Federated Farmers is disappointed that consultation on the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), due to be notified in October, has been “disappointingly secretive”.In a letter to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and ministers involved in the process on Wednesday, Federated Farmers urged for better transparency on the plan.Federated Farmers said some of the new proposed rules including “overly restrictive” requirements for fencing sheep and beef farms that would impact local farming families.Signed by Otago president Luke Kane, North Otago president Otto Dogterom, along with meat and wool chair Logan Wallace, the group said while they were a part of an initial confidential consultation, “we are now completely in the dark as to what is being proposed and how it might impact our rural communities.”Up until now they have been unable to share the details of the earlier information with its members because of confidentiality, including the transparency on costs of giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai.Te Mana o te Wai, or mana of the water, is about recognising the vital importance of clean, healthy water for maintaining the health of our waterbodies, freshwater ecosystems and the communities that rely upon them for their sustenance and wellbeing.Choosing to break their silence, Federated Farmers believe the application of Te Mana o te Wai will result in astronomical costs to farmers, with suggestions of more than $110 million for just two small Otago towns.“For those communities the cost equates to more than $50,000 per residential ratepayer," the letter read."If similar costs can be expected across the rest of the Otago region this will quickly add up to a multi-billion dollar cost for the region and an unconscionable burden on local ratepayers – and this is before increased operating costs are even considered.” Federated Farmers believes the ORC has engaged with tangata whenua, but not the wider community, on how Te Mana o te Wai will be applied in our region.  The group is also concerned that communities remain in the dark on what new rules will be needed for farming and other industries such as forestry to comply with onerous national bottom lines contained in the current national direction for freshwater management.  Federated Farmers has urged the ORC to be transparent with its communities about what is being proposed in the LWRP and the potential costs. A current draft of the plan should be released for public discussion.  “There is no sense in rushing to notify this plan in October. Due to the significant implications for our community, we believe further consultation, engagement and analysis is needed. This would also provide time for the council to respond to changing central government direction,” the letter stated. ORC chair Gretchen Robertson and chief executive Richard Saunders both responded to requests for comment.Richard refuted the claims that it had been a “secretive” process.“Our door has always been open for groups including Federated Farmers who have asked to discuss aspects of the draft plan.”Gretchen said Otago’s new LWRP would include rules built from community visions and the fundamental values we share. “Every Otago participant in our Land and Water Plan process identified good water as a priority. The plan creates regulatory pathways to these visions over time through rules and policies. It's one part of a puzzle - an important backstop for a plethora of positive voluntary community and business investment enhancement. Change and regulation can be tough to deal with and needs to be well planned. There’s no magic wand. We can’t avoid, we need practical pathways and time. The plan is about seeing change as opportunity, future proofing and achieving our shared vision of good water – both urban and rural.”

Wānaka’s birthing unit, Rākai Kahukura, will open its door to its first pregnant people and whānau on Monday (July 29).Rākai Kahukura will be able to support “at least” 50 births and approximately 350-400 families each year, Te Whatu Ora Southern director of midwifery Karen Ferraccioli told the Wānaka App.Karen was visiting the birthing unit yesterday (Wednesday July 24) for an opening event with Te Whatu Ora staff, birthing unit midwives and staff, and other groups including Plunket. She said the new birthing unit, a converted lodge located on a large and private site on the outskirts of Albert Town, has “good mana”.“It’s quite special,” she said. “It’s also quite big, which will allow us to build services through time.”Rākai Kahukura will open for use on Monday (July 29).After a lengthy renovation turning the space from a lodge into a birthing unit, Rākai Kahukura now features a birthing room with an ensuite and a birthing pool and four post-natal rooms with ensuites.There’s also an onsite antenatal clinic with four rooms, a community room for relaxation and an education and whānau room.Rākai Kahukura will support low-risk, non-instrumental births, options for post-natal stays closer to home, as well as access to early childhood services for 0-5 year olds including vaccinations, Karen said.She acknowledged midwives had been waiting a long time for the birthing unit.Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti (left) and PM Christopher Luxon at Rākai Kahukura in late June.Te Whatu Ora Southern (formerly the Southern District Health Board) agreed to establish a primary birthing unit in Wānaka in June 2021.This followed many years of advocacy from local groups (including local Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwives and Save Our Wānaka Midwives) in part because of the significant distance to the nearest primary birthing unit and hospital.By June 2022 Te Whatu Ora had purchased the Monteith Road property but the estimated opening in early 2023 was pushed back intermittently, largely attributed to the move from the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) to Te Whatu Ora, with the project team having to adapt to new guidelines and regulatory environment.Its opening on Monday (July 29) is a year and a half later than first estimated. New Rākai Kahukura signage on SH6.Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and PM Christopher Luxon visited the birthing unit in late June while finishing touches were being completed and revealed its name, which was gifted by iwi. The PM thanked everyone involved in the creation of the birthing unit for “all the hard work and effort that’s gone into bringing this birthing centre to life”.Listen: The Outlet Podcast - Revolutionising midwifery care in Wānaka.PHOTOS: Wānaka App

In the latest episode of The Outlet, we dive into the trailblazing journey of Amy Eason, who recently became the first woman to referee a Central Otago premier men's rugby game. Amy's story is not just about breaking barriers but also about resilience, determination, and the power of goals. This episode offers a wealth of inspiration for anyone facing adversity in their endeavours, especially women pursuing roles in sports.Amy shares humorous anecdotes about the challenges referees face on the field, including the idea of consulting their phones for the latest rules. Despite these challenges, Amy's passion for refereeing remains strong, and she continues to work hard to improve her skills.Listen to The Outlet Wānaka.

A blanket of thick fog hovering over parts of Central in recent weeks has made way to sunshine and warmer temperatures, but don’t be fooled.Weather forecasters warn cold temperatures, rain and potential snow are expected to arrive across parts of Otago early next week.MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane is among those watching the weather patterns closely.“Indeed, all eyes are on a weather system expected early next week. It looks to bring wet weather [to] many parts of the South Island. While the heaviest rain areas are still to play for, Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough are good possibilities.”She said the weather system was “likely” to bring snow to the South Island. Signs of spring are in bloom in Roxburgh, but there’s still some cold weather yet to come. PHOTO: The Central App“At this stage, heavy snow is possible over the southern Canterbury High Country and northern parts of inland Otago. Mountain passes and high-level roads could be affected. However, it is still early days, and the exact areas will depend on the movement of the weather system once it is near us.”Parts of Central hit double digits yesterday, with unofficial reports of 16 degrees Celsius in Roxburgh, 14C in Alexandra, and 11C in Cromwell and Ranfurly.Mmathapelo said double digits would no doubt be a “welcome change from the recent frigid conditions in Central Otago, especially in those valleys that have been under cold grey skies for weeks”.“This increase in temperatures is being brought by a northwesterly flow ahead of a weather system this weekend, which is expected to weaken before the next system arrives on Monday, bringing the cold and wet weather mentioned above.”Central’s daytime high temperatures are expected to remain in the double digits throughout the weekend, before dropping to 8C and 7C throughout next week.Click on The Central App’s Weather button to keep up to date on the forecast and don’t forget to check Roads before travelling.Read more: The Outlet: Freezing temperatures to linger in Central

Retail business owners beware; eftpos theft is in our midst and for a Central Otago retailer, it meant selling five items for just six cents.The shop owner, who declined to be named, was this week ripped off by a couple of offenders who distracted the shop assistant when the transaction for $619 was about to go through.A staff member had tendered the right amount and when not looking, the offender, in a matter of seconds, cleared that amount and re-entered a different one.“Another person was ripping tags off the clothing to distract them,” the store manager said.The store just recently upgraded its eftpos terminal to a one-piece wireless model, but has since changed it back to the older two-piece model and improved procedures and security in store as well.“It’s not the machine but the speed with how it was very swiftly manipulated,” the store owner said.“Handing over the machine leaves you vulnerable. It’s so important to immediately check the receipt. It’s an expensive wakeup call for us,” he said.Cromwell Police public safety team supervisor Regan Price confirmed they had received a complaint of theft from the shop owners.The file has been assigned to a constable for investigation, “and with that investigation underway, I don’t have any further information in relation to the suspect at this time,” he said.Police were assessing CCTV footage from the Cromwell Mall, and the bank was also helping with the investigation, in identifying the people involved.The offender once identified, would then be charged with theft by deception, and the store owner is hopeful they will be apprehended. “It is our policy to make the police aware of every type of criminal offence no matter how minor.“This is no minor offence but even if it was, we’d still notify the police. To me there are no exceptions for petty crime.” 

Join Peter as he chats with Alison Mair from Custom Mortgages about navigating the home-buying journey. Alison offers essential advice on managing your mortgage effectively.

Understanding your dreams and the motivations behind your hard work can offer profound insights.Why do you pour your blood, sweat, and tears into your business? What's your ultimate goal? Where do you see yourself in the future? What truly brings you joy?Reflecting on these questions can be enlightening for both you and those around you.So why dream?Often, we don't take the time to think about the future, but having personal goals and aspirations to look forward to is more important than we often realise.Envisioning your dreams is not only beneficial for you but also serves as excellent role modelling and can spark engaging conversations with colleagues.Sharing your dreams can provide others with a unique glimpse into your motivations and what drives you.Of course, you don't have to share anything you're not comfortable with. Whether your dream is medieval cosplay or something else entirely, all power to you! The positive psychological effects of pursuing goals by Dr. Patrick Keelan:We would recommend reading the article below as it highlights that goals provide purpose in everyday life, boost self-esteem, offer structure, improve time management, and help manage stress. Another additional effect of goal setting is that working toward goals can foster positive social relationships.Each of these aspects contributes to a more fulfilling and balanced life, illustrating why having dreams and striving for them can be crucial to our happiness and mental health.https://drpatrickkeelan.com/stress/the-positive-psychological-effects-of-pursuing-goals/Remembering or setting goals.Here is a quick exercise you can do right now!!Grab a pen and paper and write three headings:ExperiencesGrowthContribution Now get the timer open on your phone and set it for 90 seconds. Try to not think too hard during this exercise.Start the timer and under “Experiences” write down anything that comes to mind that on your last day alive you would want to have experienced. You could list places to visit, personal achievements, meaningful relationships, health goals. Imagine you have no obstacles or financial constraints and just go for it until the timer stops.Now, under the “Growth” heading, do the same. Think about ways you'd like to grow in intellectual pursuits, character traits, health, fitness, and spiritual growth.Finally, under the “Contribution” heading list ways to give back: volunteering, helping others, sharing knowledge, supporting causes. How can this enrich your life?Writing down your life goals makes them concrete and helps us see how they can contribute to a deeper sense of fulfilment. How Easi NZ can help.At EASI NZ we love to support small to medium businesses realise their potential. By understanding your goals and dreams it enables us to tailor our recruitment and HR services effectively, aligning strategies to achieve personal and business aspirations seamlessly.Get in touch today and see how we help get you on the right track for your business, people and clients to make those dreams become a [email protected]   

Prime DIY Opportunity!16 Jollys Road, Cromwelldeadline sale (by 8 Aug)Step into your latest property project at Jollys Rd. This solid brick home sits on a substantial 704sqm freehold section - ripe with opportunity. Sold as is, where is, this property is perfect for a savvy investor, developer or tradesperson ready to roll up their sleeves and embark on a transformation journey that will reward whatever you put into it! Located in the heart of Cromwell, a short drive or easy walk to Goldfields Primary School and early childhood centres as well as local shops, supermarkets and more. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.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.Expansive Living with Amazing Garaging!3A Kawarau Court, CromwellEnquiries over $1,220,000Perfectly situated in the popular Printers Bay, this home is just minutes' walk from Lake Dunstan and the picturesque Heritage Precinct. It's the ideal spot for a growing family looking for more space, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double internal access garage, and a second external access double garage with a workshop! 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.Spectacular Views & Renovation Potential...16 Chapple Street, Alexandradeadline sale (by 17 Jul)If your looking for a renovation project that has so much potential then this is the spot for you. Nestled in a prime location that is elevated to capture all day sun and the spectacular views, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Fantastic Family Home with Views36 Shields Street, ClydeEnquiries over $1,185,000Welcome to 36 Shields Street in the charming town of Clyde! This beautifully crafted home boasts a perfect blend of modern design & scenic surroundings, offering a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for you and your family. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Modern Luxury8 Attfield Close, ClydeEnquiries over $1,180,000Welcome 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 & 43 & 4 68 Ferris Road, AlexandraLot 3 Enquiries Over $450,000 approx - 1.5 ha subject to titleLot 4 Enquiries Over $430,000 approx - 2.6 ha subject to titleBoth 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.Modern Comfort in Gair Estate57 Olds Crescent, CromwellEnquiries over $995,000Situated in the ever-popular Gair Estate subdivision, our latest listing is a modern, solid brick home that will appeal to first home buyers, relocators, downsizers, and more. Built in 2021 with customised features to ensure a comfy, convenient and stylish lifestyle the ideal spot to enjoy all the benefits of Cromwell living! Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Designer space by the field and lake!9 Sunhaven Cove, CromwellEnquiries over $1,695,000Overlooking the Alpha Street Reserve, a popular local sports field beside Lake Dunstan, this exceptional 305m2 designer family home is situated on one of Cromwell's most sought-after streets. An easy walk to the popular Heritage Precinct, local schools, golf course, and more this home offers a blend of spacious luxury living, convenience, and stunning views - ideal for growing or blended families, relocators, and more. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Dimple Tuteja.Bareland Lifestyle in AlexandraLot 1 Letts Gully Road, AlexandraBuyer Enquiry over $515,0001.5 hectares (subject to title) nestled on Letts Gully Road this bareland lifestyle awaits its new owner. Ideal property to build your dream lifestyle or landbank for future and run a few sheep in the meantime. This block comes with power to the boundary and its own bore with 25,000 litres per day. Building platform has been cut out so you have a great base to start. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.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

Former Alexandra kayaker Nick Collier has finished the U23 Kayak Cross World Championship in Slovakia in 9th place out of 79 competitors.Last year Nick was the vice-world champion in this category and said he was very motivated this time around to prove his result was no fluke.“I certainly think I’ve managed that with a top 10 placing,” he said.His time at the world champs was immensely different than last year, knowing his competitors and understanding what it took to beat them.“However, going in as the vice-world champion put a target on my back, not only did I know the competitors, but they knew me. I was no longer a rookie wildcard, but instead one of the top seeds to make it to the podium.”Since last year's world champs, he’s rocketed up the senior men's world rankings from 132nd to 42nd.Nick was pre-selected for the 2024 New Zealand Under 23 Kayak Cross team because of his silver at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland in August 2023.Nick Collier will soon return to New Zealand, before competing in a world ranking race in Prague. PHOTO: Supplied Having raced at the first three senior world cups in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland this year, meant that he knew he had the physical capabilities to win, “it was only the mental game which could hold me back", he said. "Staying focused on each competition stage and filtering out negative thoughts were big developments. I had a job to do which needed my undivided attention to complete."Nick has one final race in Prague, Czech Republic on August 2-4 which is a world ranking race with huge numbers attending.  Then he’ll be back to New Zealand on August 8 based at Cambridge and Okere Falls to finish his studies at the University of Waikato.He’ll also continue training on the Waikato and Kaituna rivers and working part-time as the canoe slalom coach for the Matamata club.Nick is looking forward to watching the Kiwis at the Olympics in Paris this year but will be busy competing in Prague at the same time.“I'm very excited to see Luuka Jones at her 5th Olympics and small town Alexandra's own Finn Butcher race in the Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross events. Both of these top athletes are in prime form and ready for their chance at glory.”

There were plenty of important people at the Otago Regional Council (ORC) meeting in Cromwell yesterday.As well as a presentation by parliamentary commissioner for the environment Simon Upton and chief economist Geoff Simmons, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan attended with councillors Tracy Paterson and Tamah Alley.The public gallery was full and four people chose to speak on issues ranging from private hydro generation to the perceived over allocation of water rights.Simon explained his role as commissioner as being independent from the Government and said he was the fourth person to hold that position of office.He discussed his recent report reviewing the management of the environment in New Zealand, ‘Going Against The Grain,’ which had been three years in the making.Consultation with farmers, community, iwi and business owners were all essential and he learned a lot about people in the process, “which was more interesting than the environmental stuff,” he said.Things to note from the report included that the bigger land use change from 1996 to 2018 was the move from low producing grasslands to more exotic forestry.But the problems remained the same and the way people used their land needed to change in some places, he said.“There are land uses that just don’t match what the land can actually sustain and support,” he said.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said the council welcomed the opportunity to hear firsthand from the parliamentary commissioner, who drew on six years of research to present practical suggestions around land use change.“These are big topics facing all regions across the nation. The state of our environment, changes currently underway and projected change needs considered as communities work together to strategically tackle the challenges and look for opportunities to ensure we can all thrive now and for the future.”Councillors will today be taking the opportunity to visit a range of organisations and view different projects around the district.

Central Otago’s small native skink species are having a big impact on Alexandra’s Half Mile, thanks to Dunedin artist Pearl Barry.Pearl has lent her illustrative skills to Central Otago’s reptilian wildlife, namely the McCann’s skink, as part of the Chorus Cabinet art programme, which is designed to add colour and creativity to New Zealand's many neighbourhoods.The little lizard brought Pearl back to Central Otago, to the site where she has been carrying out her research at the University of Otago for a Master's of Science in Ecology, and is due to finish in November this year."When I learned about the Chorus Cabinet art programme, I instantly knew I wanted to participate. As I scrolled down the list of available cabinets, I chose the one I felt most drawn to, a cabinet near the Half Mile reserve in Alexandra. My master's research at the University of Otago led me into the mountains and gullies of Central Otago, where I had encounters with some of the six gecko species and 11 skink species native to the region,” she said."I knew I wanted the mural to celebrate Central Otago's gorgeous reptilian wildlife, so I collaborated with Central Otago District Council community development advisor Rebecca Williams and the Half-Mile Recreation Reserve's restoration team to design a mural that features a McCann's skink atop a schist outcrop embraced by the climbing vines of New Zealand jasmine (Parsonsia heterophylla).”The McCann's skink is a fairly common skink that can be seen where there is good shelter to hide from invasive predators, including mice, rats, cats, stoats, and hedgehogs, or where trapping is taking place. As a life-long artist and ecologist, Pearl said she was always looking for creative opportunities to make ecological knowledge accessible to communities where it matters most."My hope is that the mural inspires curiosity about the native animals and plants of Central Otago, and that folks who pass by it stop and explore Half-Mile Reserve to witness its transformation into a haven for native wildlife."McCann's skink have large, stable populations and are listed as ‘not threatened by the New Zealand threat classification system’, but only thrive where introduced predators are scarce.This is the final mural of the 2023 round, which saw a total of four cabinets across Central turned into works of art. The cabinets are in Cromwell, Galloway, Roxburgh and Pearl’s work of art on Aronui Rd in Alexandra, near the intersection with Old Golf Course Rd.

The proposed Hawkeswood Mining development at Millers Flat is gaining support with the owners hoping for an October start date.Owner Simon Johnstone said they were just in the process of submitting their right of reply to the commissioners, following the recent hearing.A revised set of draft conditions for the Central Otago District Council (CODC) consent and for the four Otago Regional Council (ORC) consents have been worked through.Simon said they have taken into consideration concerns from submitters and iwi has looked over everything as well, “and everyone’s on the same page.”“The ball will be back in the commissioners’ court and we’ll await their decision, but it was looking positive,” he said.The CODC and ORC have updated their Section 42a report to now recommend consent be granted and iwi no longer opposed the application and were neutral.Simon said the company had spent close to $3 million on the consent application so far, and with respect to the conditions, he said, “it’s as good as you’re going to get.”Hawkeswood Mining Ltd expects to create up to 30 jobs and inject an estimated $5 million to $7 million annually into the local community with its gold mine on the banks of the Clutha Mata-Au River.The project received more than 470 submissions, the majority of which were in support.The hearing was told the company aimed to return the land to pastoral use after it had finished, and rehabilitation work would be ongoing throughout the 10-year project.Hawkeswood Mining first applied for a discretionary consent in 2022 for a two-hectare mine over a period of five years.This was, by request of the applicant, publicly notified by the ORC and CODC in 2023.Hawkeswood Mining then paused the application to make amendments, extending the proposed mine to cover about 10 hectares for a period of 10 years.The councils determined a new application needed to be made due to the significant increase in the intensity and scale of the activity.Hawkeswood Mining is seeking consent to use the land as well as to take water, and discharge water to land only, with no risk of contaminants being discharged to water.

An initiative designed to boost people’s confidence when driving is continuing to meet a growing need across Central.The programme, Drive My Life Taraiwa Mataora, provided through Central Otago REAP, aims to support people who have left school and face barriers in getting their driver's licence.Of the 194 referrals received so far this year, 92 have passed their licence.Participants are often nominated for the programme, including about one third from police, one third from social agencies and the rest find out about it through word of mouth.Among those who have signed up to the initiative are aged between 18 and 65, including one who had spent many years driving without a licence.Participants who need their learner licence take part in two-hour classes over six weeks to learn the road code.Lessons then incorporate fun activities and practice tests to teach road safety and prepare learners to sit the theory test in the seventh week.The restricted and full licence programme offers practical driving lessons to people in the community, including those who face barriers in doing so.Volunteer mentors take the learners out for practical driving lessons.Learners are evaluated by a professional driving instructor, who develops a plan and checks they are ready to sit their licence.Co-ordinator Paddy Ford said not all referrals are able to be put through the programme immediately due to the number of people who sign up outweighing the number of volunteer mentor drivers.There are 27 mentors from Tapanui, through to Roxburgh, Alexandra, Ranfurly, Cromwell, Wānaka and Hāwea, who have access to cars in each of those places.Paddy welcomes more volunteers to sign up to the programme as demand continues to grow.“We could do with a lot more mentors,” he said.The group was acknowledged for its work in the community this week after Volunteer South provided them with a morning tea, including one in Alexandra, Cromwell and Wānaka.For more information visit CO REAP.

People across Otago are being encouraged to give their feedback on how to best manage air quality, with 17 drop-in sessions across the region starting at the end of the month. The Otago Regional Council’s scientist, air quality Sarah Harrison said while Otago’s conditions have generally improved over the past 20 years, there is still more to do to meet the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality. “Our monitoring and research show the main cause of Otago’s air pollution is from solid fuel burners used in home heating, but there are other sources, including rural outdoor burning, industrial and vehicle emissions,” she said. Between July 29 and August 22 there will be 17 in-person sessions at 11 locations across Otago, plus two online sessions. Feedback can also be provided online anytime. “We’re encouraging people from all around Otago to either come to a session or join us on-line to give their feedback on air quality,” she said.The key pollutant in Otago, particulate matter, mostly comes from home heating emissions. “Air quality can be especially poor in parts of Otago because of the unique climate and landscape. We can have very cold winters and the geography and atmospheric conditions often act to trap pollution at ground level,” Sarah said. Given a warm home is vital during Otago’s cold winters, burning wood or coal is the most economical way to keep warm, but not all fuels and burners are created equal, causing variability of emissions. “The types of fuels and burner technology people use have a huge influence on air quality, as do the way they are operated." The other three main areas of concern are outdoor burning, vehicle emissions and industrial emissions. Odour, dust, and agricultural spraying are other air pollutants, which may impact some Otago residents. “If people are seeing or feeling the effect of any of these, we want to know about them, so we can better manage air quality and consider what education, alternatives or mitigations could be put in place, to support rules in any plans,” she said. At this time of year, corresponding with natural inversion layers, towns such as Alexandra, Cromwell and Arrowtown and some Dunedin suburbs can sometimes see an increase in pollutants from home heating smoke being “trapped” within the inversion layer. In another example of seasonal air quality issues, Sarah said that within the last two months, outdoor burning incidents have generated more than 50 complaints to ORC, prompting staff to make 18 “educational visits,” plus other follow-up actions.The Alexandra drop-in session will be held at Community House on Wednesday, August 21, 12pm–2pm and 4pm–7pm, in Cromwell on Wednesday, August 21, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 4pm–7pm at the Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church, and in Roxburgh on Thursday, August 22, 12pm–3pm at the Service Centre.

It wasn’t to be for the Alexandra Armadillos premier rugby team at the weekend against the Upper Clutha Rams, but there were still plenty of reasons to celebrate.Captain James Dobson, filling in for Tyler Ford who was injured, picked up his 100th match for the club and was also named ‘man of the match’ by the Alexandra coaches.In another surprise Tyler was named Central Otago Premier Player of the Year.A crowd of 3000 came to support both teams in Wānaka, making it the first win for the Rams since 2018.After triumphing over Wakatipu to secure their spot in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition final on Saturday, the Armadillos were just not strong enough for the Rams, with the final score 46-10.Tyler said the Armadillos played to their strengths, but the Rams were just the better team on the day.“It was good that the boys put in all that effort and played well.”James said it was an honour to captain the team in the final, but it was definitely a “massive hurdle” to overcome not having Tyler on the field playing.Tyler tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the semi-final against Wakatipu, and was hoping he didn’t need surgery, but said he would definitely be back again next season.The Armadillos have played the Upper Clutha Rams twice this season, losing 24-28 in Tarras on June 15 as well as earlier in the season.In Tarras they were down 20 points and managed to come back in the last 20 minutes to almost even the score.Last season Alexandra had a stunning final against the Rams, making it their first competition win since 2015. On Saturday the team dominated early on but after 20 minutes it was the Rams ahead by 6-3 followed by three quick tries to then push them ahead 25-3 at half time.Alexandra came back to dominate again early in the second half before a length of the field break-out by the Rams led to hooker Scott Cunningham scoring to extend the Rams’ lead to 32-3.

A small selection of curlers put their skills to the test on the Idaburn Dam, near Oturehua yesterday.While they were not playing for the Brown Shield as initially hoped, a mini tournament was still able to go ahead with fewer teams and a shorter amount of time on the ice.Curlers had initially hoped to compete for the much-anticipated Brown Shield, a tournament which was last played in 2010 and would usually see about 17 rinks in action from morning until late afternoon.However, one of the group’s ice masters Ken Gillespie said the ice was not viable for such a large group of people, prompting organisers behind the popular tournament to cancel the event on Sunday night.Not all hope was dashed though, as they allowed the much smaller event to take place instead with four ends played.While those who took part had a great time, it was short lived as water started to seep onto the surface, Ken said.But, that didn’t stop everyone from having a good time.From left to right: Bill May, Matt McSkimming, Ken Gillespie, Murray Tonkin, Friend, Graeme Male, Rachel Duffy, Hugh Speight.“We’re all still here, it’s quite social,” he said, following the tournament.He said it was unfortunate the Brown Shield couldn’t go ahead, but cancelling it was the right call.“It was just as well we did because the ice wasn’t good enough. That’s just the way it is.”Late last week, conditions looked promising thanks to regular overnight low temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius.However, Sunday only dropped to -5C and -2C on Saturday morning.“The ice just wasn’t good enough.“It’s better for the frosts to be in the double figures to make good ice.”He said while the opportunity to host the Brown Shield on the Idaburn Dam was now potentially lost this season, those who managed to compete in the smaller tournament had a great time.

Retailers are hanging on to their storefronts by their fingertips as customers spend less and costs for wages, insurance and freight go up.Stats NZ figures show electronic card spending fell 0.6 percent in June, while the value of sales had dropped 4.9 percent on a year ago.Retail NZ was surveying its members on trading conditions and so far, more than 70 percent of respondents did not meet sales targets for the second quarter.Chief executive Carolyn Young said that meant many retailers could not cover costs."We are seeing businesses close, absolutely. So retailers are responding to the environment they're in. Big retailers will be looking at, when the time comes to renew their lease, they'll be thinking about is that still profitable?"If you're a smaller retailer, you'll be probably considering if somebody resigns from the job, do I need to replace that staff member? What are the other levers I can pull? Can I get new stock in or broaden the stock that I'm doing?"So there are some different levers that the different size businesses will look at pulling in order to survive through this."She said last week's change of tone from the Reserve Bank on rate cuts was positive, but there would be a delay before retailers saw results."We do know there's a lag factor. It's not going to happen straight away. So even if interest rates are cut, people aren't going to feel that impact immediately."Young said the government's tax cuts, due at the end of July, along with any changes to interest rates might help to minimise business losses.ASB senior economist Kim Mundy said high interest rates and household costs and rising job insecurity meant consumers were not spending.But she said the tax cuts were unlikely to start a shopping spree."When uncertainty for consumers is so high, consumer confidence is very low at the moment. The risk is in our mind that we'd really be surprised to see consumers opting to heavily spend this money rather than save it in case they need it in the future."We're not expecting to see a spending spree off the back of that, which suggests that the economy should still continue to sort of evolve the way it is."That means we should be in a position where the Reserve Bank could say, 'hey, job done, we can start taking some of that pressure off the economy now'."Mundy said consumers were reacting the way the central bank wanted them to, by pulling back on spending to help rebalance the demand and supply of the economy.She said pricing pressures were starting to ease, which should open the door to OCR cuts later in the year.

All expectant parents will be able to use the new Wānaka primary birthing centre, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has confirmed to The Central App.Health Minister Shane Reti and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon both attended the official opening of the Wānaka birthing unit (Rākai Kahukura) on June 27.The doors to the birthing centre open for mums-to-be on July 29, once all the work has been completed.The eight-bedroom lodge in Albert town was purchased in June, 2022 and after several delays, it has been converted to a primary birth centre managed by Health New Zealand - similar to the Central Otago Maternity Unit in Alexandra, formerly Charlotte Jean. The Wānaka centre includes a birthing room with ensuite and birthing pool, four post-natal rooms with ensuites, an onsite antenatal clinic with four rooms, a community room and a whānau room. For pregnancies with no complications, from July 29, this is an additional option within an hour's drive of Central’s larger towns. The planned new birthing centre proposed for Clyde, which is due to open by 2026, includes three ante-natal consult rooms, one birthing room, one flexi-room, two postpartum rooms and a community/whānau room.Statistics New Zealand figures show there were 207 babies born in Central Otago in 2023. Read more: Clyde birthing unit timeline shifts again

Recognised seasonal employees (RSE) from Vanuatu are getting together to celebrate Bislama Language Week and Vanuatu Independence Day on Sunday July 28.Viticultura pastoral care manager Jo Ennion has stepped up to organise celebrations this year.  Jo said the day’s events would coincide with Vanuatu’s children's day, on July 24, and Independence Day, on July 30, with a big, fun day at Earnscleugh Hall.“Nivans from Cromwell, Alexandra, Ettrick and Roxburgh will all be getting together to celebrate.“The guys have been getting the programme for the day together, there will be a string band, a skit, some speeches and good food.“It is a little different this year because of timing [the first week was in October in 2023], with our winter crews here the event will be down scaled a bit.”Jo said everyone was welcome to join the Nivan community to enjoy music and culture and were asked to bring a plate of food to share.Jo said doctor Trevor Lloyd, who can speak Bislama and has worked as a doctor for Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) in Vanuatu, will be sharing his experience with staff at Dunstan Hospital. Primary school visits are also planned for schools in Cromwell and Roxburgh during the week. Last year was the first year of a two-year trial of Bislama Language Week in Central by the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. Bislama is the language of Vanuatu, where many of Central’s recognised seasonal employees (RSE) come from. It is a common language for Ni-vans, as across Vanuatu there are 113 distinct languages and many more dialects.Bislama is phonetically English, it has a melanesian grammar, resulting in complex ideas being expressed as stories that are often a great deal longer than if told in English.From October through November there are about 400 Ni-vans (people from Vanuatu) arriving in Central for the following seven months' of work in horticulture and viticulture.After 74 years of joint rule between Britain and France, Vanuatu received its independence on July 30, 1980.