Naseby’s eight-year journey toward dark sky accreditation is approaching a critical point, bringing it one step closer to sign off.Appeals to the Environment Court will close in just under a week, allowing the committee to enter its next phase.Co-ordinator Jill Wolff said the committee was now going through its application, while working to “reinvigorate” community support toward the project, which started in 2016.She said the rules had changed since the group first initiated the project, which would see the township be classified as a Dark Sky Community.As part of the process, the entire community has to apply, she said.Naseby could soon be regarded a Dark Sky Community, if it meets the requirements of DarkSky International. PHOTO: Phil Flanagan / Star Dust Studios NasebyShe hoped that once the group was given the green light, the committee would have about six months to update its paperwork to ensure it was aligned with new rules and regulations.Protection of Naseby’s night sky has also been reflected in the Central Otago district plan, a move that was approved at a Central Otago District Council (CODC) meeting in late June.As part of that process, CODC adopted Plan Change 22, which introduces the planning framework for mapping areas known as dark sky precincts, the first of which will be in Naseby.The new Dark Sky Precinct adopted by CODC covers the Naseby township and nearby rural land within the visual catchment of the town.The plan change specifically protects the quality of Naseby’s dark skies through the establishment of lighting codes, local monitoring of compliant outdoor light codes, and increasing awareness of light.Community development organisation Naseby Vision has been instrumental in ensuring the protection of the town’s night sky and has been working with the DarkSky International, formerly the International Dark-Sky Association, to meet official requirements.

IceInline Central was involved in an urgent meeting on Tuesday night with Ice Rinks Association of NZ (IRANZ) following the second death in a month at two Canterbury facilities.While helmet use is compulsory for all school and community groups using Central Otago facilities (Alexandra and Naseby), there is currently no policy for the general public.A 13-year-old died in Christchurch after hitting her head when stepping onto the ice, and just last week a curler at the Staveley rink also died after an incident in a private session.IceInline Central secretary Dianne Elliott said the meeting with Ice Rinks Association of NZ went well, but there was still a lot to be done as the rinks individually sort their policies.“We as a group, have met and had urgent discussions about what has happened and are working our way through what measures to take.”  She said no further comment would be made, other than with IceInline soon closing for the season, the committee will have all summer to make decisions.IceInline chairman Murray Miller said they had gone out and bought an extra 30 helmets two weeks ago but, ideally, they would prefer people brought their own to use at public sessions.“We don’t want it to be that there isn’t one available for people. But we’re not at the stage of making them compulsory.”He said while IceInline was in charge of running the Alexandra facility, they had no control over what happened in club times, when curlers, figure skaters and ice hockey players were using the rink.Maniototo Adventure Park manager John Grant said last week because of the range of ice activities offered in Naseby, such as the luge, helmets were widely used by people.While not part of the IRANZ meeting, he said it was obviously a “very hot topic” at the moment, and they would come up with a very suitable outcome in terms of its policies.Read more: Helmet policy reviewed after tragedy

Grey Power has warned the Central Otago District Council that at some stage people will just stop paying their rates, because they simply cannot afford them anymore.A second Grey Power Central Otago meeting to discuss rates was held in Alexandra yesterday, and this time Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan brought the chief executive Peter Kelly with him.The first public meeting back in June attracted about 150 people and was chaired by former ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff, and attended by MPs Todd Stephenson and Joseph Mooney.This time only 30 people were at the meeting, but there were still plenty of questions and the council focused on what it was trying to do to bring the rates down, through districtisation.The community is being asked whether a district-wide approach should be adopted so that charges for services will be the same in each of the wards (Vincent, Cromwell, Maniototo and Teviot).“I’m a mayor that could do without another headache,” Tim Cadogan said to the meeting, before explaining why districtisation was so important right now.With further rates increases likely in coming years, it was a discussion that needed to be had, with a final decision being made by council on September 25.One question that was asked was how the council planned to make sure rates were affordable for people on fixed incomes, and Mayor Tim said by telling central government “you just can’t keep loading stuff on us that we can’t do”.“We are continually in the Government’s ear saying stop doing things, and I think they are starting to listen,” he said.New testing for drinking water standards that haven’t been needed up until now, was one example.“At some stage there will be people that can’t afford to pay it full stop,” one member said.The council was then asked what level of debt there was from people already not paying rates.Mr Kelly said the arrears were not as high as people thought, and some were now using direct debit payments weekly to lighten the load.“While we’re not seeing anything so far, it might be that people are turning off a heater or going without a meal, and that worries me sick,” Mayor Tim said.Public sessions on districtisation are being held throughout August, with the next one in Cromwell on Monday, August 19 from 7pm-8pm at the Presbyterian Church.There will also be a district-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 27 from 7pm-8pm online for those who may have missed the other ones.

A public excluded meeting for the Cromwell Community Board tomorrow will talk about the governance structure for the town centre project.The Central Otago District Council decided in May a report needed to come back to the board on where the governance oversight sat - the council or the community board.Board chair Anna Harrison said the aim of Wednesday’s meeting was to keep the board in the loop about the structure that has been set up for them moving forward.Cromwell's town centre project will be discussed behind closed doors at tomorrow's community board meeting. PHOTO: File“The board will be feeding local voice into decision making so that the project can be progressed and included in the 2025 [Long Term Plan] LTP process. It is a project largely driven by council, but they will continue to work in a close partnership with the board and other stakeholders.”Council approved the next stages of the detailed design for the Cromwell Town Centre project in May, but decided as a result of the current economic climate and the increased cost of building the town hall, it would consult with the community in the Long Term Plan (2025-34).In a separate resolution, the council also decided that negotiations for property purchases for the project should cease until the various options for the town centre were worked through and approved by the council, and that those options would form part of the LTP.The Cromwell Town Centre project is part of the Cromwell Masterplan that commenced in 2018, which approved the process, funding and procurement approach for the project. Four workstreams were identified - the spatial framework, the Cromwell Memorial Hall, now underway, the town centre and the civic facilities.

After two-and-a-half weeks of competition, the Olympic Games are coming to an end with the closing ceremony in the heart of Paris.Dame Lisa Carrington and Central Otago Local, Finn Butcher have been named the New Zealand flagbearers for the ceremony.The ceremony will see the Olympic flag handed to the next host city, Los Angeles, as well as a parade of thousands of athletes and an array of artistic performances.Snoop Dogg has been confirmed to appear and there are rumours that Tom Cruise will abseil down a building during the ceremony.The ceremony brings an end to New Zealand's most successful Olympic Games, where athletes nabbed 20 medals - 10 of them gold.Follow our liveblog for updates:

New Zealand athletes have bagged more gold medals at Paris 2024 than at any other Olympic Games in history.The 10 golds claimed across the two weeks of competition have smashed the previous record of eight won at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.The Kiwis also bagged seven silver and three bronze medals to take the total number to 20 and finish 11th on the medal table, between Germany and Canada.That is the same number of medals won at Tokyo 2020, which was previously New Zealand's most successful Olympics in terms of numbers. Athletes took seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes atthat competition.The second-most successful was Rio de Janeiro in 2016, where the Kiwis bagged 18: four golds, nine silvers and five bronzes.However, the 1984 LA Games were the most successful in terms of our place on the medal table. We came eighth at those Games, in between Japan and Yugoslavia.Going into these Games, Aotearoa was predicted to claim 14 medals and finish 16th equal, alongside Denmark and Turkey.The prediction, taken from the final edition of the Gracenote virtual medals table (which is compiled using results data from key global and continental competitions since the Tokyo Games), was for fourgolds, four silvers and six bronzes.Here are all the New Zealand podium places from Paris 2024:The Black Ferns Sevens won New Zealand's first medal of the Paris Games - a gold. Photo: Iain McGregor / www.photosport.nzNZ's gold medalsBlack Ferns Sevens, women's rugby sevensBrooke Francis and Lucy Spoors, women's double sculls rowingFinn Butcher, men's kayak crossDame Lisa Carrington, Olivia Brett, Alicia Hoskin and Tara Vaughan, women's kayak fours 500mEllesse Andrews, women's keirinDame Lisa Carrington and Alicia Hoskin, women's kayak doubles 500mDame Lisa Carrington, women's kayak singles 500mLydia Ko, women's golfHamish Kerr, men's high jumpEllesse Andrews, women's sprint cyclingHayden Wilde on the podium after claiming silver in the men's triathlon. Photo: AFP/ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULATNZ's silver medalsHayden Wilde, men's triathlonLogan Ullrich, Ollie Maclean, Tom Murray and Matt Macdonald, men's coxless foursIsaac McHardie and Will McKenzie, men's 49er skiffEmma Twigg, women's single sculls rowingEllesse Andrews, Shaane Fulton and Rebecca Petch, women's sprint cycling relayAlly Wollaston, Bryony Botha, Emily Shearman and Nicole Shields, women's team pursuitMaddi Wesche, women's shot putNZ's bronze medalsJackie Gowler, Phoebe Spoors, Kerri Williams and Davina Waddy, women's coxless foursErica Dawson and Micah Wilkinson, mixed multihull NacraAlly Wollaston, women's omniumAfter more than two weeks of action-packed sport, Paris is preparing for the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.It will take place this morning (Monday, 12 August) and is being held at the Stade de France, which has hosted athletics and rugby sevens during the Games.It is scheduled to start at 7am (NZ time) and finish at 9.30am.How can I watch the closing ceremony?Sky has the New Zealand broadcast rights for the 2024 Olympics, including the opening ceremony.Sky will have 12 channels dedicated to the games. Some will be screened on Sky Open, which is free-to-air.

The Water Services Act 2019 was part of New Zealand's broader Three Waters Reform, it was not repealed with the other Three Waters legislation following the change in government.  The Act introduces significant changes and responsibilities for landowners who supply drinking water. Here are the key points relevant to landowners:Definition of Supplier: The Act broadens the definition of a water supplier to include anyone supplying water to others, even if it's just a neighbour. This includes private bore owners and those with small water schemes. If you have a bore on your property and it’s shared by a neighbour, then you are a water supplier.  If you have a water supply on your property and it also supplies workers accommodation, then you are a water supplier.Registration and Compliance: Landowners who supply drinking water must register their supply with Taumata Arowai, the new water services regulator. You will need to develop and implement a drinking water safety plan and comply with drinking water standards, which include both safety and aesthetic (taste, smell, appearance) requirements.Risk Management: Suppliers are required to notify Taumata Arowai and local authorities of any risks or hazards to the water supply. They must maintain comprehensive records of their compliance and monitoring activities.Monitoring and Reporting: Water quality must be regularly tested in accredited laboratories, and suppliers must provide information and a complaints process for water consumers. This ensures transparency and accountability in water safety. The level and timing of testing will depend on how many end users are being supplied.For example: A very small community (25 or less end users) needs to check for E. coli and total coliforms every six months. A Small supply (26 – 100 end users) needs to check for E. coli every three months.Penalties for Non-Compliance: Significant penalties exist for non-compliance, including fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $200,000 for corporate bodies. There is also provision for private prosecution if regulatory bodies do not act on complaints.Impact on Property Arrangements: The Act can complicate property arrangements and resource consents, especially for those with water easements or who supply water to others. This could lead to increased costs and administrative burdens.Understanding these requirements is crucial for landowners to ensure they remain compliant with the regulations and avoid significant penalties. It may be time to review the easements registered on your title and look to share the supplier burdens with all users. For detailed guidance, contact your local Checketts McKay solicitor.

Alexandra and Clyde can no longer be called retirement towns after latest population statistics reveal a huge increase in young families moving into the areas.A recent report to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) from Arrowtown-based economist Benje Patterson showed 30% of the Vincent ward (Alexandra and Clyde) population was in the 30-49 year-old age group.This compared to just 22% in Cromwell, Maniototo and the Teviot Valley.  Over 65s were now the lowest in the Vincent ward (20%), compared to 28% and 26% in the Teviot and Cromwell wards respectively.Population growth in Vincent (2.4% pa over the past five years) has also sat well above the national average (1.3%pa).The population of Alexandra and Clyde is significantly younger than elsewhere in Central Otago. PHOTO: SuppliedCentral Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said anecdotally he’d also heard Alexandra was “going absolutely gangbusters,” particularly in the 30-49 year old age group.“Alexandra is now not the retirement village anymore,” he said.He said he understood St Gerards Primary School has reported its highest roll ever.Principal Julie Flannery confirmed the school roll was its most significant in 20 years.“We have many new families, not only new to Alexandra but also new to New Zealand. Our expanding cultural makeup and diversity enrich our community. “Overall population growth across Central Otago remains fastest growing in Cromwell, averaging 4.9% in the past five years - more than three times the rate of population growth nationally.In 2018 Cromwell had 8310 residents and that had now jumped to 10,580. The Vincent ward increased from 10,430 to 11,720, while the Teviot increased only slightly from 1820 to 1930 and the Maniototo from 1660 to 1810.Central Otago’s population overall increased from 22,200 to 26,000 during that same time period.The economic development report from Benje will form a new 10-year economic strategy that will reflect the region’s potential for both business and community, by the CODC.The independent report highlights economic and social changes in the community at district and ward levels over the past five years since the current economic strategy was commissioned. It also includes global mega-trends that are slowly changing the broader environment for our economy and will need to be considered in the development of the new strategy.

Curlers, including police officers from as far as Wellington, are continuing to make the most of Central's cool conditions.The group of police officers recently gathered in Naseby, including three from Wellington, while others travelled from Dunedin, Cromwell, Wānaka, Alexandra and Queenstown, to compete against locals for The Umbers Trophy. Among those also competing was Senior Constable Jess Owens, of Ranfurly, who organises the annual event - a role that came with his posting to the Maniototo.The tournament is held in memory of Senior Constable Peter Umbers who was killed while attending an armed robbery that had taken place at the Poolburn Hotel on May 27, 1990.Taking part in the memorial curling tournament are Senior Sergeant Clint Wright (left) and Constable Jeff Haig, both from Alexandra Police. PHOTO: Jess OwensCold, but perfect conditions greeted police and locals to Naseby's Jock Scott Family Ice Rink for the Umbers Trophy recently. PHOTO: John GrantOn his way to the scene, about 5km out of Ranfurly, Snr Const Umbers pulled over the vehicle he believed had been used in the robbery, but was later found dead beside his police car with the lights still flashing.The 19-year-old offender was eventually sentenced to life in prison for Snr Const Umbers’ murder.The late Senior Constable Peter Umbers. PHOTO: NZ PoliceSnr Const Umbers was a valued member of the Mount Ida Curling Club, prompting the community to establish The Umbers Trophy tournament, which is played at the Jock Scott Family Ice Rink.Maniototo Adventure Park manager John Grant said it was an event that was a “very worthwhile tribute”.“It’s cool that his legacy lives on through this and other things and we’re very happy to be involved.”Snr Const Owens said the event, which attracted a total of 40 curlers, resulted in a win for the locals, as was usually the case.The locals had eight wins and 85 points, while the police had two wins and 61 points."It was a great day to remember Peter, share some stories and even throw a few stones down the ice. We’re looking forward to next year already."

An “incredible” number of volunteers have put up their hands to help raise money across Central this Daffodil Day.Up to 350 people across the district have registered as street collectors for this year’s appeal, taking place on August 30. Southern Cancer Society head of funding Jonet Warhurst was grateful to all of those who had provided support, either as a volunteer or by making a donation towards the cause which has been running for 35 years.In that time, it has raised $25 million, which has gone towards supporting people affected by cancer throughout New Zealand.This year the Cancer Society has a nationwide target of $5.5 million, while Central residents who donate will be contributing to a South Island target of $1.4 million.Jonet said money raised goes towards supporting people in their homes and helping them through their cancer journey. The demand for the service has increased over the years and is projected to keep climbing, as statistics indicate the current one in three people with cancer could double in the next decade.As a result of the current statistic, this year's campaign is titled 'The 1 in 3 Could Be Me' and emphasises the urgent need for collective action.The funds raised are directly allocated to cancer research, early detection, and education programmes. It also allows the Cancer Society to increase its reach throughout the South Island, offering practical and emotional support, free accommodation, and transport services. To support this year’s appeal as a volunteer register online at daffodilday.org.nzJonet talks more about this year’s upcoming Daffodil Day appeal on The Outlet podcast.

Community boards will remain “crucially important” if districtisation goes ahead.That was the message Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan presented at yesterday’s Maniototo Community Board meeting after members noted there had been a lot of talk on the matter across the district.Mayor Tim’s comments came ahead of a districtisation meeting in Ranfurly last night, the first in a series being hosted throughout the district by the Central Otago District Council.The meetings call for feedback on setting a district-wide approach for funding and decision-making (districtisation) for the majority of services regardless of which ward they live in.At the moment, 82 per cent of rates for water, roading and waste, are collected at a district level, and 18 per cent of rates for property, parks, cemeteries, pools and community grants (except museums) are collected at a ward level.The community is being asked whether a district-wide approach should be adopted so that charges for services will be the same in each of the wards i.e., Vincent, Cromwell, Maniototo and Teviot Valley.Mayor Tim said one potential downside if districtisation was to go ahead, was people thinking there was no point being on the community board because “they don’t do anything, which is 100 per cent wrong”. “I know, as mayor, I’ve tried really hard for eight years to get around as much as I can, but I still don’t know people in this community like you guys do and I never will - it’s impossible.”He said it was important to have a community voice, like that of the Maniototo Community Board represented at the council table “telling us what’s what”.Without that representation, the district would be “much weaker”, he said.“So, the boards are still crucially important if districtisation happened. It’s just their functions are going to change a bit. I still think when it comes down to it, the boards are going to have, not a determinative voice, but they are going to have an incredibly loud voice of what happens in the future.”There are three options for the community to consider:Option 1: Full districtisation of property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums – every ward pays an equal share.Option 2: Districtise property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums but include a rating adjustment for the Teviot Valley ward to offset pool charges (as the ward does not have a council-run pool).Option 3: Status quo, no change. Property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums continue to be funded by ward rates.Public sessions will be held throughout August, which will begin with a brief presentation, followed by the opportunity to ask questions. The next public sessions will be held at the following times and locations:Teviot Valley: Monday, August 12, 7pm-8pm at the Memorial Hall in Roxburgh.Alexandra and surrounds: Wednesday, August 14, 7pm-8pm at the Memorial Hall, Skird St, Alexandra.Cromwell and surrounds: Monday, August 19, 7pm-8pm at the Presbyterian Church, Cromwell.Districtwide: Tuesday, August 27, 7pm-8pm online.

Alexandra’s Iceinline and the Maniototo Adventure Park are both reviewing their helmet policies at their rinks, after the tragic fatality of a teenager last week in Christchurch.IceInline secretary Dianne Elliot said that helmets are already provided for skaters to use in public sessions if they wish, but they had updated their signage so the public can see them more clearly.“It is already compulsory for all school students to wear helmets when attending the rink with their classes for tuition,” she said.The committee has also written to Dunstan High School to reinforce the message that helmets must be compulsory when visiting as a group. However, the committee had not yet made any hard decision on what they intend to do regarding the general public, whether to make them compulsory or not.  Discussion is ongoing with other rinks around New Zealand such as Tekapo, Gore, Queenstown and Auckland to see what their stance is.“Some have had policies in place, but were finding it hard to enforce, especially in public sessions,” she said.The challenge would be convincing experienced skaters to comply with any ruling that may be made.Iceinline said the last thing they want to do is discourage skaters from coming to the rink, but they are aware that they have an obligation to do everything they can to make sure skaters are safe.The Maniototo Adventure Park has also changed its helmet policy and now strongly suggests everyone wears them. PHOTO: FileManiototo Adventure Park manager John Grant said because of the other luge activities that take place in Naseby, helmets have always been made widely available.But following a committee meeting this week, a quick change of policy meant staff would now “strongly suggest” rink helmets be worn by the public when on the ice.“Unless they are a really strong skater and have their own skates . . . and if there are any strong objections to wearing them. It’s an individual choice.”The rink was still yet to decide what its long-term policy would be on wearing helmets, but said the uptake with young children was 100 per cent anyway.“And we’ve even had some people who wear them for curling.”

Woolworths staff have voted to strike, including some Alexandra employees, over low wage offers and unsafe staffing levels.Nearly 10,000 FIRST Union members who work at Countdown and Woolworths stores nationwide have voted to take three initial strike actions.FIRST Union noted the move comes following nine days of bargaining with their employer who is “ruling out” a living wage and is not negotiating productively with workers to address chronic understaffing issues.Connie Prins, who is a union worker at Woolworths Alexandra, said it was not a traditional “down tools strike”, but more about raising social awareness regarding staffing conditions.Connie Prins with the sticker staff will be sporting, calling for fairer wages and improved staffing conditions. PHOTO: SuppliedShe said the move also addressed the need for increased rates for working weekends and evenings.Connie is among those involved in the action who will be “proudly” wearing a sticker to raise community awareness.She was one of the 10,000 staff who were surveyed nationwide and felt the store was understaffed.FIRST Union national organiser for retail food Ross Lampert said more than 95 per cent of strike ballot respondents had voted to take three initial strike actions, with a smaller group of members across 10 key Woolworths stores nationwide also voting for an additional action. A list of the conditions FIRST Union members want Woolworths to address. IMAGE: Supplied"This is a case of one of the largest and most profitable businesses in New Zealand deciding that their workers no longer deserve a fair deal and must accept whatever they put on the table - it just doesn’t work that way."Our members are seeking a living wage, safe staffing minimum standards and fair compensation for giving up family and leisure time to work understaffed night and weekend shifts."The current Woolworths start rate is $24.93 per hour, while Costco is paying new staff $27 per hour and Foodstuffs sites like Pak’N’Save Kilbirnie have a start rate of $26 per hour.FIRST Union's recent survey of supermarket workers showed that 90.8 per cent of respondents said their stores were understaffed, either "sometimes" (36.2 per cent) "regularly" (30 per cent) or "continuously" (24.7 per cent).Woolworths New Zealand managing director Spencer Sonn said the organisation had brought a strong offer to the table in its discussions with FIRST Union.“We know we pay near the top of the market already and we offer a range of benefits to our team. We’re also investing over $45 million in making our stores safer for our team and customers.”He said the supermarket was disappointed First Union has tabled claims on behalf of its members totalling nearly $1 billion over 1 year, which was unsustainable. “Our offer includes a 6.6 per cent increase for our store team on average over two years, and we have a genuine focus on helping our team have long and meaningful careers with us.“In the current economic environment, we have to balance increasing costs and providing value for customers, but making sure our team earns more is also a key priority for us.”He said Woolworths would continue to engage with FIRST Union in good faith.

The Central Otago District Council has recognised there is a disparity with its districtisation proposal towards the Teviot Ward.At the Cromwell Community Board meeting yesterday, Mayor Tim Cadogan said there had been a change in direction from where they had originally gone with districtisation.“We have been contemplating a binary or all or nothing solution, but we have put in an option two now.”The Teviot Valley Community Board’s submission outlined that it was unfair its ratepayers would have to pay an extra $233 a year for other pools in the district, if they were all council owned.Option two was for the districtisation of property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums but included a rating adjustment for the Teviot Valley ward to offset pool charges.For the Teviot Valley under the revised proposed districtisation option, the new $2.7 million Ida MacDonald Trust pool would continue to be owned by the community, and only supported by ratepayer funding from its own ward - as would the Millers Flat pool.It would also mean Teviot ratepayers would not have to contribute to the running costs of other pools in the district such as Alexandra, Cromwell and Ranfurly.This would mean average rates for Cromwell would change from being $52 less a year to just $35 less a year, with the cost of the new hall still spread right across the district.Formal consultation about the proposed changes with the community will start this month, with numerous town hall meeting sessions, followed by hearings and deliberations.Council planned to rate certain activities across the district rather than by ward level, as it was particularly challenging in the less populated areas to maintain services - given the fewer ratepayers in these areas to spread the cost across. In the mid 1990s roading was changed to a district rate rather than a ward rate, and in 2015 council engaged with the community to change the funding of three waters to be at the district level rather than at the ward level.A final districtisation decision will be made on September 5..

When diving into the world of insurance, it can sometimes feel like you need a translator to understand all the industry jargon.Let's break down some of the most common terms you’ll encounter, so you can feel confident and informed when discussing your policy.1. PremiumThis is the amount you pay for your insurance policy. Think of it as your membership fee to stay protected. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your plan and preferences.2. Deductible/ExcessThe deductible or excess is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and a $2,000 claim, you’ll pay the first $500, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,500.3. PolicyholderThat’s you! The policyholder is the person who owns the insurance policy and is covered by it. Simple as that.4. ClaimWhen something goes wrong—like an accident or damage to your property—you file an insurance claim to request payment from your insurance company. It’s essentially your way of saying, “Hi, I need help!”5. Insurance CoverageThis refers to the specific protections and benefits provided by your insurance policy. Coverage can vary widely depending on the type of insurance (car, home, health, etc.) and the specifics of your policy.6. BeneficiaryFor life insurance policies, the beneficiary is the person (or people) who will receive the insurance payout if the policyholder passes away. It’s important to keep your beneficiaries up to date to ensure your loved ones are taken care of.7. ExclusionExclusions are the things your insurance policy won’t cover. It’s crucial to read your insurance contract carefully to understand what’s included and what’s not, so you’re not caught off guard. For instance, you might discover that your insurance doesn't cover you if you drive with passengers while holding a restricted licence.8. UnderwritingUnderwriting is the process insurance companies use to evaluate the risk of insuring you. This involves assessing your application and determining your premium based on factors like your health, lifestyle, and driving record.9. Extension or ExclusionA Extension or Exclusion is an add-on to your insurance policy that provides additional coverage or benefits. For example, you might add a rider to your home insurance policy to cover expensive jewellery or art.10. Grace PeriodThis is the extra period of time your insurance company gives you to pay your premium after the due date before they cancel your policy. It’s a little cushion to help you stay covered even if you’re a bit late.11. LapseA lapse occurs when your insurance policy is terminated due to non-payment of premiums. If your policy lapses, you’re no longer covered, and you’ll need to go through the application process again to reinstate it. If your policy lapses due to non-payment, this becomes a material fact that must be disclosed to any future insurers.12. Policy TermThis is the length of time your insurance policy is in effect. It could be six months, a year, or longer. At the end of the term, you’ll need to renew your policy to continue coverage.13. QuoteA quote is an estimate of the cost of insurance. It’s based on the information you provide and helps you compare different policies and providers.14. EndorsementAn endorsement is a change to your insurance policy that alters its terms or coverage. This could include adding or removing coverage, updating your personal information, or changing your deductible. Understanding these terms can make a world of difference when you’re shopping for insurance or reviewing your current policy. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions and feel more confident discussing your coverage needs.If you need help decoding any other insurance jargon you come across. Feel free to reach out to C&R for any questions or concerns you may have.  Commercial - Horticulture & Viticulture - Rural - Personal - Life & Health - Income Protection

Things will start to get very real in Central Otago with regard to rates if the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) is notified at the end of October, Cr Gary Kelliher says.Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan spoke out on Friday saying a total ban on water-based disposal of treated wastewater will make costs so exorbitant that requirements will become totally impossible for local authorities.Federated Farmers led the charge last week saying the ORC had kept people in the dark with the costs of more than $110 million for Alexandra and Clyde, but Mayor Cadogan said it had actually been publicly available for some time.The ORC has acknowledged receipt of a new letter from Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds seeking further information around costs involved with the proposed plan.But ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said they hadn’t sought detailed information on the potential costs of land-based wastewater discharge, “as land-based treatment is not a specific requirement of the LWRP.”“We are aware of previous work completed by Central Otago District Council (CODC) which presented costs and options to their council, however this was a process led by that council unrelated to the LWRP,” she said.But she acknowledged through the ORC’s current regulatory role that costs for water infrastructure were a significant challenge for councils in general.She stood by the claim that while Otago had some excellent water quality in Otago, like other regions, there were also significant “degradation challenges” for both urban and rural areas. “Leaving it too late risks further environmental degradation in Otago, given our current plan has been widely acknowledged as no longer fit for the task at hand,” she said.Cr Kelliher said if Otago’s waterways were so bad that they needed this “king hit plan” that will basically destroy the economy of rural Otago, then ORC needs to be very specific on where water was in such a state.  “But we know that the science is vague, and water quality is improving and, actually, it’s improving from a largely good base anyway, it just has some hotspots that need focus. This doesn’t need the ruination of life as we know it in Otago.”He said the draft LWRP ideologically preferred discharge to land, but there wasn’t science supporting this stance.  “And ratepayers will have to foot the bill for all Central Otago towns having to find new land sites to discharge to. That is no simple exercise when at the moment treated water simply flows by gravity from existing plants. So, if residents have been worried about current rates rises, wait until billions need to be factored across all of Otago. And the worst thing is, there's no actual visible situation in dire need of fixing that justifies this. Which is why I am totally opposed to it.”The plan was currently at Stage 4 with stakeholder consultation involving iwi, and was on track to be notified on October 31, despite the new National government saying it wanted regional councils to halt all water plans.

Work to bring Roxburgh’s Entertainment Centre up to standard is tracking well.The centre has been closed since June, to allow a wide range of works to take place for the overall benefit of the facility.That work is going well, helped by the fact it wasn’t weather dependent so cold, wet conditions had not affected progress.The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre will have a new lease of life in the coming months. PHOTO: SuppliedCentral Otago District Council (CODC) has confirmed the fire alarm upgrade is already complete, along with installation of high-level LED lighting.A CODC spokesperson said work to finish compliance items for fire and accessibility to meet today’s standards was still underway.Work has also started on the southern wall, which has deteriorated over the years.The work has been in the pipeline for a few years and, once completed, the building will be brought up to a required standard to help increase capacity, which is currently limited. Due to the ongoing work, the hall is not expected to be open until September or October.

Central residents need to set their alarms and get to bed early tonight to snatch some sleep when they can. Alexandra’s Finn Butcher has qualified for the quarters and potentially the semi-finals in the Paris Olympics kayak cross.His next races are at 1.52am and potentially 2.28am on Tuesday August 6 (NZ Time) at the Vaires sur Marne Nautical Stadium. Fellow kiwi paddler Luuka Jones is in the quarter final at 1.30am and potentially 2.15am for the women’s semi final event. 29-year old Finn placed first in both round one and heat three to get to the quarter final. Finn Butcher and Luuka Jones. PHOTO: NZ Olympic team After the quarter final, there is the semi final, small final and then the big final where the medals are up for grabs.A combined 84 athletes are facing off in Paris across the men's and women's kayak cross.The event was formerly known as extreme slalom and involves paddlers racing down strong currents after entering the water via a ramp, they then need to navigate the course, swerving around upstream and downstream buoys.It is physical as they knock into each other and tactics can play a key part, as they need to choose what side of the course they take. Along with navigating the gates paddlers have to complete a compulsory kayak roll (360’ rotation under the water),The quarter finals can be viewed on channel 54 (Paris 2) from 1.25am, or watch free-to-air on Sky Open (Freeview channel 15/ Sky 004).Best of luck Finn, we’re all behind you!

It was standing room only at IceInline on Friday night for the Alexandra Ice Skating Club’s (AISC) annual Ice Show, with people filling the entire perimeter of the rink.The club has 18 competitive skaters, and this season an impressive 56 children were enrolled in the Kiwiskate programme - learning all the basic skills on the ice by coaches Rebecca Cowley and Sam Kuri. The end of season show is a long-established club tradition, and a great opportunity for skaters to take to the ice and display their skills. Kiwiskate coach Rebecca Cowley opens the show with the tiny tots group.Watch coach Sam Kuri’s routine here. For the first time in several years AISC has a synchronised team. Watch their performance here. The 2024 show had a Disney theme with many parents and whānau assisting with costumes, decorations and behind the scenes organisation. Sylvie Ridd puts on a show for spectators with her solo performance.Hazel Rivers (9) getting ready for her group routine ‘Under the Sea’ by The Little Mermaid. Some of the senior skaters performed their solos and Sam the AISC competitive skaters’ coach, a former European champion, also laced up her skates and gave spectators a glimpse of her artistic talent.“I wanted to take out the seriousness and make it a fun and dramatic expression of what you can do on the ice,” she said.“I wanted to show what figure skating is about without all the technicalities and show how artistic it can be.”Weather conditions were perfect compared to last year's ice show, which was delayed 40 minutes by wind and rain. This year was also the first time under the new $1.6 million roof, and it was a perfect crisp and clear winter’s evening.The season usually ends mid-August but this year because of the roof, it will continue for an extra two weeks, giving competitive skaters more ice time to train for end of season competitions including the South Island Championships and nationals for those who qualify. Read more: Meet Alexandra’s new figure skating coach Read more: Clyde’s Bridey Sangster makes NZ figure skating team PHOTOS/VIDEO: The Central App