A 28-year-old man is facing various charges following an armed offenders squad (AOS) callout to an address on the Luggate-Cromwell Rd (SH6) last Wednesday.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said officers were called to a domestic dispute after hearing the offender was using a knife aggressively, including marking walls in the house and then also turning on his partner.The AOS was called from Dunedin and members of the public highlighted the increased police presence in the area over social media channels.Snr Const Perkins said the man had also prevented his partner from leaving the house, but she managed to escape and flagged down a truck driver on the state highway, who gave her a ride to the Wānaka Police Station.A search warrant of his property found no firearms, but the knife was located after the police negotiators were able to convince the offender out of the house.Snr Const Perkins said the man faced charges of using an offensive weapon, assault and intentional damage.A fifth person involved in a serious street fight in Alexandra last month has also been charged with disorderly behaviour.Snr Const Perkins said nobody else was sought in connection with the incident, after a man was ‘king hit’ from behind after leaving a local bar.The offenders were aged between 19 and 37 and have also had their firearms suspended “because they are facing charges of violence,” he said.Snr Const Perkins said police were starting to crack down on firearms licence suspensions, including those with drink driving charges, depending on the seriousness of the offending.In some instances, people would receive a warning letter in the mail first, but after that would be required to hand in their firearms, pending the outcome of their court case.It has also been a very busy time for police over winter on the roads. To hear more about that, tune into The Outlet podcast this Friday.In other news, Snr Const Perkins attended an incident on August 18 near Butchers Dam where a milk tanker had broken down on the passing lane, after losing his drive shaft.The driver had to wait for a tow truck from Gore to move his vehicle and the milk inside the truck also had to be drained to stop it perishing.“It was just unfortunate for him,” he said.

Part of the Freeway Orchard has been cleared ready for the next stages of the Prospectors Park subdivision in Cromwell.CHP Developments (John and Kay Searle, along Richard Wallis and Catherine Woods), who used to own the Cromwell Top 10 camping ground, were first granted consent back in 2018 for a 173-lot subdivision on the former accommodation site.The subdivision and development have been staged over five years, starting with new houses facing Alpha St and the Dunes.The company purchased part of the Freeway Orchard block on State Highway 8b, adjacent to Prospectors Park two years ago, with the intention of extending the development.CHP Developments is now waiting for Plan Change 19 to be operative, when the 5.7ha block will be rezoned from rural to medium density residential.Resource consent will also need to be obtained from the Central Otago District Council.The new subdivision plan. PHOTO: SuppliedDirector John Searle said they planned to have construction starting on the subdivision by next winter (2025), opening up the land for 85 further sections.“We have a lot of interest from clients and building companies that are looking for more sections in the town.”In Alexandra, the Central Otago District Council’s Dunstan Park joint venture subdivision was also progressing slowly, with the latest ‘status report’ outlining that stage four curbing had been complete and road seal would commence in the spring.

Councils need to focus on core services and “rein in the fantasies” of their spending.That was the message Prime Minister Christopher Luxon presented to councillors and mayors who gathered in Wellington for the annual Local Government NZ (LGNZ) conference, on Wednesday, last week."Ratepayers expect local government to do the basics and to do the basics brilliantly," he said, while addressing the conference."Pick up the rubbish. Fix the pipes. Fill in potholes. And more generally, maintain local assets quickly, carefully, and cost effectively."Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said that message effectively calls on councils to “just do core services in order that rates are controlled, which is an absolutely worthy ambition”.In Central the core services were what was driving the bulk of the rises, especially three waters, he said.He confirmed the Central Otago District Council (CODC) has not yet asked central government for financial support this year, and believed other councils were all doing their best and “making an effort”.As rising costs continue to hit households and businesses, Mayor Cadogan believed the drop in the OCR recently by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent was a really positive sign.  “Central has, to an extent, been insulated from the worst of the current recession and I am hopeful we have reached the bottom not as low as others and will climb back up more quickly.”Following on from the Prime Minister’s message, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown reiterated the measures being taken to ensure councils are getting back to basics, which aimed to reduce the cost of living, deliver core services and infrastructure, and improve the efficiency of decision making.“Central government is focusing on the must-haves, not the nice-to-haves. Our expectation is that local government does the same,” he said.“That’s why we are refocusing the purpose of local government to ensure councils are delivering the high-quality core services and infrastructure Kiwis expect, in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.”

Members of the Kiwi Curling Club are wrapping up what is being described as a “remarkable” year.Club president Ben Smith said the successful season began in June when members won the Nicolson Trophy for the first time in the club’s history.“A few days later we won the Brown Trophy, which is competed for every year by the four local Naseby clubs.”As the season continued, so did the wins, with the next one being the Dowse Trophy, which is competed for by the clubs in the Naseby Council in a straight knockout format. Another win soon followed, in the form of the Hore Trophy, which is another Naseby Council piece of silverware competed for on Monday nights throughout the season. “We also challenged Otago Central for the Black and White Trophy, which we fortunately were able to play for on the Little Mt Ida Curling Dam - an old curling dam with totally natural ice that hasn’t been played on for a long time due to warmer weather.” Kiwi Curling Club members had reason to celebrate after winning the Nicolson Trophy, including (back, from left) Darren Carson, Royce Hill, Joe Browett, Matthew Lunam, Jarrod Graham, and (front row, from left) Ben Smith, Nelson Ede, Alison Rees. PHOTO: SuppliedThe tournament was won by the Kiwi Curling Club, another proud moment with the trophy being part of the New Zealand Curling Challenge. The win also meant the team claimed the C T Knowles Trophy from Otago Central, a trophy that is competed for between the two clubs every time they meet. “Similarly, we also hold a trophy that is on the line every time we play against the Kyeburn Curling Club after beating them in the Dowse semi final,” Ben said.Kiwi Curling Club was also represented in the indoor curling competitions this season, leaving them in 2nd place in the Hack Curling League and 3rd in the crampit indoor curling league. Ben also teamed up with his sister Jessica Smith, another Kiwi Curling Club member, to win the New Zealand Mixed Doubles Curling Championship earlier this month.He described the year as remarkable, “likely never to be repeated”, prompting club members to gather for an end of season celebration earlier this month.Read more: Curlers honour fallen officer's legacyRead more: Curlers into worlds, gain international media attention

Central Otago business owners and managers were treated to an Artificial Intelligence (AI) seminar hosted by Australian-based marketing strategist Kelly Slessor on Tuesday.Hosted by the Central App, the seminar offered insights on how to leverage AI to drive growth, efficiency and innovation in the workplace.Originally from the UK and the daughter of a Nigerian father, Kelly quickly learned about coding as a young woman growing up with a father who was left injured and unable to work.When her father bought a home computer to further himself with his career, Kelly quickly realised “that on the other side of every digital experience is a living breathing customer.”Eventually, after moving to Australia, she used her expertise to design digital experiences for major corporate companies, and AI was soon at the forefront of that.“The rate of change in AI is like nothing we have ever seen in history before,” she said.AI was literally going to infiltrate everything we do in business, but the key was teaching people not to be fearful of it, she said.“AI is like the ultimate calculator and we just can’t unplug this. But we do have to train it in the right way.”When AI first arrived in the world, it received one million users within the first five days. And the more people who used it, the better the apps would become, she said.Kelly was quick to point out that it would never replace humans, but by using it appropriately “was where we get the gold out of it.”She said it was important that businesses used the right apps to generate their content, video and images, and the more precise the instructions, the better the outcome.“It’s just like a child really. You can tell it something and sometimes it does something completely different.”The other thing business owners should be mindful of was being transparent to their clients about where they were using AI, whether that be on their website within the terms and conditions, she said.“We should be open and honest about when we are using AI.”To hear more from Kelly, listen to this week's edition of The Outlet podcast.

Central Otago orchardists are pleased with the new changes to the Government’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced last week new changes that could be delivered quickly, reduce costs and compliance for employers, and improve flexibility for the RSE workers.“Our government is committed to increasing the number of RSE workers over time in line with industry demand, while balancing the availability of New Zealanders and accommodation for workers. That’s why the cap on the number of workers is increasing by 1250 to 20,750 for the 2024/25 season.” Other changes include employers being required to pay workers an average of 30 hours a week over four weeks. The pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted and the requirement to pay RSE workers 10 per cent above the minimum wage will only apply to experienced workers, recognising their productivity.Panmure Orchards co-owner Jeremy Hiscock said lifting the cap for the number of RSE permitted in NZ should have a beneficial flow on effect to all sectors of the economy, as it provides certainty to growers. He said changes to the RSE scheme were overdue “as growers we have had to absorb significant cost increases with record high inflation in NZ,” he said.Summerfruit NZ chair and Cromwell grower Trudi Webb said it was great to see progress on the discussion points within the programme. “It’s a positive for the RSE men and the local growers to ensure the programme is viable going forward.”Further changes are:Improved flexibility for RSE workers to move between employers and regionsWorkers’ visas will be multi-entry during a seasonRSE workers will be able to undertake training and skills development not directly related to their roleRSE workers will no longer have to be screened for HIV, aligning them with other temporary visa applicant requirementsTimor-Leste will be included in the schemeMost of these changes will be in place in early-September. Further time will be needed to set up the infrastructure and processes on the ground for Timor-Leste to participate. The cap increase fulfils a commitment from the coalition agreement between National and Act.“These changes are just the start. The next phase of our work programme will consider substantive, longer-term options to further improve the wider RSE system and worker welfare settings,” Erica said.

Silver medalist Nicole Shields, of Clyde, is taking time to reflect following her team’s success at the velodrome during the Olympics in Paris.Nicole claimed silver in the women’s pursuit cycling final, alongside Ally Wollaston, Bryony Botha and Emily Shearman.They were beaten by the United States by 0.621 seconds in the 4000m final. “I think we had some pretty big expectations going into the race,” Nicole said.“We were second at worlds last year and ranked number one going in and obviously had a really good qualifying ride and I think we were all so proud of that. It was everything that we knew we could do, and the track was pretty fast. We had one of those perfect races and we were all so proud of that.”However, she said they went into the race knowing the Americans were “a phenomenal team”.“But we knew our strengths and we laid it all out there in the final. I think a lot of people think we started slow, or something went wrong, but to be fair it went to plan. It was everything we had left really.“When you lay it all out there and that’s what you get, second in the world is pretty cool.”She acknowledged the support her team had received leading up to the Olympics.“I think we are all so proud of how we raced and our preparations and everything. It was an amazing team to be a part of. Both our team and the wider Cycling NZ we have amazing staff and amazing riders, and it just made everything a really cool experience.”Nicole is unsure what she plans to do next.“It’s been a pretty bumpy few years and I feel like I’ve just kind of [got] my feet back under me, so I’m just taking some time and not putting too much pressure on myself in regards to that. I definitely still love riding my bike, so we’ll just see where that takes me.”Nicole has yet to return to New Zealand, but she knows when she does it will be a special occasion.“I’m very much looking forward to getting back to New Zealand. It’s been a long few months where I’ve been overseas since the beginning of June, so I'm very much looking forward to coming back, and coming back to Central as well, and just being able to share that with people who have helped me,” she said.“I think that’s probably the most special thing about the Olympics, is it’s a race that everyone feels they have a part in. It’s really nice to be able to give back to the community and my family and everyone who has been on this journey with me, so I feel like it’s theirs too and it’s amazing to be able to share that with them.”

Two talented Cromwell teenagers are fundraising to perform in America in October, after being chosen to sing at the California Center for the Arts.Mischa Thomlinson (14) and Grace Tiko (17) will be joined by nine other musicians from throughout the country, who all have extensive performance experience.Mischa’s fundraiser 'American Dream' Soiree is on tonight at the Cromwell Presbyterian Church foyer from 7pm, and tickets are available from the Cromwell College school office.It will also include performances from students in the Cromwell College music department.Grace Tiko is one of two performers gearing up for a trip to perform in America later in the year. PHOTO: SuppliedMischa won a radio station competition several years ago and was flown to Auckland to record a cover of Mariah Carey’s classic All I Want for Christmas, accompanied by Nathan King from the band Zed.Both girls have also sung the national anthem live on Sky TV for Highlands Motorsport Park events in recent years.Grace won best vocal performance at the Central Otago Smokefree Rockquest competition in 2023 and made the New Zealand Secondary Schools netball team the same year.Music teacher Catherine Forsyth said the Year 9 and Year 12 students going to America have been taught by Chaz Ronald Barcenillay from Queenstown - who has links to San Diego where the event is being held.Grace will be performing at the Penny Black cocktail bar in Old Cromwell on Sunday September 15.

A 23-year-old Alexandra man has been charged with a serious assault after a street fight in Alexandra late last month.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the incident on July 27 involved a ‘king hit’ from behind on a man who was passing through town with his mates after a rugby match.Once down on the ground, the victim was then kicked several times, and after reviewing CCTV footage, police established the incident was serious enough to warrant a charge of assault with intent to injure.Snr Const Perkins said three firearms licences have also been temporarily suspended from those involved in the street fight.“It’s very hard to get a firearms licence but also the easiest one to lose,” he said.The 23-year-old man who was charged with the incident was a recent arrival from the North Island, along with a few others, and employed locally.“They’re coming in from the North and we are coming down pretty hard on them,” he said.In another incident, a Cromwell man, who was caught sending snapchat messages to 14-year-old Cromwell College students earlier this month, has been charged with various grooming offences.Snr Const Perkins said the man had been leaving vape products for the teens to lure them out of school, and when police arrested him and he was released on bail, he then took off to the hills.He told police he was heading back to work, while waiting on his court appearance, but then disappeared, and was reported as a missing person.Snr Const Perkins said the man eventually turned up at Dunstan Hospital with hypothermia where he was dealt with by police. 

Poolburn School children aren’t just focused on literacy and numeracy.Each of the school’s 39 pupils have added a range of new subjects to their already busy curriculum, including video and design, ahead of their upcoming paddock golf fundraiser.It has been a busy term for the children, who have been planning the day alongside staff and a committee of organisers, including Cam Nicolson.Cam has opened his farm at Poolburn to the event, taking place on September 7, where teams of four will follow an ambrose style tournament - but not as most golfers will know it.Instead, they will have to swap well manicured greens for tufts of grass, fences, pivots, dams and water.Players will also have to chip into water troughs or a hole in the ground.Cam said a range of businesses have come on board to design different holes and 11 teams were registered so far.Poolburn School children have been fronting the camera in the lead up to their upcoming paddock golf event. VIDEO: Supplied/Poolburn School“We’re hoping to get more . . . but we’ll take what we can get.”He said the children, with the help of their teachers, have been working hard to spread the word via video and they have also been designing some of the holes, and helping with the set up.It is the first time the school has organised the event, so it was not known how much they were likely to raise.But, however big or small, it will all go back to the school to benefit the children, he said.“We’re learning as we go. There will be a few mistakes here and there, but our aim is to provide a pretty entertaining day for all those involved.”Cam said it was hoped the event would be held every second year, alternating with the Winter Feed crop competition, which raises money for various community groups.

A new piece of gold has been brought back to gold country thanks to Olympian Finn Butcher.Finn has arrived home to Alexandra after winning an Olympic gold medal in the kayak cross in Paris earlier this month.“It was obviously extremely special to get that win in Paris and do it with friends and family in the crowd and some Central Otago locals over there with us. It was amazing, definitely moments of my life I’ll never forget,” he said.“I’m just really, really proud of being from Central Otago and representing the community on the world stage and pretty stoked to bring a new piece of gold back to gold country,” he told The Central App.Following his win, Finn was also “honoured” with the role of joint flag bearer at the closing ceremony a week ago, alongside Olympic champion kayaker Dame Lisa Carrington.Finn said the role was one he was proud to have been asked to do, which provided him with yet another surreal moment, as he walked into a packed Stade de France.“It was incredible and again more and more moments of my life that I’ll just never forget. It’s been amazing.”Finn said life had been busy since his win.He spent about another week in the Olympic village, which included a trip to the velodrome and athletics field.Finn has also spent a lot of time doing media interviews and catching up with people who have made him realise how much interest there now is in his chosen field.“I’ve met so many people and they’ve said that they watched and supported and stayed up late, or got up early to cheer me on and that they were super proud,” he said.“That’s like the coolest thing that I've seen, how many people watched and how many cheered me on and loved it and loved watching the sport.”Finn will travel to Auckland on Friday before returning to Europe for two world cup championships.Until then, he’s happy to be relaxing in Alexandra.Read more: Alexandra’s Finn Butcher wins Olympic goldRead more: Olympic Games: New Zealand claim silver in women's cycling pursuit

A Roxburgh woman travelling home with her newborn baby, left the father on the side of the road in Lawrence last week after she was upset about his driving.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the man eventually found his way home and continued to be aggressive towards the new mother and the father-in-law.Snr Const Perkins said the man was told to leave but ended up at the neighbours house where he continued to be aggressive and "slammed" the neighbour into the ground.Police were called to the incident which both the Roxburgh officer and a member of the rural police team attended.  “The man burst back into the house and wrestled one of the officers.”The new Taser 10 was deployed, which has 10 probes instead of the standard two, and the man was also pepper sprayed.He was remanded in custody on nine different charges related to the incident.Earlier that day in Roxburgh, a tourist tried to overtake a truck with insufficient road ahead, which the truck driver managed to film him on his dash cam.Snr Constable Perkins said luckily the oncoming vehicle took evasive action, but the driver was stopped in Roxburgh, where more “poor” driving was witnessed by police.The man and his wife and children, who were enroute to Queenstown and ready to fly home, were escorted to Dunedin and into court facing dangerous driving charges.And, in Alexandra on August 14, a gang member, who had been on the run for four months, was arrested and taken into custody after police saw him leaving an address that was familiar to them.The man had cut off his home detention ankle bracelet and there was a warrant for his arrest.

“Astronomical” costs associated with the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) have now caught the eye of not one but several government ministers.A second letter from the Minister for the Environment (MFE) Penny Simmonds questioning the impacts of the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) new plan, due to be notified in October, was sent last week.In her letter it outlined how she and her colleagues have all heard concerns from Otago ratepayers about the proposed costs associated with the achievement of Te Mana o te Wai through the notified plan.The new Government is currently working on a review and replacement of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).“As earlier expressed, we remain concerned that notifying a plan ahead of this may lead to duplication and additional costs on ratepayers,” she said.Hon Simmonds originally sent a letter to the ORC on July 31 requesting a breakdown of the costs and was now following up again as a matter of urgency.To help the ministers understand what the impacts of the plan were, they have asked the ORC to provide an outline of any change of direction on key issues raised during consultation, and any estimate of costs that are associated with the proposals.Specifically, the request was to understand the implications the plan would have on primary industries, the costs that would be imposed on district councils, and in particular how it related to stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.NZ First list MP Mark Patterson penned his frustration with the ORC in a recent media column saying the proposals were causing “genuine angst” for farmers and those living in rural towns.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said the ORC was working with Government toward its proposed changes to review and replace the NPS-FM.“While the likelihood of proposed changes has been well reported, we’re waiting for confirmation and the details around what the replacement legislation will be.“We will continue working closely with the minister and MFE and will be addressing the matters raised by the minister in her letter,” she said.The next ORC full council meeting will be held on August 28 where there will be more discussion on the matter.

Central Otago REAP will celebrate the national Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga over the coming weeks, inviting everyone to share the ‘why’ behind their unique learning journey.The local initiative is the work of students in Central Otago REAP’s Choices programme who have one main goal in mind - to find out people’s ‘why’.To do this, the class welcomes people from all walks of life to document their reason ‘why’ via a short 30 second video, along with how they are learning a particular skill, whether it be te reo, a new computer programme, cooking, or sewing, among much more.People can share what motivates them to continue learning, whether it be meeting new people, improving a skill, getting fit, understanding AI and the digital world or enjoying a challenge. Emma McLean, of Central Otago REAP, said the group wants to share what people are learning and how, with the aim of showcasing the many options available within Central Otago and how people can go about learning the skill themselves.Choices student Malachi Bathurst said the way people are learning their skill was also important to share, whether it be in a classroom environment, online, or simply just reading.Emma said the project is about celebrating life-long learning and sharing stories to inspire others and link them with what’s in our community.Anyone wanting to share their passion is welcome to take part.The Choices class will run drop-in workshops at Community House on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1pm to 3pm over the next two weeks, from August 20, to assist anyone wanting to create a video, but need some assistance capturing and uploading it.The Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga, supported by Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa, doesn’t take place until September 2 to 8, but the Choices class is marking it early so the videos can be created and shared in time for the celebrations.The initiative also aims to support Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from September 23 to 29.Emma said people who wish to use the video to demonstrate something they are learning instead of facing the camera, can do so - something the Choices class can assist with during the workshops.“Just pop in and we’ll teach you.”Click here to take part and share your learning 'why'.For more information visit the Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga website.To find out more about the programmes offered by Central Otago REAP visit its website.

Mild temperatures are expected across Central today, but MetService warns people to enjoy it while it lasts.Alexandra’s predicted high for today is 15 degrees Celsius, but by Sunday the mercury isn’t expected to get any higher than 9C.Sunny days experienced across Central over the past week will also make way for showers on Sunday, before becoming more persistent on Monday.Parts of Central, including Alexandra, have enjoyed mild temperatures over recent days. PHOTO: The Central AppBy Sunday and Monday overnight temperatures are expected to drop to -3 and -4C, respectively, following what has been much milder evening temperatures over the past few days, which have fluctuated between 1C and 3C.MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said from Sunday afternoon and into Monday, colder, showery southwesterlies would also bring the possibility of snowfall to inland areas of the South Island. “This is an early heads up to farmers with young stock, as well as road users who might be travelling along some of those elevated roads and mountain passes. Into next week, however, there is a chance the snow could go down to lower levels for places like Southland and Otago,” she said.While the South Island gets plunged back down to cold temperatures by the end of the weekend, the east of the North Island will see a period of warmer-than-average temperatures from Thursday to Sunday, ranging from 17 to 21°C.“Although these temperatures are reminiscent of warmer seasons, the combination of cloud, rain, and wind will remind us that winter isn't over just yet,” Mmathapelo said.

Central’s Sue Harris and Willie Donnelly are no strangers to the world of volunteering.The duo has worked alongside each other in a volunteer capacity off and on over the past 35 to 40 years and are doing it all over again this month, as they help prepare for the Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day.They both started supporting the cause in 2009.There has been a lot to pack into their schedule this time round, calling around about 130 other volunteers who have agreed to collect for the organisation’s annual appeal day in Alexandra, Clyde and the Manuherikia Valley on August 30.Many will be based at various collection stations, while others will act as street walkers who visit businesses with bunches of daffodils.Collectors in Clyde will visit premises in the evening.Willie said the support each year from those who want to assist and those who want to donate had been great, including Alexandra and Omakau golf club members and Mitre 10.The support from local businesses meant the Cancer Society did not need to purchase prizes for its popular raffles.“They have been so, so good.”Willie and Sue, who are both cancer survivors, agree that the organisation plays a huge role in so many people’s lives.Money raised goes towards supporting people in their homes and helping them through their cancer journey.Street collectors have also become an outlet for people to talk about a loved one they have lost to cancer, particularly men who have lost their wife, Willie said.As the annual appeal day nears, Sue and Willie wish to thank the many people across the wider community who have given their time or donated to the cause.Read more: 'Incredible' volunteer response for Daffodil Day Listen to more about the appeal on The Outlet podcast.

The Alexandra Blossom Festival committee is close to announcing this year’s entertainment lineup for the September event.Event manager Martin McPherson said they would be able to confirm what bands were playing in the next week or two.There has also been some good news for the festival committee after the event was one of 11 in Central Otago to receive funding from the MBIE Regional Events Promotion Fund.The fund was being used to encourage domestic visitors to explore beyond the main centres, and would go a long way to helping promote the event throughout the country.Martin said the $10,000 would be spent on digital marketing across many different channels throughout the South Island.This would encourage more people from outside the area to visit Alexandra and, more importantly, Central Otago.There would also be giveaways involved in the advertising, “because we have to be able to track our spending and report it back,” he said.The Vincent Community Board this year granted $20,000 for the year’s festival - less than a tenth of the cost to run the event ($224,400).The committee has been working hard to build up its reserves after Covid-19, and in 2023 it was also a close call, with rain all week cancelling the Friday night Mardi Gras, but stopping just in time for the main events on Saturday.The Blossom Festival has been a cornerstone event in Alexandra and the wider region for 67 years, attracting visitors from across New Zealand, and internationally.  The past two years saw more than 12,000 people attend the Party in the Park - with 17,500 attending the Grand Parade - many of them from out of town.

Barnardos Aotearoa is actively addressing the growing gap between childcare demand and supply in Central, working to support families and communities in need.The not-for-profit organisation reached out to the community earlier this year, calling for people wanting to establish themselves as a home-based carer within the Barnardos network.That move was prompted by the lack of childcare availability throughout the district, a problem which had prevented some parents from going back to work.In one particular case, a family spoke to The Central App, explaining how the situation had prompted them to leave the district so the mother could return to the workforce. Barnardos Aotearoa visiting teacher Shelley Cornish, who features on The Outlet podcast this week, said the organisation noticed there was a “critical need” for more childcare options in the district about two years ago.Since then, the organisation has been working on getting more people on board as home-based carers, which included information sessions in Roxburgh, Alexandra, Ranfurly and Wānaka earlier this year.“The response was positive and since then we’ve continued to receive inquiries all across Central Otago, which is pretty exciting, but we still need more.”Shelley believed the issue between supply and demand had derived from more people moving to “beautiful Central Otago”.However, the district lacked the amount of childcare needed to meet that population growth.She said people were “thrilled to know” Barnardos was working to provide families with another option.“It’s been really positive. “Central Otago is a pretty awesome place to live and raise a family. I think it’s just been the growth in the towns and we’re just wanting to do our best to alleviate demand by recruiting more educators to support those families.”Visit the Barnardos Aotearoa website to find out more or phone 0800 227 627.Listen to this week's edition of The Outlet to hear more on the issue.Read more: In-home educators needed across CentralRead more: Financial pressures force one Central family to leave

Naseby’s eight-year journey toward dark sky accreditation is approaching a critical point, bringing it one step closer to sign off.Appeals to the Environment Court will close in just under a week, allowing the committee to enter its next phase.Co-ordinator Jill Wolff said the committee was now going through its application, while working to “reinvigorate” community support toward the project, which started in 2016.She said the rules had changed since the group first initiated the project, which would see the township be classified as a Dark Sky Community.As part of the process, the entire community has to apply, she said.Naseby could soon be regarded a Dark Sky Community, if it meets the requirements of DarkSky International. PHOTO: Phil Flanagan / Star Dust Studios NasebyShe hoped that once the group was given the green light, the committee would have about six months to update its paperwork to ensure it was aligned with new rules and regulations.Protection of Naseby’s night sky has also been reflected in the Central Otago district plan, a move that was approved at a Central Otago District Council (CODC) meeting in late June.As part of that process, CODC adopted Plan Change 22, which introduces the planning framework for mapping areas known as dark sky precincts, the first of which will be in Naseby.The new Dark Sky Precinct adopted by CODC covers the Naseby township and nearby rural land within the visual catchment of the town.The plan change specifically protects the quality of Naseby’s dark skies through the establishment of lighting codes, local monitoring of compliant outdoor light codes, and increasing awareness of light.Community development organisation Naseby Vision has been instrumental in ensuring the protection of the town’s night sky and has been working with the DarkSky International, formerly the International Dark-Sky Association, to meet official requirements.