After Veolia re-secured the contract for the Queenstown Shotover sewage plant in 2023, it is alleged that several senior managers had their employment unjustly terminated.It would seem the wastewater processing plant might not be the only thing that stinks. Amongst various claims the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) heard in early March 2025, it was suggested there was a “toxic culture” prevalent in the workplace at Veolia when a senior manager was dismissed from his position because his work outputs did not align with the company’s core values.A complaint of this nature is called a “personal grievance” (PG) which can be raised by an employee if they feel they have been treated unjustifiably during their employment.It’s important to understand that a PG can take 12-18 months to reach the point where you’re standing in front of someone with authority (an ERA member) who can finally tell you who is right, wrong, or otherwise. Raising PGIf your employee raises a PG claim, you as the employer must be given the opportunity to understand what the grievance is, and to address it. If you or the employee are unsatisfied with the outcome of the discussions, you are typically required to attend mediation via the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Try to resolve out of courtIf the PG can’t be resolved via discussion and/or mediation, you can file for an investigation hearing with the ERA. If this is all starting to sound expensive, that’s because it is! As an employer, you might have insurance or a pre-paid support service to fall back on, but that isn’t likely to cover the settlement costs to resolve the grievance, nor the time, lost opportunity, and stress that are involved in resolving the PG.What went wrong at VeoliaAt the heart of the claim is whether the employee aligned with the core values of his employer due to his use of “robust” language in the workplace. The employee alleges he was frustrated, under-resourced and suffering from stress. Additionally, there are claims that Senior Managers at Veolia were making unreasonable requests that triggered emotional responses, and that correct processes hadn’t been correctly followed regarding the employee’s termination.For Veolia, defending the claim of wrongful termination means an interruption to daily work plans, with senior managers and engineers out of the business. This comes at a critical time for Veolia who are already under extreme scrutiny with the Shotover Wastewater treatment plant, and more PGs alleged to be coming. Who Wins?Regardless of the outcome for this case, it’s easy to see that there are no winners, although the employee could possibly walk away with a hefty payout if the company is found to be at fault. The best way to resolve a personal grievance, is to head it off before it becomes one!How not to have a personal grievance raised against you.Know your company values – and demonstrate them on a daily basis.Have a robust suite of paperwork to detail job roles, company rules, communications, and internal processes.Communicate with your employees and listen to what they are telling you about the working conditions.Resolve or address the small issues, before they become big ones.Check with the expertsCall the team at EASI NZ for all your employment, and health and safety queries. www.easinz.co.nz

Central Otago councillors are ''concerned'' about the region's closest neighbour’s plan to discharge up to 24,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater into the Shotover River.The impacts of the Queenstown Lake District Council decision to use emergency powers to allow the discharge was a topic of discussion at the Central Otago District Council meeting in Ranfurly today.Mayor Tamah Alley said she strongly felt the QLDC should let the public know of any downstream effects for Central Otago people. However, it was the district council’s understanding there would not be any impact on drinking water supplies downstream - as long as the discharges were meeting the required treatment standards.CODC group manager – three waters Julie Muir - who happened to be giving a presentation to the council about the water regulator Taumata Arowai’s proposed environmental performance standards for wastewater in New Zealand today - indicated QLDC may meet the proposed national standards with this system due to the dilution factor. She emphasised monitoring of the discharge quality at the outfall pipe would be critical. “It is our expectation QLDC and ORC [Otago Regional Council] will undertake this regular monitoring and release those results to us so we can be assured there will be no impacts on drinking water supplies or the usability of the Mata-Au or Lake Dunstan,” Mayor Tamah said.“This would be critical to giving everyone comfort that the treated wastewater posed no risk.”In a media announcement this morning, QLDC admitted that continuing to risk overflows from its disposal field was too much of a health risk, and discharging treated water into the river was the best outcome in the meantime, until a new disposal option could be found - a period of up to four to five years.The uncontrolled nature of the discharge from the ponding area into the surrounding delta was at times overflowing, infrastructure manager Tony Avery said.An emergency consent meant the Queenstown Lakes council could now send treated water into the Shotover which eventually met the Kawarau River before joining the Clutha River/Lake Dunstan at Cromwell and then flowing downstream.Prior to announcement a public protest condemning the move took place outside the Shotover Wastewater Plant this morning.Mayor Tamah said there was a huge volume of water in the Kawarau River each day, which was currently running at 112.5cu. “However, being downstream our community rightly have expectations around not only the quality of any discharge into the river, but communication on the details.”“Our communities’ expectations and aspirations for our environment are increasing. They want to hear directly from councils how we are meeting our obligations not just to those we serve, but those downstream from decision making.”The QLDC would be allowed to discharge 12,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater directly into the river every day within days, but said it could vary and on some days may be double that.Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie told council that while it seemed a huge number, the dilution factor was going to be significant, and that was also backed by Julie.But Otago Regional councillor Michael Laws was concerned, not just about the potential environmental risk, but the reputational damage of the local government organisation.He believed not all of the sewage would have been through the treatment plant but had sat in the oxidation pond prior to discharge.“Until now, the ORC staff have relayed that the treatment discharges are minor in their impact. But if the ponds are effectively emptied by the QLDC then the impact will be major,’’ he said.“The ORC faces both significant environmental and reputational risk as a party to the discharge, informal or not.”Regional councillor Gary Kelliher believed the environment was not at risk with the current action, “to me it’s an outcome from the QLDC including discharge to land that was unnecessary and a massive burden on cost to the ratepayers.”LAWA currently tested water quality over the summer months at two sites on Lake Dunstan and also the Alexandra boat ramp. FILE SHOT. Land and Water Aotearoa (LAWA) currently tested water quality over the summer months weekly at two sites on Lake Dunstan and also the Alexandra boat ramp.This summer there has only been one high E.Coli level found and that was in Alexandra on January 1, 2025, following high rainfall.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Plenty of New Zealanders are working into their 70s. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is one. Chief ombudsman Peter Boshier was another, until a rule forced him to resign.Data shows significant numbers of New Zealanders are working longer, even in the industries traditionally seen as physically taxing and potentially requiring an earlier exit.Data from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealanders aged 65 or older reporting they are still in the workforce.Almost 90,000 are aged over 70.Over-65s made up 10.3 percent of machinery operators and drivers, 8 percent of labourers, 7 percent of professionals and 9.1 percent of managers.Over 70, the numbers roughly halved. They were 4 percent of managers, and 3 percent of professionals, clerical and admin workers, sales workers, and 3.7 percent of labourers.Over 80, managers had the strongest showing, with 0.7 percent of the workforce in that age range.In total, there were 1257 people aged over 90 reporting that they were working.Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Renney said it was not clear whether the people reporting work in sectors such as labouring and machinery operation were actually undertaking physical activity, or whether they were monitoring and managing others."There's a lot of people, particularly machine operators, who are the only people who know how to use this machine. As a consequence they're the last person standing in the shop who knows how to use the non-digital lathe."He said some people turned to driving buses, taxis or Ubers as a second career, particularly if they wanted more flexible hours or a different lifestyle.He said it was possible some of the people aged over 90 were working in a volunteer capacity, or could be the owner of a company."They may not be in what we call significant amounts of labour-based employment."Renney said it used to be the case that big employers had systems that moved older workers on to lighter duties as they got older."My father worked in a coal mine and couldn't be working on the face at 60 or 65 because you were a liability, you physically couldn't hack the job so you might get moved on to light duties somewhere else or you were there to train younger workers. We've sort of lost that as we've lost the very large employers."He said it was good that there was work for older people, provided they were working because they wanted to."The real challenge here is if people are being forced to work because their incomes are inadequate but they still need to pay the rent because they've never been able to buy their house."That is a sign of a failing welfare state because the pension isn't enough, they haven't built up enough KiwiSaver, they're forced to work at a time they probably don't want to. Lots of people want to work and get great enjoyment out of it but it should be a choice."The Office for Seniors older workers action plan said a third of the New Zealand workforce was aged over 50, and 50 percent of people aged 60 to 69 were employed.But it noted that these workers could have challenges finding and staying in paid work.It noted that Retirement Commission research found a third of people over 65 were working because they had to for financial reasons."For an increasing number of people who do not own their own home or do not have significant retirement savings, continuing to work in some capacity past the age of 65 is a necessity.'Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said it was notable that there was increasing workforce participation in the 65 to 69 year old age group."And to a lesser extent in the 70 to 74, then it drops away pretty quickly after that."He said it made sense that a high proportion of people who remained in work were managers."That's a relatively easy job from a physical point of view and experience is always useful."But he said it was interesting there was also relatively strong participation from machinery operations and drivers, as well as labourers."I can envisage older people driving buses or taxis for a bit but labourers… that genuinely did surprise me. I wonder if what's coming through there is if I'm a manager or a professional or whatever and I hit 65 I can probably pretty much choose whether I want to keep working, if I don't and I have enough money for retirement, all good. It may well be that people continuing to work in some of the lower-skilled jobs literally do not have the choice, they still need money."He noted that discussions about raising the retirement age have pointed out that it may be harder for people in physical roles to continue past 65."Do you start to have some differential recognising, yeah if you're a tradie or a labourer or whatever you physically might not be able to keep working, you've probably been harder on your body for the last 40-odd years anyway so on average you're in a less good physical state as well as in a job requiring more physical effort."In some other countries, if people choose to retire earlier, they could opt to receive a lower payment."The problem with that is for the likes of labourers or tradies or whatever, they will have been on a lower income for rest of their lives anyway so it is continuing to make them worse off by giving them a lower retirement pension going forward. It almost reinforces potential systemic problems."Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said it would be complex to make eligibility changes to NZ Super based on job types."A better way could be changing settings such as introducing income-testing applied to selective age groups but that also adds complexities which would come at additional administration cost and could disincentivise people from working longer."We know that any change to the age of eligibility would disproportionately disadvantage manual workers, carers and those they care for, and those with poor health, due to differences in savings, wealth and ability to remain in paid work after the age of 65. Women, Māori, and Pacific peoples are overrepresented in those groups. So extra support would be needed to support some people through to a later age of eligibility which would in turn reduce fiscal savings from raising the age. Political support for a stable long-term system is crucial."New Zealand Initiative chief economist Eric Crampton said some of the over-90-year-olds claiming to be working could be giving incorrect information."I'm sure that some of those are real. But what proportion are real vs jokers?"

A hearing on the proposed ‘farm park’ subdivision near Tarras by the Trevathan family will be held in early April.The Clutha Plains Trust development attracted 18 submissions - five in opposition, one neutral and 12 in support, but the Central Otago District Council’s planner Kirstyn Royce has recommended it be declined.Under the District Plan a subdivision needed to have average size of no less than 8ha and a minimum lot size of no less than 2ha within the Rural Resource Area.The 133ha proposed development would involve 16 new lots for residential use, with each lot only 2000sqm - making it non-complying.Those supporting the proposal considered the lot sizes were appropriate and would provide much needed rural style housing. The submitters in opposition raised concerns regarding the adverse effects of the proposal on the rural landscape. They considered the configuration of the subdivision meant the strip of houses would be clearly visible from the Clutha River Mata Au, parts of Bowman Rd and the submitters property. The land historically was subdivided off the larger Morven Station and currently used for cattle grazing.The new lots would have shared ownership with the larger farm through a body corporate type arrangement, managed by Jonny Trevathan.The application said the purpose of “clustering” instead of dividing into 8ha parcels was to allow for the productive land to be maintained in a larger parcel suited to the existing grazing usage.While the development took up usable productive farmland, it was far less than if the development was scattered throughout the 133.1190 hectares - thereby retaining a 119ha farm amongst the subdivision. The ‘farm park’ development enabled residents to live amongst an operational farm and have access to fruit and nut trees within the covenant areas. A similar farm park had also been consented on Jolly Rd in Tarras by Douglas Developments three years ago. Hillend Station near Wanaka and Bendemeer Estate at Lake Hayes were also based on a farm park model.The hearing has been set down for April 8 in Alexandra.

Millers Flat locals have found a way to profile the small Teviot town as a destination - by raising $650,000 to upgrade their recreation reserve facilities.The Teviot Community Board heard about the new plans on Thursday, which did not require any funding from the Central Otago District Council.However, there would be ongoing ratepayer costs for the exterior building maintenance costs if council agreed to enter into an agreement with the Millers Flat Recreation Reserve Steering Group to use the old pavilion. The Millers Flat Primary School held an annual sports day for primary rugby and netball players attracting more than 1000 people from throughout Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, and the reserve had become quite a community hub.The steering group has advised council they would seek a third of their funding from grants, and aim to develop new tennis courts on the old bowling green site, a pump track on the old courts, and relocate the playground at the rear of the war memorial.Through the Long-Term Plan 2025/34 council has included the clubrooms in its consultation document as a potential asset to divest. A budget of $115,000 had been allocated for its demolition.Parks recreation manager Gordon Bailey asked the community board whether they supported the continued use of the facility.The steering committee has expressed an interest to potentially utilise the clubrooms as a pavilion and storage facility. “They propose to take responsibility for the internal maintenance costs of the building and the expectation that council will undertake the exterior building maintenance work.”The report noted the clubrooms was not an essential element of the wider reserve redevelopment which would happen regardless of the clubrooms future.It has been identified in the building inspection report that the wooden window frames were compromised and needed to be replaced, but it was unknown if the deterioration exceeded into the wall framing. The report also identified the spouting above the shed had rusted out effecting the end rafter in this area. There is also historic water damage as a result of the loose roofing iron over the change room and toilet area located beside the shed.Board member Sally Feinerman said some people in the community were keen on new tennis courts but not so much on the whole upgrade of the facility.Board member Curtis Pannett said the clubrooms was an eyesore and unused, “and the community is just asking to do something with it.”

Young and first-time duck hunters across Otago will have special access to prime hunting locations for the 2025 season opening through a dedicated ballot system."Introducing the next generation to waterfowl hunting remains one of our key priorities," Otago Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said."We offer this special ballot to provide junior and novice hunters exclusive access to select wetlands during the first nine days of the waterfowl hunting season."The initiative covers hunting stands and ponds across six Fish & Game managed wetlands in Otago.Successful applicants will receive access permits valid from May 3-11."The hunting tradition is typically passed down through family connections or mentors," Steve said."While pursuing game for harvest, young hunters also develop a deeper appreciation for our wetland ecosystems. These shared experiences in nature strengthen relationships and create lasting memories."Participants must possess current game bird and firearms licences.Applications close on Wednesday (March 26) with the ballot draw scheduled for the following day.To enter, visit the Fish & Game website.Licences for the 2025 game bird season are now on sale.“The outlook for this duck season is, as always, hopeful as our region is blessed with great game-bird resources and hunting opportunities for all skill levels,” Steve said.“After prolonged wet conditions during the breeding period, we’ve had reports anecdotally of strong brood numbers around the region, which is a good sign for the upcoming season.”After the first nine days of the season, limited permits for the managed wetlands will become available to other adult hunters.A percentage of every gamebird hunting licence sold directly supports habitat restoration initiatives.PHOTO: Scott Weatherall

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.”

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.

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.

With more New Zealanders choosing independent contracting over traditional employment, it's crucial to understand how the two differ legally. While contractors enjoy greater autonomy, they also face unique risks and obligations. For the business using contractors, it is important that they understand the implications of wrongly classifying a contractor. This article will examine how to navigate these arrangements effectively.How Do Contractors Differ from Employees?The line between contractor and employee isn’t always obvious. In disputes when deciding a worker’s status, the Employment Relations Authority considers several factors, such as the level of control the hiring party has over the work. If they dictate how, when, and where tasks are performed, it leans towards an employment relationship. Independence is another key consideration — contractors can often take on multiple clients or subcontract work, unlike employees. Taxation is also handled differently; employees have PAYE deductions, whereas contractors must manage their own taxes. Finally, the party providing tools and equipment can be a deciding factor. Employees typically use company resources, while contractors supply their own.Employees receive benefits like annual leave, sick leave, and employer KiwiSaver contributions. Contractors, on the other hand, are responsible for managing (and financing) these aspects themselves, making it vital to plan ahead.Why Misclassification MattersIncorrectly classifying an employee as a contractor can create significant legal issues for businesses. If it is deemed that they are actually an employee, then the Employment Relations Act 2000 (“ERA”) applies to the relationship and they will likely become liable for unpaid wages, holiday pay, and other entitlements, as well as face penalties for not deducting PAYE or contributing to KiwiSaver. Beyond financial repercussions, the ERA personal grievance framework would apply to the relationship.A recent and significant case in this area involved Uber drivers. The New Zealand Court of Appeal applied established tests to differentiate between contractors and employees, focusing on the practical realities of the working relationship rather than just contractual labels. Central to this determination were the "control," "integration," and "fundamental" tests. For workers, being misclassified may mean missing out on critical rights and protections, including the ability to lodge a personal grievance. It’s important to clarify the nature of the working relationship upfront to avoid this.Legal Framework for ContractorsContractors operate under different laws compared to employees. Their rights and responsibilities primarily stem from the terms of their contract, which forms the foundation of their working relationship. The Fair Trading Act 1986 offers additional protections, ensuring contractors aren’t subjected to unfair contract terms or deceptive practices. However, contractors are also responsible for handling their own tax obligations, including registering for GST if they earn over $60,000.00 annually.Negotiating a Strong ContractA well-drafted contract can prevent misunderstandings and disputes. It should clearly outline payment terms, including the rate, frequency, and invoicing process. The scope of work and deadlines must also be detailed to manage expectations. Termination terms, such as notice periods and conditions for ending the agreement, are equally important. Lastly, it’s wise to include a dispute resolution clause, specifying steps like mediation or arbitration in case conflicts arise.Handling DisputesWhen conflicts arise, contractors have several options:Attempt to resolve issues informally with the other party.Seek support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) or private mediators.For payment disputes, options include the Disputes Tribunal or issuing a statutory demand, if the debt exceeds $1,000.If the debt is over $30,000, you may apply to the District Court for relief. For contractors working in the construction industry, the Construction Contracts Act 2002 provides a streamlined process to resolve payment disputes.Upcoming Changes?The New Zealand government is considering introducing a 'gateway test' to clearly differentiate contractors from employees based on specific criteria, offering clarity and reducing legal uncertainties. These proposed criteria can be viewed here. This development underscores the importance for businesses and workers to carefully assess their working relationships, considering factors such as control, integration, and the fundamental nature of the work performed.It’s essential for contractors and businesses to stay informed about these developments as they may impact future agreements and rights.SummaryContracting can offer significant benefits, but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether you’re a contractor or a business hiring one, understanding the legal landscape can spare unnecessary time and money spent. When in doubt, seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes. Checketts McKay Law have an expert team of employment law advocates who are willing to assist at any point along the way.

Despite being almost 12,000km from where they grew up, a Nepalese family new to Alexandra are enjoying learning about rugby and soaking up Central’s beautiful weather. Awatar and Muna Dhakal and their five year old son Aayam moved to Alexandra from Cromwell about a year ago.The family own and operate Everest Mart, a grocery store on Tarbert St (formerly known as Alx Wholefoods) selling herbs, spices, baking products, bulk bin items, home brew supplies and eco-friendly cleaning items.Awatar moved to New Zealand in 2019 first and worked in hospitality in Cromwell, before Muna and Aayam joined him two and a half years later.He said they had found locals friendly but it was hard being so far away from family.“We miss the festivals and [Hindu culture] from home, like Dashain, Holi, and Diwali.”Awatar said they had connected with others in the Nepalese-New Zealand community, but as far as they knew there was only one other Nepalese family in Alexandra.The attractions of Alexandra to them were the weather, the safe atmosphere, and the small town feel with all the conveniences needed for a family.Awatar, Muna and Aayam, on the way to school drop off in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central App He was working hard in their store six days a week and said he wants to build a successful business to support his family. They couple had an arranged marriage, which is very normal for families in Kawasoti, Nepal where they both grew up, only a few kilometres from each other.Muna said they had met three or four times prior to their wedding day, which was a big affair with around 300 guests, music, food and dancing.She trained as a nurse at home, and had been employed as a support worker in New Zealand.Muna hoped to pass the exams to be able to work as a nurse here one day, and maybe work at Dunstan Hospital in the future. At home they speak Nepali, and are raising Aayam to be bilingual. Next time you greet them try out the Nepali ‘Namaste’ (hello). The family were looking forward to making more multicultural connections and had joined the new multicultural partnership group in the district. Read more: Multicultural partnership group welcomes membersFind out more about Everest Mart on their listingHave a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Autumn in Central Otago is something special, and it’s almost here. The landscape turns into a painter’s dream; vivid golds, burnt oranges, and deep reds line the streets and valleys. It’s the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks, and for anyone selling a home, it’s a season that works in your favour.There’s a common misconception that spring and summer are the best times to sell, but autumn actually has a few tricks up its sleeve. Here’s why:1. Serious Buyers Are LookingBy autumn, the “just browsing” summer crowd has thinned out, leaving buyers who are genuinely in the market. Whether they missed out on properties earlier in the year or they’ve just sold their own home and need to move, autumn buyers are often ready to act.2. Your Home Looks IncredibleLet’s be honest: Central Otago in autumn is breathtaking, and that extends to properties too. A well-maintained garden with golden leaves, warm afternoon light filtering through the windows, and cozy indoor spaces can create an atmosphere that’s hard to resist. If you’ve got a fireplace, even better! A few subtle autumn touches, like a welcoming entryway with seasonal flowers, can make a big impact.3. Less Competition on the MarketSpring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons for real estate, meaning more competition. By autumn, the market slows slightly, giving your home a better chance to stand out. Fewer listings mean more eyes on yours, which can lead to stronger offers.4. Ideal Weather for Open HomesNot too hot, not too cold—autumn offers some of the best open-home weather. Buyers aren’t rushing through in the sweltering heat or dashing to their cars to escape the winter chill. Instead, they can take their time, soaking in the atmosphere of the home (and maybe picturing themselves curled up inside with a coffee).Getting Your Home Autumn-ReadyA little prep goes a long way when selling in autumn. Here are a few simple ways to make the most of the season:Tidy up the garden – Rake leaves, trim overgrown branches, and add a pop of color with autumn-friendly plants.Make it warm and inviting – If it’s a cool day, have the heat pump or fireplace on for open homes. Soft lighting also helps create a cozy feel.Check your lighting – With the days getting shorter, make sure both indoor and outdoor lighting is welcoming and bright.Highlight winter-ready features – If your home is well-insulated, has double glazing, or a great heating system, make sure buyers know about it.Final ThoughtsSelling in autumn is all about working with the season, not against it. With the right approach, your home won’t just sell. It’ll shine. And in a place as stunning as Central Otago, that’s not hard to do.If you’re thinking about selling this autumn, now’s the time to start planning. Get in touch for a chat—I’d love to help you make the most of this upcoming golden season.

As a manager or employer, the chances you’ve heard that phrase at least once from a staff member, if not multiple times during your career. And when you’re already under pressure, it’s enough to make your blood boil!Let’s face it, for a lot of us “survive til ’25” was a rough ride and the tunnel to “thrive in ‘25” might feel like it isn’t getting any shorter, as we stare off to the second half of the year. “Low productivity” and “unemployment” headlines dominate the news, and the Reserve Bank’s chief economist, Paul Conway, is suggesting a weak economic outlook with multiple factors including weak productivity, investment, and trade. So, when someone says, “it’s not in my job description” it can feel like the last straw. And that’s often how a dispute can start. Personal GrievancesIf you’re under pressure and you hear this statement, there’s a good chance you might react badly, and if you do, “Reason” can leave the building, leaving the door open for “Personal Grievance” (PG) to enter. If you’ve ever had a PG raised against your business, you’ll know it can be expensive, stressful, and massively time consuming. If you’re lucky, the outcome of a PG might result in a settlement and if not, it can cost thousands to pursue a defence through the Employment Relations Authority. Frustratingly, you can be 12-18 months away from being in front of someone who can tell you if you’re wrong or right with your approach to the situation. There is a high risk that you could lose the case and be considered to have failed to act like a “fair and reasonable employer with regard to all the circumstances at the time”. Not to mention the settlement amounts today are typically more than the $3-7K we were seeing only 10-15 years ago. Or the $10-15K from only 5 years ago. These days, you’ll be lucky to see any change from $20K in a settlement, and additional legal costs can mount quickly. Avoiding Personal GrievancesSo, how do you avoid this sort of outcome when you’re under pressure and your staff just don’t “get” the situation? It’s simple, you make time to share it with them, maybe identify some clear processes to updating job descriptions, and ensure everyone understands the core company objectives and underlying values of the company. Five birds (maybe more), one stoneAt EASI NZ, we love “working smarter”, so our recommendation is to combine regular reviews of staff performance with an overview of your company productivity. Use these conversations as a chance to identify the blockers that prevent people from reaching the desired outcomes. Eliminate or mitigate the challenges to ensure your outputs and productivity are in line with your overall business strategy and goals. This should not be used as an opportunity to play a blame game; it’s about identifying continuous improvements.Isn’t that more work?No, collaborating with your staff builds their understanding of the business and the goals, it builds loyalty by creating an inclusive environment, and provides opportunities to instill your values across the whole business. You can often find efficiencies that reduce workloads.With the early identification of potential problems and/or niggles in the business you can reduce stressful situations and can prevent issues from occurring in the first place. This in turn helps to reduce staff attrition rates and empowers your staff while enabling you to discuss ongoing changes and improvements to the business that may need to be reflected in their job descriptions.Reviews are a great way to collaborate with your staff to achieve more efficient outcomes by working smarter, not harder.Doing it - Ourselves!Let’s face it, we can’t rely on anyone arriving on a shiny white business horse to save the day, so it’s time for us to drive productivity by building capabilities and resilience in our own teams through internal collaboration.EASI NZ has a range of workshops to assist you in the “2025 Productivity Drive” so whether it’s building up your HR strategy, understanding your employment obligations, boosting your productivity, hiring the right person, or simply having someone who can manage a crisis, we’ve got you covered, and more. 

Only an hour drive from much of Central, the Wānaka Festival of Colour is gearing up for its 11th year of celebrating the arts with something for everyone. More than 60 events are held during the March 29 - April 6 festival; there’s theatre, cabaret, music, poetry, comedy, dance, kōrero (conversations), visuals arts and community events.The festival was gifted the name Te Kaupeka Rau by Kāi Tahu, which reflects seasonal changes and the idea of turning over a new leaf.Executive director Ruth Heath said this year’s theme of embracing the extraordinary and trying something new ties perfectly with the name.“We have something for everyone to connect and engage with — an opportunity to find joy and surprise in discovering something new alongside friends and whānau.”Alongside the festival hub, the Pacific Crystal Palace in Wānaka, other venues across Central Lakes are hosting artists including Bannockburn Hall, Hāwea Community Centre, Hāwea Flat Hall, Mount Aspiring College Blackbox Theatre, Rippon Hall, The Camp at Lake Hāwea and Queenstown’s Te Atamira.The free community whanau day opens the festival (March 29) with a lake plunge followed by a full day of entertainment and creativity at Wānaka’s lakefront. Sell out play ‘In Other Words’, is a deeply moving love story exploring Alzheimer’s and the power of music to connect us from Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst. On that same day (March 30) people can learn all about foraging for food, finding interesting wild plants on the Wānaka lakefront, from professional forager Peter Langlands. Kommi Me Ana Tipua (Kommi and their Tipua), is a non-binary solo music artist along with being a lecturer in Māori and Indigenous studies and Te Reo Māori in Christchurch. Catch Kommi on April 3. PHOTO: Paris Baillie For music lovers there’s a diverse range of genres everything from acid jazz, and blues to te reo Kāi Tahu witch hop. The lineup includes indie icons The Veils, country singer Delaney Davidson, and The Eastern’s unique blend of gospel, country, and punk.Twenty well known Kiwi identities; writers, professors, journalists and musicians front up in Aspiring Conversations during the final festival weekend covering topics such as politics, Te Tiriti, food foraging, media and personal stories.Journalists Mike McRoberts (Ngati Kahungungu, pictured), Susie Ferguson and Lisette Reymer discuss breaking news in ‘Breakfast with Papers’. PHOTO: Supplied The Central App will publish information about selected festival performances with local connections in the coming days. Find the Wānaka Festival of Colour programme, including Aspiring Conversations onlineHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

At the start of February, I had a guest visiting Alexandra to compete in the Mountain Bike Orienteering series. He was using an eBike (fair enough, as he’s a few years older than me) and after a big day of riding, he needed to recharge his battery.It was a scorching hot day, so while we cooled off outside, he plugged the charger into the battery inside the house. When I later went inside, I noticed a distinct smell of overheating plastic. I immediately switched off the charger. It was hot to the touch, and the battery was warmer than usual—just on the edge of being concerning.After some investigation, we found the issue: the plug connecting the wall to the charger had become loose, causing a poor connection and likely some minor arcing. We cleaned all the connections, ensured everything was securely plugged in, and moved the charger onto a tiled surface before trying again. This time, the battery charged normally, with only the expected slight warming.But the situation left me wondering, what if we had gone out for the evening and left it charging unattended?Tips for Safe Battery ChargingTo reduce the risk of battery fires, here are some key precautions to take:Charge batteries in a safe, well-ventilated area. Ideally, use a concrete surface and keep them out of direct sunlight. Let the battery cool down before charging.Inspect your battery regularly. Watch for damage, such as dents, puffiness, deformities, overheating, strange smells, slow charging, or reduced performance. If you notice any of these, dispose of the battery safely (check the CODC rubbish guide for proper disposal methods).Be extra cautious after crashes. eBike and scooter batteries can become compromised after an impact, even if they appear fine externally.Use the correct charger. Don’t just use any charger that fits; always match the output voltage and Ah rating to your battery’s requirements.Monitor charging batteries. Check on them regularly and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Water won’t help in a battery fire.What to Do in Case of a Battery FireIf a fire breaks out, dial 111 immediately.If it’s safe to do so:Use a fire extinguisher to prevent flames from spreading.Contain the fire with a fire blanket.If possible, move the burning battery to a safe distance away from other flammable materials.By taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with charging eBike batteries. Stay safe, and always be aware of potential hazards—because a little vigilance can prevent a major disaster.

Southern District Police are urging members of the public to pay close attention to road safety following four fatal crashes in less than two weeks.Five people have died in the four crashes: Three in the Otago Lakes area, and one in Southland.Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner.Police have noticed three common factors in recent serious and fatal crashes, including speed, poor decision making, and driving while impaired by the likes of alcohol.Our hearts go out to the families of those involved.They’re forced to face the devastating consequences of these crashes, which potentially could have been avoided.These crashes have a ripple effect in the community, affecting other motorists, witnesses and the people who are first on the scene.Every fatal crash also has an impact on attending emergency services personnel.We are urging members of the public to take road safety seriously, slow down, don’t drive impaired and make good judgement calls – your life literally depends on it.Our people will be out on the roads carrying out enforcement around excess speed, impairment, restraints and distraction.But keeping people safe is a team effort, and drivers have to do their part.We encourage anyone who sees unsafe driving behaviour on the road to contact us as soon as possible.Call Police, either via 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 if it’s after the fact.

The Winning Way – Tote-ally The Best‘Ginger’ Woodhouse’s name is synonymous with speed and success on the racetrack the nation over and even throughout Australasia where he and his trotting greats have nailed many a big win back in the day.His is a great name in racing circles, Ginger (Bryan Gerald) recently awarded a New Zealand Harness Racing Outstanding Contribution Award.Now 86, he’s bred many champions and raced horses for well over 60 years, only handing in his trainer’s licence several years ago due to injury and the body not keeping up. A fall in 2021 while training a horse left him with two broken ribs and other issues so it was time to hang up the reins.Getting them ready - Ginger and a prized foalIt was the last of many serious falls – one in which he broke seven ribs at Omakau and underwent shoulder reconstruction in Dunedin, which still inhibits his movement.Despite all that you’ll still find him down at the Omakau Racecourse - his happy place, helping ensure the tracks are up to pace.While horses are his first love, Ginger became a well-known face nationally after, to his surprise, he scored the starring male role, as “Bob”, in the well-known Mainland Cheese TV ads which aired in 2016. The agent invited him to audition in Queenstown along with 31 other old guys. “We were heading to Dunedin that Thursday night to race at Forbury Park and I got a call to say I had to be in Queenstown the next day at 12.30pm.,” he says. “The agent picked me up and all the big blokes from Fonterra were there. The other cast were all female and she said, ‘Ginger you’re the Mainland Cheese man! I had to go outside and pinch myself,” he says. Ginger played alongside Shortland Street actor Judy Rankin in a semi-romantic role. “Pat had passed, or she would’ve been anti me flirting with another woman,” he chuckles.Five months later the agent wanted three old guys for male roles in the movie, ‘Light Beyond The Ocean, being filmed at St Bathans, so Ginger was back on the screen again, playing an old English gentleman, fitted for costumes in Dunedin.Hollywood never called again, and while $7000 a day wasn’t bad money, Ginger was fine with that. Give him a horse and sulky and his beloved Central Otago any day.Born in Roxburgh in 1938, Ginger’s family goes way back. The Woodhouses found the first gold in the Teviot River, sparking the Teviot Valley goldrush, starting the family farm on the flats by the racecourse in 1874. “I farmed and worked on that for 35 years in full ownership with my brother until we split our partnership in 1980,” Ginger says. He bought back 100 acres for a small farm by the racecourse in Roxburgh.In 1948 Ginger saw his first Trotting Cup, aged 12, and two years later Roxburgh held its first Tote meeting in the days when Ray Jones trained stars like Bull’s Eye and Lady Brigade, both kept in paddocks on the Woodhouse Farm“I was only a wee bugger, and I’d always wanted to be a jockey. Ray let me drive Lady Brigade home one day and it got to me.”Ginger in his happy place – the sulkyDuring boarding school Christmas holidays Ginger would cart water in 44-gallon drums from the farm to the Roxburgh Hydro boys who brought gear and cement trucks, and they built toilets and stables for the racetrack. “I’m the only one still alive from that first meeting at Roxburgh,” he says. Roxburgh had one meeting a year on Easter Monday and his mum would cook up food for everyone in the shearer’s quarters.Gene Autry – the Singing Cowboy, was Ginger’s hero and in 1949 his dad had got him his first real pony from Tapanui for Christmas. There had been a few dud runs: “They’d go first footing and leave a sack at the gate with horse shit in it and say, ‘The pony got away on me’,” he laughs.First invited onto the Roxburgh Trotting Club Committee at 17, his dad said he had too much work on the farm, so Ginger finally got on aged 25. He brought his first horse Dorocin in 1959 – a fantastic breeder. “I won a race with her by 20 lengths in Invercargill in 1962,” he says, proudly. He bred, owned, trained and drove many more after that.Daughter Tracey has been Ginger’s right-hand lady at the track in his later yearsFrom Dorocin came Ginger’s famous lineage of highly successful ‘Pat’ breed horses, all named after now late wife Pat, who he married in 1960.Out of Princess Pat he bred Lucky Pat, Turbo Pat, White Horse Pride and his greatest pride of all as trainer and owner, Supreme Pat who took out the Australasian Trotters Derby at the Maryborough Harness racing Club in 2001. “Supreme Pat was the first three-year-old to go under 1:55 and he won 34 races in America,” Ginger says, proudly. Turbo Pat – the mother of NZ record holder Super-Fast Pat still holds the record of 2:56 point 3 for 2400m (1.5 miles). ”He went to Australia and won five races in a row.” Stroppy Pat also won his first four races. Ginger in his heyday winning with Princess Pat at Forbury in 1979.In 1984 Ginger and Pat had sold the farm and bought Becks Pub for a change, but unfortunately Pat, who’d been a great help jogging the horses, had a massive stroke. That was a challenging three years, but a cheery Ginger still always shouted his regulars a free last round.In 1987 Ginger launched his Lauder horse transport business which operated successfully around the country.From 1963 to 2021 Ginger trained 31 winners from 655 starts and drove six winners. He went on to win 34 races in New Zealand, Australia and North America, including that 2001 Victorian Trotting Derby and the Sires Stakes Trotters Championship.Ginger with his four generations of winning horses and three generations of Woodhouse familyHe’s raced 32 tracks around NZ, about 10 of which are closed now, breeding and racing some outstanding pacers as well - Woodlands Lifeline won 16 races, many of Ginger’s horses ending up in Australia and North America. He’s been track manager at Omakau for almost 30 years, winning him an earlier ‘significant contribution’ award at the 2018-19 Otago Harness Awards.This most recent award for Ginger was truly an honour. “It was bloody humbling,” he says. “I’ve had a helluva lot of ups and downs and been criticised at times but that was so special.”Ginger with his two favourite ladies, daughters Tracey and Michelle, at the Harness Racing NZ Awards night in ChristchurchGinger’s loyal through and through, sticking with the Roxburgh Trotting Club when invited to join the Central Otago Club, down at the track every day sorting irrigation, fencing and light spraying.It’s not mentioned much but Ginger also played rep rugby for West Otago in the early 60s, coaching for a year, and got down to a 9 Handicap in golf. He still plays bowls for Omakau.His aging cat, Tiger, is 21, and whenever he and his family suggest taking him to the vet to be put down, he’s suddenly full of life, Ginger chuckles. “We have a discussion about who’s going first.”Sounds like the finish line is a way off for you both yet, Ginger.Proudly sponsored by: