HealthCentral’s new purpose-built facility in Alexandra was officially opened during a special ceremony with dignitaries on Friday night.MP Joseph Mooney and Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan cut the ribbon after a karakia by local iwi, and guests were invited to tour the building and share some refreshments.Practice manager Jenaya Smith said achieving Health Care Home (HCM) practice status was instrumental to where they had ended up today.More than 200 general practices across the country use the HCM model of care, which moves from the traditional system of general practice to a more proactive approach that focuses more on the individual needs of the patient, and their whānau. In June 2022, after purchasing Alexandra Physiotherapy, the board and directors of HealthCentral had a vision that they wanted to become an integrated healthcare business.Purchasing the Roxburgh Medical Centre in December 2022 also meant it could be more collegial and share resources, as retaining a GP in the Teviot had been challenging.Health Central physiotherapists (from left) Marie Stanislavova and Denise Thorne with doctors Kate Dixon and Chris Mulholland. PHOTO: The Central AppNew nurses, doctors and physiotherapists have been recruited at the new health facility, attracted by both the new building and the fact they had an urgent care centre.Designed by Medispace using a ‘racetrack’ style with rooms all feeding off a centralised administration space, when it opened on July 8 they had 200 people through in the first week.“We hit the ground running,” Jenaya said.The practice also attracted new private specialists who would use the space to run clinics, including a neurologist.In the future, the HealthCentral team was hoping to include radiology, and would continue to identify new contracts to extend the range of services.They also wanted to look at ways they can be part of a solution for other after hour care gaps in the region and would advocate for equitable access to services and funding.Mayor Tim described the facility as a “big, bold and beautiful investment for our town and one that I hope will pay off”.

Maniototo residents are on a mission to beautify Ranfurly.The town is the focus of a project to ensure its main street and other areas are given the attention they deserve, including the introduction of plants.Maniototo Business Group members discussed the next stage of the project during their recent evening meeting, which included confirmation Tiaki Maniototo would supply 200 plants to the Ranfurly wide project.Business group members Tania Murray Haigh and Russ Haigh, of Lohi, have also been in contact with a group of men, who want to help with the project.The group called Southern Dash, is made up of members from around the South Island, who will be in the area for a curling tournament as part of their annual road trip.After hearing about the beautification project, they reached out asking what the group of 36 could do to help.Keen to make the most of the offer, the beautification committee have welcomed the group’s offer of one and half hours’ labour before they head to Naseby.“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Tania said.However, Southern Dash members will be doing more than just offering their labour during their whirlwind visit.They have also got jackets to give to children at St John’s School and backpacks for Maniototo Area School to be used during camps.Southern Dash members will be in the area on Friday, September 20, from 9.20am and members of the public are welcome to come along on the day to also lend a hand.The beautification committee welcomes more donations of plants, or funding to help make sure the project gives Ranfurly the appearance it deserves.

Māniatoto residents are celebrating cultural awareness and inclusion with the return of two popular CO REAP courses, offering residents valuable opportunities to learn and connect.This week marked the start of the latest harakeke weaving and te reo courses, led by tutor Marcanui at Māniatoto Arts Centre in Ranfurly.On day one of the harakeke weaving course, participants were taught how to identify the plant, and how to harvest it, followed by a karakia.They were also taught how to look after the plant so it would always provide for the community.Armed with enough harakeke to begin their projects, the group returned to the arts centre to transform it into single-use disposable containers.In the coming weeks they will learn how to make a two-corner basket, similar to a pencil case, a four-corner basket and a kete pīkau, similar to a backpack, followed by waikawa, a style used to create a playmat or basket.Among those taking part in the 10 week harakeke weaving course is Amie Pont, who attends as many courses as she can.She said it was a great way to meet new people, keep active and connect.“These classes teach tikanga/Māori practices, explore historical events, teaches te reo and provides [an] understanding of the opportunities celebrating our culture creates.”Me te wai kōrari (as sweet as the honey of the flax), she said.“It's joy in the small things. It's hearing the exclamation of an 'AHA' moment or seeing someone finishing a kete. It's seeing what it does for everyone's mental health. Hearing people getting to know each other. Holding each other's pepi/babies. Sharing kai, a space for karakia and being able to ask the hard questions in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”She said the classes were “very important” for rural communities and thanked CO REAP for its support in helping Māniatoto Community Arts & Cultural bring the classes to the Māniatoto Arts Centre.She said the Community Trust of Māniatoto had also played a role by helping fund travel for Marcanui to bring his skills to the community.Marcanui has provided his knowledge and support to the community over recent years, including the lead up to the Māniatoto’s first Matariki celebrations, when the public holiday was first acknowledged.Amie, along with weaver Karen Munro, put in some long hours at the Patearoa Lounge making adornments for the community kapa haka to wear for the occasion.Marcanui assisted by spending many hours plaiting the harakeke and Judy Hawkins, of En Hakkore, made skirts.The kapa haka group adorning the uniforms created for Māniatoto’s first Matariki celebrations. PHOTO: Phil FlanneryAmie then dyed the harakeke deep blue to resemble the sky and waterways, and added red flowing tussock - recognising when Māori named the Māniatoto (Plains of Blood).Amie, like everyone in the harakeke weaving course, is building on her skill base.She encourages anyone thinking about taking part in one of the CO REAP courses in the future to do so.“Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome, come and join. I said to one of my friends who just started this term, it's just so hard to explain to anyone else what the classes are like and then you experience one and can't get enough! It's a wonderful way to meet new people in the community.”To learn more about the courses visit The Central App's CO REAP Courses button.Read more: Māniatoto pottery group regains tractionRead more: Digital phone courses answering a call in Central

Federated Farmers is disappointed that consultation on the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), due to be notified in October, has been “disappointingly secretive”.In a letter to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and ministers involved in the process on Wednesday, Federated Farmers urged for better transparency on the plan.Federated Farmers said some of the new proposed rules including “overly restrictive” requirements for fencing sheep and beef farms that would impact local farming families.Signed by Otago president Luke Kane, North Otago president Otto Dogterom, along with meat and wool chair Logan Wallace, the group said while they were a part of an initial confidential consultation, “we are now completely in the dark as to what is being proposed and how it might impact our rural communities.”Up until now they have been unable to share the details of the earlier information with its members because of confidentiality, including the transparency on costs of giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai.Te Mana o te Wai, or mana of the water, is about recognising the vital importance of clean, healthy water for maintaining the health of our waterbodies, freshwater ecosystems and the communities that rely upon them for their sustenance and wellbeing.Choosing to break their silence, Federated Farmers believe the application of Te Mana o te Wai will result in astronomical costs to farmers, with suggestions of more than $110 million for just two small Otago towns.“For those communities the cost equates to more than $50,000 per residential ratepayer," the letter read."If similar costs can be expected across the rest of the Otago region this will quickly add up to a multi-billion dollar cost for the region and an unconscionable burden on local ratepayers – and this is before increased operating costs are even considered.” Federated Farmers believes the ORC has engaged with tangata whenua, but not the wider community, on how Te Mana o te Wai will be applied in our region.  The group is also concerned that communities remain in the dark on what new rules will be needed for farming and other industries such as forestry to comply with onerous national bottom lines contained in the current national direction for freshwater management.  Federated Farmers has urged the ORC to be transparent with its communities about what is being proposed in the LWRP and the potential costs. A current draft of the plan should be released for public discussion.  “There is no sense in rushing to notify this plan in October. Due to the significant implications for our community, we believe further consultation, engagement and analysis is needed. This would also provide time for the council to respond to changing central government direction,” the letter stated. ORC chair Gretchen Robertson and chief executive Richard Saunders both responded to requests for comment.Richard refuted the claims that it had been a “secretive” process.“Our door has always been open for groups including Federated Farmers who have asked to discuss aspects of the draft plan.”Gretchen said Otago’s new LWRP would include rules built from community visions and the fundamental values we share. “Every Otago participant in our Land and Water Plan process identified good water as a priority. The plan creates regulatory pathways to these visions over time through rules and policies. It's one part of a puzzle - an important backstop for a plethora of positive voluntary community and business investment enhancement. Change and regulation can be tough to deal with and needs to be well planned. There’s no magic wand. We can’t avoid, we need practical pathways and time. The plan is about seeing change as opportunity, future proofing and achieving our shared vision of good water – both urban and rural.”

A blanket of thick fog hovering over parts of Central in recent weeks has made way to sunshine and warmer temperatures, but don’t be fooled.Weather forecasters warn cold temperatures, rain and potential snow are expected to arrive across parts of Otago early next week.MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane is among those watching the weather patterns closely.“Indeed, all eyes are on a weather system expected early next week. It looks to bring wet weather [to] many parts of the South Island. While the heaviest rain areas are still to play for, Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough are good possibilities.”She said the weather system was “likely” to bring snow to the South Island. Signs of spring are in bloom in Roxburgh, but there’s still some cold weather yet to come. PHOTO: The Central App“At this stage, heavy snow is possible over the southern Canterbury High Country and northern parts of inland Otago. Mountain passes and high-level roads could be affected. However, it is still early days, and the exact areas will depend on the movement of the weather system once it is near us.”Parts of Central hit double digits yesterday, with unofficial reports of 16 degrees Celsius in Roxburgh, 14C in Alexandra, and 11C in Cromwell and Ranfurly.Mmathapelo said double digits would no doubt be a “welcome change from the recent frigid conditions in Central Otago, especially in those valleys that have been under cold grey skies for weeks”.“This increase in temperatures is being brought by a northwesterly flow ahead of a weather system this weekend, which is expected to weaken before the next system arrives on Monday, bringing the cold and wet weather mentioned above.”Central’s daytime high temperatures are expected to remain in the double digits throughout the weekend, before dropping to 8C and 7C throughout next week.Click on The Central App’s Weather button to keep up to date on the forecast and don’t forget to check Roads before travelling.Read more: The Outlet: Freezing temperatures to linger in Central

Retail business owners beware; eftpos theft is in our midst and for a Central Otago retailer, it meant selling five items for just six cents.The shop owner, who declined to be named, was this week ripped off by a couple of offenders who distracted the shop assistant when the transaction for $619 was about to go through.A staff member had tendered the right amount and when not looking, the offender, in a matter of seconds, cleared that amount and re-entered a different one.“Another person was ripping tags off the clothing to distract them,” the store manager said.The store just recently upgraded its eftpos terminal to a one-piece wireless model, but has since changed it back to the older two-piece model and improved procedures and security in store as well.“It’s not the machine but the speed with how it was very swiftly manipulated,” the store owner said.“Handing over the machine leaves you vulnerable. It’s so important to immediately check the receipt. It’s an expensive wakeup call for us,” he said.Cromwell Police public safety team supervisor Regan Price confirmed they had received a complaint of theft from the shop owners.The file has been assigned to a constable for investigation, “and with that investigation underway, I don’t have any further information in relation to the suspect at this time,” he said.Police were assessing CCTV footage from the Cromwell Mall, and the bank was also helping with the investigation, in identifying the people involved.The offender once identified, would then be charged with theft by deception, and the store owner is hopeful they will be apprehended. “It is our policy to make the police aware of every type of criminal offence no matter how minor.“This is no minor offence but even if it was, we’d still notify the police. To me there are no exceptions for petty crime.” 

Former Alexandra kayaker Nick Collier has finished the U23 Kayak Cross World Championship in Slovakia in 9th place out of 79 competitors.Last year Nick was the vice-world champion in this category and said he was very motivated this time around to prove his result was no fluke.“I certainly think I’ve managed that with a top 10 placing,” he said.His time at the world champs was immensely different than last year, knowing his competitors and understanding what it took to beat them.“However, going in as the vice-world champion put a target on my back, not only did I know the competitors, but they knew me. I was no longer a rookie wildcard, but instead one of the top seeds to make it to the podium.”Since last year's world champs, he’s rocketed up the senior men's world rankings from 132nd to 42nd.Nick was pre-selected for the 2024 New Zealand Under 23 Kayak Cross team because of his silver at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland in August 2023.Nick Collier will soon return to New Zealand, before competing in a world ranking race in Prague. PHOTO: Supplied Having raced at the first three senior world cups in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland this year, meant that he knew he had the physical capabilities to win, “it was only the mental game which could hold me back", he said. "Staying focused on each competition stage and filtering out negative thoughts were big developments. I had a job to do which needed my undivided attention to complete."Nick has one final race in Prague, Czech Republic on August 2-4 which is a world ranking race with huge numbers attending.  Then he’ll be back to New Zealand on August 8 based at Cambridge and Okere Falls to finish his studies at the University of Waikato.He’ll also continue training on the Waikato and Kaituna rivers and working part-time as the canoe slalom coach for the Matamata club.Nick is looking forward to watching the Kiwis at the Olympics in Paris this year but will be busy competing in Prague at the same time.“I'm very excited to see Luuka Jones at her 5th Olympics and small town Alexandra's own Finn Butcher race in the Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross events. Both of these top athletes are in prime form and ready for their chance at glory.”

There were plenty of important people at the Otago Regional Council (ORC) meeting in Cromwell yesterday.As well as a presentation by parliamentary commissioner for the environment Simon Upton and chief economist Geoff Simmons, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan attended with councillors Tracy Paterson and Tamah Alley.The public gallery was full and four people chose to speak on issues ranging from private hydro generation to the perceived over allocation of water rights.Simon explained his role as commissioner as being independent from the Government and said he was the fourth person to hold that position of office.He discussed his recent report reviewing the management of the environment in New Zealand, ‘Going Against The Grain,’ which had been three years in the making.Consultation with farmers, community, iwi and business owners were all essential and he learned a lot about people in the process, “which was more interesting than the environmental stuff,” he said.Things to note from the report included that the bigger land use change from 1996 to 2018 was the move from low producing grasslands to more exotic forestry.But the problems remained the same and the way people used their land needed to change in some places, he said.“There are land uses that just don’t match what the land can actually sustain and support,” he said.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said the council welcomed the opportunity to hear firsthand from the parliamentary commissioner, who drew on six years of research to present practical suggestions around land use change.“These are big topics facing all regions across the nation. The state of our environment, changes currently underway and projected change needs considered as communities work together to strategically tackle the challenges and look for opportunities to ensure we can all thrive now and for the future.”Councillors will today be taking the opportunity to visit a range of organisations and view different projects around the district.

The proposed Hawkeswood Mining development at Millers Flat is gaining support with the owners hoping for an October start date.Owner Simon Johnstone said they were just in the process of submitting their right of reply to the commissioners, following the recent hearing.A revised set of draft conditions for the Central Otago District Council (CODC) consent and for the four Otago Regional Council (ORC) consents have been worked through.Simon said they have taken into consideration concerns from submitters and iwi has looked over everything as well, “and everyone’s on the same page.”“The ball will be back in the commissioners’ court and we’ll await their decision, but it was looking positive,” he said.The CODC and ORC have updated their Section 42a report to now recommend consent be granted and iwi no longer opposed the application and were neutral.Simon said the company had spent close to $3 million on the consent application so far, and with respect to the conditions, he said, “it’s as good as you’re going to get.”Hawkeswood Mining Ltd expects to create up to 30 jobs and inject an estimated $5 million to $7 million annually into the local community with its gold mine on the banks of the Clutha Mata-Au River.The project received more than 470 submissions, the majority of which were in support.The hearing was told the company aimed to return the land to pastoral use after it had finished, and rehabilitation work would be ongoing throughout the 10-year project.Hawkeswood Mining first applied for a discretionary consent in 2022 for a two-hectare mine over a period of five years.This was, by request of the applicant, publicly notified by the ORC and CODC in 2023.Hawkeswood Mining then paused the application to make amendments, extending the proposed mine to cover about 10 hectares for a period of 10 years.The councils determined a new application needed to be made due to the significant increase in the intensity and scale of the activity.Hawkeswood Mining is seeking consent to use the land as well as to take water, and discharge water to land only, with no risk of contaminants being discharged to water.

An initiative designed to boost people’s confidence when driving is continuing to meet a growing need across Central.The programme, Drive My Life Taraiwa Mataora, provided through Central Otago REAP, aims to support people who have left school and face barriers in getting their driver's licence.Of the 194 referrals received so far this year, 92 have passed their licence.Participants are often nominated for the programme, including about one third from police, one third from social agencies and the rest find out about it through word of mouth.Among those who have signed up to the initiative are aged between 18 and 65, including one who had spent many years driving without a licence.Participants who need their learner licence take part in two-hour classes over six weeks to learn the road code.Lessons then incorporate fun activities and practice tests to teach road safety and prepare learners to sit the theory test in the seventh week.The restricted and full licence programme offers practical driving lessons to people in the community, including those who face barriers in doing so.Volunteer mentors take the learners out for practical driving lessons.Learners are evaluated by a professional driving instructor, who develops a plan and checks they are ready to sit their licence.Co-ordinator Paddy Ford said not all referrals are able to be put through the programme immediately due to the number of people who sign up outweighing the number of volunteer mentor drivers.There are 27 mentors from Tapanui, through to Roxburgh, Alexandra, Ranfurly, Cromwell, Wānaka and Hāwea, who have access to cars in each of those places.Paddy welcomes more volunteers to sign up to the programme as demand continues to grow.“We could do with a lot more mentors,” he said.The group was acknowledged for its work in the community this week after Volunteer South provided them with a morning tea, including one in Alexandra, Cromwell and Wānaka.For more information visit CO REAP.

It wasn’t to be for the Alexandra Armadillos premier rugby team at the weekend against the Upper Clutha Rams, but there were still plenty of reasons to celebrate.Captain James Dobson, filling in for Tyler Ford who was injured, picked up his 100th match for the club and was also named ‘man of the match’ by the Alexandra coaches.In another surprise Tyler was named Central Otago Premier Player of the Year.A crowd of 3000 came to support both teams in Wānaka, making it the first win for the Rams since 2018.After triumphing over Wakatipu to secure their spot in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition final on Saturday, the Armadillos were just not strong enough for the Rams, with the final score 46-10.Tyler said the Armadillos played to their strengths, but the Rams were just the better team on the day.“It was good that the boys put in all that effort and played well.”James said it was an honour to captain the team in the final, but it was definitely a “massive hurdle” to overcome not having Tyler on the field playing.Tyler tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the semi-final against Wakatipu, and was hoping he didn’t need surgery, but said he would definitely be back again next season.The Armadillos have played the Upper Clutha Rams twice this season, losing 24-28 in Tarras on June 15 as well as earlier in the season.In Tarras they were down 20 points and managed to come back in the last 20 minutes to almost even the score.Last season Alexandra had a stunning final against the Rams, making it their first competition win since 2015. On Saturday the team dominated early on but after 20 minutes it was the Rams ahead by 6-3 followed by three quick tries to then push them ahead 25-3 at half time.Alexandra came back to dominate again early in the second half before a length of the field break-out by the Rams led to hooker Scott Cunningham scoring to extend the Rams’ lead to 32-3.

A small selection of curlers put their skills to the test on the Idaburn Dam, near Oturehua yesterday.While they were not playing for the Brown Shield as initially hoped, a mini tournament was still able to go ahead with fewer teams and a shorter amount of time on the ice.Curlers had initially hoped to compete for the much-anticipated Brown Shield, a tournament which was last played in 2010 and would usually see about 17 rinks in action from morning until late afternoon.However, one of the group’s ice masters Ken Gillespie said the ice was not viable for such a large group of people, prompting organisers behind the popular tournament to cancel the event on Sunday night.Not all hope was dashed though, as they allowed the much smaller event to take place instead with four ends played.While those who took part had a great time, it was short lived as water started to seep onto the surface, Ken said.But, that didn’t stop everyone from having a good time.From left to right: Bill May, Matt McSkimming, Ken Gillespie, Murray Tonkin, Friend, Graeme Male, Rachel Duffy, Hugh Speight.“We’re all still here, it’s quite social,” he said, following the tournament.He said it was unfortunate the Brown Shield couldn’t go ahead, but cancelling it was the right call.“It was just as well we did because the ice wasn’t good enough. That’s just the way it is.”Late last week, conditions looked promising thanks to regular overnight low temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius.However, Sunday only dropped to -5C and -2C on Saturday morning.“The ice just wasn’t good enough.“It’s better for the frosts to be in the double figures to make good ice.”He said while the opportunity to host the Brown Shield on the Idaburn Dam was now potentially lost this season, those who managed to compete in the smaller tournament had a great time.

Update: Curling is postponed on the Idaburn Dam due to not having a hard enough surface. Murray McKnight, one of the Ice masters at Idaburn Dam, said, "Today, we had a good crew check, but due to numerous air bubbles in the ice, we determined it was too soft. Although we considered relocating to Naseby, the ice conditions there were also unsuitable. Therefore, we have decided to postpone the event at this point. Given the improved temperatures in the Ida Valley, cancellation seems likely."The Central App will keep you updated.Last weeks news story:Curlers have their stones at the ready, hopeful of getting on the Idaburn Dam for The Brown Shield on Monday.Ken Gillespie, one of the Ice masters, has diligently monitored the ice to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards for outdoor play.“We really want to have 100mm and we’ve got about 80mm [of ice].”Earlier this week it was thought the dam, located near Oturehua, might have met those requirements to allow the tournament to be played on Saturday, but the call has been made to hold off until Monday, he said.“The ice is absolutely beautiful. We are just bordering on not quite enough for [Saturday].”There have been regular overnight low temperatures in the area over the past week of -7C, while yesterday morning it was -6C, Ken said.If the tournament gets the go-ahead on Monday, it will start at 9am and teams will play 21 ends across 17 rinks before stopping for lunch.A further 21 ends will be played in the afternoon.Each club registered will have two rinks to play on and must bring their own stones and brooms.The Brown Shield, which is a one-day match for Idaburn Curling Council Clubs only, was last played in 2010.

Dunstan High School will kick start the term with a new principal, thanks to the arrival of Andrew King.The former Otago Boys’ High School (OBHS) deputy rector is no stranger to managing teams, having also coached the Otago badminton seniors for several years.Once ranked 13th in England, it was when he started coaching the game back home that his passion for teaching began.After completing a Sports Science Degree, he went on to coach fulltime in England for two years before studying a Post-graduate Certificate in Education.His first teaching job was at a Roman Catholic School of 1300 students.He and wife Kim moved to New Zealand from Darlington in late 2009, where he picked up some relieving work at Mana College in Porirua.“That was a cultural eye opener,” he said with 85 per cent of the students either of Māori or Pacific Island background.His wife got a job at Sport Otago so they moved to Dunedin and Andrew continued relieve teaching between Kings High School and OBHS.Then he was offered the head of junior physical education at OBHS and moved onto dean before accepting the assistant principal role at Tokomairiro High School in Milton.OBHS lured him back with the deputy rector position but in the back of his mind, Andrew said a principal position had always been on the radar.The pastoral care work that he has been involved in as dean and deputy rector was what he was most passionate about.“I was the guy you came to when there was a problem.”OBHS Rector Richard Hall would continue to be his mentor and they remained good friends.Central Otago was always a place that he and his wife had been interested in, and his daughter Sophie will start at Dunstan next year in Year 9, while son Matthew (9), will settle into a new primary school.Andrew's first impressions of the school was the number of sports fields that many of us take for granted.“There were fields for Africa, and they link to other parks. What a dream,” he said.Andrew is looking forward to playing some ‘bad golf’ when he gets settled, as he’d already worked out there were some keen players on the staff.Having taught at a diverse range of schools throughout the country, he has taken a little bit from each to help him grow as a leader.“Schools are pretty simplistic places . . . and, in reality, kids are kids, and they just want to do well.”He said Dunstan High School was an attractive place for a new principal, “because it’s just so solid, with great facilities and great staff. It’s never a school that you hear anything bad about.”He was particularly impressed with the interview process and is now looking forward to getting on with the job.“Let’s make stuff happen,” he said.

Freezing fog, back-to-back nights of below zero temperatures and a blanket of hoar frost - welcome to winter in Central Otago.While MetService has confirmed some of the recent overnight lows across Central have dipped to -7 degrees Celsius, unofficial reports show some areas have dropped to as low as -9C.Add to that, low lying fog and hoar frosts, and the reality is bleak, unless of course you’re waiting patiently to curl on Central’s outdoor dams or ponds.Ice master Ken Gillespie, of Oturehua, is among those keeping an eye on the conditions.He is hoping to wake to freezing temperatures again this morning, so a much anticipated one-day curling tournament can take place on the Idaburn Dam on Saturday.A decision will be made this morning to determine if the event can go ahead, or not.Special care is taken to make sure the ice is thick enough before making the call.Over the past week, the overnight low temperatures in the area had averaged -7C, he said.“We’ve had a reasonable run and we’re very, very close [to being able to curl],” he said, earlier this week.An icy Idaburn Dam, near Oturehua. PHOTO: The Central AppAmong those also keeping a close eye on the weather is MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris.Lewis, who grew up in Cromwell and is now based in Wellington, knows first-hand just how cold the area can get.“I’ve got a couple of memories that have stuck in my mind,” he said.One involved cycling to school on a freezing cold morning and by the time he arrived any of his hair that was visible was frozen solid.Lewis said for a long time, the coldest temperature recorded in New Zealand was understood to have been -21.6C in Ophir in 1995.However, further research shows -25.6C was recorded at Eweburn, near Ranfurly in 1903.Lewis talks about the current weather patterns on The Outlet this week, showcasing what is causing the consistent below zero temperatures, freezing fog and hoar frosts.He said the forecast over the coming few days did not have any great change in it.“I think, sadly, you just kind of got to expect that there’ll be much of the same. I’m not seeing a nice warm northwest to come and clear those things out.”He said there might be a little bit of rain in the forecast, which could bring a chance of some blue skies later.“I don’t think it’s going to be a complete clearance, but it looks like those temperatures at least will start to warm a little bit.”To keep up to date with the forecast click on The Central App’s Weather button, along with Roads to check on conditions.Read more: Alexandra hits its lowest temperature for seasonRead more: Winter fun on the Manorburn DamRead more: High pressure brings -6C to parts of Central 

This year’s WoolOn creative fashion event is attracting some big names, with Nom*d owner Margi Robertson and Christina Grant from Perriam part of the judging team for the first time.Being held at the Alexandra Bowling Club, the August 31 gala awards event is almost a sell-out, but tickets are still available for the matinee reveal show.This year organisers are also celebrating 20 years of WoolOn, and have introduced a new award to encourage the younger generations to get creative with wool.The Under 13 School Designer Award invites anyone in primary or intermediate school to enter their wearable wool fashion creation, and provides a promotional platform for its future designers. The addition of the Matinee Reveal event on the afternoon of Saturday August 31 coincides with WoolOn's efforts to appeal to a wider age range. The event will celebrate both the Under 18 and Under 13 designers as well as show a full run through of all the entries in every design category.Event coordinator Jamie Richards said encouraging young talent is vital for the future of fashion design and for the future of wool advocacy and the environment. “We want as many schools as possible to encourage their pupils to enter a creation. For those simply looking to have some fun, we also have the Pink Wool Plaster Challenge using bright pink wool plasters donated by Wool Aid NZ."Anyone wanting to enter their fashion design has until July 31 to submit an expression of interest via the WoolOn website. Those interested in the Pink Wool Plaster Challenge can contact the WoolOn team to request a supply of plasters. “But be quick if you want your designs to stick.”Returning judge Liz Mitchell makes up the third person on the panel, alongside Robertson who has been involved in the Eden Hore collection, and Grant who grew up amidst merino farming heritage on Bendigo Station, before starting her Perriam fashion label.

Central Otago is set to host the next Otago Regional Council (ORC) meeting, being held in Cromwell on July 24.The ORC makes a point of holding meetings in each of the constituencies once a year, and the public are welcome to attend.Anybody interested in speaking in the public forum should let the council know to give staff and councillors advanced warning.Dunstan ward councillor Gary Kelliher said holding the meetings in the regions was not an easy exercise as staff have to relocate from Dunedin for the day, and the meeting has to be set up on a livestream.“The ORC is attempting to be more inclusive of the regions by holding at least one meeting in each area, and I do think it’s a good thing. But unless it includes topical papers then it can be a total waste of resources and efforts required to hold the meetings outside of Dunedin.”Central Otago issues should be discussed at Central Otago meetings, and this was a good attempt at being more meaningfully engaged with its communities, he said.Last year’s meeting in Cromwell attracted three people from the public and one of those was knitting, Gary said.“The public forum is way under utilised by ratepayers and stakeholders.”Air quality would be one of the more timely topics that the ORC was working on across the regions, and in Central Otago in particular over winter with the high use of wood burners.ORC would also be likely to give the councillors and the public an update on its Land and Water Plan, which was currently at stage four with stakeholder consultation involving iwi.The Cromwell meeting will be held at the Gate from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday July 24.

A recent Government funding boost for the Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) towards further ongoing work to continue improving freshwater quality has been welcomed.Last week Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard was in Omakau to announce the $1.9 million funding, and to view the work of the group’s wetland work at Thomsons Creek.Co-chair Andrew Paterson said the group’s new general manager Clare Hadley had done a lot of work in a short space of time, and was regularly in contact with MPs about their projects.Clare moved from Invercargill where she was the chief executive of the Invercargill City Council prior to settling in Central Otago.“The Manuherekia Catchment Group has been attracting good political interest and there really has been a lot of interest in the Thomsons project,” she said.The new funding would go towards a wide range of community projects in the catchment including the establishment of recreation trails and river care.Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard (left), Central Otago District councillor and MCG group member Tracy Paterson and Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan attend a recent day at the Thomsons Creek wetland, in Omakau. PHOTO: SuppliedThe Auripo (Poolburn) Gorge willow removal was top of the list, following extensive flooding in the Ida Valley last year, that had become an environmental issue, Andrew said.“It’s all about looking to help and improve the water quality from all of the catchment, but obviously we can’t do everything. We are just focusing on those things that will make an impact.”Co-chair Anna Gillespie was instrumental in securing the MCG’s successful Exemplar Project bid that saw $2.9 million in Jobs for Nature funding secured for the Thomsons Creek project.  The installation of a barrier preventing trout and perch from moving upstream where they pose a threat to Galaxiids has been a stand-out success for the group."The approach around getting that wider community [involvement] — not just the farming community — that will be helpful for other catchments."Set up in 2011, MCG has always been about farmers leading the way and working together to find solutions for the catchment. Understanding water storage and the minimum flows in the Manuherekia River have also been explored, and in 2021 the Manuherekia Catchment Management Plan was developed.The plan brought together the work of the community and how they, as a collective, could work together to manage water flows, making sure the environment was well protected and continue to enable a thriving community. It then formed part of the overview document for the catchment combined applications for replacing deemed permits, and it is hoped will be incorporated into the Otago Regional Council’s controversial Land and Water Plan when it is notified.

Motorists are urged to be extra cautious this morning as light rain has turned to ice across parts of Central, leaving roads treacherous.The Central Otago District Council has crews out gritting affected areas, including Omakau, Ophir Lane, Poolburn Hill and Ida Valley-Omakau Rd.Conditions at Chatto Creek have also proved dangerous after a bus rolled on State Highway 85, which left 14 people with minor injuries.Fire crews from Alexandra and Omakau were called to the scene at about 9.40am, along with police, ambulance and power company, which had to tend to power lines that had come down.The scene has now been cleared.Parts of the Maniototo are also being monitored with the potential for temperatures to drop further.There have also been reports of light rain around Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge areas, which could also become hazardous if temperatures continue to drop, particularly in shaded areas and bridge decks.One report sent into The Central App this morning warns motorists black ice has formed the length of the Ida Valley, making it “very treacherous”.Omakau and Ophir residents have also reported icy conditions, including Renae Corlet who wished she had turned around and gone back home.She said when she pulled onto the main street of Omakau to head to Alexandra, her car "practically drifted".Renae considered turning around before she even reached the 100km sign exiting Omakau, but continued."I went with my intuition and proceeded on my drive, but I had the road slipping out from under me every few seconds until just past the Ophir turn off. I was hopeful it would get better, and it did for a short while until it got very bad again."She said there weren't many other vehicles on the road, but she could tell those who were travelling in the opposite direction were also going very slow like herself."At one point I had a vehicle driving quite close behind me due to me going so slow, so I pulled over to let them pass. As they passed me, their whole vehicle went sideways for a good three seconds before they corrected themselves and continued driving. This whole drive I wish I had turned around, but I had committed and kept thinking it would get better and that if I turned around, I'd have to go through all that ice again. It took me 40 minutes, so double the time [it would usually take] to get into town."Let us know what conditions are like at your place by emailing [email protected] on The Central App’s Roads button to keep up to date on conditions.