One of Alexandra’s iconic hotels looks set to change hands for the first time since the late 1990s.The Criterion Club Hotel, which first opened in 1880 - known by the locals as the ‘Middle Pub,’ is being marketed by Property Brokers Alexandra.The Flannery family have owned the pub since 1998, and the sale includes the freehold land and buildings, comprising 17 guest rooms, a bar, dining room and a games room on six titles.Coranne Flannery said she and her late husband Tony moved into the pub a year before Alexandra’s big 1999 flood.   Her daughters now own it and it is leased to another local family with a final expiry date of April 2032.Situated right next to the proposed Alexandra Riverside park project, plans are also progressing with the $3.46 million development, to rejuvenate the downtown area of lower Tarbert St.The original proposed plans for the Riverside Park Trust project.A trust, made up of local businessmen Rory McLellan, Lindsay Breen and Dave Ritchie are all involved, and project co-ordinator Lynda Gray said there have been some recent developments.“We are revisiting the original consent plans and looking at more of a staged approach with a plaza development at the south end, followed by developing the river access in stage two.”The Central Otago District Council agreed to support the development with a loan funded investment of $650,000 last year, and a report to the Vincent Community Board later this month will consider the next steps.“Funding is still an issue and there is a shortfall,” Lynda said.The Alexandra Riverside Park Trust has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Stage 1 with council, and the parks and recreation team will lead the project in partnership with the trust and engage with local rūnaka.The development will link the township to the riverside by establishing a community and heritage greenspace and precinct, which will include a terraced riverside area, boat launching pontoon and local heritage elements.The project will provide a space and focal point for locals and visitors to the cycle trails and local attractions. The Criterion Hotel is being marketed by real estate agent Geoff Beckley who said proposed plans for the Riverside Park development will assist in unlocking the potential of the prime location of the adjoining pub. The deadline sale closes Wednesday, November 22.

Poppies are starting to adorn street signs in Alexandra, commemorating ex-servicemen who had links to the area.The first of the signs will be unveiled during today’s Armistice Day memorial service, which will take place at 11am on Weaver Close, in Molyneux Estate, instead of the town’s cenotaph.Weaver Close is one of five streets in the area to feature the poppy emblem, marking the start of the Alexandra Poppy Places project, an initiative led by Alexandra-Clyde RSA and supported by the Central Otago District Council (CODC). The poppies are placed on streets named in memory of Central Otago servicemen, which also includes Stevens Way, Tohill Court, Walker Place and Kinnaird Close.Those streets represent Private Rex Joseph Stevens, Private Hugh Augustus Tohill, Trooper Charles Leslie Weaver, Sergeant John Weaver, Trooper Peter Weaver, Lance Corporal Reginald William Walker and Private James Kinnaird.Alexandra RSA executive member Paul Galloway said the project had been a work in progress since about April, after learning about the Poppy Places Trust.“I thought that would be a really cool thing to do and made a submission to the council that we did it in partnership.”He said the RSA identifies the streets and places that fit the criteria, ensuring it has a link to the military service, while the CODC funds and provides the new road sign and does the installation.Research is a big part of the process, something Jo Mullenger and Mark Davies had been an integral part of, Paul said.He said it had taken a lot of time and effort, but playing to each other’s strengths had helped.Today’s ceremony, which will take about 30 minutes, will include firing of the 25 pounder near the ice skating rink and vehicle access to Weaver Close will be closed from 10.30am to 11.30am.All other streets will be accessible as normal.People are asked to be gathered by 10.45am in time for an 11am start.Here’s a look at who the five Alexandra Poppy Places are linked to:Lance Corporal Reginald William Walker 16876, War Medal 1939 -1945 & New ZealandWar Service Medal. 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (WW2).A local Alexandra man, Reginald William Walker (16/06/1918 - 28/11/43) was a dredge hand before he enlisted in the Army. He was one of two brothers who volunteered for active service with the 2nd New Zealand Division. Walker, who held the rank of Lance Corporal, was a member of 16 Platoon D Company, 23rd Battalion during the Italian campaign of 1943.Private Hugh Augustus Tohill 39359, Victory Medal & British War Medal 1914 -1920.New Zealand Expeditionary Force (WW1).Hugh Augustus Tohill (23/10/1892 - 25/07/1918) was born and raised in Alexandra, where he attended the local District School along with his three brothers Daniel, Edmund and John. Hugh became well known in the district for his prowess on the football field. On October 6, 1916, Hugh enlisted, joining the 22nd Reinforcements. He left New Zealand on February 16, 1917, aboard the Troopship Aparima bound for the Western Front.Private James Kinnaird 8/2638, Victory Medal & British War Medal 1914 - 1920. New Zealand Expeditionary Force (WW1).A resident of Earnscleugh, James Kinnaird (29/06/1893 - 27/09/1916) was an orchardist before he enlisted in the Army. Joining the 6th Reinforcements, he left New Zealand on the 14th of August 1915 aboard thetroopship Willochra, bound for Egypt; a staging post for the Dardanelles.Rex Stevens (05/08/1921 - 06 /02/ 2012) was employed as a printer for the local newspaper.Like so many others eager to do their bit, Stevens joined the Territorial Army, reporting to Burnham Military Camp on the 8th July 1941. In a 2005 interview for the Central Otago News, he described what happened next: “ {I} was shipped out to Egypt to train before joining the Allies in Italy just before the fall of Monte Cassino” (CO News 21/04/2005).Private Stevens served in the 23rd Battalion, 2nd NZ Division.Charles Leslie Weaver (known as Leslie) 9/890 served first as a Trooper in the Otago Mounted Rifles and then as a driver and gunner in the 3rd Battalion of the New Zealand Divisional Artillery Column. He saw action in Egypt, the Balkans and on the Western Front.Leslie Weaver was born in Clyde on the 9th Aug 1893 and was the third son of five, plus two sisters. His family’s establishment in the district followed a familiar pattern for the times. His grandfather came over from the Victorian goldfields when his father, Patrick, was a child and the family moved from gold mining to dredging and finally into orcharding. Leslie states his occupation as fruit-grower in his enlistment papers. Also of interest in these papers is the fact that he had done some compulsory military service with the Dunedin City Guard.Sergeant John Weaver 9/461. Distinguished Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, British War Medal 1914 -1920 & Meritorious Service Medal. New Zealand Expeditionary Force (WW1).A fruit grower from Clyde, in August 1914 at the outbreak of war John (24/08/1891 - 6/06/1945) volunteered for service in the Otago Mounted Rifles. After basic training, on the 22nd September John was shipped abroad with the rest of the first wave of volunteers, the ‘main body’ men. First to Egypt for acclimatisation for both man and horse, then on to Gallipoli minus their horses in May 1915, as the Allied losses exponentially increased.Trooper Peter Weaver 9/1747, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Victory Medal & British War Medal 1914 -1920. New Zealand Expeditionary Force (WW1).An orchardist from Clyde, Peter Weaver (24/06/1895 - 13/09/1919) was 20 years old when he enlisted in the Army on August 24, 1915. Attached to the 8th reinforcements, Weaver sailed for Egypt on November 13 that year. Arriving post Gallipoli, Weaver was originally assigned to the Otago Mounted Regiment(OMR), shortly afterwards he was transferred to the N.Z. Pioneer Battalion and sent to France. In July 1917 he was moved again to his preferred choice: a trooper in the OMR. There is some evidence that the influence of his elder brother John (Weaver 9/461), a Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the OMR assisted in the process.Learn more about Poppy Places

A Sport Otago researcher involved in designing a concussion framework for secondary schools around New Zealand, will be in Alexandra and Cromwell next week to share her knowledge.Kate Mossman along with ex-professional cricketer Shawn Hicks and Barry Grehan will be holding a series of free presentations on head injuries and mental health, on behalf of Sport Central, to help people understand and identify the symptoms and give support.ACC figures show that total concussion-related claims in the 13-19 age bracket have consistently exceeded 5000 a year since 2016, except for 2020 when Covid-19 disrupted sports participation.Rugby accounts for about 20 percent of concussion claims among teenagers, and in 2021 football, basketball, rugby league and winter sports were the other sports in the top five for concussion-related claims in that age bracket.Kate Mossman will be in Central next week. Kate was part of a team that co-designed Framework For Managing Concussions in New Zealand Secondary Schools (FRANCS), in 2021, which has now been rolled out to 12 across the country.She said the framework was about supporting teenagers back into learning, and helping them negotiate the academic demands of secondary school.“Early feedback is that we need some education around concussion in the youth space,” she said.FRANCS was also about making sure concussion was reported to the right people, and ensuring teachers, coaches and students were aware of the symptoms.Factors such as loud noises and bright lights can all have impacts on young people recovering from concussion in the classroom, and FRANCS links in with the school system to help make it happen.  Kate said while it looked like concussion was on the rise in young people, it may be that also people were recognising it more.Cromwell will be hosting a session on the morning of November 15, followed by an evening session at the Central Otago Netball Centre in Alexandra.Go to the Sport Central Facebook page to learn about these presentations.To register for any of the four presentations contact Jo Knight on 0272329390.Listen to more here with The Outlet podcast.

The Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust is calling for more people to help turn its dream of an Omakau Community Hub into a reality.Committee members are working towards 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 progress was tracking well, including the signing of the trust deed, development of concept plans and pricing of the project now finalised. He is now keen to get more people involved who can help get the project over the line.“We do need more people that are willing to go out and do the footwork with approaching people for sponsorship,” he said.“The more people we can get involved, the better.”He said the last committee meeting was “a bit thin on the ground”, so welcomed anyone with an interest to get in touch.Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) property team provided an update on the hub project to the Vincent Community Board at its latest meeting, including how it was tracking and what steps it would take next.The next steps include further development of the hub’s design plans and installing a fundraising thermometer at the proposed site to keep the community informed on funding progress.A fundraising strategy would also be developed, along with plans to pursue fundraising initiatives. An updated design and the fundraising strategy will be presented to the community board for approval, and the trust will proceed with funding applications to external funders once all avenues of funding have been confirmed.Andrew said the cost and design was estimated at $5.2 million, with $1.7M already secured thanks to the CODC and the Bob Turnbull Trust, which had given a grant of $600,000.The Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club has also pledged $80,000 to the project.Several fundraising events have also been held.“It means we are on track and onto the next phase of the Omakau Hub Project, and have a good gauge of the work ahead to make this fit for purpose facility a reality for the local community.”The floor plan of the proposed Omakau Community Hub. IMAGE: SuppliedHe said there were several fundraising activities planned with funding applications to be submitted to the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and Lottery Grants Board.“There will be an opportunity for businesses, groups and individuals to contribute to the project. The trust is very appreciative of any financial support or in-kind/volunteer work that people may be able to help with along the way.”People can email the secretary on [email protected] if they are interested in supporting or joining the fundraising committee.For more information about the Omakau Community Hub Project go to: Agenda of Vincent Community Board - Tuesday, 17 October 2023 (infocouncil.biz)

Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) is keeping its lines of communication open with members, following news Matangi Station has been put on the market.The station is home to a mountain bike park, which MOA members are hoping will remain available in the future.MOA sent a e-newsletter to members on Saturday, October 28, outlining thoughts about the sale, their past involvement in the MTB park creation, and some possible scenarios around the recreation permit, which authorises mountain biking on the station.MOA president Andrew Dowling said he and the committee were working closely with the owners, the Sanders family, and were “in regular communication”.“The club is looking at all options to help to keep [Matangi Station MTB park] running for bikers, walkers and runners.“It is the hub of cycling here, for school kids, workers and the retired community. We really want to see it continue.”The property, marketed by PGG Wrightson Real Estate, was listed on their social media account in mid-October. That post has been liked more than 300 times, shared and commented on. The sale raises questions for Central Otago's mountain bikers and holders of Matangi Station MTB passes, particularly around the park's future.Matangi Station MTB park owners have been approached for comment, but could not be reached by deadline.MOA’s email said that the recreation permit issued by the Commissioner of Crown Lands (the commissioner) to Matangi Station MTB Ltd is for 15 years from December 1, 2020. There are three possible scenarios following a sale.Firstly, Matangi Station MTB could continue operating the permit, a new purchaser could take over operating the MTB park if they could obtain a new recreation permit from the commissioner, or the commissioner might agree to vary the permit, to transfer it to a new owner of the station.The third possible scenario is that the permit could be terminated by agreement between Matangi Station MTB Ltd and the commissioner.The email said MOA will try to connect with prospective buyers to establish a relationship with them and offer members’ ongoing support for maintaining the bike trails.“MOA has done everything possible to secure access for mountain biking and foot recreation. We have not taken for granted public access on Matangi Station.“The proposed sale raises the question of what will happen regarding the December 2023 annual renewal of the MTB Park membership, and events at the MTB Park planned for next year. Matangi Station MTB Limited will communicate directly with its members, as soon as possible, on these points.”Linger & Die Enduro is a grass roots MTB event held in September at Matangi Station. PHOTO: AuthenticAsQuestions still hang over the December 2023 annual renewal of subscriptions and 2024 MTB park events.The email added: “Brett and Helen Sanders are committed to the MTB park and want it to continue. They need to first clarify some points with the commissioner and will then inform the MTB park members of the situation for next year.“They appreciate that this is all unsettling and tight timewise. They will update the MTB park members as soon as possible.”Andrew said he envisaged nothing changing in the immediate future.“We will forge ahead as normal, regular maintenance [of trails] is going on, local laps are coming up.” The station sale has a deadline private treaty which closes on December 7. MOA maintains many of the trails in the region on a voluntary basis, including the Alexandra Airport, Boot Hill and Flat Top trails. Another project MOA has been assisting Central Otago District Council with is to develop a pump track in Alexandra. This is in the planning stage and should be up and running in about six months. MOA began back in 2000 with just a few members and since then membership has grown to 500, which is made up of family and individual members. Along with Crankworx Summer Series, and the Linger & Die MTB enduro and cross country event, The Prospector MTB stage race final day is usually held at Matangi Station.Alexandra is well known for its gnarly mountain biking terrain, and Matangi Station MTB Park offers 35 trails and challenging varied rocky single track, close to the township. Questions or feedback for MOA email: [email protected] more: Blistering pace and mint weather for Prospector.Read more: Bike park pumped to host huge events.Read more: Locals rocket to Crankworx podium.

Apricot growers across Central Otago are thrilled with how the season is looking, with early indications showing a bumper crop.Orchardist Simon Webb of Cromwell said he currently had 25 people frantically thinning out the fruit, with 12 different varieties of apricot grown for the local domestic market.Last season’s snow event in mid October wiped out much of his apricot crop, but this year it is quite a different story.“When you have a light crop one year, you know you’re going to have a heavy one the next.“Apricots are biennial and they have set up really well this year, with great pollination weather.”The orchard is already talking to the market to warn them about the abundance of fruit coming in, so they can be prepared, and the news is all good for consumers.“We have so much and there will be a drop in price.”As well as being a large crop, he is confident they will be good quality as well, “they seem to stay firmer and don’t all ripen at once.”Peaches and nectarines were also looking good and there were plenty of staff this season for picking, with numbers back up to what they used to be pre-Covid.The orchard employs a mixture of permanent staff, RSE workers, university students, retirees and backpackers coming through as well.Down in the Teviot Valley, grower Stephen Darling said a good fruit set had made for a positive start to the apricot season, but cooler days during October-November also pushed back the harvest time.“We’re looking forward to seeing some volumes of the new varieties coming through, but we have to get the fruit off the orchard first and then to market.”Being cautiously optimistic, he said the later harvest, which would start early in the New Year, made it easier to find staff after everyone had their holidays.The last time he’d seen a bumper crop of apricots like this was back in 2017 and 2018, but the season was also earlier.

An unconsented travellers' accommodation business in Cromwell that was served an abatement notice in June by the Central Otago District Council, now has 11 objections to its new application.Jun Hou and Lihua Zhang will face a hearing with an independent commissioner on November 21 in Cromwell, to determine whether they can continue the business, but consultant planner Oli Monthule-McIntosh has recommended the non-complying activity be declined.On April 24 the Central Otago District Council (CODC) received a complaint about the units at 43 Shortcut Rd being used for travellers’ accommodation without the necessary consent in place to do so. The matter was investigated by council’s monitoring and enforcement officers and a notice letter was sent to the operators, requesting that the travellers' accommodation activity cease and all accommodation listings for the activity be taken down by May 25.  The listings were not removed by the date directed and an abatement notice was subsequently issued.   The planner involved in the hearing, speaking on behalf of the client, told The Central App when contacted, that Jun Hou considered current activities on site permitted.  “A resource consent process for the travellers' accommodation is underway to address that specific matter.”In March 2018 they received land use consent on a non-notified basis to establish a 19-unit multi residential development on the corner of Shortcut Rd and State Highway 6. The consent was for five two-storied four bedroom apartments and one two-storied three bedroom apartments as manager’s accommodation, as well as 13 single-storied one bedroom apartments.Code of compliance for stage one was issued in September 2021, but a report to the hearing’s panel says that stage two and three haven’t been signed off yet.In 2022 consent was granted for a revised 22 unit multi-unit development, effectively changing the four bedroom units to two bedrooms.The property now contains nine completed residential units that have been subdivided by unit title. Those units comprise stage one of a three-stage multi-unit development.The couple propose to use eight of the units for travellers' accommodation, but face 11 objectors who say they’ve already experienced adverse effects of ‘anti-social’ noise and vehicles from the unconsented activity.Oli said, in his planners report to the hearings panel, that in his opinion the proposal is likely to have significant adverse effect on neighbourhood character, amenity and social cohesion, and that the proposal is inappropriate for the subject site. “The conversion of residential units into short-term travellers' accommodation results in a loss of that housing stock for the purpose of housing residents and workers. This loss exacerbates existing pressures on both the rental and purchase markets, particularly in areas like Cromwell where there is already a documented housing shortage.  “The impact is especially pronounced on the rental housing market, which is already in critically low supply in Central Otago. This scarcity disproportionately affects young people and lower-income workers, who are often more reliant on rental options.”

Pontoons will be back on Lake Dunstan around our popular swimming spots this summer after some of them had to be removed last season when they became water logged.Many families were disappointed in 2022 when a few weeks out from Christmas, the pontoon at Weatherall Creek filled up with water and became unsafe.The Central Otago District Council is responsible for all of the assets on the water and parks and recreational manager Gordon Bailey said they intend to have the Weatherall Creek and Lowburn pontoons back in the water by the end of November. “Both have had to be repaired and we hope they will remain watertight for the summer. The floating sections are made of plastic which is very hard to repair.” The CODC used to have its own local harbourmaster, but in September 2020 the Otago Regional Council took over the contract from its Dunedin base.The Queenstown Lakes District Council also has its own separate harbourmaster for the busier lakes, including Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Hawea. Otago Regional Council harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said the team of three based in Dunedin provide year round cover for Lake Dunstan, including the maintenance of navigation marks pre-season.They recently had to pull another pontoon out of the water at Northburn that had broken off from its mooring and became swamped.   Steve said it was important to get the right structures and in the right location for everyone’s safety.The ORC team also monitor Poolburn Dam, the Blue Lake and the Clutha River, and over the holiday period are out on the lake daily.With the recreational boating season in Aotearoa New Zealand getting underway, safety was a priority of people going out on the water. “With the holiday season fast approaching thousands of people are preparing to head to Otago’s coastal waters, harbours, lakes and rivers. "Whether you’re a keen paddle-boarder, kayaker, jet skier or boatie, take the time to do a thorough check of your vessel and all your gear before you head off.” he said. “Before going out, prep your boat, safety and communication equipment, check the weather conditions and know the rules. “For those new to boating, please stop, think, and find out about basic boating safety rules to protect you and your loved ones. Be safe, it’s about enjoying our amazing environment and coming home safe at the end of the day. If in doubt, don’t go out. “No matter if you’re on a power boat, jet ski or kayak, remembering the boating safety code is integral.”

Residents are invited to participate in an unveiling event for the new mural at the Alpha St Pavilion in Cromwell.The mural adorns the building used by the Cromwell Football Club and has been painted by renowned street artist Ling, who is Dunedin-born, but based in Melbourne. The artwork is 8.4m by 2.4m and features a variety of faces from Central Otago's community to highlight cultural diversity, while acknowledging the way sport brings people together.Street artist Ling at work with a spray can. PHOTO: Central Otago District Arts TrustThe faces of the mural, Alice, Robin, Tina, Diego, Ollie and Hunter represent those who have been welcomed, and those who welcome others into our community. Red and blue are the Cromwell sporting colours and the brushstroke background of the work acknowledge this.Representative from Central’s Pasifika community Kusitina, artist Matt (Ling) and representative from Ni-van community Robin, back in May when the work on the mural started. PHOTO: CODCThe official celebration of the mural coincides with the beginning of Bislama Language Week 2023 on Sunday, November 12.Bislama is the language of Vanuatu, where many of Central Otago's recognised seasonal employees (RSE) come from. From October throughout November there are about 390 Ni-vans (people from Vanuatu) arriving in Central Otago for the following seven months' of work in horticulture and viticulture.Everyone is welcome at the celebration, which will feature a few formalities, followed by light refreshments, music, and games of football and volleyball, from 2pm to 4pm. The mural was commissioned by Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT), in partnership with Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities.Another view of the mural and explanatory panel. PHOTO: suppliedThe Central App will bring you more information about Bislama Language week in a few days time. 

Central youngsters’ music, dance and drama acts received thunderous applause at the Dunstan Kāhui Ako performing arts event in Alexandra on Wednesday. Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan was the master of ceremonies for the two hour long showcase. Mayor Tim said the performances were of such quality that it could be thought the students were of high school age, not primary school.   After years of event cancellations, postponed performances and missed community gatherings due to Covid-19 restrictions, large numbers of whānau and friends gathered in the The Terrace School hall to support primary school students during the event. Many stayed for their school's 10 minute performance and then left to allow other school communities to take a seat.    Watch a highlight video of some of the acts (seven minutes). VIDEO: The Central AppSixteen items were included in the event, and they were a wide range of styles. There was a localised version of the Six60 song Pepeha, including sign language by Alexandra Primary School, a clarinet duo from The Terrace School, and popular dance from those newest to school.Almost the entire roll of Millers Flat school, 29 children (two students were absent) were on stage. Omakau School’s theatrical performance ‘No Girls Allowed’.Local schools’ kapa haka groups were a key part of the event. Dunstan High School, Millers Flat, The Terrace School, Poolburn School, Clyde School, St Gerard's School and the Ngā Kura o Haehaeata kapa haka (combined schools) all performed waiata and haka.The performances were described by parents in the audience as polished, impressive and spine tingling. Many of the groups have honed their skills at public events this year such as the New Zealand Principals Federation Conference, Blossom Festival, the NZ Merino Shears, Central Lakes and Murihiku (Southland) Polyfest. The Terrace School senior boys during a haka.Dunstan Kāhui Ako (community of learning) is made up of nine local schools - Alexandra Primary, The Terrace School, St Gerard’s, Clyde, Omakau, Poolburn, St John’s Ranfurly, Millers Flat and Dunstan High School.Clyde School did a ukulele and choir performance, along with kapa haka.Alexandra Primary School (APS) juniors item was ‘Get ready for a dance off’.Poolburn School kapa haka group, who due to their size and remoteness learn kapa haka through an online platform.The Terrace School dancers were energetic during ‘Timber’.Read more: Mana and learning from kapa haka group Read more: Alexandra school to perform at Polyfest Read more: Dunstan High School preparing for Murihiku PolyfestPHOTOS/VIDEO: The Central App.  

A new bike and scooter track is almost ready for action at Omakau School.The home and school committee has been working on the project, which is expected to be covered in asphalt in the coming days.Principal Adelle Banks said a long list of people and businesses had helped develop the track. “We are appreciative of all our local community [and] we are really lucky to have such a supportive group of parents.”A working-bee to get the track developed in preparation for asphalting, took place over the school holidays.Board of Trustees member Kyle Hinton acknowledged the home and school committee for coming up with the idea, persevering and getting the support of local people and businesses to help complete the project.“It couldn’t have worked out much better, really.”

Seasonal workers from Pacific nations appreciate the work from Central Otago’s Welcoming Communities, in helping them settle into life in the district.Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries told the Central Otago District Council last week that the partnership with Seasonal Solutions had worked well.Now in its second year of rolling out the welcome mat to newcomers, the organisation has produced a six-monthly report for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.Welcoming Communities strives to make newcomers feel a sense of belonging on the basis that a thriving community enables a flourishing economy. Welcoming Communities - Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori, is a settlement programme that supports councils and their communities to create welcoming and inclusive environments for newcomers – recent migrants, former refugees and international students. It involves local residents in developing, delivering and participating in welcoming activities. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is leading the programme’s implementation with the Office of Ethnic Communities and the Human Rights Commission.Some of the highlights this year have included a multicultural mural on the Cromwell Football Club building on Alpha St, a Business South Scholarship award, Pasifika dance workshop, and a series of cultural capability workshops attended by 80 people, and focusing on developing understanding around cultural nuances.  Heather said Welcoming Communities strived for self-sustainable initiatives, led by the community itself.“The Alexandra Newcomers Network, the Cromwell Newcomers Network and Seasonal Staff Manaaki are cohesive support groups that are gathering momentum. Recently, a wide range of community stakeholders have been meeting regularly at Central Otago REAP to support new migrant families, developing inter-connection between workplaces, education facilities, social services and ESOL tuition.”Further initiatives happening this year include an international pot luck dinner on November 10, to coincide with Diwali and the official opening of the Cromwell Multicultural Mural Celebration on November 12.   

Very similar themes have come out of a series of community meetings throughout Central Otago on the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Land and Water Regional Plan.ORC councillor Gary Kelliher said he had attended most of the meetings in the district and believed there was a huge amount of concern with the stance that the regional council was taking.Areas of interest to the public have so far included proposed changes around setbacks from waterbodies for various farming activities, and more specifically for dairy operations, the suggested limits on the number of cows per hectare, and the suggested restrictions on the amount of nitrogen fertiliser used per hectare.Cr Kelliher voted against the plan and said councillor's options were to either become “very environmental or more with where we fit with where we are at now.”He said there were some very upset farmers at the meetings and forestry companies had also told the ORC the new changes were going to the extreme, and would cripple their industry.“It’s a big deviation from the current rules,” he said.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said she was really pleased with the turn out to the in-person meetings all around Otago to date, and also the large number of people who attended the on-line forums.“The engagement has been really great and staff have been busy collating peoples’ feedback around the issues which really matter to them.”She said the eventual Land and Water Regional Plan will be a cornerstone document for future environmental protection across all Otago.Once all the feedback has been collated, ORC will use these to inform development of the final plan.  The draft plan will be shared with councillors in December and is scheduled to be publicly notified in June 2024, which will include public submissions.Those affected still have until Friday November 6 to provide feedback on the draft plan.

Central Otago is growing faster than the New Zealand average according to provisional population estimates released by Stats NZ on October 25.Central Otago’s population grew at 2.6% in the year ended June 2023.  Nationally, the population grew by 2.1% (105,900 people) in the year ended June 2023, a significant increase from the growth of 0.1% in the previous year (5800 people).Stats NZ estimates and projections manager Michael MacAskill said Otago’s high growth rate (2.7 per cent) was driven by population growth in Queenstown-Lakes district, New Zealand’s fastest-growing territorial authority area over the year.The Queenstown Lakes district 8% increase was driven by a net international migration gain of 2500 people according to Stats NZ.In Central Otago there was a net international migration gain of 190 people, and an internal migration gain of 430 people. This was more than half of Central Otago's population growth (65%) from net internal migration. Estimated population change for 10 areas with highest annual growth rates year ended June 2023. Yellow is net internal migration. PHOTO: Stats NZ Along with Central Otago, other territorial authority areas growing faster than the New Zealand average include Selwyn district (5.2%), Mackenzie district (3.6%), Hamilton city (3.4%), Auckland and Western Bay of Plenty district (both 2.8%), Waikato district (2.6%), Tauranga city (2.5%), and Waimakariri district (2.2%).The population grew in all 16 regions of New Zealand in the year ended June 2023, according to provisional estimates released by Stats NZ, this follows two years of lower growth when several regions decreased in population.

The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service continues to have increased demand, with more than 2000 missions over the past year.A recent presentation to major funders last week, including the Otago Regional Council, which provides $350,000 annually, shared the latest statistics through its annual report.The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust has responded to a request to provide increased annual community funding for the service in its role as co-funders with the Crown (Te Whatu Ora and ACC).Total donations from more than 200 community groups and individuals totalled $1.265 million annually, and trustee Stephen Woodhead said they are hugely grateful for the sponsorships and donations.“That support is vital in enabling us to support the teams to bring vital life-saving care to patients every day and night of the year,” he said.The service responded with critical care for 1866 patients over the last year - an increase of 16% on the previous year.Accidents increased from 477 missions to 629 (32%), medical emergencies from 344 to 436 (27%), hospital transfers  767 to 935 (22%), and search and rescues from 61 to 109 (79%).The total number of missions increased from 1666 to 2121 (up 27%), and the trust continues to be the busiest area in the country.The report says the uplift reflects changing demographics, new clinical pathways, the increase in activity levels following Covid-19, and enhanced technology that enables more responses in adverse weather conditions.Two new ventilators were recently purchased, and further Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) routes were added - including from Wanaka to Queenstown in August 2023.  All pilots underwent specialised training.

Central Otago has been named in the top 50 best in travel destinations by Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet announced the regions that encompass the towns of Cromwell, Clyde, Queenstown, Wānaka in the best value, Best in Travel 2024 top 50 destinations list.The endorsement from global travel authority Lonely Planet confirms Central Otago delivers experiences that are truly world class and valued. When making the announcement on October 26, Lonely Planet identified the Southern Lakes’ and Central Otago’s strength in cycle and mountain biking opportunities as a key factor in making the list. Tourism Central Otago (TCO)  head of destination Anthony Longman was stoked that the two southern regions made it into the best value category.“This is a global acknowledgement celebrating the effort our local community and businesses put into delivering outstanding experiences that not only benefit visitors, but also our communities and environment. “We are excited that Lonely Planet identified that value is not [only] about dollars, but in the visitor sense it is the combination of value for money, depth of the experience, engagement with people and place, and so much more.” The diversity and choice of trails across Otago provide many reasons for visitors to stay longer, explore further and return. Central Otago Rail Trail is an achievable ride for families. PHOTO: Supplied Central Otago and the Southern Lakes offer a full range of trails from easy to expert and parts of six of New Zealand’s Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, which came about following the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail, which opened in 2000.There are multiple bike parks in Queenstown, Wānaka and Alexandra, plus ongoing trail extensions, infrastructure development and trail related events. An increasing number of visitors and new residents are choosing the region for its biking experiences and facilities. “The growth in cycling world-wide is considered by some to be ‘the new golf’. Like golf, cycling and mountain biking opportunities are most often found in stunning scenic locations, immerse people into the lifestyle of local communities, and are best enjoyed with friends. “Biking is one of the best low cost, low impact ways to explore and experience our regions’ incredible scenery and attractions,” Anthony said.Bannockburn’s Carrick Winery winemaker Rosie Menzies said inclusion on the list was wonderful exposure for the region.“It’s amazing to be recognised by such a prestigious publication. It goes to show Central Otago is putting its best foot forward with experiences for people to enjoy [such as] . . . trails, walks and wineries.”She said Carrick Winery was getting a good number of people through the doors to enjoy wine and food and soak up the views from the terrace now that warmer spring weather was here.Carrick’s Eat Taste Central (ETC) specific empanadas and terrine have been well received by visitors Rosie said. See: Wild Cairnmuir Rabbit Terrine An image from Carrick Winery past delectable offerings as a part of Eat Taste Central. PHOTO: James Jubb/TCO    The month-long celebration of Central’s food and drink, Eat Taste Central runs until November 12 and is another reason drawing people to the region’s specialist hospitality experiences.Find out more about Eat Taste Central.

Local primary school students' creativity is centre stage for another week in Alexandra as a two week long festival of the arts continues.The Dunstan Kāhui Ako Art Exhibition is on at the Central Stories Museum until Friday, November 3, from 10am - 4pm daily with a gold coin entry.Ranfurly’s 125th anniversary is one of the subjects covered in the exhibition. PHOTO: SuppliedA live performance is on Wednesday, November 1, including kapa haka, choir, dance and musical items from local schools. The performance will take place in The Terrace School hall on Marslin St and runs from 4.15 - 6.30pm.The combined kapa haka group Ngā Kura o Haehaeata, which recently performed at Blossom Festival, NZ Merino Shearing Championships and the NZ Principals Federation Conference, is due to conclude the evening at about 6.10pm.Read more: Mana and Learning from kapa haka group.During the festival students have been participating in art workshops run by artists in the Central Otago community, including pottery, cake decorating, woodwork, harakeke weaving, patchwork, printmaking and more. Dunstan Kāhui Ako (community of learning) is made up of nine local schools - Alexandra Primary, The Terrace School, St Gerard’s, Clyde, Omakau, Poolburn, St John’s Ranfurly, Millers Flat and Dunstan High - who collaborated to create the exhibition.Millers Flat students creativity on show at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. PHOTO: SuppliedThe student art is varied, colourful and modern; techniques such as applique, collage, paper mache sculpting, mixed media, installation, photography and digital art are all on display.The museum has also collated an exhibition in The Heaphy Gallery for visitors to view, which includes a range of local artists specialising in a variety of mediums.See What’s On: Festival of the arts by Dunstan Kāhui Ako.

Aurora Energy has rescheduled a planned power outage in Alexandra on Sunday, to ensure uninterrupted screening of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) final.Just over 200 households in central Alexandra were scheduled to be without power on Sunday during the Rugby World Cup final as part of Aurora’s ongoing planned maintenance programme.However, when the power company was contacted by the Central App to ask if they had considered the inconvenience for people, given the game starts at 8am, Aurora decided to reschedule the work.Aurora Energy general manager service delivery Richard Starkey said Sunday was chosen for the work in central Alexandra because the majority of customers who will be impacted are commercial, which was why it was planned outside of normal business hours.“We are aware that not everyone follows rugby, but those who do will want to watch the final, so we will delay the start of the planned outage on Sunday, 29 October from 9am until 10am. This will mean the power will be restored at 5pm instead of 4pm.”Aurora Energy is mid-way through a five-year, $563 million investment programme to upgrade the electricity network in Central Otago/Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes and Dunedin.He said they plan each job around six weeks in advance and the affected areas on Sunday include Tarbert St, Ventry St, Skird St, Taylor Pl, Shannon St Centennial Ave, DeelSt, Kenmare St, Bantry St, Thompson St, Fastnet St, Fox St, Pioneer Park, Walton St, Rivers St and Thompson Way.Visit our power outages button for info about planned outages across the Central Otago network.

A small critically endangered beetle species on the edge of Cromwell has impacted the town’s spatial plan, with any future development now required to protect their habitat.An independent commissioner for Plan Change 18, by the Central Otago District Council, requested after a hearing in July, that staff work with the Department of Conservation (DOC) on a solution that protected the chafer beetle (Prodontria lewisi).A large flightless beetle that lives underground, it only emerges at night in spring and summer to feed on plants and to breed, and is averse to light.The 81ha reserve between Cromwell and Bannockburn was established in 1979, and is the only one in the world created solely for the protection of an invertebrate.DOC partially opposed changes to the Cromwell Spatial Plan - known as PC18, a proposal to rezone 52ha of land from rural to industrial.Expert witnesses, including an entomologist were brought in to provide evidence and requested a 25m setback on all property along the boundary of the reserve (around 2.5ha).This was to mitigate any effects on the beetle’s habitat, including protection from shading and run off that might change the habitat, as well as street lighting as it nocturnal.A joint witness statement between the two parties agreed on the removal of a 20-metre-wide strip from the proposed industrial resource area along 120m of the western boundary, adjoining the Chafer Beetle Nature Reserve - from Bannockburn Rd to north of the transmission pylon.This strip will be retained as rural zoning, and an ‘indicative roading structure plan’ has also been put in place, that provides for a road reserve along the eastern boundary, to reduce the likelihood of impacts from any future subdivisions.Principal policy planner Ann Rodgers said in her report to council, that providing a setback of 25m would have resulted in a loss of 2.5ha of developable land in addition to the 8% required to provide roading. “By utilising the setback area for roading purposes and designing the subdivision around indicative roading network, the potential loss of developable land is significantly less.”She told the meeting that DOC was also going to set up an education area onsite for people, so they could understand what exactly is there.The site was sensitive, and every time DOC carried out testing they were potentially destroying the beetles’ habitat, she said.