The Associate Minister of Health with responsibility for rural health is visiting rural communities to hear about local health care and how the government can better support communities and people working in rural health. The Ministry of Health has organised the ‘rural health roadshow’ which has been touring rural locations in the North Island since April.The only South Island visits are to Wānaka tomorrow (Tuesday July 1), Oamaru (July 2), Hanmer Springs (July 7), and Gore (July 8). “All roadshow meetings are public meetings; the main purpose of these meetings is to hear from local communities about health care services,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson told the Central App.“The roadshow will start with Hon Matt Doocey, Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health, delivering an introductory speech. “Then the minister will introduce Mark Patterson [Minister for Rural Communities] and the panel of health officials who will be helping the minister answer questions from the audience.”The floor will then be opened for a question and answer session, which is expected to run for approximately 40 minutes. The roadshow will be MCed by Hauroa Taiwhenua Rural Health Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson.The events are open to health professionals and members of the public. While the event is free, people have been asked to register their attendance here. The Wānaka event will take place on Tuesday at the Lake Wānaka Centre from 12-1.30pm.

Most of Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) climate change initiatives are on track, according to a new report assessing progress on the council’s climate strategy.The report, which covers the six months since the ORC Climate Strategy was adopted in December 2024, found that of the 53 actions in the plan, six have already been completed, 43 are ‘on track’, and four are currently ‘off track’.ORC strategy manager Hilary Lennox said the off-track actions were largely awaiting central government policy decisions.It “reiterates that climate is a strong focus in all the mahi of ORC”, she said.The strategy outlines actions aimed at reducing the council’s carbon emissions, improving environmental monitoring, and supporting the region to adapt to climate change.An assessment of ORC’s greenhouse gas emissions is currently underway, with results expected later this year. This will inform a future emissions reduction plan.Work is also progressing to expand ORC’s environmental monitoring network to better track climate-related changes such as groundwater levels, sea level rise, and air quality.A number of climate adaptation projects have also reached significant milestones, including the South Dunedin Futures programme and the Glenorchy Head of the Lake project.The strategy’s actions span several council departments, from engineering and emergency management to transport and public engagement.The report on the ORC Climate Strategy was presented to ORC councillors last week (June 25).

There’s not much that Alexa Bell hasn’t tried and if there is, well, there’s plenty of time to give it a go.From driving trucks towing floats carrying four horses non-stop across the US in her early 20s to competing in her own mini-America’s Cup, Canadian-born Alexa loves to be at the controls and not much fazes her.For four years in the 1980s she was a successful stockbroker in the institutional sector in Toronto, which helped fund her international horse habit.At 25 in 1985 she set a world equestrian Puissance jumping record in Toronto clearing a 2.25m (7-foot 4½-inch) jump — a feat that remains unbeaten. This cemented her place as a pioneer in equestrian sport.After competing in show jumping and buying and selling horses all over the US, Canada and Europe, she went on to become the youngest and first female showjumping coach at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, representing the Australian Equestrian Team. Left: Alexa, at around 19, ready to strut her stuff in the show ring. Right: Alexa as the 2000 Olympics Australian Showjumping Coach. Photos: SuppliedIn the mid-90s Alexa retired from international equestrian competition and took the reins in the kitchen, following her passion for cooking.She graduated summa cum laude from Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris, one of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world.She’d been competing around Holland, Belgium and France so Paris was the logical location, Alexa doing long practical stints in European restaurant kitchens while studying for two years.That led to her own French food label, Pub Grub – easy to heat frozen French dinners, over this side of the world and, now living in Central Otago, she still enjoys the odd catering job. “I mostly cater for small events, but three times a year I go on a high-country muster in Canterbury as cook which I love.” The mustering crew enjoy coming home to Alexa’s beef stew, cottage pie and freshly baked bread that she’s whipped up on the musterers’ hut coal range.Alexa off on another local catering job. Photo: Supplied“Whether it’s a jump course, a fine dining kitchen, or a yacht regatta, I love a challenge,” she grins.Then last year Alexa accidentally fell into radio-controlled yacht racing, a passion of husband Roy’s. “I went to watch one day, and the Commodore offered for me to borrow his boat,” she says.“It’s very competitive and fun – I was hooked. It just sparked something, and I couldn’t get enough of it.” Roy bought her a boat and eight months ago she started competing.“I’m not very good. It’s so challenging, but when you get behind the controls it’s like the America’s Cup, it’s so intense.”Before she knew it the much younger Club Commodore Jamie White was telling her she needed to become Commodore, so despite being only one of three women nationally racing radio-controlled yachts in what is a very male-dominated sport,Alexa was voted in. She’s believed to be the only female Commodore in New Zealand for radio yacht racing, just returned from the National Yacht Championships.As she says, this Montreal girl loves a challenge.The daughter of two Brits who’d emigrated there not knowing the front end of a horse from the back, Alexa was a real animal lover and from the age of 13 had fallen in love with horses, heading to riding camps.Snow days and big dumps when it was minus 10deg and too dangerous to get to the horses weren’t happy days for young Alexa.“I wasn’t academic. I left home at 18 to ride horses on the horse circuit, competing in the north in Canada during the warmer summer months and in the southern US during the winter,” she says.Alexa’s trusty horse float that she drove all over the States and Canada as a young equestrian competitor. Photo: Supplied“It’s a business. I’d continually ride and compete, buying and selling horses. My main goal was to qualify for the Olympics.”Her big break came in 1985 when she jumped her world women’s indoor record Puissance (2.25m) jump.“I’d drive through blizzards and white outs to get through to the next venue, sometimes 1000 miles (1609.3km),” Alexa says. “I drove a truck and trailer with horses from New York to LA non-stop in just under three days in my 20s with a friend on board. That was the norm.As two young girls we got lots of help on the side of the road,” she says. “The alternator went in Pennsylvania on a holiday weekend. We got to a truck stop and the mechanic said, ‘The boss has the same one in his truck. Go have breakfast’ and he replaced ours with the boss’s one, no charge,” Alexa chuckles. “We were 18, two young girls in a pick-up truck.”On another occasion the brakes failed at the top of the Rocky Mountains. Horse trailer in tow, with a straight road ahead downhill for miles. “Truckies at the top went in front and behind guiding us safely down, keeping in radio contact, and keeping traffic in front clear.”Things really took off in her equestrian career after the world record. Alexa was flown to Australia with three other Canadian riders to compete on borrowed horses – her first international experience.Alexa competing on borrowed horses in Australia in 1986. Photo Supplied”I did really well and became the coach for the Australian team. I also represented Canada from 1985 until 1997 all over the world, flown everywhere from Brazil to Morrocco and Belgium where I’d compete on borrowed horses. It was a big deal to fly them then.”Puissance 1985 Toronto Canada. Photo: Supplied“In Morocco the princess – not how I’d envisaged a princess would be, organised a Horse Show and I fell off and was hurt badly, suffering a huge haematoma on my leg,” Alexa says. “She said, ‘You will ride tomorrow’. I said, ‘No! I will see the Canadian doctor, who drained and treated it, but it was all a fantastic experience.”Alexa competing on the Princess’s horse that she got injured on in Morocco. Photo: SuppliedShe also rode in the UK, France and South Africa, based in Europe for 10 years before selling up her children’s Riding School and heading to Australia. “I travelled and slept in a swag and next thing they said, ‘Congratulations! You’re the 1999 National Australian Sydney Olympics Showjumping Coach’,” Alexa says.“I’d already said, ‘No’, four or five times.” A friend convinced her to do it, and she worked with the team for four years. “It was the best showjumping team result they’d had in years and the three-day eventing team, that I was part of the coaching crew for, won gold.”Flying back from the Hawkes Bay Horse of the Year Show she met husband Roy on the flight – a non-horsey guy, originally from Katikati.They sold their properties and bought a large sailboat which they lived on for four and a half years, doing long sailing trips, including Sydney to NZ in 2004.The sailboat that Alexa and Roy lived and sailed in. Photo: SuppliedThey’d settled in Kerikeri until three years ago when a biking trip to Central Otago’s Rail Trail saw them fall in love with this area’s beauty, moving south to Queensbury.But Alexa’s not putting her feet up yet. Her next mission - to drum up new members for the Cromwell Radio Yacht Squadron.Alexa competing in her new love of radio-controlled yacht racing in Central Otago. Photo: Supplied

Heavy snow and rain have swept across Central Otago overnight, causing road closures and flood warnings.Lindis Pass closed overnight with heavy snow, and State Highway 85 between Omakau and Kyeburn is closed due to heavy snow and minor flooding. Danseys Pass Road is also closed from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel.The Manuherikia and Maniototo regions face thick snow and some flooding. Drivers are urged to avoid travel unless essential and to take care if they must head out.Alexandra to Raes Junction experienced wet roads with five degrees on the thermometer.Roxburgh, Cromwell and Alexandra areas are reporting wet roads and above freezing temperatures, but isolated flooding is possible in low lying areas.South of Queenstown, temperatures hovered at one degree with persistent rain. Snow fell in the Gibbston Valley, while sleet and one degree conditions were reported on State Highway 6 towards Haast.To plan journeys, check the Central App Roads report and NZTA Waka Kotahi State Highway updates at journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.Day break, Ida Valley Photo: Fraser McKnightOur front lawn at 08:30 Saturday, Omakau - Photo: Leo van BoxtelIf you have a picture of the snow from your window, or of a snowman, please send to [email protected] or Contact Us

Otago Regional Council (ORC) has approved its Annual Plan for 2025-2026, which will bring an average rates increase of 5.5 percent - a drop from the 13.8 percent originally forecast in the Long Term Plan (LTP). The rates had been reduced by cutting some public transport upgrades, reprioritising environmental implementation funding, reduced inflation costs, and work to gain efficiencies, ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said. “Port Otago’s dividend has been increased [by] $2M which benefits all ratepayers, as it helps to offset costs that would otherwise need to be paid by rates,” she said. “Also benefitting ratepayers, $2M of council reserves will be used to pay for the first year of a new environmental fund.” She said the Annual Plan will still continue the council’s work to underpin resilient and well supported communities.Key changes in the year ahead include some targeted upgrades to public transport, increased environmental funding, and further work on natural hazards and engineering, and “a rates increase is still required to help fund this work”. “This includes the investment in climate change and biodiversity strategies, as well as rising costs in areas like insurance, depreciation, and property rentals,” she said.Large scale environmental work will get an extra boost in the 2025-26 year with a new $2 million a year large-scale environmental fund; from council reserves in the first year.While some regional upgrades will not happen - due to “co-funding gaps” - Gretchen said ORC is “committed to finding ways to improve connectivity options for … Central Otago”. The overall rates increase for 2025/26 is 5.5 percent but the rates impact for individual properties is different and can be influenced by a range of things including location and the services provided. ORC councillors adopted the annual plan at Wednesday’s (June 25) meeting.

A range of initiatives across Central including a school gym floor upgrade, astrophotography exhibition, and a playcentre spruce-up were supported with funding recently.Central Lakes Trust (CLT) awarded several project grants to Central groups for facilities, arts and sports - part of more than $1M awarded to 24 organisations at the recent CLT board meeting on June 17. Roxburgh Area School received $19,500 for a gym floor replacement. Omakau Bowling Club got $8,800 for shade and shelter protection, Clyde Playcentre’s interior upgrade was awarded $3,539, and Winterstellar 2025 was boosted by $11,000.The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator Programme, led by Rewiring Aotearoa (RA), received $220,000 to build community resilience through electrification. This pilot programme will establish a locally-based team to develop momentum and accelerate movement to alternative energy sources.While the name of the programme includes “Queenstown”, resources, educational materials, events, package deals, and capability building will be made available to everyone throughout the region.A 2020 survey showed that 15 percent of residents in Queenstown and the Central Otago region were unable to heat their homes consistently. With energy costs still rising globally and nationwide, vulnerable households continue to be disproportionately affected.Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey said electrification holds the key to solving many of the challenges we face in our community.“Switching our energy reliance from fossil fuels to locally generated electricity will lower the cost of living, improve community health, and reduce emissions to help our region become a global role model in community-led energy.”CLT chair Linda Robertson said she was thrilled to support the initiative. “It’s an exciting step toward a more resilient and low-emissions future that ensures all our communities have access to clean, affordable energy.”Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery received an operational/programme grant for July 2025 - June 2026. PHOTO: Supplied  Programme grants went to Alexandra Rural Community Patrol ($6,220), Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery ($30,000), Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities ($16,000), ADL, a not-for-profit youth services provider ($108,530) and Otago Community Hospice Trust ($200,960).Read more: Double finding boost for Teviot  Read more: Six new classrooms for Dunstan High Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Pioneer Energy and Central Lakes Trust have announced a new investment partnership with Tōtara Energy LP. The successful bid came from a New Zealand-based organisation with a strong Māori investment base, which aligned closely with Pioneer Energy and CLT values, the organisations announced. The partnership sees Tōtara Energy LP acquire a 30 percent stake in Pioneer Energy Group Limited Partnership. The Tōtara Energy LP syndicate consists of Tauhara North No.2 Trust, Te Ngakinga o Whanganui Investment Trust, Tupu Angitu, Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust, Ngati Awa Asset Holdings, Soul Capital, Purpose Capital, and Trust Horizon. “This collaboration is underpinned by a shared vision for a sustainable future between the new ownership group and a collective commitment to our environment with all benefits ultimately staying in Aotearoa and returning directly to our respective communities,” Tauhara North No.2 Trust chair Wikitoria Hepi-Te Huia said.Central Lakes Trust chair Linda Robertson said they were delighted to be welcoming Tōtara Energy as a shareholder in Pioneer Energy Group Limited Partnership. “We believe Tōtara Energy brings complementary capabilities to our two organisations and has values aligned to our own.” Pioneer Energy Limited, which is 100 percent owned by Central Lakes Trust, will remain the majority shareholder in Pioneer Energy Group Limited Partnership.Capital raised through the process will support Pioneer Energy Group LP’s continued investment in renewable energy and waste-to-energy projects.It also enables further diversification of the business, ensuring long-term value for shareholders and the communities they represent. Since its inception in 2000, CLT has grown its asset base from the $155M settled by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust to assets totalling more than $500M (including its shareholding in Pioneer), and has distributed more than $158.9M into a wide range of community projects and services throughout the CLT area (as at March 31, 2025). Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Otago Regional Council (ORC) has issued a caution for coastal and Central Otago as heavy rain and snow are expected from tonight, with flood risks.“The weather front is still approaching, but forecast snow, rain and rising river levels can change very quickly during the next 24–36 hours with little warning,” said Dr Jean-Luc Payan, ORC’s manager of natural hazards.Metservice has placed heavy rain warnings on Dunedin and Clutha for 60 mm to 90 mm of rain, and heavy rain watches on North Otago for 20 mm to 40 mm. A heavy snow watch down to about 400 m is in place for Central Otago and inland Dunedin and Clutha, with heavy falls expected on Saturday and easing in the evening under strong southwesterly winds. Low-lying areas potentially at risk include parts of the Tokomairaro floodplain near Milton, the Lower Taieri floodplain near Henley, sections of the Lower Clutha floodplain and Middlemarch. WhileDunedin’s Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek are not expected to overtop their banks, the Silver Stream near Mosgiel is forecast to peak at about 90 cumecs early Saturday afternoon with no overtopping expected.The Taieri River at Outram is expected to peak tomorrow evening at about 700 cumecs, likely flooding unprotected areas downstream. The Clutha River at Balclutha could reach around 1,900 cumecs on Sunday morning, putting low-lying areas upstream and unprotected delta lands at risk.ORC staff and contractors will monitor streams and rivers around the clock over the next 48 hours, inspecting flood banks, drainage assets and pumping stations. Rural communities are advised toconsider moving stock from low lying paddocks and protecting feed stores.Motorists are being asked to reconsider weekend travel plans, particularly inland of Dunedin, across Central Otago and into Northern Southland, where snowfalls are expected.For the latest river and stream data, visit ORC’s Environmental at https://www.orc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/environmental-data/ and check Roads conditions on The Central App.

A heavy snow watch, road snowfall warnings and local snow advisories came into effect across Central Otago and neighbouring areas today, with snow expected in some areas from 3am tomorrow morning (Saturday June 28).The snow watch covers inland Dunedin, Clutha, Central Otago and Southland north of Lumsden from 3am Saturday June 28 for nine hours.Road snowfall warnings are in place for Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd (State Highway 94), with slippery surfaces expected overnight. Road closures are possible ifconditions worsen.Periods of heavy snow are forecast above 400 metres in the Alexandra area. MetService advises residents to watch for any escalation to higher alerts.With mid-year school holidays starting this weekend and many families heading away, drivers planning to leave town should carry chains and monitor road updates, as conditions may deteriorate.Check The Central App Weather & Reports and stay up to date via our Roads reports, which will be updated at 9 pm tonight and again by 7am tomorrow morning.

Central Otago Health Services Ltd chair Richard Thomson fears that a new base hospital in Queenstown would short change people in this district.Speaking in the public forum of the Central Otago District Council meeting on Wednesday (June 25), Richard said Dunstan Hospital was a critical piece of infrastructure in the region.The former Otago District Health Board chair and deputy commissioner of the Southern District Health Board, who is based in Dunedin but spends half his time living in Central Otago, was appointed chair of COHSL in March 2024.He said population makeup, rather than population per se, drives health needs, and yet Dunstan Hospital had two and a half times more medical admissions than Lakes District Hospital in Frankton.“Why? Because our population is relatively older and poorer,” he said.Dunstan Hospital has 24 inpatient beds while Frankton only has 12, but Lakes District Hospital also has a further 10 emergency department beds, while in Clyde there are only two, and by referral only.Queenstown has more because of its population, which is younger and more risk inclined.“We could and should build on what we already have to meet these two pressures,” Richard said.He urged councillors to strengthen their case for Central Otago under the Regional Deal proposal, and from what was proposed in the Otago Central Lakes Health Services & Assets project.The Strategic Report can be viewed here.Richard said a base hospital in Queenstown would mean the majority of medical patients would have to travel further for care, because of our disaggregated region with multiple population centres (Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, Roxburgh).Richard believed we should be focused on health services rather than health buildings, “and a base hospital incorporated into a private facility in Queenstown should not be the only option on the table”.“We should be building on the two jewels we have rather than replacing them with a single facility further away from home.”As the Central Otago population grows, Dunstan Hospital could expand medical bed capacity for a comparatively small capital and operational cost.He said if a private facility was built in Wānaka, Dunstan Hospital could potentially lease space and leverage off its current infrastructure and overheads to provide Wānaka residents with hospital care closer to home.A proposal by a Wānaka-based property investment company (Roa) for a $300M privately funded project (comprising a five-level hospital with operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds) is currently being considered by Queenstown Lakes District Council. “We can keep oncology treatment and outpatient appointments and diagnostics and rehab services closer to home by building on what we have,” Richard said. “We already do this well and the same could apply on the other side of the gorge - whether in a refurbished Lakes [district] hospital or in leased space in a private surgical hospital.”Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said discharges at Clyde have risen 30 percent since 2020 and chemotherapy services have grown to four days a week, while radiology was operating 24/7.

The fight is not yet over for opponents of the recently consented residential subdivision in Bannockburn.Hearings panel chair Rosalind Day-Cleavin and Gary Rae approved the subdivision on May 31, following a hearing in March, for the 26-lot development on Terrace Street.DJ Jones and NR Searell Family Trust first applied for consent to subdivide into 35 lots in 2021, but 80 percent of submitters opposed it, and the application was withdrawn.An amended application last year for a scaled down version of 26 lots over the 17ha of land west of the Bannockburn inlet attracted 38 submissions.Now the Bannockburn Responsible Development Incorporated Society - led by resident James Dicey - has lodged an appeal with the Environment Court, stating 25 different reasons why the development shouldn’t go ahead.A deadline of July 18 has been placed to allow both Central Otago District Council and the society to enter mediation or go straight to a hearing.The group believes the council has failed to properly apply the Building Line Restriction (BLR), which was established to protect the integrity of the town escarpment, preventing urban expansion into its highly sensitive landscape.The group, which has approximately 80 members, believes that approval of the application sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the BLR’s function across Bannockburn and beyond, and eroding public confidence in planning protections.There were also concerns the development would result in a significant and irreversible change in character for existing residents, particularly those on Terrace Street, due to intensified housing, traffic, and loss of open space outlooks.

Alexandra’s IceInline skating rink was closed on Thursday (June 26) after warm winds turned the surface into a pond.At the Maniototo Adventure Park in Naseby the ice rink was also looking a bit wet on Wednesday afternoon, but staff said it had firmed up again on Thursday morning.The weather on Thursday in both towns was expected to reach up to 14 degrees again and staff were anxious about the integrity of the ice.IceInline chairman Murray Miller said despite the $1.6 million roof protecting its Alexandra facility from sun, rain and wind, there were still days that Mother Nature had her way.“We did have to close one day last season in June because of wind,” he said.Having a roof meant the facility could extend its season by six weeks - opening earlier in late April and running right through to September.But with the recent unexpected warm temperatures and heading into what was usually the coldest month of the year, it was anyone’s guess as to how the season would continue.Metservice meteorologist Michael Pawley said the balmy weather in Central Otago was caused by the ‘foehn effect’, as a result of the heavy rain and strong winds on the West Coast releasing heat as they descended over the mountain ranges.He said the good news was the ice rinks would freeze again as southerlies were directed at both Central Otago and Canterbury over the weekend.Metservice has put out a heavy snow watch for inland Otago and Canterbury, overnight Friday and Saturday, while on both coasts there would be more heavy rain coming.

Timeframe obligations for the Santana Minerals fast-track application will be challenging to meet, the Central Otago District Council (CODC) says.Staff have started to review comprehensive reports on the proposed Santana Minerals gold mine, and documents would be shared with councillors as they became available, the meeting was told on Wednesday (June 25).At a previous meeting, council approved both mayor Tamah Alley and Cromwell-based councillor Sarah Brown to review and approve council's comments in the 'key issues report.'CODC planning and infrastructure group manager Louise van der Voort told the meeting this week, that delegating staff to the project would provide extra time to complete and review the report.Council has confirmed the consent from Santana would be lodged this week, and council staff were in the process of engaging consultants and refining the scope of work.“The applicant’s draft reports are starting to come through as part of consultation and there is already a significant volume of material which needs to be read and understood,” Louise's report said.“It has become evident that once the application is lodged, it will be challenging for council to meet its obligations under the Fast Track Approvals Act in the 20 days provided, being: the review of the application, distribution to consultants with instructions, completion and review of consultants’ reports and preparation and approval of the key issues report.“The key issues report will largely be based on the technical evidence of consultants relating the effects of the proposal, and proposed conditions.”The key issues report was much like an s42a report that offered a recommendation to the hearings panel on whether the project should be approved or not.Council recently recommended that deputy mayor Neil Gillespie sit on the hearings panel for the fast-track proposal, but that was still yet to be decided. Santana Minerals said it was continuing to advance its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible development.In a press release the company said while the Fast Track Act aimed to accelerate decision-making, it did not override the requirements of the Resource Management Act or other applicable legislation. “The collective work undertaken to support the application represents one of the most intensive and comprehensive studies ever conducted on the Dunstan Mountains.” Recognised as the most significant single gold discovery in New Zealand in the past 40 years, the development would include an open pit ultimately 1,000m long, 850 metres wide and 200 metres deep, and an underground mining operation to access deeper extensions of the deposit. A key consideration of the project design was the processing plant, which would be located in the lower Shepherds Valley. Environmental considerations remained central to project planning, the company said.“While the majority of the environmental assessments have been completed, several key ecological reports are in progress, as outlined in Santana Minerals’ 13 June ASX update. Design considerations are being made to ensure that environmental effects are avoided, mitigated, compensated, or offset.” Due to surrounding landforms, the site is expected to have low visibility. A comprehensive visual simulation will be included in the consent application to provide clarity on the project’s visual footprint. Since September 2024, Santana has hosted regular community drop-in sessions, which will continue throughout 2025.“We are committed to delivering a project that brings long-term benefits to the region while respecting the land and the values of our local communities,” Santana chief executive Damian Spring said.“For many of our team this is our home too, and our focus is on listening, refining, and working together to build a project that Central Otago can be proud of for generations to come.”

Consultation is now underway for two changes proposed for Cromwell’s Central Campus as part of an ongoing review of programmes and operations by Otago Polytechnic (OP). The review has proposed to discontinue the New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4) from December 2025.  A spokesperson said despite efforts to grow student enrolments, the programme has a small cohort and is not financially sustainable.OP is proposing to disestablish one full-time staff member for the remainder of the academic year, and to disestablish the second FTE in December once current students have completed the programme.A second programme which may be discontinued - from October this year - is the Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) Certificate in Cookery (Level 3).   This would result in two positions being disestablished (a lecturer and a technician, up to 0.61 FTE).OP expects to sell the Cromwell town campus in the near future, and will be unable to use the cookery teaching facilities after 2025. “We are considering leasing out the commercial kitchen while a sale is finalised, and we’ve been unable to identify suitable alternative premises for delivering this programme in the future,” a spokesperson said.   In Dunedin, the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3) will not be offered in semester two, and one role will be disestablished from 2026. Consultation processes are underway to collect feedback on these proposals.Otago Polytechnic needs to ensure its financial viability to be able to stand alone, in order to contribute to a sustainable vocational education system, a media statement said.“We are expecting government announcements in July with more details on the future of the sector, including funding, and which [Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics] can be established independently from next year.” In January 35 people attended a stakeholder meeting in Cromwell to give input into the long term future of the Cromwell and Wānaka sites.Low enrolments have resulted in the Central Campus award winning brewing and stonemasonry courses being discontinued. The final second year of stonemasonry is being taught this year and all teaching will cease from 2026. Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]

A small strip of council-owned land has been transferred to Abbeyfield Alexandra so it can build a bigger affordable housing development for elderly people.Abbeyfield has more than a dozen communal houses across New Zealand, with more planned in Wānaka, Waimakariri, Greymouth, Hawkes Bay, and Western Bay of Plenty.Based on an innovative secure rental model, the Alexandra development has been on the cards for a few years, and the local Abbeyfield committee has been working with a landowner to secure the section at the end of Clutha Street.At Wednesday's (June 25) council meeting, there were discussions around council’s affordable housing policy, before councillors voted to transfer the 600sqm strip of land - currently used for 'water supply and treatment and access purposes’ to Abbeyfield Alexandra.The designated site is over 20 metres wide so the remaining area would still have sufficient width for access purposes.That means Abbeyfield Alexandra would now have certainty over its available footprint and can go ahead with its design for the proposed development.Carole Gillions looks over plans for the proposed Abbeyfield development in Alexandra.There were cheers in the public forum from committee chair Carole Gillions, who has been involved with the project since its inception.Carole, who wears many hats, was also part of the Alexandra Council of Social Services (ACSS) that first proposed the 14-room affordable rental development.Meanwhile, the business community was being invited to a presentation by the Abbeyfield committee at Alexandra Community House on July 2 to hear more about the $4.5 million development.A fundraising Winter Christmas Gala was also planned for Saturday July 26.Abbeyfield is an innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence but enjoy the company of others, including at shared meals.The idea for the rental accommodation followed two community hui - the first of which, back in 2018, identified a strong need for more elderly persons housing in the town.ACSS carried out a survey for over 65s in Alexandra in 2023 which showed 60 out of the more than 300 people were interested in shared housing.Carole Gillions introduced the Abbeyfield concept to the ACSS in 2023 and a steering committee was formed which now had charitable trust status.The steering committee was made up of Cathy Wagstaff, Marie Roxburgh, Helen Adair and Dr Bill Kaye-Blake.

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a crash on farmland at Millers Flat, Central Otago.She was 41-year-old Kirsty Marie Hall, of Central Otago.Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.The death will be referred to the Coroner.

Two hundred and fifty pupils from Central primary schools hit all the right notes at jam sessions in Alexandra yesterday (Tuesday June 24).A Kiwilele jam is when students learn to play the same songs on the ukulele and then join forces, uniting with music and having fun.The students from Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, The Terrace School and St Gerard’s School have been learning ten songs since the start of the term and many have practiced alongside their teachers, classmates and with the support of their families.Highlights of the morning jam here (two minute video). Video: The Central AppCentral Otago district mayor Tamah Alley picked up a uke and hit some chords, joining in with tamariki from Clyde. Photo: Central AppMusic teacher Liz Conway wrote the song ‘Tomayto Tomahto’ which was part of the jam, and she donned a tomato costume. She was supported by students in carrot and banana outfits.This is the second year Liz has organised the jam, but last year only two schools took part (APS and St Gerard’s).“It was a bit of work to bring together last year, and we knew we could double it, and make it twice as fun,” Liz said.“Between all the four schools we’ve got 150 ukes here for kids to play, that is pretty cool.”A feast for the eyes and ears, as colourful ukuleles were held up prior to playing. Photo: The Central App Clyde School teacher Alistair Banks said some of the pupils were nervous but the beauty of the ukulele was that you could sing, slap or ghost strum to take part even if you weren’t fully confident on the chords. This year two sessions were held at Alexandra Community Hall, Clyde School and TTS at 11am -12 noon; and APS and St Gerard’s at 1.15 - 2.15pm. The group benefited from Central Lakes Trust (CLT) Central Lakes Art Support Scheme (CLASS) funding of $2,300 to help with running costs including venue hire, a sound system and the live band.Along with Liz, the band consisted of school parents Hamish Dunn on drums, Ollie Yeoman on ukulele, Kim Froggatt on rhythm guitar, Jono Conway on bass guitar, and Paula Brown on keyboard, flute and recorder.Band members (from left) Ollie, Liz, Kim, Hamish, Jono and Paula. Photo: The Central App This year the group performed a song in Samoan, ‘Ta Lau Ukulele’, along with four waiata in Te Reo Māori (Nga Iwi E, Tihore Mai, Purea Nei and Aotearoa, no te katoa).The winners of a ukulele art competition were also announced, and Caylee Blisset from TTS won the morning prize, a ukulele donated by Alexandra’s Central Appliance Plus.Students and teachers left buzzing, excited and happy after the musical experience. For more information see the NZ Ukes Trust website. Have a story to share? Contact [email protected] 

Police have dealt with incidents of family harm, assault, and theft this past week. A 46-year-old male was arrested following a family harm incident in Alexandra on Thursday (June 19). He has been bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court on June 26, said Sergeant Adam Elder, acting area response manager for Alexandra. A 30-year-old male was arrested following a serious assault in Alexandra on June 16 and was bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court this week (Thursday June 26). Police attended a motor vehicle collision on Roxburgh Road East, Roxburgh, on Sunday (June 22) after a 17-year-old driver lost control of their vehicle and collided with a power pole.“There were no injuries to the driver and enquiries are continuing,” Sergeant Elder said. At about 3pm that same day Police were notified of a female unlawfully entering a vehicle on Ashworth Street.“Police are still investigating this matter but would like to take the opportunity to remind locals to lock their vehicles,” Sergeant Elder said. “Police would also like to speak to members of the public that may have seen this female or who may have noticed property missing from their own vehicles.”Anyone with information should ring 105 and quote reference number 250623/618. “We urge the community to look out for each other and report any suspicious activity they see no matter how small or unimportant they think it may be,” Sergeant Elder said. If you see anything suspicious happening around vehicles or within the community, please contact 111 immediately, he said. Sergeant Elder provided the following tips to prevent your vehicle becoming a target: Remove any valuables from your vehicle that may attract thieves.Park in off-street parking or a well-lit area.Invest in a steering lock, wheel clamp, or other theft prevention devices.Install CCTV around your home and in your car; this could also include dashcam.To report a theft or attempted theft after it has occurred, contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

Cycling Without Age (CWA) , an international programme in 41 countries, is coming to Central Otago.It is a worldwide movement that aims to provide joy and vitality to all through the magic of bike rides.It enables older people, or those less mobile, to get out of their homes or retirement villages and go for a ride in the fresh air, under the power of a volunteer pilot’s pedals on a specially adapted bike. The initiative uses e-trishaws (a bike with a seat on the front) that come from Europe and cost approximately $30,000. CWA Alexandra chapter founder June Clarke has already purchased one of these bikes.The bike and its special seat can pass through the chicane gates comfortably. Photo: SuppliedPictured are (from left) June, Vida and Ken on the Otago Central Rail Trail on Monday (June 23). Photo: Supplied Up-cycles charitable trust co-founder Chris Foggin (Foggie) said he was excited to support the idea.“[We] have offered to support this brilliant project by training the ‘pilots’ through our COBA - Community of Bike Ambassadors programme, which will include the road code for cycling and road safety awareness, trail etiquette, e-trishaw handling skills, and the Peak Safety Outdoor First Aid training (funding dependent),” he said.Foggie said Up-cycles would promote the CWA chapter and assist to raise awareness and advocate for access to more places. “We already have a trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail, which is perfect for these trips.”“There’s a way to go [for CWA Alexandra] but that’s why I’ve said I’m going to help,” Foggie said. A Napier chapter of CWA launched in 2022 and has already given 1,100 passenger rides. Across the globe there are 3,500 chapters of the not for profit CWA, which emerged in Copenhagen in 2012.The Alexandra chapter needs volunteer pilots, sponsors and funders to get things rolling. To get involved contact Foggie on [email protected] a trailer for a short film about CWA here, it aired recently as a part the The Big Bike Film Night around New Zealand.