Woolworths supermarket staff, including 13 from Alexandra, walked off the job from 12pm until 2pm yesterday.The strike comes a month after earlier action was taken by staff, supported by FIRST Union, to raise social awareness regarding staffing conditions.To do that staff wore stickers while working on the shop floor to highlight the situation.It was hoped last month’s action would prompt their employer to consider a living wage and address chronic understaffing issues.However, a lack of action prompted staff from more than 190 stores throughout the country to take further action yesterday, with a down-tools strike over a two-hour period.Among them was Connie Prins, a union worker at Woolworths Alexandra.She said it was hoped the company would “take the bargaining more seriously in the next round of discussions”.Woolworths Alexandra staff during yesterday's strike action. PHOTO: The Central AppFIRST Union national secretary Rudd Hughes said Woolworths workers were enthusiastic about their walkout, despite frustrations after 13 days of pay negotiations, with the company still far apart on key issues like pay, safety, and staffing.He said Woolworths had offered minimal wage increases below the rising household cost of living, sought reductions to workers’ existing employment conditions, and proposed pay rates that are falling behind the competitors.He said raising safe staffing standards seemed to be more of an inconvenience than an opportunity to deter rising levels of abuse and theft by customers.“They’re trying to deal with increasing violence against staff but will not address the number of people working in stores.“Workers are left feeling that protecting previous profit levels is more important to Woolworths than protecting workers in stores."Their solution to systemic understaffing is a nebulous project of ‘multi-skilling’ workers rather than increasing the actual number of people working on shop floors during busy hours, nights and weekends. It’s disingenuous,” he said."My message for Woolworths is - explain yourselves. Come out publicly and justify why you don’t think your workers deserve a living wage that enables them to thrive rather than barely survive."The Central App approached Woolworths head office for comment, but it had not responded by time of publication.Read more: Woolworths staff to strike

Five Central Otago residents with Parkinson’s attended the Living with Parkinson’s Conference recently hosted in Wānaka, gaining valuable insights from global experts on managing the disease.Those living with the condition who attended from Central were joined by their partners and personal trainer for the one-day conference on August 20, which attracted more than 110 people. The event allowed them to hear from world renowned experts in their field.Five Central Otago residents with Parkinson’s attended the Living with Parkinson’s Conference in Wānaka, gaining valuable insights from global experts on managing the disease.about their journey of research and hands-on personal experience.Personal trainer Teresa Noble, who leads the local ‘Perky Parkies’ gym class, said it was an incredible day full of hope and inspiration.“There was a huge mixture of people that attended, and it was wonderful to have time to mingle and share stories.”Professor Bas Bloem, of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, and athlete Connie Carpenter-Phinney, of the United States, were guest speakers at the conference, which was held in celebration of Parkinson’s New Zealand’s 40th anniversary.Bas Bloem has published groundbreaking research into Parkinson’s and won awards for his advocacy and work in relation to the chronic disease. PHOTO: SuppliedConnie Carpenter-Phinney, who is in the US Olympic Hall of Fame, competed as a speed skater in the 1972 Winter Olympics and then won a gold in the cycling road race 12 years later. PHOTO: Supplied Connie is still the youngest ever US female Olympian to go to the Winter Olympics at just 14 and went on to win gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics.She is the co-founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s (USA) which she set up with her husband when he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s 24 years ago, at the age of 41.Davis himself is an Olympic bronze medallist and Tour de France stage winner. The foundation has funded research demonstrating the benefits of exercise, speech therapy, and other behavioural elements, which are critical to quality of life with Parkinson's.Teresa said the number of people suffering from Parkinsons is due to increase dramatically and the future was “tough but positive”, with a huge amount of research being done. “Its not [just] a disease that affects just older people, and exercising everyday is essential,” she said.“The conference has made us work together as a team to look at new ways to keep exercise fun and to make sure it's accessible for all levels and abilities.”Members of the Parkinson’s class in the gym. PHOTO: NRG AlexandraThe Central App asked Parksinson’s sufferers and their partners what they got from the day and responses were; the need to puff when you exercise; the value of caregivers both professional and personal; do something active every day and allow time for meditation and the positive results music can play in exercise and movement.In New Zealand, thousands of people are physically and mentally affected by Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological condition.According to Parkinson's New Zealand, there are 12,000 people throughout the nation who are currently living with Parkinson’s. This number is expected to double within the next 20 years.It becomes more common with older age groups, and it is believed 1 per cent of people above the age of 60 have Parkinson’s. The average age at diagnosis is 59.Parkinson’s New Zealand is a charitable trust dedicated to ensuring whānau have the right information, education, and support needed to live positively with Parkinson’s.While the condition cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed through different methods, including physical therapy.To find out more about the Perky Parkies class, on Wednesdays at 1-2pm, contact [email protected] 

The future of football in Central looks bright as three teams learned a lot playing in tournaments in the south last week.Dunstan High School (DHS) and Cromwell College (CC) boys' teams played in the Linwood Tournament, contested by 20 teams from Monday, September 2 to Thursday, September 5 at Invercargill’s Turnbull Thompson Park. DHS teacher in charge of boys' football Jo McKay said the team’s most valuable player would be kept under wraps until the DHS sports evening later in the term.“A huge highlight was the exceptional team spirit that has developed in the school season.“Our players spend most of the football season playing in different teams for [Alexandra United Football Club] and to come together so well as a unit for the 10 weeks of the school season and tournament is awesome. The team management were a big part of this too.”Jo thanked long-time coach Ian Nicholls.“[He] gives up his time and energy to coach the team. Ian has been our coach for the past eight years and this has given the team consistency over time. All his effort is hugely appreciated.”DHS first XI played six games, losing to Bayfield High School by one goal, and then to Roncalli College 3-1 on the first day. On day two, the team had a loss to Maruawai College and a win over Aurora College in their final pool game.They finished 11th after beating Te Aratai College 2-1 in their final game.DHS First XI. PHOTO: Supplied CC first XI also had two wins, over Aurora College 3-2 and then South Otago High School 4-1 in their last game. CC placed 17th overall. Cromwell College First XI. PHOTO: Cromwell College Sport FacebookA combined girl's football team of DHS and two players from CC played at Dunedin’s Logan Park in the Lotto Sportswear tournament of 20 teams. The girls team finished 18th, and the tournament was won by Mt Aspiring College.They played six games and had one win over Fiordland College in their cross-pool game.CC student Anna Kaestner scored a hat-trick, which was one of the teams’ highlights from the week. Dunstan and Cromwell combined girls team in action (in red). PHOTO: Otago Secondary Schools Sports AssociationDHS director of sport Sally Mulally said these tournaments were huge for students for their personal growth.“Coming from a rural area they play the same teams throughout the season. “The tournaments give them opportunities to play against the different schools and adapt to their various playing styles and hopefully learn and develop from the experiences.”Read more: Read more: Central secondary school netballers step up in Christchurch

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.

Greenway Gold!6 Farrier Court, CromwellEnquiries over $890,000Offering a harmonious blend of comfort, practicality, and perfectly positioned next to the serene greenways and just a short stroll to Goldfields Primary School, this property is an ideal haven for young families, first-home buyers, and relocators alike. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Modernized Home in a Prime Location!24A Orchard Place, CromwellEnquiries over $790,000The owners have meticulously renovated this home with the intention of settling in for the long term. However, a recent change of plans has prompted their move to be closer to family, offering you the opportunity to benefit from their hard work. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Beautiful Home on a Spacious Section!40 Hosking Drive, CromwellEnquiries over $1,080,000Welcome to 40 Hosking Drive, a modern home built in 2019 that perfectly blends contemporary living with plenty of outdoor space. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a family-friendly home, a smart investment, or a holiday getaway, this property has it all. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.This feels like home39 Hazlett Street, ClydeEnquiries over $965,000Welcome to 39 Hazlett Street, Clyde - a charming 3-bedroom home that has been well loved and is situated on a corner section, this property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience to Clyde's amenities. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Old Cromwell Opportunity!16 Molyneux Avenue, CromwellEnquiries over $750,000This exceptional property at 16 Molyneux Avenue offers a rare opportunity to invest in a high-quality home situated in one of Old Cromwell's most sought-after locations. Just a short stroll from the pristine shores of Lake Dunstan, early childhood centres, and Cromwell Primary School, this residence combines affordability with enviable positioning. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Downsizing made easy7 Thyme Crescent, AlexandraEnquiries over $970,000This charming property invites you to experience the epitome of comfort and convenience. Nestled in a the sought-after Molyneux Estate, Alexandra, the 3-bedroom home boasts a seamless blend of modern features and is positioned in a sought after, established neighbourhood. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon or Dee Labes.Time to escape to Modern lifestyle!30 Porter Lane, AlexandraEnquiries over $1,300,000As you walk through to the living area you are greeted with natural light, large windows on all sides of the home meaning all day sun is streaming in and lets not forget that view! Being open plan this is a practical space with the kitchen overlooking the dining and lounge. Beautiful sleek kitchen with large walk-in pantry making it a breeze to entertain. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Affordable Family Home in Pisa!13 Missy Crescent, CromwellEnquiries over $980,000Perfectly positioned on a massive 1003sqm elevated section is a wonderful opportunity for your family to enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of living in one of Central Otago's most desirable suburbs! Pisa Moorings is an idyllic lake side community a short drive to Cromwell, and under an hours drive to Queenstown and Wanaka the perfect spot to enjoy water sport fun and make the most of the surrounding ski fields. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.The High-Octane Dream Section!6 Highlands Avenue, CromwellEnquiries over $480,000 + GST (if any)Imagine having the perfect garage setup to showcase and protect your beloved cars and trackside seats to all the action, right from the comfort of your home at the iconic Highlands Motorsport Park. The 600sqm titled section provides an exclusive vantage point for spectating the thrilling races and events at the world-renowned race track, all while admiring the unobstructed views of the Pisa Mountain Ranges to the north and Dunstan Mountain range to the east. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.The time is Right78 Hazlett Street, ClydeEnquiries over $640,000Welcome to 78 Hazlett Street, Clyde - a great entry level property for the discerning investor or first home buyers. The home boasts 3 bedrooms, providing ample space for a family or those who wish to work from home providing opportunity for an office space. The bathroom is well-appointed, open plan living space with separate laundry. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Modern Luxury8 Attfield Close, ClydeEnquiries over $1,150,000Welcome to 8 Attfield Close, Clyde - where luxury living meets stunning town and mountain views from the elevated tiered section. This immaculate property offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience situated in the heart of Clyde. First home on the hill, this home is the first to get those early sunshine rays and the last to lose them ensuring that the owners can soak up all that brilliant Central Otago weather. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Central Otago Dream Lots 3 & 4, 68 Ferris Road, AlexandraLot 3 Enquiries Over $450,000, approx - 1.5 ha now titledLot 4 Enquiries Over $430,000, approx - 2.6 ha now titledBoth these bare-land blocks offer a unique opportunity to create your dream property in the heart of Central Otago. Conveniently located just minutes drive away from Alexandra, the sections are elevated and provide stunning views and great building sites, making them the perfect canvas for your new home. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Prime section - Motivation to sell!24 Hosking Drive, CromwellDeadline SaleDiscover a rare opportunity to own a premium section in one of Cromwell's most sought-after subdivisions. With limited sections available, this is your chance to secure a prime location surrounded by stunning, high-quality homes that enhance the value of your new build. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew and Marie Kahukura.Driving for Perfection on Old Golf Course Road10 Old Golf Course Road, AlexandraEnquiries over $2,100,000Escape to the perfect blend of comfort and style, town and lifestyle, on the edge of the picturesque Alexandra basin. Taking in the current beautiful Autumn colours, the stunning surrounding landscapes, views, all day sun you can indulge in the serenity of this executive 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis boasting spacious living areas including a separate lounge for cozy nights by the open fire. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.OPEN HOMESOpen HomesNOW SOLD

Cold weather is set to return to Central over the coming days, “a reminder that we can't put the winter woollies away quite yet”.MetService meteorologist John Law said a slow-moving front, expected to move up from the south from Thursday, would bring cool temperatures and wet weather to Central.“The combination of cold air and wet weather does bring the potential for snowfall late in the day, with the heaviest snowfall likely to be above 400 metres.” He said the areas that were most likely to get the snow would depend on where the front lingers, with the biggest risk for Central Otago likely to be Thursday night into Friday. Wet weather is likely to arrive across parts of Central from Thursday. IMAGE: MetServiceHowever, the finer details were still all to play for so advised people to keep an eye on the forecasts and any severe weather warnings.“The best advice is to stay up to date with the forecast, [and] while the strongest winds are likely to be in the Canterbury High Country, it's always good to have a look around the garden and see what would get moved by strong winds. Although snow and cold temperatures are not unusual at this time of year, staying ahead of any severe weather, especially when it comes to stock or driving through the high country will always be beneficial.”Recent daytime temperatures had provided more spring-like conditions, but unsettled weather patterns were not unusual for early spring.John said the temperatures had been above average for this time of year, with 15 degrees Celsius being the average maximum temperature for Alexandra in September.He said last year the temperature in Alexandra also hit 21C on September 9. “The strong winds go hand in hand with the warm temperatures we have been seeing, the so-called Foehn effect, with the winds losing their moisture on the west of the southern alps and warming as they descend to the east.”As the weather patterns fluctuate, one thing is for certain: “These next few days and leading into next week are going to be a reminder that we can't put the winter woollies away quite yet. We are on the move towards warmer temperatures but, as you know, a swing in our wind direction can still bring some colder temperatures.”John said tonight’s overnight low for Alexandra was likely to be -2C leading to a cold and frosty morning. Keep up to date with Weather and Roads via The Central App.

Central residents are one step closer to knowing how easy an electronic item is to repair before making a purchase.A petition signed by 21,000 people was recently delivered to parliament, calling for the introduction of repairability labels on household appliances and electronic devices.The petition was handed over to Labour MP Hon Rachel Brooking, who is a spokesperson for Environment, Food Safety and Space.“It’s not sustainable or cost effective to have to purchase a new item if the old one breaks,” she said.“Our landfills are already stuffed with broken items that are unable to be fixed.”The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has implemented ways to divert some of those items from landfill, including the launch of an e-waste recycling service at the Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh transfer stations.The initiative, launched in February, has so far seen 360 items of electronic waste diverted, ranging from TVs and laptops to household appliances and gaming consoles.CODC waste minimisation officer Abi Hawkins said that equates to 2.5 tonnes of potentially harmful electronic materials being responsibly processed and recycled, contributing to a more sustainable environment.“Providing a sustainable way to manage electronic waste aligns with our commitment to reducing landfill use and promoting a better use of resources.” Council also introduced household battery recycling late last year, which has so far resulted in 381 kilograms sent away for recycling. CODC solid waste team leader Lauren Hunter said the success of the battery scheme, which accepts single use and rechargeable batteries of a variety of different chemistries, was particularly important as batteries were a common cause of fires in both collection trucks and landfills.CODC initially launched the various services over a six-month trial period to help make them more accessible, and also covered transport costs for electronic waste recycling.It also fully subsidised the battery recycling costs.The trial will be extended until June 30, 2025, to help continue reducing costs for residents through the waste levy funds provided by the Ministry for the Environment. “We are really proud of these achievements and the way people have embraced these opportunities. We encourage residents to continue using the available services to contribute to a more sustainable future,” Lauren said.The next step was to wait and see what result comes from the recent petition, which has been backed by Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy.He has called on all members of parliament to recognise the urgent need for decisive legislative action to tackle the scale of our e-waste issue."New Zealanders are tired of replacing products due to minor faults, paying excessive fees for repairs, and being limited by where they can get products repaired,” he said.Read more: Petition to limit e-waste going to landfill

Dunstan High School (DHS) senior A netball performed well, improving every game and finishing in 20th during the South Island Secondary Schools (SISS) netball tournament held in Christchurch last week.The team played in A grade with 31 other teams and were the highest placed team from Central Lakes, with Cromwell College placed 25th, Mt Aspiring College 21st and Wakatipu High School 27th. DHS coach Nic Kelly said she was impressed with how well the girls represented the school.“They were a delight to coach, spend time with and facilitate their development.Mayce Williams was chosen as one of the 20 talented players from the grade along with Cromwell College’s Grace Tiko.DHS played eight games overall, had four wins and four losses.The second round of pool play produced two closely fought battles, where DHS triumphed over Ashburton College scoring off every centre pass in the final quarter and winding down time to win in the final seconds.DHS also broke Rolleston College's unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 38-37 victory.Nic thanked team managers Clare Toia-Bailey, Kylie O’Doucherty, assistant coach and umpire Michelle Tipene and all the parents for their support.Cromwell College had five wins, and three losses.In their semi finals they had two narrow wins, beating Wakatipu High School by a two-goal margin in the morning round, and then Ashburton College by one goal in the midday game. Cromwell College netballers at SISS netball tournament. PHOTO: Cromwell College FacebookThe winning team was Christchurch’s St Margaret's College, who beat Dunedin’s Columba College 39 goals to 28 in the final.The tournament, which is into its 62nd year, was held at Ngā Puna Wai stadium for the first time, which has 10 indoor courts.Games were played from Monday September 2 until Thursday September 5, and more than 80 teams participated in the three grades of competition. The Central App will bring you more highlights from Central’s secondary schools winter tournament week in the coming days.  

Further secrecy surrounds the Otago Regional Council (ORC) following its closed meeting on Thursday to discuss a response to Minister for the Environment, Penny Simmonds regarding a breakdown of costs on the Land and Water Regional Plan.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws tried his best to have the meeting open to the public in an hour-long debate, but the ORC’s legal advice was to keep it behind closed doors.CEO Richard Saunders said after the meeting, he would release a portion of the response to Minister Simmonds publicly on the council website, “in coming days.”The ORC has responded to Environment Minister Penny Simmonds’ requests for more information on its Land and Water Regional Plan. PHOTO: SuppliedCr Laws has named the seven councillors that are in support of the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) the ‘secret seven,’ and are the same ones who voted for the meeting to be held in private.Cr Gary Kelliher said it was disappointing the 7-5 vote that continuously happens with council decisions, particularly around the LWRP issue, were always portrayed to the media in press releases as if they were won by a strong majority.“I just hope that when the minister is wading through 39 pages of waffle trying to interpret if there’s any answers to her six questions hidden amongst it, that she calls time.”Chair Gretchen Robertson also noted that in the letter received from the minister on August 8 requesting a breakdown of costs, an offer was made to present information in person.“ORC welcomes this opportunity and is seeking to find a suitable date for this to happen.”She said Minister Simmonds understood that ORC was still preparing the Section 32 report, which will contain a significant amount of information related to the minister’s request.“ORC will provide an initial response to the minister’s letters and will provide further information later in September,” she said.

Strong winds and a dry winter have resulted in 17 fires in 15 days in the Otago region, Fire and Emergency says.Firefighters had been battling a scrub fire in Waitaki since Friday.Fire and Emergency Incident Commander Bobby Lamont told Morning Report there might be a few hot spots, but it was largely under control."We're pretty confident with the work that we've done over the last 48 hours, we're pretty comfortable to have everything contained."Fire and Emergency would do a final walk over Monday before leaving the site, he said.Lamont said there had been 17 fires in the region in the last 15 days.That was down to a number of factors including strong winds, little rain, and the high flammability of grasses and scrub that were "frost cured" - dried out over a dry winter.Those things were normal at this time of year, but the winds were starting earlier than normal, he said."In springtime we do tend to see these things anyway and it catches people out."People planning controlled burns should check the long-range forecast, especially the wind, and the checkitsalright.nz website had more information, Lamont said.Keep up to date with Weather conditions via The Central App.Read more: Central fire season comes with safety warningRead more: Ranfurly welcomes new fire chief

The number of dog attacks in Central Otago has increased over the past year as a result of poor dog owner management, the Central Otago District Council says.In a report presented to council last week from team leader enforcement and animal control Ryan Parker, the number increased from 24 to 37 - made up of a mixture of minor attacks (13), serious (12) as well as attacks on other dogs (12).Dog rushing increased from 16 to 26, but barking dog complaints was the largest issue - with a 38% increase (40 complaints) received.Ryan said this may be reflective of the community being more likely to report such incidents, knowing council does take action on such matters.He said with regard to dog attacks on a person or animal, the incident can be extremely distressing to all parties involved.There were currently no disqualified dog owners in Central Otago, but one probationary owner. None were classified as dangerous but 19 have been classified as menacing from their observed or reported behaviour, and a further four based on their breed.Council continued to work with dog owners to microchip their animals under legislation that came into effect in 2006, which continued to be an area of focus.There are currently 1411 dogs not microchipped and also an increase from just three to 20 owners failing to register their dog in the past year.Similarly, 26 owners failed to keep their dog controlled or confined - up from 23 the previous year.In total, council received a total of 666 service requests last year, including 97 owners notifying of lost dogs - an increase of 12% on the previous year.“Dog control is a high area of focus for the Central Otago District Council, which strives to undertake the following key factors: (a); to have all dogs that live in the district registered (b); ensure all dogs are kept under control at all times and (c); ongoing education of dog owners regarding their responsibilities and obligations.”Ryan said the number of roaming dogs remained the second largest issue, with a 43% increase (36) from the previous year.“Roaming dogs can frighten, intimidate, and annoy the community in addition to potentially attacking people and other dogs. Additional patrols and communications regarding responsible dog ownership were undertaken through the year.”

Inland Revenue is giving hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' details to social media platforms for marketing campaigns, using an anonymisation tool that top international regulators say is inadequate at protecting people's personal information.David Buckingham, a Queenstown employment relations consultant who spotted the practice, said it was a mass "betrayal" of taxpayers.Buckingham said taxpayers had no choice but to give many personal details and their tax status to Inland Revenue, only for the details to end up with Facebook and LinkedIn, bolstering individuals' profiles that the big tech companies grew and traded.Inland Revenue told him that neither he, nor anyone else, could opt out of having their details provided to the firms, he told RNZ.In a statement, Inland Revenue said all the details were fully protected by anonymisation using a "hashing" process, in which letters are replaced by numbers."Inland Revenue generates between 30-50 custom audience lists a month which we use to target specific ads to customers on Facebook/Instagram, LinkedIn, or Google platforms," it told RNZ."The lists uploaded monthly are for things like student loans where the overseas-based customer population is constantly changing with people moving overseas or returning home."Before a target audience was matched to, IRD's privacy officer completed a privacy impact assessment and "agrees for us to use Facebook/Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google"."We have rejected the use of some platforms in the past because their data security was not up to the right standards," the department said."The lists are of up to 500,000 customers each, with names, DOB, address, phone, and email contacts."The data is hashed as it is being uploaded to Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We do not share any customer details directly with them.However, in July, the United States Federal Commission said in a press release that hashing was not adequate protection."No, hashing still doesn't make your data anonymous," the headline of the statement said."Companies often claim that hashing allows them to preserve user privacy."This logic is as old as it is flawed - hashes aren't 'anonymous' and can still be used to identify users, and their misuse can lead to harm. Companies should not act or claim as if hashing personal information renders it anonymised."Inland Revenue says all the details shared with social media platforms are fully anonymised. Photo: NZMEEuropean regulators who looked at hashing in 2019 concluded that there was a "re-identification problem" and several more steps had to be taken to protect data.When RNZ asked Inland Revenue if it had taken the American and European conclusions into account, it did not say.Its first statement said: "After hashing, the data cannot be decrypted and it's safe for the matching process to take place."Later, it defaulted to relying on the companies' integrity."Each social media platform has its own privacy principles in place that it must adhere to," it said."These privacy principles were reviewed by Inland Revenue to ensure that customer information is protected and only used for the intended purpose."It was satisfied the platforms handled customer information "responsibly" and deleted it after the hashing, it said.But Buckingham was not satisfied, especially given Inland Revenue's privileged position."Look, Inland Revenue in particular has secrecy provisions. It makes it actually particularly egregious. No one agreed to any of this, and there's no way to opt out."[Inland Revenue] has created a technical-techno gobbledygook smokescreen as a distraction from the fact that they've actually betrayed almost every New Zealander by disclosing" the nature of their tax status, he said."The information can't be gotten back and we have no control over how that might be used."Regardless of hashing, social media companies were skilled at matching profiles, he added, and questioned why, if Inland Revenue was so confident in hashing, it chose not to share data with TikTok, despite the platform's popularity among young people.Inland Revenue said it was fully compliant with the Tax Administration Act and the Privacy Act.Its privacy policy, available on its website, told the public it shared their details: "We sometimes provide hashed and fully anonymised information to social media channels when placing advertisements."It told RNZ: "Inland Revenue is not 'giving up taxpayer details'. Audience lists up to 500,000 are not the norm. But lists of that size could be used for something like individual tax assessments when IR needs to get reminders out to many customers."The Office of the Privacy Commissioner said anyone using hashing was accountable for making sure it was effective. Under the Privacy Act, the key question was whether a person remained "reasonably identifiable"."OPC does not have a general position on hashing, but it is something we would consider if there was a question about the use of anonymisation or hashing and the application of the Privacy Act, which could depend on the facts involved and the circumstance of its use," it said."Should we have any concerns we may take a compliance approach as set out in our Compliance and Regulatory Action Framework."RNZ asked the Office if the Inland Revenue case might give it reason to consider the question of hashing, like US and European regulators did years ago. It did not say.RNZ also asked if the Office had concerns about the scale of Inland Revenue interactions with Facebook and the others, but it did not say.The Public Service Commission did not respond to a question about its view of hashing.

Central Otago’s BMX clubs in Alexandra and Cromwell are gearing up for an action-packed season, with major events and growing rider participation driving excitement across the region.A spokesperson for the Cromwell BMX club (CX) Dylan Rushbrook said his kids and the parents love the social side of BMX. “[It's] such a fun sport with epic people and the kids just develop these amazing life and bike skills while having an absolute blast.”Alexandra BMX club (ALX) has a have a go session tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, September 10) from 4pm - 6pm for people to give the sport a go and find out about the club. Described by ALX as a family friendly sport, all ages are welcome from those on balance bikes, to the big kids, including the dads.Participants need to bring a long-sleeved top, long pants, gloves, bike and a helmet. Due to rain, the first have a go session in Alexandra was cancelled on September 3. CX’s have a go dates are October 2 and 9 from 5pm. After giving it a go there will be racing to watch from 6pm.Looking forward to the season, ALX is hosting the South Island titles, called the Souths, on January 10-12, 2025.The club is expecting 300 to 400 riders to take part in racing and hundreds of families to come to the region for the weekend. ALX secretary Lena Sutherland said it was a great opportunity for local riders to ride on their home track as part of a bigger event. “There is a lot of organising, as expected for any major event. We are well underway and looking forward to it all coming together.” ALX has hosted Souths several times before, most recently in 2009, 2015 and 2020.Prior to Souths, the two clubs are sharing the running the ‘Dunstan Double header’ with a day of racing in Cromwell on January 7, and then a day of racing in Alexandra on January 8.“The timing of the event this year will also give riders the chance to practise their skills and gain confidence prior to the South Island Titles,” Lena said.   Pictured are Alexandra BMX club members prior to national champs in March 2024 (from left, back row) Ryan Entwisle, Kate Entwisle, Ali Campbell, Flynn Sutherland, Dylan Entwisle, Hendrix Kahukura, and front row Chipper Kahukura and Holly Oldham. PHOTO: Supplied Other BMX events in Central are Blossom Festival pop up racing on September 29, Alexandra Open on October 16, Central Otago Champs on October 17, Cromwell Open on March 1 and Cromwell Champs on March 2. CX has been allocated hosting for the South Island titles for 2027.The numbers of riders in both clubs is growing - in 2023 people from Wānaka and Queenstown joined CX and the youngest club member was three years old. Lena said the sport is increasing in profile and popularity.“[BMX] has an increased profile since the 2012 Olympics, and . . . as a sport is moving forward and developing a mainstream profile rather than as a fringe sport. “There have also [been] consistently better facilities across NZ which helps hold people's interest. BMX as a club sport, is a great social environment and opportunity to develop bike skills.”Find out about Central’s clubs on their listings: Cromwell and Alexandra.  

There has been a bit of noise in the press about Unitary Councils of late. These are councils that undertake both the role of the regional council and the city or district council, and we have six of them in New Zealand at present, Auckland Council, Gisborne District Council, Marlborough District Council, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council and the Chatham Islands Council. You may have read of Southland District Mayor Rob Scott raising the idea that his district and Gore merge and take over the roles of Environment Southland in their areas. This would leave Invercargill City to look after itself with perhaps a ghost of the previous regional council (Environment Southland) continuing its role there. Common sense would suggest if this plan went ahead, ICC (Invercargill City Council) would become unitary as well. Four councils become two; what’s not to like? There would certainly be some advantages, especially in reducing bureaucratic and governance overheads, but there always needs to be caution in jumping to conclusions. I do hope however that this work is progressed to see if this idea really does have legs if there is a chance it will reduce costs to ratepayers. Similar noises are coming out of the Dunedin City Council, with a first-term councillor getting a notice of motion across the line which included a request for staff to prepare a report on a unitary authority for Otago, which would be delivered to that council by the end of the year. You might be interested to know what discussions had been held with the other mayors and councils of Otago before Dunedin charted this course. Zero. None whatsoever. And frankly, that is about as high as I would rate the chances of there ever being an Otago-wide unitary council. I agree with Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich when he says previous work has shown a chance for a Dunedin unitary council, but not one for the whole of Otago. I sat as chair of the Otago Mayoral Forum for five years and if that taught me one thing, it is that the geographical size and the vastly different economies across the region make widespread collaboration very difficult. The other thing that makes me very nervous about an Otago-wide unitary authority is that those currently thinking about it would, I am sure, automatically see Dunedin as being the centre of the council, which simply won’t work. If there is to be such a council, it should be centrally, or should I say “Centrally” located, so it is in the middle of the area it governs and not out on a limb. Housing it where the population growth is happening would make sense too. However, I think there is simply no chance of this proposal getting anywhere. But that doesn’t close the door to all unitary thinking. I personally believe there could be merit in QLDC and CODC looking at creating a unitary council over the top of the current two councils. In other words, we would keep doing what we are doing how we are doing it, but the functions that the ORC currently undertake in this area would be handed over to the new “Inland Otago Unitary Council”. That council could have both mayors and say two councillors from each district council appointed to it, with (controversial) an independent chair agreed by both councils. That sounds relatively easy at a glance, but it would be a massive operation at a staffing and logistical level. Like Mayor Rob Scott’s idea, it would need a lot of work to be done to progress it, and right now, our council for one does not have the capacity to do that work. That doesn’t mean though sometime in the future, resource won’t need to be found to take it further than just being a bright idea.

Three Central Otago environmental-linked projects have received funding support from the Otago Regional Council (ORC) in the past financial year.The funding was being used toward consenting and monitoring costs, among the $50,000 pool.ORC’s manager consents Alexandra King said they have been promoting the consent fund when working with people on projects in general, and were really pleased that all nine applicants were successful.Under the annual Consents Fee Support Fund, ORC can waive the cost for consent fees up to $10,000 per application, and if they are then compliant with consent conditions, their compliance fees can also be waived.Alexandra highlighted that it is often individuals, community and catchment groups involved in environmental enhancement projects, such as wetland restoration, waterways fencing, riparian planting or creating walkways which may require resource consents.“There are amazing people doing great work across Otago and it’s important that we’re able to assist these largely community-lead projects, which are ultimately beneficial to the well-being of the environment, its eco-systems and for the people of Otago,” she said.The Manuherekia Catchment Group was granted $3808 for a variation to the Thomson’s Creek project - phase three, to construct fish barriers and glaxiid protection.Hawksburn Station (Earnscleugh) was granted $6075 to remove willow from banks for the purpose of stream restoration, and the Ida Valley Catchment Group $2198 for willow removal in the Poolburn Gorge.There is a total $50,000 available each year, with a maximum of $10,000 per project to cover consent processing fees for projects meeting certain criteria. Alexandra said part of the policy is that anyone seeking processing fees support must have a pre-application meeting with a member of ORC’s consents team to discuss the application. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be able to demonstrate their project will provide an environmental benefit or service and is not intended for private commercial gain, among other criteria.

In the investment world, market downturns are as inevitable as paying taxes. In fact, you could think of investing as accepting the short-term ups and downs of the market as the “tax” you pay for potential long-term gains.Navigating through these turbulent times is when the value of a well-structured investment plan becomes most apparent. Such a plan acts as a roadmap, guiding investors through short-term fluctuations.Here are some of the key benefits of sticking to your plan during economic downturns:Emotional AnchorAn investment plan serves as an anchor, helping investors avoid panic-selling during market lows. It fosters a long-term perspective, which is crucial when short-term market movements turn negative.Risk ManagementA well-crafted financial plan includes risk management strategies like diversification and asset allocation within your portfolio. These strategies can help mitigate losses when certain sectors or asset classes face downturns.Opportunity for RebalancingMarket corrections can sometimes shift an investor's asset allocation away from their target. A solid plan allows for periodic rebalancing, presenting opportunities to buy low and sell high.Disciplined ApproachAdhering to a plan promotes a disciplined approach to investing, ensuring decisions are based on rational strategies rather than emotional responses to market fluctuations.Clear ObjectivesA well-constructed plan defines clear financial goals and outlines the path to achieve them, providing reassurance during uncertain market conditions.Cost EfficiencyFollowing a predetermined plan helps investors avoid the costs associated with frequent trading, such as fees and taxes, which can erode returns over time.Performance MeasurementAn investment strategy offers a framework for measuring performance against benchmarks and long-term goals, rather than reacting to the market’s unpredictable swings.It's important to remember that, throughout most of modern history, markets have been in a constant state of short-term uncertainty and flux, driven by unpredictable events. Yet, over time, they have consistently trended upward. A well-thought-out plan helps investors capture this long-term growth.As markets fluctuate, investors who stick to a plan are often the ones who reach their desired destination. A long-term strategy provides focus, keeping them on track while others get distracted by noise and fear.This is where an investment adviser can help. At Collinson Wealth we work with our clients to put together an investment plan focusing on what’s most important to you in the long term. We then help you stick to it through the inevitable downturns ensuring you get to reap the long-term rewards of prudently managing your wealth.The information contained in this publication is general in nature and is not intended to be personalised financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult a professional financial adviser.Collinson Wealth Partners FSP 743091 believes the information in this publication is correct, and it has reasonable grounds for any opinion or recommendation contained in this publication on the date of this publication.

A strong wind warning has been issued for the lower North Island and parts of the South Island on Saturday.From early morning, the Canterbury High Country can expect severe gales with gusts up to 130km/h, not easing until 5pm, MetService says.Further north, Marlborough, Wellington, Wairarapa and Tararua can expect severe gales reaching 120km/h between midday and 11pm.MetService said people should secure items that could be picked up by strong winds, and take into account that driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Meteorologist John Law said there would be unsettled weather as a front moved up the country, bringing some heavy rainfall towards the western facing coast and stronger winds."By the end of the day that wet weather and those stronger winds transfers towards the North Island as well," he said.Showers turning to rain are forecast for the north and west of the North Island on Saturday, but they will ease to isolated showers on Sunday morning.In the South Island there will be rain in the south and the west, which may be heavy on Saturday, but was expected to clear in southern Westland, Otago and Canterbury later in the day.More showers are expected in the south and west of the South Island on Sunday, but it is expected to be mainly fine elsewhere.Law said the front was expected to move through fairly quickly and it was expected to clear by Sunday with more settled weather but cooler temperatures.There would still likely be showers in the southern part of the South Island on Sunday, he said.As of 7am Saturday, in addition to the strong wind warnings MetService had wind watches on Hawke's Bay (south of Hastings), Fiordland, inland Southland and Clutha, Queenstown Lakes, Otago, theCanterbury Plains, Christchurch, Banks Peninsula.

After nearly two decades of dedicated leadership, James Hazlett has stepped down from his role as chief fire officer of the Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade. Having led the brigade through 19 years of service and countless emergency responses, James has passed the torch to new chief fire officer William (Willy) Dowling.However, James’ commitment to the brigade remains unwavering as he continues his work within the service.While his role over the past 19 years has consisted of car crashes, structure and vegetation fires, and medical callouts, he has also been instrumental in leading the brigade to become a fully integrated site, bringing urban and rural under one umbrella in January 2021.James also helped the brigade move from paper-based to a computerised system and has been involved in running Fire and Emergency New Zealand and United Fire Brigades’ Association competitions for the Otago Southland area.The Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade attends about 42 callouts a year, with structural and vegetation fires being among the most common in the area, followed by car crashes.James welcomes more people to join the brigade, to ensure the service remains strong in the future.It currently has a membership of about 45 to 50, but another four to five urban members who are Ranfurly based during the day were needed.James Hazlett (left) passes over the chief fire officer helmet to Willy Dowling. PHOTO: SuppliedHe said women, particularly those who might not have returned to work after having children, but are available between 9am and 3pm, would also be welcome.There have been about five or seven women join the brigade during James’ time and had proved invaluable to the service.Members who live outside the township had also brought benefits to the brigade, James said.Three members might jump in the fire truck, while a further five who live or work close to the address where help is needed can travel independently.That scenario unfolded recently, where the fire officer who attended in their own vehicle was able to provide an assessment of the situation and confirm how much support was needed.New chief fire officer Willy, who joined the brigade 26 years ago, is looking forward to his role.He intends to build on James' legacy while also embracing new initiatives, including the addition of a support ute, which he hopes will be in service before Christmas.The ute, a Ford Ranger, will be able to access areas of the Maniototo quicker and easier than the fire truck.“If a farmer has a heart attack or rolls his ute in the back country, we can access it with a decent 4WD ute. We can take equipment off our main truck and cart it into the paddock.”The brigade has evolved greatly over the years and also works closely with St John, which provides a “fantastic” service to the wider community, he said.“We were [once just] a fire brigade - we put out fires . . . now we do a bit of everything. It’s an evolving organisation and I want to keep it ahead of the game if I can.”Read more: Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade to get new 4WD

Alexandra Police is drafting a letter to its national dive squad after more power gel was found on the banks of the Clutha River near Clyde last week.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said members of the Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Christchurch were called to safely detonate the material, which was the third time in as many months.“All the parties involved have it down to a fine art now,” he said.When Contact Energy lowers the river the power gel becomes washed up on the riverbank into a crater and poses a hazard to the public.It was understood to be linked to the construction of the Clyde Dam 30-plus years ago, but police said they were now taking steps to have the issue resolved.“We’re drafting up a request for the dive squad for a training exercise to see if they can find anything. They might find a cave or a crater somewhere,” he said.Members of the public have been finding the power gel on the riverbank and police are advising people not to touch it, and report to police immediately.Read more: EOD team called in to detonate explosive power gel