Removing the median wage requirement from the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will make it much easier and affordable for businesses to fill skilled and unskilled roles, say employers.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford yesterday revealed the changes, which will take effect from March.BusinessNZ chief executive Katherine Rich said the vast majority of businesses used immigration responsibly and as a last resort to source skills that were not available in New Zealand.She said it was not a matter of being free to import cheap labour, as most of the jobs available required some level of skill and experience.But she said paying migrants a median wage - which was higher than the wage paid for New Zealanders - was a cost barrier that was not only inflationary, but made businesses uncompetitive."In some cases employers were having to pay over and above local workers to do the same job, which you can imagine creates some friction as well as inflation."Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said retailers also had limited labour pools to draw on and sometimes needed migrants to fill minimum wage jobs, when there were no New Zealanders available to take those jobs."The need to pay median wage has been a barrier to using migrants to fill these roles," Young said.Rich said the changes to the AEWV were a step in the right direction, but more work was needed to make the immigration system fit for purpose."We foresee that demand for immigration will pick up again and businesses need to be able to rely on an immigration system that does not have unnecessary barriers and bureaucracy, and is timely and efficient."Employers and Manufacturers Association senior policy advisor Joanna Hall said the removal of the median wage requirement was timely for employers needing to remain competitive."We'd like to see an AEWV system that is well designed for all users and doesn't impose undue compliance processes and costs onto employers."Hall said further changes were needed to enhance New Zealand's international attractiveness as a country that welcomed talented and qualified migrants."These changes are positive steps, and we look forward to further moves by the government to help employers secure the skilled migrants that will increase the country's economic wellbeing," she said.Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage said the industry had long advocated for the removal of the median wage requirements, "as it was an arbitrary benchmark equating pay rates with skills that are needed".He said removing the 21-day advertising obligations would also ease the potential for processing delays, particularly over busy trading periods, such as summer.

Looking to use an AI chatbot like ChatGPT to streamline specific tasks but not getting the answers you want?You probably just need to write a better prompt.Luckily, it’s easy.Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to write an effective prompt to get your desired output. Provide context: Give the chatbot an idea of what you are hoping to achieve.Provide examples, historical data, or last year’s sales numbers if relevant so it has enough contextual information to work with.Ask the chatbot to roleplay: One easy way to get a more detailed answer is to ask ChatGPT to take on a role. Tell ChatGPT to play the role of a marketing expert with fifteen years of experience in a specific niche and you will garner way more details that way.Give clear guidelines: Set expectations when it comes to their response. Provide them with an estimated word count or format.Here’s an example of a clear and unclear prompt:Unclear prompt: Write me a few social media captions about my holiday sale.Clear prompt: Write me three Instagram captions that excite followers about my holiday sale. The sale will feature items that are up to 50% off. Each caption should be 20 words max.The clear prompt above specifies the desired word count and provides more details about the sale they are promoting, giving ChatGPT more overall direction.For more complex requests... break up your prompts into separate steps.For example, ask ChatGPT to read through your document first and then summarise it before helping you find some standout quotes to reference in your article.The takeaway?Be specific about your ask, provide context, and set clear guidelines. Don’t be vague about your request. The more detailed your prompt is, chances are you’ll get your desired answer.Sometimes, you won’t get the response you wanted, so ask follow-up questions or provide feedback to get more precise results.You’ll be an effective prompter in no time!

We had the chance to attend the WOBI conference in Sydney recently, and wow—it was full of thought-provoking talks! From AI to leadership, marketing to management, it was a goldmine of ideas. But instead of overwhelming you with every single takeaway, we wanted to focus on three ideas that feel especially useful for the businesses here in Central Otago.These lessons, from speakers world experts Marcus Collins, Gary Hamel, and Anne Chow, are practical and relatable—perfect for making small but meaningful changes in your business.Marcus Collins on Marketing: Go Beyond DemographicsLet’s talk about marketing for a minute. When you’re promoting your business, how often do you focus on things like age, income, or family size? Maybe you’re targeting “35-45-year-old women with kids,” and while that’s a start, it doesn’t tell you much about what makes those people tick.Marcus Collins really challenged this kind of thinking. He says, instead of looking at demographics, think about culture. What are your customers passionate about? What communities do they see themselves as part of? Whether they identify as foodies, mountain bikers, or dog lovers, those cultural identities shape how they behave and what they buy.For example, let’s say you’re selling coffee. Are you marketing to “people who drink coffee” or to “coffee enthusiasts”? That slight shift in focus can change your whole approach. A coffee enthusiast might care more about the origin of your beans or your unique brewing process. Speak to their passion, and suddenly, you’re not just another café—you’re their café.So next time you’re working on a campaign, ask yourself: what are my customers passionate about? How can I show them I’m part of their world?Gary Hamel on Management: Break Down the BarriersHere’s a big question for you: how easy is it for someone in your business, whether it’s a front line staff member or even yourself, to try something new? Gary Hamel’s advice was simple: businesses need to remove unnecessary red tape.The world’s moving fast, and businesses have to keep up. But sometimes, the way things are set up slows us down. Maybe your team has great ideas, but there’s no clear way for them to share or act on them. Or maybe decision-making gets bottlenecked because everything has to go through you. Sound familiar?Hamel suggested asking three questions:Are all your staff trained to spot opportunities or improvements?Do they have the resources to test new ideas, even on a small scale?Is innovation something you celebrate and hold people accountable for?Imagine if anyone in your business felt comfortable saying, “Hey, I have an idea!” and actually trying it out. Even something small, like a mini budget for experiments, could make a big difference. Plus, the more empowered your team feels, the more invested they’ll be in your business. It’s a win-win!Anne Chow on Leadership: Purpose Drives People“You can manage things, but you lead people,” says Anne Chow. Her leadership philosophy is all about purpose—why you do what you do and who you’re doing it for.Take Nike as an example. Their purpose isn’t just “we make sports apparel.” That’s the what. Their purpose is, “We aspire to bring innovation and inspiration to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” This statement inspires their team, aligns their actions, and connects with customers on a deeper level.Anne recommends reflecting on these questions to uncover your team’s purpose:Who are your stakeholders—customers, employees, community members?Why do they care about what you do?What would happen if your group disappeared tomorrow?What’s the unique value you provide that no one else does?Purpose isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a business advantage. When your team and customers understand your “why,” they’re more likely to stick with you and champion your cause.These three ideas—knowing your customers beyond the surface, empowering your team, and leading with purpose—are simple but powerful. They remind us that behind every successful business are real people, their ideas, and their connections.

Some Maniototo locals are concerned the proposed solar farm will turn the environment into an industrial toxic wasteland.A public meeting is being held tonight to discuss Helios resource consent to install half a million (550,810) solar panels and 32 shipping containers of lithium battery storage for its project near Naseby.Aurora whistleblower Richard Healey will be guest speaker.The former Delta manager quit his job eight years ago so he could speak out publicly about Aurora’s shortcomings with regard to its network.Richard is Dunedin based and had vast knowledge in energy infrastructure and delivery, and the aim of the meeting was to help people make an informed decision before submissions closed on December 19. A Facebook group had also been set up to share information with the community from those concerned about the solar farms potential impacts.The Facebook group claimed land prices would lose value if the solar farm went ahead, and there was also threat to the new nearby water sources for Ranfurly - with the Central Otago District Council currently drilling bores sites close to the site on the Naseby back road.Covering 660ha - several times bigger than the town of Ranfurly itself - other concerns included noise and visual pollution, and the fire risk from the huge batteries onsite.Affected landowner Rose Voice said the issues were bigger than just the Maniototo, with the current acquirer for the town water supply linked to the Taieri River.“This is bigger than just us. It’s bigger than Central Otago. This is a huge company and they’re trying to pull the wool over our eyes."Rose said at a public meeting a neighbouring landowner leasing land to Helios threatened her saying if she put in an opposing submission, he would have her exiled from the community, and ensured nobody supported her business.It had been a stressful time for Rose and her husband and family, “and it's ripping our community and families to bits.”Helios is a New Zealand company established in early 2020 when the founders recognised the potential for grid-scale solar developments to make a positive contribution to the existing New Zealand energy mix. Helios believed large-scale solar generation would make a meaningful and rapid contribution to New Zealand’s goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030, and would democratise the country’s energy market to help deliver a more secure andaffordable energy supply for the country. The application sought resource consent to construct, operate and maintain an approximately 300MWac photovoltaic solar farm, and associated infrastructure including battery energy storage, substation and transmission line infrastructure for renewable electricity generation.The public meeting tonight is being held at the Maniototo Rugby Clubrooms at 6pm.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A slice of 1950’s history in need of some tender love and care is for sale. The Omakau District Memorial Community Centre - known as the Omakau Hall - on the main street of Omakau has been listed with real estate business Raine & Horne.The 430sqm building, on 875 sqm of land, needs someone with plenty of do it yourself (DIY) skills according to real estate agent Rhys Chamberlain.Rhys has marketed plenty of Central properties with unique features in the past including a former flour mill in Oturehua, but this is the first time a community hall has been on his books.“It’s only been on the market for three days and I’ve had a couple of inquiries already.“It’s on [the market] over the Christmas period so we will catch everyone in town.”“We don’t know what it is worth at all, the government valuation is around $265K, but with an auction we’ll have to see,” Rhys said. “There’s a bit of chatter about it and the locals are all aware it’s up for sale.”The property will be auctioned on January 24 at Raine and Horne’s office in Omakau.Proceeds from the sale of the hall will go towards the Omakau Community Hub project. Rhys described the hall as “a bit tired”, it has multiple rooms, including main hall, stage and backstage area, two smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen and bathrooms. The retro ticket booth at the entrance. PHOTO: Supplied There are exits out of the building into an outside area. The property is bordered on either side by presently operating local businesses.Rhys said at one point the hall was going to be demolished and turned into a green space back in 2007.“That didn’t happen, I’m not sure why.”The hall could be reinvented under a new owner with a vision and practical skills, Rhys said.The New Zealand History website states the hall includes the First and Second World War rolls of honour. The names of the fallen in The Great War 1914 -1918. PHOTO: NZ HistoryThe roll of honour from The World War 1939 -1945. PHOTO: NZ HistoryFacebook group Omakau and Ophir Community News reminded local community groups to check all equipment had been removed. The hall used to be used for childcare and by other groups. To find out more about the property contact Rhys Chamberlain. Read more: Omakau community hub progressingCheck out The Central App’s real estate section hereRead more: Cromwell memorial hall build $760,000 into contingencyHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Merry and bright Christmas displays are popping in Central as a fun competition returns for a second time.The Central App, with the support from sponsors Aurora Energy, Tall Poppy Real estate, Jamie's Jewellers, The Harvest Hotel and Central Interiors is running ‘Light Up Central’ with prizes up for grabs for houses and businesses.Clyde School Year 8 pupil Jackson Hill (13) has worked hard on his display for his family’s front garden.He has designed a Santa and a sleigh complete with two reindeer, cut them out of plywood and painted them and mounted everything, with a little bit of help from his mum and dad. Jackson said it took a month to create the display. “I started by designing it on my phone using a photo of our house. The main feature is Santa in his sleigh with the reindeer, all made from plywood. My dad helped me cut out the shapes, and then my mum took me to Resene's in Alexandra to pick out the perfect paints,’’ he said.“I spent the entire last weekend painting, and then I got creative with an old bike light and a Christmas decoration to make Rudolf's nose glow.“Huge thanks to my mum and dad for helping fund the supplies and lights. I'm stoked with how it's turned out.”Malcolm Hill and Jackson (13) work together to create Santa and his sleigh. PHOTO: Lisa Hill Mum Lisa said she was incredibly proud of his creativity and hard work.Jackson painted the display by hand. PHOTO: Lisa Hill “The display looks truly magical at night when the lights are on.”Jackson was inspired by his neighbours on Dunstan St who were the winners last year.He said his favourite part of Christmas was spending quality time with his family.“I love how Christmas brings everyone together, and we can all share in the joy and magic of the season. It's a special time to spread love, kindness, and Christmas spirit!.''There are more than 10 residential entrants and 27 businesses in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra and many are enjoyable to view during daylight hours as well as after dark.Some of the display at 10 Juniper Close, Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppTo enter you need to decorate your home or workplace with a festive display and then it will be added to a map, so residents and visitors can do their own self-guided tour of festive spots. It’s free to enter and you can sign up at any time.Light Up Central’s first prize is $1000 worth of home improvements, second place wins a night’s accommodation for two including breakfast, and third scoops $500 worth of jewellery.The business prize is a Business South membership.People need to vote online by January 4 for their favourite house and business. Winners will be announced on January 5. Alexandra’s Courthouse Cafe has an epic Christmas vibe this year. PHOTO: Supplied Read more: Joyful Christmas Trail at Jolendale Park this yearRead more: Sustainable Christmas tips for familiesHave a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

The streamlining of operations at two Cromwell aged care facilities will result in job losses and a reduction of caregiver hours.Several administrative and management jobs at both Ripponvale and Golden View Lifestyle villages have been displaced by the new owners Promisia Healthcare, as it moved to streamline its operations.The Christchurch-based company acquired both villages for $33million, taking over operations in August.Promisia currently operates other aged care facilities in Ranfurly, Feilding, Christchurch and Dannevirke.In a recent letter to families of residents, executive director Craig Percy said unfortunately, as they centralised administration and management oversight back to its Christchurch support office, there have been some staff losses.There were systemic issues with the way that Health NZ funded aged care in New Zealand, he said.“The sector is dramatically underfunded; however, our services are in high demand and therefore we need to make our service delivery sustainable. Excellence in quality care and safety remain our priority.”Registered nursing hours would be increasing at Ripponburn and staying the same at Goldenview, and catering services would be merged.Ripponburn Hospital and Home will be operated together with Golden View under new owners Promisia. FILE SHOT A total of 110 caregiver hours would be cut at Goldenview to make the business more sustainable, and single person transfers would be used where appropriate, rather than two staff members, except for when using hoists.The activities programmes were also being reduced across both facilities with support from caregivers, the letter stated.However, in response to questions from The Central App, Craig said through natural attrition and the redesign of rosters, they did not envisage there would be a material loss of frontline roles. “There will be a reduction of four administration and management roles across the two facilities. The Christchurch support office will provide additional administration and resources aimed at streamlining processes and clinical care across the Cromwell facilities.”In the coming weeks, further discussions would be held with staff aimed at finalising the allocation of hours and rosters, Craig said.Golden View was a 79-bed care facility that included a specialist dementia unit and 19 serviced apartments; and 102 independent living units with a communal facilities building and amenities area. Construction of the village was completed in 2021 and the care facility in 2022. Across the road was Ripponburn with just 16 independent living villas and a 46-bed care facility. Construction of the villas was completed in 2016, with recent improvements made to the village site and roadways. The care facility building was built in the 1930s and was near the end of its useful life, with the company looking to expand onsite, including new accommodation and further investment in specialised dementia care.According to statistics, Cromwell has 20 per cent of its population aged over 65, and the number of people living with dementia was expected to increase from around 70,000 today to almost 170,000 by 2050. Many of these people would require specialised residential care and support, and Golden View is the only village offering specialised dementia care in Cromwell.Know more?Contact [email protected]

Contact Energy’s Manuherikia Landscape and Visual Amenity Plan (LVAMP) is progressing ahead of its July 1 deadline.As a requirement of its Roxburgh Dam resource consent obligations, Contact must develop a landscape and visual amenity plan to manage the impacts of its operations.The plan is re-assessed every five years and engagement with stakeholders has begun for its next iteration.Contact Energy environmental advisor Jenny Bullock said the company was working with local community groups, key stakeholders, mana whenua, and had engaged an independent landscape architect.“The LVAMP purpose is to identify the areas and actions to address landscape and visual amenity effects from Contact’s generation activities. “This includes the excavation of sediment from the riverbed in the Alexandra reaches, including the Linger and Die area.”The reassessment was an opportunity to build greater connections with community groups working in this area, alongside potential to elevate native biodiversity through actions such as indigenous planting and control of invasive weed species, she said.“Following initial consultation with key stakeholders, we will create a draft plan and then we will seek input from the wider community. We’re aiming for a first draft to be available in late January 2025.’’Past work to comply with the Otago Regional Council resource consent obligations had been carried out by Wilsons Contracting.In early 2023, 73,000 cubic metres of gravel and sediment from the Manuherikia River near Galloway Bridge and the confluence with the Clutha River at Alexandra was removed.The Manuherikia River alongside the Linger and Die reserve in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppSediment was stockpiled and trucked to designated disposal sites (such as Dry Gully) and some material from river beds was processed and used in building and roading infrastructure maintenance and construction.  The Central App will keep readers updated about the LVAMP for the Lower Manuherikia as information on the plan becomes available.Read more: Central Otago, Gore district councils unified on water servicesRead more: Toxic algae warning at Butchers DamRead more: Freshwater gold clam spread to South Island could be devastatingHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Strong sales start with strong brand awareness.As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. No matter how great your products are, your brand needs visibility to grow, attract the right customers, and build trust.People need to know, like, and feel confident in your brand before they buy from you.So, how do we make that happen?Getting Your Brand NoticedBuilding brand awareness is like making new friends—you want people to recognise you, trust you, and feel comfortable with you.Here’s a simple analogy:Imagine your birthday is coming up, and you’re planning your guest list.Who’s on it?Likely friends you know and trust.Now, picture walking out onto the street and inviting a complete stranger to your party.What would they say? Probably, no thanks.Why? They don’t know you.They don’t know what kind of party it’ll be.Frankly, they might think it’s a bit weird.But businesses often make this mistake.They market to thousands of strangers, hoping one will turn up.It’s a waste of time, energy, and even worse—can harm your brand.Branding isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being remembered in the right way.Tip 1: The Secret to Sales? Brand AwarenessBuilding brand awareness is like planting seeds for future sales.As your brand becomes recognised and trusted across different touchpoints, sales follow naturally.It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about creating a connection and a buzz.When people start talking about your brand for the right reasons, sales roll in without you having to push too hard.Tip 2: Keep Advertising, Even When Times Are GoodHere’s a fun fact: 77% of people prefer to buy from businesses they know and trust.Why? It’s the same reason we like catching up with old friends—they’re familiar, and we’ve built a connection over time.Brands that consistently share their stories build that same kind of connection. Even when sales are steady, continuing to advertise keeps your brand in the spotlight and strengthens trust.Tip 3: Make Your Brand Top of MindKeep It FreshThink of your brand like a plant. The more you water it, the more it grows. Regular updates and content keep your audience engaged and make your brand the first they think of when they need your product or service.Be YourselfWhat’s your brand’s personality? Fun and quirky? Serious and professional? Let it shine! Share content that reflects your style so your audience knows exactly who you are.Tell Your StoryStories are powerful—they create emotional connections. Share your journey, highlight your team, or feature customers. When people relate to your story, they relate to your brand.Get VisualVisuals like pictures, videos, and infographics grab attention and stick in people’s minds. They make your marketing engaging and memorable.Ready to Take Action?Plan AheadCreate a content calendar to ensure your branding efforts are consistent and varied month to month.Craft a NarrativeChoose a story that aligns with your brand values and share it across your channels.Try New FormatsExperiment with videos, live streams, or interactive content like quizzes to keep your audience engaged.Building brand awareness takes time, but with consistency and creativity, you’ll become the brand everyone knows and loves.So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your brand out there and make it unforgettable!P.S. If your sales are dropping or you’re unsure how to get more people excited about your brand, click here, and we’ll help you rediscover the best path forward.

Sofia Vergara’s coffee brand, Dios Mio Coffee, has taken the market by storm since its July launch, generating an impressive $222K in monthly sales—all in just four months!How did they pull this off? Other than Modern Family star Sofia Vergara being ambassador they used a mix of smart tools, creative engagement, and a focus on customer experience. If you're a small business owner, there’s plenty to learn from their journey. Let’s break it down:The Secret Sauce: Tools Powering Dios Mio’s Growth1. Crazy Egg – See Your Site Through Your Customers’ EyesThis heat-mapping tool gives a behind-the-scenes look at how visitors interact with your site. You can see where they click, how they scroll, and where they drop off.Why it’s useful:Identifies problem areas that might be costing you sales.Helps you tweak your website to improve user experience and boost conversions.Think of it as having a roadmap for turning curious browsers into loyal buyers!2. Octane AI – Engaging Customers Through Fun QuizzesQuizzes aren’t just for social media—they’re a great way to engage customers and guide them toward the right product. Dios Mio’s quiz helps customers pick a coffee that matches their taste and personality.Here’s why it works:Customers answer fun questions like their coffee-making habits and where they’d love to sip coffee with Sofia Vergara.At the end, users are prompted to share their email for a 10% discount, turning them into subscribers and potential buyers.This playful approach isn’t just entertaining—it’s strategic. The quizzes grow their email list and help convert one-time shoppers into repeat customers.3. Recharge Subscriptions – Turning One-Time Buyers Into Loyal FansSubscription models are perfect for products people buy regularly, like coffee. Dios Mio makes their subscription option crystal clear with a “Subscribe and Save” button right on their homepage.Why it works:Customers can choose their coffee type, roast, and delivery frequency.Subscriptions encourage repeat purchases, increasing the average order value (AOV) and building steady, recurring revenue.This system is simple to set up with Recharge and comes with top-notch support—no coding required!What If You Don’t Use Shopify?The good news is, you don’t have to use Shopify to implement these strategies. Many platforms offer similar tools and plugins that can help you:Track user behavior (like Crazy Egg).Engage with quizzes (like Octane AI).Introduce subscriptions (like Recharge).With a little research, you can find options that fit your platform and budget.Ready to Brew Up Some Ideas?Dios Mio Coffee’s success is proof that small, creative tweaks can lead to big results. Whether it’s using quizzes to engage customers, adding a subscription model, or improving your website’s user experience, there’s inspiration here for every business.Which brand will we be spying on next? 👀

Up to 250 jobs would be created for a proposed solar farm near Naseby during a two-year period, with public submissions now open on the resource consent application.The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has notified the application by Helios OTA to construct, operate, and maintain a solar farm at 48 Ranfurly-Naseby Road.The proposed solar farm - also known as the Māniatoto Plain Solar Farm - required multiple resource consents to operate on rural land currently used for sheep and beef grazing.Helios is a New Zealand company established in early 2020 when the founders recognised the potential for grid-scale solar developments to make a positive contribution to the existing New Zealand energy mix. Helios believed large-scale solar generation would make a meaningful and rapid contribution to New Zealand’s goal of reaching 100 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030, and would democratise the country’s energy market to help deliver a more secure and affordable energy supply for the country. The application sought resource consent to construct, operate and maintain an approximately 300MWac photovoltaic solar farm, and associated infrastructure including battery energy storage, substation and transmission line infrastructure for renewable electricity generation.The proposed solar farm would be built on land leased from two local farming families and connected into the National Grid via the Naseby Substation on Fennessy Road.It would consist of approximately 550,810 solar panels, mounted on a tracking system. The panels would be aligned in north and south rows, and follow the movement of the sun throughout the day.When the sun was overhead and the solar panels were tilted parallel to the ground at their maximum site coverage, they would cover approximately 23.3 per cent of the site (155 ha in total). The solar farm has been designed to allow enough space underneath and around the panels for compatibility with sheep grazing and pasture growth, with a grass mix suitable for sheep grazing.The proposal would create enough clean, renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 70,000 typical New Zealand homes annually. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Public transport options to shuttle workers from Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell to Queenstown and Wanaka for work is being explored by the Otago Regional Council.At its monthly meeting in Balclutha last week, councillors agreed to push on with a study of shared transport options, as part of a wider strategic direction on public transport across the region.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws asked whether the study would be consulted on with the public, and chief executive Richard Saunders said that would depend on whether there would be significant changes.He said it was disappointing that the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) was not partnering with the regional council in supporting the work across the region.The initial proposal was for a public bus service just to Queenstown, but Cr Laws said given that Wanaka and Hawea were booming as well, particularly with the trades, that route needed to be explored as well.“Not all workers are turning left at the Cromwell turn off, they are heading right as well.”The Otago Regional Council already runs a subsidised bus service around Queenstown SUPPLIEDCr Andrew Noone congratulated Cr Laws on promoting public transport and connectivity, and said who knew what the communities would look like across the region in a decade’s time.Cr Gary Kelliher was the only councillor who voted against the transport study.After the meeting, he said he didn’t think it would be supported enough.“We have a public transport system that runs at a loss at the moment.”He believed what people wanted and what the regional council could actually provide were two different things.For example, not all workers would be wanting to leave at the same time every morning or returning at the same time at the end of the day. Unless it ran on the hour every hour it wouldn’t be sustainable, he said.“So we’ll end up with an empty bus.”With the cost of living crisis, he was not supporting the “nice to haves,” and said the regional council had to do better with its ‘must haves.’The transport team would now work with the finance team to understand the full rating impact on the decision, to inform future decisions on the Annual Plan.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

"Business as usual is no longer an option." This was the message from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown at our meeting this week in Wellington. I want to highlight what he had to say about Local Water Done Well, which is National's plan for Councils to deliver clean, safe, reliable drinking water. As part of this council needs to develop a Water Service Delivery Plan (WSDP) which will outline how we are going to meet the government's direction in the water space. There is a very strong expectation that councils will work together, at a regional level, to achieve this.CODC is currently in conversations with some of our neighbours about what a joint Council Controlled Organisation to take care of water services could look like. We will be discussing this at our council meeting this week. Minister Brown acknowledged that we have inherited pressing issues. He highlighted some new tools – one being Regional Deals. All councils have now been invited to pitch for a regional deal, with the focus areas being economic growth, infrastructure, housing and transport. These are areas that Central Otago could really use some forward progress in, and we have started this work with our neighbours. Interestingly, Minister Brown and Minister Shane Jones said councils who are shown to be collaborating in the water space, and taking on board the government’s direction, will be viewed more favourable when regional deals are assessed. The key point for regional deals is that it won’t come with any money from the government. It is more about the levers, legislation and influence that they control that can help regions to get things moving. The other really interesting comments were from presentations from two Australian states (Victoria and New South Wales) on rates capping.Chalk and cheese presentations. Victoria started rates capping in 2017, and it seems to be going “OK so far.” They cautioned maintenance was one of the first things to be reduced, and the impact on people ‘at the bottom’ was more significant when it came to cutting services. Waste is excluded from rates capping so whatever waste increases by is still passed on the ratepayers. NSW has had rates capping for 50 years. There was a very stern warning from them – ‘proceed down this path with extreme caution’.The cap does not apply to waste, water or wastewater, and sometimes what is left is not even keeping pace with inflation.They said NSW currently has a significant backlog for asset renewal, maintenance and adaptation to climate change. Councils can apply for an “exemption” to the cap – including up to a 51% rates increase that was approved in recent times. Certainly food for thought as we go forward, and highlights the need for councils to diversify their income streams so we’re not just relying on rates.

Peregrine Wines has appealed its Bendigo Loop Road subdivision that was declined by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) in June.A hearings panel agreed with planning consultant Olivia Stirling the receiving environment, which was currently characterised by its open space natural character, would be compromised by further incremental subdivision in the location. Peregrine Wines first started a three-lot subdivision at Bendigo Loop Road back in 2021, then subdivided a 30ha lot into a further two lots a year later.The initial piece of land subdivided was 38.9ha - split into three lots (5.46ha, 4.29ha and 29.17ha).The 29.17ha lot was then split into a further two lots (3.47ha and 25.72ha), and now the company wanted to split the bigger piece that was left into a further 23.7ha and 2.005ha.Stirling recommended in her planners report the subdivision be declined as the surrounding landscape had already reached a density that was unable to absorb any further fragmentation without significantly undermining the rural character, amenity and open natural landscape values of the Rural Resource Area.Although no change of land use had been made, nor any residential activity proposed on the bare land, one submitter said the application was sending mixed messages in recognising the possibility of future housing on the sites.The panel also considered that while the applicant had indicated there was no intention to establish residential activity on the site, in separate ownership there would still inevitably be multiple buildings or structures of some sort on both sites. Peregrine noted in its application that viticulture use of the site was more productive than its current agriculture use, and confirmed it had already purchased Sauvignon Blanc vines to plant within one of the new lots.Peregrine appealed the Council’s decision for various reasons including the belief the decision incorrectly placed significant weight on the precedent consent might set for residential development if granted.“This is speculative without evidence regarding what residential activity, if any, was planned by the appellant, and should have been treated as such by the hearings panel.”The decision also did not sufficiently recognise that buildings, if any, could support rural production activities (for example, in providing accommodation to rural workers), the appeal submission said.“The decision did not take into account the positive effects that dwellings, if any, would have on reducing the need for rural workers to travel to the site daily, some for a substantial distance.”Lawyers also criticised the panel for relying “heavily” on a peer review of the productivity of the site – prepared by James Dicey of Grape Vision, who was a competitor to the appellant and did not propose any alternative productive use to viticulture or a comprehensive economic assessment. “The hearings panel placed significant weight on the peer review prepared by Mr Dicey, that the site, once subdivided, would have a small but appreciable loss of productivity. “However, the evidence of the applicant – as an experienced viticulturist and steward of the site, and which concluded that overall the application would allow for a more sustainable and productive layout and use of the site across two allotments – should have been given more weight and been preferred.”Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has decided not to fill the vacancy left by Bryan Scott after he resigned last month [October 25] following the Government’s intervention on the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).The decision follows the same path the Central Otago District Council (CODC) took after councillor Tamah Alley moved into the Mayoral role, also leaving a vacancy around the table until the next election.At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, regional council chair Gretchen Robertson acknowledged Cr Scott’s contribution to the council the past two decades - coincidentally the meeting was also held in his home town of Balclutha.With his recent resignation, Cr Scott left a significant gap in the team and they would feel the absence of his insight, experience, and unwavering dedication to Otago’s future, Cr Robertson said.“Bryan’s diverse background, including his training as a chemical engineer, has brought an analytical and evidence-based approach to the council,’’ she said.“His focus on factual accuracy and his insistence on measurable outcomes have been instrumental in shaping council decisions.”Bryan Scott  PHOTO: SUPPLIEDKnown for his matter-of-fact approach, Cr Scott judged success by actions and impacts rather than accolades or adornment, encouraging those around him to keep focused on what truly mattered, she said. “His dedication to a data-driven approach has set a high standard for decisions that balance long-term environmental and community wellbeing, reflecting his steadfast commitment to securing Otago’s future.”Beyond his technical skills, Cr Scott’s deep love for the outdoors and his commitment to conservation had greatly influenced his contributions to Otago. His property above Otago Harbour, where he planted more 3500 native trees, stood as a testament to his belief in conservation through action. Otago Regional Council chair Gretchen Robertson acknowledged the work of outgoing councillor Bryan Scott at a meeting on Wednesday. FILE SHOTCr Robertson said whether out tramping the rugged Te Araroa Trail or working on integrated catchment management across Otago, Cr Scott’s focus had always been on creating a resilient environment for generations to come. “His dedication goes beyond self-advancement, centring on securing a thriving, sustainable region for all who call it home. ‘’Bryan’s years with the Otago Regional Council reflect a rare blend of resilience, tenacity, and passion for both people and the natural world. “From supporting projects that protect rivers, forests, and wetlands to fostering strong partnerships with mana whenua, his legacy will be felt across the region for years to come. “On behalf of the Otago Regional Council, I extend our deepest gratitude to Bryan Scott for his invaluable years of service, and for the lasting impact he has made on Otago’s environment and communities.”General manager strategy and customer Amanda Vercoe said due to the resignation taking place within 12 months of the next local body election - set for October 11, 2025), they could leave the vacancy unfilled.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws moved the vacancy be left open and it was seconded by Cr Kevin Malcolm.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central Otago’s new mayor Tamah Alley says she has the “best job in the world’’.The newly appointed mayor spoke to The Outlet about her unique journey from a decade in the police force to leading a rapidly growing region. Mayor Tamah said her career in the police taught her invaluable skills such as developing a thick skin and making courageous decisions. The transition from law enforcement to governance was fueled by a strong service drive - and the mayoralty had not been a consideration.“When I first put my hand up to become an elected member this is not where I thought my path was heading, but you know, things change, opportunities arrive.‘’I try to be the first one . . . to take up opportunities and kind of push yourself out there and be challenged and be interested in the role that you’re doing, and I think that’s what lots of us want from our day jobs,’’ she said.The dual nature of rapid growth in Central Otago, seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, and there were complexities in engaging the community in decision-making, given the vast amount of information council members must process. “I think the biggest challenge has been bringing our communities on a journey - I think loads of people feel shut out of the decision making around the council table and their ability to have a say and influence the decision that we make,’’ she said.Listen to the full interview on The Outlet,

Clutha district Mayor Bryan Cadogan welcomed the Otago Regional Council monthly meeting into the ‘Big River’ town on Wednesday, with councillors travelling from throughout the region to attend.The regional council held the majority of its meetings in Dunedin but several times a year also took it out to the regions, including Central Otago - its July meeting was held in Cromwell.The recent intervention by the Government to amend the Resource Management Act prohibiting regional councils from notifying their freshwater plans (LWRP) has resulted in ongoing correspondence between the regional council and Ministers.RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop recently said publicly there was still opportunity for the regional council to play a role in the review of the national direction for freshwater management, with the national policy statement for freshwater management (NPSFM) on track to be replaced mid-2025.The expectation was staff would work with ministry officials, and a report to the meeting said there may be an opportunity for involvement at a governance level alongside staff input. Council would now accept the offer for staff to work with ministry officials, and also request to have specific councillor level engagement as well.This would enable the regional council’s experience and expertise and the region’s needs to properly inform the review process. Cr Michael Laws thanked chief executive Richard Saunders “for encapsulating that view,” on behalf of the council, in the draft letter to ministers. It was also noted from staff involved in the LWRP that the delay in notifying it had created some issues that would need governance direction before a replacement was notified.Staff intended to report back to council in early 2025 on the issues identified, and some potential solutions, if required, to respond to the issues.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Motorists travelling between Alexandra and Roxburgh should factor in delays as work to install a new culvert at Gorge Creek begins on Sunday.Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will close the main highway each night from November 24 to December 6 to conduct the work.People who travel on that section of State Highway 8 (SH8) would need to build in extra time and be ready for short delays, journey manager for NZTA in Otago Nicole Felts said. The highway would be open to clear the traffic at the top of each hour, and by doing the work at night, would minimise traffic disruptions.Maintenance contract manager for Central Otago Peter Standring said the pipe running under the road – the culvert – collapsed a wee while ago due to its age, and due to the broken concrete material filling up the pipe, the water capacity was reduced. “Given we were about to renew the highway surface, it made sense to replace the pipe with a solid one at the same time."NZTA would be also resealing SH8 near the creek in early December, from Monday, December 9 for up to ten weeks to early March - that work would be carried out during the day.“We are taking the opportunity to replace the culvert before completing the road rehabilitation. The current one-metre diameter culvert is an older concrete pipe that was on our list to be renewed so we are using this opportunity to combine both into one package of works,” Nicole said.A lot of work had been done on culverts in the area since 2021, following the devastating 2017 floods which blocked the highway.NZTA, in conjunction with the Otago Regional Council, replaced a culvert at Golf Course Creek eight times bigger than the original one to improve road flooding resilience.The Pumphouse Creek culvert was replaced in 2021 and at Black Jacks in 2023.NZTA has also been working with the regional council to complete a catchment study of the area. A detailed hazard assessment on 13 of the 22 river catchments was in progress to understand future flooding scenarios.Regional council staff presented councillors with its Roxburgh Natural Hazards report last week, which outlined details of the study that would be completed by the end of 2025.Diggers work to clear a culvert in Roxburgh after the 2017 floods. PHOTO: THE CENTRAL APPThe 2017 flooding event caused significant impact to property and infrastructure, and the regional council needed to plan for the impacts of future ones, as a result of climate change.The upcoming evening culvert work would stop on December 20 and restart January 14. Around 1.3km of highway would be reconstructed north of Gorge Creek. The seal would remain intact in the lead-in to Christmas with full reconstruction underway from mid-January. There would be delays of up to ten minutes around this work with the highway operating as a single lane with traffic lights controlling movements. “We know this work runs through the Christmas holidays so thanks to all drivers coming into Central Otago on SH8 being ready for short daytime delays and, if travelling at night in the lead-in to Christmas, aiming for the top of the hour to get through at Gorge Creek,” Nicole said.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Inland Otago lakes and rivers are at risk from the potential spread of freshwater gold clam - and a surveillance programme is underway to monitor the new invasive species.The Otago Regional Council (ORC) said last week numerous freshwater systems in Otago were considered suitable for Corbicula fluminea colonisation.  But so far none have been detected in the South Island.  A report from staff to councillors outlined that the region’s lakes and rivers provided the temperature and nutrient conditions conducive to their establishment.The new-to New Zealand freshwater clam was found in the Waikato River in May 2023 and in March 2024, a second species of exotic clam at the Lake Taupō Aqua Park. “These species are considered to be highly invasive as they can spread quickly in rivers using water flows and are easily transported to new waterways via human activity,’’ the report said.“They can out-compete and displace native and taoka[treasured] species, compromise water quality, clog and damage water infrastructure, such as hydroelectricity and municipal water, and impact tourism and recreational values,” the report said.Regional council staff have proactively implemented a surveillance programme using water sampling for environmental DNA (eDNA). Locations of eDNA water sampling for freshwater clams around Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDThe report said there was also competition with and displacement of native species such as Kākahi/Freshwater Mussel (Echyridella menziesii) and exacerbation of water quality issues by reworking sediment and releasing nutrients.Dunstan ward councillor Gary Kelliher said it would be a disaster to have the clams in our waterways “as we have enough biosecurity issues currently blocking up screens for intakes, etc.”There was also the potential of spread into South Island waterways from rowing crews taking their boats away to regattas and returning them, he said.Other surveillance efforts included briefing the divers, engaged by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to manage invasive lagarosiphon in some of Otago’s high-risk lakes, to look out for Corbicula.Freshwater clams could produce 400 juveniles per day and up to 70,000 juveniles per year, resulting in infestations reaching extremely high densities in optimal conditions and smothering benthic habitats with shells.This has given Corbicula a reputation of one of the most prolific freshwater invaders worldwide.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]