Last night, while watching The Rookie with the kids (yes, we’re a bit behind, but completely hooked), something surprising happened. Between the action scenes and snack runs, I built a complete Easter landing page for our Shopify store.No developers.No design team.No detailed brief.Just me—and some incredibly smart AI tools.It wasn’t planned. I had been meaning to set up the page all week, but life kept getting in the way. So, I decided to give it a go while the kids were winding down for the night. I opened my laptop on the couch, fed a few prompts into the AI tools I’ve been testing, and just like that—it came together. Page built. Copy done. Images generated. All while still keeping up with the plot twists.This kind of thing used to take a whole team and multiple days. Now? It’s within reach of anyone willing to explore what's possible.And yet, for many retailers, AI still feels like this big, technical mystery—one more thing on an already full plate. With new tools appearing constantly and time being tighter than ever, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.But stories like this—where everyday tasks are made simpler, faster, and even a little bit fun—are becoming more common.This isn’t just about future-proofing anymore. It’s about working smarter now, using tools that are already here, already powerful, and surprisingly accessible.Retail is changing fast. And sometimes, that change looks like building a fully functioning online page during a Tuesday night TV binge.

The Omakau Hub project has $2.5M funding confirmed for the $5.2M project after a recent grant from Otago Community Trust (OCT) of $540,000.The Omakau Hall sale proceeds will go towards the build, and $200,000 have been included in the $2.5M raised so far.Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust (MVCT) has lodged applications for funding with Central Lakes Trust (CLT) and Lotteries, with decisions expected in June. A MVCT spokesperson said they were working on a fundraising plan over the next couple of months.A Central Otago District Council (CODC) spokesperson said a building consent will be lodged after July 1, 2025, and building was expected to start in October 2025.CODC has approved funding any shortfall from Vincent general reserves subject to public consultation through the Draft Long Term Plan (LTP).Council will be able to let the public know when the LTP is adopted in June 2025.        The hub is the development of a modern, multi-purpose venue that will serve communities throughout the Manuherekia and Ida Valleys, as well as wider Central Otago.Located on the Omakau Recreation Reserve, this facility will fill the gap left by the closure of the Omakau Hall and Hotel, providing a centralised space for community, sporting, cultural, and social activities while also serving as an emergency response base when needed.An artists impression of the Omakau Hub. PHOTO: SuppliedDesigned to accommodate up to 200 people, the hub will feature a commercial kitchen, function room with bar facilities, meeting space with video conferencing capabilities, changing rooms, a dedicated home for the Omakau Toy Library, a whānau quiet space, and gym facilities.OCT distributed $1,052,261 in funding to 30 community groups across the region in its March grants round.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Matakanui Station will represent Otago at the National Ballance Farm Environmental awards on June 18 after its big regional win last week.Taking out the Regional Supreme award, owners Andrew and Tracy Paterson say it still hasn’t quite sunken in, but were “absolutely thrilled,” when it was announced.The farm will be represented along with 10 other regional supreme winners in contesting the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust in Wellington.The national winner became the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.Tracy said they just loved being able to share their story, and the public was invited to a field day on May 14, organised by the NZ Farm Environment Trust, to see the different aspects of their work for themselves.Spanning 5,300ha, Matakanui Station has been in the Paterson family since 1958, with Tracy and Andrew working there since 2001 and taking over ownership in 2014. They have since transformed the farm with significant investment in irrigation, fencing and pasture development, while also restoring wetlands and improving water quality monitoring.The Patersons run 22,000 Polwarth sheep on the property – producing fine wool for high-end brands – alongside 1,100 Hereford cattle and a thriving Polwarth stud.Tracy said on her Facebook page they were quite shocked at the time to be given the award, “given the incredibly high calibre of finalists and the amazing work being done on each of their properties. “We can imagine this would not have been an easy decision for the judges. The evening showcased what is possible when farmers are true stewards of the land and each of the entrants demonstrate this.”She said the award would not have been possible without the significant contribution of their team, “our Matakanui family,” and recognised both past and present employees that had assisted them to get to this point.Judges praised Tracy and Andrew for their forward-thinking use of technology to inform animal management, water use and feed planning. Their use of genetics and on-farm testing addressed key animal health issues, and adjustments in their cattle finishing programme reflected a strong commitment to continual learning and improvement. Judges also noted the Patersons’ dedication to environmental stewardship, with 6.3ha of wetlands restored and partially planted and an additional 24ha set for protection this year. In collaboration with their neighbour, they were also protecting 132ha of alpine totara forest under a QEII Trust covenant, recognising its significance as the largest known stand of its kind in Central Otago. Tracy said the forest was regenerating, even as they continued to farm, and some of the trees were three to five metres tall, with a lot new ones in there as well.“It really is quite something.”

As Easter approaches, the Labour Inspectorate is reminding employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations concerning Easter trading laws.  Simon Humphries, Head of the Labour Inspectorate, emphasises the importance of understanding these regulations:  "On three and a half days each year, almost all shops must close under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. These are Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on ANZAC Day."  “Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990, meaning most shops must remain closed. However, certain shops may open if they meet specific conditions.”  Those businesses permitted to trade include places such as a dairy, petrol station, pharmacy, restaurant or cafe, hairdressers, and barbers. Farmers and crafts markets are also included in this category. These places have certain conditions they need to meet, but they can be open.”   “Employees have the right to refuse work on Easter Sunday without providing a reason. This right applies to all shop employees, including those in exempted shops like dairies and petrol stations, as well as staff performing non-trading work such as shelf-stacking or stocktaking.”  Employers must notify employees of this right in writing between 4 and 8 weeks before Easter Sunday. Failure to provide proper notice means employees cannot be compelled to work on that day.  “We want both employers and employees to understand that they have responsibilities and a process to follow when either an employer wants an employee to work on Easter Sunday, and where employees don’t want to work that day.”  Simon understands there has been confusion over the years on exactly which types of shops can open on restricted trading days. Some shops can also open on restricted trading days because they have an area exemption. These are generally given in tourist areas such as Taupō or Queenstown.   Councils can put in place local policies that allow shops within their area, or parts of it, to trade on Easter Sunday. Councils create local policies, and then notify MBIE.   “Generally, what we see is that people know the rules and are doing things right, what we’re keen to see is this extended across the board,” says Simon.  If you suspect a business is breaching the Easter trading laws, please notify MBIE via our online reporting form: Labour Inspectorate complaints | Employment New Zealand 

Tamah Alley, a former police constable, mum and an advocate for sustainable development, has announced she is running for Central Otago mayor in this year’s local government elections. With a background in community service and a passion for fostering economic growth and local democracy, Tamah hopes to continue to lead Central Otago into the future.She became the first female mayor in the district in October 2024 following Tim Cadogan's resignation and has become known for her open approach to local government leadership. "I am deeply committed to Central Otago and its residents, and helping shape a future where we continue to thrive as communities," said Tamah."My vision is an intergenerational community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live their best lives. “I believe in transparent governance and will work tirelessly to ensure all our people have the opportunity to contribute to our vision."Tamah brings experience to her candidacy as she has served on various local boards and committees, including Southern Lakes Trails and Cromwell Youth Trust, and has implemented initiatives forpublic engagement such as short videos known as ‘mayor in a minute’.Her term will focus on housing solutions, including opportunities to partner with private providers, diversifying councils income streams to be less reliant on rates and establishing a long term solution to water and wastewater that gives the best outcome for all water consumers. Local elections 2025 decide who represents the community on city, district and regional councils. They will run across New Zealand from September 9 to October 11, 2025. The Central App will publish profiles of those standing in the run up to the elections. View Electoral Commission information about voting in local elections hereHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]  

If you owe money to Inland Revenue, you might soon be contacted by Baycorp, chasing it.IR is cracking down on tax compliance.Earlier, it said it told 200 business owners that they should be able to use their multiple properties to clear their debts to IR.It was also "actively monitoring" the border movements of the largest student loan debtors and contacting them when they arrived in New Zealand.Now, it says it will use a third-party provider to contact about 3000 customers who owe less than $5000.Spokesperson Jane Elley said it was not able to contact all those people one-on-one without a third party's help."We want to try to stop penalties and interest piling up on people and we also want to continue to find cost-effective ways to collect tax from those who owe it. We want to know if using a third-party provider is an efficient and effective way to support customers get their debt sorted," she said."We've worked successfully with Baycorp for a number of years collecting student loans overseas - that's why we've selected them for this pilot. We've carefully considered the privacy concerns in Baycorp undertaking this work, and we've wrapped appropriate security and legal protections around it. We're confident in the steps they have in place to protect taxpayer privacy."Elley said Baycorp would contact customers by email, text message and phone to confirm the debt and promote IR's self-service options."Where self-service is not enough, customers will be referred to Inland Revenue."She said IR was aware that people might worry about scam calls or be worried about online security.They could call Inland Revenue to confirm the authenticity of callers."When contact is made, Baycorp won't ask people to click on a link to get to their accounts. There'll be no asking for credit card or bank account details; no threatening sudden arrest or pressure anyone to act immediately; and no asking for passwords."

Producers of local building materials want the government to consider them in the construction of government buildings, as will be done with wool.The wool sector was feeling buoyant by the decision this week for woollen products to be used in the construction or refurbishment of government buildings, where practical and appropriate.Waitomo farmer and industry leader Janette Osborne said it had created a buzz throughout King Country, billed as the shearing capital of the world.Osborne said progress on the issue was a long time coming, as previous working groups had struggled to get traction with MPs on it."We have a lot of people employed in and associated with the wool industry. We've got a lot of shearers, and we're really proud of our wool."Photo: Cosmo She said she hoped any extra money in the sector would trickle down through the region's economy.But other sectors wanted similar commitments from the government to use their products in construction.Chief executive of Wood Processors and Manufacturers Mark Ross said the industry had talked to government for years about including wood products in its builds, and will continue to."We're really pleased for wool products, this is an excellent outcome for them. But we're highly disappointed that this procurement policy hasn't been extended to wood products, such as timber andengineered wood products," Ross said.Products included cross-laminated timber and glulam made from New Zealand timber, which could provide "a real boost' for the industry with more government tenders.Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon"The wood products that we are talking about are not only renewable but have economic and environmental advantages when it comes to carbon storage and supporting our rural communities."Jo Say of the Hemp Building Association agreed that the decision was positive for the wool sector.But she said more construction projects could benefit from the environmental, sustainable and carbon-sucking hempcrete.Hempcrete is made from hemp hurd, the woody fibre inside an industrial hemp plant stem, and has a high R-value which indicates good insulation performance."Constructing a house from hempcrete allows for and creates a very stable internal temperature because of its high R-value and its great thermal mass. Those two together produce this very, verycomfortable internal temperature," she said.A close-up of the material which makes up hempcrete. Photo: RNZ/Sally RoundSay said the industrial hemp plant was a great carbon sequester, and the processed hempcrete product had carbon-sucking abilities too."When it's made into hempcrete, it's actually sequestering or sucking carbon out of the atmosphere, so every hempcrete house is actually a carbon sink."She said the damp and mouldy homes crisis New Zealand faced meant it was time to transition to healthier, environmentally friendly materials."Hempcrete has this hydroscopic capacity, which means that it's got a self-regulating moisture capacity, so mould and condensation are pretty much not even possible."The directive for government agencies covers the use of woollen products in elements of construction or refurbishments like flooring, insulation, acoustic panels and furnishings.It would apply to government-owned buildings with new construction works valued at $9 million at most, and $100,000 at most for refurbishments.Associate Agriculture Minister and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson said this week wool was a natural product that was less toxic and more naturally fire-retardant than synthetic orpetroleum-based alternatives used in construction.The procurement guide said the supply would need to be available, meet project requirements and delivery timelines.The government is also reviewing its procurement rules in efforts to remove red tape.New Zealand produces about 120,000 tonnes of wool each year, most of which is strong wool.Exports from New Zealand wool, carpets and other manufactured wool products earned $549m last year.The largest export markets for New Zealand wool and woollen products were China (earning $77m), India ($66m) and Australia ($81m).

Central Otago Resilience Trust (CORT) has supported 35 people across the district who have had to travel away from home for medical treatment in the past three years.CORT spokesperson Glen Christiansen said the trust was committed to helping those in need due to a medical condition and removing stress for them and their children too.“I can put a tank of fuel in the car and get to a [specialist] appointment in Dunedin if I have to, not everyone can do that.”Glen said the trust could support each individual with $1500 to go on travel, fuel or accommodation costs.CORT spokesperson Glen Christiansen. PHOTO: Supplied Since CORT started approximately $25,000 had gone to Central Otago locals in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh. Awareness raising was key to reaching those in need according to Glen.“There is a shortfall of [other] funding models and we want Central Otago to know about us and support us.”“It’s an easy format to request the money… we want to assure people that everything is confidential.”CORT was founded by founding trustees Glen, Derek Craig, Becky Ensor and John Cooper.It grew out of an idea after a fundraising campaign to help local journalist Jo McKenzie- McLean who was fighting bowel cancer.The idea was to help specific individuals struggling with medical related costs.Glen said CORT could assist people to other support services and had a network of contacts those suffering financial hardship could tap into.He said the trust would like to hear from those keen to help, even if they can’t make a financial contribution to CORT, it could be a “hire a hubby or similar”, or maybe a service to donate meals. Since the trust was formed in 2021 there has been a fundraising dinner held each year, supported “very well” by residents and the business community.“Tables have sold quickly,” Glen said.For the first time the dinner is in Alexandra at Orchard Garden next month (May 10) and two guest speakers will share their own health journeys.Speaking are former All Black no. 8 Paul Miller, who has lost his right eye to cancer and one of the people behind Cromwell’s Sangster’s Pies, Rob Sangster who has been through cancer treatment. Find more information on CORT hereTo find out how to apply visit How to apply pageRead more: Go blue for Parkinson’s Awareness Day in CentralHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central Otago Wilding Conifers Control Group (COWCCG) has a smarter new tool in its arsenal.The group has been testing hybrid drone spraying as a way to control the spread of the pest species.COWCCG project manager Pete Oswald said the new technology was a major breakthrough in the fight against wilding pines.The group has been working with robotics company SPS Automation on a trial on the Rock and Pillar Range in Central Otago.The drone used in the trial is an ‘Agri-copter AC16’ a hybrid drone (petrol and battery technology) which overcomes the limitations of previous models of drones tested, which could fly for approximately 10 minutes.The AC16 uses automated mapping to locate and spray wilding conifers, can fly for an hour over a four kilometer range, and cope with windy conditions.The drone was tested on a 400 ha block of Department of Conservation land that had been set aside from a 3000 ha block covered late last year by a ground crew.Pete said the density of the weed was one tree per hectare, and the trees in the test were about three to eight years old and on the brink of coning. The conditions were sparse, distant spread pines in tussock country, where wind can be problematic for spraying.“It’s not a silver bullet, but in this scenario it feels like quite a breakthrough.”A photo showing how the drone can account for wind drift of spray. Photo: COWCCG SuppliedThe drone pilot could take manual control and adjust for wind conditions, and a dye added to the herbicide helps to ensure accurate spraying.Pete said having a tool like this in the hands of ground crew would be useful as it would mean successful targeting of pines they couldn't get to, which would have previously required a helicopter or an arborist on ropes. “What we need is uptake, iteration and big deployment, then these drones will become better and better,” Pete said. SPS Automation chief executive Scott Spooner said the Agri-copter AC would cost $80,000 per aircraft and the NZ owned aerospace research and development company was in the final stages of development and bringing them to market “as we speak.”SPS Automation’s vision for the future is of multiple aircraft all operating in a single area and fully autonomously.He added the AC16 drone has not come from overseas, it has been developed in New Zealand and there are plans to bring a larger one to market in 2026. COWCCG is going to monitor the test site to determine the full success of the trial. Drone spraying is already used commercially in various locations in New Zealand. Watch a short video about the SPS Automation approach to controlling wilding conifers here (this features the model used as a prototype for the AC16). VIDEO: YouTubeSee more from Central Otago Wilding Conifers Control Group here COWCCG is an independent community not-for-profit organisation formed in 2013 in response to mounting concerns about the impact and spread of wilding conifers on the Central Otago landscape. The organisation is funded by Ministry of Primary Industries’ National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, and contributions from Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Land Information New Zealand.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Pilots will not recognise Alexandra Airport when they approach the landing after its new $500,000 reseal.Last week a new Steelguard product was added to the chipseal to blend in with the existing surface and ensure a much smoother landing.Queenstown-based HEB Construction’s asphalt crew specialise in the product’s application, and completed the reseal in just six days.The runway was back in action again on Sunday morning, and airport resident Nigel Forrester said there were some keen locals, including himself, ready to try it out in the weekend.“It will be interesting to see how long it lasts. But it’s 100 per cent better than what it was.”The resurfacing of the 1200m long by 30m wide chip sealed runway should last up to 10 years, depending on future use.Nigel said at the end of day, they were not trying to lift the rating of the runway, “and we couldn’t do it legally anyway without extending it.”The first and last time the runway was resealed was back in the 1980s when the airport was redeveloped from just a paddock into a paved strip and a terminal building added.The airport was first opened in the 1960s and the buildings are now jointly owned by the Central Otago District Council and the Central Otago Flying Club.Mount Cook Airlines operated aircraft out of Alexandra from 1969 to 1991, along with Goldfields Air from 1985 to 1986 (direct route to Christchurch). Pacifica Air was involved from 1998-1989 and Airlink in 1989.Mainland Air currently operates a private service for medical specialists flying into Central Otago that hold clinics at Dunstan Hospital.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

UPDATED April 14The Central Otago District Council is making preparations to hear Santana Minerals Fast Track Application for a Bendigo gold mine.Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley and Cr Sarah Browne were nominated at its meeting this week, and approved to respond to the application.Hearings panel expert Neil Gillespie has been appointed to the expert panel, given his significant experience.The council decided that it made sense for Cr Gillespie to be involved, but it still had to be ratified.Group manager - planning and infrastructure Louise van der Voort told the council they had experts ready to go in the hearing, and the Otago Regional Council was likely to have its own panel as well.She said the experts would be looking carefully at the rehabilitation of the land and conditions around the compensation of that.Due to the significance of scale, the council was likely to get some expertise, and there had already been discussions with the regional council about it.In December, the new Fast Track Approvals Act (FTA) became law. The two projects listed in the FTA for Central Otago were the Bendigo-Ophir Gold project, and the Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion. In her report, Louise said there had been some conversations with Matakanui Gold Limited/Santana Minerals Limited indicating an application would be received in the coming weeks for the Bendigo Ophir Gold project. No dialogue has occurred with the agents representing the Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion proposal to date.Council was likely to engage specialists on landscape, ecology and acoustics. That would be reviewed once the application was received in late April.It was noted in the report, that there was limited ability for the public and stakeholders to be involved in the applications. “There is a high level of interest in a number of these projects from the community and desire to understand council’s position on the proposals,’’ she said.“Whilst this level of interest is recognised, there is no legal ability for council to provide further opportunities for public participation beyond the specified steps in the Act.”Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

As of 7 February 2025, projects of national and regional significance can apply for an accelerated consenting process under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 (the Act).This process provides an alternative pathway for eligible development and infrastructure projects that meet key criteria.The Act is aimed at making it easier and quicker to gain approvals for development and infrastructure projects that would deliver regional and national benefits. An approval granted under the Act is intended to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ to avoid having to deal with the multiple consenting pathways that are often required for large-scale projects.Key DetailsDecision-making – Applications are assessed by specialist panels, on referral from the minister.User-pays model – Applicants cover the costs of the process.Pre-approved projects – 149 projects were initially eligible for direct consideration by a specialist panel by being listed in the Act.Priority approvals – Some applications may qualify for expedited processing within the fast-track system.Limited appeal rights – Approved projects can only be appealed on points of law through the High Court.For more details, and project-specific information, visit the official Fast-Track website: www.fasttrack.govt.nzFactors Considered for Fast-Track ApprovalsApplications for referral by the minister to a specialist panel are assessed based on whether the project is an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits. The minister may consider the following in making a referral decision:Aligns with central or local government prioritiesDelivers new significant infrastructure or continued functioning of existing significant infrastructureSupports housing developmentProvides economic benefitsSupports primary industriesDevelops natural resourcesContributes to climate change solutionsAddresses significant environmental issuesImpact on the Otago RegionA number of pre-approved projects are located in the Otago region. Some projects of note include:Bendigo-Ophir Gold ProjectRemarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans ExpansionMt Iron Junction Housing SchemeHow We Can HelpThe Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 has the potential to significantly impact development and infrastructure projects across the country. If you are working on a project that falls under the Act, Checketts McKay Law can assist with the legal aspects of your development.

Customer loyalty is the backbone of any successful business.But how do you know if you’re truly retaining your customers or just cycling through expensive new acquisitions?We believe that understanding your customer lifecycle is the key to long-term growth.Let’s break down how you can assess your customer retention through your email program.1. Identify Your 'Base'Before you can measure customer loyalty, you need to understand who your customers are. Start by categorising them:New Customers: Those who have been added to your email list in the last 365 days. This is your fresh pool of potential repeat buyers.Repeat Customers: The ones who come back regularly. They don’t need much prompting; they already trust your brand.Stale Customers: Those who used to buy but haven’t in a long time. They’re at risk of being lost for good.By identifying these groups, you can tailor your email campaigns to target each one appropriately.2. Why Repeat Customers MatterRepeat buyers are the gold standard of business growth. Why? Because they cost far less to retain than acquiring a new customer. Plus, their purchase cycle is shorter—they already know and trust your brand, so they’re more likely to buy again without hesitation.Segmenting your audience into:Prospects vs. BuyersFirst-Time vs. Repeat BuyersIt helps you track retention and make better marketing decisions. A healthy business should have a solid base of repeat buyers who sustain growth without the constant need for expensive advertising.3. A Shrinking Base = A Red FlagWhat happens if revenue is growing, but your base of loyal customers is shrinking? It’s a warning sign.This often means you’re spending more on acquiring new customers but failing to keep them. If your retention is weak, you’ll find yourself in an unsustainable cycle, constantly paying for new customers who never stick around.A big marketing push, like a sale or seasonal ad campaign, may temporarily shrink your base, but it should rebound once the campaign ends.If it doesn’t, you need to take a closer look at your retention strategies.What Next?If you’re noticing a decline in repeat customers, it’s time to act. Start by reviewing your email engagement and segmenting your audience.Are you sending the right messages to the right people? Are you rewarding loyalty and nurturing new buyers?Stay tuned. Next newsletter, we’ll dive into the category lifecycle and how it plays a role in keeping your business sustainable.

After Veolia re-secured the contract for the Queenstown Shotover sewage plant in 2023, it is alleged that several senior managers had their employment unjustly terminated.It would seem the wastewater processing plant might not be the only thing that stinks. Amongst various claims the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) heard in early March 2025, it was suggested there was a “toxic culture” prevalent in the workplace at Veolia when a senior manager was dismissed from his position because his work outputs did not align with the company’s core values.A complaint of this nature is called a “personal grievance” (PG) which can be raised by an employee if they feel they have been treated unjustifiably during their employment.It’s important to understand that a PG can take 12-18 months to reach the point where you’re standing in front of someone with authority (an ERA member) who can finally tell you who is right, wrong, or otherwise. Raising PGIf your employee raises a PG claim, you as the employer must be given the opportunity to understand what the grievance is, and to address it. If you or the employee are unsatisfied with the outcome of the discussions, you are typically required to attend mediation via the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Try to resolve out of courtIf the PG can’t be resolved via discussion and/or mediation, you can file for an investigation hearing with the ERA. If this is all starting to sound expensive, that’s because it is! As an employer, you might have insurance or a pre-paid support service to fall back on, but that isn’t likely to cover the settlement costs to resolve the grievance, nor the time, lost opportunity, and stress that are involved in resolving the PG.What went wrong at VeoliaAt the heart of the claim is whether the employee aligned with the core values of his employer due to his use of “robust” language in the workplace. The employee alleges he was frustrated, under-resourced and suffering from stress. Additionally, there are claims that Senior Managers at Veolia were making unreasonable requests that triggered emotional responses, and that correct processes hadn’t been correctly followed regarding the employee’s termination.For Veolia, defending the claim of wrongful termination means an interruption to daily work plans, with senior managers and engineers out of the business. This comes at a critical time for Veolia who are already under extreme scrutiny with the Shotover Wastewater treatment plant, and more PGs alleged to be coming. Who Wins?Regardless of the outcome for this case, it’s easy to see that there are no winners, although the employee could possibly walk away with a hefty payout if the company is found to be at fault. The best way to resolve a personal grievance, is to head it off before it becomes one!How not to have a personal grievance raised against you.Know your company values – and demonstrate them on a daily basis.Have a robust suite of paperwork to detail job roles, company rules, communications, and internal processes.Communicate with your employees and listen to what they are telling you about the working conditions.Resolve or address the small issues, before they become big ones.Check with the expertsCall the team at EASI NZ for all your employment, and health and safety queries. www.easinz.co.nz

Central Otago councillors are ''concerned'' about the region's closest neighbour’s plan to discharge up to 24,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater into the Shotover River.The impacts of the Queenstown Lake District Council decision to use emergency powers to allow the discharge was a topic of discussion at the Central Otago District Council meeting in Ranfurly today.Mayor Tamah Alley said she strongly felt the QLDC should let the public know of any downstream effects for Central Otago people. However, it was the district council’s understanding there would not be any impact on drinking water supplies downstream - as long as the discharges were meeting the required treatment standards.CODC group manager – three waters Julie Muir - who happened to be giving a presentation to the council about the water regulator Taumata Arowai’s proposed environmental performance standards for wastewater in New Zealand today - indicated QLDC may meet the proposed national standards with this system due to the dilution factor. She emphasised monitoring of the discharge quality at the outfall pipe would be critical. “It is our expectation QLDC and ORC [Otago Regional Council] will undertake this regular monitoring and release those results to us so we can be assured there will be no impacts on drinking water supplies or the usability of the Mata-Au or Lake Dunstan,” Mayor Tamah said.“This would be critical to giving everyone comfort that the treated wastewater posed no risk.”In a media announcement this morning, QLDC admitted that continuing to risk overflows from its disposal field was too much of a health risk, and discharging treated water into the river was the best outcome in the meantime, until a new disposal option could be found - a period of up to four to five years.The uncontrolled nature of the discharge from the ponding area into the surrounding delta was at times overflowing, infrastructure manager Tony Avery said.An emergency consent meant the Queenstown Lakes council could now send treated water into the Shotover which eventually met the Kawarau River before joining the Clutha River/Lake Dunstan at Cromwell and then flowing downstream.Prior to announcement a public protest condemning the move took place outside the Shotover Wastewater Plant this morning.Mayor Tamah said there was a huge volume of water in the Kawarau River each day, which was currently running at 112.5cu. “However, being downstream our community rightly have expectations around not only the quality of any discharge into the river, but communication on the details.”“Our communities’ expectations and aspirations for our environment are increasing. They want to hear directly from councils how we are meeting our obligations not just to those we serve, but those downstream from decision making.”The QLDC would be allowed to discharge 12,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater directly into the river every day within days, but said it could vary and on some days may be double that.Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie told council that while it seemed a huge number, the dilution factor was going to be significant, and that was also backed by Julie.But Otago Regional councillor Michael Laws was concerned, not just about the potential environmental risk, but the reputational damage of the local government organisation.He believed not all of the sewage would have been through the treatment plant but had sat in the oxidation pond prior to discharge.“Until now, the ORC staff have relayed that the treatment discharges are minor in their impact. But if the ponds are effectively emptied by the QLDC then the impact will be major,’’ he said.“The ORC faces both significant environmental and reputational risk as a party to the discharge, informal or not.”Regional councillor Gary Kelliher believed the environment was not at risk with the current action, “to me it’s an outcome from the QLDC including discharge to land that was unnecessary and a massive burden on cost to the ratepayers.”LAWA currently tested water quality over the summer months at two sites on Lake Dunstan and also the Alexandra boat ramp. FILE SHOT. Land and Water Aotearoa (LAWA) currently tested water quality over the summer months weekly at two sites on Lake Dunstan and also the Alexandra boat ramp.This summer there has only been one high E.Coli level found and that was in Alexandra on January 1, 2025, following high rainfall.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Plenty of New Zealanders are working into their 70s. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is one. Chief ombudsman Peter Boshier was another, until a rule forced him to resign.Data shows significant numbers of New Zealanders are working longer, even in the industries traditionally seen as physically taxing and potentially requiring an earlier exit.Data from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealanders aged 65 or older reporting they are still in the workforce.Almost 90,000 are aged over 70.Over-65s made up 10.3 percent of machinery operators and drivers, 8 percent of labourers, 7 percent of professionals and 9.1 percent of managers.Over 70, the numbers roughly halved. They were 4 percent of managers, and 3 percent of professionals, clerical and admin workers, sales workers, and 3.7 percent of labourers.Over 80, managers had the strongest showing, with 0.7 percent of the workforce in that age range.In total, there were 1257 people aged over 90 reporting that they were working.Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Renney said it was not clear whether the people reporting work in sectors such as labouring and machinery operation were actually undertaking physical activity, or whether they were monitoring and managing others."There's a lot of people, particularly machine operators, who are the only people who know how to use this machine. As a consequence they're the last person standing in the shop who knows how to use the non-digital lathe."He said some people turned to driving buses, taxis or Ubers as a second career, particularly if they wanted more flexible hours or a different lifestyle.He said it was possible some of the people aged over 90 were working in a volunteer capacity, or could be the owner of a company."They may not be in what we call significant amounts of labour-based employment."Renney said it used to be the case that big employers had systems that moved older workers on to lighter duties as they got older."My father worked in a coal mine and couldn't be working on the face at 60 or 65 because you were a liability, you physically couldn't hack the job so you might get moved on to light duties somewhere else or you were there to train younger workers. We've sort of lost that as we've lost the very large employers."He said it was good that there was work for older people, provided they were working because they wanted to."The real challenge here is if people are being forced to work because their incomes are inadequate but they still need to pay the rent because they've never been able to buy their house."That is a sign of a failing welfare state because the pension isn't enough, they haven't built up enough KiwiSaver, they're forced to work at a time they probably don't want to. Lots of people want to work and get great enjoyment out of it but it should be a choice."The Office for Seniors older workers action plan said a third of the New Zealand workforce was aged over 50, and 50 percent of people aged 60 to 69 were employed.But it noted that these workers could have challenges finding and staying in paid work.It noted that Retirement Commission research found a third of people over 65 were working because they had to for financial reasons."For an increasing number of people who do not own their own home or do not have significant retirement savings, continuing to work in some capacity past the age of 65 is a necessity.'Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said it was notable that there was increasing workforce participation in the 65 to 69 year old age group."And to a lesser extent in the 70 to 74, then it drops away pretty quickly after that."He said it made sense that a high proportion of people who remained in work were managers."That's a relatively easy job from a physical point of view and experience is always useful."But he said it was interesting there was also relatively strong participation from machinery operations and drivers, as well as labourers."I can envisage older people driving buses or taxis for a bit but labourers… that genuinely did surprise me. I wonder if what's coming through there is if I'm a manager or a professional or whatever and I hit 65 I can probably pretty much choose whether I want to keep working, if I don't and I have enough money for retirement, all good. It may well be that people continuing to work in some of the lower-skilled jobs literally do not have the choice, they still need money."He noted that discussions about raising the retirement age have pointed out that it may be harder for people in physical roles to continue past 65."Do you start to have some differential recognising, yeah if you're a tradie or a labourer or whatever you physically might not be able to keep working, you've probably been harder on your body for the last 40-odd years anyway so on average you're in a less good physical state as well as in a job requiring more physical effort."In some other countries, if people choose to retire earlier, they could opt to receive a lower payment."The problem with that is for the likes of labourers or tradies or whatever, they will have been on a lower income for rest of their lives anyway so it is continuing to make them worse off by giving them a lower retirement pension going forward. It almost reinforces potential systemic problems."Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said it would be complex to make eligibility changes to NZ Super based on job types."A better way could be changing settings such as introducing income-testing applied to selective age groups but that also adds complexities which would come at additional administration cost and could disincentivise people from working longer."We know that any change to the age of eligibility would disproportionately disadvantage manual workers, carers and those they care for, and those with poor health, due to differences in savings, wealth and ability to remain in paid work after the age of 65. Women, Māori, and Pacific peoples are overrepresented in those groups. So extra support would be needed to support some people through to a later age of eligibility which would in turn reduce fiscal savings from raising the age. Political support for a stable long-term system is crucial."New Zealand Initiative chief economist Eric Crampton said some of the over-90-year-olds claiming to be working could be giving incorrect information."I'm sure that some of those are real. But what proportion are real vs jokers?"

A hearing on the proposed ‘farm park’ subdivision near Tarras by the Trevathan family will be held in early April.The Clutha Plains Trust development attracted 18 submissions - five in opposition, one neutral and 12 in support, but the Central Otago District Council’s planner Kirstyn Royce has recommended it be declined.Under the District Plan a subdivision needed to have average size of no less than 8ha and a minimum lot size of no less than 2ha within the Rural Resource Area.The 133ha proposed development would involve 16 new lots for residential use, with each lot only 2000sqm - making it non-complying.Those supporting the proposal considered the lot sizes were appropriate and would provide much needed rural style housing. The submitters in opposition raised concerns regarding the adverse effects of the proposal on the rural landscape. They considered the configuration of the subdivision meant the strip of houses would be clearly visible from the Clutha River Mata Au, parts of Bowman Rd and the submitters property. The land historically was subdivided off the larger Morven Station and currently used for cattle grazing.The new lots would have shared ownership with the larger farm through a body corporate type arrangement, managed by Jonny Trevathan.The application said the purpose of “clustering” instead of dividing into 8ha parcels was to allow for the productive land to be maintained in a larger parcel suited to the existing grazing usage.While the development took up usable productive farmland, it was far less than if the development was scattered throughout the 133.1190 hectares - thereby retaining a 119ha farm amongst the subdivision. The ‘farm park’ development enabled residents to live amongst an operational farm and have access to fruit and nut trees within the covenant areas. A similar farm park had also been consented on Jolly Rd in Tarras by Douglas Developments three years ago. Hillend Station near Wanaka and Bendemeer Estate at Lake Hayes were also based on a farm park model.The hearing has been set down for April 8 in Alexandra.

The digital world isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s moving faster than ever. In 2025, having a strong digital marketing strategy isn’t just a bonus. It’s essential for businesses of all sizes.So, what exactly is a digital marketing strategy? It’s a plan that outlines how your business will use online channels, like social media, search engines, email, and digital advertising, to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. Instead of guessing or doing things on the fly, a strategy gives you a clear direction, helping you make the most of your marketing efforts.Whether you run a retail store, a service-based business, or a hospitality venue, the way people discover and engage with brands has evolved. Without a clear plan, you risk being left behind while competitors take the lead.Here’s why you need a solid digital marketing strategy in 2025:1. Consumer Habits Have ChangedRecent data shows that two-thirds (66%) of NZ shoppers browse online before buying in-store, and around a third (36%) use their mobile to check prices. More people than ever are turning to their phones, social media, apps, and search engines to find businesses, read reviews, and make purchasing decisions. If your business isn’t showing up where they are looking, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities.2. Marketing Consistency Builds Trust and RecognitionOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make is being inconsistent with their marketing efforts. Sporadic posts, one-off ad campaigns, or months of silence can hurt brand awareness. Like a gym membership you have to go weekly to see the benefits!Customers are more likely to trust and remember businesses that show up regularly. A well-planned digital marketing strategy keeps your brand visible, reinforcing trust and familiarity, even if people aren’t ready to buy straight away.3. Multiple Digital Platforms Maximise ReachGone are the days when having a website or a Facebook page was enough. Successful businesses now use multiple digital platforms to stay visible, including social media, email marketing, and even local platforms like The Central App. Using a mix of channels helps you reach different segments of your audience and keeps your brand top of mind.4. Keeping Your Brand in People's MindsNot every marketing effort will lead directly to a sale, and that’s okay. The goal of digital marketing is to keep your brand in front of people so that when they do need your product or service, you’re the first business they think of. Regularly appearing on social feeds, in search results, or through email updates increases the chances of turning potential customers into loyal ones.5. Social Media is No Longer OptionalSocial media isn’t just for keeping up with friends—it’s also a business tool. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn influence purchasing decisions more than ever before. Having a strategy in place ensures you’re not just posting randomly but creating engaging content that connects with your audience in meaningful ways.6. Search Engine Visibility MattersWhen people need a product or service, they Google it. If your business doesn’t have a strong online presence, including an optimised website and local SEO, you’re missing out on potential customers. A well-planned digital marketing strategy ensures you appear higher in search results, making it easier for people to find you.7. Your Competitors Are Already OnlineEven if you’re not focusing on digital marketing, your competitors likely are. If they’re showing up in search results, engaging on social media, and running ads, they’re attracting customers who might otherwise choose you. Staying competitive means keeping up with digital trends and being proactive in your marketing efforts.Get Started TodayIf you don’t have a digital marketing strategy in place for 2025, now is the time to act. Start with the basics: optimise your website, build a social media presence, advertise consistently across platforms. The sooner you start, the stronger your online presence will be—and the more customers you’ll attract.Want help getting started? Let’s chat about how we can create a strategy tailored to your business - go to sparcgap.co.nz.

Janine Garner recently asked a simple but important question—are you really using LinkedIn to its full potential, or just scrolling in the background?'For Janine, LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform. It’s where she connects with incredible people, shares her expertise, and, most importantly, attracts new clients. It’s been a game-changer for her business, but she knows most people aren’t making the most of it.The good news? That can change.In the latest episode of Unleashing Brilliance, Janine sat down with LinkedIn pro Karen Tisdell, who has spent nearly 20 years helping businesses use LinkedIn to drive real results. Karen shared some gold when it comes to making LinkedIn work for you, including:Why LinkedIn is THE place for business growth – Forget mindless scrolling on Instagram; LinkedIn actually connects you with the right people.Your profile is your digital handshake – It’s not just a résumé. It needs to tell your story and show people why they should connect with you.Building real relationships (not just adding contacts) – No more sending random connection requests and hoping for the best.Posting with purpose – Thought leadership and storytelling (not sales pitches) are the secret to standing out.The 9:1 rule of engagement – Want to get noticed? Comment strategically instead of just posting and hoping for likes.If LinkedIn has been sitting in your "too hard" basket, this episode is worth a listen. Catch the full chat with Karen Tisdell on...SpotifyYoutubeApple Music