Planning for the theatrical trip of a lifetime is underway as 26 Dunstan High School (DHS) drama pupils are heading to the United States in July 2027.DHS head of drama Nick Meissel said it was going to be an exciting adventure, "immersion in all things theatrical from musical theatre workshops, to Broadway shows to learning how to act on the silver screen”, there would be varied experiences to soak up. “Some may ask, why America, when it seems like everything over there is crazy at the moment? Well, America's unique entertainment industry offers us an experience unlike anything else in the world.“Yes, the media projects a crazy picture, especially politically, but first hand accounts suggest that life for the average American goes on pretty much the same as it has before.“If, for some reason, the travel became untenable we would likely look at a European destination as an equally exciting alternative,” Nick said. The pupils who are currently in year nine, ten and eleven are looking for fundraising opportunities. “The kids come from a wide range of different backgrounds, but are all keen drama enthusiasts with a desire to learn more on a global scale, and perhaps even do a little bit of shopping.“[It’s] an ambitious project and one we hope our community will get behind, helping us to fundraise some of the costs to make this a reality for all of our students.“We have two years of fundraising ahead of us and the students involved are terrific kids, not afraid of a bit of hard work.”The pupils will be DHS seniors by the time the trip rolls around.Nick said things had started well with the recent Central Otago winterfeed event raising money and a sponsorship agreement from online ticketing agency ReelCommerce.For information or to help contact: [email protected] Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Budget 2025 introduced a range of changes to KiwiSaver that aim to boost long-term retirement savings, particularly for younger workers.At Central Financial Planning, we believe these changes present both opportunities and challenges. Now more than ever, it’s essential to understand how the rules affect you, your ideal future, and your finances.What’s Changing?1. Contribution Increases (Phased In):From 1 April 2026, the default employee and employer contribution rates will increase from 3% to 3.5%, and then to 4% by April 2028. While employees will have the option to remain at 3% in the short term, this change represents a shift in the default savings culture, nudging all working New Zealanders to put more toward their retirement.2. Government Contributions Adjusted:The Government’s contribution will be halved from $521 to $261 per year starting 1 July 2025.High-income earners (those earning over $180,000) will no longer be eligible for this annual top-up.But good news for younger workers, 16- and 17-year-olds will now become eligible for both government and employer contributions, starting July 2025 and April 2026 respectively.A Mixed Bag for Savers and EmployersAt Central Financial Planning, we support initiatives that help New Zealanders build better financial futures. Increasing the default contribution rate is a step in the right direction for long-term retirement security.A 4% contribution, from both employee and employer, can make a significant difference over a 30–40 year working life.However, reducing the government’s contribution and removing it altogether for higher earners sends a mixed message. Many clients have come to rely on that top-up as part of their savings strategy.The reduction may also disproportionately affect lower- to middle-income savers, who benefit most from the relative boost it provides.For employers and small businesses, the phased increases in compulsory contributions may present budgetary challenges, especially in tighter economic environments.We recommend business owners factor these changes into their long-term payroll and cashflow planning early.Don’t Miss Out on Your Government ContributionWith the government contribution reducing from 1 July, now is a great time to review your KiwiSaver account to make sure you’ve contributed enough to receive the full entitlement this year.To receive the full $521.43 government top-up, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 of your own money between 1 July and 30 June. If you haven’t hit that target yet, there’s still time to top up before the deadline.Young Savers Benefit, and That’s a Good Thing!One of the most encouraging shifts is the inclusion of 16- and 17-year-olds in the KiwiSaver incentives.This change gives young people a genuine head start — not just in financial contributions, but in cultivating good saving habits early.With employer and government support, the compounding benefits of long-term investment can start making a real difference from a younger age.What’s Next? A Possible Shift in the Retirement AgeWhile not part of this Budget, there’s ongoing conversation about raising the age of eligibility for NZ Superannuation.If the retirement age shifts from 65 to 67 or beyond in future years, this may also influence when you can access your KiwiSaver funds.It’s important to understand how these broader policy moves could interact with your retirement planning.Now is the Time to Get AdviceAt Central Financial Planning, some of our core values are transparency, trust, and proactive engagement to equip people with knowledge to help them make confident, wise and informed decisions.These changes mean more of your income will be going into your KiwiSaver. That makes it even more important to ensure you’re invested in the right solutions, with the right strategy for your goals and life stage.Ask questions. Check your settings. Top up your account if needed.Understand your fund type. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out. We’re here to guide you, because it’s your future, and it’s worth getting right.

Family violence is a prevalent issue in New Zealand. It affects a significant population of our country; including women, men, children, and the elderly. When you are experiencing family violence, it can be hard to know where to turn or what your options are. But this is not just a personal issue; it’s a legal one. New Zealand has specific legislation in place to provide protection for people impacted by family violence.What is Family Violence?The Family Violence Act 2018 defines this. It is violence inflicted on a person by somebody they are in a family relationship with, including partners/spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Violence does not only refer to physical violence; it includes sexual, verbal, psychological, and financial abuse. This can be behaviors like name- calling, swearing at you, putting you down, threats (express or implied), intimidation, isolating you from friends or family, controlling your movements, controlling your finances, or withholding money.Protection OrdersIf you have experienced family violence and believe you are still at risk from the perpetrator, you can apply to the Family Court for a protection order. If a protection order is in place, it would be a criminal offence for the perpetrator to contact you without your consent. This would apply to not only you but also any children living in your home with you.There are two ways to apply for a protection order; ‘on notice’ or ‘without notice’. The presumption in Family Court is that you apply on notice. This means the Respondent would be served with your application and have an opportunity to respond to your allegations. A Judge would then make the decision on whether a protection order should be made or not. This process typically takes several months or longer.If you feel that your safety is at immediate risk from the Respondent and you cannot wait months for your application to be considered, you can apply without notice. This means the Court may grant a temporary protection order immediately; to protect you during the time until a hearing can be allocated to decide your application. What if I have been served with an application for a Protection Order, or a temporary Protection Order If you are served with an application for a protection order, and/or a temporary protection order, you have the right to defend the making of a final order. You can do this by filing a Notice of Response or Notice of Intention to appear to the Court, along with an affidavit.If a temporary protection order has been made against you, it is important that you comply with the conditions of this order, even if you are defending the making of a final order. A breach of a protection order is a criminal offence, and you may be subject to criminal charges if you do breach it. A breach of protection order includes any unconsented contact with the Applicant, even if the contact is not violent in nature; or if the Applicant previously consented to the same contact. If you do not understand the conditions of the order you are served with, or you need to contact the Applicant regarding care of shared children or other necessary matters, you should seek legal advice.Can’t afford a lawyer?Legal Aid is available for proceedings under the Family Violence Act, depending on your household’s annual income and assets. The income and asset thresholds are set out in the Legal Services Regulations 2011. These vary depending on whether you have a partner and how many children you have. You may still be eligible for a grant of Legal Aid if you exceed these thresholds, if special circumstances apply to your situation. If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible, we can advise you and assist you in filing an Application for Legal Aid.How can we help?At Checketts McKay Law, our team is experienced in representing clients in proceedings under the Family Violence Act, including applying for on notice and without notice protection orders, responding to applications and orders, and representing both parties at defended Hearings. We can also advise you on how family violence may relate to other matters, such as the care of your children. We understand what a difficult time it is for people and families being impacted by family violence. The legal services we deliver are clear and empathetic; informing and guiding you through this process with our expertise.

This weekly feature showcases the newest listings from Tall Poppy Real Estate, offering you a first look at the latest homes on the market and updated every Thursday.Space, Style & Value for Big Families5 Ethereal Crescent, CromwellIf you're searching for incredible value in a spacious home that effortlessly caters to large, blended, or multi-generational families, 5 Ethereal Crescent in the peaceful community of Pisa Moorings is the one you've been waiting for. This substantial two-level residence offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and functionality, making it ideal for growing households or those who love to entertain. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Niki Lord.Modern Comfort Awaits16 Pollock Street, AlexandraDiscover this stunning modern home, perfectly positioned in an excellent location just steps from the iconic Central Otago Rail Trail and nearby sporting facilities and schools.. Designed with style and functionality in mind, this beautifully presented 3-bedroom property offers comfort and easy living. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Charming home in Coulson Place4 Coulson Place, AlexandraWelcome to 4 Coulson Place, nestled in a cul-de-sac in the township of Alexandra. This family home offers a harmonious blend of modern living and charming character, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and convenience within a peaceful setting. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Dee Labes and Peter Hishon.Breathtaking on Fairway!2 Fairway Drive, Bridge HillDiscover the perfect blend of comfort, space, and potential with this stunning residence located at 2 Fairway Drive, Bridge Hill. Nestled in a superior part of town, this large home offers you and your family the ideal escape while providing a potential option for income generation. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Idyllic Omakau Lifestyle13 White Road, OmakauNestled in the charming community of Omakau, 13 White Road is a delightful haven that seamlessly blends modern comfort with the tranquility of rural living. This property offers an opportunity for families or those seeking a serene retreat, with breathtaking views and abundant natural light. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Cosy Cottage Charm!13 Killarney Street, AlexandraWelcome to 13 Killarney Street, a charming property nestled in the heart of Alexandra. This delightful two-bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers perfect harmony between modern comfort and serene outdoor living, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to purchase a first home or downsizing. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Want to see more? click here to view all of Tall Poppy’s current listings.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are getting fed up with drivers that are not respecting accident scenes - particularly around Otago and Southland.Otago group manager Bobby Lamont noted three different recent incidents in Central Otago that resulted in near misses, including one where a firefighter was almost assaulted.In April, a car sped through a traffic incident in Clyde, showing no regard for the safety of emergency service personnel at the scene.In February, a member of the public drove on the wrong side of the road past firefighters managing traffic at an incident."This led to a confrontation where the man attempted the pull a firefighter out of the cab of a fire truck," he said.At the most recent incident in Clyde, he said it was a case of frustrated and impatient drivers ignoring the road accident signs and firefighters asking them to slow down."It turned into a very dangerous situation for our people."People must be patient when the road is blocked by a crash. We put traffic management in place for the safety of everyone involved, including motorists," he said.Statistics showed that nationally there were 55 health and safety incidents reported through FENZ Safe@Work system in the past two years, under the category of ‘motorist behaviours at incident ground’.However, Bobby said many of the incidents went unreported."Unsafe driver behaviour at incidents is so commonplace now that often our people won’t report the ‘minor’ incidents."We tend to get formal reports about the worst incidents, but the feedback from our crews is that they experience some form of unsafe driver behaviour at most incidents."We really just want everyone to be safe and need drivers to get on board to help us with that.”Another incident in June 2023 on State Highway 6 near the intersection of Lake Hayes-Arrowtown Road, involved a person driving through a motor vehicle crash scene at speed, and hitting an accident sign. The sign was flung approximately 10 metres at force and only narrowly avoided hitting a firefighter.Bobby said he was worried it was only a matter of time before one of his firefighters is seriously injured."By not following our instruction, people are endangering themselves, other motorists, our people and other emergency services, as well as the people involved in the traffic incident."

Long Term Plans, reserve management plans, Local Water Done Well… is your computer threatening to malfunction from trying to download all of these documents?Thousands of pages of information about Central Otago’s future - whether it be vital infrastructure upgrades or how we use our land and reserves, parks and swimming pools, have all been up for public consultation.But who had time to read all of those documents and make a submission? Spare a thought for the Central Otago District Council staff who have to put them together.How Central Otago rated as a district compared to other councils of similar size, was currently part of a new project by Cabinet, laying the foundation for new performance measurement framework.In August 2024, the Government announced measures to refocus councils in response to cost of living concerns. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon articulated that as a concern about rising rates, a desire that council spending concentrated on core services and infrastructure, and that the efficiency of decision-making was improved. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) would soon publish a set of council profiles on its website, including key performance metrics for each one, relating to financial performance (yes another few hundred pages to download). It would be available publicly on June 30.The initial set of metrics was based on already-public data from sources including annual reports and long-term plans.Central Otago’s rates were looking likely to increase by 12.5% in the 2025-26 year, but Queenstown Lakes was at 15.8% and Clutha around 16%. Meanwhile in Southland, Gore was consulting on 10.5% and Invercargill 7.7%.Alexandra was recently rated in the top 12 places in the country to retire. But for those trying to get into the market, an entry level house was around $550,000 - $600,000.It would be cheaper to move to Invercargill and buy a home for under $500,000. And the rates were amongst the lowest in the country. But house prices were on the up in the deep south. Investors have been catching on.Raine and Horne Southland and Central Otago real estate agent Sheree Williams said growth was strong in the south but you could still buy a decent first home for between $400,000 and $450,000 in Invercargill, depending on where in the city it was.Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley pointed out that in 2014 the average house price in Central Otago was $280,000 and in 2025 that had now jumped up to $760,000. Read hereWhen asked if Central Otago was an affordable place to live, Mayor Alley said it wasn’t cheap to live anywhere in New Zealand anymore, “and that was some of the realities of everyday life.”Where once people could save costs by shopping direct from the butcher for wholesale meat, that was not always the case anymore.And having to truck in goods to Central Otago was never going to be cheap, as it wasn’t the easiest place to get things to, she said.But with minimum wage now at $23.50 - a young person could start out earning a respectable $48,880 salary for an unskilled job. There was a real change demographically, around what people nowadays considered expensive, she said.“The community’s needs, wants and aspirations were now colliding with people’s ability to pay,” she said.Local Government New Zealand vice-president and Mayor Campbell Barry said in March 2024, it was no secret that the funding system for local government was broken. Rates accounted for more than half council funding, and relying so heavily on rates alone was unsustainable.“We need a range of levers to address the funding and financing challenges in front of us, such as an accommodation levy, GST sharing on new builds, congestion charging and tourist levies."The CODC would make its final decision on the rates increase for the next year at the end of this month.

Central Lakes Blue Light, Central Otago Flying Club and the New Zealand Police helped 29 youngsters take to the skies above Central last Saturday (June 7).The Take a Kid Flying Day (TAKF) is an annual event for young people aged eight to 15, geared towards those or who might not have had the opportunity to go inside an aeroplane before.Central Lakes Blue Light committee member Marley Ferguson said the weather impacted the first date for TAKF 2025 and it was delayed by a week.“The day went great, a bit chilly but the sun was shining and not too many clouds, which made for some great views of Alexandra and Clyde, as well as the snow on the hills around. “A few of the [youngsters] were nervous but the pilots were awesome and let them have a look and feel of the plane and that eased their minds – a couple of them were itching to go back up again.” Pictured are Central Lakes Blue Light committee members (from left) Marley Ferguson, youth aid officer James McDonald, Nathan Zimmerman and Jacinta Grant. PHOTO: Central Otago Flying Club FacebookComments on the evaluation form were supportive of the experience. One parent said it was a great opportunity to expose kids to other possibilities in life, with great friendly role models present.Young people said they “liked seeing the two rivers go into one”, “seeing all the dials and what happens in the cockpit” and the having the chance to “face [their] fears”. Youngsters Fertia Taiulu (The Terrace School), Ashlyn Flynn (Grab the Reins) and Thomas Bruce (Alexandra Primary School) posed with their ride. PHOTO: Supplied Each flight on Saturday went for approximately 20 minutes, and participants soaked up the views and the scenery above Central, taking off and landing at Alexandra Airport.Families enjoyed a free cooked lunch throughout the day from the Alexandra Lions Club and got an opportunity to get photos with the Blue Light staff and police officers who attended.Young people who went flying were from Goldfields Primary, Alexandra Primary School, The Terrace School, Cromwell Primary School, Puna Rangatahi and Grab the Reins. The youngest was seven and the oldest 15 years old, and four caregivers also enjoyed a flight.Organisers thanked Central Otago Flying Club members Kurt Verduyn, Gary Wilson, David Burke and Russell Anderson for their time in taking the children up, along with sponsors Night 'n Day Alexandra and Clyde, and McLellan’s Plumbing and Heating. The planes on the tarmac at Alexandra Airport. PHOTO: Supplied  Blue Light is a charity that has been empowering New Zealand youth for over 40 years. As well as TAKF Central Lakes Blue Light delivers programmes in support of young people in Central including ‘Take a kid bungy jumping’, Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) and BLAST (Blue Light Alternative Strategy for Teenagers to promote resilience and self confidence. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

An Environment Court enforcement order has been placed on the Queenstown Lakes District Council for a range of issues relating to its Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant.The Otago Regional Council welcomed the decision yesterday and said it paved the way to begin a plan of action so the QLDC could meet its consent obligations and achieve compliance against the court’s orders.The ORC sought an enforcement order on January 23, for issues at the treatment plant, following two abatement notices and 10 infringement notices - dating back to 2021. “The decision and enforcement orders give a clear indication of what’s required to operate, remedy and upgrade the wastewater plant, while maintaining transparency with ongoing monitoring of these processes,” chief executive Richard Saunders said.The decision outlined seven pages of separate enforcement orders, including upgrades, contingency measures, timeframes and milestones to be met. The enforcement orders covered off operations and management manual, staff training, sampling and monitoring, repairs and improvements to the wastewater plant, upgrades to the plant and a new disposal field solution; the latter requiring a consent application be made for a new disposal system by May 2026, which must be implemented by December 2030. Richard said that the ORC continued to closely monitor the Shotover treatment plant site and continued to undertake its regulatory role.The Environment Court’s decision was separate to QLDC making an emergency/retrospective consent application for earlier works at the Shotover site.The emergency works enacted by QLDC were to bypass the problematic (soak) disposal field and to discharge treated wastewater directly into the Shotover river. ORC was still assessing the application and further updates including a date for notification would be provided on the ORC website. 

What started as a chat between Central workmates at a law firm, three years ago, has crystallised into the first successful season of women’s football in the district.The Central Otago Women’s Football league has involved four teams from Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wānaka playing at a different location each Saturday; showcasing teamwork, fun, friendship and footballing finesse.Cromwell’s Junction Jennies (a part of the Cromwell Associated Football Club) have Emma O’Reilly to thank, despite being injured early on in a friendly early season match against the Matakanui men’s team, she managed, coached and encouraged the Jennies, who scooped their first win in the league in their final game on June 7.It was Emma and Alexandra United Football Club president Aaron Dykes (and lawyer at Checketts McKay) who initially sparked the idea of a local league. Alexandra United Football Club Women’s team had players from 17 to 59 lace up their boots, some were completely new to the sport, and others brought skills from similar team sports (hockey) and even former players from regional representative teams joined in.Football united those from around the globe living in Central, with players hailing from South America, Asia, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and Australia joining locals from all backgrounds; wine makers, farmers, nurses, high school pupils, teachers, doctors, mums, physiotherapists, veterinarians, retail and hospitality staff.Wānaka’s Los Independientes Football Club Women finished top of the table, but their unbeaten run was broken as they were toppled in the final game by Queenstown Rovers Women by two goals to zero. Spokesperson for the AUFC Women’s team Alyssa Serignese said it’s been amazing to see the league come together, and even better to be out on the pitch every week with such a great group of players from across Central Otago.“We’ve loved being part of this and can’t wait to see how the league continues to grow. Bring on next season.”Cromwell’s Claire Graham and AUFC’s Paula Love challenge for the ball on Saturday. PHOTO: Adam VincentAUFC’s Ashlee Barker and Cromwell’s Becky Clements in the final match. PHOTO: Adam VincentIf player numbers continue to grow Queenstown and Wānaka may consider entering two women's teams each in the 2026 season. All Central women's teams thanked their local business sponsors for their backing and support including providing funding for uniforms, gear and first aid equipment and player of the day vouchers.The Central female footballers from Cromwell and Alexandra. PHOTO: Adam VincentJunior football (for ages six -17) in the district has three more weekends of play. Next weekend's games are on in Queenstown on June 15.For information on local clubs see Cromwell Associated Football Club and Alexandra United Football Club.Read more: Otago Masonic Charitable Trust grants $22K to community organisations.Read more: Clyde School Run Club takes off.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Alexandra Police are still looking for information in relation to two arson incidents inside public toilets in Alexandra last week.Fire services were called to Molyneux Playground public toilets on June 3, and later that evening it was also discovered that the Molyneux Park scoreboard exeloos had also been damaged as well.Both the playground public toilets and ccoreboard toilets will remain closed to the public until the police have finished investigating and the clean-up has been conducted.Police would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV, dash cam or was witness to any of those events. Please contact Police on 105 – and reference the Police file number 250604/2428. In other police matters, at approximately 3:00am on Sunday June 8, Police, FENZ and St John were called to a single car vehicle crash on State Highway 6 in the Kawarau Gorge. The driver of the vehicle left the road, flipping the vehicle, which come to rest on its roof. The 22-year-old occupant of the vehicle was compelled to complete breath alcohol procedures, which returned a positive result. The driver has been charged and will appear in the Alexandra District Court in July. On June 8, Police patrolling the Roxburgh are conducted a vehicle stop. When spoken to the 38-year-old driver was identified as wanted to arrest by police for an unrelated matter. After arrest, a large amount of cannabis was also located in his possession in the vehicle. He was charged with drug related offences and was remanded in custody, awaiting a court hearing in June. Police in Cromwell and Alexandra attended vehicle crashes this week at intersections – which were controlled by give way signs. On those occasions it appeared that the driver error was not ensuring the road was clear to proceed through the intersection. Police would like to remind drivers to take their time, pay attention – ensuring they have given way to through traffic and once it was safe to do so, proceed into the intersection. And lastly, police were urging people to check in on friends, family, and neighbours, especially elderly and vulnerable members of our community. As the weather gets colder, people may be struggling and unable reach out – a phone call goes a long way. 

A little idea is growing wings according to a local bike refurbishment charitable trust and a new premise for bike upcycling is one step closer to being finalised.Up-cycles co-founder and managing director Chris Foggin (Foggie) wanted to create a buzzy place for bikes to whizz in and out and he’s been working closely with Central Otago District Council’s waste management team to find a new location for the trust to operate from. The plan is to open the Up-cycles Bike Hive at the 60 Boundary road site (formerly Wastebusters) with shipping containers and a sheltered covered area of 125sqm.At the Vincent Community Board (VCB) meeting held on Monday (June 9) members recommended to council that it approves a five year license to occupy for the charitable trust from July 1.Once approved it means a new bicycle repair and recycling facility will be available, and the idea is to hold workshops helping people can learn new skills around bike repairs; fewer bikes will end up in landfill and older bikes will get a new life after being repaired by volunteers.Up-cycles refurbishes, repairs and adapts second hand bikes and distributes them to those in need in Central and Southland including recognised seasonal employees, neurodiverse learners and those without reliable transport.Up-cycles started in December 2022 and until now has largely operated from a shipping container, it gained official legal status as a charitable trust in October 2023, thanks to the support of Aspiring Law. A map of the site. The red are Up-cycles containers where tools and bikes will be stored for repair and redistribution, the green are council owned containers which will be used for workshop and storage space. PHOTO: Supplied If you know anyone in need of some wheels, due to financial, health and wellbeing, recovering from illness/injury, wanting to try cycling, or transport to school/work, contact [email protected] a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A person has died after being hit by a car on State Highway 8 in Roxburgh last night.Emergency services were called to the crash, between Tamblyn Road and Selkirk Place, about 7.20pm.The person was a pedestrian and died at the scene. Police were providing support to their next of kin.The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and State Highway 8 has since reopened after being closed for several hours.Police would like to thank the emergency response teams who assisted at the scene, and motorists for their understanding and patience.

An important stage of the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park development in downtown Alexandra is being moved forward to ensure better stability of the site.The Vincent Community Board yesterday heard from parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey, who said the ramp from the edge of the riverbank to a floating jetty, would need to be completed in Stage One, at a cost of $400,000.The ramp was intended to be the main feature of the design and allowed people to access right down to the water’s edge. In his report, he said the design of the ramp itself, based on Geotech requirements, had been challenging to ensure it met required building standards, was flood resistant, looked good and was functional. A wooden design had been agreed on which would see 9m poles driven into the ground to support it. “This option provides least disturbance to the bank and any potential archaeological items. The poles will need to be precisely placed then driven into the ground to anchor the ramp.”But until that phase was completed, contractors were unable to finish and concrete the plaza area in Stage One as vibrations would crack it.As a result, staff recommended bringing forward the start of the work for Stage Two - which included the ramp and gabion baskets to create a level area for the mana whenua artwork, associated balustrade and lookout.The VCB agreed to fund the $400,000 through its Reserves Contribution Fund.“If we are going to do it, we need to do it properly,” Gordon said.In the 2021 – 31 Long Term Plan council allocated $650,000 over three years for the construction of the Kāmoanahaehae - Riverside Park, and additional funding of $723,848 was also received from Otago Community Trust ($100,000), Central Lakes Trust ($250,000), Lottery Environmental and Heritage Fund ($48,848), and MBIE TiF funding ($325,000).Construction began in September 2024 on Stage 1 which included several additional permissions, underground work and investigations required for archaeological authority. Additional work was undertaken by the Otago Regional Council in the removal of the riverbank trees from the traffic bridge to Tarbert Street.The Wairoa Manuherekia Trust provided $120,000 for the removal of additional willow trees from the Manuherekia riverbank and an off-road trail was currently linking the park to the Linger and Die and onto the Otago Central Rail Trail.

The new Southern Lakes Health Trust report aligns with the component of the Regional Deal proposal that Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes district councils are partners of.Mayor Tamah Alley was on the steering committee of the trust, which was exploring partnerships with the private sector to invest in services and infrastructure to benefit the region.The report https://www.southernlakeshealthtrust.nz/health-project/ was sent to Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown in February 2025, and was a collaborative effort, led by Joseph Mooney, MP for Southland, involving Health New Zealand, CODC, QLDC, rural health providers, iwi, including kaupapa Māori health providers, and the community.“We have a clear objective; to expedite planning and investment in health services and infrastructure in Otago Central Lakes,” Joseph said.The group was now waiting on feedback and director from the Minister on the report, and how that would help inform work on a health assessment for the area.“70 per cent of New Zealanders who live two or more hours from a hospital live in Otago Central Lakes. Our proposal will bring healthcare closer to our residents and help to reduce demand on our regions’ base hospitals in Dunedin and Invercargill,” Mayor Alley said.The trust’s approach would lead to a far more streamlined and effective healthcare for the rapidly growing population, which was currently at 155,596 and expected to double by 2054.The report offered a practical way forward: partnering with private hospitals, clinics and investors already in the planning process or building in the Southern Lakes area. By working together, they could include publicly-funded health services in private infrastructure projects; to bring more care close to home, without waiting years for new public builds. This collaborative approach would ease pressure on overstretched services and deliver lasting benefits for the entire region.The report warned the Minister about creating a two-tier health system, where services were only close to home for those who could afford it, while everyone else would still have to drive hours for care.With the Minister’s support, a working group would be established to work with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora to progress the proposed solutions. Community engagement and consultation would follow to ensure the healthcare needs of everyone in the Southern Lakes Region.The report proposed a regional model of care delivered across three key locations: Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago, with six early-stage public-private partnerships already identified. These projects are ready for collaboration:Southern Lakes Public Hospital (location to be determined). A proposed privately financed facility with full public hospital services and future capacity to become a regional hospital. Lakeview Te Taumata Clinic (Queenstown). A private surgical hospital expected to open in 2027, with opportunities for maternity care and workforce development.Integrated Care Hub (Wānaka). A planned day surgery with potential space for publicly funded after-hours services.Wānaka Health Precinct. A private surgical hospital designed with capacity to integrate public services.Aged Care Facilities (Clyde) Currently under construction, with potential to expand into a full suite of publicly funded services for older people in Central Otago. Central Otago: Securing land and investors for future public health infrastructure, based on the outcomes of other projectsThe trust was also seeking $2 million in funding to complete the groundwork for:Community consultationClinical design and planning processesTechnical assessments and detailed business cases that Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora can work with.And there are other ways to get involved:They’re exploring innovative mobile modular units that can be used as consultation rooms, clinics, or staff accommodation.The Strategic Report can be viewed at: https://www.southernlakeshealthtrust.nz/health-project/

The future of ice hockey in the district looks bright, with a number of youngsters making representative teams this season. Local club Alexandra Flames (based at IceInline) has 158 members across all ages. Eighteen of those are youngsters who will be representing the region at various tournaments in Alexandra, Queenstown, Dunedin and Australia.Club spokesperson Michelle Wallis said the club was growing.“There are eight teams playing in our Saturday night competition and four kids teams playing weekly in the junior competition. In the adult competition youngsters over 13 years old are dispersed across the teams… [enabling] them to play alongside adults in competitive hockey.“Parents have been very supportive of taking these kids to special development camps held in Queenstown and Dunedin annually, and this year the Southern Ice Hockey League also held two very successful development camps in Gore and Tekapo.”A special fundraising group is being set up by the club to help families experiencing financial hardship.“The cost for ice hockey falls directly on to the parents, outside of the tournament fees there is also hours of early morning or weekend travelling to other ice rinks for training, its hoped that by setting up a fund within the club, all club members, now and in the future, will have the opportunity to trial for representative teams and not fear making the team.”Michelle said plans were underway for an annual fundraiser and a retro “It’s in the Bag” night was to be in Alexandra this year, and she hoped to raise $30K to support representative players.The Southern Knights (U14, U16 and U18) teams are playing a one off tournament in Alexandra and Queenstown including players from Gore, Alexandra and Tekapo. The junior Stampede teams (U14, U16 and U18) are made up of the best players in Queenstown and other Southern clubs.Together with the Dunedin Thunder, the Stampede teams play in early July against other regional representative teams.A group of under 16 year olds from the Flames are travelling to Newcastle to play in the 13th International One Hockey Tournament (October 20 -25).The list of players and the representative teams are as follows:Isla Lawrence in the Wakatipu Wild teamTravis Roberts in the Dunedin Thunder U18 teamTayla Potter in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights and Wakatipu Wild development team Kubik Lapcik in U18 StampedeLockie Sinclair in U14 Thunder, U14 Southern KnightsJay Clarke in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights, International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaLuke Ferland in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights, International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaWilliam Wallis in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights, International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaCole Hilton in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights, International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaLiam Sangster in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern Knights, U18 Stampede development squad. International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaBella Wallis in U16 Southern KnightsFelix Hildyard in U16 Stampede, U16 Southern KnightsJules Thomson in U14 Stampede, U14 Southern KnightsJosh Ferland in U14 Stampede, U14 Southern Knights, U16 Stampede Development Squad, International One Hockey Tournament team to AustraliaOiva Kiuru in U14 Stampede, U14 Southern Knights James Laird in U14 Stampede development squad, U14 Southern KnightsEmma Corson in U14 Southern KnightsLevi Cowley in U14 Southern KnightsPlayers in the 'Battle of the Gorge' between Cromwell and Alexandra in late May. Alexandra took the win 9 goals to 4. PHOTO: Alexandra Flames Ice Hockey Club Facebook/Mark GloverFor information about the Flames club see their listing.Read more: Wasted opportunity between community facilitiesRead more: Central Home: Ice rink attracts GPs from USAHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

We continue our pre-election coverage this week with a few more profiles of those who have indicated they were standing again in the Elections 2025.Martin McPherson has been a Vincent ward Central Otago District councillor and community board member since 1985, and we asked him a few questions:Will you be standing again?  YesWhy or why not?I am still enjoying the work and am confident I have more to offerHow long have you already been involved exactly?I was first elected to the Alexandra community board in 1995What are you most proud of/achievements in the time you have been a councillor/community board member/deputy mayor?My work on the hearings panel and various plan changes, especially Plan change 19.Read more: Plan Change operative despite Enviro Court appealsWhat advice do you have for any new candidates standing?The ship of state has a very small steering wheel - things take time to turn around.What do you see are the pressing issues in your ward that you are particularly passionate about?Growth and how we manage this, and the effect on infrastructure and the costs associated with this, and its impact on rates going forward.Read more: Local Elections 2025: Who’s Standing and Why

Business South has announced a new partnership with Icehouse, giving Otago based businesses easier access to premium business growth programmes designed to accelerate success for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).The collaboration means local business owners and their teams will now be able to take part in Icehouse’s specialised training, mentoring, and coaching workshops, without having to travel far.“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Business South to bring premium Icehouse programmes and workshops,” says Icehouse CEO Olivia Blaylock. “Growing capability within a business is vital for growth in an ever-changing marketplace.”The move has already been welcomed by local business owners.“For me as a business owner, trying to train my team to be business minded, there’s no better option than the Icehouse in New Zealand,” said Justin McEntyre from Dunedin based passive fire protection company Contego.“We’ve invested in Icehouse training for seven of our team, including myself, and we’ve certainly seen the returns. It’s allowed us to take the business to the next level.”Since launching in 2001, Icehouse has helped more than 4,000 Kiwi businesses sharpen their strategy, leadership, and operational performance.More details about the programmes available in Otago and Southland can be found at theicehouse.co.nz

Clyde School pupils have been making the most of their lunch breaks to get fit prior to the cross country.More than 50 children have been regularly turning up for the schools very own ‘Run Club’ under the tutelage of trail runner Tom Heath.With the support of teacher Kate Goodfellow the six sessions (on a Tuesday and Thursday for three weeks) have been a “massive success” Tom said.The Run Club crew pose for a group shot. PHOTO: Supplied“We structured the sessions to include warm-ups, a few drills, and games to keep the kids active and engaged. “I’ve really enjoyed making the sessions fun, while balancing physical effort and teaching skills that will benefit their running and help them in all kinds of sports.”Tom said from the first session the children were really engaged and the initiative took off from there.“By the end of it we were making the kids run pretty hard and they were loving it.“We saw them grow in confidence, fitness and it was a whole lot of fun.”The Clyde Sports Ground was the venue for games, sprints and fitness for the 30 minute sessions. PHOTO: Supplied The icing on the top was a free ice cream sundae voucher awarded to all the children who took part in two run club sessions. “Making running fun is one thing, but we needed something more to motivate and help keep them interested.“I’d like to thank Paulina’s for coming on board and giving out 60 ice cream sundaes.”Tom said he had plenty more ideas to build on for the future and hoped to run another run club before next year's cross country.Clyde School teacher Kate Goodfellow said together with Tom another school dad Craig Strain helped out and the kids of all ages loved racing the adults."The students had a blast! Tom put a lot of time into the set up of really fun and engaging ways to get kids running with things like giant games of ball rush and rob the nest being a crowd favourite."There were no boring laps around the block done. All of the kids were doing a lot of running in a fun way. We had a lot kids who would not usually want to run come along and have a go which was great to see."Fun and cheering for your mates was a big part of Clyde School run club. PHOTO: SuppliedGood luck to all the Clyde School pupils who are running their school cross country today (Monday June 9). The fastest pupils from Dunstan Zone schools will race the Dunstan Zone cross country at McArthur Ridge Vineyard on June 16, and there they can qualify for the Central Otago Zone Cross Country which is to be held at the Cromwell Racecourse on June 26. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Each week, Mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues her team is tackling on your behalf.Shot Friday 6 JuneDemocracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to Mayor Tamah Alley.Tamah is committed to making sure your voice is part of the decision-making.Click here to go to Mayor Tamah Alleys website.