The other day, I was chatting with my 12-year-old cousin about something completely random we couldn’t remember the name of a snack we’d seen earlier. Without missing a beat, he said, “Hang on, I’ll just ChatGPT it.”Not Google it.ChatGPT it.That one moment stopped me in my tracks. Because if kids are growing up with this as their go-to search tool, we’re officially in a new era and as business owners in Central Otago, we need to pay attention.A shift in search behaviorLet me hit you with a few facts:As of July 2025, ChatGPT is the 5th most visited website in the world (data via Semrush).Over 45% of users are under the age of 25.OpenAI just launched a new feature that lets people shop directly inside ChatGPT.That last one? That’s the game-changer.This new feature means people aren’t just using ChatGPT for curiosity anymore, they're using it to make buying decisions.And unlike Google, ChatGPT isn’t serving up links based on keywords or who paid the most for ad space.It’s giving real, human-sounding recommendations, based on what people are genuinely saying online.What that means for local businessesLet’s say someone types: “What’s a good Central Otago olive oil for gifting?” or “Where should I stop for lunch on the way to Clyde?”If your product or service is being talked about in a natural, positive way in blog reviews, on Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, or even The Central App, ChatGPT is more likely to recommend it.If it hasn’t been talked about? You won’t even be in the running.This is the future of SEO - Search Experience Optimisation.How to get your product or service noticedYou don’t need a massive budget. You don’t need to rank #1 on Google anymore.Here’s what you do need:1. Get People Talking About YouEncourage your customers to leave thoughtful reviews.Partner with a local creator to do a genuine, down-to-earth review.Ask happy customers to share a short story on social media.It’s not about flooding the internet, it's about real people saying real things.2. Write Like a HumanDitch the corporate jargon.If you’re describing a gift box, don’t say “an artisanal assortment of regional fare.”Say: “The kind of gift that makes someone say ‘Oh wow’ when they open it.”Add FAQs that answer real questions people are asking.3. Don’t WaitThis is a first-mover advantage moment.The businesses that get mentioned online now, on websites, in reviews, on forums, are the ones ChatGPT will recommend tomorrow. And the algorithm will remember.What not to doDon’t pour your entire budget into Google Ads and expect ChatGPT to notice.Don’t spam comment sections or create fake reviews. That backfires fast.Don’t try to game the system by cramming your content with positive buzzwords or repetitive phrases.The bottom lineIf you want to be the brand someone “ChatGPTs” for their next gift, lunch spot, or local recommendation, focus on being genuinely worth talking about.That’s how you win in this new era, through trust, conversation, and community.And here in Central Otago, we’ve got the goods. Now we just need to make sure the people (and the algorithms) hears about them.

The first job has been advertised for Cromwell’s new multimillion-dollar town hall, set to open next year, with Central Otago District Council now recruiting a venue director to lead the facility.Council spokesperson David Scoones said the appointment process marked an exciting step as the long-anticipated project began to look beyond its construction phase toward operation.“This is the first of a variety of roles who will have the exciting task of running this hall for our community and visitors,” he said. “[This is] nearly 20 years of planning all coming together.”While the venue wasn’t expected to open until winter 2026, the successful candidate could begin earlier, helping to shape how the facility would operate.“Prior to opening the role will be important in understanding all aspects of the facility and how it operates,” David said.The position was full-time and would oversee a team that could include permanent, part-time and casual staff, depending on bookings and events. David didn’t offer specific details when asked about the remuneration for the role, but said: “The position will be competitively remunerated based on the skills of the successful applicant”.The ideal candidate would bring more than a decade of experience in facility or asset management, preferably in a civic, community or public-use setting, according to the council’s job advertisement.David said there had already been a diverse range of interest in the job.Meanwhile, the council had also begun seeking commercial operators for the cinema and café planned for the building.The Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre project is budgeted at $45.8M - a significant increase from the $31.5M initially allocated in the 2021-31 Central Otago District Council long-term plan. The project includes a 400-seat auditorium, a 40-seat cinema, a museum, a cafe, and flexible meeting and entertaining spaces.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has issued a formal warning to the company behind a proposed gold mine near Cromwell, saying it is carrying out activities that don’t comply with the district plan.The letter, sent on June 25, was addressed to the landowner and occupier of Bendigo Station and outlined several breaches at the site.Council acting group manager of planning and infrastructure Quinton Penniall told the Central App the company had until August 1 to either stop the unconsented activity or apply for the correct permissions.He said Matakanui Gold - which operated as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals - had since applied for retrospective consent for an existing site office, geology compound, and storage area. The company’s application, lodged on July 18, also sought permission for wider mineral exploration across 20 properties in the area, he said.“As of now, council has not formally accepted this application under Section 88 of the Resource Management Act 1991,” Quinton said.The council’s enforcement action was triggered by a public complaint and details Matakanui Gold itself provided during other consenting processes, he said.In a statement provided to the Central App, a spokesperson for Santana Minerals said the company was “actively engaging with the Central Otago District Council to address the matters raised in their letter”.The spokesperson said Matakanui Gold had developed plans to shift its exploration base to nearby Ardgour Station for the duration of any future mine granted under the Fast-Track Approvals legislation.“We submitted the early works resource consent application to CODC on May 16 in accordance with the district plan to establish new buildings and facilities,” the spokesperson said.“We believe this solution will satisfy the issues raised by CODC. We are yet to receive those consents.“We are committed to working collaboratively to resolve any concerns and to ensure a long-term, compliant solution is in place.”Vocal local opponents of the mine claimed the district plan breaches revealed a “cavalier approach” to consenting and represented the latest incident to further undermine Santana Mineral’s credibility with the community.A spokesperson for Sustainable Tarras said residents living closest to the proposed mine site had raised concerns about the unconsented activities, which the group then brought to the council’s attention.The mine is being pursued under the coalition government’s new fast-track approvals legislation, designed to speed up consenting for major projects.A Santana spokesperson said the fast-track application was “imminent”, and that the company expected to submit it in the coming weeks once all required reports had been received.Meanwhile, Sustainable Tarras maintained the streamlined process was not appropriate for what it described as a “highly complex and highly environmentally impacting project”.Ardgour Station and Bendigo Station are neighbouring rural properties in the Dunstan Ranges, just north of Cromwell, forming the core footprint of Santana Minerals’ proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold project.Santana Minerals announced earlier this month it had purchased Ardgour Station outright, which is earmarked for the mine’s supporting infrastructure, including the processing plant and tailings storage.

With just nine days left before nominations close for the upcoming local government elections, a leadership vacuum looms over the Cromwell Ward with no candidates yet officially nominated for council or community board roles (as at 6pm Tuesday, July 22).Of the four current Central Otago District councillors representing Cromwell, two long-serving members - Neil Gillespie and Nigel McKinley - won’t be seeking re-election. For first-term Cromwell Community Board member Wally Sanford, who entered through a by-election triggered by a lack of candidates last election, the silence was familiar and frustrating.“By-elections are embarrassing to our democracy, expensive and avoidable,” he said.“We as an electorate need to do some serious shoulder tapping in the final week if we’re light on candidates.”Despite what many saw as a successful first term on the community board, Wally had ruled out stepping up to the councillor role. He confirmed he intended to re-stand for the community board, though he hadn’t yet filed his nomination paperwork.While it was his view he would make a capable councillor, the time and financial demands made it unworkable for now, he said.“Mortgage payments call louder than public service,” he told the Central App.“Being a good councillor would take over 20 hours a week and that time budget doesn’t fit into my job or family life.”The balance was more manageable at community board level, he said, where the time commitment could be juggled around work through a mix of flexible hours and annual leave.While voter turnout in local elections has been a growing concern nationally, the nomination shortfall highlights another layer of disengagement: the number of people willing to put their names forward in the first place.Wally said one common misconception may be deterring potential candidates.“You’re not a celebrity, there is no spotlight, you won’t be famous. The most public part of the role is the election campaign – the rest is as publicly mundane as you want it to be.”Cromwell’s rapid growth is both the ward’s biggest challenge and its greatest opportunity, Wally said - and it shaped the kind of leadership he wanted to see around the table.“Cromwell is firmly on the growth curve and probably will be for some time,” he said. “I’d like to be surrounded by people who accept the challenges and are able to seek and leverage opportunities for our ward.”He said he hoped to see aspirational, engaged candidates step forward - people willing to turn up, participate, and actively contribute to discussions.Wally wasn’t the only first-term elected member grappling with the practical realities of public service. Cromwell Ward councillor and community board member Sarah Browne, who also planned to stand again, said the personal cost of the role put many would-be candidates off.“The problem for most people is the money - they’ve got a full-time job and can’t take the time off,” she said. “If you’re a working mum, the juggle is hard.”Sarah, who had not yet submitted her nomination at the time of interview, said the $200 application fee on top of the personal cost of campaigning was a valid consideration for anyone on a budget.“It adds up,” she said. “Obviously I’m keen to do it - but we’re having to spend money just to get the job.”As for her motivation?“People ask me, ‘Why are you doing this? Why make life so hard?’ But this is what I was put here to do - leave the world a better place than you found it,” she said.One of those stepping aside was deputy mayor Neil Gillespie, who first became a district councillor in 2001 and was eyeing a move to regional council. In an interview with the Central App, he said many qualified people opted not to stand due to professional and family responsibilities, while others were put off by the sense that public service often went unappreciated.“Many potential candidates ask themselves, ‘Why would I do that bloody thankless task?’,” he said. He downplayed any talk of a “changing of the guard” following his and Nigel’s flagged departures, noting the potential for a complete refresh existed every three years at the hands of voters.Neil said the community board remained a valuable stepping stone into council and expressed disappointment that an engaged first-term member like Wally wasn’t in a position to stand.He added he would question the motivation of anyone who put their name forward at the last minute simply to fill a gap.Nominations for council and community board roles across the Central Otago District close at 12pm on Friday, August 1.At the time of writing, there were no nominations for elected members to serve on the Maniototo Community Board, while other wards had received fewer nominations than there were seats to fill, leaving gaping holes in local representation just days out from the deadline.

For the first time since 2019 Central Otago voters will have a say on who leads their district.A challenger has stepped forward to contest the mayoralty - a role that went uncontested at the last local elections, when former mayor Tim Cadogan was re-elected unopposed.Since late last year, the district has been led by Tamah Alley, who was selected by fellow councillors to step into the top job after Tim resigned to take up a role in Wellington with national water regulator Taumata Arowai.Tamah, a former police officer, became Central Otago’s first female mayor when appointed in October. Now, the mayoralty will be up for grabs again - and the first contender to publicly declare his candidacy is someone with a history of challenging local government.Mark Quinn founded the national organisation Challenging Councils, which was set up to advocate for greater transparency and community voice in local decision-making.In recent years, he has travelled throughout New Zealand, hosting meetings and presentations focused on what he claimed were systemic issues in council governance and spending.Mark, who moved to Roxburgh in 2016 and now runs a small almond orchard, said he was encouraged by supporters to stand and intended to campaign on restoring core council services, addressing rising rates, and strengthening public input.“I’ve been asked to stand for mayor by many over the last few months,” he wrote in a public announcement on social media. “Over the next two months I will be running meetings throughout the Central Otago district. I intend to draw your attention to issues that create havoc with our rates, not servicing our core infrastructure, and why the people’s voice is not being heard or followed as we are the owners of council.”He said he looked forward to working with the community “in turning this council around” and would soon set up a dedicated email address to hear directly from residents.Speaking to The Central App on Monday, Mark positioned himself as an alternative - not an opponent - to the current mayor, highlighting his business background as a key point of difference.A former consultant and analyst, he said he had worked with struggling businesses across New Zealand throughout his career, making strategic and often tough decisions.“For 40 years, (I was) troubleshooting companies, overseeing them, rebuilding them, closing them down wherever necessary.”For Mark, one of the most pressing issues facing Central Otago is what he sees as spiralling rates and a council culture that’s out of touch with the people it serves.“If you can't pay rates now, you won't (be able to) in two years - they're going to price you out,” he said.He argues council leadership is too focused on direction from central government, rather than listening to ratepayers - who he describes as the true owners of the council.Mark was now semi-retired, with three children and four grandchildren.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The new Riverside Park development in downtown Alexandra, Kāmoanahaehae, has been secured with a retaining wall, and landscaping is underway.Stage one of the $1.7M project at the end of Tarbert Street was recently reprioritised to ensure better stability of the site.The parks and recreation team at Central Otago District Council told councillors last month that the $400,000 ramp from the edge of the riverbank to a floating jetty would need to be completed first.The ramp was intended to be the main feature of the design, allowing people access right down to the water’s edge.But designs had to be flood resistant and meet Geotech requirements, and it was decided nine meter poles would need to be driven into the ground to support the ramp.Until that phase was completed, contractors were not able to finish and concrete the plaza area, with the risk of vibrations cracking it.Another update from council in the last week outlined the latest developments, including the retaining wall (clad in decorative timber), and in the next week paving stones will be laid to better define the plaza area and pathways.The new plaza area in downtown Alexandra has opened up the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha Matau-Au rivers for the public to enjoy. In the 2021 – 31 Long Term Plan council allocated $650,000 over three years for the construction of the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park, and additional funding of $723,848 was also received from Otago Community Trust ($100,000), Central Lakes Trust ($250,000), Lottery Environmental and Heritage Fund ($48,848), and MBIE TiF funding ($325,000).Construction began in September 2024 on Stage 1 which included several additional permissions, underground work and investigations required for archaeological authority. Additional work was undertaken by Otago Regional Council in the removal of the riverbank trees from the traffic bridge to Tarbert Street.The Wairoa Manuherekia Trust provided $120,000 for the removal of additional willow trees from the Manuherekia riverbank and an off-road trail was currently underway, linking the park to the Linger and Die and onto the Otago Central Rail Trail.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its second reading, with National voting alongside the opposition parties.Employers may need to be ready to face up to some uncomfortable discussions about employee pay, employment experts say.On Wednesday night, Labour MP Camilla Belich's Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill passed its second reading, with National voting alongside the three opposition parties.The bill would ensure that pay secrecy clauses, which prevent employees from discussing their salaries with colleagues, would no longer be enforceable, meaning employers could not take legal action, ]if an employee talked about pay.Simon Schofield, a professional teaching fellow in University of Auckland law school, said it would be a positive move."The underlying reason for the bill is to ensure that people who are discriminated against have the ability to see where they sit relative to other employees doing the same work and allows them to discuss that."He said some employers may have to deal with challenging situations, justifying why certain people were paid a certain rate compared to others."Those questions may be uncomfortable for an employer to answer, but I don't think that means an employee should be dismissed for having those discussions."If someone isn't feeling that they're getting paid well compared to their peers, they'll often just leave the employment relationship, but by ensuring that people can have these discussions, it puts the onus on employers to justify some of their decisions around pay, which sometimes… can have elements of unconscious bias involved and that feeds into the gender pay gap."Hesketh Henry partner Alison Maelzer said remuneration was slightly taboo, so people might be reluctant to talk about it anyway."It's awkward both ways," she said. "If you find out you're being paid less than the person you're talking to or if you're being paid more than the person you're talking to, either way, it opens up all kinds of a can of worms."She said, if the bill passed, salaries could become a water cooler conversation for a while."It might be prompting people to ask their colleagues a question they might not have done otherwise."Duncan Cotterill partner Alastair Espie said he saw people getting into trouble over pay disclosure "very infrequently"."It's an issue that is often difficult for employers to prove, so concerns about employees talking about their salary will often go unaddressed or be dealt with through more informal channels."Maelzer said she had been an employment lawyer for more than 20 years and had not been on either side of such a matter."Perhaps employers are reluctant to take disciplinary action, because it could open up a can of worms related to the reasons why the employee is sharing salary details."She said agreements often contained a clause that made the terms of employment confidential."The way it would be in there is not a specific clause, but when you're defining confidential information, client information, marketing strategy or whatever, you'd also include the terms of your employment in that list."She said the bill would not prevent employers doing that, but would prevent them taking action against an employee for remuneration disclosure.Schofield said action had been taken against employees who disclosed their pay."Employers are entitled to treat pay as confidential information, therefore - because there's been a breach of that confidential information - employers may think they're entitled to dismiss an employee for that disclosure."

Each week, mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues council is tackling.Democracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to mayor Tamah Alley.Click here to go to the mayor's website.

When someone arrived at Teviot Valley Community Board member Gill Booth’s house with a t-shirt saying “miss-information”, she knew she’d hit home.She was now getting used to having it thrown at her, like an accusation, that she supported Voices For Freedom, “but all I wanted was freedom,” she told a public webinar organised by the group on Thursday night (July 17).A resident in the district for the past 40 years, Gill might have got the lowest votes out of all the community board members at the last election, but she got her foot in the door.And she said people started to listen. She put out fliers around the community sharing her opposition to what she described as the theft of the country’s water (3 Waters).The webinar was organised by Voices For Freedom founder Claire Deeks, and Gill said those supporting the group at the last election were “depicted as rats chewing our way through the ballot box”.There were cartoons of the group in the media mocking them, which according to Claire got worse the further south you went.But the group said there was no “big scandal” from their end - just a platform for people to have a voice - no political or obvious affiliation to anything, except “freedom”.Voices for Freedom was founded in December 2020, according to the group’s website, as "a non-political organisation focused on protecting New Zealanders' fundamental human rights with a particular focus on freedom of speech, health/medical freedom and all freedoms under attack from an overzealous and oppressive Covid-19 response".Gill warned anyone intending on standing in the Local Elections 2025, if they didn’t have a thick skin, to find a way of supporting someone else who was campaigning, “because they need all the support they can get”. She said there was a place for everybody.Gill was supported on the webinar by Southland District councillor Jaspreet Boparai, who also felt the community through the media treated her like “a crazy United Nations nut bar”.Jaspreet told the group that her time as an elected member had been a steep learning curve.“I have never read so much in my life,” she said, referring to the speed with which the legislation changed, between the Labour and National parties.Gill added that after the lockdowns it was time for elected members to walk the talk, and she said “representing the community, all of a sudden things got a whole lot harder”.Both women agreed that standing on your own to have a voice was empowering, but hard when making decisions.Gill felt that her time on the community board and answering to Central Otago District Council was difficult, saying they were always making the final decisions, “and a lot was hidden from you - a lot of background current”.Using ‘districtisation’ as an example, both Teviot and Cromwell community boards were against it, “but then the council stormed ahead with it anyway”, she said. Both women encouraged potential candidates to just do their best and remember who they were representing, “because you just don’t want to let people down”, Jaspreet said.For more on our election coverage, go to the Central App button.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Hotdogs and chips will hopefully be soon on the menu at the new Clyde Night ’n Day food store after a resource consent hearing in Alexandra yesterday (Wednesday July 16).The store is the only one of the 54 nationwide that doesn’t yet sell deep fried food, after the new owners hit a roadblock, following the purchase of the historic Four Square supermarket in October 2024.The hearing considered an application for NDN Advertising to extend its opening hours from 6am to 11pm in line with other stores, and to offer cooked food available in a bain-marie.Night ’n Day Foodstores Limited general manager Matthew Lane gave evidence before commissioner Rosalind Day-Cleavin, saying there was an expectation in the community that the store sell deep fried food, like its other businesses around the country.“We have been approached by members of the community that we are not living up to our brand by being closed at 8pm.”He said it was only the second time they have received a submission to the full operation of a Night ’n Day out of 54 locations.The nearby Cromwell Night ’n Day currently ranked second in New Zealand (after Winton), for fried food sales, while Alexandra was fifth.Central Otago District Council (CODC) advised the owners they were operating beyond the scope of their consent in early 2025.CODC determined that the scope of the activity—both in terms of trading hours and the shift in character to a hybrid convenience and takeaway food model—exceeded the existing use rights previously associated with the Four Square operation.The business consent did not authorise any changes to the nature or scale of the underlying retail activity.Consultant planner Oli Monthule-McIntosh initially recommended the consent be approved, but suggested a condition be made to restrict the preparation and sale of hot food to between 7am and 8pm.Matthew said they were conscious of the neighbourhood they were operating in, but wanted to be able to accommodate nearby health workers at Dunstan Hospital and late night travellers.The commissioner adjourned the meeting and said she would advise when a decision would be made once satisfied all information had been submitted.

Two out of three councillors representing the Dunstan constituency on Otago Regional Council will throw their hats in for re-election in a few months’ time, but neither is happy with the voting system that could get them a seat around the decision-making table.The single transferable vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, was set to be adopted in this year’s council elections.The move away from the first past the post system used previously was supported by a majority of regional councillors last year.But Dunstan councillors Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher were not among them.For Michael, the shift was further evidence of what he claimed to be a Dunedin-centric regional council.“STV was imposed on the Dunstan ward by a majority of Dunedin-based councillors,” he said.“We now have two voting systems that conflict: first-past-the-post for the CODC (Central Otago District Council) and QLDC (Queenstown Lakes District Council) mayoralty, council and community boards; and STV for the ORC Dunstan ward.”He described having two voting systems before the electorate as “madness”.“Anything that hinders voter turn-out - by making voting more difficult - is a bad idea.”Gary also voiced concern at what he saw as a block of urban councillors swaying the voting system shift.“It’s a more confusing system and it was heavily supported by the Dunedin-centric faction of the ORC councillors, so it makes me suspicious.”However, the ORC communications team was working to uncomplicate the new system for voters in a novel way.A ‘how-to’ guide published by the council on its website used the example of voters selecting their favourite ice-cream flavours to explain the process.“Cookies and cream is the best - how do I give it my vote?” the website asked.“Rank cookies and cream ‘1’ in your ballot - if you want a second option, rank that one ‘2’,” it continued.“If you really, really don't want strawberry (because eeewww), then make sure their box is as empty as their flavour.”STV had its supporters, including politics and voting specialist Professor Janine Hayward, of the University of Otago.Speaking to Dunedin media about the long-term use of the voting system by Dunedin City Council, the professor said it produced election results that reflected the wishes of the people with a high degree of accuracy.Dunstan’s third representative, Queenstown-resident Alexa Forbes, announced in February she would not be standing for re-election in this year’s election.Following a representation review last year, Dunstan would gain a fourth councillor in October’s elections.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Members of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project have welcomed Health NZ’s clinical services review, which will begin this month.The review is looking at how needs have changed in this region, with clinical services “the priority” and the location of a regional hospital “the fundamental point of the review”, Health NZ Southern chief medical officer David Gow said.Read more: ‘Unmet health needs’ acknowledged at roadshow “This is the news from Health NZ we’ve been waiting for,” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said.“Until recently, despite our growth, Health NZ had no plans for expansion in our area. We’re finally on their radar.”Glyn is one of the leaders of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project, along with Central Otago District Council mayor Tamah Alley, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, Waitaki MP Miles Anderson, and Queenstown-based ACT MP Todd Stephenson.The group (which is backed by a charitable trust) has been working with health infrastructure specialist Helen Foot of Markit Consulting since October 2023, with the goal of incorporating public health services alongside existing and planned private providers. A statement from the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project yesterday (Monday July 14) said Health NZ’s clinical services review “clears the way for a new hospital in the region that could complement and support existing health services”. “It could be New Zealand’s first large privately-owned and publicly operated hospital,” the statement said.Joseph Mooney said incorporating public health infrastructure alongside current or planned private providers in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wānaka and Queenstown would bring public healthcare closer to home for the area’s growing number of residents and visitors.“We want to work with existing providers and help uplift the service everyone can provide.”Health NZ’s clinical services review is expected to be completed by December this year.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

With effect from 22 May 2025, the Government launched a new tax incentive called Investment Boost. It made headlines at the time, but as is often the case with policy changes, the initial noise dies down and life goes on.Now that things have settled a bit, it’s a good time to take a second look, to check in re whether it’s something that fits into your business strategy.So, what is Investment Boost?In simple terms, if you buy an eligible asset, say a new piece of machinery, a vehicle, or some tech equipment, you can immediately deduct 20% of its cost from your taxable income, on top of the usual depreciation you’d claim.That means a lower tax bill in the year you make the purchase, which sounds like a win. The Government says this is about encouraging growth and boosting productivity and for some businesses, it could do just that.But here’s the thing...This is about cash flow, not just taxA lower tax bill can be helpful, sure. But it doesn’t magically make a new purchase affordable.Let’s say you want to spend $10,000 on new equipment. With Investment Boost, you are allowed $2000 extra depreciation on that spend, plus you are allowed the normal depreciation on the remaining $8000 portion, so let’s say another $2,400 for example at a 30% rate. But remember, that’s not money in your pocket. It results in a reduction in cash income tax payable of say $1200- $1700 depending on your circumstances. The net effect of $10,000 less reduced cash tax payable $1200- $1700, is an after tax cost of around $8,300 - $8800 on that $10,000. Another thing to remember, is an income tax benefit now, will impact your March 2026 year income tax to pay, so there is a time lag for the associated tax payments to roll around.So a key question becomes; Is this something you were planning to buy anyway? Or are you buying it mostly because there’s a tax break attached? Don’t overcommit because the numbers “look good”If a new asset genuinely moves your business forward, you both need and can afford it, then this incentive is a win and more power to it. That said, we’ve also seen businesses trip up by chasing tax perks without thinking about the longer-term impact on their cash flow.Consider whether you would be stretching your budget now, and whether that would mean you're struggling to pay suppliers, hire staff, or weather a quiet month later. Sometimes the tax saving might come at too high a cost. Knowing your future cash flow projections is crucial for your decision making.It’s not a one-size-fits-all opportunitySome businesses are in growth mode and/or still have solid cash flow. Others are still rebuilding after a tough few COVID years. For some, this tax break will exactly what is needed for their pre-existing plans. For others, it could create stressful cash flow 10-12 weeks down the track. This is why understanding your specific business context, matters.So, what should you do?We always say, before you make any big spending decisions, especially off the back of new tax policy, have a chat with your accountant or adviser. Not just to crunch the numbers, but to talk about your goals, your cash flow, and the timing of any major investments.Even if you’ve already bought something and you’re wondering how this change affects you, it’s still worth checking in.The bottom line:Investment Boost is a useful tool, and is better than having no stimulus, but it’s not a magic fix. Like anything in business, the value lies in how and when you apply the changes. So now that the noise has died down, let’s sit down, look at the big picture, and figure out if this is the right time, and the right move, for you. Because good business isn’t just about saving on tax. It’s about making smart, sustainable decisions that keep your business moving forward, one step at a time. To achieve the type of life you want.Want some complimentary business or tax advice? Reach out to us for a no-obligation, no charge chat. Love to you, from Love to Grow

Many Central Otago businesses have websites that cover the essentials and that’s a great foundation.But there’s real opportunity in taking it a step further. With a few thoughtful tweaks, your website can become a tool that reflects everything you’ve built: your values, your story, your strengths.It doesn’t need to be complicated. A well-crafted website can bring in new customers, support the ones you already have, and free up your time so you can focus on what you do best.Tell your story, your wayYour business is more than just your logo and a list of services. People want to know the story behind it, why you started, who’s involved, and what makes your business tick. You don’t have to be poetic, just be real. It helps people connect and trust you.Make it easy to get in touchIf someone’s on your website, chances are they’re looking to take the next step, call, visit, book, or buy. Make your contact details easy to find, and be clear about how people can get in touch or what to expect when they do.Show what you do, even if you don’t sell onlineEven if your business isn’t e-commerce, people still want to see what you offer.Whether it’s services, events, accommodation, or handmade products, make sure there’s a clear page (with good photos) that shows what people can expect.If you’re a hairdresser, show your cuts. If you’re a vineyard, show your bottles and tastings. It’s not about selling online it’s about clarity and trust.Use real photos where you canA few well-taken photos of your space, your team, or your work go a long way.You don’t need a full photoshoot just something that feels authentic and gives people a feel for your business. Stock photos tend to feel generic and don’t show your uniqueness.Keep your info up to dateIf your last update was pre-COVID, it’s time.You don’t have to change your website every week, but check it a couple of times a year.Are your hours still right? Do you still offer that service? Has your team changed?Even small updates keep things fresh and show that you’re paying attention.Think about local searchA few simple tweaks to your website can help people find you more easily on Google especially when they’re searching “Clyde bike hire” or “best coffee in Alexandra.”Make sure your location is clear, your services are listed in plain language, and you’ve linked to your Google Business Profile.Make it mobile-friendlyMost people will look you up on their phone often while out and about.If your site’s hard to read or navigate on a small screen, they’ll probably give up and try someone else. Test it on your own phone and see how it feels.Encourage next stepsYour website should give people a clear next move. That might be booking a table, making an enquiry, joining a newsletter, or just following you on social media.Make it obvious what to do, and don’t assume people will go hunting for it.Your website doesn’t have to win awards. But it should work for you not just sit there.Final thoughtsA tidy, useful, and up-to-date site builds trust, brings in business, and shows you care about your customer experience, even before they walk through the door.If you’re not sure where to start, tidy up the basics. If you’re ready to go further, bring in someone local who gets it. You don’t need a huge budget just a bit of intention.

We’re now in July, just passed the midpoint of the year, and a critical juncture for any business leader. The pace may be fast, but this is your chance to step back, zoom out, and strategically evaluate where your business stands and where it’s headed.At this point in the year, too many businesses simply "keep going" without asking the important questions. But if you want to finish strong, now is the time to reassess your strategy, realign your marketing, and make targeted shifts to ensure you’re on track to achieve your goals or adjust them if needed.Start by carving out time away from the daily grind. Seriously. Jump off this page, make time in your calendar and come back to answer these questions.Use this moment to reflect not just on performance, but on direction.1. Reconnect with your vision and market positionAre you still aligned with your original purpose or has the market shifted beneath you?Have your customer’s needs evolved ? Have you?Are you still solving a meaningful problem, or is it time to reposition?This is a prime opportunity to assess your brand relevance. If your value proposition feels generic or vague, it's time to refine it. Brands that win are brands that adapt without losing clarity or consistency.2. Re-evaluate your business model and marketing strategyYour business strategy and marketing must work hand-in-hand. Ask yourself:What’s driving revenue? What’s draining resources?Are your products or services delivering results and demand?Is your marketing attracting the right audience or any audience at all?Audit your funnel from first touchpoint to sale. Which messages are resonating? What content is converting? Are your campaigns clear on value, or simply adding noise?Consider where your highest-margin customers are coming from and double down. Pause vanity tactics that don’t move the needle.3. Cash Flow: Beyond the balance sheetDon’t wait until year-end to assess cash flow mid-year is your chance to get ahead.Revenue might look healthy, but it’s profit and timing that tell the real story.Are payments arriving when you need them?Are you overly reliant on a few clients?Are you spending in line with your priorities?This is the time to segment your cash into tax, operating expenses, owner’s pay, and reinvestment, so you're not making reactive decisions.Remember: cash flow isn’t just about survival; it funds your ability to grow, hire, and market in the second half of the year.4. Marketing ROI: Time for brutal clarityMarketing spend should never be “set and forget.” Do a hard audit:Is your message relevant to today’s market needs?Where is your competition showing up that you’re not?If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Create KPIs that matter cost per lead, conversion rate, customer lifetime value and review them monthly, not just mid-year.Don’t just look at outputs (content volume, ad spend). Focus on outcomes. Are you building trust? Awareness? Leads? Sales?5. Tax & compliance: Get ahead of the gameNow’s the time to sync with your accountant or financial advisor. Check in on your projections, update your estimated payments, and review any recent regulatory changes that could impact you.If your tax situation surprises you in December, that’s a strategic failure not just a finance one. Good marketing and tax planning go hand in hand because strong margins mean you can reinvest.6. Trim the fat: Cut waste, keep valueRun an expense analysis. Not just to save money but to sharpen your focus.What subscriptions or software tools aren’t earning their keep?Are there manual processes that could be automated?Is there a mismatch between your overhead and your growth stage?Lean doesn't mean stingy, it means strategic. Free up resources to reinvest in what works: your team, your clients, and your marketing momentum.7.Check in with your team: Realign, reenergiseYour people are the engine behind your strategy, so take time to check in with them, too.A mid-year review isn’t just about metrics and margins; it’s about morale, clarity, and cohesion.Ask your team what’s working, what’s not, and where they feel blocked or underutilised.Are they clear on the company’s direction?Do they understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture?Small course corrections now. Whether it’s better communication, streamlined workflows, or recognition of effort can create massive gains in performance, culture, and retention.Strong teams build strong businesses, and investing in those relationships mid-year can unlock the energy you need to finish the year strong.8. Redefine success and recommit to itNow that you've assessed where you are, reset your targets:Which goals still matter?Which should be redefined based on what you now know?Where can you accelerate and where do you need to pivot?Write down no more than three strategic shifts you’ll make in the next 90 days. Assign owners. Set deadlines. Make accountability visible.9. Bonus: Market the shiftWhen you recalibrate your business, tell your audience.Share your renewed vision, refreshed offerings, or bold goals with your customers and followers. Marketing is storytelling, and change is one of the most powerful stories you can tell.Use this moment to re-engage your audience and inspire confidence. Momentum is magnetic.Final thoughtsThis mid-year review is more than a checklist. It’s your leadership moment. Your opportunity to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and purpose.Take the time. Ask the hard questions. Make the right adjustments.Because the second half of the year won’t wait and neither will your goals.

In a world where digital is everywhere, it’s easy to forget how powerful traditional marketing can still be. But when you combine both print, posters, local events and digital tools like websites, email, and social media, you can create a much stronger connection with your customers.Here are five practical ways to blend old-school and online marketing to give your customers a better, more personalised experience.1. Use online insights to make conversations warmerOld-fashioned cold calling or random email blasts don’t work like they used to. But if you look at who’s visiting your website, what emails they’re opening, or which products they’re searching for you can see who’s genuinely interested.Even a basic tool like Google Analytics or your email marketing stats can show:Which pages people are readingWhich products/services they’re most interested inIf someone’s clicked a link more than onceFrom there, you can reach out with a message that’s actually relevant not random.Tip: If you have a CRM (like Hubspot or Mailchimp), make sure it’s tracking who’s doing what, so you can follow up meaningfully.2. Pair print with smart targetingPrint still works especially in smaller communities like ours. People pick up flyers and notice something in the mailbox more than another email in their inbox.But print works best when it’s not done blindly. For example:Run a short flyer campaign to the people who’ve recently clicked on your websiteInclude QR codes that take them to a specific page (like a promo, video or booking form)Use simple design with a clear message and one action you want people to take3. Make the most of events by planning around themLocal events are perfect for face-to-face brand building. But instead of just showing up with a banner, think of the full customer journey:Before the event: Send an email or post on social media to let people know you’ll be thereDuring: Offer a competition, demo or chat that adds valueAfter: Follow up with a personalised email, discount, or invitation to visit in-store or online4. Match posters & billboards with online targetingGot a billboard or poster around town? You can now use tech to help you follow up with the people who’ve seen it.You could even add a short web address or QR code to your poster so people can visit a special landing page or run a special deal just for locals who "saw the sign"5. Use direct mail to reach people who ignore emailsIf a customer has gone quiet (not opening emails or visiting your site) a well-timed postcard, handwritten note, or even a small printed gift can get their attention again.To make it count:Only send mail to people who have interacted with you before (so it's not completely cold)Keep it short, friendly, and personalGive them a reason to scan a code, redeem a voucher, or reach outTip: Use direct mail as a surprise “extra” in your customer journey, it’s great for thank-yous, anniversaries, or special offers.Final thoughtBlending traditional and digital marketing isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it smarter. A little bit of personalisation based on who your customers are and where they’re at can make your efforts go much further.So whether you’re running a local tourism business, café, trade service, or online store, consider how print, digital, and personal touches can work together to grow your brand in Central Otago.

Let’s face it running a business in isn’t for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re juggling emails, managing bookings, chasing invoices, or trying to post on social media before dinner, there’s always more to do than hours in the day.That’s where automation can be a real game changer.And no, we’re not talking about robots taking over your shop or AI running the show while you retire to a vineyard. We’re talking about small, smart tools that can take care of the boring, repetitive stuff, so you can spend more time on what actually matters: your customers, your team, and the reason you got into business in the first place.So, what is automation?At its simplest, automation means using software or systems to do tasks for you. Without needing to lift a finger each time.Things like:Automatically sending out appointment remindersPosting to Facebook or Instagram on a scheduleFollowing up with customers after a purchaseKeeping your stock or bookings up to dateIt doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive. In fact, it can start with tools you probably already use.Step 1: Spot the bottlenecksStart by asking yourself (or your team): “What’s something we do over and over again that eats up time?”Maybe it’s replying to the same questions, chasing late payments, or even copying data from one system to another.Write those tasks down. If something is boring, repetitive, and doesn’t require much thinking, there’s a good chance you can automate it.Step 2: Start smallThe best automation projects are the ones that feel like a relief, not a headache.Here are a few simple wins to start with:Bookings & appointmentsUse tools like Calendly, Acuity, or even your Google Calendar with built-in booking forms. Clients can pick a time, and they’ll get auto-reminders, no back-and-forth required.Email newslettersPlatforms like Mailchimp or Flodesk let you write once and send automatically, great for monthly updates, promotions, or welcome emails.Invoicing & paymentsXero or Stripe can help automate invoicing, payment reminders, and even recurring billing.Social media schedulingTools like Meta business suite or Later let you plan posts in advance so you’re not scrambling every morning for a caption.You could also try looking at your customer lifecycle the steps people go through from first hearing about you to becoming regulars. Here are a few spots where automation can help:Awareness: Schedule social posts or set up simple analyticsFirst interaction: Use auto-replies or welcome emailsPurchase: Set up online booking or invoice automationAfter purchase: Send follow-ups, review requests, or loyalty rewardsRepeat & referral: Automate special offers or referral trackingEven one small change in the right place can make a big difference.Step 3: Keep it personalOne of the biggest worries with automation is losing the personal touch. But used wisely, it can actually free you up to connect more with customers, not less.For example:Automate your quote follow-ups so you don’t forgetUse email templates with a few personal tweaksSend birthday discounts or “we miss you” emails to past customersThe goal isn’t to remove the human, it’s to support it.Step 5: Ask for help if you need itWhether you’re in retail, hospitality, real estate, or running a solo operation, you don’t have to figure this out alone. There are people around who can help from your bookkeeper to your local digital expert.Even just a one-hour session with someone who “gets” automation can save you hours every week.Final thought: Time is money, but energy matters tooHere in Central Otago, life moves a little differently. We value our community, our environment, and our time. So if a bit of smart automation can help you spend less time on admin and more time enjoying what matters, why not give it a go?Start small. Pick one thing. Try it.Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Each week, Mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues her team is tackling on your behalf.Democracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions to writing directly to Mayor Tamah Alley. She’s committed to making sure your voice is part of the decision-making process. Click here to learn more.

More than 100 people attended a Business After Five (BA5) meeting in Cromwell on Thursday night, where Santana Minerals spoke about the gold mining project ready for fast tracking.A panel of experts from Santana spoke at the meeting, from engineers to environmental managers. The company has been transparent in the community over the last year - including holding drop in public meetings from Tarras to Roxburgh. A Bendigo vineyard owner raised concerns about leakage and its potential to dent tourism. Many believe Central Otago’s riches have long been built on visitors, wine and fruit.The region’s natural beauty, clean air and water have underpinned an economy that continues to grow with no shortage of jobs."While open-cast mining may bring significant financial gains, we must equally weigh its impacts and risks for Otago’s people, its established industries and the natural environment".Santana Minerals was continuing to boost up 'drop in' meetings over the coming weeks, and have made significant promises to the community, adding they were thinking with the end in sight, and ensuring the mine was left for the better of the community years after they finished.The meeting heard there were over 800 people interested in working there, with at least 300 jobs on offer once it opened.Santana Minerals chief executive Damien Spring addresses the BA5 meeting in Cromwell on Thursday. Photo:The Central AppMeanwhile, Sustainable Tarras was organising public meetings of its own, in both Wanaka and Dunedin next week, with a panel of experts - not yet identified.Sustainable Tarras Inc chair Suze Keith said the panel will outline what is known about plans for the gold mine, take audience questions, and discuss what the community can do.“From the information released so far, there are numerous very worrying issues,” she said.“These include the size and scale of the mine right in the heart of an Outstanding Natural Landscape, the massive tailings dam which will hold 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of toxic waste, and the extensive use and storage of large quantities of cyanide just upstream of the Clutha River.“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”Santana Minerals said it was aware of the public meetings through posts on social media but hasn't been asked to attend or speak at the events.Engagement manager Vicki Blakeborough said they were still working towards its application for consents through the fast-track process.Sustainable Tarras believed Santana had not been “open and transparent with concerned locals”.“They’re not providing us information we’re reasonably asking for, and which we know they have got,” Suze said.The company has said while the project would be assessed under the fast-track approval process - which aims to streamline projects of national significance - there was mandated legislation and standards would need to be met, including the Resource Management Act and associated regulations and national policy statements.Suze said the mine is “getting attention from people who are concerned that the fast-track process is being used inappropriately for a project which is not about public infrastructure or community benefit, but rather is solely about extraction of resources and maximising shareholder profits, most of which will go offshore”.“This mine would become the largest single earthworks in Otago since the Clyde Dam could be approved without the general public having any right of input into the proposal,” she said.People interested in attending the meeting in Wānaka can register to find out more here. www.bit.ly/notmine2025.Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]