Work is underway to remove the poplars and willows for the $1.6 million Riverside Park development in Alexandra.The tree clearing is a collaboration between the Central Otago District Council (CODC) and the Otago Regional Council (ORC).  Riverside Park Trust chairman Rory Mclellan said it was great being able to walk down to the end of Tarbert St and see the riverside project getting underway. “Even better, we’ll be seeing the vista of the Clutha/Mata-au and Manuherekia rivers open up before my eyes.“It’s been a long time since people could look across to the Roxburgh canyon from this angle, because of the trees,” he said. "It’s going to be so good seeing this area get cleaned up and utilised.”He said the tree removal project was a great example of cooperation, “that the two councils can work together with us as a community to get this preliminary work done,” he said.CODC is working closely with mana whenua-owned organisation Aukaha to promote kaitiakitaka, the mana whenua value of environmental stewardship. Aukaha has provided a Kāi Tahu cultural design integration that reflects Kāi Tahu values, narratives and traditional place names specific to the area."Kaitiakitaka is a world view for takata whenua in that we have a role to protect the mauri or life force of our natural environment. By removing these introduced species (poplars and willows), we have an opportunity to restore the awa, rebalance the ecosystem and encourage wildlife back to this scenic spot," an Aukaha spokesperson said.  ORC river engineer Scott Liddell said the tree removal had already been on the ORC’s works schedule.“ORC had vegetation removal planned in this riverside area as part of ongoing maintenance. The timing of this was changed to fit with the project which will contribute to connectivity to the river.”The carpark will remain closed for the next week while the tree work takes place.The site itself is of cultural importance to mana whenua. Kāmoanahaehae is the name of the junction of the rivers Manuherekia and Mata-au, and a way finding marker in the path of the Mata-au system.Work recently commenced on stage one of the project, which includes formation of a new entry to The Warehouse carpark. Anderson Fencing and Earthworks together with their landscape architect Neville Stewart Landscaping as construction partner won the council’s open tender to design and complete the work.A new plaza area will feature seating, shade trees, and a river access pathway leading off a viewing platform overlooking the confluence of the two rivers.A 6m high sculpture or pou whenua will be commissioned to welcome visitors to the area, with the aim of drawing their attention to Kopuwai on the Old Man Range.

The Hawkeswood Mining company has been forced to pay back royalties to the Crown and make a donation to charity, after illegally mining at Millers Flat before its permit had been granted.In April, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) filed charges in the Dunedin District Court against the company, when it was found to have conducted gold mining on a permit that only allowed exploration activities – an offence under the Crown Minerals Act 1991.The mining company refutes the claims and said MBIE was “aggressively” targeting illegal operations, and felt they had been mistakenly targeted.Hawkeswood Mining operations manager Simon Johnston said the company initiated what they considered an exploration test pit project in November 2022. The Hawkeswood dredge ready for operation. PHOTO: SuppliedFrom their perspective, its permit covered the scope of the test pitting activities being undertaken. “However, MBIE interpreted the scale of our test pit differently, classifying it as mining rather than exploration due to the volume of material involved,” he said.In a statement by MBIE, it said a diversion agreement delivered a resolution that benefited all parties, including reparation to the local community.New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals national manager of compliance Phil Latimer said the vast majority of its mining operators here in New Zealand understand and meet their responsibilities but unfortunately, as with every sector, there are a few exceptions. “An exploration permit grants the right to explore for identified minerals to evaluate the viability of mining those resources. Typically, the types of activities involved aren’t significantly invasive.“We became aware that Hawkeswood Mining had been mining prior to being granted a mining permit when we saw satellite imagery of the site showing large-scale opencast mining. At the time Hawkeswood Mining had an exploration permit," he said.“Following an investigation, which included detailed site analysis by ministry geologists, we discovered the company had screened a large volume of material and recovered a considerable amount of gold. The work was of a nature and scale not authorised by an exploration permit."New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is seeing an increasing number of operators undertaking mining activity under exploration permits. Three operators are currently before the courts on charges related to illegal mining.“We are a fair regulator, and we are focused on supporting the sector to get to work but make no mistake, there is no room for cowboys in our sector,” Phil said.“To their credit, once MBIE became involved Hawkeswood Mining took no further action at the mine, and engaged positively with the investigation, and has now accepted responsibility for the offending.”Simon said while the company took some responsibility for its “shortcomings,” he’d observed significant changes in the consenting processes across New Zealand since 2020.“I strongly believe that it's critical to thoroughly understand the resource in the ground, especially for a project of this magnitude like the Millers Flat alluvial project, before proceeding with the expensive and lengthy consenting processes. “It is my view that MBIE currently lacks a clear method for quantifying the specific volume that distinguishes test pitting from illegal mining, and this has unfortunately led to our situation. “The reality is, I stand by the fact that we were not illegally mining. The size and scope of our test pit were necessary to properly explore the alluvial resource and mining methodology at Millers Flat.”

The sad thing is there are no 'right' answers when it comes to depression, as everyone seems to have their own version of disappearing into the ‘kumara pit’ or being chased by ‘The Black Dog.’The ideas in this document are not meant to replace seeing a GP, going to a counsellor, or contacting qualified mental health services.Is work the right place?When someone is severely depressed, the only thing they can do is focus on getting out of bed and surviving that day. They have lost all concept of the future, and chances are they are sad/angry that they are in this state and sad/angry/fearful that they will never get out the other side.I understand that going back to work and staying busy does sound like a good option, because staying at home, doing nothing, and 'marinating in your own juices' may worsen your mental health symptoms.I also understand why an employer might be petrified that they could say or do the wrong thing when addressing an employee’s mental health concerns.What can you do?Here are a few things to think about beyond calling in Workplace Support or Employee Assistance Programmes:Look after yourself and other team members. Supporting a person through mental health issues can be harrowing and trigger your own problems. Look out for early warning signs, such as not sleeping, sleeping too much, not eating, eating too much, using alcohol or drugs as escapism, or being unusually obnoxious.Talking to the worker If they raise the issue of their mental illness, here are some helpful strategies:Things you can say:Start with “I’ve noticed…” then just listen.Use reflective listening techniques.Tell me more…And, what else…So, you think that…If they have experienced mental health conditions before, remind them that they did get through it before (hope is important).Help them get the support they need (see the list of resources at the end).Things to avoid:Making it all about you: “I/my friend/another worker went through the same thing…”Telling them they just need to “get over it” or “think happy thoughts” (that’s like telling someone with an amputation to stop bleeding).Changing the topic or dismissing it: “It’s not that bad; we need to focus on the next project.”Key steps moving forward:Have an open discussion with the worker, acknowledge their mental health concerns, and express that they are a valued and important member of the team.Every morning, ask them how they are doing on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being ‘I want to go back to bed’ and 10 being everything is awesome.If they give a low answer, ask them if they want to be at work or go home. NB: If you send them home, make sure you let their ‘emergency contact’/'next of kin' know.Give them tasks that are easy to achieve, where they are working with someone else or within line of sight.Play the 'I noticed' game; no matter how small, celebrate the wins. Building back their self-confidence and showing them that they are valued/valuable is an important part of mental wellbeing recovery.If they talk about 'topping' themselves, call their emergency contact and let them know immediately.Other warning signs are giving away prized possessions, "tidying things up" (emptying locker, paying off bills, organising for animals to be looked after) as if they were going on holiday, or being falsely 'over the top' happy for no apparent reason.If they are on medication for mental health conditions, as they get better, explain that if they are going to go off the meds, they have to let their manager know so they can support them. Going cold turkey can cause a catastrophic relapse.ResourcesIf you or someone you know needs help right now, you can free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor through NZ Telehealth Services.You can also call:MATES in Construction 24/7 Helpline 0800 111 315 or free text 5353Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)Healthline – 0800 611 116Samaritans – 0800 726 666Health Improvement Practitioners via your GP should be available to see you the same day to discuss mental healthThese websites might also be useful:Mental health services for ongoing illness: WorkwiseMike King's foundation: Key to LifeSuicide support and prevention: NZ Mental Health FoundationManaging mental health concerns at work: WellPlaceNZSupport for young people: The LowdownFeeling supported at work: Depression.org.nzWellbeing strategies: Umbrella Wellbeing

Districtisation of services will become a reality in Central Otago, despite 75 per cent of submitters being opposed to council’s proposal.The Central Otago District Council (CODC) voted by a majority today to go ahead with a district-wide rating of property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums, but with an adjustment for the Teviot Valley ward to offset its new pool costs.There were 336 submissions on the proposal and results showed respondents overwhelmingly indicated a preference for the status quo to remain.The majority of respondents were from Cromwell Ward, with 231 out of 336 (68 per cent).Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie said it was unfortunate that the process had been “hijacked” by an interpretation of some of the information that was out there.He was referring to the accusations from many Cromwell submitters who believed the process was just a “land grab” by council of its endowment land.But Mayor Tim Cadogan said if that was council’s intent, “then this conversation would be largely us going to the minister to do just that. But it’s not a consideration because if it was, we’d be doing it.”Submitters who spoke at council in support of districtisation included Alexandra businessman George Collier, who said Central Otago had some big challenges ahead, “and we need to think as a district - as one district.”He thanked councillors for their work on districtisation and wished them luck on their difficult decision.Councillors were surprised just how few submitters actually chose to speak to council about their views, with only 14 out of 336 fronting up either in person or online on Tuesday evening.“I feel defeated,” Mayor Cadogan said, when the public gallery was virtually empty, for what was one of the most important decisions council has had to make in years.The CODC held numerous public meetings to consult the public on its plans to districtise services; 12 people attended the Maniototo session, 49 in the Teviot, only eight in Alexandra and 91 in Cromwell.Council has undertaken districtisation of activities previously, namely three waters and roading, and while having varying impacts on rates across the wards these have advantaged smaller and more rural areas. Both the Cromwell and Teviot community boards did not support the proposal to further districtise services, whereas the Vincent Community Board did. The Maniototo Community Board did not express a formal written view of the proposal. Read more: Community boards vital amid districtisationRead more: Big discussions had around districtisation

A Wellington cafe is offering customers the chance to save money by using a little bit of te reo Māori - something which could help the normalisation of the language.For te reo speakers, going out for lunch often means leaving a language bubble - but as te reo gradually becomes more normalised, cafes and restaurants could become spaces where hearing thelanguage is common.Karaka Cafe on Wellington's waterfront offered customers a chance to knock 10 percent off the price of their meal during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.All they had to do was say a te reo phrase when paying: "Tēnā koa poroa te tekau paihēneti o te utu", or "Please trim 10 percent off the price".Cafe manager Cam Cuff said this was the first year the cafe had run the promotion for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori but it had been trying to promote te reo to customers and staff."We've had a lot of customers come in and give it a go and it's been really, really interesting. We've had all kinds of people give it a go, we've had foreigners, we've had tourists, we've had people whoonly speak a little bit of English give it a go."I would say for this week 70 percent of our customers have wanted to give it a go."Plenty of tourists have given it a go, perhaps even more than New Zealanders, Cuff said.He said no one had tried to game the system by asking for a discount of rima tekau paihēneti (50 percent) yet."No one has yet tried to pull us on that one. There has been groups that will put forward their Māori person to come and offer for the group but we are very strict on saying if everyone wants to get [thediscount] everyone's got to give it a go."Only a small percentage of customers speak te reo but the discount provides customers the chance to try it out, he said.Karaka Cafe is looking to use the campaign to slingshot the use of te reo in store, with staff pushing to increase the use of te reo, he said.Staff will say kia ora and mōrena more than hello and good morning and the menus are bilingual as well."Even outside Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori people are ordering the Māori option off the menu before even ordering the English..

A Maniototo group seeking community board funding, has cited a drop in visitor numbers and spending as a key concern.Hazel Harrison, of the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, presented the group's case to the Maniototo Community Board yesterday, requesting $4500 from the community grant pool to assist with running costs.The money would be put towards insurance, lighting and heating, office and administration costs, and telecommunications.Hazel said the Maniototo Community Board had assisted the group with funding for the past 35 years.“That’s how long we’ve been operating, which we are very proud of, and we are also very grateful that the board has always funded us.”Hazel said the group was getting short on volunteers, which had limited the number of large-scale fundraising events it could host.And, as many groups had found, costs had gone up and people were spending less.“A couple of weeks ago we had 15 people through the centre - not one bought a thing and that is unusual.”She said visitor numbers were also down.The Maniototo Early Settlers Museum has also asked for $8300 to go towards annual operating costs.Tiaki Maniototo has requested $1437 from the board’s promotion grants fund, which it would put towards portaloos during its Taiari Wai River Festival in January next year.The board agreed to give $4000 to the Naseby Information and Craft Centre, with the understanding they could apply for more in the next application round in the new year.The full amount requested by Maniototo Early Settlers Museum and Tiaki Maniototo were approved. 

Bendigo’s thriving wine growing area could also soon be home to Santana Minerals' large gold mining project.Santana Minerals is rapidly advancing its scoping study into the Rise and Shine gold exploration area near Bendigo, and is on track to submit a consent application in February 2025.Chief executive Damian Spring spoke to the Cromwell Community Board on Tuesday about the company’s plans, which expects to make $4.4 billion from gold generation over the next 10 years.The company will be employing up to 250 people both from within the wider Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts, as well as through expert consultants.He spoke at the meeting about what would happen if the Government was to review what royalties were generated by the company, and what portion would be offered to the community.This would include both Cromwell and Tarras, he said.“The Tarras community have let us know where they sit.”Sustainable Tarras - a lobby group set up to investigate the now shelved airport proposal has also been strong in its opposition to Santana Minerals' plans for a gold mine.The company will be carrying out a series of public consultation meetings in both Cromwell and Tarras in coming weeks, and also invites people to drop into their office in Chardonnay St.Questions were asked at the meeting about whether the company was doing anything proactive for accommodation, and whether this would be offered onsite.Damian said nothing long term would be established onsite, “but we recognise that bringing in 100 people into the area will bring in extra pressure.”A temporary camp for 80 people would be set up for those expert contractors who were travelling from afar to come and do their work, and who were only around for a short period.Mayor Tim Cadogan said there was also sensitivity within the wine growing industry about the proposed gold mining activity, particularly when Bendigo had been designated a wine growing area.“I think it’s too early to judge that right now, about the impacts on them,” Damian said.Drop in Sessions

Upgrading Alexandra’s Molyneux Stadium to a safe seismic standard and extending its life by 30 years would cost $5.6 million, compared to demolishing and building a new one for $15 million.But the Vincent Community Board agreed last week, before it could push on with a staged investment over the next nine years, it had to wait on the outcome of the districtisation discussion by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) first.CODC would be making a decision at its next meeting in two weeks, on whether a district-wide approach should be adopted for services across all of the wards (Vincent, Cromwell, Maniototo and Teviot).Council’s property officer Tara Bates confirmed the Molyneux building was still considered good/moderate according to a recent building condition assessment report, and there had already been $1.2 million budgeted for maintenance work in the draft Long Term Plan (2025-34).A further $4.43 million had also been budgeted for out of the Vincent Community Board Reserves for earthquake strengthening, asbestos removal, fire safety and accessibility compliance work in 2027-2028.Molyneux Stadium is a highly utilised community facility by many different sporting codes, but a detailed seismic assessment rated it under 20 per cent of the new build standard, making it a very high risk in an earthquake.The report said asbestos was found in various parts of the building, and this would need to be removed before the seismic work began.The building also lacked adequate accommodation for people with disabilities, which meant modifications were required and the fire safety systems upgraded with new alarms, lighting and a sprinkler system.

Central’s women in horticulture will benefit from $300,000 in government funding to boost career advancement and networking opportunities, announced by Selwyn MP Nicola Grigg last week.Nicola, who is Minister for Women and Associate Minister of Agriculture, said the Government was empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative to support networking and career progression.“The United Fresh Women in Horticulture (Women in Horticulture - WIH) initiative will deliver workshops and professional development sessions enabling women to upskill and reach their full potential," she said.“It also provides the sector an opportunity to positively influence industry attitudes by looking for ways we can encourage women to remain in - and be recognised - within horticulture.”Nicola said women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles, which was why initiatives like this were so important.“Women are underrepresented at leadership level, meaning they are impacted by the gender pay gap and disproportionate retirement earnings compared to men."The $300,000 is committed over three years to WIH to make New Zealand a world leader for gender equity in horticulture.“Our government is focused on growing the economy and supporting our primary industries so that Kiwis can get ahead."Alexandra’s Whitney Conder has been in Wellington as a part of Kellogg rural leadership programme and met with Nicola.Whitney Conder. PHOTO: LinkedIn She works as a cherry orchard manager and is keen to involve more women in WIH Central Otago as well as at a national level.“Work is underway on a needs assessment to scope the areas of focus for Women in Horticulture over the next three years. “Workshops and networking events will be planned to meet these needs.“Anyone looking to join Women in Horticulture New Zealand should visit the page, put in their details, or follow local and regional groups on Facebook or Instagram.”

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has made further changes to its Land and Water Regional Plan and says it will now be less costly.But the actual costs that have been requested by Environment Minister Penny Simmonds were still being worked through and won’t be released until September 17.On Wednesday, September 11, the ORC put out a media statement following last week’s closed meeting to discuss a letter to Minister Simmonds, and on Thursday representatives met with her in Parliament to discuss the issues further.Chair Gretchen Robertson said in the release, the full costs and implications requested by Minister Simmonds were still being developed.But Dunstan Ward councillor Gary Kelliher said the ORC had reached a new level of disgrace by continuing to withhold information from the public.“The lack of transparency is becoming the norm for a council that has environmental ideology ahead of the actual needs of Otago and its long-suffering ratepayers,” he said.Cr Robertson said there was still a large part of its community concerned about water degradation that were asking them to act now.“The bulk of our plan was drafted over 15 years ago, and it hasn’t kept up with the rest of New Zealand,” the statement said.“As part of our response we have committed to providing further information to the minister as soon as it is available.”She said the ORC was confident that changes made since its November 2023 engagement were aligned with government direction, better enable infrastructure and allowed more flexibility to farmers through the use of Freshwater Farm Plans. “Without a replacement plan our communities - particularly our farmers - will face high administrative costs in complying with our existing plan.” 

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is on track with Clyde’s heritage precinct infrastructure work and is exploring options to allocate more resources to it, with the goal of finishing as soon as possible, a spokesperson said.CODC senior land development engineer Dan Kirkman said there was a possibility the work could be completed ahead of the December 1 target.  A Central local, who wanted to remain anonymous said Clyde was “like a ghost town at the moment” because of the road closures.Dan said CODC was in the planning phase of a national level marketing campaign to showcase Clyde, when the work on the street has been completed.“We recognise the hurt Clyde has been experiencing.“It’s fair to compensate by pulling a good marketing campaign together that Clyde is open for business.”The Central App asked Dan if any economic relief or reimbursement could help businesses who were impacted by the works.“[CODC] does not provide economic relief in the form of rate reductions or reimbursements. “To support local businesses, we’ve taken steps such as putting up additional signage to clearly indicate that businesses are open and pedestrian access is available throughout the project.”An artist's impression of what the main street in Clyde will look like, once completed. PHOTO: SuppliedOn Thursday, last week, there were no workers on site, something that was adding to the frustrations of some business owners, who have been dealing with limited access to their establishments.Dan said sometimes there are no contractors on site due to other commitments."In a district like ours the contractors are sometimes called away to deal with higher priority jobs, sometimes emergency infrastructure repairs in other parts of our district. Sometimes they are waiting for materials and sometimes certain work can only be done in certain weather or temperatures.”Dan has been sending out email updates relating to the project since May 2023, the frequency has varied; some have been weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the level of work occurring and disruption.He said on average he has received two or three queries a week relating to the project.“We understand that the disruptions caused by the ongoing roadworks are challenging, and we sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience as we carry out these important upgrades. “One of the key improvements has been the replacement of the ageing water pipe, which has previously experienced failures and required reactive maintenance.”Dan said the upgrades would enhance the resilience of Clyde’s essential services, reducing the risk of unplanned closures in the future.If you have any questions regarding the work contact Dan on [email protected] more: Positive meeting on Clyde road closure

Preliminary work on the Alexandra Riverside Project will begin next week, marking the start of a major redevelopment to transform the riverside area into a vibrant public space.  The first phase of the project in lower Tarbert St will be the establishment of a new entrance into The Warehouse carpark. This will be followed later in the week with the removal of a number of willows and poplars on the riverbank at the junction of the Clutha/Mata-Au and Manuherekia rivers, in a joint exercise between the Central Otago District Council (CODC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC). Alexandra Riverside Trust chair Rory Mclellan is stoked to be reaching this stage. “This is a project a long time in the making, and we are very excited to see it finally happening, to rejuvenate a part of Alexandra that has always had so much potential. “Our aim has always been to help integrate the rivers and riverside with the pedestrian heart of Alexandra, so that it becomes a space for family-friendly recreation and community events, as well as being a destination for cyclists and walkers using the network of local trails.”An artist's impression of what the new development will look like once complete. IMAGE: Supplied The project has had the support of the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Aukaha, Anderson Fencing and Earthworks, Heritage New Zealand and ORC, as well as CODC. It was hoped that the initial work could begin the week commencing Monday, September 16 weather depending and would involve closing the carpark at the rear of The Warehouse while the work was carried out, for about three weeks. Logs will be removed from the site. Some will be donated for firewood and the smaller limbs chipped for mulch. This will allow phased development to begin, which will include the creation of a plaza and river access, enhancements including, seating, toilets, information panels and the creation of a bike hub to transform the area. Vincent Community Board member and project champion Jayden Cromb is also thrilled to see the rejuvenation of this historically and culturally significant site get underway. “The design and aims of the project honour the past, the present and the future, and we’re all looking forward to seeing it progress.” To keep up with the project and to subscribe to stay informed, go to Let’s Talk: Alexandra Riverside Project | Let’s Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz).Read more: Riverside Park will mark significance of riversRead more: Decision on Riverside Park development today

Most people have heard of the Disputes Tribunal (formerly known as the Small Claims Tribunal) for debt recovery. Not everyone knows how it works and when it can be used.If you are facing difficulties recovering a debt that is in dispute, the Disputes Tribunal can be a useful and cost-effective process to resolve the issue without the need for costly legal proceedings. The Disputes Tribunal is designed to handle claims up to $30,000 without using lawyers and following a more informal procedure than the District Court or High Court. Here’s a guide on how to use the Disputes Tribunal to recover a disputed debt:1. Evaluate Eligibility:Monetary Limit: Your claim must be no more than $30,000 (excluding interest and costs).Types of Claims: The Disputes Tribunal typically handles disputes over debts, goods, services, or personal property.Dispute: Ensure there is a dispute over whether the claim is recoverable.2. Attempt Negotiation: Before proceeding to the Disputes Tribunal, try to resolve the issue with the debtor. This may involve sending formal letters requesting payment or using mediation services.3. Prepare Documentation: Gather all relevant documents related to the debt, including invoices, contracts, correspondence, and any other evidence that supports your claim.4. File an Application: Obtain the necessary application forms from your local Disputes Tribunal or from the Ministry of Justice website. Complete the application form accurately, providing details of the dispute, the amount claimed, and any supporting documents.5. Pay the Filing Fee: There is a filing fee to submit your application to the Disputes Tribunal. The amount varies depending on the value of your claim.6. Serve Notice to the Other Party: Once your application is accepted, the Disputes Tribunal will serve a notice to the other party (the debtor), informing them of the claim and the date of the hearing.7. Prepare for the Hearing: Before the hearing date, organise your documents and prepare your case. You may want to seek legal advice if the matter is complex.8. Attend the Hearing: On the scheduled date, attend the hearing at the Disputes Tribunal. Be prepared to present your case and provide evidence supporting your claim. The hearing is informal, and you will represent yourself unless special circumstances apply where someone else may represent you (but not by a lawyer or experienced advocate).9. Receive the Tribunal’s Decision: After the hearing, the Disputes Tribunal will make a decision based on the evidence presented. If the decision is in your favour, the tribunal will issue an order for the debtor to pay the debt. If the debtor does not comply voluntarily, you may need to take further steps to enforce the order.10. Enforcement: If necessary, you can apply to the District Court to enforce the Disputes Tribunal’s order. This might involve seizing property, garnishing wages, or other enforcement actions.Tips:Be Prepared: Thorough preparation and organisation of your documents can significantly strengthen your case.Evidence: Put your best foot forward with regard to evidence. If you have documentary evidence or a report from an expert that proves your position or disproves the debtor's position, include it in your application and rely on it. Avoid the dispute being one person’s word against the other.Consider Mediation: If negotiation fails initially, mediation services are available and can sometimes help parties reach a settlement before going to the Disputes Tribunal.Legal Advice: While not required, legal advice can provide clarity and ensure your case is presented effectively. The team at Checketts McKay Law can assist with your legal needs.

Many borrowers across the country breathed a sigh of relief recently when the Reserve Bank decided to cut interest rates by 0.25 basis points in response to a weakening economy and inflation nearing their target range. Though a modest change, it signals a gradual decline in interest rates for the foreseeable future.Kiwibank was quick to respond, lowering rates soon after the announcement, followed closely by other major banks such as ASB and ANZ.The impact on New Zealand’s housing market will be varied. As a softer labour market, job security and costs of living continue to influence activity and values. However, the property market in Central Otago has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with key metrics indicating a positive trend.Search activity on Trade Me Property in Central Otago has increased by 12% compared to July last year, suggesting growing interest from potential buyers and investors. New listings on Trade Me at a regional level are up by 23%, highlighting a strong supply of properties entering the market. While Otago, as a whole, has seen an even greater increase of 39%, the growth in the Central Otago district is particularly significant, reflecting the region's appeal. This surge in listings not only offers more houses for sale for potential buyers but also demonstrates the confidence of sellers in the market’s potential.Properties listed on Trade Me are now selling 2% faster than before, a clear sign of the high demand for homes in Central Otago. The demand for properties is increasing and buyers are acting quickly. Central Otago is becoming a competitive real estate market where well-priced homes are swiftly snapped up. Properties priced under $800,000 are the most popular in Central Otago, with searches and sales in this price range increasing significantly over the past three months. This mirrors a national trend in New Zealand, where there is strong buyer interest in more affordable homes. The surge in this segment reflects the region’s accessibility to a broader range of buyers, including first-time homeowners and investors looking for value.The latest figures show that house prices in Central Otago have risen by 4%, according to the most recent price index. This steady increase in property values indicates strong demand for real estate in the area, making it an attractive destination for both investors and homeowners seeking long-term gains.Out of 70 areas across New Zealand, Central Otago is one of only three regions experiencing growth in the property market. This unique position underscores the region's appeal, driven by its scenic beauty, quality of life, and investment potential. As Central Otago continues to thrive despite economic challenges, the region’s unique blend of opportunity and appeal makes it a standout destination for both local and international home-buyers alike.

Welcome to our second edition of Community Champions, celebrating the remarkable individuals who make our communities special. Today we feature Alexandra's Martin McPherson.He was a renowned Christchurch event promoter and king of PR, schmoozing over lavish, three-hour champagne lunches during the heydays of a booming, 1980s, pre-crash sharemarket.Rubbing shoulders with music greats, Martin McPherson was destined to organise events.From the tender age of 10 his mum recalled him making his stage promoter debut, capitalising on the family of dancers next door.“The two girls did ballet, and the boy did tap so I organised a concert, dragging the furniture into the driveway, and charging the local kids to come.”It's a skill that Martin’s honed for over 50 years, and one that’s ensured the survival and success of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, now in its 67th year.Born on Christmas Eve, 1956, Martin was given up for adoption but that fell through leaving him unwanted and destined for an orphanage at 10 months old until his adopted mother, who’d fostered him as a newborn, brought him home.Martin celebrating his Christmas birthday, last year. PHOTO: SuppliedHis mum sent a telegram to his father, a shoe factory manager who was overseas for work, and said, ‘You know that baby we had at Christmas, we’re keeping him.“Dad didn’t have much choice,” Martin grins.He went to St Albans School then St Andrews College and Mairehau High School where he was elected prefect only to be vetoed by the principal.“I had a dubious academic career. I was above average, but my school reports said, ‘could do better’, ‘easily distracted’.”Leaving school in 1972, Martin worked in retail for Symon and Lowther, then menswear boutique Mathew & Son selling “seriously flared trousers, platform shoes and seersucker shirts”.Martin the male model in 1982. PHOTO: SuppliedHe had a “brief flirtation” with a modelling career and downtime was spent surfing.The family’s colour television had arrived in 1974 in time to watch the Christchurch Commonwealth Games.Martin hitched around New Zealand before breaking into the music industry, as the Canterbury University Students Association’s culture and entertainment manager, attracting bands like Chris Knox and The Enemy.He was flatting with the designer of Flying Nuns’ logo and always putting posters up for pub gigs.“I was active on the fringe of Christchurch music scene.“I’d always wanted to be on stage but had no talent. I wanted to bathe in that reflective glory and the best way was to organise other people.”Christchurch’s music scene was pretty spartan.Bands did gigs in halls, charging $2 admission, events frequently turned over by police.It was the beginning of punk rock, so Martin started his own events.“We were breaking new ground.”He was a booking agent for the likes of Toy Love, The Androids, rubbing shoulders with Iggy Pop and Tom Jones.He earned a reputation and gravitated into PR, working for renowned American company Hill & Knowlton in Christchurch.“It was pre-1987 sharemarket crash. The champagne was flowing. We wore $1000 silk suits and hosted three-hour long lunches.”The events were grand affairs, requiring grand entrances.Martin’s most embarrassing moment came after his Trustbank Canterbury 25th anniversary event in the Christchurch Town Hall.The history was portrayed through four nights with bank uniform fashion parades and hits of the previous 25 years played by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, led by leading NZ conductor Sir William Southgate.“I had my ‘cans’ (headphones) on backstage and he called me out on stage. Mum was in the fifth row, centre. The chord got caught and my cans went flying off my head one way and I went the other in front of 3000 people!”His next role was more anonymous – Ronald McDonald for client McDonald’s, opening a new Christchurch outlet - Ronald’s entire 1000-page manual had to be memorised.However, in 1987 Martin’s whirlwind world came to an end with the sudden shock of the sharemarket crash.“PR was the first to go. The American company pulled out of NZ, and we tried on our own, but PR had dried up,” he says.“Overnight, friends who were millionaires on paper, ended up losing their homes and their parents’ homes. The late 80s and early 90s were terrible times,” Martin says.Martin at Canterbury Cup Day in 1985, a highlight of his PR career. PHOTO: SuppliedChristchurch Mayor Sir Hamish Hay asked Martin to manage a youth facility aimed at unemployed street kids with glue sniffing rife.“It was horrific. There was a lot of pain. On dole day afternoons we had Kiwi bands play by the Avon for free and we ran dances.”Herbs played and Martin called favours on the local Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs to man security, ensuring they were on ‘neutral turf’.The Christchurch City Council entrusted him with grant funding to help street kids.“The only ones who turned up to help were the Salvation Army, so they got the money.”Martin has helped them in return every year since.Martin and his dog, Alfie, collecting for The Salvation Army. PHOTO: SuppliedHe’s worked in radio promotions with big names like James Daniels, Gary McCormick and Simon Barnett, organised Summertimes Festivals and boosted hospitality takings, staging successful music events.The HART (Halt All Racist Tours) protest promoter from the 1981 Springbok Tour was doing Rugby World Cup promotions for the NZ Rugby Union by 1991.But Martin had, had an epiphany while organising a 1989 New Year’s Eve party at Oliver’s in Clyde for Fleur Sullivan.“I looked up at the stars and knew in my bones I’d end up in Central Otago.”His brother lived in Letts Gully and in 1993 Martin scored a job as Alexandra Promotions manager organising events like the Alexandra Blossom Festival.“I was the slick kid from the city and the town literally stood back with their arms folded.”Martin with one of his favourite acts - Lady Killers (from left) Tina Cross, Jacqui Clarke and Annie Crummer at the 65th Blossom Festival in 2022. PHOTO: SuppliedHis proposal to change the route of the festival parade had one woman threatening to leave town.“I volunteered to help her pack, but there was no animosity. People thought I would fall over but I earned their respect.”In 2002 – the year his mum died, and his ex-girlfriend discovered she was pregnant, he was made redundant only to be invited back in 2009 with the festival in financial strife.Those preceding years were tough, Martin working as a Stop & Go man and in an orchard packhouse, but daughter Sophie, now 22, became his shining light.“I had her for her first sleepover at 10 days,” he says, proudly.Martin and life partner Christine brought Sophie up from age 9.A Central Otago District councillor for over 20 years and former chair of the Vincent Community Board, Martin reckons he does his best work in the supermarket.He’s proud to have turned the Blossom Festival, costing $250,000 a year, around, through sponsorship and gate sales, with market stalls bringing in $20,000 and a Food and Wine Festival introduced.“It’s like a giant jig-saw puzzle. I start in January and do the sky, corners and bottom and by early August I get concerned as I think I’ve lost a couple of pieces,” he says.And well, the weather’s out of his hands.Even a bid for prayer from Father O’Brien, concerned that Martin’s Catholic mum had married a Protestant, once prompted the cheeky reply: “Son, knowing your history I could only go down on one knee for you,” Martin grins.Read more: Big read: Our Community ChampionsRead more: Funding to help promote blossom festival nationwideDo you have someone in the community you'd like to nominate as our Community Champion for the 1st of October? Contact Us and let us know who and why. Thank you! We love to share stories about the heroes walking the streets of Central.

The Central App continues to thrive, with rising user engagement and new features helping keep the community connected and informed.It has become a ‘go-to platform’ for many people across the district and beyond, with a reach of 80 per cent of the Central Otago adult population, serving both residents and visitors.Owner manager Vicki McLean said aside from the growing reach, it also has more than 500,000 app and website visits each month, illustrating just how valuable the service has become with our regulars using the app daily for news and information.“Whether it’s finding out what’s happening around town or looking up local businesses, the app has become a trusted source of information. I couldn't be more proud of what the team has acheived.”She said the team behind The Central App do not just report on the community—they’re part of it. “With all members living and working in Central Otago, they bring a local perspective that helps ensure the content is relevant and meaningful. Their deep ties to the area mean they know what matters to the community, and that’s reflected in what you see on the app.”Team members from left to right: Anna Robb (Reporter) Alexia Anderson (Editor) Vicki McLean (Owner) Caitlyn Thomson (Client support) Sarah Calder (Admin) Aimee Wilson (Reporter) missing Sierra Connell (Marketing) PHOTO: The Central AppVicki said The Central App’s reach continues to grow beyond just your phone screen. Last month, Google analytics showed 21,265 people used the app over 87,000 times viewing over 570,000 pages. “It’s insane, as a remote working team we hear people say they use the app but its the figures that show us it's working for our community. Our focus has always been to provide relevant and timely news and information that is relevant for our locals. We also received over 16,000 views on our social media last month, and our newsletter now has more than 300 subscribers. Our podcast, 'The Outlet’, has seen 4062 downloads since its release. It's all part of an effort to reach users wherever they are and keep the community conversation going.” If you’d like to check out or join the community conversation…Join our newsletterFollow our Instagram Follow our Facebook Listen to ‘The Outlet’ In addition to its many features, this month The Central App launched a Community Notice Board, accessible through the news section. (See the Tab at the top)The new feature provides a space for all locals to share announcements, garage sales, lost pets, flatmates wanted - anything a typical community notice board offers. “It’s a small addition that’s already making a big difference in how the community stays informed. We are trying to keep everything free for our readers and want to remind readers to support those who support us - that's why we have ads saying, ‘because of me, your news is free’ with the local business enabling you to receive free content and news."To visit the page, click here.Vicki said as digital tools become more integral to daily life, The Central App continues to evolve, adding features that reflect the needs of its users. One of the newest events on The Central App calendar is an AI seminar, allowing clients to gain a better understanding of the concept and its features, ultimately supporting them and their business into the future. A few tickets are still available to the event taking place on August 20 at Monte Christo. Contact Us if you'd like more information.“With its strong local presence and a team that’s truly part of the community, the app looks set to remain a key player in keeping Central Otago connected.“We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made The Central App what it is today—our readers, local businesses, and community members. Your support and engagement have been invaluable. “As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear from you. How can we improve? What features would make the app even better for you? Your feedback is crucial in helping us serve Central Otago even more effectively. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us.”Click here to help us keep improving our app so it delivers what you need. Please take a couple of minutes to complete our survey.

A draft response to matters raised in letters from the Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds on the Otago Regional Council’s Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), should be completed in the next week.Chief executive Richard Saunders told the meeting yesterday the draft response would then be brought back to an extraordinary council meeting within a fortnight.Minister Penny Simmonds wrote to the council twice over the past six weeks asking for a breakdown of costs associated with aspects of the LWRP, after concerns from the primary sector, and district councils regarding wastewater treatment disposal plans.Richard said there had been changes made since that point, which would be outlined to the minister in the letter.Staff have also indicated a willingness to meet with the minister to discuss the issues raised in the letter and provide some clarity on the content of the draft plan.But some councillors raised concerns about why they couldn’t review the letter now and add their input to it, saying council was "cutting it short.”“I’m always open to receiving emails on this,” Richard told the meeting.He said the plan remained on track to meet the notification date of October 31, but requests for additional legal advice had placed additional pressure on the programme.The council was also seeking an independent review of technical aspects of the draft plan, and regional councillors would see the first draft at a workshop on September 17.Richard highlighted the fact that the two workshops for councillors (the second being in October), were not decision-making forums.Council will make its decision on the LWRP on October 23, a week before it was due to be notified.Chair Gretchen Robertson said the LWRP development remained front of everyone’s mind. 

Victim Support has been declined $10,000 in funding from the Central Otago District Council for help funding additional resources in the district.As a first-time applicant, the organisation was one of two nationally, along with the Plunket Society, that council decided it wouldn’t support through its $151,000 district wide grants scheme.Mayor Tim Cadogan said more national organisations were coming to council looking for funding, and warned “this might be our last grants round,” as it was currently carrying out a review of its policy.Victim Support funding specialist Denise Graham spoke to council yesterday and has also met with ACT MP Todd Stephenson as a result of under resourcing in the area.With offices based at police stations in Cromwell, Queenstown and Alexandra, Central Otago only has one part-time team leader and the organisation faces difficulties recruiting volunteers.The geographical distance between offices was also challenging, and the organisation wanted to employ an additional staff member.Denise said over the past 12 months Victim Support has assisted 300 people in the district, and emphasised how the organisation could be a “game changer” for those affected by crime.Just last week Victim Support was successful in gaining funding from Central Lakes Trust, but that was only 14 per cent of its operating expenses.The organisation also has a pending application with the Russell Henderson Trust, which will be decided at the end of September.Groups that were successful in the latest funding round were Sport Otago, which received $48,400, the Central Otago Heritage Trust, $44,000, Central Otago District Arts Trust, $44,000, Central Otago Health Inc, $7500, Volunteer South, $5000, and the Life Education Trust Heartland Otago Southland, $4000.

It’s that time of year here in the mountains where the weather can wreak havoc for business owners.Not through flooding and hurricane-force winds but through employee absence over a period of time, when a heavy snowfall seems to oddly coincide with a wave of illness that runs through town… So, what to do?There are a number of factors at play here – first, let’s talk about the statutory side of this – the obligations between you, the employer, and your employee.Assuming your Employment Agreement stipulates certain hours, there is an obligation on the employee to make themselves available for these hours. But of course, genuine reasons for absence such as sickness are an exception to this.You can request a medical certificate, however, if they have been sick for less than three calendar days, the business must cover the costs of obtaining it.So, whether you wish to pursue this perhaps depends on how big an issue it is and whether you suspect the employee might be taking advantage of their sick leave. Catching a False Sick DayIf you take the "sick employee’s" word but then discover that they had, in fact, been up the mountain, it could be that a conversation is necessary – an employment relationship should be one of good faith, trust, and confidence.If this trust is damaged, you can go down the path of investigating if there is a misconduct issue.However, we would suggest having an informal conversation first, hearing your employee’s side of the story, and letting them know the impact it has had on your business and what behaviour you would prefer to see in the future. Is there potential to foster more work-life balance?The other aspect of all of this is the human and work culture side.Presumably, your employee LOVES the snow – is there anything you can do to support this so that they don’t feel they need to pull a sickie? Is there flexibility in the business that if they can see a big powder day coming, that they can work those hours at a different time or swap shifts with someone else?This won’t be possible for all businesses, but we would suggest thinking carefully about it, and if there’s not, explaining the reasons to your employees.If you can figure out a way to deal with this that encourages honesty and allows your employees to enjoy those one or two powder days (yep, the reality is they don’t come by that often), then this could do wonders for their loyalty, productivity, and your reputation as an epic employer.  Need some help?If you are looking for more guidance or advice on Employment Agreements, Employment Issues, or facilitating open conversations, please reach out to our team at [email protected], and we can chat through some options with you.