Leadership in Central Otago never wears a suit. It shows up at 6am to warm the kitchen, stands on frosty sidelines, and spends late nights in living-rooms “strategy sessions” to keep households and entire communities moving forward.As our team at The Central App planned this year’s Mother’s Day coverage, we found ourselves swapping stories about the women who helped raise us. These mums balance budgets like seasoned CFOs, refereed sibling disputes with the calm of HR directors, and somehow still had the energy left to check on the neighbour next door.“Mum ran our place like a high-stakes start-up powered by love and zero downtime,” laughs Central App director Vicki McLean. “Listening is her super-power. With teens, being open about both the wins and the wobbles.”Behind every strong mum stands another, often a Nana who steps in when life gets messy, quietly mending the gaps. Vicki is celebrating that multigenerational magic with a “Celebrate You Day” road trip for her mum, Margaret, and her partner’s mum, Sharon.Sharon McKnight and Margaret McLean - Two mums being celebrated this mothers day. “Both lost their own mums a few years ago, so this year we’re bringing them together,” Vicki says. “They belong to a generation whose quiet achievements often went unnoticed. We’re taking them somewhere we know they’ll both love. It's our way of saying thank you for the years of service by making the day truly about them.”Part-time reporter Anna, also a mum of two, agrees that motherhood’s reach spans the ordinary and the epic. “It’s fixing broken bones and broken hearts but it’s also cheering the first fish, the first driver’s licence, the first triumph. Every moment counts.”Dylan with his mum and Central App reporter Anna RobbShare Your StoryThis Mother’s Day, The Central App salutes the mums, step-mums, grandmothers, and mother-figures whose quiet leadership has shaped Central Otago for generations. Whether you’re serving breakfast in bed, calling from overseas, or planning your own “Celebrate You Day,” we’d love to hear about the remarkable women in your life.Send a photo or short story to [email protected] and go in the draw to treat your special person to their own “Celebrate You Day.” Includes a road trip to somewhere we know they'll love.To every unseen CEO keeping the wheels turning, we thank you. May your day bring the recognition and rest you so richly deserve.

At 15, he’s clocked more volunteer hours than most people contribute in a lifetime, starting at the ripe old age of six and showing no signs of slowing yet.Alexandra teenager Taine Ballantyne has already hit the big time in volunteering, contributing a whopping 650 volunteer hours for his community.Asked by his mum, Donna, why he does it, Taine, from a very young age, has always replied: “Because I love helping people, Mum.”From offering to mow elderly widowed neighbours’ lawns and cleaning their spoutings to turning up at the Cromwell Speedway early after a big meet to scrub the barriers and empty the rubbish bins, being kind to others is just in the Ballantyne genes.Mum Donna used to do the local Scout Hall lawns and gardens, Taine, when old enough, joining her with mowing the lawns.He’s also tagged along helping Dad Glenn clean out the local Scout Hall rubbish.A keen family of speedway racers – Taine himself up there in his youth mini stock race car.\Taine in his mini stock race car. Photo: SuppliedHe’s attended almost every working bee at the racetrack during the off-season from May to September, through many a chilly winter weekend. I’m the youngest there by 20 years,” he grins.He’s raced mini stock cars very successfully for two years: “The trophy shelf in my room is getting quite full,” he says – five trophies to be precise, all for participation, Most Outstanding Youth Driver and Riverview Contracting Youth Allrounder.Most special of these was the probably the Daryl Ainsley Memorial meeting and racing as part of the Rees Tour in Christchurch, Blenheim, Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Greymouth and Cromwell.Taine’s always at the forefront during meets, volunteering to help the tow trucks and remove any pranged race cars, helping get them to the pit if he’s not racing himself. “Most weekends I’m at the racetrack.”Taine ready to ride. Photo: SuppliedMuch older brother, Liam, is also a speedway racer and Taine loves nothing more than to help him do a motor change.This love of tinkering with cars has instilled a long-held desire to do his motor mechanic’s apprenticeship.A 1st Alexandra Scout Group Kea at age five, Taine was well used to monthly rubbish collections, climbing up to the town’s famous clock and clearing the Central Otago Rail Trail.As an older Scout and Venturer, Taine’s also helped with Keas and assisted with the local Park Run every Saturday as a timekeeper or marshal.Scout Taine at your service. Photo: Supplied“When our elderly neighbour moved into Ventry Street, she needed help with her garden and lawns, so I said I’d be happy to do it for as long as she’s living here,” Taine says.And if there’s any spare time, Taine played softball during summer and does all his volunteer work after school and in the weekends. “I have to do my homework before I go to school.”A practical bloke, Wood Tech is his favourite subject, and you guessed it, Taine’s right there amongst it in the Dunstan High School Student Volunteer Army, his teachers regularly congratulating him on his selfless community efforts.“We meet once a month and report on what volunteer projects we’ve been working on,” he says.Unsurprisingly, Taine won the school’s Waldron Volunteer Cup in 2022, despite only being in Year 11, clocking 540 volunteer hours from Year 9 until now.The Can Drive at Christmas and Vincent Country Motorcycle Rally at Galloway are all on his repertoire, Taine even camping out at the rally for three days to drive participants to their campsites on the quad bike, sell tickets at the gate, or clean up rubbish.At Easter it’s Taine who erects the town’s large white cross on the hill and takes it down.If there’s a volunteer role needing filled in Central Otago, Taine’s usually the first stop, but it’s not like he can’t say ‘no’: “I just really want to help people,” he says. “People just expect to see me everywhere.”His reward comes in the kind words he receives: “My neighbour I help always says, ‘You’re amazing! You keep doing it.’” Taine says.There’s always nice baking and chocolates come Christmas and a nice cold drink or ice block mowing those lawns in the Central Otago heat.As if he’s not just busy enough, a man has to make a buck as well, especially when he’s competing at speedway meets around the country.Taine works full-time every school holidays at Eden’s Orchard’s Juice Factory, making and bottling the juice, or packing it into boxes.He’s keen to earn his forklift licence to load them onto the trucks.“I do all my volunteer work after that each day,” he says.There’s not much down time and while most parents are nagging at their kids to get off the Xbox, Mum Donna says she’s elated when Taine occasionally says: “Mum, I’m off to my room to play a bit of X-Box with my friends.”Donna couldn’t be more proud: “He’s just amazing, and he always initiates it,” she says. “You can’t say ‘no’ when your teenager asks for a ride to do good.Little Taine. Photo: SuppliedSometimes I get home from the speedway at 11pm and he says, ‘Mum, can you take me back up there early to clean up?’ I don’t think I’ve ever said, ‘no’.Why would you?” Donna says.After all he’s seen it modelled, tagging along on her volunteer duties from a young age.He was right there at primary school too with that giving heart, helping the kids with neurological disorders and learning difficulties, buddying up in particular with one wee boy who was non-verbal.On school athletics day it’s Taine who stays behind to pack up the gear. "Our friends were away for a few days, and they came home to a couple of barrow loads of wood at the door from Taine,” Donna says.It all comes back sooner or later.Taine’s just been accepted for the Spirit of Adventure sailing expedition north of Auckland in July, the local Lions Club donating him the money to get there.“He works his little butt off so it’s well deserved,” Donna says. “He would’ve clocked literally thousands of voluntary hours throughout the whole of his life so far.”Taine shouldn’t have any trouble getting a job. “I think I might eventually move up to Wellington when I’m working but I will carry on my volunteer work,” he says.“I’ll probably do a bit of overtime and work and not get paid for it.”We want to hear about someone who’s made a difference in the community or in your life. Nominate them as our Community Champion of the month

The people, passion, and performance in the Central sporting community was showcased in the 2025 Central Otago Sports Awards in Wānaka on Thursday (May 8).Major prizes went to several locals including kayak cross Olympian and former Dunstan High School pupil Finn Butcher, who won sportsman of the year and the supreme prize - the Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy. Ice swimmer and member of the Alexandra Swimming Club Heidi Winter was awarded the junior sportswomen of the year. She was the first Frozen Fern to win an overall gold medal at the World Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy in January.Heidi WInter. PHOTO: Image Central Shane Norton won the senior spirit of Central Otago award for his contribution to football.Shane Norton. PHOTO: Image Central Alan Hamilton (Bones) was inducted into the hall of fame, for decades of coaching excellence in athletics, shaping the futures of countless Central Otago athletes.Finn’s accolades were accepted on his behalf by his father, Dale, who shared his family’s strong connection and gratitude to the Central Otago, and wider Otago, sporting community for fuelling his son’s success. Sport Central Sport and Active Recreation Advisor Jo Knight said the judges had an incredibly tough job this year, which reflects the calibre of talent in Central Otago.“The finalists seem to raise the bar every year. All categories were hotly contested, with so many national and international champions and multiple athletes breaking local, international and world records.” The Central Otago Sports Awards are always a celebration of achievement, but this year, more than ever, it was about people, Jo said.  “Many of our winners spoke with genuine gratitude for the support they’ve received from the wider Central Otago sporting community — a reflection of just how important that foundation is in helping athletes thrive."As Dale Butcher said — the Central Otago recipe for growing great athletes is a winning one.” Alongside Bones another hall of fame recipient was Jenny Ferguson, for her long-standing impact on netball as both a player and internationally appointed physiotherapist. Sport Central congratulated all award winners, nominees, and those who continue to give their time, energy, and passion to sport in Central Otago.List of winners:Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard Big Air & Slopestyle) Sportsman of the Year: Finn Butcher (Kayak Cross) Junior Sportsman of the Year: Luke Harrold (Freeski Halfpipe) Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Heidi Winter (Ice Swimming) Team of the Year: Sky City Stampede (Ice Hockey) Coach of the Year: Nils Coberger (Alpine Ski Racing) Para Athlete of the Year: Adam Hall (Skiing) Junior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Ryan Enoka (Athletics, Karate & Rugby) Senior Spirit of Central Otago Award: Shane Norton (Football) Official of the Year: Adam Nagy (Ice Hockey) John Fitzharris Trophy for Services to Sport: Flick Wallace (Snow Sports) Supreme Award - Bruce Grant Memorial Trophy: Finn ButcherHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

First home owners in Cromwell will be given first dibs for the next round of sections in the Gair Avenue subdivision.More affordable options such as semi-detached and terraced housing on smaller building footprints would help fill a much needed gap in the housing market.Cromwell Community Board Chair Anna Harrison said the board was really keen to lead the way in providing a range of housing types, “while taking care to meet our community expectations to ensure we create a liveable community with greenways and open spaces.”She said it was exciting to see sections coming onto the market as they explored the options for bringing the plan to life.The Central Otago District Council (CODC) was looking at selling the balance of the land to a developer for a comprehensive housing project, as it explored all available options to delivery housing solutions.Those included investigating the potential for group homes companies and other alternative housing models such as Offsite Manufacturing (OSM) that could contribute to meeting the community’s needs.Nine sections would be up for sale in Stage 1, initially for a limited timeframe, to fulfil the Cromwell Masterplan objectives to deliver a range of housing types. Bulk earthworks began in March and were expected to be completed in mid-June, with civil infrastructure scheduled to begin during May and finished around October 2025.CODC property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson said this was good time to be looking at development options.“It’s a good feeling to be at this point, that work is underway and that eventually there will be about 110 new houses in all, to cater for the projected growth in Cromwell.”In 2022, the community board approved the five-stage approach for developing the remaining block of council-owned land, and a year later approved $2,093,410 to fund development of stage 1A and 1B - the remainder of the 5.2-hectare block was ready for the development of the next four stages. 

The public is invited to spend some time exploring Matakanui Station - winners of the National Farm Environmental awards for Otago, this Wednesday.Owners Andrew and Tracy Paterson have opened up their farm for a field day to share their story on how they have transformed the land over the years.Organised by the New Zealand Environment Trust, the 5300ha station has been in the family since 1958, and the couple took it over in 2014, having worked there since the turn of the century.As well as celebrating their success, the open day was on opportunity for people to engage with industry representatives and the farming community.Before the event kicked off with free lunch at 12:30pm, people were invited to spend the morning at the Orkney (Thomsons) wetland, 15 minutes drives from Matakanui Station (11-1pm).Two weeks later on May 27, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard (also the Associate Minister of Agriculture), will be special guest at the one year anniversary celebration of the wetland project - hosted by Waiora Manuherekia.The Patersons have 6.3ha of wetlands restored and partially planted on their property as well, and an additional 24ha set for protection this year. In collaboration with their neighbour, they were protecting 132ha of alpine totara forest under a QEII Trust covenant, recognising its significance as the largest known stand of its kind in Central Otago. Tracy said the forest was regenerating, even as they continued to farm, and some of the trees were three to five metres tall, with new ones coming through as well.The public will get to see the significant investment in irrigation, fencing and pasture development on the property as part of the open day.For more information on Wednesday’s open day contact Camille McAtamney at [email protected] a story to share? Contact [email protected]

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a crash on Cromwell-Clyde Road in Central Otago on 11 March.He was 26-year-old Mitchell Douglas McLeary, of Cromwell.Police extend our condolences to his loved ones.Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

Search efforts for a missing tramper in Milford Sound are set to resume today.After weather prevented search teams continuing yesterday, staff spent the day planning for further search efforts, beginning today.Police are maintaining a positive outlook as search efforts continue.Approximately 40 staff and volunteers are working in the Milford Sound area.There is a large-scale air and ground search effort planned for the coming days, and we would like to acknowledge everybody assisting with the search.Land Search and Rescue teams from across the southern region are working with a Dunedin-based LandSAR search dog, members of the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, the Dunedin LandSAR Cliff Rescue team and the Otago Surf Life Saving Club and the Southland Amateur Radio Club.Our search efforts continue to be greatly supported by Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heliworks Queenstown and Real NZ.

Heavy Rain Warning lifted for The headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers: Rain is easing, and the Warning is now lifted.A strong wind watch is in place for most of Otago, including Central until 1am Friday morning.An orange heavy rain warning is in effect for the headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers from 4pm today to 1am Friday, with flooding, slips and road closures possible.A strong wind watch has been issued for Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and Clutha west of Tapanui, running from 9am to 9pm Thursday. North-westerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed areas, and there's a moderate chance this could be upgraded to a warning.Next seven days forecast- source Metservice.Weather shifts like these are typical for this time of year and with a variety of conditions ahead.Stay safe, and don’t forget to secure any outdoor items then enjoy the diverse week of weather Central Otago has in store.You can stay updated in your area by visiting The Central App Weather.

A former journalist and broadcaster has spent four years uncovering the past of the Maniototo pioneers, and discovered stories of intrigue, sacrifice, tragedy and remarkable achievement.Shaun Brown started out investigating his wife Felicity’s great grandfather, Silas Hore who came to Maniototo in 1869.“I discovered he was just one of a dozen siblings and cousins who’d left tin-mining in Cornwall for the Central Otago gold rushes. “I was fascinated by the scale of this exodus, its impact on the family members left behind and, above all, the extraordinary outcomes achieved by those who arrived in New Zealand.”Sydney-based Shaun said he knew if he didn't tell these stories no one else would.He researched online, accessing extensive archives in New Zealand and Cornwall, and spent time in both countries in the past year.“We knew Felicity’s great grandfather had owned a store in Waipiata but we had no idea his siblings and cousins had also travelled to Maniototo and that many of them had stayed to build farming dynasties there.“There must be hundreds of descendants of those Hore families still living in Maniototo, some of them unaware of their links to the extraordinary Hore diaspora.Shaun said he had already met Hore descendants who’ve generously helped with information and photographs and he expected to meet many more at the upcoming book launch.The book’s characters come from two large Cornish tin-mining families, closely related and both bearing the surname Hore, whose ancestors, for at least 300 years, had worked the tin on the isolated moor they called home.In the 1860s, 14 offspring from both families answered the call of the goldrush, and came to Otago, ending up on the Hogburn (Naseby), Kyeburn and Hamiltons goldfields.The subsequent generations married into other founding families, Inder, Howell and Tregonning, and together they formed the cornerstone of early Maniototo settlement.Through their experiences, the book charts the transition from mining camps to permanent settlements built around farming.Naseby characters in 1870. PHOTO: Supplied “I often reflect on how dramatically the lives of these pioneers and their descendants were transformed by their bold gamble to chase the gold. How could a young man labouring in the Cornish clay pits ever envisage that he would one day be a landowner and successful businessman and that his son would create a chain of jewellery stores that has become the largest in Australasia?“And then there’s the two cousins, one digging clay the other working tin, who couldn’t possibly imagine the status two of their descendants would acquire when they became All Blacks.“But it’s not just these lofty examples that testify to the successful future these pioneers created for their descendants. Throughout Otago and across the nation thousands of New Zealanders can trace their relative prosperity back to the courage and tenacity of these forebears.“I hope my book helps them recognise and value the gift their ancestors gave them.”Local historian Jim Sullivan will present a questions and answer session with Shaun on Sunday May 11, at Waipiata Hotel at 2pm Learn more here: The Hore Alchemists - From Cornish tin to Maniototo Gold" by Shaun Brown book releaseThe cover of the new book, which includes 90 photographs and illustrations from the Maniototo's early days. PHOTO: Supplied Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Funding applications are underway for the relocation of the Cromwell Museum, so it can be moved to its new premises in the Memorial Hall and Events Centre in 2026.The Cromwell Community Board heard from project manager - property Phil Quinn this week about where the museum relocation was at.When council approved the design of the new $45.8 million facility in 2023, there was also $1.6 million budgeted for the fitout of the museum internally.The design incorporated a designated wing for the museum with specific environmental control systems, aimed at enhancing the overall functionality and preservation capabilities of the museum facility. To enhance the Cromwell Museum, staff have been working with external funders to gain funding for a museum fit out to complement the design of the new hall and to showcase the Cromwell Museum collection. The old fit out and display of the Cromwell Museum would be disposed of either through auction or donations. With the Cromwell Memorial Hall base build well underway and on track for completion in 2026, the project team, incorporating Story Inc as design consultants, has been working with the museum on its new space.A draft concept design was completed towards the end of 2024 with a primary output of estimated costs to inform the funding applications. Funding applications were underway with Central Lakes Trust (CLT) granting $1.1 million, Lotteries Heritage $500,000, and discussions underway with Otago Community Trust.The Cromwell museum was currently based in the mall and ran on an operating model of 2800 volunteer hours a year, also employing a part-time director.The museum trust hoped that they could fund a full time director position for the museum, and had a big job ahead in the next 18 months to pack up the collection and move.New content development for each of the displays also needed to be organised before the move.The CCB decided at the meeting this week to consider leasing the café, cinema and catering kitchen in the new hall and events centre to commercial operators.Council staff and community board members talked about the potential to maximise the hours of operation to allow the facility to serve the community in the best possible way. The café space was used as an example of how the business could not only be open during the daytime but also into the evening.Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]

A giant squid and its story is on show in Central Otago for the next month; the specimen is part of a touring exhibition from Te Papa.The exhibition is interactive and features specimens including: an actual lens from a colossal squid’s eye, a section of tentacle from these massive creatures, a complete tiny squid—the miniature version of its colossal relative and touchable rotating models of a squid’s tentacle hook and the colossal squid’s formidable beak.Specimen jars are lit up for visitors to closely inspect the contents. PHOTO: The Central AppThere have only ever been four complete giant squid discovered, it is said to be one of the ocean’s greatest mysteries. The first scientifically documented giant squid was in 1925 from remains found in a sperm whale’s stomach.Puna Rangitahi youth worker Courtney La’ulu said the squid was part of the exciting youth week activities coming up in the third week of May.Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery operations manager Paula Stephenson said she hoped the exhibition generated a lot of interest and she expected numbers through the door to pick up as the week went on.Learn more about Te Papa’s collection of giant squid here. Scientists with the colossal squid, 2008. PHOTO: Te PapaAn examination of one of Te Papa’s giant squid was webcast, viewed live by more than 800,000 people from over 180 countries, and can still be viewed on YouTube: Science Live: Colossal Squid.Stay tuned for more information about Youth Week (May 17 - 23) coming soon. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Former Dunstan High School pupil and cricketer Reuben Love had the best time in India with a New Zealand team under the tutelage of former Black Cap Jacob Oram.He played eight matches, did sightseeing and enjoyed all the diverse cultural experiences during his two week long trip.Mum Paula Love said Reuben had worked determinedly at his job at Olivers, saving hard to fund the cricket tour.Reuben told The Central App it took close to three months of working to squirrel away the $8.5K he needed for the tour.“I worked from the end of exams right up until [university] started.”Reuben said the cricket went pretty well.“We won two out of eight games, we were playing some high calibre teams.”It took him a week to get used to the new environment, and the conditions were vastly different to home.“The smog in Delhi, it was difficult to breathe… I got Delhi belly for one day and missed one game of cricket.”Reuben said batting in 45 degrees Celsius was something else entirely.Reuben in action in India. PHOTO: Supplied Another highlight was attending an Indian Premier League (IPL) game, the Delhi Capitals versus Rajasthan Royals. “The atmosphere was off the charts. People were going ballistic. The crowd was about 30-40 thousand, but it was packed so tight it felt like a hundred thousand really.”Reuben found out about the opportunity to join the touring team via an online advertisement.He wasn’t sure it was legitimate initially, but got his uncle to check with Jacob Oram directly, as the pair used to play cricket together.Reuben said he learned a lot from the coaches about being determined in different conditions, along with improving mental strength and how to beat the heat, keep hydration up and recover well.Fifteen young men and women were a part of the KiwiCaps cricket tour, and along with Jacob Oram two other coaches helped out during the trip, Georgia Atkinson (Central Hinds) and Chris Sharrock (Cricket Whanganui).The KiwiCaps contingent. PHOTO: Supplied Reuben is studying his first year of nutrition at the University of Canterbury, living in a hall of residence and playing cricket for a Sumner division one club team.Jacob Oram, who played 33 tests, 160 one day internationals (ODIs), and 36 Twenty20s (T20s) has led similar cricket tours for young players for several years, together with company Take me to the World. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Local teachers were surprised and disappointed to hear about the closure of the Kāhui Ako (communities of learning) programme via the media. In Central there are two Kāhui Ako; the Dunstan Kāhui Ako made up of nine early childhood education centres (ECEs), eight primary schools and Dunstan High School, and Te Kāhui Ako O Ngā Awanui (Cromwell) that connects seven ECEs, two primary schools and Cromwell College.Radio New Zealand (RNZ) published an article based on leaked documents on Tuesday (May 6), stating that the $118M programme would be disestablished, effective from the 2025 Budget.Cromwell Kāhui Ako lead and Cromwell Primary School principal Matthew McCormick said if the Kāhui Ako is to be disestablished, there will be a real gap in the Cromwell education space.“I’m disappointed by the lack of consultation or communication around these changes. This news is disheartening, but our work within the Kāhui Ako has demonstrated the strength of our collective efforts. “We are committed to continuing the connections, professional growth, and community events that the Kāhui Ako has made possible into the future.Te Kāhui Ako O Ngā Awanui (Cromwell) lead Matthew McCormick. PHOTO: File “There is speculation that the equivalent funding may be reallocated to support students with additional learning needs. If that proves to be the case, I would support it in principle."Matthew said the devil would be in the details, and he looked forward to clarity on how that support will be delivered and sustained in schools.Dunstan Kāhui Ako lead Tracy Richmond said she was surprised by the leaked document and article.“We have had no information or consultation around the future of Kāhui from the Minister [of Education]... Apparently a decision will be made on May 25 in the 2025 Budget announcements.“It would be nice to think we might be provided with an update prior to this given teachers' leadership roles in the Kāhui may be removed."This will have an impact on school's staffing levels moving forward for those schools who employ across school and within school leads.Dunstan Kāhui Ako lead Tracy Richmond. PHOTO: Dunstan Kāhui AkoTracy said teachers had a number of questions for the Minister.“How will the disestablishment of Kāhui Ako happen, over what time frame and if Kāhui goes, what will replace it? How will the Minister develop leadership pathways for teachers moving forward?...“How will funding that currently supports professional development (PD) via Kāhui Ako be shared to individual schools as there is currently no regional or nationally funded model for PD delivery? Or will this funding only be redirected to learning support?“Why is the Minister not sharing the answers to these and other questions with the education sector now? The cat seems to be out of the bag in regards to the future of Kāhui Ako, so surely it is time for the Minister to be transparent with the sector.”Last year Dunstan Kāhui Ako held a speech competition for Dunstan school pupils, organised a combined Kapa Haka group that performed at Blossom Festival, ran professional learning groups for teachers, provided professional development for teachers in both mathematics and assessment for learning practices and supported teachers and students through the transition from primary to high school.Tracy said it is likely these events will not happen without the Kāhui Ako programme.“At present the across school leads and I have two days per week to organise events [and] coordinate activities."With no Kāhui Ako staff, teachers and principals would need to take these tasks on as additional to their current workload for no extra money.“Teachers are already incredibly busy people; I don't think many would be able to find extra time in the day to add new tasks to their workload.”Read RNZ article: Leaked documents say Kāhui Ako school programme 'set to be disestablished'Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

The Friends of Cromwell Cemetery won’t be getting its rabbit-proof fence just yet after the Cromwell Community Board told the group to relook at its project plan.The group has made three presentations to the board about the state of the cemetery, with rabbits digging up holes alongside grave sites, and asked for $48,645 under the community grants scheme to sort the problem.Annually, there was $50,000 to distribute, with a further $106,219 to distribute in the promotions & events grants scheme.CODC community development advisor Rebecca Williams has been working with the group and liasing with council about the best way forward.“We seem extraordinarily slow but there is often a reason,” she told the board yesterday.She said there was no doubt the cemetery needed some investment but the advice from council staff was that rabbit proof fencing was not required.Board chair Anna Harrison said there were definitely rabbits in the cemetery, “but it’s how much the fence will contribute compared to what has already been done.”Council had pindone poison budgeted for ongoing rabbit control, and board members acknowledged that the cemetery group would be disappointed not to be able to do more right now.The board agreed for the Friends of Cromwell Cemetery to complete a project plan with the council parks and recreation team, and resubmit another application in the next funding round.Meanwhile, Cromwell and Districts Promotions was given $97,500 towards running its three successful events - Light Up Winter, Cherry Pit Spit Championships and the annual Street Party and Fireworks.The events cost $177,725 and the promotions group asked for $106,000.“The popularity of events like these have grown and grown and grown,” Anna said.Central Otago Friendship Network was also awarded $4000 from the community grants scheme.Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]

Problem freedom campers appear to be a thing of the past in Central Otago, and as a result the district council has shelved creating its own bylaw.The Central Otago District Council decided last week instead to develop a bylaw under the Reserves Act to keep its spaces and environment top notch, while also providing a means of enforcement for any unsavoury behaviour.The council would concentrate on the Reserve Act bylaw instead of creating a freedom camping one for now, and consult the community about it in early 2026.  That would provide flexibility for enforcement for both freedom camping and general reserve infringements and meant there was still the option for council to develop a freedom camping bylaw in the future if required.Parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey told council last week that complaints about freedom camping have been relatively low over the past two years. Between November 2024 and March 2025 council received 13 service requests (four of these were council related, seven were Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) related, regarding the two designated non-self-contained camping sites around Lake Dunstan).Pre Covid-19, many freedom camping sites around Lake Dunstan were starting to become overcrowded during summer, particularly with backpackers, and there were issues with rubbish, behaviour and human waste disposal.In 2023 the Government brought in extra enforcement, through the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill.Council’s group manager of community experience David Scoones said at the meeting last week, Lake Dunstan was known as one of the noisiest lakes in New Zealand, according to LINZ.Gordon said it was doubtful that the number of freedom camping issues nowadays encountered on council land would meet the Local Government Act ‘test’ to determine whether a freedom camping bylaw would be the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problem.The CODC still had enforcement powers to issue infringements under the Freedom Camping Act, such as when people camped on council land where it wasn’t permitted, or designated areas without a self-contained vehicle.Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]

It’s that time of the year again when the leaves are golden and falling from the trees and there is a chill in the air in the mornings.That means we all need to turn our mind to winter preparation and driving in winter. With the hard frosts that accompany our winters in Central, we need to ensure the vehicle window screens and side windows are defrosted or scraped to ensure your have all round visibility.We need to drive cautiously as ice buildup can occur anywhere and cause vehicles to slip causing crashes. Please take the time to plan trips and give yourself more time. All these steps will keep us all a little safer.The week that was:A 21-year-old New Plymouth man was stopped on Limerick Street, Alexandra and enquiries revealed he had an outstanding warrant to arrest for failing to appear in court. He was subsequently arrested and appeared in the Alexandra District Court where he was sentenced on the historical charge of driving whilst disqualified and sentenced to 6 months disqualification and a $600 fine.Police responded to a family harm incident and arrested a 19-year-old Hut Valley male for three historical family harm offences. He appeared in the Alexandra District Court and was bailed to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court on May 5.Police stopped a 35-year-old local woman in Alexandra. During the stop, the woman became angry and confrontational. She was arrested and needed to be pepper sprayed to control her behaviour. She will appear in the Alexandra District Court at a later date. A 42-year-old Cromwell man was stopped on Olds Crescent and processed for drink driving. He provided an evidential breath result of 268mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. He was forbidden to drive for 12 hours, issued with a $250 fine and 50 demerit points.A 31-year-old local male was arrested for breaching his court-imposed bail conditions. He appeared in the Alexandra District Court and was bailed to appear in the Dunedin District Court.A 25-year-old local male was stopped on Springvale Road and he underwent roadside breath test procedures and provided an evidential result of 1042mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. The male’s drivers’ licence was immediately suspended for a 28 day period and he was summonsed to appear in the Alexandra District Court for the charge of driving with excess breath alcohol 3rd and subsequent.A 38-year-old Cromwell female was stopped on Waenga Drive for a random vehicle stop. The female underwent roadside breath testing and provided an evidential result of 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. She was issued a $250 infringement notice with 50 demerit points and was forbidden to drive for 12 hours.A 35-year-old Cromwell female was stopped for a random breath test. The female underwent roadside breath tests and returned a result of 815mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. Her licence was immediately suspended for a 28-day period, and she was summonsed to attend the Alexandra District Court.In the early hours of the morning, two local intoxicated Alexandra men, aged 27 and 32 were arrested for disorderly behaviour, obstructing police, and resisting arrest. The men were bailed and released to attend the Alexandra District Court.A 24-year-old Cromwell man was arrested for multiple family harm allegations. He was transported to the Queenstown Police station and will appear in the Queenstown District Court.There have been reports, some members of the public have been quite abusive to our local road workers due to the necessary work being undertaken at present around the area. The alternative is the roads are blocked for a more extensive time period. No one should need to take abuse as they do their work – so a little patience whilst our roads and surrounds are being made safer is needed, plan your trips, and adapt accordingly. A little patience goes a long way when it comes to safety.

Otago’s three Papatipu Rūnaka (local Māori authorities) have joined forces to establish an education hub aimed at transforming cultural capability in Otago's education sector. The initiative, Hono ki Tua, represents a collaborative effort between Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki, with Otago Community Trust (OCT) providing $1.8 M in funding, over three years for the project.Hono ki Tua seeks to develop a sustainable education hub focused on working with education providers throughout Otago to enhance knowledge and understanding of the Kāi Tahu heritage and culture specific to each rūnaka (tribal council).Taking a phased approach, the hub will initially employ dedicated Kaitoko Mātauraka (education experts) and a Kaikōkiri Mātauraka (team leader) to work with education providers spanning early childhood, primary, and secondary education sectors to deliver initiatives such as kapa haka training, marae-based school programmes and workshops for whānau (family) and kaiako (teachers) alike.It also aims to ensure educational providers better understand rūnaka aspirations as mana whenua (Māori with authority over land) , while developing their local cultural knowledge and the specific context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Te Waipounamu.The initiative aligns with OCT's strategic focus on lifting educational achievement and enhancing cultural capabilities of education providers, strengthening the durability of the Treaty claims settlement process, and improving educational outcomes for all ākonga (learners).This project is the largest grant to date from OCTs Dedicated Impact for Tamariki and Rangatahi fund and demonstrates a step forward in addressing a need within Otago's education system.Through this work, Hono ki Tua seeks to improve educational outcomes for all students while building a more inclusive society: one in which Kāi Tahu whānau can better see their heritage and culture usefully woven into educational settings.Hono ki Tua board member Rachel Martin, said she is delighted to receive OCT funding.“The development of Hono ki Tua provides Kā rūnaka Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, and Moeraki,with a innovative approach to form Te Tiriti o Waitangi based outcomes within our respective takiwā (tribal territories).“It’s an exciting time and we are looking forward to working with OCT, whānau and education providers over the next three years.“We are deeply grateful to the late Rua McCallum (Moeraki) who initially spearheaded this project but sadly passed away before she could see it come to fruition. We are heartened that her legacy will live on through Hono ki Tua.”The project will benefit all learners and teachers, foster a genuine sense of belonging, and help address some of the educational disadvantages faced by Māori students.Working holistically with schools, teachers, students, and whānau across the Otago region, the initiative builds upon a strong foundation of community support as demonstrated by many letters of endorsement from the community.Through a comprehensive approach, Hono ki Tua seeks to create a more culturally inclusive educational environment and support the development of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.Read more: Terrace School new classrooms “safe, happy and warm”.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Bruce Foster’s debut film is a layered portrait of a New Zealand icon.Best known as a celebrated photographer, Bruce Foster steps into new creative territory with Spontaneous Combustion: Songs for Barry Brickell, showing in a special screen at Central Stories.At first glance, Bruce Foster’s name might ring familiar to those in New Zealand’s art circles a distinguished photographer with a Master’s from Elam, a celebrated exhibitor, and principal photographer for some of the country’s most beautiful and storied books. But with the premiere of his first feature film Spontaneous Combustion: Songs for Barry Brickell at the 2024 DocEdge Festival, we meet a Bruce Foster stepping fully into a new frame: that of filmmaker, storyteller, and memory keeper.Foster’s artistic career has always been cinematic in its approach, with a keen eye for narrative, place, and history. His still images have long told layered stories from riverbanks and remote coastlines to the lives of stockmen and city dwellers. But Spontaneous Combustion is something deeper and more intimate. It’s a deeply personal, poetic meditation on the life, work, and philosophy of the late Barry Brickell potter, train builder, thinker, and New Zealand icon.Foster isn’t new to documentary. Earlier projects, including Open Road and Sleeping Giants, hint at his evolving relationship with the moving image. But this film feels like the culmination of decades of looking, listening, and quietly observing.Drawing on years of personal footage, interviews, and archival photographs, Spontaneous Combustion brings together a chorus of voices to honour Barry’s legacy, from his ceramics at Driving Creek to his fierce love of geology, literature, and hand-built aesthetics.At the heart of the film is a concert. A 2023 tribute led by musician Robert Oliver and taonga pūoro artist Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui. Featuring works by Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead and Douglas Lilburn, the soundtrack adds a rich emotional layer to the storytelling, mirroring Barry’s values through sound.Poet and curator Gregory O’Brien, a long-time friend of Barry’s, weaves his voice through the film as narrator and guide. His relationship with the Brickell family brings both warmth and depth to the storytelling.Also present is the wider creative whānau that gathered around Driving Creek. Their presence in image, story, and sound helps capture the full spirit of Barry’s world.This isn’t a conventional life story. It’s a sensory journey through memory, music, and landscape a film as layered as the glazes on Barry’s pottery. And for Foster, it marks more than a shift to film. It’s a distillation of decades spent witnessing and honouring the textures of Aotearoa.Learn more: Central Cinema presents: Spontaneous Combustion

The Naseby community is now only weeks away from finally applying for its official ‘Dark Sky Community’ status.Co-ordinator Jill Wolff said with Plan Change 22 secured - making it a Dark Sky Precinct and protecting the quality of the night sky from adverse effects of lighting, the committee could go ahead and submit its application to DarkSky International.Naseby Vision has been working with the national DarkSky board in Auckland on the application, which has been peer reviewed, and likely to be submitted at the next meeting in May or June.“It’s been quite a massive project as you could imagine,” she said, after almost nine years (2016).The timing for the Dark Sky status would be perfect if it aligned with Matariki, but the group of six to seven members, made up of local astronomers and enthusiasts, needed to make sure they had all the requirements ticked off first.“It’s not just about looking up at the beautiful night sky but protecting the nocturnal animals that are affected by natural light,” she said.If successful, Naseby’s Dark Sky Community would be the first of its type in New Zealand. It differed from other IDA accreditations in New Zealand which were for ‘reserve’ and ‘sanctuary’ areas that did not have urban development.Jill said that twice a year, the group held community events to share information and knowledge about the night sky, including last Friday.But April and September were generally the only months that it worked because it was too light during summer evenings and too cold in the middle of winter.Paul Bishop explaining day time sun viewing through a telescopeLast Friday the community held a day time telescope session where people learned about looking at the sun, and then watched a film which highlighted Maniototo skies through time lapse photography.A night sky viewing with multiple telescopes, binoculars, astrophotography and laser-led viewing attracted more than 50 people, she said. Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]