Local not for profit Animal Rehab Central (ARC) has received a $700 boost from the NRG Alexandra Summer Netball League.Animal Rehab Central (ARC) is a local rescue charity who rescue and rehome dogs and cats in Central.Animal Rehab Central manager Shirlene Steel said at this time of year when all the kittens need to get vaccinated the money was awesome.“It’s going to go on vet bills.”She said she has not seen the same number of feral cats as in previous autumns.“I haven’t seen any yet on the side of the road, but it could be a later year yet.”A pair of teenage kittens, recently up for adoption through ARC. PHOTO: ARC ARC first started back in 2020 when Shirlene felt a need to keep up the service which had been provided by the SPCA in Alexandra, as there was no other onsite facility people could actively come and visit, and interact with the animals in a shelter situation.While things were “ticking along” for ARC, the adoption side of her work was very slow for dogs and cats, Shirlene said.Held at the Molyneux Park courts on Wednesday evenings a wide range of teams entered the two categories of the netball league; social and competitive.Alexandra Netball Club (ANC) president Caitlyn Thomson said they chose ARC as this summer league beneficiary because the club supported their work with animals.“Animal Rehab Central has so many animals because people don’t care for them as well as they should, or if their circumstances change. Our club wants to help ARC support those animals that need new homes as much as we can.”Team Envy took home the competitive league trophy. PHOTO: SuppliedTeam New World, pictured with their supporters, won the social grade. PHOTO: Supplied Second place in the competitive league went to Rox N Roll, and third to Ballers.In the social league second place was Dunstan Year Nines and third was Tipsy Gypsies.Organisers of the league ANC are planning another round in October and November. ANC thanked sponsors for their support in providing prizes, trophies, barbecue equipment and kai (food).To find out more information about adopting a pet people can contact [email protected] Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Teviot community will be invited to a public meeting on the future of its cinema rebuild in early April, where a stakeholder group will be formed.Central Otago District Council property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson gave the Teviot Community Board a presentation on the next steps at a workshop on Thursday.Garreth has been involved with the Cromwell Memorial Hall development and has extensive knowledge of the process involved in new builds.Acknowledging that February 6 was a very sad day for the Teviot community, Garreth said the fire was very destructive and left behind “absolute devastation.”He said surprisingly they managed to save some of cash in the till and some chocolate bars “which we should probably auction off and make a fortune.”Board chair Norm Dalley said it was a huge learning curve for everyone and the level of devastation was not something the community has had to recover from before.The historic building was opened in 1875 and divested to the council in 1918. The site had now been cleared and was free of asbestos - so far the demolition costs and clean up was only $221,000 rather than the $435,000 budgeted.Because it was an historic site, the council was liasing with Heritage New Zealand for archeological authority to continue site works. That report would take 40 days.Norm said there was a stockpile of bricks left from the building that were planned to be sold and used either in the rebuild or as landscaping onsite.The building was insured for $6.4 million and the council would go out to market with potential suppliers for ideas on a new community space and theatre.Garreth said the Cromwell Memorial Hall featured a 40-seater bespoke cinema so one idea was to use the engineered drawings and costs from that to make it more straightforward.Those at the workshop were shown other ideas such as $5 million Luggate Memorial Hall - the Southern Hemisphere’s first ‘Passiv Build.A question from the board was why they couldn’t go out to the community first and ask them what they wanted, before going to market.Garreth said there were limitations with what they could build with the insurance money, and Norm suggested forming a group with 6-10 representatives to act on behalf of the community.It was agreed a community meeting in the evening around April 8-9 when the Long Term Plan consultation meetings began would be appropriate - to form the stakeholder group.In the meantime, council would also be bringing back a paper with some options to the next community board meeting.

St John Hato Hone said the recent road fatalities in Central Otago were deeply concerning, and management recognised the stress they had on its people in close knit communities, where first responders may have known those involved.“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the families, friends, and first responders involved,” operations manager for Central Otago David Baillie said.Central Otago’s deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie also spoke out about the toll that they had taken on local Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers.The number of deaths on Central Otago roads was six in the past five weeks and police noticed both speed and alcohol were factors in some of the crashes - with three involving motorbikes.A 60-year-old man appeared in the Alexandra District Court on Thursday charged with careless driving causing death and careless driving causing injury, following the crash that killed 65-year-old American woman Donna Marie Melcher on March 15 in Cromwell.David said the well-being of its people has always been a top priority for St John, and its paramedics and other frontline staff were trained to provide life-saving care and compassionate support during the most difficult circumstances. “Our operations managers are the first line of support for their teams, ensuring they have access to the assistance they need. We provide Critical Incident Debriefs when required, alongside our Peer Support programme, which we have had since 1993.”He said the peer support programme offered staff and volunteers confidential, professional, safe, and empathetic support from trained colleagues who understood the unique work they did within the organisation.“Our Member Assistance Programme (MAP) also provides our people with access to independent and external professional counsellors and psychologists should they need them. It is designed to help and support our people, regardless of whether they are a volunteer or paid staff member.“We have also developed dedicated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for particularly traumatic callouts that notify the peer support team of attendance, which results in a proactive offer of support. “Additionally, we provide a dedicated Psychological Health and Wellbeing team to support pathways for those who need support and develop and deliver core educational material across the organisation. We encourage our people to use these services and support one another during these challenging times.” In terms of resourcing, he said the St John teams across Central Otago, including Cromwell and Alexandra, continued to respond with professionalism and dedication, ensuring emergency care was available when needed. “While staffing and resource pressures are an ongoing challenge across the health sector, we remain committed to maintaining our emergency response capability and supporting our people on the frontline.”

"Unintended consequences" of the Otago Regional Council not being able to notify its Land and Water Regional Plan last year will be worked through with the Ministry for the Environment.At its meeting in Queenstown on Wednesday, council moved to ask Central Government to undertake a legislative amendment to address one of the biggest issues - water permits.A report from team leader freshwater and land Tom De Pelsemaeker said there have been several unintended consequences for ORC in performing its function to sustainably manage freshwater. They related to continuing with the current planning framework and were a particular issue for managing rural diffuse discharges and water quantity in Otago.The regional council has focused on the most important areas of the plan which had the most impacts, and that was largely regarding the farming community.The council will ask Environment Minister Penny Simmonds to make a legislative amendment to existing water permits so their expiry date was after the new plan was operative, overriding the existing December 31 date and extending it to 2031.The Government’s National Policy Statement on Fresh Water (NPS-FW) was being consulted on this year, and staff were regularly in contact with ministry officials about what that might mean for Otago.The regional council has already spent $20million on its original land and water plan and expected it would take another five years for the new one.Cr Gary Kelliher said he was surprised that the issues were still being talked about and were not already in front of the minister, “this is an utter no brainer that we’d support this.”Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Roxburgh’s Entertainment Centre Committee has pulled together its first outdoor movie for next Saturday, but locals are still demanding answers about their rebuild.The Central Otago District Council held a workshop on Thursday to share with the Teviot Valley Community Board the next steps with the project.But locals were angry they hadn’t been told about the meeting, and one fronted up in the public forum to say “it was absolutely appalling” that it was poorly advertised.A month ago, board chair Norman Dalley told council in person that the community wanted assurances that their entertainment centre would be rebuilt in some shape or form.The heritage building was burnt down on Waitangi Day and a decision was made to demolish the facade as well, for safety reasons and because of the cost.   Norman told the council the community was expecting some correspondence about what next, and believed that hadn’t been forthcoming.The local woman named Jan, told the board that she was disappointed with council about the transparency, “it’s time that the process is spelled out,” she said.Questioning why a public meeting wasn’t held in the evening when people could actually turn up after work, she said the council needed to put in every effort to let the community know what was happening.“I feel like swearing…nobody knew it was on…I think the community will be up in arms over this.”Norman said while there been general concerns around the lack of communication, at least he had raised it at council level.The workshop was online for anybody in the community to watch, but was simply about ‘paving the path’ for the future.“We’re not looking for community input,” he said.There had been and still was a lot of unanswered questions,” he said, referring to engineers reports and insurance assessments, which all took time.Meanwhile, the community is invited to the Roxburgh Rugby Grounds on Saturday 29th at 6:30pm to watch New Zealand film ‘Tina.’On a Facebook post, the committee posted to come early to get a good spot and bring blankets, bean bags and deck chairs, before it started at 8pm (has to be dark of course).There would be a marquee up for shelter, and the Roxburgh Lions food van would be available, along with icecream.Entry is by koha and would go towards the new rebuild.More on plans for the new rebuild in tomorrow's news.

“It will be cold that will kill, not coal.”There were strong words from Dunstan ward Otago Regional councillor Michael Laws at a meeting in Queenstown yesterday.The ORC had held its monthly meeting in the Queenstown Lakes and made a decision to push on with its Regional Plan: Air despite opposition from Cr Laws and Cr Gary Kelliher.That meant the regional council continued its work on a draft strategy to manage air quality in the region.To achieve both Ministry for the Environment and World Health Organisation standards, non-low emission wood burners in Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell would be phased out within the next 20 years.It also meant a 42 per cent improvement in air quality and would bring health costs down to just $73million.Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws was a strong advocate for halting the region’s Regional Plan for Air until new central Government regulations came into effect in 2026. SUPPLIEDBut Cr Laws and Cr Kelliher, have always maintained getting rid of old wood burners in Central Otago would do more harm than good, especially those pockets of communities with old housing stock.Breaches of National air quality standards across Otago have continued to increase, with 37 in 2024 (11 in Alexandra, 25 in Arrowtown and one in Mosgiel) last year. That was 16 more than in 2023.The council heard that the ORC was well behind others in the country such as Environment Canterbury and Nelson who were already meeting national air quality standards with their processes.The ORC’s Air Plan was already 20 years old and Cr Alan Somerville said it was important they looked after the people in Otago, “because we know that the air quality does contribute to illness.”But Cr Laws argued that as a Dunstan ward councillor living in the coldest populated area in winter and with the inversion layer and the increased cost of electricity, “it’s the cold that will kill not coal.”Council chair Gretchen Robertson said what really mattered to communities was keeping warm in their homes and how they used their fires.The draft strategy would come back to council in August and staff would undertake public engagement on the draft in September, October 2025, before being signed off in early 2026.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A brisk start of 5degCel added to the atmosphere of anticipation and excitement for the Dunstan zone athletics sports in Alexandra yesterday.Held at Molyneux Park, close to 400 pupils from the ten Dunstan zone primary schools ran, jumped and threw, vying for places in the upcoming inter zone athletics.Central Otago Primary School Sports Association Dunstan zone representative and The Terrace School (TTS) teacher Mike Dalgliesh said the weather conditions were ‘’perfect’’ for athletics.“There [were] around 30 volunteer helpers and everything [ran] smoothly. All schools in our zone sent helpers which is fantastic.”Mike said electronic timing equipment was being used for the second time for events and working well.A change to the relay format this year meant that every single sprinter's time was recorded, and the top eight from each year group would qualify for the inter zone competition, meaning multi-school relay teams would represent Dunstan. Records fell throughout the day, including in the Year 6 and Year 7 girls discus. The Terrace School Year 6 pupil Fertia Taiulu threw 15m while St Gerard's School Year 7 pupil Anna Breen beat the previous record by 3m to make a 21m throw. Cromwell Primary School’s Maycee Ellis (10) holds the new Year 6 girls high jump record, clearing 1.21m. She also won her long jump event with a jump of 3.57m.Watch Maycee’s record high jump of 1.21m. VIDEO: The Central App The sports kicked off at 10am when temperatures had climbed to 8degCel and finished with the team relay events wrapping up around 4pm. Top three finishers in a Year 6 boys hurdle heat were (from left) Goldfields School’s Theo Sutherland (10), Clyde School’s Henry Edwards (10), and St Gerard’s Schools Lucas Jenkins (10). PHOTO: The Central AppThe Year 6 girls long jump winners (from left) are Maycee Ellis (10), Phoebe Lucas (10) and Sienna Trochon (10). PHOTO: The Central AppThe Terrace School Year 4 pupil Jed Stewart warms up for the long jump. PHOTO: The Central AppCromwell College 12-year-old Freddie Earl won shot put with a 9.59m throw. PHOTO: The Central App Nathan Arnesen (12) from Roxburgh Area School swings a discus after lunch. PHOTO: The Central App Putting their best food forward in the sprints were athletes from most schools in the district. PHOTO: The Central App Youngsters took part in seven events: sprints, 400M (year four only) or 800M (years five - eight), hurdles, high jump, long jump, discus, and shot put and relays.Schools attending were Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, Cromwell Primary, Goldfields Primary School, Millers Flat, Omakau School, St Gerard’s School, The Terrace School, Cromwell College and Roxburgh Area School.The groundskeeper at Molyneux Park told The Central App that as cricket matches had recently been held there, they had been maintaining the surface and the grass. He had been looking after it for eight years and said “it’s come pretty right.” One parent commented that the track looked so good it almost could be mistaken for artificial grass. The top qualifiers for each event from Dunstan, Upper Clutha and Wakatipu zone competitions will pit their skills against others in their year group (Years 5 to 8) at the Central Otago zones on March 26, also in Alexandra.Last year CO zone athletics was cancelled due to bad weather, and it was not held in 2021, or 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions. Both Cromwell College and Dunstan High School recently had pupils competing at the Otago Secondary Schools Athletic Championships held at the Caledonian Ground, Dunedin (March 14-15).Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Central Otago has been the most buoyant of Otago’s districts this summer according to Quotable Value’s (QV) latest house price index. Central’s average home value grew by 2.1 per cent in the three months to the end of February.Tall Poppy Central Otago business owner Peter Hishon shared his perspective about what’s happening in the residential market as Easter nears.“Central Otago, we’re the wee star really…. There was a flat patch through winter and spring but since mid December we’ve seen activity really cranking.” The Central App has heard from recent buyers of multiple offers being presented on properties over the busy summer season. Peter said buyers were acting with urgency and that more multi-offers were in play now than at this time last year.“Interest rate [reductions] are the biggest factor at the moment… it’s reflected in what banks are saying; they’re run off their feet as first home buyers are getting organised.”His businesses sales were up by 30 to 40 per cent since October, Peter said.  Buyers in Central were a combination of work from home professionals and traditional retirees; both groups attracted to the lifestyle on offer in the district. One buyer, who wanted to remain anonymous said they had to move quickly, “and put our best foot forward, [the offer] was about five to 10 per cent above the government valuation.”Neighbouring Dunedin and Waitaki experienced miniscule growth of 0.3 per cent in house values on average since the start of December last year. For Queenstown residential property values are down again slightly; 0.3 per cent lower on average than at the same time last year.The QV house price index shows residential property values have increased nationally by an average of just 0.5 per cent in the three months to the end of February 2025.QV house price index February 2025. PHOTO: Supplied QV operations manager James Wilson said it had been the housing market’s flattest summer in six years – since home values increased by just 0.4 per cent throughout the pre-Covid summer months of December, January, and February in 2019.The average home is now worth $912,904, which is 1.4 per cent less than the same time last year and 14.1 per cent below the market’s peak in late 2021.Read more: Otago retains top economic spot in ASB's rankingsRead more: Subdivision opens up Cromwell housing opportunitiesRead more: Omakau Hall soldHave a story to share? Contact [email protected]

The digital world isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s moving faster than ever. In 2025, having a strong digital marketing strategy isn’t just a bonus. It’s essential for businesses of all sizes.So, what exactly is a digital marketing strategy? It’s a plan that outlines how your business will use online channels, like social media, search engines, email, and digital advertising, to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. Instead of guessing or doing things on the fly, a strategy gives you a clear direction, helping you make the most of your marketing efforts.Whether you run a retail store, a service-based business, or a hospitality venue, the way people discover and engage with brands has evolved. Without a clear plan, you risk being left behind while competitors take the lead.Here’s why you need a solid digital marketing strategy in 2025:1. Consumer Habits Have ChangedRecent data shows that two-thirds (66%) of NZ shoppers browse online before buying in-store, and around a third (36%) use their mobile to check prices. More people than ever are turning to their phones, social media, apps, and search engines to find businesses, read reviews, and make purchasing decisions. If your business isn’t showing up where they are looking, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities.2. Marketing Consistency Builds Trust and RecognitionOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make is being inconsistent with their marketing efforts. Sporadic posts, one-off ad campaigns, or months of silence can hurt brand awareness. Like a gym membership you have to go weekly to see the benefits!Customers are more likely to trust and remember businesses that show up regularly. A well-planned digital marketing strategy keeps your brand visible, reinforcing trust and familiarity, even if people aren’t ready to buy straight away.3. Multiple Digital Platforms Maximise ReachGone are the days when having a website or a Facebook page was enough. Successful businesses now use multiple digital platforms to stay visible, including social media, email marketing, and even local platforms like The Central App. Using a mix of channels helps you reach different segments of your audience and keeps your brand top of mind.4. Keeping Your Brand in People's MindsNot every marketing effort will lead directly to a sale, and that’s okay. The goal of digital marketing is to keep your brand in front of people so that when they do need your product or service, you’re the first business they think of. Regularly appearing on social feeds, in search results, or through email updates increases the chances of turning potential customers into loyal ones.5. Social Media is No Longer OptionalSocial media isn’t just for keeping up with friends—it’s also a business tool. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn influence purchasing decisions more than ever before. Having a strategy in place ensures you’re not just posting randomly but creating engaging content that connects with your audience in meaningful ways.6. Search Engine Visibility MattersWhen people need a product or service, they Google it. If your business doesn’t have a strong online presence, including an optimised website and local SEO, you’re missing out on potential customers. A well-planned digital marketing strategy ensures you appear higher in search results, making it easier for people to find you.7. Your Competitors Are Already OnlineEven if you’re not focusing on digital marketing, your competitors likely are. If they’re showing up in search results, engaging on social media, and running ads, they’re attracting customers who might otherwise choose you. Staying competitive means keeping up with digital trends and being proactive in your marketing efforts.Get Started TodayIf you don’t have a digital marketing strategy in place for 2025, now is the time to act. Start with the basics: optimise your website, build a social media presence, advertise consistently across platforms. The sooner you start, the stronger your online presence will be—and the more customers you’ll attract.Want help getting started? Let’s chat about how we can create a strategy tailored to your business - go to sparcgap.co.nz.

Police have released the name of the man killed in a crash near Omakau last month.He was Callum Sean Russell Pattison (25) of Lauder.The single vehicle crash on Glassford Rd occurred on February 21.Work to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash is ongoing, Police said.

Alexandra’s air quality monitoring site is being relocated to enable the Otago Regional Council to better study spatial variations in the town.Air quality scientist Sarah Harrison and environmental monitoring network lead Nick Boyens spoke to the Vincent Community Board yesterday during the public forum about their application for a license to occupy a recreational reserve.The regional council has identified Table Park in Ashworth Street as the appropriate location, and said it was important air pollution was monitored where it was the worst.Sarah recommended to the regional council last year that it needed to relocate the monitoring station again, closer to the ‘hot spot’ area of the town - which included between Ashworth Street and Simmonds Street.She said air quality monitoring for regulatory purposes should be conducted at the most polluted location within an airshed.Spatial variation of air quality shows a ‘hot spot’ in Alexandra where the new monitoring site needs to be. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA study carried out in 2023 found the existing site beside the Alexandra Primary School had 23 per cent lower concentrations, giving inconsistent data.While the current site was representative of median or average concentrations across the town, both the current, and the previous site 720m away in Ventry Street both under-represented the maximum concentrations in the town.The new monitoring site would feature a cabinet with two inlets and an additional 6m-high mast.Under the Resource Management Act (RMA), regional councils are required to monitor air quality, and to improve it where necessary. The main pollutant of concern is particulate matter (PM) which is a product of combustion.Long term exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 contribute to the risks of developing and exacerbating existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.Last winter the regional council found there were 37 breaches of national air quality standards in Otago - 11 in Alexandra, 25 in Arrowtown and one in Mosgiel.The application for the new site was for 10 years.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central’ ice-dependent winter sports are gearing up for an earlier opening date and a longer season as the roof over Alexandra’s ice rink is doing its job. Alexandra’s IceInline, is the home of several skating, curling, ice hockey clubs who usually get back into training and competing in May each year. The $1.6million roof over the facility, completed in April 2024, has meant the facility has brought forward its opening date to be Friday April 25 (Anzac day) during the school holidays this year. IceInline chairperson Murray Miller said the season had been extended by three weeks at the start, and two weeks at the other end.“The roof has been perfect… we can plan events and they happen.”Murray said previously the ice making plant was working in overload trying to freeze the rain in bad weather.“The roof has been a double win for us… we’re saving money and people can still skate in the rain [and stay dry].”The rink opened in 1993 and measuring 60m x 30m is the largest outdoor facility in the southern hemisphere.Since the rink opened a three stage enhancement has occurred due to the support of local funders, council and fundraising efforts; a new ice making plant and heat exchanger was completed in 2018, the addition of an indoor curling rink in 2021 and the roof project last year. Last winter local families used the facility in inclement weather, when previously the rink would have had to close. One ice skating mum described it as “a game changer" keeping both rain, sun and leaves off the ice surface.Murray said the roof project did end up being about $40-50K over budget due to a late addition required; a fire alarm system in the roof.The IceInline committee is investigating summer uses of the rink currently.“We’re looking for a sport that needs a roof and a concrete floor,” Murray said.One possibility is getting a mat with lines for Pickleball. In recent months roller hockey and leisure marching have been held at the facility. He said following the completion of the roof project the committee would be taking a breather on large developments for a bit.The indoor curling rink was designed to be extended to four lanes, which could still happen in the future.Stay tuned for an update about the winter season events in our Activities and news from the Maniototo Adventure Park soon.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central Otago residents will be consulted for the second time over new proposed speed limits, after new Government rules nullified the council’s draft Speed Management Plan.Local opposition to some of the proposed changes through the initial consultation process also led the Central Otago District Council’s roading team to make additional changes.Council roading asset engineer Holly Laverick told the Vincent Community Board (VCB) yesterday that one of the changes was shortening the 50km/hr section on the Earnscleugh Road near the Clyde bridge.New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi released its new Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits in December 2024, affecting the work council had done on its Speed Management Plan before the new limits changes could be implemented.Board chair Jayden Cromb described the re-consultation process “an absolute waste of you guys’ time to do this again,” and asked whether there was another way around it.But infrastructure manager Quentin Pennial said the fact of the matter was, “if you don’t consult you can’t make any changes,” he said.Mayor Tamah Alley said she had just received a letter from a resident suggesting the speed limit on the open road should be reduced to 80 km/hr everywhere, given the district just had six fatalities in recent weeks.“This stuff is actually really important,” the former police officer said.Other proposed new changes to the speed management plan included a new limit at Pisa Moorings of 40km/hr, the inclusion of Munro Rd, Church Ln and Jolly Rd at 80km/hr to align with State Highway 8, shortening the 50 km/hr limit at Ranfurly-Patearoa, and a removal of some speed limits that were no longer compliant under the rule, at Partridge Rd, Sunderland St (north) and Fruitgrowers Rd.The consultation time frame has also increased to six weeks (previously four).School speed limits could still be implemented under the new rule and had been planned for the start of the new school year in January 2025.However, amendments were required to comply with the rule, and that included the location of the signs, and alteration of operating hours. The updated speed limits have been submitted to NZTA for director approval, and once signed off, signage could be implemented.The report to the board said as Tarras, Roxburgh, Alexandra Primary and St Gerards schools have school gates adjacent to state highways, speed limit changes would be implemented in collaboration with NZTA to ensure consistency.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central Otago residents backed the Love Grace Handbag Appeal in 2025, ensuring women escaping domestic violence do not go without basic essentials.This year Central residents donated 117 bags, a 28.5 per cent increase on the 91 bags donated in 2024. The bags go to women in need via Women’s Refuge across New Zealand.Central Otago District Council (CODC) library team leader Moniza (Mo) Fenton said they were touched by the generosity of the community and are grateful for their support.“The displays at our drop-off points turned heads, with lots of people curious to hear more about the Love Grace Appeal and keen to support the good cause. People of all ages seemed to be moved by it, including men,’’ she said.“The drop off point quickly extended from one table to two, with bags overspilling onto the floor area soon after. The collection of bags certainly raised awareness for the appeal and was a good conversation starter.”Mo said Alexandra library staff saw school children asking their parents about collection of bags, learning about the cause and then insisting they go to the supermarket straight away as it would be nice to buy the essentials to fill a bag that they could give.  Each donated handbag is adorned with a white ribbon and a Love Grace bag tag before it goes to a recipient via Women’s Refuge. PHOTO: Love Grace Handbag Appeal Facebook“We also witnessed teenagers discovering the table full of bags whilst on a quick visit to the library, they left and came back the same day with bags full of goodies.”This year there were 102 collection points across the country, up from 29 in 2024.For the second time Central Otago’s public libraries in Cromwell, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Maniototo were drop off points for bags filled with items, during the three week appeal.The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was launched in memory of Grace Millane, who was killed in an Auckland hotel room in 2018 by her Tinder date Jesse Kempson.A documentary titled ‘The Lie’, directed by British film-maker Helena Coan detailed the high-profile case and called for consensual rough-sex defence to be banned. Following it’s release in New Zealand cinemas in April 2024 it was widely streamed by Kiwis late last year. Read more: Love Grace Appeal returns to CentralHave a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Funding cuts of $1.2million for planned public transport upgrades was one of the reasons why the Otago Regional Council’s proposed rates increases for 2025 have decreased to 7.8 per cent.The Annual Plan was now out for public consultation, but the regional council was still investigating a transport option for commuters from Alexandra and Cromwell to Queenstown.Chief executive Richard Saunders said that recognised the volume of traffic between Central Otago and Queenstown, including commuters, and replaced the previously proposed trial for these towns.The Wānaka/Upper Clutha public transport business case would not go ahead as a result of the funding constraints, due to reduced government co-funding.Environmental implementation funding has also been reprioritised, shaving off $1m, and approximately $500,000 has been reduced through general efficiency savings and a reduction in inflation.In his report to council this week, Richard said the overall spending in the draft annual plan had reduced $6m from the approved Long Term Plan position. The initial rates increase was forecast to be 13.8 per cent, but how rates were set for each property was different and influenced by a range of things including location and the services provided, so ratepayers are encouraged to use the estimator on the ORC website to see what the rates forecast would be for them. Less than half of ORC’s funding comes from rates — the rest is from fees and charges, grants, reserves, dividends from Port Otago and investment income. The annual plan provides information about ORC’s work programme for the coming year and what that will cost. It details any key changes from the Long Term Plan 2024-34, including changes to planned transport improvements. Large scale environmental work will get an extra boost when a new $2m a year environmental fund is introduced in the coming year. “This new fund was part of the Long Term Plan process which the public gave feedback on in 2024. It was designed to support large-scale environmental work, helping communities with activities that benefit our special Otago environment,” he said. People can find out more about the annual plan, use ORC’s rates estimator and have their say at orc.govt.nz/ap2025. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The hearings panel deciding the fate of an extensive proposed Bannockburn subdivision has asked the applicants to further consider the effect on amenity values of the neighbourhood.Chair Rosalind Day-Cleavin said on reflection following the panel’s review of the submissions and evidence from the March 4-5 hearing in Cromwell, it was apparent a key matter for consideration was the amenity values “in particular the character of the streetscape.”DJ Jones and NR Searell Family Trust initially applied for a 35-lot subdivision at 88 Terrace Street, and 80 per cent of submitters opposed it.The application was withdrawn in 2021 and an amended application for a scaled down version of 25 lots over the 17ha of land west of the Bannockburn inlet, attracted 38 submissions.At the hearing, the panel heard from a neighbouring resident who expressed concern at the development on the closest allotments adjacent to their property, and in particular on their views along the street towards the natural features of the hilltop.The majority of submissions in opposition raised concerns regarding the lot size. For the residential resource area, a minimum lot area of 1500m2 and an average allotment size was no less than 2000m2 was required.The applicant proposed the reserve would provide a connection to the informal public trail and a lookout area to the north and east towards Cromwell, the wider Upper Clutha area and eastwards towards the Bannockburn Outlet and surrounds. It would include interpretive material associated with the former mining activity, heritage associations with the twin Water Race Hill water races, and also potentially geomorphic explanations of the Upper Clutha area.The supporting information submitted with the application site showed evidence of former gold mining works dating back to pre-1900’s as evidenced by a network of historic water races and deeply incised sluice gullies in the northwest with sluice faces and channels.Applicants were asked to respond by yesterday March 17 and would be given a right of reply before a final decision was made by commissioners. 

More than seventy Central business leaders discovered new ways to tackle business problems during an Artificial Intelligence (AI) seminar hosted by The Central App last week.Australian-based marketing strategist and AI expert Kelly Slessor returned to Central to run three seminars, following a successful session held at Monte Christo in 2024.The advanced two hour session, held three times on Friday, covered how people can use custom Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) to write content (social posts, blogs, emails, plans), creating AI-powered standard operating procedures to train teams and scale faster, and automating proposals and administration.Attendees at the lunchtime workshop were from a variety of sectors including IT, hospitality, law, finance, real estate, healthcare and media. Photo: The Central AppKelly encouraged attendees to think of a business problem or issue from within their operations and run it through an AI project planner to understand the customer, the problem, impact of it and how success could be measured; before looking at spending any money on a technical or AI solution. She showed attendees the rapid rate of development in this arena; including demonstrations of image, video, and presentation creation tools.Kelly’s presentation included a clip of herself including her voice as an animated dog - at the click of a button. PHOTO: The Central App Staggering figures surprised attendees with 97million people expected to work in the AI space by 2025, and usage of ChatGPT eclipsing TikTok (4.7billion visits in Feb 2025).Her tool recommendations were Open AI (includes video tool Sora), Gamma (for presentations), Midjourney (for images).“[When] you’re inducting a custom GPT; ask yourself what knowledge does it need to know,” she said. In her job keeping up with the news around AI was extremely difficult as things were moving so quickly she said.Kelly said the three big AI models to watch were Manus, DeepSeek and Open AI.Feedback from attendees was that it was exhilarating and a little scary to see the applications in action.Some business leaders in the room were already using AI applications for summarising email chains, diary management, research and restaurant bookings. Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Cherry exports surpassed 5000 tonnes for the first time nationally, despite a cooler summer in the south.Some growers said they had their best season in years, with 2017 the last time many had experienced a bumper crop.Meanwhile, the wine growing season started last Friday, and February’s warmer temperatures had moved the harvest along well.Central Otago Winegrowers Association manager Carolyn Murray said it was a positive outlook for viticulture this season. “There was a significant frost early in the growing season, but crop loads are now looking good, and the relatively dry summer has resulted in high-quality fruit and low disease pressure.”An impressive Moorpark harvest at Webbs Fruit in Cromwell SUPPLIEDWhen asked what challenges the industry faced, she said vineyard owners were impacted by rising costs, and sales both domestically and internationally had slowed in 2024 due to the tough economic climate. “Central Otago however is well positioned to ride this out as producers of premium wines, with world-wide recognition and a strong focus on sustainability. Central Otago has recently achieved a remarkable milestone of 30 per cent of the vineyard area now certified organic, the highest proportion in New Zealand."Back on the orchards, Cromwell grower Simon Webb also believed people tightening their wallets had started to affect domestic sales of fruit in recent weeks.“The cost of living is hitting home and where there is a special on the fruit is really moving, but otherwise it’s not.”His fruit quality was high this year and the weather was conducive to growing good peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums.Heritage fruit such as greengages were very popular this season - almost every roadside stall down in the Teviot Valley was selling them, and Simon said his crop had done well at market as well.The new NZSummerfresh apricot varieties were also strong, and in particular the summer ‘blaze’ which growers said was showing real potential overseas.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Central tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) from Alexandra’s ‘Circus Space’ group will perform a range of aerial skills suspended on circus equipment as a part of Wānaka’s Festival of Colour.Circus Space director Abigail Rose said it was the first time Alexandra children had done anything like this.“There are a whole selection of things included; aerial fabric, triple trapeze, aerial cube, aerial hammock and solo trapeze.”The group range in ages from 11 to 15 years old and they have created all their own choreography for the performances, working hard for this event during term one. Abigail said modern circus was nothing like the circus of yesteryear.“We are not about clowns but focus on contemporary dance, creative aerials....encompassing music, storytelling, co-ordination, physical expression and fun.”She has tamariki involved who’ve only been learning circus for a year as well as those who’ve been perfecting and learning skills for several years.The 25 minute long performance is on twice, and made up of smaller three to five minute acts.Abigail said the biggest thing performing in public led to was “more confidence in themselves.”“They see that they can do something that not everyone else can do. They change and grow a lot. [As well as] meeting new people and working like a team.”“I think everything they are doing is extraordinary. It’s the first time this group is doing the triple trapeze.”Abigail has been to Perth to learn specific skills in it and was excited to see the group bring it to a live performance. Abigail Rose performs outside to connect to nature. PHOTO: SuppliedOne of Abigail’s performers, Annie Lochaden, described circus as “so much fun it should be illegal” and another great thing about it was its inclusivity as it “encompasses all ages and abilities”. Catch Central’ Circus Space during the Wānaka Festival of Colour, free at the lakefront on Sunday March 30, 10am and 1pm.Abigail is also performing outdoors under lights the following Saturday (April 5) at 8pm and 10pm at Bullock Creek. She has created a 10 minute contemporary expressive piece specially for the festival, telling her story through vertical dance in an outdoor setting - a spectacle not to be missed.Find Circus Space’s group listing on The Central App hereRead more: Play brings Kāi Tahu wahine toa story to Central Lakes Read more: Creativity, culture to be celebrated at Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025 (sponsored)Read more: Te Radar’s jokes coming to BannockburnHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]