Self taught artist Marion Vialade-Worch has challenged herself to bring a hybrid art exhibition to life; it’s been two years of work and learning along the way.Next month she will launch a month-long art exhibition featuring live performances, behind the scenes insights and video, a virtual 3D gallery, virtual reality technology, collaboration with other Central creatives and work displayed on Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery’s walls.The exhibition theme ‘Leave the World Behind’ is about her artistic journey, going beyond realistic drawing, to reinvent herself and her work.“This hybrid format allows us to connect through art, inspire others, and build a sustainable, empowering model for creatives,’’ Marion said.‘’Art reminds us of our shared humanity — it’s my way of helping others see the world differently.”Being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) threw a curve ball her way in 2023.“I didn’t think I had it, but I passed all the tests… I passed them really well.”Being neurodiverse was intrinsically part of her art and the way her brain jumped around contributed to her creativity. After her diagnosis she spent time reading and researching ADHD and learning about what it meant for her.“I had to leave realistic painting behind… and move to the abstract and figurative, working from memory,” she said.The exhibition includes a series of paint and pastel landscapes, each which started with a photo or a sketch from a personal holiday.Marion worked with a two hour time limit daily and “destructed” the original image, by asking herself “what do I like there, what is it that I’m attracted to?.”Then the “little ones” turned into “big ones” and due to allergies she used paint she made herself and oil pastels.“They are inspired by shape, colour or light,” she said.“By making it bigger it brings people in . . . there is room for the viewer to come into the painting.”The self-discovery continued as she completed a 30-day self portrait challenge in March. Creating a painting a day required discipline, focus and introspection, sitting in front of a mirror. A self portrait and painting in the upcoming exhibition. PHOTO: Supplied“The feeling of finishing is addictive and it was exciting to get the feeling of ‘it’s done’.”Through a new application the exhibition is accessible from anywhere in the world, and visitors can try out placing a piece of art in their living room using virtual reality.Marion said as far as she is aware she is the only artist in New Zealand using the Artplacer app, giving her an opportunity to show her work more broadly, across the globe.“The model of being in the gallery for me doesn't work. In the gallery game people like one thing and then [as an artist] you have to paint the same thing ten times… it’s not for me.”Marion was at a point in her career where trying new things and having control of her work was key for her.“My new hybrid art business model will have art, events and technology intertwined. It’s pretty exciting,’’ she said.“I’m grateful to digital events strategist Jennnifer Kingen Kush for her help. I hope to see you there.”‘Leave the World Behind’ will be at Central Stories in January. Keep updated via the What's On on The Central App.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Three more local sports events have been iced this summer as the long-standing event contractor is stepping down.The Cromwell Summer Series of The Round the Lake Dunstan Challenge, The Bannockburn MTB Classic and the Lake Dunstan Triathlon, Duathlon and Kayak race multisport have been put on hold by organisers the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group (CDPG).Bill Godsall has been involved in running these events along with the Cromwell Half Marathon for many years, and in 2024 he will be enjoying Christmas with family and friends. Two other local events, the three day mountain bike race The Prospector and multisport race The Goldrush were both called off for 2025 in late October and mid-November as the number of entries was too low to be viable. Runners in Central can keep hitting the trails though as CDPG confirmed in a website post that the Cromwell Half Marathon would be going ahead on October 11, 2025. “The Cromwell Half Marathon continues to grow as an important and independent event that draws athletes of all ages and abilities.“This popular race has experienced a remarkable surge in participation, with its highest numbers post-covid recorded in 2024.‘’The event has become a popular fixture on the local and regional race calendar, offering an excellent training opportunity for athletes preparing for other races across the country, whilst showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding lake and mountainscapes of Cromwell,” a promotions group spokesperson said. New running event Clyde Classic race director Tom Heath confirmed it would be back for a second time in 2025, with the same distance options; a kids race, 5km, 10km and a half marathon.Tom said he was grateful for funding support from Vincent Community Board and the Ministry of Business and Enterprise regional events promotion fund and he hoped the event would be able to stand on its own next year.Taylor (3), Tom Heath and Isabel (6) enjoy running together, at the Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun. PHOTO: Supplied Prior to the second Clyde Classic (the date is to be confirmed), Tom is bringing another running event to Central - The Alexandra Airport Carousel Backyard Ultra on April 19.He said a portion of every entry will go to supporting two charities, I Am Hope and Bowel Cancer New Zealand.“If you can jog and do a parkrun you can do a backyard ultra event.”A backyard ultra involves running a 6.7km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.Read more: Low entries blow to Goldrush, ProspectorHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A 94-year-old Alexandra man was scammed out of $19,000 from an online fraudster last Friday night.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the fraudster convinced the man to download two applications onto his laptop and then took control of his computer and mobile phone.After that he was able to access the man’s bank accounts and transferred the money.Snr Const Perkins said the man reported the incident to Alexandra police in person, and the BNZ fraud squad was contacted and his bank accounts frozen.Police have also obtained access to his landline to trace the number the fraudster was calling from, and enquiries were ongoing. For more information on how to identify and report scammers see hereEmergency services from across the district were called to two false alarms in Queenstown at the weekend, after the public noticed parachutes falling from the sky.Snr Const Perkins said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, St John and Fire Emergency NZ all attended the first false alarm, after members of the public thought a skydiver had fallen to the ground.After enquiries with NZONE Skydive, it was discovered a faulty parachute had simply been cut free and later located in bramble.But a second emergency services callout a day later resulted in Coastguard and Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) searching for a skydiver in Lake Wakatipu, after reports of somebody in the water.Snr Const Perkins said NZONE contacted emergency services to say everyone was okay, and it was simply another case of a faulty parachute let go.Snr Const said given the huge waste of resources and time by emergency services in both situations, an agreement was made that the sky dive company needed to alert authorities in the first instance if that happened again.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

The Teviot Community Board has a new member.Curtis Pannett was sworn in at the community board meeting in Roxburgh yesterday.Curtis replaced the board’s oldest serving member, Russell Read, who resigned last month.The 87-year-old first joined the board for a term in 2015, and then again in 2022.Board chair Norman Dalley acknowledged Russell’s contribution to the community at a recent meeting, and on his behalf said as a result of proposed changes made by the Central Otago District Council regarding its Registrar of Delegations, his former colleague did not believe he could continue.It was believed the changes would reduce community board decision making powers in the district.Council is expected to make a decision at its December meeting after listening to each of the community board chairs, on the new set of delegations, which will come into effect on July 1 next year.The Teviot Valley board agreed to fill the seat vacated by Russell rather than leave it empty, putting forward a motion to nominate Curtis Pannett.New Teviot Community Board member Curtis Pannett reads his declaration of office a meeting in Roxburgh yesterday. PHOTO: CENTRAL APP Mayor Tamah Alley welcomed Curtis to the board, and the role yesterday, before the meeting continued.Norman acknowledged the strong public gallery in yesterday’s meeting, with people sharing different concerns ranging from rubbish collection, to grass verges and also the Roxburgh pool - that was struggling to attract qualified lifeguards.“I’m grateful that we have so many public speakers today. It just shows interest in the community,” Norman said.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

December is heating up.National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has released its seasonal climate outlook giving a peek into the warm temperatures and Christmas weather forecast Central. NIWA principal scientist - forecasting Chris Brandolino said a theme for the season (December - February) was warmer than average temperatures across the motu (country).“I’m hearing jingle bells and . . . we’ll see dryness potentially returning for a good chunk of the South Island [then] . . . normal to dryer than normal for the last week of the year. These things to do change but that’s how they look for now.”“[You’ll] be running the fan more often, if you’ve got the air conditioning you’ll be running that, probably higher electric bills too, more days outside quite frankly … when the temperatures are warm you’re going to want to be outside as long as it’s not raining.”For the east and central part of the South Island including inland Otago, NIWA’s team is predicting near normal rainfall for the three month period, with possibly a mid-December rainfall event following a few days of “a really warm” start to summer’s weather.  Forecast rainfall and temperature for summer. PHOTO: NIWARainfall for Central is most likely to be near normal for summer. After a rainfall event in December, weather patterns more typical of La Niña are expected to develop.La Niña conditions lead to drier and warmer temperatures with north easterly winds becoming more common. These winds may contribute to more days above 25’C than usual.“In the second half of summer . . . the South Island is likely to see drier conditions . . . some warm temperatures with a reverse foehn . . . Southland, Fiordland and interior Otago could see some spikes in hot temperatures as we progress through the summer season.“The same flow of air coming from the north and east could lead to warmer than average temperatures at night,” Chris said. Stay up to date with weather on The Central App.Find the seasonal climate outlook on NIWA’s websiteRead more: Toxic algae warning at Butchers DamHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

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

Otago firefighters from multiple brigades had to respond to a number of vegetation fires in Central and Coastal Otago this afternoon, prompting Fire and Emergency NZ to activate its Region Coordination Centre in Dunedin.Otago district commander Phil Marsh said strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity were making some of the blazes challenging to contain.This morning crews were called to a fire on State Highway 8 on the outskirts of Roxburgh, followed soon after by a second fire a few kilometres away on Wright Rd. It took firefighters from the Roxburgh, Dunstan, Millers Flat, Alexandra and Tapanui brigades, supported by two helicopters, two hours to bring them both under control.The national media team said hotspots were still being dampened down four hours later.At the same time, firefighters from Balclutha, Brighton, Lookout Point, Port Chalmers, Waihola and Wakari were working to contain a fire in forestry slash on Taieri Mouth Rd, Kuri Bush, south of Dunedin.Shortly afterwards, a scrub fire was reported between Lawrence and Waitahuna, with firefighters from Lawrence, Waitahuna, Balclutha and Milton responding.However, just after 3pm, Balclutha firefighters were called to a report of a slash fire spreading into trees.Some parts of Otago were already in a restricted fire season, meaning permits are required to light outdoor fires. Even if no permit is needed, windy conditions were a clear signal to refrain from lighting a fire and to check old fire sites to make sure they are not reigniting.People should always check the weather forecast and consult the www.checkitsalright.nz website before lighting outdoor fires.

A man has been arrested after an aggravated burglary at an Alexandra property yesterday that left two occupants injured.Police were called shortly after 12am Wednesday to an Ashworth Street address after a report of a man known to the occupants entering the house and assaulting two people.One of the victims was taken to hospital for treatment, and has since been discharged.The second person received minor injuries.Yesterday afternoon Police arrested a 52-year-old man in relation to the incident.He has been charged with burglary with a weapon and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and is due to appear in Queenstown District Court today.We acknowledge this would have been an incredibly distressing incident for those involved, and we want to thank the Alexandra community for their help to ensure the quick arrest of the offender without incident.As the matter is now before the courts, Police will not comment further.

Firefighters from several Central Otago brigades are responding to a vegetation fire on Scotland St / SH8 just south of Roxburgh. Two helicopters are also on the way. The fire is estimated to be covering about 1.5 ha and is moving slowly uphill.Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are asking the public to stay away to allow crews their crews to work.We will update when there is further information available.

A ‘track invader’ at the Cromwell races last weekend was lucky to not miss his wedding back in Melbourne, after being escorted off the grounds by police.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the groom was attending his stag do in Cromwell and decided to enter the racing track, putting himself at risk.He was given a pre-charge warning for his behaviour and was arrested for disorderly behaviour and pitch invasion, but was lucky to be released in time for his trip home the next day.“He was given a good wind up and police put the fear of God into him, threatening to hold him in custody for two weeks because of what he had done,” Snr Const Perkins said.Behaviour at the races was otherwise generally good and police noted a lot of people left early because of the heat.A duty manager at a Cromwell hotel was charged with drink driving the same weekend after a driving complaint in the Cromwell Gorge.Police pulled over the 36-year-old man in Barry Ave and discovered he had an excess breath alcohol reading of 859mcg.Road patrols on the Cromwell-Tarras highway during the weekend found many people speeding, including a car load of English cricket supporters dressed as the ‘Barmy Army’ on their way to Queenstown.Snr Const Perkins said the group were wearing Pith helmets and safari suits.Investigations are ongoing after an elderly woman crashed her vehicle into the 70 km/hr speeding sign on the northern entrance to Alexandra last Friday.The woman crossed the centre line heading towards Clyde and narrowly avoided a large truck coming in the other direction, before taking out the sign and pole.Snr Constable Perkins said blood samples were requested from Dunstan Hospital to check for the presence of alcohol, after the woman had to be cut from her vehicle.Ranfurly police located a motorcycle driver who evaded officers recently, speeding away over the Ida Valley Road at 250 km/hr.The rural policing team managed to locate the rider after enquiries were made to identify his motorcycle, and his bike has been impounded.  He would also be charged with dangerous driving and instantly lost his licence.A search warrant was used on an Omakau property where officers removed two firearms, a pistol and ammunition, after a breach of protection order.A female was also arrested on Marslin Street after a search warrant located cannabis plants growing for personal use. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Living in Central Otago is a privilege many locals already enjoy—but even those who call this region home can discover new opportunities by exploring its diverse towns and lifestyles. Whether you're eyeing a quieter pace, more space for a growing family, or proximity to new amenities, moving within Central Otago could transform your lifestyle while keeping you close to everything you love about the region.Let’s dive into why locals are finding fresh reasons to make a move within this vibrant slice of New Zealand.Alexandra: A Thrill for Mountain Bikers and a Hub of GrowthAlready known for its sunshine and strong community spirit, Alexandra is fast becoming a go-to destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. New biking trails are drawing riders from across the region, putting Alexandra firmly on the map for outdoor adventurers.Beyond the trails, through Plan Change 19 new housing areas are getting a boost and it is setting the stage for significant residential developments, including the William Hill rural subdivision set to begin in 2025. The new Ngai-tahu development on the outskirts of Alexandra, and a couple of smaller subdivisions on the edge of Alexandra township, all bringing new housing options for buyers coming to Alexandra.While these developments promise growth, they also bring challenges, including increased wastewater demands, provision of green spaces, and roading issues. Nevertheless, Alexandra's potential expanded offerings, a great community, the great outdoors, and vibrant events like the Blossom Festival—continue to make it a prime choice for Kiwis and expats looking to relocate.Cromwell: Where Growth Meets OpportunityCromwell isn’t just for visitors—it’s becoming a hotspot for locals ready to embrace a more dynamic pace. With its vibrant town centre and growing residential developments, Cromwell is ideal for professionals, young families, and anyone wanting to stay ahead of the curve.The new Wooing Tree Estate offers stylish, family-friendly homes close to wineries and trails, blending modern living with rural charm. Locals moving here love the balance Cromwell strikes between tradition and opportunity. It’s still home to orchards and vineyards, but new developments and attractions like Highlands Motorsport Park which are turning Cromwell into a regional hub of innovation and entertainment.For those who enjoy a vibrant culinary and artisanal scene, Cromwell’s expanding offerings ensure you’ll never run out of new experiences.Clyde: Embracing Modernity While Preserving CharmClyde, a gem nestled in the heart of Central Otago, is evolving with care. The potential redevelopment of the Old Garage site and new housing opportunities on Sunderland Street are creating exciting options for those looking to move. Modern easy care townhouses are becoming an attractive alternative for retirees and professionals seeking low maintenance homes with smaller sections, and living with a touch of elegance.Clyde’s quaint main street retains its charm while catering to new residents, blending the old with the new seamlessly. The nearby Lake Dunstan Trail, Millenium River Track, and the mighty Clutha River provide endless outdoor activities, making Clyde an appealing choice for those seeking tranquillity with access to adventure.Shifting Demographics: Downsizing and OpportunitiesIntensive development across Central Otago is reshaping the region’s demographics. In areas like Alexandra, Cromwell, and Clyde, new housing is attracting more older residents from Wanaka and Queenstown who are looking to downsize, this trend is freeing up capital for retirees while prices are generally cheaper than our Lakes counterparts. Additionally many younger folk from near and far who are choosing to work from home, relish the outdoors that Central Otago provides, and gain valuable work life balance with no or little commuting.For those already lucky enough to call Central Otago home, these developments are creating new opportunities to refine your lifestyle without leaving the region. Whether it’s Alexandra’s vibrant community, Cromwell’s dynamic growth, Clyde’s cosy charm, or the slower, quieter appeal of Omakau, Ranfurly and Roxburgh, Central Otago offers endless ways to find your perfect place in paradise.Are you ready to embrace the next chapter? Let’s explore your options in Central Otago.

Omakau’s new $5.2million community hub is on track to be built at the end of 2025.But there was still a possible $1.6million shortfall once all fundraising and grants opportunities had been exhausted.At its meeting in Omakau yesterday, the Vincent Community Board (VCB) agreed yesterday to support additional council funding for the Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub to cover the shortfall.Another report would come back to the board and the Central Otago District Council in February, once construction costs and the shortfall for the project was finalised.The board heard from Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust (MVCT) chair Andrew Paterson who said the 948sqm building in the domain would replace the existing hall and rugby clubrooms, and also feature a stage for school pupils to host productions.“The end is in sight, so we’re pretty excited to take this forward,” he said.In June 2021, Council adopted the Long-term Plan 2021/31 with a council contribution of $1 million included for the hub in 2023/24. The design for the building had progressed and plans were ready for tender and building consent. The MVCT has also secured a $600,000 grant from the Bob Turnbull Trust, $80,000 from Matakanui Rugby Club, and $50,000 in donations.Andrew said discussions with Central Lakes Trust meant it was likely to fund 20 per cent of the build - bringing in another $900,000.Otago Community Trust (OCT) and Lotteries had also indicated they would support the project up to about $1,900,000.The current shortfall for the project was expected to be reduced over the next six months as further fundraising initiatives were progressed by the MVCT. Council property officer Tara Bates said MVCT was very committed to continue with its fundraising efforts with applications to other funders, securing more corporate sponsorship and community donations, as well as holding multiple fundraising events.Proceeds from the sale of the old Omakau Hall would also go towards the hub project and it was expected to go on the market in the next few weeks.Detailed options would be provided to the board for how the shortfall could be funded either through debt or from general reserves.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Damage in the Maniototo resulting from October’s Otago-wide flooding event is estimated to cost the Central Otago District Council almost $1million.Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will only subsidise $500,000 of the response and recovery, leaving district councillors to decide whether to pay for the remaining cost out of its roading budget or district-wide emergency works fund.A report from the infrastructure team presented to Council last week outlined the full extent of the significant event, which resulted in washouts, blocked culverts and temporary road closures.The region's aging network of bridges saw several structures damaged and repair work was being planned and underway.Rainfall data from both Dansey Pass Hotel and Waipiata showed both areas had 131mm in 48 hours - just short of a one in 30 year rainfall event (132mm).Maximum rainfall fell over Otago during the October 4 event. PHOTO: ORCOther weather events in recent years also caused damage resulting in $103,986 being funded from the Emergency Event Reserve for Bridge 93 on St Bathans Loop Road (2023), and a further $89,795 spent from the same reserve fund for repairs across the roading network following the September 2023 rain and wind event.The district council has applied to NZTA for the 51 per cent funding under the Emergency Works category, and decided last week to fund the remaining $480,494 under its roading emergency works reserve account.The question to councillors was whether the October rain event was a roading emergency or a council-wide emergency.The decision councillors made impacted on ratepayers and on which ‘bucket’ of funding the emergency works came out of, but after some double checking of figures, it was decided the roading works reserve was the one to be used.The infrastructure team explained that while the council-wide emergency works reserve account had $2.6million, and the roading emergency works reserve account was in deficit by $525,000, they did have the option to rebuild it again in coming years.The 2024/25 Annual Plan has also budgeted to reduce the deficit by $162k. Additionally, planning for the 2025 Long Term Plan (LTP) would consider what rate the roading emergency works reserve account deficit would be reduced. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Chat GPT is chatting but not as you know it, and a fun tool according to adult ākonga (learners) in Central.Central Otago REAP and Dunstan High School pupils collaborated to present a free artificial intelligence workshop on Friday afternoon in Alexandra.Pupils Luke Grant (15), Tom Smale (15), Jimmy Naylor (15) and Ethan Turner (13) together with maths teacher Michelle Blanchard spent close to two hours at Alexandra Community House for the workshop.Everyone had a chance to try out interacting with chat generative pre-trained transformer (Chat GPT) during the session. Chat GPT is a chat bot or language model developed by Open Artificial Intelligence that generates human-like text based on the input it receives.Central Otago REAP quality assurance and programme development lead Emma McLean introduced the session and led a karakia, whakatauki and her pepeha. Emma said she was thrilled to have widespread interest and support for the session from the community.“I use Chat GPT for idea generation and it’s phenomenal… I’m learning how to use it as a tool, it’s not going away.”Emma McLean (left) and Tom Smale (15) put Chat GPT up on a screen for participants to take a look at. PHOTO: The Central App The pupils all spoke about why they found the technology useful and how they had been introduced to it.Ethan said he helped his grandparents with technology and being involved in the workshop was an extension of that.Jean Sims and Ethan Turner (13) asked Chat GPT for a recipe using strange ingredients to see what it came up with. PHOTO: The Central App Luke had been using Chat GPT for a few years and it was “incredibly useful” with school projects and homework and many other applications in the real world. Phanny Thomas, Luke Grant (15) and Alan Thomas tasked Chat GPT with writing a 200 word story including five items and it took seconds to produce a well written text. Tips on how to get the best out of Chat GPT were covered, including talking respectfully to the chatbot, sense checking any answers, checking for bias, being clear and specific with prompts and trusting your gut if anything seemed strange in a response.Jimmy Naylor (15), Vivien Davidson and Stuart De Jong learned it is important to protect your personal information while using Chat GPT, and keep your data out of conversations. Many attendees said they would be more confident with the technology having tested out how it works in a safe supportive environment.Read more: DHS pupils shovel ready in communityRead more: DHS students volunteering today Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A review of 44 of Central Otago’s bridges found 15 aging ones needed new weight limit amendments, due to changes in their structural condition.A report commissioned for the Central Otago District Council found a further 10 bridges with no previous restrictions would also be updated with new postings, and some bridges had reduced speed limits.A staff report with recommendations from roading asset engineer Holly Laverick and infrastructure manager Quinton Pennial was signed off by councillors last week.Bridge postings played a vital role in maintaining road safety and protecting structures from the risks posed by overloading. Restrictions on heavy vehicle speed and weight limits were applied to safeguard structures that have deteriorated or were designed with lower capacities than modern General Access Limits.   Posting a bridge involved setting a maximum weight limit per axle and/or the gross vehicle weight. In many cases, a speed limit was also enforced to reduce the dynamic effects of vehicles on the bridge, further protecting its structural integrity, the report said.Signs were installed at each bridge approach to reflect the limits, and the chartered structural engineer carrying out the review inspected those that were either nearing the end of their life, or had structural elements that could affect performance.From the review there were still 19 bridges that didn’t require any changes to their weight limits.Ophir Bridge: The Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge was constructed between 1879 and 1880. The bridges speed limit was reduced in the review. PHOTO: FILEThe report identified several bridges as the only access point to properties, “and although the postings do not make the road inaccessible, they do affect how heavy vehicles use the bridges’’.Affected parties were contacted to determine the main uses of the bridges, such as light vehicles, farm equipment and stock or fertiliser trucks, and whether alternative access was available.The report also outlined two situations where posted bridges affected all available routes to large areas.Strengthening works had been arranged with the aim of providing at least one route suitable for Class 1 heavy vehicles. “For example, the Swinburn Back Road Bridge is scheduled for pile strengthening. Once these works are completed, the bridge's posting will be reassessed.”   Bridge 64 (Ida Valley-Omakau Road) was initially recommended to be posted but has been re-evaluated after additional supporting documentation was provided and was no longer considered necessary.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust (ORHT) is getting a boost thanks to a group of Alexandra grandmothers and the Alexandra Blossom Festival. Blossom Festival people’s choice float winners Grans who Can have donated their $2750 prize to the rescue service. The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is operated by HeliOtago and provides critical medical help to the communities in Otago and Southland. The essential service is partially government funded and supported by donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations in our local community. Grans who Can - a group of Alexandra friends and grandmothers - visited Taieri Aerodrome to hand over their winnings and see the work of the rescue helicopter service up close. Grans who Can founder Laurie Paterson said the group - who have so far claimed the crowd favourite award three years running - donated their winnings to charity each year and decided to give to the ORHT after two of their members used the service within the space of a week earlier this year. “We thought… right we should give something back. They saved one of the members' lives really so it’s quite important,’’ she said. “We’re just a group of friends so there’s no overheads or fees or anything, it’s just afternoon tea and having fun - maybe a Weight Watchers subscription,’’ she joked. ‘’[Making a Blossom Festival float] is just a fun thing to do and just a bonus we have money to donate.’’ Fellow gran Vyvienne Weller agreed. “It’s always great - we take part in [the Festival] because we really like it but we love to be able to give back as well so when we win something it's nice to be able to turn around and give back to some sort of group that the whole community benefits from,’’ she said. Critical care paramedic Ross Kirkpatrick said he was thrilled the group chose ORHT as recipient of their donation. “It’s amazing because the community's support to the Trust is instrumental in us being able to perform our jobs and deliver the best in patient care possible.’’ Otago Rescue Helicopter critical care paramedic Ross Kirkpatrick talks to Alexandra Blossom Festival People’s Choice float winners Grans who Can about the work the service does. PHOTOS: SHANNON THOMSON Blossom Festival chairwoman Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay said it was fantastic the Grans had donated their festival prize winnings to help make a difference in the area. “What a fantastic full circle moment because the Rescue Helicopter is so key to our community,’’ Sharleen said. “The Alexandra Blossom Festival is an event by the community, for the community - the Otago Rescue Helicopter service is constantly helping people in our region, literally saving lives and so it is great to see the Grans giving back in this way.’’Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Bendigo-Tarras area is becoming increasingly popular with horticulture developments, and a new application has been lodged with the Central Otago District Council.This month the hearings panel will consider an application from NZ Properties Ltd for an 86ha subdivision on Ardgour Road - developed into eight separate blocks for smaller-scale horticulture/viticulture use.The application stated residential buildings were not anticipated in the development, but would still be somewhat enabled through the subdivision, as a single residential unit or accommodation for workers could be established through the approval of restricted discretionary consents.A productivity report from horticultural consultant Earnscy Weaver showed seven lots were suitable for viticulture and horticulture use and a range of fruit - from raspberries, cherries, grapes, stone and pip fruit - could be successfully grown there -.But cherries grown on a corporate scale in Central Otago had become difficult in recent economic times, “with a limited number of survivors,’’ Earnscy said.Council planning consultant Tim Anderson recommended the consent be approved and noted from the Weaver report the land was suitable for a range of potential uses.“The conversion to intensive horticultural and viticultural uses, could provide a level of productivity considerably higher than the existing pastoral use of the land…”Earnscy recommended there was more of a market for smaller operations and as result identified cherry growing as being viable on 2ha blocks.   The proposal for the subdivision was for a range of 8ha to 24ha lots, but only a smaller portion of each block was actual plantable area, he said. Tim said while he accepted his comments, they only reflected the economic climate in the short-term and suggested market conditions in the future could be more favourable to larger scale horticulture production.The hearing takes place on December 10 and will be heard by councillors Neil Gillespie, Martin McPherson and Ian Cooney.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Festive feels are back for a fourth time.Alexandra’s free Christmas Trail opens in a new Jolendale Park location on Saturday December 7.The 1.3km trail begins from the carpark at the corner of Aronui and Schaumann Rd in Bridge Hill.It’s the work of Christine Ridd and her husband Nevelle (Nev) who used to decorate and light up their own house after accumulating Christmas decor from the toy and retail shop they owned. Christine said the trail was the result of three and a half months of work.“There are cut outs, core flute characters, and 90 painted rocks to add to what we already had… there’s always something new. “We’ve tried to keep it as adventurous as possible. Adventure makes the fun.”Nev erecting the Baby Sharks in Jolendale Park. PHOTO: SuppliedChristine said the work was continuing as putting out the rocks was a huge job, but most of the cutouts had been fixed to trees in time for the December 7 opening.“It’s a bit like a full time job, without any pay.“Payment is seeing the joy on the children’s faces.”Once the trail was open she would be working on things continuously including painting more rocks.“It’s hours and hours of work, I’m slow to paint, but I’ve always got something on the go.”Cartoon characters such as the Once-Ler and the Lorax feature on the trail. PHOTO: The Central AppChristine said with long daylight hours at this time of year littlies struggled to stay up to see Christmas lights after dark, so the trail was a special Christmas activity that worked in with bedtime routines. “All we ask is that people respect the park, respect other people and be aware it could be busy . . . we hope you have fun [exploring].”The Ridds thanked Jolendale Park Charitable Trust trustee Paddy Ford who was supportive of establishing the trail.A map of the Jolendale Christmas Trail.Christine said Paddy was “over the moon” about it and encouraging of families moving around and enjoying the park.Jolendale Park is six hectares of semi-natural parkland on top of Alexandra’s Bridge Hill and is permanently protected by the QEII National Trust for Open Space (2004). It was New Zealand’s first covenanted semi-arid exotic woodland reserve. Planting began in 1960 by the Manning Family, (Jolyon and Enny) and the park includes cave shelters, the Aronui water reservoir, and a unique collection of trees, shrubs and plants.  Sturdy footwear, a hat and water bottle are recommended, and you need a reasonable level of walking fitness as the trail is narrow in parts, there are tree roots and rocks underfoot. As well as exploring the trail, residents needing a festive fix can enter Light Up Central by decorating their houses or businesses. For more information see the Let’s Light Up Central buttonRead more: Sustainable Christmas tips for familiesHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Dunstan High School pupils mucked in on Friday in a show of good citizenship.More than 230 Year 9 and 10 pupils got stuck in volunteering, planting, weeding, mulching and more in Central parks and reserves.Groups of pupils assisted Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful, Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust and the Clyde and District Lions Club providing extra muscle at various Central locations including the Half Mile Reserve, Lookout Reserve, Rail Trail and Clyde community garden site.Dunstan High School pupils with a load of collected pinecones to be removed from Half Mile Reserve, for their efforts they earned an ice block on the way back to school. PHOTO: Supplied/Frances AndersonHaehaeata Natural Heritage Trust project coordinator Rach Baxter gave the students a briefing before the working bee. PHOTO: Supplied/Frances AndersonKeep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful (KACB) volunteer Jo Wilson took charge of three pupils assisting them with spreading mulch around the bases of trees alongside on the rail trail.Pictured are (from left) Zane Samuel (14), KACB volunteer Jo Wilson, Johnny O’Neill-Cooney (13) and Charlie Tait (14) PHOTO: The Central App Johnny quickly became an expert on the wheelbarrow, carting two loads of bark mulch per tree.Nearby in Alexandra, at Lookout Reserve, trees and plants protected by rabbit cages were mulched and weeded by pupils, DHS outdoor education teacher Luke Hardinge and KACB volunteers Bev Thomson and Sue Mort. Quinn is helped by Sue, who has volunteered for KACB for the past 14 years at Lookout Reserve. Having the strength of the pupils was a great way to get lots done and make fast progress delivering the mulch to the bottom of the cages, Bev said.Some of the natives in the reserve from the first plantings of the group are about 13 years old and doing well. Visitors can spot more native birds and lizards from the added biodiversity.Pictured are (from left) Young, Bev, Tom, Quinn and Luke doing mahi (work) on a hot sunny Friday afternoon when the temperature climbed to 21’C with light winds.Zane and Johnny loading up with mulch. Volunteer South regional lead Neha Gosalia who worked with DHS and community groups on the volunteering afternoon, said volunteering in the community was rewarding.“[This year’s] International Volunteer Day theme is ‘something for everyone’.“We have a wide range of roles, anything can be volunteering and everyone has something that they can contribute.”The Central App will publish an update about the ‘Have a go with Chat GPT session’ held in collaboration with Central Otago REAP and led by four year nine and ten DHS pupils next week.Read more: DHS students volunteering todayRead more: Whooping cough epidemic - what to look forPHOTOS: The Central App Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]