Central Otago firefighters are gearing up to conquer the Sky Tower Challenge today, in a bid to raise money for charity.Firefighters from across the district will join 1100 others from across the country for the event, seeing them race against the clock to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower.There are 1103 steps for them to climb, covering 51 floors, while carrying 25kg of fire fighting kit. The volunteers are made up of 10 men and women from Alexandra, nine from Cromwell, four from Clyde, one from Omakau and four from Naseby. One, Phil Flanagan, of Naseby is doing it for the 8th time. The firefighters, who already give up their time to protect our community, have been training hard, and fundraising harder, to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.Every day, eight New Zealanders are diagnosed with blood cancer.The Alexandra Team has raised over $16,500, and Central Otago crews have collectively raised over $28,000. Funds raised go directly to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, with flights and accommodation costs coming out of each competitor’s pocket.Jay Toth, Mitch Stringer, and Quinton Wicks ready to climb up a hill wearing full fire-fighting gear for training. PHOTO: Mitch StringerCentral Otago fundraising efforts will be added to the $1.4 million already raised by New Zealand this year.It is the 20th anniversary of the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, a fundraising event that has now raised more than $13 million dollars towards those fighting leukaemia and blood cancer in New Zealand. Mitch Stringer said the Alexandra brigade have been attending this event for more than 17 years.“At the time Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade was one of the first brigades from the South Island to participate.”Now, four volunteer fire brigades from Central Otago are ready to suit up and tackle the challenge, all for a great cause.Keep an eye up for results in a follow-up article once the teams return.Donations can still be made through the Fire Fighters challenge.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) has moved Central Otago from a prohibited fire season to restricted.The recent move to restricted limitations means fires now require a permit before they can be lit.Previously, Central was in a prohibited fire season due to the particularly dry conditions, which meant there was a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were suspended.Fenz is also revoking the restricted fire season in the Queenstown Lakes fire zone from 8am today (Sunday), until further notice.It means people in the zone no longer need to have a fire permit by Fenz to light a fire outdoors.Declaring the fire season change, Otago District manager Phil Marsh said recent rain and cooler autumn temperatures had seen the fire risk drop below the thresholds that require ongoing fire permitting restrictions.“While permits are no longer required to light an open-air fire (in the Queenstown Lakes District), our local team remains on hand to provide advice to anyone looking to complete a burn,” he said.“Even with those cooler temperatures, vigilance around fire safety is important.“For Otago, any period of dry, settled weather at any time of year can increase the potential for unwanted fires. Escaped burns are a major contributor to this, so knowing how to burn safely is key.”Fenz advisor risk reduction Otago District Mark Mawhinney said everyone should visit the organisation’s Check It’s Alright website to better understand what they can and cannot do on any given day.

Many of us dream of going to France for the ultimate vineyard experience. However, Monte Christo Winery provides Alexandra with a taste of France in their backyard.Nestled in the picturesque Central Otago surrounds, Monte Christo features all the mod cons. An impressive underground cellar, bespoke accommodation and delicious food create an unforgettable vineyard and cellar door experience. Like all things in Central Otago, 2 degrees of separation connected the Paris family to the site of Monte Christo. Nicholas Paris was keen to find Monte Christo, a historical winery he’d read about in his studies. He and his father Stanley, who grew up in Central Otago, set off in search of the estate, without success. Proprietor Stanley Paris later discovered that the Monte Christo property was in the stewardship of his second cousin. The Paris family (Stanley Paris, Alan Paris, Catherine Paris, Nicolas Paris)From there, an ambitious restoration project brought a new lease of life to the grounds to honour the original roots of Monte Christo and its founder Jean Désiré Féraud who is said to be the founding father of wine in Central Otago. The restored stone buildingThe original stone building has been tastefully restored to create a hub for an intricately curated wine-tasting experience. Monte Christo caters for all wine lovers with a carefully crafted selection of wines with unique Central Otago flavours. Their light, fruity Rosé is a stand-out perfect for those warmer summer days.Monte Christo caters for lovers of all different types of wineOne of the standout features of Monte Christo is their beautifully crafted underground wine cellar. Built as an homage to the undergound cellars in the Old World, especially France, where the founder J.D. Féraud originated, the cellar is one of only a few found in the greater Central Otago region.   With plans to open in March, this versatile space will be used to host intimate private tastings, tours, and events, including a winemaker's lunch in early May to celebrate the end of the harvest season.The wine cellar provides a taste of France in the heart of Central OtagoVisitors can enjoy a flight of Monte Christo's uniquely Central Otago wines in the Cellar Door, or book a private seated wine tasting experience with a dedicated host, while learning about the vineyard's history.The staff's dedication to storytelling shines through while visiting Monte Christo. You’ll no doubt leave feeling enriched with the area's history, wines and the people who started it all. For visitors looking for a more immersive experience, Monte Christo is in the process of making a truly exceptional education experience through the development of their on-site wine production winery. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about all the ins and outs of winemaking from people with world class knowledge in the field.  Find us on The Central App under EatlDrink. Monte Christo Winery and Stay Monte Christo Winery

Being a young person, it can be hard to save money without knowledge of where to start. Whether you are at high school, or are a first time or a returning tertiary student, being money savvy is always important.To help, I have curated my 5 tips and ways to continue to be better with managing money. Tip 1: Firstly, being orgainised with your money is key. Dividing your pay into multiple accounts, which have different goals is a great place to start.I find that this helps me know how much spending money I have, to keep aiming for my savings goals, and my bills are always paid on time. I understand that as a young person, your pay might differ each week, which can be hard, but no matter how much money you are splitting up, I find it beneficial.Tip 2: Check what ‘account type’ you have. Depending on what the account is used for, it might be beneficial to change some to a rapid save or term deposit.Setting your bank accounts to rapid save, an account that earns you interest while still having access to the account or term deposit, an account where your money is locked for a certain amount of time and earns a set amount of interest, means your money is essentially working for you.Tip 3: Kiwisaver is also another way to save money.It is a long term savings scheme to save for your future, such as retirement or first home. It might be odd thinking about that when you're so young, but putting a little away each week can make a huge difference in the future. Read more here from a local wealth advisor Financial: Getting the most out of your KiwiSaverYou get to choose what your Kiwisaver contribution is set to, a percentage of your salary, the minimum is 3%, but you can also put away 4, 6,8, or 10%, and your employer also has to contribute. I have also recently started making my own weekly contribution, on top of the percentage of my salary, which is a good way to build it up over time.The government also has an initiative that for every dollar you put in, they add 50 cents (up to $521.43 a year). To get the full amount you need to add at least $1,042.86 during the year (1 July–30 June), which works out to around $20 a week. Tip 4: For those of you like me who love to shop, Facebook Marketplace is a great way to save money, as well as make money. You can buy, sell, and even swap items. There are general groups for areas, such as Central Otago, buy, sell and swap, or more specific groups such as designer marketplace, which is a women's clothing and accessories group.Tip 5: Lastly, more specific to tertiary students leaving home but helpful for anyone, are two apps I use to save money. The first is Gaspy. The app searches your area to find the cheapest fuel. You can also search for any location in New Zealand to see the cheapest fuel in that town or city.Another app I use is Grab a Seat. This app is run through Air New Zealand and highlights cheaper flights around New Zealand and overseas. You can compare dates to find cheaper flights, get alerts if your travel plans are on sale, and notifies you of last minute deals.Both of these apps are great when planning to return to Central Otago for a tertiary break.These tips have worked well for my savings goals, but everyone is different, so make sure to do your own research and create a good savings plan for yourself.

Central is proving to be a great destination for people wanting to work and play.Among those making the most of everything the region has to offer are the many foreigners at Leaning Rock Orchard in Alexandra, who have had a great season picking cherries. Karen Mcskimming, of Leaning Rock Orchard, said crews of pickers are made up of “around 90 per cent foreigners”, highlighting the continued need for them in our workforce.One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said coming to New Zealand on a working holiday visa was his first time leaving his home country of Uruguay.“I came for the money, but I am loving the journey.” He said he has enjoyed working in Central, in particular the “great work environment”, adding it was very different to home.“There we do not get much of a break, or offered water and sunscreen as we have here [in New Zealand].”A couple from the Czech Republic, who have been in New Zealand for 16 months, said working in New Zealand has been “better work, and more of it”.Mafin Noukoud and Joel Kali ready for a day of picking. PHOTO: The Central AppVanuatuans have played a crucial role in cherry picking at Leaning Rock, and most of central Otago orchards, with some who have been coming since 2007.Mafin Noukoud said he has worked on the orchard for three years, spending seven months here before returning home for four to five months.He noted how Alexandra reminds him of home. His favourite part about being in Central was how nice everyone is both at work and around town.All foreigners The Central App caught up with echoed how much they loved the district’s scenery, particularly the mountains and great trails in the area.With the cherry-picking season coming to an end, some foreigners are staying in Central to continue working in different fields, traveling around the country, or heading back to their home country.

Crowds gathered at the Omakau Racecourse to make the most of one of Central Otago's ‘cooler’ summer days.Families, campers, picnickers and holidaymakers turned up to support Omakau's annual trotting meet when the event returned to the area yesterday. Families brought picnics and elaborate set-ups to the races.Punters were kept busy with 11 races happening across the day, including the big race - race 9 with a prize pool totalling $40,000.Winner of Race 9 is Franco Indie driven by Blair Orange. Children were kept entertained with many free activities, including the bouncy castle.The top 10 Fashion in the Field entrants looking glam. Having fun at the races are (from left) Finn (16) Scarlett (9) Siena (13) Isabelle (18).PHOTOS: The Central App 

Age is no barrier for Central Otago’s Curtis Melton, who has recently achieved top honours on the karate stage.At just 13-years-old, Curtis has gained his full black belt, while competing alongside fellow karate enthusiast, Kodi Knights, aged 17, who also achieved a black belt.The accomplishment, which they achieved in November, takes years of physical and mental strength. Curtis Melton (second, from left), alongside Kodi Knights (third, from left), who gained their black belt on Saturday, Novemeber 25, standing alongside fellow black belts. PHOTO: The Central AppSensei Bruce Potter, who runs Alexandra Shotokan Karate, said going straight to a full black belt is extremely rare for someone of [Curtis’] age, but stated that it would be “unfair” to not let him. “[Curtis] always gives 120 per cent and is phenomenally focused,” he said.The karate star started the discipline as Alexandra Shotokan’s youngest ever. They previously did not take anyone under the age of 12, but Curtis was just seven-years-old. The dojo (group) now takes on anyone above the age of five.Sensei Bruce said Curtis has had to learn from the losses. Three to four years ago Curtis was going to classes as the only young one, meaning he would train with and against those older and bigger than him. “His determination and commitment to the sport meant he excelled”.Curtis gaining his belt at such a young age has been a “big win for our dojo” Sensei Bruce said.Alexandra Shotokan Karate focuses on self-defence and supports students of many ages.For more information on how to join the dojo, email Sensei Bruce Potter at [email protected] or visit the group’s website.

If people are doing the same job, same amount of work and same hours then they should be paid the same, right? While it seems logical, in practice the youth wage is stopping under 16s from being paid fairly. For years, businesses have justified paying lower wages to young adults, citing their lack of experience or the need to remain competitive. They also state that it allows a greater opportunity for young people to enter the workforce.While there is no minimum wage for those under 16, in a large business they typically earn the starting wage or training wage of $18.16 per hour. Currently, the minimum hourly wage for all other workers is $22.70. That means that some of our counterparts are earning more than $4 less for doing the exact same job. Is it time to scrap youth wages? Youth wages, often set at a lower rate than adult wages, are a relic of a time when the value of youthful labour was underestimated. However, times have changed. Young workers today are often just as skilled and capable as their older counterparts. Their age should not serve as a justification for paying them less for equal work.In a time where people are becoming increasingly vocal about discrimination whether it be gender, race or age, it’s surprising that the call to scrap youth wage hasn’t got more momentum. Paying youth a lower wage than other workers significantly impacts someone's value in their job. They’re not looked at for their capabilities, but rather are limited by their age. After tax, the youth hourly rate can feel like it is hardly worth having a job. Most businesses that pay the youth wage are big, national corporations that can easily absorb any increase in wages. Yet they keep getting away with paying staff very little. Scrapping youth wages would signal a shift toward a fairer, more equitable society.It would send a powerful message that the value of an individual's work is not determined by age, but by their skills, qualifications and contributions.Implementing equal pay for equal work, regardless of age, would foster a more inclusive and just work environment where everyone is recognized and compensated fairly for their efforts.So next time you order a coffee or your takeaways from a young staff member in Central, take a moment to think about whether it’s fair that they are earning less than the 17-year-old next to them.

Dunstan High School's Year 13 leavers will soon be going around the country and for some, the world, to enter the next stage of their lives after school.The Central App caught up with some of them to find out what their next big plans were, with university being a popular destination for many. Ashlea West, who wants to be an anaesthetist, plans to study first-year health science at the University of Otago in Dunedin.She says studying health science “is the fast-track way of getting into medical school”.In total, she will be studying for 13 years. Emily Templeton is studying a double degree in Law and Commerce majoring in management and minoring in marketing.Her decision to study at Otago was influenced by her receiving a scholarship to Otago as she was the recipient of the Class Act award.Emily is working towards becoming a business consultant.   Claudia Hammond, who will be going to the University of Canterbury to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts, has always had a passion for the arts.Claudia said she has "always been arty”, which influenced her decision when choosing her degree. Others are choosing alternative paths to further study.Grace Moir is going to camp Canada and hopes to be in British Columbia as there are lots of bike tracks in the area.Her role will be a camp counsellor where she will lead activities such as biking, kayaking, water sports and archery.“I didn’t want to go to university and I didn’t want to waste my year,” Grace said. The Central App wishes Dunstan High School Year 13 leavers well as they gear up for life after high school.

For 2022 Alexandra Blossom Festival Queen Claudia Hammond, the feeling of passing on the crown is “bittersweet” but she is more than happy to relinquish it. The crowning of the Queen has been a notable feature of the for the last 66 years. Following tradition, the previous year’s Queen crowns the new queen each year. Winning the crown was “an experience I’ll never forget,” Claudia said. One of her biggest takeaways since winning the crown is the ongoing positive feeling.“(It) felt validating that I can tick the boxes of an involved community member,” she said.Seeing this year's princesses has been a nostalgic moment for Claudia. “I love seeing people get the same experience. I had a ball and I hope they do too.”She also recognised the connections and relationships she made from the experience that continue a year later. Yesterday (Saturday September 23) Claudia handed her crown over to 2023 Queen Myah Turnbull. Newly crowned Myah Turnbull with last year’s festival queen Claudia Hammond. PHOTO: The Central AppMyah described the win as “amazing, unexpected and awesome ”. Myah was “so happy” with the win and appeared to be close to tears when her name was announced. As for Claudia’s advice to any future princesses, she said: “Literally just be yourself. And make the most of the opportunity because it’s heaps of fun.” Judges for the festival queen were the Central App managing director Vicki McLean, Central Otago District Council group manager - community vision Dylan Rushbrook, and Central Otago Living Options operating manager Olivia Wildey.Vicki said it had been a busy week for the princesses, as they visited community organisations around Alexandra, and the next few days would be even busier for Myah, Tyah, and Arlia.The 2023 float winners were: Most Innovative/Creative - Puss n Boots by Combined Lions Clubs of Clyde & Districts, and Alexandra; Best Contemporary Float - Gold Fever by Eat Humble Pie and Waterworks Plumbing; Best Education Float - Up - Adventure is out there by Clyde Play Centre; Best Floral Float - Nee Naw by Little Oaks Early Learning Centre; Best Small Float - Not just fencing and toilets by Fulton Hogan; and the People’s Choice - Minions by Grans Who Can.

Ethan Knights, Dunstan High School’s head boy in 2022, is heading to South Africa for vet training next year.In semester break next year Ethan and a friend will fly to South Africa for a two-week course through ‘Vets Go Wild,’ which covers practical and theoretical vet skills. Handling African wildlife is “where I eventually want to end up,” Ethan said.His goal is to focus on conservation medicine: how to treat animals such as African wildlife, and big cats in America and Asia.Ethan knew he wanted to be a vet by the age of seven. “[I] can’t imagine myself doing anything else,” he told the Central App.After years of work experience in Alexandra at Vet ENT and around two years of after-school work at Vetlife, Ethan was ready to hit the books.He started tertiary studies at the only veterinary school in New Zealand this year, Massey University in Palmerston North, which is ranked in the top 20 in the world. Ethan is looking forward to branching out from New Zealand’s large animals to African wildlife.Ethan plans to continue studying part-time while working once he graduates. He hopes to gain his Masters in Conservation Medicine through the University of Edinburgh, which can be completed in New Zealand via distance learning.Ethan is planning years in advance: after about eight years of study and rural vet work he hopes to move to South Africa to pursue his dream and “use it as a springboard to the rest of Africa”. Ethan shared advice for anyone thinking of studying to become a vet.“[It is] not a course to do if you're not sure [what you want to study]. “Due to the amount of work and commitment the role requires, drive and passion is a necessity.”He said getting work experience, studying maths and science at high school, and learning good study techniques before going to university will help give applicants the extra edge.Find more information about ‘Vets Go Wild’ (hands-on wildlife vet opportunity in Africa) here. 

The annual South Island Secondary Schools’ (SISS) tournament week proved successful for many Central teams and umpires across a variety of sports and locations.Local students travelled across the South Island to represent central schools in their chosen sports. Tournaments took place from Nelson to Invercargill, and everywhere in between.“Everyone looked like they had a great time,” Dunstan High School (DHS) sports coordinator Sally Mulally said.The Alexandra community once again rallied together to support teams through sponsorship and fundraising which enabled teams to attend the tournament. “The kids have really appreciated it,” Sally said. Six teams from DHS competed this year in ice hockey (Dunedin), boys’ and girls’ hockey (Nelson), netball (Invercargill), football (Dunedin), basketball (Nelson), and under-15 rugby (Alexandra).Netball umpires Isla Redgrave and Grace Moir also participated, umpiring the netball tournament in Invercargill. Grace passed her zone practical exam and Isla gained the talent umpire award, which is only given to around five secondary school umpires across the whole tournament.Netball umpires Isla Redgrave and Grace Moir PHOTO: Isla RedgraveRugby took over the Molyneux and Dunstan fields as Alexandra hosted that tournament. Twenty-five teams took to the field, with the Dunstan Drillers gaining a respectable fourth place. Cromwell College (CC) had a great mix of sports with teams competing in equestrian (Christchurch), basketball (Timaru), squash (Dunedin), motorbike cross country (Tapanui), boys’ and girls’ hockey (Timaru), football (Dunedin), netball (Invercargill), ice hockey (Dunedin), and players filling in for other teams for the rugby (Alexandra). CC senior sports coordinator Jenna McPee was happy with how teams performed, particularly the girls’ netball team in Invercargill. After winning B grade last year, CC netball team moved into A grade this year, finishing a highly commendable 14th.CC netball team. CC netball team. PHOTO: Cromwell CollegeDHS and CC’s combined ice hockey teams, Stars and Devils, both had success with the Devils placing third and Stars fourth. CC football competed in Dunedin at the Linewood Tournament and gained the fair play award.DHS boys basketball team had an amazing tournament in Nelson, qualifying for nationals and placing second. They showed their talent from the start, winning their first game 93-54. DHS boys basketball. PHOTO: Megan Tippet

Five Dunstan High School students travelled to Auckland on Friday (August 18) to meet with business experts. The day was focused on providing ‘bright sparks’ with the opportunity to learn from business experts and get feedback on how they can take their ideas further. The Bright Sparks opportunity was founded by former Dunstan High School student Lionel Mason, who has started his own successful business, SL7.To get chosen for the trip, students submitted a portfolio of work showcasing their project and future goals. Some students were working on projects through school while others focused on their own interests.  One of the SL7 projects in action. Students selected have been working on various projects and passions including handbag designing, programming games and websites, creating interactive learning games and a social enterprise. Throughout the day, students learnt about running a successful business, how to get a foot in the door and being forward thinkers. This included a visit to view SL7 projects and meet with Icehouse, a company that supports innovators. The Dunstan High School group learnt a lot from everyone they met on the day. Student Annabelle said Bright Sparks was a “fantastic opportunity that has greatly impacted all of us”.She hopes that future students will also get to take on the opportunity. 

The public forum of the Central Otago District Council (CODC) meeting on Wednesday (August 30) had standing room only, with the majority of the dozen or more people present protesting fluoride being added to drinking water. Signs were held by those against fluoride as three speakers (Mary Bryne, Dr. Neil Wadell, and Professor Peter Herbison) presented counter arguments against adding fluoride to Central Otago’s drinking water.There are no plans in place to add fluoride to drinking water in Central Otago.The Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021, which came into effect in December 2021, allows the Director-General of Health to direct local authorities to add – or not to add – fluoride to a drinking-water supply. In July last year, the then director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield directed 14 councils around the country to start fluoridation and advised another 27 that the government was considering issuing a directive to do the same.CODC was not on either list. The Ministry of Health says tooth decay is the single most chronic disease that New Zealanders face. The most recent oral health survey in New Zealand (2009) showed there were, on average, 40 per cent fewer tooth decay experiences in regions with fluoridated areas than those that were not. Fluoride Free New Zealand is holding public meetings across the country, including in Alexandra on Sunday (August 27) and speaking to councils about the issue. Fluoride Free New Zealand national coordinator Mary Bryne said fluoride added to water was toxic waste, as fluosilicic acid was a by-product of fertiliser manufacturing, and could cause severe health complications. Mary claimed that if fluoridation were enforced on CODC, it would reduce the IQ “probably of everybody”.Dr. Neil Wadell (a retired professor of dental medicine) said fluorine was highly toxic and could become an “extreme danger … to [people's] body systems” partially to young children and babies in the womb. Prof Peter Herbison addresses the public forum.However the final speaker, Emeritus Prof Peter Herbison (a biostatistician formerly with Otago University’s department of preventive and social medicine) said while fluoride could be harmful, the dosage given was the most important consideration. “Throughout the world, there have been many, many groups who have looked at fluoridation,” he said. All of those groups had agreed that fluoridation at a concentration of 0.7-1 parts per million was not harmful to people and was beneficial to teeth at all stages of life, he said.That is the concentration of fluoride used in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health says the evidence is clear there are no significant adverse effects from community water fluoridation at that level, and that it is beneficial to New Zealanders of all ages.CODC mayor Tim Cadogan asked Mary what the council could do to push back on the law that had been passed.She responded that a judicial review of the legislation had been filed, and the council could get an interim injunction, meaning no action will be taken until the review is completed - which could take a few years.

Living in a small town undoubtedly comes with its charms: close-knit communities, picturesque landscapes and a sense of familiarity that can be hard to find elsewhere. However, wander around Alexandra on a Friday night and you'll find the pre-teens skating at the ice rink, the working adults out for drinks or dinner, and the high school kids nowhere to be seen. Chances are they are at a mate’s place having an illegal drink or at home attached to social media, bored as usual. We teens could go out for dinner but when there are only about two restaurants in town it becomes pretty repetitive. Repeating those same plans every weekend eventually gets tiring and makes the back pocket feel less heavy, especially when any money you have is precious.Bustling cities offer an array of entertainment options with the likes of cinemas, amusement parks, shopping centres and other activities. Teenagers in smaller towns often feel left out. One might argue the charm of a small town lies in its simplicity, and that teenagers should be content with nature's beauty and quietude. However, it's important to recognise that we adolescents are at a stage of life where we seek exploration and self-discovery. We crave experiences that allow us to interact with peers, learn new skills, and broaden our horizons. Depriving us of these opportunities in the name of tradition risks stunting our personal growth and future prospects.Why can’t we have the likes of a local arcade?In a town where there is a high number of teenagers, you’d think targeting that age group would not be hard. The absence of diverse activities is one reason why many of my peers yearn to leave small towns. Higher education and job prospects pull us towards urban centres where there's a plethora of opportunities - and more fun to be had.As a result of the lack of activities, local teenagers are also becoming more and more disengaged. That is especially prevalent at schools. Very few have the desire to get involved in activities or help out. In some aspects, we are becoming lazy. I don't think we will see much of a change in Alexandra as solutions will be placed in the ‘too hard basket’ or any solutions offered will not be enough to satisfy teens. In the meantime, we will continue to make regular journeys to Queenstown just for the chance to eat at a different restaurant, try some new shops, and find a bit of entertainment. 

There are some big issues front of mind for young Central voters who have the ability to vote for the first time. Young people the Central App has talked to are passionate about issues like the voting age, climate change, tax, and fees-free tertiary study. Most New Zealanders who head to the polls in October will be used to our three-year parliamentary cycle. However, it’s all new for the wave of first-time voters who are taking time to ‘school up’ before October. Dunstan High School year 13 students have been learning about parties and the elections during school. Recently, students were visited by local Central Otago District councillor Tamah Alley who explained the importance of participating in democracy.A big source of political information for young people comes from social media, and parties like National and Te Pāti Māori have been busy creating TikTok (a social media platform) videos targeted at youth.Some young voters are excited to voice their opinions on issues concerning them. “One of the factors that drives who I’ll vote for is if a party is realistic,” a first time voter told the Central App.“So many parties are putting out policies that seem unattainable. I think it’s important to vote someone in who can deliver.” Some young voters already have an idea about what they think will happen at election time. “There’s no doubt that either Labour or National will get the big role. However, I think that the smaller parties will receive a much higher percentage of the votes. “New Zealanders seem ready for a change in government,” another young voter said.In the last general election (2020) there was an 82.2 per cent turnout of eligible voters - up from 2017 with 79.8 percent of eligible voters having their say.Follow these links to find information on Central’s local candidates for Southland (ACT, Greens, Labour, and National) and Waitaki.

Dunstan High School held its annual school formal recently (Saturday August 5) which proved to be another great success. Approximately 140 year 12 and 13 students attended the formal held at the Alexandra Community Centre.Sofia Druce, Ashlea West, Cuillan Barnes and Emily Attfield all dressed up.Isla Redgrave, Layla Golden, Grace Moir and Starla Hubbe.Dunstan’s PTA put on a themed dessert at the end of the night. Students dance in a waltz competition with prizes up for grabs.The most popular entertainment of the night was the photo wall.

Being two of the best umpires out of a group of 103 at a major netball tournament is a big achievement for Central teens Isla Redgrave and Grace Moir. Umpiring has been a part of both girls’ lives for the past four years. Isla initially started umpiring as a way to challenge herself and give back to the sport.“I found out I actually quite liked umpiring and enjoyed the other aspects of netball rather than just the game itself,” Isla said. She said support from others in the netball community drives the passion to continue with umpiring.For Grace, an injury put her off “wanting to go all out with playing netball but I still wanted to be a part of netball so that's where umpiring came in.” Isla and Grace recently travelled to Christchurch with Dunstan High School for the Junior South Island Secondary Schools Netball Championships.Isla and Grace at the Christchurch tournament. Both girls were appointed to umpire finals games after showing their skills across the multi-day tournament. Isla has recently passed her zone practical assessment leading to her gaining the Netball New Zealand Zone Award. Only a handful of umpires from Central Otago have received this award in the past decade.Grace has completed the theory aspect of the Zone Award and is working towards completing her practical. She hopes to have this by the Senior South Island Secondary Schools Tournament in August. Isla said her goals are: “to achieve my NZ C theory this year and continue as far as I can when I make the big move to Dunedin next year.” PHOTOS: The Central App

I had a hard time getting inspired to write about climate change because everything we see online to do with this issue makes me think of a broken record.Climate change has been a constant noise in the background for my lifetime. In fact, Covid provided a welcome relief to the constant doomsday climate messages on the news. It has been said time and time again that climate change is predominantly caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Because of this, the consequences of inaction are dire and will resonate for centuries. Rising temperatures, melting ice, sea levels rising and warming oceans all pose a threat to human lives, ecosystems and other species, as we have seen on the news from the northern hemisphere just this last week. This is a serious topic that needs to be addressed, but have we had enough of hearing about it?Young people’s desire to create change has seemingly faltered recently. There was a low turnout to Alexandra's most recent climate change march to the Central Otago District Council. One student said: “I care about it but I feel like I can’t do anything about it;” while another said: “It’s the big corporations who need to take action, not us.” Me and other young people are sick of people talking about action rather than being proactive. The issue is being passed down through generations with the hope somebody will finally bite the bullet and make actual change.It has become painful trying to get our voices heard. We are exhausted from all this fighting but still have nothing to show for it. I used to be a huge advocate for youth taking action against climate change. (Although it seemed like the older generation was keen on supporting us just so they don’t have to bear the brunt of the blame.)But I and many others quickly learned we have no impact on climate politics. In all honesty, I would much rather we spend time and money addressing problems that affect New Zealand more directly such as the cost of living, poverty and homelessness. Frankly, small tweaks in New Zealand will not be enough to make real change. Countries like the United States, China and India will have a much greater impact if they make an effort.So, if your teen seems blasé about what’s happening with the climate, don’t be surprised. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s more likely they are exhausted, fed up, and feeling powerless - just like me.