Police are seeking to establish the movements of a motorcyclist before a fatal incident on State Highway 6, the Cromwell-Luggate Highway.The rider crashed at Mt Pisa at about 10.30am on Wednesday, 21 December and died at the scene.Police want to hear from anyone who saw the rider on his journey or captured dashcam video of him as he journeyed from Dunedin to Central Otago before the crash before the crash.The man was riding a red and black Ducati motorcycle, registration B4YBU.It’s thought he departed the Otago Peninsula at 8am Wednesday and travelled to State Highway 6 by either State Highway 87 through Middlemarch or State Highway 85 via the PigrootAnyone with information is asked to call Police on 105 or fill out a report online at www.police .govet.nz/use-105, using ‘Update My Report’. Please reference 221221/3758Video can be submitted to Police at https://tinwald.nc3.govt.nz/

Local government is under review for the first time since the 1980s, and your opinions are in demand.Suggested changes include extending the electoral term from three to four years, dropping the voting age to 16 and allowing councils to devise more imaginative ways of paying their way. Quarterly rates bills will likely stay, but the council will probably be able to be more innovative in its yearly revenue collection.  The functions and activities of the country’s 67 local authorities are falling under the parliamentary microscope for the first time in over three decades. The government’s goal is to draft legislation to see local government in New Zealand through the following three decades. The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has set up a working group consisting of staff and elected representatives to submit on your behalf in the new year. Public participation is being encouraged at the very highest level. Minister of Local Government Manaia Mahuta said, “the local government sector has been clear about changes needed to better provide for local communities.”“Local democracy is critical for our society, and it is my expectation that the review panel will engage with and consider the views of as many New Zealanders as possible. I encourage everyone to have their say,” she said.“Like central government, local government also needs to respond to the challenges ahead, whether keeping a lid on rate rises, upgrading critical water infrastructure, climate change, or ensuring diverse voices are at the council table.”The CODC working group plans to dissect the 261-page Local Government Review document released in October and advise elected members to assist in the submission process.CODC will not call for public participation in the submission process, citing time constraints and complexity, and that the submission relates to government rather than council, decision-making.   But the CODC final submission will be approved early in the new year and made publicly available.Everyone is encouraged to submit before February 28, 2023. Find a copy of the draft report and information on how to submit to the review here. The Central App will follow the review’s progress through all stages, from CODC’s submission process to the final passage of the legislation.   

As much-needed seasonal and hospitality workers descend on the region for the busy season, a growing number are opting for a van-based life in the face of a worker accommodation shortage. Unlike the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), the Central Otago District Council (CODC) does not have a bylaw to regulate freedom camping.The absence of some enforcement measures a bylaw would provide may have provided a solution (of sorts) to the current worker accommodation shortage in the district.The Central App has spoken to workers who can’t find accommodation and have instead begun living in vehicles, moving between locations every few days.Contact Energy Clyde Dam Camp Site One couple, who did not want to be identified, said they had looked for rental accommodation in either Clyde or Alexandra for two months before purchasing a van.“We were left with no alternative; we either left our jobs and moved on or brought a van. We would happily rent a house, but what suitable rentals we find are either way too expensive, or they go so fast we miss out,” the young couple said.The couple is moving between campsites with others who share their circumstances. “There’s a community rotating around secret park-up spots and campsites. We’ve got some great van-life friends out of the situation.”One man working in the hospitality sector said he would struggle to pay the rent being asked for a room in Cromwell even if he could find a space.“My boss is paying me just over minimum wage. If I park in random spots or driveways, I can afford to live here. If I had to pay high rent, I’d probably have to go back home to Southland, which would be a bummer,” he said.The LINZ Lowburn campsite   The bill to replace the 2011 Freedom Camping Act has just entered the select committee stage in parliament.In a submission last year, CODC indicated a preference for centralised regulation of freedom camping to avoid the financial responsibility of monitoring and enforcement falling on Central Otago’s small ratepayer base. The CODC was recently granted $110,000 from the government to go towards formulating a bylaw, public education and enforcement while awaiting the passage of legislation through parliament.A CODC spokesperson said it would be enforcing the three-night stay limit at its Pinders Pond site in Roxburgh. 

Central Otago District Council mayor Tim Cadogan has called for Cromwell’s keyboard warriors to step out from their social media shield and run for the vacant spot on the Cromwell Community Board. Tim says the community board oversees some of the fastest urban growth and transformation in the country outside of Auckland. “How can there be so few putting their hand up to participate,” he said.“You need only glance at Cromwell’s social media feeds to see that more than enough prospective candidates are pushing their views in the digital realm. “Some must be brave enough to take their ideas into the real world and become part of the decision-making process.”  An upcoming nationwide review will determine each local authority’s representation from the community board level to the council, and the CODC mayor believes candidate apathy now could mean less democracy in the future.“It would be tragic if cuts are recommended through the review process because there was little interest from candidates in this position,” he said.“I make this appeal to those in Cromwell with opinions and ideas. Get your nominations sorted and in before noon on Friday, 22 December.”There has been one nomination submitted so far. If more than one nomination is received, an election is required. In that case, voting papers will be mailed out in late January and close in mid-February.  

The lack of rental accommodation in Central Otago may be undermining the district’s economic potential as some families can’t put a roof over their heads.Cromwell accommodation complex operator Bill Sanders said his 17 units are fully tenanted all year round, and there is always demand around Crowell and surrounds.“I know of one working family being made homeless by their landlord on New Year’s Eve,” he said.“Try as they might, they can’t find a roof to put over their heads. They have two little ones. That’s the reality of the market people find themselves in,” he said.“I have a one-room coming free; I can’t put a family of four into one unit. I’m no slum lord. It’s got to the stage that they’re talking about moving into a tent.” Bill said developers must take the initiative and get more dwellings and worker accommodation under construction and “get the job done”.“I’m hearing as many as 150 families are looking for housing in the Central Otago District,” he said.Legislative changes have put people off becoming landlordsReal estate agent Peter Hishon believes a combination of conditions has created a dramatic shortage in the rental accommodation sector. “Recent changes in tenancy and tax legislation over the last couple of years have scared people away from the prospect of becoming landlords,” he said.“Property investment used to be seen as a safe and dependable option for New Zealanders. People are now thinking twice before committing life savings to investment properties.”Peter said there is also a shortage of new properties coming onto the market. “Whatever the reason, we’re facing a difficult situation. “I’m hearing feedback from employers who find the right staff in skilled positions but find there is insufficient accommodation. It must be affecting economic outcomes for Central Otago.”Alexandra Clyde and Districts Business Group secretary Stuart Millis agrees. He said the group’s members are dealing with a shortage of skilled workers and a critical accommodation shortage.“How can the district expect to move forward economically when we simply can’t guarantee the provision of accommodation for skilled workers and their families,” he said.Employers face “a critical accommodation shortage”This is the first of a series of articles the Central App will be running on this topic. Contact [email protected] if you have a view to share on this critical issue.

It looks like a cracking season ahead for businesses on the Otago Central Rail Trail.An unofficial counter has delivered record-breaking numbers using the trail for October and the result has local business owners rubbing their hands together at the prospects for the summer season ahead.The counter, located at Wedderburn, was triggered by the passage of 1,350 trail users during the month, up 350 on the same period last year. For November, the year-on-year number was even better; the counter reported 1,200 passing through, up 700 from 2021.  Trail accommodation operator Stuart Duncan said the numbers using the trail at this stage of the season are very encouraging.“This is the best result we’ve had for the month of October since the trail was officially opened.“The Wedderburn counter has confirmed the level of activity we have seen recently. There’s been a noticeable increase in campervans on the road and cyclists using all or part of the trail. Businesses along the trail length are providing positive feedback that supports the numbers we’re seeing,” Stu said.Omakau – on the trail Tourism Central Otago Marketing Manager Alison Mason said although it’s an unofficial count, the prospects for the season look promising.“The most encouraging thing for business operators is that it provides evidence that the trail is popular in the months surrounding the busiest summer period, known as the shoulder season. “We encourage people to use the trail outside the busiest six weeks of the season. It helps spread the load and gives everyone a fantastic Rail Trail experience.”Off the Rails business tour operator, Nick Simpson said he has solid bookings throughout the season extending well into April. “New Zealanders supported us well through Covid, and it looks like that homegrown interest in the Rail Trail is ongoing, plus we’re beginning to see the return of international visitors. “The coming season looks like it will be a busy one.”The Otago Central Rail Trail was first opened in February 2000 and is seen as a vital cog in the region's ever-growing list of “must-do” cycling options in Central Otago.

Plans to redevelop and relocate the Cromwell War memorial from its current site to a nearby car park have sparked an underground revolt by some residents.Cromwell historian David George said he represents a significant group who say the memorial should stay where it is. David said he’s speaking up because members of the group opposing the move feel they would be ostracised should they publicly air their concerns.“The group sees the current memorial location as appropriate and respectful, a setting fitting for a memorial to those who did not return.“We have real concerns that the proposed Town and Country Club car park site will undermine the intention of the memorial.“We strongly feel that community consultation has been limited and not as far-reaching as a move such as this requires. We want a comprehensive community consultation process implemented.”The Cromwell War MemorialCentral Otago District Council planning and infrastructure executive manager Louise van der Voort said the council has been engaging with the external stakeholder groups, including separate meetings with the Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, the museum, the RSA, the Fine Thyme Theatre Company, the Town and Country Club, Old Cromwell, and Aukaha.“The feedback from the RSA around moving the memorial gardens and the cenotaph has been really positive,” she said.“We need to strike a balance between consultation to get the project right and meeting community needs and expectations and progressing the project in a timeframe that avoids lengthy delays.” She said the council will soon launch a website specifically for the project, where it will share reports and plans so the community can see what stage the project is at.“We will be hosting drop-in sessions to share the preliminary design with the community following the meeting of the Cromwell Community Board in early February 2023,” she said.The Cromwell Memorial Hall is soon to be demolishedThe car park relocation would be the second such move for the memorial after the first shift during dam construction in the 1980s. The current location overlooks Lake Dunstan, Cornish Point and the historic town centre.The proposed new memorial location: the Town and Country Club car parkThe group opposed to the memorial relocation has taken its case to both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Local Government. The group is currently awaiting a response.

Teviot Valley Community Board members took their declaration of office on Wednesday (November 2) with just two members from the last triennium still at the table, and quickly addressed the ‘Voices for Freedom’ affiliation of a board member.Councillors Sally Feinerman and Norman Dalley are the familiar faces. Norman’s experience on the board was likely a factor in his being elected chair, defeating newcomer Mark Jessop.Mark took the consolation prize as he was elected unopposed as deputy chair.Russell Read and Gill Booth are the other two new members.Published in The Central App Central Otago candidate named as VFF supporter All adopted the code of conduct and made their way through the largely ceremonial and procedural business without fuss.However the meeting deviated from the straight-forward when Norman asked new member Gill Booth how her association with anti-vaccine mandate lobby group Voices for Freedom (VFF) may influence her role on the board. “...I don’t think it would influence this group particularly much,” Gill said in response.She acknowledged she belonged to VFF and had “a background” with the agricultural lobby group Groundswell.“I will be very open and honest - I don’t like the way that LGNZ [Local Government NZ] has become a conduit, and has taken away a lot of council voice.”She said she was not happy with “the structure of it”. Gill Booth speaking during a VFF podcast.She also said the Motorhome Association use of the Roxburgh Golf Club was “between adults”. Members should be able to stay there and council should not get “deeply involved” in the issue, she said.Sally Feinerman said the board needed to “work as a team”.She pointed out there are “potentially big projects” coming up in the Teviot Valley area over the coming term, and the group briefly touched on Lake Onslow, Three Waters reform and a large-scale planned gold mine as likely to be significant issues. Mark Jessop stressed to council staff that the board members needed to be kept abreast of key issues to improve communication and information flow with the local community.PHOTOS: Supplied

Vincent Community Board members took their declaration of office yesterday (Monday October 31), marking the start of their three-year term.Central Otago District Council (CODC) councillor Tamah Alley was elected to the chair, defeating Roger Browne who was also nominated.Tamah said she was “really excited to be leading a strong team” and sees plenty of “opportunities for the board and community”.The meeting included a waiata for Jayden Cromb, a fresh face for the board, which was performed beautifully by his supporters and colleagues from Uruuruwhenua Health. Jayden Cromb was welcomed to his elected position with a waiata. PHOTO: The Central AppJayden, the youngest member of the board, was also elected deputy chair. The father of three is feeling positive about his new role despite admitting to feeling some pressure “to bring a different perspective”. “I was surprised to learn that in most councils you are considered young if you are under 40,” the 27-year-old said. “At the Youth Trust I was one of the older ones at the table.” Jayden Cromb was visibly moved by the waiata. PHOTO: The two other new board members, Dai Johns and Tony Hammington, said they were excited to take up their roles. Both spoke of having lots to learn but Dai is “very enthusiastic” and Tony keen “to make a difference”Councillors Malcolm McPherson and Tracy Patterson are also on the board. Once sworn in, councillors worked through procedural decisions and allocated liaison roles with various community groups.Chair Tamah Alley closed the meeting urging the group to be “open, transparent, honest, to have some fun, and work at making the best decisions for our community”.The next meeting will be Tuesday November 22. 

No formal enforcement action has been taken against the Central Otago District Council (CODC) after flooding in July caused untreated wastewater to enter the Manuherikia River.The floods, thought to be third highest ever recorded, were the second in the past five years to inundate the low-lying treatment facility.The term ‘wastewater’ refers to sewage – everything flushed down toilets, kitchen sinks and laundries. Preference for where it should best be discharged to has evolved from waterbodies to land.Regional councils issue consents for treated wastewater discharge and fines in the tens of thousands of dollars are not uncommon when these are breached.The cost of a long-term solution to prevent a repeat event is unknown but is thought to be in the tens of millions.This will fall on ratepayers to fund, CODC confirmed yesterday (Tuesday October 11), if the government’s unpopular Three Waters Reforms are scuppered by a change in government next year.Otago Regional Council compliance manager Tami Sargeant said the agency closely monitored CODC’s flood response and remediation of the site.“This included several site visits and receiving regular updates on remedial actions from CODC. No formal enforcement action was taken.”She said it was not ORC’s role to provide advice on the solution, as this is for CODC as the infrastructure owner to consider. “However ORC does provide advice on our Regional Plan rules and any actions or activities that require consent. We are aware that CODC are preparing a business case which is considering alternative options for treatment of wastewater from both Omakau and Alexandra.” CODC water services manager Ian Evans said repairs at Omakau were now completed and had fortunately been less significant than first thought.“The biological recovery of the pond system continues to improve with recent samples demonstrating a high level of compliance.”CODC was continuing to update the ORC and Aukaha (manawhenua-owned consultancy) on progress. While the ORC set the limits and expectations of councils’ three waters (storm, waste and drinking water) activities it was not their role to fund any operations or infrastructure improvements.Ian Evans said there were no options for financial assistance for three waters.He confirmed CODC was working on a business case for options for alternative treatment and discharge for Omakau and Alexandra wastewater. These included a possible combined treatment plant and alternative locations for treatment and discharge to land.“If council continues to deliver these services the Central Otago community will need to fund this upgrade. Central Government funding is not available.”

The Central Otago District Council has agreed to use reserve funds to help Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust (OGHT) to put on the next cavalcade, in the absence of district-wide promotional monies.OGHT projects manager Terry Davis told council last week the cancellation of the 2021 cavalcade, which was to have ended in Millers Flat, had been a huge financial blow to the organisation. No event insurance was available to cover considerable losses and the group was seeking $10,000 for the rescheduled event.Council had previously issued one-off financial assistance to events such as WoolOn and had assisted Crankworx outside of grants applications. Work is also underway on a council events strategy for the district which may explore funding other events.Cr Neil Gillespie said at yesterday’s (Thursday October 6) council meeting that having such matters come to council as one-off requests ensured they were each looked at more rigorously, before monies were given. He asked that the OGHT be requested to provide evidence of how the funds had been spent.Cr Stephen Jefferies believed the group needed to look at the sustainability of running the event and plan for how they would be funding future cavalcades.The OGHT requested the $10,000 toward event management costs for the 30th Goldfield’s Cavalcade, to be held in February 2023. The total cost of putting on the popular event is $220,472, the group said.Two wagon and horse riding trails, five horse riding trails, one tramping trail, one walking trail, one running trail and a mountain biking trail are planned, finishing on March 5 in Millers Flat.After a session reviewing the council’s current financial situation, the $10,000 was approved from general reserve funds.  Yesterday’s meeting was the final gathering of the council prior to the local body elections taking place this Saturday.

Residents of the Teviot Valley have come from well behind the pack, to now lead in the percentage stakes of how many people have voted in each of the four Central Otago wards.Only days ago local leaders were lamenting a particularly poor turnout for the local body elections in the Roxburgh area, which was recorded at about half that of Cromwell, Vincent and Maniototo.Now, as of Wednesday (October 5), just a shade under 40 per cent (512) of Teviot’s 1,288 eligible voters have sent their papers in.Gill Booth, Norman Dalley, Mark Jessop, Maree Ramsay and Russell Read are vying for the four available seats on the Teviot Community Board, while Sally Feinerman and Mason Robinson are competing for one council seat.In the Maniototo where voters are only selecting Otago Regional Council representatives, 31.4 per cent of voters had done the job by Wednesday. With only four candidates standing for four seats and one for the one seat allocated to the area on council, all district elections occurred automatically.Vincent Ward electors were slightly ahead of Cromwell yesterday at 36.4 per cent and 32.7 per cent respectively.Halfway mark in reach? Electionz.com statistics show that historically between 50 and 60 per cent of eligible people will cast a vote in local elections.Mayor Tim Cadogan fears, however, that this election may be the first ever when fewer than 50 per cent of voters contribute to the democratic process of selecting representatives for their area.“I hope that doesn’t prove to be the case. It surprises me that roughly half of the people in Central Otago don’t want to have their voice heard in who is on the council and community boards that have a massive effect on their day to day lives.” Envelopes can be put in boxes at libraries and service centres up until 4pm tomorrow (Friday) and on Saturday from 9am to 12pm only at the Alexandra service centre.Each new community board will have its first meeting from October 31 to November 3 where new members will be sworn in and selection of chairpersons and their deputies will be made.  The new council’s first meeting will be held on October 26.

The legacy of the man who combined high country farming with high fashion will feature this summer on canvas and the small screen, but hopes are up he might even make the big screen one day.Eden Hore was a larger-than-life adventurer who travelled the world collecting exotic animals for his weird and wonderful farm park at Naseby. He also brought fabrics home and developed an exceptional talent for high fashion.His keen eye for design was uncanny, considering he had very little education and was born and raised in the back blocks of Central Otago. The more glamorous the fabrics, colours and designs, the more they appealed, and the collection grew into the hundreds, stored rather unglamorously in a converted outbuilding at his Naseby farm.While he loved being out on the hill at Glenshee Station mustering cattle on his horse, his interests often drew him off farm.Eden eventually sold off most of the tussock-covered station, retaining 250 acres where his celebrated Glenshee Park tourism attraction really evolved. In his happy place: Eden Hore, dressed up to the nines chatting to a fashionable young lady during his heydayEden, who delighted in entertaining, stocked the park with a fantastical array of animals and plants including a dingo, coyote, five cantankerous yaks, fancy breeds of rabbit, dozens of miniature horses, an elderly bison, pigs large and small, ostrich, emu, cockatoos, and deer.He had three paddocks dedicated to tree specimens, two fountains and elaborate formal gardens. Indoors were the celebrated dresses, fabrics, collections of plates, teaspoons, dolls, decanters and more animals, these ones having started life out in the park and since had a trip to the taxidermist.His dress collections and other artefacts - 276 pieces in all - were bought by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) in 2013 for $40,000. Chaired by CODC mayor, Tim Cadogan, the Eden Hore Central Otago Steering Group now organise events and fundraising opportunities for a collection held in much esteem as an important part of the cultural and historic fabric of Central Otago.“More than garments, Eden Hore Central Otago [EHCO] is a compelling story set in the majestic Central Otago high country, of an unlikely fashion enthusiast who amassed a collection of 1970s and 80s garments that personify the flamboyance, vibrancy and elegance of an industry that he loved,” Tim said. “Finding innovative ways to bring the story of Eden Hore and the collection he developed to the people of the district and the nation is a firm focus of the Eden Hore Central Otago Steering Group.”The second season of a photographic exhibition that captures both the magic of Central Otago’s raw beauty and the stunning dresses has just opened across four Bannockburn wineries.The images, taken by renowned photographer Derek Henderson in 2019, will also be on display at the Eat.Taste.Central Mindfood Long Lunch (now sold out), before moving to the Clyde Historical Museum for a two-month stint, then on to Eden’s hometown, Naseby, just before Christmas.The photoshoot with Derek Henderson was developed in partnership with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera and CODC to bring the collection alive and demonstrate its relevance to contemporary fashion and design within its Central Otago home.The exhibition, which proved popular across the region last summer, would also feature the full collection of Derek’s images, which includes an additional seven garments, on digital display, CODC community and engagement manager Paula Penno said.“All hosting venues were generously shared by local community groups [last summer] and their dedicated volunteers,” Paula said. “Without their help these exhibitions would not have been possible. We are looking forward to bringing the exhibition to our Central Otago communities again this season, it is a privilege and delight to continue exploring ways to tell Eden’s unique story.”John West suede coat photographed by Derek Henderson at old gold mining sluicings at BannockburnNone of the actual dresses will feature but the group were working on “fundraising projects to support this,” Paula said.Meanwhile the response to CODC’s recent call for prospective film-makers to take on Eden’s story for the big screen had been positive.The aim was to encourage the making of a high-end feature film or documentary for New Zealand and international distribution, that will attract further funding and eligibility for prestigious awards and film festivals.“We are receiving a number of enquiries and feedback has been very positive. While we have received some submissions, our call for expressions of interest is open until 15 January 2022, so there is still some time to go.”It was intended that the film maker would independently pitch for funding for the project, which would come at significant cost. “The EHCO team will provide background material and support with the storyline.”The Bannockburn photographic wine trail runs until October 16 with images on display at Desert Heart, Domain Road Vineyard, Te Kano Estate and Terra Sancta vineyards.

One week from today (Saturday October 1) the door will shut on people’s chance to vote in the local body elections. The numbers so far show a very small percentage of Central Otago residents are going to decide who is elected – particularly in the Teviot Valley.Across Central Otago voting is down seven per cent from the same period for the last local body elections (2019) and nearly 20 per cent down on 2016’s effort, according to electionz.com.  About 20 per cent of eligible voters in the Cromwell, Vincent and Maniototo Wards have ticked the boxes and posted the envelope, but in the Teviot Valley it’s about half that.Retiring Teviot Valley councillor Stephen Jeffery said he feared people did not truly understand how important it was to vote. He said it was “hugely significant” that there were good people to represent them.“You’ve got to have good people representing you, if you want to keep Central Otago and our local area going well, if you want to make sure things are being addressed and to maintain infrastructure, like roading and the three waters and on the community side of things, the four well-beings.”With a major Spatial Planning exercise starting in the area people needed to have input, he said.“There are some quite significant pieces of work that are going to be happening over the short term that require the residents of the Teviot Valley to be involved even on a personal level, without their elected members, but it is really important who represents you at the table in Alexandra and also on the community board here in Roxburgh.”He was not sure why voting numbers were so low but general apathy may have been added to by the pandemic and global events like the Ukrainian war.“It is a different world now. I don’t know if that impacts on people’s psyche but I think it’s disappointing the turnout is so low.”He hoped people might get voting in the remaining time to ensure a greater proportion of the population was helping choose representatives.“It’s not even hard to do, just tick a couple of boxes and put it in the mailbox, it’s not difficult.”Over the past three local body elections an average of 56 per cent of people eligible in Central Otago have voted. This election there are 17,229 eligible voters from a population of around 24,000.Only 150 of those eligible in the Teviot Valley (1,288 people) had voted by midday yesterday. At a meeting this week Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan said voting was “way behind” previous elections. He told councillors he had “some concern and consternation” about voter turnout.“I think it’s important for democracy that as many people vote as possible and at this stage they’re not but maybe that will change over time.”Postal votes need to be sent by Tuesday next week (October 4) to arrive in time for the October 8 election. Candidate information and election stories can be found on the Central App’s Election 2022 page here. 

Keeping rural communities vibrant, staffing the orchards, planting trees, developing cycle trails and looking out for our elderly are just a few things two retiring long-term councillors have worked to achieve.The myriad of topics and issues that come across the council table were reflected in the farewell messages this week from Shirley Calvert and Stephen Jeffery who have both served nine years on the Central Otago District Council.Both have been involved from the get-go with Central Otago’s hugely successful cycle trails with Stephen (from the Teviot Valley) chairing the Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust and Roxburgh Gorge/Clutha Gold Trails Company.Shirley recalled that her motivation to join local politics came from a council initiative to create Cromwell’s first community plan. People wrote “big ideas on big sheets of paper” which eventually became 43 action points.  One of those written by Shirley, she told council on Wednesday, was to investigate the feasibility of extending the Otago Central Rail Trail. When this was later raised, however, she and fellow Cromwellian Janeen Wood were laughed at for suggesting it navigate the inhospitable bluffs of the far side – across the lake from the easy terrain of the Cromwell Gorge roadside. Economic development to ensure communities attracted new families and retained services was always a key focus for Stephen across his projects, cycling or otherwise.He said it had always been about “giving back” and helping develop prosperity across Central Otago.“I have always had an interest in economic development, as a business person it’s something that rang my bells.”Stephen, who is also a long serving member on the Teviot Valley Community Board, said it had been a privilege to represent that area.Managing growth and keeping the community informed was a focus of Shirley’s work, as a councillor and former Cromwell Community Board member, who penned a column in a local paper to encourage people’s interest.She had enjoyed being involved in a range of projects from upgrading Cromwell’s wastewater system to enhancing Lake Dunstan and working to ensure a plan was developed to provide for senior housing.Mayor Tim Cadogan thanked the pair and his whole council for their efforts during what had been a challenging term.A newly elected council will sit around the table for the first time on October 26, following the October 8 elections. 

Grants totalling over $60,000 were approved yesterday (Wednesday September 28) with local education, community, sport and health services all benefitting.   Community grant applications were considered by the Central Otago District Council from five groups, including the Life Education Trust which was seeking help to subside its school programme. Delivering the life education programme to young people cost $21 per student, with schools paying $4 per student toward that. The group received $3,000 yesterday.Elderly people struggling with having to use technology for essential tasks like paying bills was the focus of an application from Central Otago Budgeting Services.Council were told that with cheque books gone, bank’s opening hours reduced and lots of day to day functions now reliant on phone apps, some older people found it very difficult to adapt.The budgeting service often carpooled to Roxburgh and Cromwell to see clients, used meeting places that were free like Cromwell Community House and also did home visits assisting anyone with learning to use technology and getting tasks done.Four staff worked part-time and extra hours done were considered as voluntary work.  Council commended the work in supporting people, some of whom were likely to have mobility issues as an extra barrier to getting things done. Three and half thousand dollars was granted to help cover travel, printing, meals and wages. Central Otago Health Incorporated, which looks after the community’s interests in Dunstan Hospital, was granted $7,556 as a contribution to administrative costs and Dunstan Kahui Ako received $4,115.50 to help transport children from outlying areas to an upcoming historical and cultural exhibition.  The funds would also go toward food being provided to welcome people at the exhibition opening function in Alexandra.Sport Otago, which has grown and now has three staff based in Central Otago, received $42,555.50 toward its operational funding.   Funds for this financial-year’s annual grants had previously been allocated to the Central Otago District Arts Trust and Central Otago Heritage Trust. This had left $60,727 in the funding pool which was all issued yesterday, removing the need for a second round of applications.Each of Central Otago’s four community boards have grant pools for both community grants and promotions grants for its area, funded using targeted rates. Yesterday’s district-wide community grants are funded through the district general rate. There is no district-wide promotions grants pool, however work is currently underway on an events strategy for the district which may explore this, according to a report presented to council yesterday. Cavalcade cancellation a blowHaving issued promotional-type funds in the past may pave the way for council to assist the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust (OGHT) to gain post-Covid financial help, something the group say is much needed.The cancellation of the 2021 cavalcade, which was to have ended in Millers Flat, had been a huge blow to the organisation, with no event insurance available to cover considerable losses, projects manager Terry Davis told council during a public forum.A decision on whether to allocate money to the group was delayed as this may need to come from council reserve funds. A special meeting would be held pre-election, where staff would clarify the council’s financial position to elected members and allow a decision on OGHT’s application.The OGHT has asked for $10,000 toward event management costs for the 30th Goldfeild’s Cavalcade, to be held in February 2023. The total cost of putting on the popular event is $220,472, the group says.

Time pressure on staff is one factor causing contracts to be awarded to companies by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) without proper checks or record-keeping being undertaken, according to a new report.Auditing and financial advisory firm Deloitte has identified various failures in the council’s procurement processes, which Deloitte says is leaving it open to financial and reputational risks.  Deloitte stated in its draft report this week that the policy failures related to the “basic elements of good practice with respect to procurement”.“Given the number of issues, it is likely that this is a pervasive problem that is present across the full population of procurement decisions. This could result in reputational damage to CODC if the procurement decisions made are perceived to be unfair and it is unable to provide evidence to show fairness and transparency in its procurement processes,” Deloitte partner David Seath stated in the report.The company was engaged by CODC to perform the audit for the 2020/21 financial year as part of its normal annual review processes.CODC planning and environment executive manager Louise van der Voort told the Central App yesterday staff were meeting next week to discuss the new report.“Following the meeting we will be going back to Deloitte with clarification and feedback prior to them finalising their report. We will be seeking to better understand their comments, including those specific recommendations relating to contracts, and pressures on staff,” she said. Once the report was finalised by the auditors, it would be looked at in detail to understand any risks and develop an action plan. That plan would be presented to the Audit and Risk Committee’s meeting on December 2.“We take the Deloitte report, and all auditors’ reports seriously with a view to ensure we take the necessary action to minimise any financial risk and deliver the best outcomes for our communities,” Louise said.Due diligence widely lackingDuring the 2020/2021 financial year CODC spent $28.9M on goods, services and construction, most relating to roading, property, community halls, pools, parks, cemeteries, environmental services, water and wastewater, the report stated.Fieldwork was carried out by Deloitte between June and August this year with “sample testing” of seven council contracts awarded, valued at up to $4M. For six of seven there was no evidence of due diligence being conducted over the proposed supplier and no formal risk assessment being conducted for the project.Four of the seven contracts examined showed policy and processes had not been adhered to due to time constraints. The same number showed “no evidence of conflict-of-interest considerations and related forms not filled out prior to awarding the procurement contract”.Three of the seven contracts were filled without a contract opportunity being advertised and with only one supplier being asked to submit a tender.The council’s existing 62-page procurement policy was reviewed and refreshed in 2020 but Deloitte questioned how extensive it was and its ease of use for staff.“We found that the policy is not widely used and not referred to when procurement activities are being executed, resulting in an inconsistency of approach and outputs.”The lack of a dedicated manager to oversee all procurement activity and the geographical isolation of Central Otago hampering the supply of contractors to choose from, were also factors. The council had been attempting to fill such a role for some time.The two “high risk” findings identified in the draft report were inconsistencies in the implementation of policy and execution of procurement activities, and the lack of monitoring, reporting and record keeping.Suggestions were made on how council could improve the situation including regular training and workshops for staff and better, centralised recording of information. Deloitte, which produced the report “solely for the use of” CODC, acknowledged that management had recognised the need to improve the “control environment” over procurement activities.The report was discussed in a closed meeting yesterday (Tuesday September 27) by council’s Audit and Risk Committee. The majority of all other policies across the council’s various departments, were confirmed as being up to date.

Voting in the local government elections has got off to a slow start across Central Otago with around a quarter fewer votes returned compared to the same period of the previous election in 2019.The 1,381 papers returned since voting opened three days ago represent less than half the number returned at the same time during the election before that, held in 2016.Data from electionz.com, which runs the elections nationwide, shows 773 people returned their voting papers on Thursday after a very slow Wednesday return of only 133. Having no headline-grabbing competition for the ‘top job’ of the mayoralty in Central Otago, may be one reason interest is a little slow, observers say. Tim Cadogan was automatically  re-elected for a third term after no one else stood for the position.  Only eight percent of eligible voters or ‘electors’ had returned their papers as of yesterday (Friday September 23).There are 6,564 electors in the Cromwell Ward who are tasked with choosing four candidates from six standing for election to the Central Otago District Council. Candidates are Neil Gillespie, Sarah Browne, David George, Nigel McKinlay, Shane Norton and Cheryl Laws.Automatically elected to the four community board seats in Cromwell are Anna Harrison, Bob Scott, Mary McConnell and Sarah Browne.In the Vincent Ward 7,998 electors have the job of choosing from eight candidates for five council-seat vacancies. These candidates are Roger Browne, Lynley Claridge, Jayden Cromb, Tamah Alley, Martin McPherson, Maurice Vaughan and Tracy Paterson.Five candidates are standing for the Vincent Community Board’s four seats - Roger Browne, Lynley Claridge and newcomers Dai Johns, Tony Hammington and Jayden CrombIn the Maniototo where there are 1,379 electors, Stu Duncan is automatically elected onto council being the only candidate. In the Teviot Valley – the smallest at 1,288 electors - Sally Feinerman and Mason Robinson will compete for the one council seat allocated for this area.Automatically elected onto the four seats for the Maniototo Community Board are Mark Harris, Duncan Helm, Rob Hazlett and newcomer Rebecca McAuley while in Teviot there will be an election from five candidates for that board’s four seats. They are Gill Booth, Norman Dalley, Mark Jessop, Maree Ramsay and Russell Read.Following the election some of the successful councillors are appointed onto the community boards – three each from Cromwell and Vincent Wards and one from the Teviot Ward(Stu Duncan will represent Maniototo).Book Store offers carrot to votersMeanwhile in Cromwell, local bookstore owner Amy Paardekooper says she is very keen for people to not only tick the boxes but actually post their ballot papers.Her store is offering people who upload to social media a selfie of themselves posting their voting papers, entry into a draw for a $100 gift voucher.“I myself have been guilty of ticking the votes, putting it in the envelope and leaving it on my bench and I know lots of other people have said similar things so I thought let’s actually make our votes count and try [to] encourage people to actually post their votes away.”She said it was “awesome” that Cromwell voters had people to choose from to represent them on council.“I just think it’s really important that we all have our say.”Postal votes need to be sent by October 4 to arrive in time for the October 8 election. Candidate information is available on the Central App’s Election 2022 page here. 

By the end of Monday evening (September 19), Slime the Nitrate Monster was getting pretty hot under the collar at the Cromwell ‘Meet the Candidates’ meeting. Not from any animosity from the audience or candidates but from wearing a heavy rubber suit in a warm building for two hours.Slime (aka ecologist, mother and environmentalist Jennifer Shultzitski) is standing for election in the Dunedin Constituency of the Otago Regional Council. She is one of two Slime Nitrate Monsters residing in the South Island. The other is Canterbury-based and associated with Cut SNF Canterbury. This is a group “concerned about the harms of intensive dairy farming on Canterbury waterways”, according to their social media pages.Otago’s Slime monster, who stays in character at all times when in the suit, said she didn’t know or associate with any other Nitrate Monsters. “I only associate as a multi-celled algal organism.”Originally from Taranaki, Slime has visited fertiliser works, the Otago Farmers Market, Otago University and various other places in the build-up to the election. According to University of Otago magazine Critic, she hopes to be the first non-human elected to the ORC.In Cromwell Slime was an audience member at the Rotary and Lion Club’s well-attended event on Monday and her tentacle waving presence caused few ripples aside from some polite groans when she stood up for a second go-round at question time.A determined campaigner against nitrates in waterways, Slime has been busy on the campaign trail in OtagoUsing reverse psychology, her pitch is all about supporting fertiliser companies and those that she says allow synthetic nitrates to run-off from farms and other land into rivers, making ‘slime’ grow and thrive.“As the climate warms up, I will grow and expand. I might even outlive you humans. Bring it on. Vote Slime!”Prior to the meeting Slime told the Central App some ORC candidates had vested interests in allowing nitrate-containing fertilisers to be used.  All elected members must declare interests and these matters are legislated through the Local Government Act 2002. Complaints can be made through an Ombudsman.“I do not know of this Ombudsman,” Slime said.During question time she asked the four ORC candidates present (Alexa Forbes was absent due to illness) to raise their hand if they had a young person or child they were fond of in their lives. Only Gary Kelliher obliged and the question that followed pertained to what condition rivers like the Lindis, near Tarras, would be in when handed down to the next generation.Gary responded by saying that through the Environment Court and “a lot of science” a good outcome had resulted for the Lindis River.A health ‘report card’ for the period from July 2015 to June 2020 shows the Lindis River at Ardgour Road exceeding the ORC’s quality limits for nitrogen. Another report with data from 2016 to 2021 rates general water quality there as ‘Good’ but still shows excess nitrogen.Twelve monitored sites in Central Otago have data spanning a decade, according to ORC manager of science Tom Dyer.That data shows that “six sites were unlikely to have had a nitrate trend indicating improvement and three sites were likely to have had a nitrate trend indicating improvement.”Tom said from the 2016 to 2021 report it was evident that 11 of the 29 sites monitored in Central Otago had nitrite-nitrate nitrogen(NNN) concentrations above the limit set in the ORC’s Regional Plan: Water. Water Plan consultation announcedMeanwhile the ORC has set dates for a second round of consultation for its Land and Water Regional Plan.In a media statement the council announced that ORC and Kāi Tahu representatives will visit 19 communities between late October and early December to discuss environmental outcomes and management options with the public.“Now more than ever, people need to tell us how they want their waterways to be managed to safeguard all of the values that need protected – not only landowners and environmental groups, but the wider public of Otago,” ORC Policy and Science general manager Anita Dawe said.“The first round of consultation occurred in late 2021 and early 2022, where communities throughout Otago told ORC which river, lake and stream values were most important to them - the ability to fish and swim in clean waterways being very important.“In round two, at community meetings all over Otago starting at the end of October, we’re seeking feedback around the options we put forward to achieve the values people have told us are important. “She said Otago water bodies are in varying states of health and in some parts of the region more effort was required. “A new land and water plan will set boundaries and expectations, making decision-making processes easier and clearer. For example, if we reduce the amount of sediment that enters waterways, we reduce the potential for smothering aquatic life or losing habitat for native fish species.”Feedback from round two consultation will be incorporated into drafting of preferred options to manage land and freshwater, including limits such as minimum flows and levels and allocation limits. These will then be presented back to the community in 2023. Meetings, all starting at 7pm, will be held at the Tarras War Memorial Community Centre on Tuesday, November 8, Cromwell & Districts Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, November 9, Clyde Memorial Hall on Tuesday November 15, Roxburgh Service Centre on Wednesday,  November 16, and Millers Flat Hall on Thursday November 17. A livestream of the Cromwell event showing all candidates presentations can be viewed on the Presbyterian Church’s youTube channel. More news coverage, profiles supplied by all Central Otago and Dunstan Constituency candidates and general election information can also be found on the Central App’s Election 2022 Button.