students, and being more adaptable and flexible to their demands.Reece believes New Zealand has a world-class assessment system for education and with such a wide range of subjects within the curriculum nowadays, it was a whole different world than when he was at school.“If I started now I would be way more engaged than in the 1980s.”Reece started out with a Physical Education Degree alongside a Bachelor of Arts in History at Otago University, then followed a stint as a ski guide in Switzerland and Colorado.Those who follow national rugby may remember his brother Jasin Goldsmith, who was once the country’s youngest All Black at 18. Unfortunately, a broken leg ended his career.Both of Reece’s sons are national level kayakers and compete overseas, so there is still hope in his family for more New Zealand champions. And, as for Reece himself, his future plans are still unknown, but for now the last few weeks of the school year are his focus.

Summer is on its way, a period which can bring the risk of water restrictions and boil water notices to parts of Central Otago.Over the past couple of years, several towns in the district have suffered the consequences of floods and demand exceeding production.In January 2021 a flood event prompted a boil water notice in parts of the Maniototo.The flooding caused high turbidity raw water to enter the Naseby Water Treatment Plant, significantly affecting the treatment process.A boil water notice is a precautionary notice, aimed to safeguard health when the water supply has potentially been compromised.Among the reasons people can be required to boil their water is if tests show harmful microorganisms could be in the water, high turbidity in the source of water, or if the water pressure drops due to equipment failure or power outages.Boil water notices are also issued if repairs on a water main need to be done, if the water source has been flooded, if there is a significant inflow of stormwater, or in situations where special action needs to be taken to protect people’s health.Conserve water notices have also been issued throughout parts of Central Otago in recent years, which mainly aim to warn people that reserves are low, falling below 65 percent in dry weather, or in wet weather when water is dirty and the water treatment plant is unable to make the usual amount of clean water.A Central Otago District Council (CODC) Water Services team spokesperson said a conserve water notice aims to avoid a boil water notice.“It’s usually just a precaution, but sometimes it can be a lot more serious if the drinking water supply has been compromised by an event, or contamination.“Some of our ground water sources are vulnerable to drought and wet, eg Naseby, and sudden influxes of people during peak holiday times.”Niwa has this month launched its outlook report for the next three months, which shows Central Otago could expect above or near average temperatures and above normal rainfall.Strong fronts are also expected to occasionally impact the region, bringing heavy rainfall and a risk of flooding.As summer nears, people are encouraged to start thinking about their water use, how much they use and why - with the garden being one place they can be more efficient.Niwa has launched its predicted outlook for the coming few months. IMAGE: NiwaTo support that concept, the CODC has launched a Dry Garden Competition, which will be judged on water efficiency and suitable placement of climate appropriate plant species.Entries close on January 31, 2024.For more information email [email protected] more: Water conservation tips.

Scams are continuing to do the rounds of Central Otago, prompting some groups to raise awareness.Alexandra Senior Citizens members recently attended a seminar about becoming scam savvy, hosted by an Age Concern Otago staff member from Dunedin as part of their SilverTech programme.Jo Ireland, of Alexandra Senior Citizens, said of the 18 people who attended, six had been scammed.The session taught people how to protect their personal and financial information, how to spot a scam and what to do if they suspect they have become the victim of a scam.She said the seminar was well received and, as a result, would be repeated in the new year, which the general public would be welcome to attend.Scams come in various forms, from those involving tax to purchase of merchandise, and can be targeted in a range of ways, including social media, text, email and phone, among others.Monday marked the start of Fraud Awareness Week 2023, an initiative to make people aware of what scams are out there and how to avoid them.Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) revealed on Monday that just under $200 million was lost to scams over the past year, according to 11 of New Zealand’s largest financial institutions.Investment fraud was one particular avenue scammers were going down, which MBIE had paid particular attention to.MBIE Fraud Awareness Week spokesperson Ian Caplin said scammers were targeting everyone across New Zealand, but especially those with savings or investments who were looking to earn a little bit more from their money.“It’s important to remember real investments don’t just come out of the blue. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you receive unsolicited investment offers via email or through a ‘cold call’, ignore it,” he said.“It’s illegal to sell financial products through these methods in New Zealand.”He said investors can contact institutions directly through contact details on official websites to verify documents and payment instructions before sending any money. The FMA website also contains details of warnings and real-life examples of scams.“If you think you’ve been scammed, stop all contact with the scammer,” he said.“Do not make any more payments and contact your bank immediately. Report all investment scams to the FMA, and scams in general to CERT NZ to stop others falling victim.”For more information about scams visit Netsafe and Consumer Protection.

A proposal to turn an old garden centre site in Cromwell into intensive new housing for the community has taken a U-turn, and now the applicants want to use it for travellers' accommodation instead.It marks the second accommodation business in Cromwell currently under consideration, but the consultant planner for the Central Otago District Council (CODC) has recommended they both be declined.Crum Developments was granted land use consent by a commissioner in September last year for six units within a single two-storied building onsite, as well as to subdivide into separate lots.The multi-unit development received strong support in the community, due to it aligning with Cromwell’s urgent need for more housing.But, now the plans have changed and the company is asking for consent to accommodate a total of 24 people in the two-bedroom units, a discretionary activity under the District Plan.A travellers' accommodation business on Shortcut Rd was recently shut down by the council after being served an abatement notice for operating without any consent.The company will face an independent commissioner hearing on November 21 in Cromwell, to determine whether they can continue the business.The latest units proposed for Cromwell would be in Barry Ave. PHOTO: SuppliedOnly two people have objected to the Crum Development proposal out of three submissions, including one who believed the application was contrary to the original consent, that the units were meant to serve as owner occupied residences for first home buyers or people downsizing.In the report to the CODC hearings panel, consultant planner Oli Monthule-McIntosh said while the applicant has promoted a management plan, “in my experience such management plans are generally only effective when there is an onsite supervisor available.”He also notes that the applicant intends to sell the units with the consent in place, which will result in each one being managed by a different accommodation manager.He said that would create significant difficulties for monitoring the compliance of the consent.Oli noted that the application “diverges from that original intent by proposing to convert these residential units into  travellers’ accommodation, thereby removing them from the local housing stock. This raises fundamental questions about the  appropriateness of the proposal in light of the  original consent’s objectives".He concluded that the proposal was inappropriate in the context that the underlying over-density multi-unit development was originally supported, in part, due to the perceived positive effects it would have on the local housing supply.“While the provision of travellers’ accommodation contributes to the local economy and tourism, its appropriateness within residential zones, to the exclusion of housing that was specifically consented to address a housing supply issue, is highly questionable.”