Robyn Marshall has added a crown to her collection of many hats.Representing Clyde and Districts Lions Club, Robyn was named Senior Queen, while Anne Dougherty, representing Alexandra Petanque Club, was first runner up during a special ceremony at the Alexandra District Club yesterday.Robyn said she was not expecting to claim the prestigious title, given the great work all the other contestants do in the community.“It’s just unbelievable,” she said, moments after claiming the honour.“There were so many fabulous people I was up against . . . and I couldn’t believe it. But it is lovely.”She said the many people who had attended the afternoon’s celebrations, which included afternoon tea and a fashion show by Alexandra business Flying with Birds, had added something special to the occasion.“It’s a beautiful coming together of the community. It’s a very special day.”2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen winner Robyn Marshall (left) with runner up Anne Dougherty. PHOTO: Shannon Thoms/Alexandra Blossom FestivalAnne was also honoured to receive the runner-up award.She said various organisations she was involved with have several members called Ann, which meant she was often referred to as “Anne with an ‘e’.There have since been some comments made following her Alexandra Blossom Festival involvement that she could now be called “Princess Anne” instead.A new addition to the crowning ceremony this year was the introduction of the People’s Choice award, with people voting as they entered. That honour was taken out by Jo Ireland, nominated by Alexandra Senior Citizens.The People's Choice award was presented to Jo Ireland during yesterday's special ceremony. PHOTO: Shannon Thoms/Alexandra Blossom FestivalA further two contestants who were in the running for the title of Blossom Festival Queen were Bernie Butler and Jacqui Hood, who were nominated by friends and the Alexandra Lions Club, respectively.Each of the five women were introduced to the Senior Queen judges - Senior Queen founder Liz Pratt, Contact Energy representative Michelle Bastiaansen and Tall Poppy Real Estate Central Otago owner Peter Hishon - at a special high tea last week, leaving the judges with a very difficult decision.Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the crowning of the Senior Queen was a “wonderful’’ way to start the festival’s 67th celebrations.The Senior Queen has been a fixture in the Alexandra Blossom Festival since 1996, celebrating the wonderful senior women in our community and their contribution.The crowning is the first official event to take place on the Alexandra Blossom Festival programme.To keep up to date with all of the upcoming Blossom Festival activities download The Central App.Read more: Introducing Senior Queen nominees for 2024Read more: Modern timing system adds shine to gold panning champs

Short term rental accommodation owners in Central Otago could soon be faced with a targeted rate similar to what the Queenstown Lakes District is proposing with its visitor levy.A report to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) by group manager - community vision Dylan Rushbrook, to be considered at this evening’s meeting, will discuss its position on localised visitor levies, and give direction to staff on whether they should rate short term rentals in preparation for consultation through the Long Term Plan.Tourism Central Otago has long advocated for a national solution to tourism system funding, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) already has the approval of central government to explore that option.The report said the international visitor levy, which has just been raised to $100 per visitor, is still under review, and staff understand this will be used nationally rather than regionally.Central Otago has enjoyed significant growth in its visitor economy, with spend up 39 per cent since 2019 - primarily in the domestic market, although operators are reporting a slight slowdown in that market due to cost-of-living pressures.“At the same time, growth is happening in international markets, particularly the Australian market which is well served by direct flight connections into Queenstown Airport. With further investment from both the public and private sectors into the visitor economy, it is expected Central Otago will continue to experience growth,” Dylan said in his report.The QLDC propose a levy for accommodation spend per night of a visitor stay. It aims to capture commercial and short-term rental accommodation such as Air BnB. Tourism Central Otago would prefer a national levy, but believe it was unlikely to eventuate in the short to medium term. “It is now the view of staff that Central Otago District Council should publicly support the Queenstown Lakes District Council proposal for a localised levy in the absence of a national solution being forthcoming. While publicly supporting the Queenstown proposal, it would also be advantageous for Central Otago District Council to form a public position on localised visitor levies within Central Otago.”While it was expected there would be some resistance from the commercial accommodation sector initially at the introduction of a levy that will impact on their guests, the report said it was currently intended that only standalone short-term rentals be considered - not private dwellings and those letting out rooms.Councillors will discuss how the visitor levy funding would be used - it was proposed that a small portion be allocated towards destination management, but the bulk of the funding be directed to infrastructure upgrades and development. The estimated $100,000 to $250,000 would be recommended to be used towards supporting work programmes that help Central Otago navigate the challenges of rapid population growth.Staff have recommended that council formally supports QLDC’s approach to introducing a localised short-term visitor levy and supports CODC in taking its own position on it as well.This would be followed by staff bringing back a cost/benefit analysis of introducing a commercial or targeted rate on short-term rental properties within Central Otago.Tonight’s CODC meeting will be held from 6pm to 10pm, starting with a public forum and submitters speaking on districtisation before a final decision is made, and followed by the discussion on visitor levies. 

Financial pressure is still among the key factors affecting the mental health of people across the rural sector.As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from September 23-29, The Central App caught up with Otago Rural Support Trust coordinator Lindsay Purvis to find out how busy the service had been so far this year.“It’s actually been a little bit quieter than normal,” he said.He could not determine exactly why that was, but said the need was definitely still there.Lindsay, who answers calls from people across North Otago and, at times, Central Otago, connects them with the services that could best assist them in their time of need.He also pointed out that the problem was much wider than what the service sees as others turn to other service providers for assistance.Of those he works with, the majority are dealing with stress created by financial pressures.Otago Rural Support Trust coordinator Lindsay Purvis. PHOTO: SuppliedLindsay has been working with the Rural Support Trust for the past seven years, offering a supportive voice, often at the end of the phone.“Our role is to talk to people and connect them with somebody who can help, and I like to think we do make a difference. Another view and another set of ears can be helpful to people.”He said during his involvement, stress has grown in people’s everyday lives.“There’s more mental health . . . a bit more pressure has come on with high interest rates and compliance with low commodity prices and high input prices.”The Rural Support Trust works hard to assist people, often one-on-one, but has also created a range of events, alongside other organisations such as Beef + Lamb, to benefit the wider community, in a group capacity.Among those is its Time Out Tour, which stopped in Omakau last April.Its aim is to get people across the rural sector off the farm to socialise and listen to a group of speakers, who each have their own mental health story to share.“There are events being put on and I would encourage people to go to those events and have a listen,” Lindsay said. “If you go to an evening like that and you take home one thing, it’s worthwhile.”The Time Out Tour is still travelling throughout Otago, with the next one being held in Weston on October 16.To learn more about the Rural Support Trust, click on their listing via The Central App.The latest The Outlet podcast also features discussion around mental health, thanks to Sally Booth, of WellSouth.Read more: Mental health strengthened by community

Government ministers failed again to persuade the Otago Regional Council (ORC) to pause its Land and Water Regional Plan, following an extraordinary meeting yesterday.A packed and very vocal public forum in Dunedin had to be repeatedly pulled into line by chair Gretchen Robertson, as they continued to interrupt some of the councillors, as they each shared their opinion on the controversial issue.ORC will decide on October 23 whether to publicly notify the controversial plan, but it was the same five minority regional councillors, including Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher, who lost again against the majority seven who want to push on with it.Chief executive Richard Saunders, chair Gretchen Robertson, a Rūnaka representative and its policy and planning manager met the Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds and Forestry and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay in Wellington last Thursday.Last week the ORC delegation was expecting to present to ministers their reasons why they wanted to continue on with the plan, but the meeting took a different turn.“Ministers did not take up the offer for ORC to present the key themes from the response to their request for more information,” Richard said, in his report to council yesterday.“Instead, they relayed the following key messages: The Government still believe strongly that we should pause our plan process. They have told councils they can progress with plans if they choose to but there is a strong preference that this does not happen. They are still developing ideas for the new NPS-FM.” (National Policy Statement - Freshwater management). Richard said the ideas from government could not be shared as they need to go to cabinet, but they are working to a timetable of delivering by the middle of next year. Ministers also indicated they would work with officials to try and provide the ORC more information on this process. “There was some discussion about the ability through the freshwater planning process to implement new government direction - they would like to reduce the cost burden for councils associated with plan making, recognising the investment from ORC on the plan to date.”Richard said there was an offer from ministers to work with ORC if there were specific issues in Otago that need to be resolved should the plan not be notified. No details were discussed about what those things may be.The ORC has already spent $18 million on its draft plan, and a recent report to the minister estimated the costs of additional plan changes at $2.3m to $2.4m each over two years, with the option of financial assistance available.

Central Otago Police are already making plans for safely escorting carloads of young people in and out of Alexandra for next weekend’s Blossom Festival.The festival has been relatively crime free since alcohol restriction zones were implemented back in 2019, which also included at weekends, and between Christmas and New Year.The Central Otago District Council has a liquor ban in place between the hours of midnight Thursday and 12am Sunday during the Blossom Festival, which incorporates Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell.But it hasn’t stopped the carloads of mostly young people arriving from Dunedin, Gore and Invercargill for the weekend, who often involve themselves in traditional activities along the way.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said there will be a huge police presence at the festival and as far south as Raes Junction, which was the first meeting place in the district for the groups.Southland Police will escort them to Tapanui and Central Otago policing units, along with rural highway patrol, will shadow them into the district and set up checkpoints along the way.“We’ll be taking a hard line on consumption of alcohol in public places,” he said.Vehicles will be inspected regularly by police coming into Alexandra, including at Roxburgh where a convoy of vehicles traditionally block the top of the dam road.“They like to stop there and take photos,” he said.Some years the young people have found it entertaining to urinate off the side of the dam and throw bottles of alcohol as well, but with police keeping a close eye on things, that behaviour can be stamped out, he said.Snr Const Perkins said while it was a huge drain on police resources, it was important to keep the roads clear and safe for motorists.“We don’t expect a lot of trouble, and we do expect good weather,” he said.The following weekend police will also be out in force for the Merino Shears in Alexandra, keeping an eye on local pubs in the town.To keep up to date with all the Alexandra Blossom Festival activities, visit The Central App.

Ranfurly’s streets are being transformed this spring, thanks to various groups and individuals working to beautify the town.Among them is Tiaki Maniototo, which had four representatives preparing soil using a planting auger outside the town’s iconic art deco Centennial Milk Bar yesterday, ahead of a working bee taking place today.Also assisting with the project is Southern Dash, a group made up of members from around the South Island, who were going to be in the area for a curling tournament.After hearing about the beautification project, they reached out to the community asking what the group of 36 could do to help.A small stone hut will soon be more visible to passersby along Ranfurly's main street. PHOTO: The Central AppAs a result, they will be lending a hand at today’s working bee, which will include native plantings, supplied by Tiaki Maniototo.The garden at the front of the Centennial Milk Bar is one of several locations set to receive attention, along with areas near the Ranfurly isite Visitor Information Centre, the new toilet block and an area near Maniototo Area School.Maniototo Business Group member Tania Murray Haigh was among those looking forward to getting the beautification project underway.She said it was the business group that realised the need for street-scaping and members have spent a couple of months planning to make it happen.Aside from adding some plants to Ranfurly’s streets, Tania was also pleased to confirm a quaint stone hut located next to the isite would also be made more visible with the removal of hedges that were blocking its view to passersby.The stone hut, a model jail, was presented to the Maniototo Lions Club by the people of Paerau to commemorate the Ranfurly Centennial March in 1998.Southern Dash members will also use their visit to present jackets to children at St John’s School and backpacks to Maniototo Area School to be used during camps.

A Maniototo group seeking community board funding, has cited a drop in visitor numbers and spending as a key concern.Hazel Harrison, of the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, presented the group's case to the Maniototo Community Board yesterday, requesting $4500 from the community grant pool to assist with running costs.The money would be put towards insurance, lighting and heating, office and administration costs, and telecommunications.Hazel said the Maniototo Community Board had assisted the group with funding for the past 35 years.“That’s how long we’ve been operating, which we are very proud of, and we are also very grateful that the board has always funded us.”Hazel said the group was getting short on volunteers, which had limited the number of large-scale fundraising events it could host.And, as many groups had found, costs had gone up and people were spending less.“A couple of weeks ago we had 15 people through the centre - not one bought a thing and that is unusual.”She said visitor numbers were also down.The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum has also asked for $8300 to go towards annual operating costs.Tiaki Maniototo has requested $1437 from the board’s promotion grants fund, which it would put towards portaloos during its Taiari Wai River Festival in January next year.The board agreed to give $4000 to the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, with the understanding they could apply for more in the next application round in the new year.The full amount requested by Maniototo Early Settlers Museum and Tiaki Maniototo were approved. 

Bendigo’s thriving wine growing area could also soon be home to Santana Minerals' large gold mining project.Santana Minerals is rapidly advancing its scoping study into the Rise and Shine gold exploration area near Bendigo, and is on track to submit a consent application in February 2025.Chief executive Damian Spring spoke to the Cromwell Community Board on Tuesday about the company’s plans, which expects to make $4.4 billion from gold generation over the next 10 years.The company will be employing up to 250 people both from within the wider Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts, as well as through expert consultants.He spoke at the meeting about what would happen if the Government was to review what royalties were generated by the company, and what portion would be offered to the community.This would include both Cromwell and Tarras, he said.“The Tarras community have let us know where they sit.”Sustainable Tarras - a lobby group set up to investigate the now shelved airport proposal has also been strong in its opposition to Santana Minerals' plans for a gold mine.The company will be carrying out a series of public consultation meetings in both Cromwell and Tarras in coming weeks, and also invites people to drop into their office in Chardonnay St.Questions were asked at the meeting about whether the company was doing anything proactive for accommodation, and whether this would be offered onsite.Damian said nothing long term would be established onsite, “but we recognise that bringing in 100 people into the area will bring in extra pressure.”A temporary camp for 80 people would be set up for those expert contractors who were travelling from afar to come and do their work, and who were only around for a short period.Mayor Tim Cadogan said there was also sensitivity within the wine growing industry about the proposed gold mining activity, particularly when Bendigo had been designated a wine growing area.“I think it’s too early to judge that right now, about the impacts on them,” Damian said.Drop in Sessions

Upgrading Alexandra’s Molyneux Stadium to a safe seismic standard and extending its life by 30 years would cost $5.6 million, compared to demolishing and building a new one for $15 million.But the Vincent Community Board agreed last week, before it could push on with a staged investment over the next nine years, it had to wait on the outcome of the districtisation discussion by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) first.CODC would be making a decision at its next meeting in two weeks, on whether a district-wide approach should be adopted for services across all of the wards (Vincent, Cromwell, Maniototo and Teviot).Council’s property officer Tara Bates confirmed the Molyneux building was still considered good/moderate according to a recent building condition assessment report, and there had already been $1.2 million budgeted for maintenance work in the draft Long Term Plan (2025-34).A further $4.43 million had also been budgeted for out of the Vincent Community Board Reserves for earthquake strengthening, asbestos removal, fire safety and accessibility compliance work in 2027-2028.Molyneux Stadium is a highly utilised community facility by many different sporting codes, but a detailed seismic assessment rated it under 20 per cent of the new build standard, making it a very high risk in an earthquake.The report said asbestos was found in various parts of the building, and this would need to be removed before the seismic work began.The building also lacked adequate accommodation for people with disabilities, which meant modifications were required and the fire safety systems upgraded with new alarms, lighting and a sprinkler system.

The committee responsible for the Lower Manorburn Dam Recreation Reserve has handed the delegation back to the Central Otago District Council, and a management plan is underway.The Vincent Community Board (VCB) agreed last week to push on with the work, given the increased popularity of the area.A report to the board from parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said another group exists that also has an interest in the reserve called the Lower Manorburn Dam Working Group. The small group of volunteers have undertaken some revegetation work in recent years and has plans to do more work, including removing wilding conifers. Removal of the trees was originally high on council’s priority list, but government funding has since ceased, and the work was put on hold.The wider reserve area is used for a range of activities including mountain biking, 4WD, dog walking and water related activities.The reserve is classified as a recreation reserve under the Reserve Act 1977, but currently does not have a Reserve Management Plan. Gordon said the adoption of the Reserve Management Plan by council would be developed with public input and provide more detail on actual work to be undertaken.The actual dam structure is owned by the Galloway Irrigation Company.“With council taking an active role in managing this reserve it is not envisaged that there needs to be another sub-committee. Council staff will work with all interest groups and the public as they do with all other reserves to ensure this reserve is managed and maintained to meet the needs of its users.”The draft plan would be brought back to the VCB for consideration and approval to go out for public consultation as per the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. All submissions received will be considered by the board and recommendations from the submission process then included into the final plan before its adoption and the plan becoming operative.Barrie Wills was acknowledged at the meeting by VCB chair Tamah Alley for his work over the years on the Lower Manorburn Dam Recreation Reserve committee.The committee had been involved since 1997 and many families appreciated the dam in particular, as a great place for ice skating and curling in winter, “and also a much warmer place to swim in summer,” Tamah added.

International tourists flying into Christchurch and immediately driving a rental vehicle south to Queenstown, continue to cause crashes on Central Otago roads, according to police.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said that was the situation in the Lindis Pass last Thursday, when two drivers had a head on crash, after an international driver allegedly overtook a truck and trailer unit on a bad corner.Failing to successfully overtake, the driver hit another tourist heading north over the Cluden Hill, but luckily had slowed down, and only suffered a broken leg in the crash.Snr Const Perkins said the man instantly had his passport ceased and would appear in the Alexandra District Court this week on a charge of dangerous driving causing injury.“Again, it’s a common theme of landing in the country and just wanting to get there,” he said.A Wānaka driver is being investigated by the commercial vehicle support unit after a piece of timber fell off his trailer, narrowly missing the vehicle behind and the windscreen.The driver of the vehicle behind took note of his license plate and notified authorities, who are investigating the insecure load.A six year-old child suffered a broken leg outside Hanley’s Farm in the weekend, after escaping the care of his parents at the cafe near Jacks Point, and crossing the main highway.Back in Alexandra, a 30-year-old man was processed for drink driving on September 12, recording an excess breath alcohol reading of 526mcg.Snr Const Perkins said the man was due to appear in court and was forbidden to drive.In Cromwell the same day, a 32-year-old man was charged with assault and theft after stealing his flatmate’s beer.The 32-year-old punched the flatmate several times after he was questioned about taking it. Snr Const Perkins said the flatmate ran off down the road and called police, but had limited injuries from the assault, other than bruising on his face.In other police news, one of seven people routinely drug tested on bail last week failed to adhere to their 24-hour curfew, after being electronically monitored and will also appear in court this week.

If you think it’s safe to put the winter woollies and umbrellas away, think again.More rain and possibly snow is expected across Central tonight.MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warned the air “should be cold enough” for snow to fall down to 200 to 300 metres, but without the same widespread impact experienced across the district on Friday.“The risk of snow extends over the whole area, but the snow potential is largest once the wet weather has become a bit more spotty, so places with the same elevation could see different amounts of rain.”A heavy snow watch is in place for Fiordland, Southland, southern Otago and Stewart Island from 5pm today, until 11am tomorrow.While temperatures for Central look set to return to the mid-teens later in the week, it did not mean spring-like temperatures were set to stay.Lewis said the long-range forecast was “hinting at an influx of cold air around the middle of next week, which is followed by high pressure so some chilly mornings might return”.“From Wednesday there is almost a persistent barrage of fronts up the West Coast, but for Central Otago this looks like a pretty decent spell of northerly winds, which will see a return of warmer temperatures.”However, he said there appeared to be a couple of spells of rain toward the end of this week.And, with the Alexandra Blossom Festival just around the corner, The Central App checked in with MetService to see what the weather was likely to have in store for the popular event.“[It’s a] bit too far out to say at this point. Models are broadly telling a story of high pressure, but at this time range that could easily change,” Lewis said.Click on The Central App’s Weather button to keep up to date on the forecast.And, if you need to check Roads, The Central App can help with that too.

One of the world’s oldest violas will meet one of the youngest in an historic performance during the upcoming At the World’s Edge (AWE) Festival in Bannockburn.The event will include a range of performances, including by UK-based Bryony Gibson-Cornish, who will play one of the oldest violas in the world, as well as one of the newest. Bryony, who was born in New Zealand and spent her first four years in Cromwell, features on this week’s The Outlet podcast, where she chats about the festival and the special elements the event will bring to Central.During the podcast, she describes the honour of being able to play one of the oldest violas in the world, made by Brothers Amati.“It was made in about 1610, or thereabouts, which is mind boggling to think about it when you put it against the context of New Zealand’s history.”AWE will also see her play the world’s newest viola, made specifically for and gifted to the festival by luthier Stephan Osthorst.“I feel very honoured to be the first to play on this beautiful viola and to do so in the place where I grew up makes it all the more special.” Bryony is one of many world-leading chamber musicians who will take to the stages of Central and Southern Lakes for the festival, including a performance at Bannockburn’s Coronation Hall on Sunday, October 6.The festival marks the first time in almost a decade that she has performed in Central.“I really can’t describe just how excited I am to be coming back to, basically, my home. I grew up in Cromwell for the first four years of my life and I’ve always been a southern girl.”This year’s event focuses on the influence of folk music on chamber music, with performances of pieces from around the globe and across the centuries. “AWE this year is all about tradition and the retelling of stories,” she said. “So it’s going to be fantastic to perform with my 17th century viola that has already told so many tales and seen so much and then launch the AWE viola on its way, no doubt the first performance of many.” At the World’s Edge Festival runs from October 5-18 with performances in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn. To find out more about the festival, check out the What's On listing on The Central App.

It’s official – florries will remain a feature of this year’s Alexandra Blossom Festival Grand Procession.A last-minute influx of entries has saved the iconic float segment from being pulled from the upcoming event, ensuring the tradition lives on.Your help is needed! Just for a couple of hours.. click here Volunteers needed for Alexandra Blossom Festival Late last month, the Alexandra Blossom Festival committee made an urgent call for more florry registrations, after they had received just one entry by August 31. Thanks to the community's quick response, the parade will once again showcase the vibrant, decorated floats that have long been a hallmark of the celebration.Festival event manager Martin McPherson thanked those who answered the call.“We’re so pleased we’ve now got some florries in the procession, including one from as far away as Cromwell.”Florries are a small float made on a New World shopping trolley and have been a popular way for small groups and families to be involved in the Blossom Festival for almost a decade. Mayor Tim Cadogan gets amongst the florry action at an earlier Alexandra Blossom Festival event. PHOTO: Clare Toia-Bailey / Image CentralThere are now about eight florries registered, which will be decorated over the coming weeks in time to be pushed through the main street of Alexandra during the popular grand procession.A range of events are planned for the 67th Alexandra Blossom Festival, which takes place from August 27 to 28.To find out more click on the Blossom Festival button on The Central App. 

Central’s heavy snow warning has been lifted, but residents are urged to brace for more wintry weather as another cold front is expected on Sunday.Snow fell across the district early this morning, leaving some residents without power, schools closed and warnings to only travel if necessary.Volunteers needed for Alexandra Blossom Festival MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said rain would possibly linger this afternoon, but dry weather was expected on Saturday, until Sunday afternoon.“Sunday brings the next burst of cold air with current snow forecast above 400m for Central Otago. Monday is a bit more relaxed but Tuesday has another burst of cold southerly winds,” he said.Footage of snow heading over Blacks Hill, near Ophir. VIDEO: The Central AppHe urged people to keep up with the forecasts over the weekend to help prepare for the week ahead.Today’s snowfall was widespread, which included about 10cm in Ranfurly, while higher elevations, particularly farmland, likely got about 20cm.Lewis said while it was difficult to say if today’s snowfall was the most significant in recent years, it was the “type of snowfall we expect to see at least once per year”.Looking ahead, temperatures are going to “have a chill to them”, he said.“While 13 degrees Celsius is the high for Saturday, Sunday is just going for 8C. Frosts will also be back on the cards.“It could be a wee while before the temperature climbs back up to the 18°C seen last weekend.”Snow covered paddocks heading towards Ophir. VIDEO: The Central AppAccording to the Aurora Energy website, power outages continue across parts of the district, which was still affecting 47 customers in Alexandra, 305 in St Bathans, and 229 in Oturehua.Keep up to date with Power outages, Roads and Weather via The Central App.If you have any community updates, changes to events due to snow today, please use the free community notice board.Also, enter our competition for a chance to win a Maniototo Family Pass by sharing a photo of your snowman on The Central App Facebook page.Read more: Snow blankets Central, power outages, schools closed

Snow is falling across Central this morning, some schools are closed and the power is out in some locations as Spring weather hits the district.Drivers in the Maniototo and Manuherekia areas have been asked to only travel if essential. Fulton Hogan contract manager Carly Hamlin said motorists needed to be aware that there is thick snow in Maniototo and Manuherekia areas."Please delay your journeys where possible. If you do have to drive, please reduce your speeds."Today’s MetService forecast is snowfall continuing until 10pm tonight.There are a number of power outages in Central this morning.A spokesperson for Aurora Energy said they have put an alert on their website and Facebook page."These are weather related... [we] have all available crew members in the area assisting to get the power restored as soon as possible."Many Central schools are closed for the day. Parents are decking children out in jackets and gloves for a fun morning of snow play.Children in Alexandra making the most of the spring snowfall. PHOTO: Elyse NaylorSnow falling and covering Ida Valley. PHOTO: The Central AppMore snow than grass in Alexandra on Friday morning. PHOTO: The Central AppA heavy snow watch is in place for Central Otago, Arthur's Pass (SH73), the ranges of the Westland District between Haast, and Arthur's Pass through to Westland District south of Haast, Canterbury High Country south of the Rakaia River.The Fulton Hogan crew were out early ploughing the roads PHOTO: Supplied/Fulton HoganThe Fulton Hogan Ranfurly crew captured this great shot! PHOTO: Supplied/Fulton HoganPeople in those areas should prepare for heavy snow at times above 300 metres, where snowfall may approach warning criteria in places.Roads closures due to snow include Omakau to Kyeburn, and Kyeburn to Palmerston also Danseys Pass, and the Crown Range.Keep up to date with Roads and Weather and Power outages via The Central App.If you have any community updates, changes to events due to snow today, please use the free community noticeboard - Notice boardJoin our competition to win a Maniototo Family Pass - share your snowman on The Central App facebook page to be in to win :)Or check our story on Instagram!Need chains for your tyres? Drive into TyreLAND today Alexanda and Cromwell

Trees have been targeted in two separate locations in Cromwell, by what the Central Otago District Council (CODC) suspects is wilful damage.During recent tree maintenance work, the council’s arborist found two London Plane trees growing in Cromwell had what appeared to be drill holes at their base, which indicated they had been poisoned. One of the trees has died and was recently removed by the CODC, while the other tree would be monitored in the hope it would survive and not have to be removed, but was clearly in a poor state, CODC parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said.Two trees have been found with holes drilled into the base of their trunks, in what is an act of suspected poisoning. PHOTO: CODCThere are two trees in Cromwell, which CODC has found with drill holes, while a further two have been cut down. PHOTO: CODC In another area of Cromwell, council staff have also discovered two mature cherry trees had been chopped down on the verge. Council views the incidents as wilful damage to public property. “We are aware that trees are often seen as an issue for some people, however, the role trees play in providing shade, home for wildlife and mitigating the effects on the climate generally outweigh any negative effects from leaves or roots.” There were significant costs to removing these trees, and their stumps, which would restrict what council could spend on maintaining other trees, he said.Council did not reveal the exact location of the trees.CODC group manager – community experience David Scoones said it was not so much about the location of the trees; "we just want to point out that we [are] aware of the damage happening and are reminding the community to look after these trees, and any trees on council land that have an issue should be a conversation with the council, please, before any action is taken". Under council's tree policy, dated 2022, it states that it would assess and, where appropriate, replace trees on council land that have been wilfully killed, removed or damaged. Council would also refer incidents of wilful tree damage, theft, or death to the police, and would request an investigation into the matter, and prosecute if possible. The recent discovery of damaged trees was not the first instance the council had come across.In its policy, it notes that there had been several incidents in recent years of members of the public stealing or wilfully damaging council trees, including deliberately killing trees. Council reminds the public that this type of activity is an offence under several New Zealand statutes. "It also represents a wasteful squandering of public resources. The council will respond strongly to any incidence of wilful damage to Council trees," the policy states.

Central Otago Riding for the Disabled is gearing up for its second Diversity of Fashion show on September 14, featuring a variety of models and styles, from steampunk to up-cycled clothing, all in support of the organisation’s vital work.First organised by Denise Fowler back in 2022, one of the parents involved in the Central Otago branch of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), the inaugural fashion show attracted 300 people and organisers were hoping for the same response this time round.This year’s Diversity of Fashion will use a variety of models from all walks of life, adding spontaneity to the event.“The goal is to fundraise for RDA but it’s also a fun event to celebrate and encourage groups and people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to be in the fashion limelight,” Denise said.Money raised will go towards operational costs, which are huge for RDA because of the compliance involved in the health and disability sector.“Our facility has to be of the highest standard and that all takes a lot of time.”Then there are the feeding and shoeing of the five horses and occasional vet bills they encounter.Volunteers involved in RDA have to undertake mandatory training and offer a huge commitment to the organisation every Thursday, “to keep that continuity with the riders.”RDA is also on the lookout for more volunteers who are reasonably confident and happy around horses, who can support the organisation into the future.The core purpose of RDA is to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs.It aims to enable and support disabled people to achieve good lives including meaningful participation in, and contribution to, important life activities and roles in their community.

Super Smash cricket is returning to Alexandra this season, but without the $10,000 funding from the Vincent Community Board that it received last year.The Otago Cricket Association returned first class cricket games to Molyneux Park in summer 2023 following a short period of them being played in Queenstown. The board supported this through a grant of $10,000 from the 2023-24 financial year promotions grant budget, and despite a cost blowout of $50,000 from last year’s coverage, would have to fund their broadcast towers and sight screens through other means.A report to the board from marketing manager Alison Mason said, while Otago Cricket has secured a three-year broadcast contract with TVNZ to live stream the T20 Super Smash games played in Alexandra, it had only applied for a one-year grant.“They had noted their wishes for multi-year commitment in their original application and when presenting to the board. They have advised that it is for this reason they did not apply in the publicised funding rounds,” the report said. A late grant application was then subsequently submitted, under the grant policy condition of being an ‘exceptional circumstance'.Staff said consideration was given to the ongoing investment the board and council makes in keeping the grounds at the required standard, and the importance of these games on the summer event calendar to the local community. Under council’s grant policy, which is currently under review, multi-year grant applications are only accepted in year one of a Long Term Plan (LTP). Otago Cricket said in its application, the main cost blow out was the new cost of scaffolding that was required because the sight screens were not fit for TV broadcast. “With three double header matches played, this meant two pitches were required ensuring the broadcast towers needed to be wider. The total unbudgeted increase in costs was $50,000.”The matches were able to be played to around 2000 fans each day, with six matches televised live on free to air television during the duration.