A last minute decision late last year to reduce a Cromwell traveller’s accommodation proposal from 120 days down to just 30, failed to gain the approval of a hearings panel.Crum Developments already has consent to build six single two-storey multi-unit dwellings on the site of the old garden site in Barry Ave, which was granted on the basis that it would help the local housing crisis.But, the owners then changed their mind and tried to gain further consents that would make them more attractive on the real estate market.The proposal was for each individual unit to be used as traveller’s accommodation, and the applicant intended to sell each unit with the new consents in place.In its decision to decline the application, hearings panel chair Neil Gillespie noted that the original consent was to provide housing, “and the fact the units have not so much as been constructed yet, the panel are not satisfied that the granting of consent for them to be used for travellers accommodation is appropriate.”Consultant planner for the council Oli Monthule-McIntosh noted in his evidence that there were 88 listings on Air BnB in Cromwell on the day he carried out a search, and only one listing for a house long term.The panel could not ignore the fact that the proposal would impact on the already critically low supply of housing in the community.“As units that are bought for accommodation purposes are often investment properties, this is particularly concerning for the rental market, which is in critically low supply in Central Otago. Such scarcity disproportionately impacts young people and lower-income workers, who are often more reliant on rental housing,” Neil said.Another proposal for traveller’s accommodation on Shortcut Rd, that had originally been operating without the appropriate consents, was still under consideration by commissioners. 

Alexandra’s outdoor ice rink looks more like an Olympic-sized stadium now that its new $1.6 million roof is almost complete.The large crane dropping in the insulated roofing panels could be seen from all over town, and Calder Developments was on track to complete the project by Easter.Your choice to listen or read the story - or both! Just click here to hear the interview from Committee chair Trevor Lawrence on todays The Outlet podcast.Custom-made columns and lattice trusses have all been made in the company’s workshop in Tapanui and were transported to site in mid February.The Alexandra IceInline roof committee has also forged on with its ice brick fundraiser, and local companies have started to get involved as well - donating various materials to upgrade the outside of the facility with new seating and dasher boards.Committee chair Trevor Lawrence said one local company has donated $3000 worth of paint and equipment to freshen up the outside of the main building, and another company $10,000 in materials for the seating.He said the new roof would be a game changer for the different clubs and codes that use the facility from May until August every year.Craneworks dropped the insulated roof panels into place. PHOTO: The Central App“The amount of work that you have to do to maintain an outdoor ice rink and the ice quality is enormous. And, the Central Otago weather being hot and cold and windy and rainy, keeping that ice surface usable for the patrons is a huge amount of work.”IceInline secretary Dianne Elliot has been organising working bees for March 9, March 23 and April 6 for anyone interested in coming down to help with the painting.“As this is still a construction site, it's not a suitable place for young children, but if your teenager can wield a paint roller, they would be welcome,” she said.More about the facility in this week’s The Outlet podcast.  

Otago regional councillors Gary Kelliher and Michael Laws are warning staff that pushing on with the Regional Land and Water Plan will just invite ministerial intervention.The Government has indicated new changes to the national framework for freshwater management, and in late 2023 asked regional councils around the country to hold fire on any more work, awaiting future direction.But, the ORC stated late last year, and voted again on Wednesday, to proceed with its draft plan after five years' work, and is still on track to formally notify it by June 30.A motion was put to the table by Cr Kelliher, asking that the council heads the strong recommendation by the Minister for the Environment and delay the work, and formally request the June 30 deadline be extended - to ensure the plan was fit for purpose, robust and defendable.Cr Laws backed his Central Otago counterpart and shared some strong words around the table, when they failed to gain support by fellow councillors, accusing the council of playing a dangerous game of “chicken” with the new Government.“I’m warning you now, you will invite commissioners into this council, because you refuse to accept the consequences of last year’s election and the strong ministerial guidance, and this council will deserve not to exist, because in the game of chicken, it still wants to play.”Cr Kate Wilson said the Land and Water Plan would never be perfect and by waiting for a new direction from the Government was just holding things up further.Chair Gretchen Robertson said she didn’t think the council was divided on the issue, and assured councillors that nobody wanted to waste anyone’s time or ratepayer money.“We are considering really carefully where we are at, at the moment.”Acknowledging the region’s water quality issues and those around water allocation, “we have some short term consents in place that need sorted out,” she said they were just trying to work with the communities for the best outcome for everyone.CEO Richard Saunders said in the absence of any direction from the new Government, the current draft policy will stand.Cr Laws also questioned whether staff intended to share the draft policy with ministers before they delivered it back to them around the table.“Because there are some very important decisions and I don’t want to end up in a collision course with the Government.”National has indicated it could be 18-24 months before a new National Policy Statement on freshwater management was released, but it was understood that work hadn’t started yet. 

A breakdown at Ranfurly’s swimming pool has forced the cancellation of Maniototo Area School’s (MAS) Swim Week.The junior school children were meant to be taking part in lessons each day this week, led by Central Otago swim coaches, but due to the plant failure, it was cancelled.The week-long event is a popular programme on the school’s calendar, which benefits the entire primary school.It was not known if it would be rescheduled. The fault was discovered on Friday, last week.Central Otago District Council group manager community experience David Scoones said the pump needs to be replaced, which is being sent from Christchurch.He said as soon as the pump arrived on site, it would only take a few hours to repair.Once repaired, he expects the pool to reopen for the remainder of the season.The pool, which opened for the season on December 4, has had a busier than usual summer after it increased its hours.This season it has been open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.Public supervised sessions were previously available from 3pm to 8pm on weekdays during the school term, 1.30pm to 8pm in the school holidays and 1.30pm to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.Read more: Ranfurly Pool hours to increase

Cromwell Backpackers has officially closed adding further pressure to the already stretched temporary accommodation market in the town.After seven years in business, Darren Fox was forced to shut the doors of the 20-bed backpacker, when the terms of the ongoing lease with his landlord were not renewed.Facing up to $10,000 rent increases in the back of the Cromwell Mall, he said the landlord had plans to sell the building and effectively told him to vacate.Initially gutted to be moved on from his business, not to mention the hard task of telling his tenants they no longer had a roof over their head, he has since put new plans in place to offer something bigger and better.“It doesn’t matter - at the end of the day I want to start something new,” he said.Plans are underway to lease a site in McNulty Rd, along with 20 cabins, where he hopes to continue offering accommodation at the lower end of the market - for seasonal workers and others needing a place to stay short term.Darren will meet with the Central Otago District Council this week to see what consents he needed for his ‘workers accommodation’, which he understood was a lot simpler than for travellers accommodation.He said initial indications from council indicated he could be hit with developer contributions of between $70,000 and $80,000, which would not make his business viable.He has also approached MP Miles Anderson, who he plans to meet next month, as part of a group in the town looking at providing more low cost accommodation.Harvest Park Studios in Cromwell also offers worker accommodation, but at the higher end of the market, and have now opened up their business to include all sectors of the market.Darren is eager to push on with his new plans as he enjoys dealing with people from all walks of life.“You are like a counsellor some of the time for those who are staying, and dealing with their problems, but also there are just so many beautiful people out there who are travelling, that have left their country to explore New Zealand.”He’s met nuclear engineers, doctors and young people from all over the world, and hopes that his new business will continue to provide that level of service to enable people to stay in Cromwell - particularly over the fruit season.

A breeding pair of grebes have been spotted with a new chick at a boat ramp near the Clyde Dam, causing much excitement for avian specialist Alan Parker.The Avian Rescue Otago owner, who is based in Alexandra, said his biggest concern was keeping the grebes safe, as it was near a popular swimming spot where boats were coming and going.Alan has contacted the Department of Conservation that were working on a plan to keep them safe - including erecting signage, as it was rare for them to breed successfully, and they hadn’t for years.The pair have been living at the site since about 2020, and there were also quite a few at Butchers Dam, along with McNulty Inlet in Cromwell.Alan has made many rescues of grebes, and they are one of the only bird species that carry their young on their back while swimming.“The young will stay holding on even when their parents are diving for food.”Grebes were not set up for walking on land for long periods of time, and many of his rescues have involved birds that have ended up in people’s gardens or been poisoned by lead fishing sinkers and other waste.Alan was awarded the ASB Good as Gold award worth $4000 back in 2022 for his rescue work, but his rehabilitation clinic receives no other funding and is largely a volunteer role.The qualified general practice veterinarian nurse with advanced avian bird care training from the UK, will travel throughout the South Island to make rescues - sometimes receiving multiple calls each day.A mother with her three baby grebes on her back (supplied).His intensive care units have their own oxygen supply enabling him to carrying out tube feeding for sick birds, and he often takes in owls, hawks, falcons and ruru (morepork).“People often pick them up at night on the road.”Owls are his favourite, “each and every one has a different personality and brings an interesting challenge,” he said.Success rates are often high with little owls - above 90 per cent, but the survival and release rates of other birds are usually around 80 per cent.“I have a rule of not naming any for two weeks until I know they will survive,” he said.His latest love is ‘Swanona’ - a black swan that was found with head injuries by a motorist near Timaru two weeks ago.The Dunedin Wildlife Hospital also caters for sick and injured birds in the South Island. 

People are illegally dumping rubbish in parts of Central Otago, often within five minutes’ drive of one of the district’s many transfer stations.Central Otago District Council (CODC) has received 17 reports of illegal dumping since July 1, 2023 until now.There were 35 reports from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.In recent times there have been large household items dumped in the pines area in Alexandra and over an embankment at the lookout carpark on Blacks Hill near Ophir.CODC infrastructure manager Quinton Penniall said often reports were close to where the items could have been disposed of legally.“Many of the illegal dumping requests, which council receives, are for public areas within five minutes’ drive of the nearest transfer station.”He said while there was not a dedicated role for the monitoring of illegal dumping around the district, staff do report it if they see it while doing their work, which is then passed on to the contractor to collect the items as soon as possible.People who illegally dump items, and can be identified, can expect to receive an infringement notice.Anyone caught dumping less than 1 litre of rubbish could receive a $100 fine, 1 litre to 30 litres $200, and 30 litres to 60 litres $300.People who are caught dumping more than 60 litres, garden waste, building materials or furniture could expect a $400 fine.CODC infrastructure manager Quinton PenniallQuinton said it did not appear that illegal dumping had increased following the closure of Alexandra Wastebusters, the former recycling facility and reuse shop, which closed last June.Yesterday, the CODC announced it would increase services available at the council’s transfer stations, with e-waste to be made available in Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh from Monday, February 26. The service includes all forms of TVs, computers, laptops and computer equipment, printers, photocopiers, household appliances, stereo systems and gaming consoles.A barbecue found dumped in the pines, near Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppRecycling costs for the e-waste will be passed on to the customer.The CODC will cover the transportation costs on a trial basis for about the first six months to reduce the costs for customers, with Waste Minimisation Funding from the Ministry for the Environment.Waste (used engine) oil recycling will also be introduced on Monday, February 26 to the Alexandra and Cromwell transfer stations.Waste oil will be accepted in domestic quantities (25 litres) at a cost of $2 per litre. Bunded tanks are available at both locations to store the waste oil, before being collected by Salters Cartage, which is based in Auckland, Fielding, and Christchurch.All waste oil collected is processed before being used at the Kinleith and Kawerau pulp and paper mills to power the kilns.Illegal dumping can be reported to the CODC via an online form.

Omakau’s zone substation upgrade is due to be completed before winter.The upgrade aims to future proof the network and strengthen the electricity supply for customers.In May 2022 a new diesel generator was installed at the new substation site, next to the stockyards on Lauder-Omakau Rd (SH85) and was commissioned in November 2022.A project overview on the Aurora Energy website states the generator has been used during planned outages, to supply customers without power, noting it was used in December 2022, just one month after it was commissioned.However, an Aurora Energy spokesperson said the generator could not be used for every unplanned outage due to the delicate balance required to manage load fluctuations in real time.A recent spate of unplanned power outages have proved this, including on February 2 when there was a seven hour long power cut. The substation upgrade at Omakau is due to be completed before winter. PHOTO: The Central AppHowever, Aurora Energy’s project overview states the upgrade will not only replace ageing equipment, but will also double the capacity of the substation, ensuring it is adequate to meet the demand growth of the community.Omakau zone substation supplies power to 690 customers in the area, with a network of 244km.Aurora Energy is also in the process of implementing a new technology trial on the line from Alexandra to Omakau to detect emerging faults in real time, thereby enabling defect remediation prior to it causing an outage.Read more: Central Otago power outages prompts investigation Read more: Power outage in parts of Central overnight

A 37-year-old motorcyclist from Alexandra will appear in court on five charges after a police pursuit on Saturday night.Constable Scott Vollweiler said the man had been riding his motorcycle erratically through town and cutting corners when he came to police attention.The disqualified driver had also taken off his licence plates to make it difficult for police to identify him, and when he was initially stopped, waited for the officer to approach him before taking off towards Little Valley Road and the Otago Central Rail Trail.Police pursued him along the access road but eventually had to abandon the pursuit when it became unsafe to continue.Cordons were put in place, but he was located two hours later and charged with aggravated failing to stop, dangerous driving, failing to stop (2nd charge), driving while disqualified - on his third and subsequent charge, and failing to give details.A 42-year-old Alexandra man also tried to evade police on Saturday night after being stopped by an officer.He was breath tested and charged with an excess breath alcohol reading of 442mcg.Also a disqualified driver and on community detention, he was charged with breaching his bail conditions and will appear in the Alexandra District Court on his third drink driving charge.Const Vollweiler said an 18-year-old Alexandra man was charged with intentional damage endangering life, after breaking into the Automatic External Device (AED) box outside the Four Square and stealing the key.The box contains a defibrillator for emergencies. The man decided he would take the key, but left the emergency heart equipment behind.

Water quality remains a hot topic and a survey from the Otago Regional Council found an increasing number of people were concerned about its deterioration.ORC chair Gretchen Robertson thanked the more than 1100 people who took the time to contribute to the recent survey, saying their input was crucial to ORC’s planning processes.“These are changing times in the environmental space and it’s of huge importance to us that we get a clear steer from people across the region on what is of most significant concern to them,” she said.Air quality, land based environments and coastal resources either remained unchanged or were improving, according to the survey, and Gretchen said as custodians of the environment, staff and councillors have a big role to fulfil in not only protecting, but enhancing the environment for everyone, whether they are using resources recreationally, or as an input toward an economic benefit.Water quality increased as the most important environmental issue in Central Otago - from 44 per cent in 2022 to 49 per cent.Omakau residents have become frustrated in recent weeks with their drinking water - many saying it tasted dirty and had an unpleasant smell. And, for those using our lakes and rivers recreationally, the Manuherekia continued to be variable, and had only been suitable for swimming half of the time this summer - at the Shaky Bridge in Alexandra.Weekly testing of 15 samples since December showed it was currently healthy, but overall statistics showed it was only suitable for swimming 53 per cent of the time, with caution advised 33 per cent of the time and 13 per cent of the time it was unsuitable.Cr Robertson said the survey results were “very timely” now that engagement was underway with ministers of the new coalition government.“The results reflect the issues of concern that Otago’s communities want to see targeted and addressed,” she said.She noted ORC had last week engaged with numerous ministers and acknowledges changes are expected, but she emphasised details on changes or any pause in regulations may take months to finalise, and then further time to implement.“Many people will find this frustrating. But, at the forefront of these changes must be the protections around the environment, be it waterways, land use or air quality, which we all must share, but equally take responsibility for,” she said.Cr Robertson says she “entirely endorses” recommendations from the survey around a continued focus on water quality, climate change initiatives, that there be targeted communication and engagement strategies in place and an ongoing focus to improve public transport services.

Almost 4000 tonnes of cherries were exported overseas this season - the majority from Central Otago, where the weather has been favourable post Christmas.Summerfruit NZ chief executive Kate Hellstrom told RNZ this week that the 3800 tonnage was up 7 per cent on the same time last year.“It’s the biggest year we have had in a number of years,” she said.Weather challenges had reduced overall export numbers in past years, and this 2023/24 season hasn’t been without issues as well.Some of the earlier varieties of cherries were affected before Christmas because of heavy rain, particularly in the Teviot Valley, and the season finished mid-January for many.Clyde Orchards manager Kris Robb said overall the average yields were down on pre-season predictions, “but the overall tonnage for exports was promising for the future.”He said given the expansion and development of cherries across the wider Central Otago district in recent years, 4000 tonnes was still well short of what was expected in the local industry.Describing the season as shorter and sharper than previous years, he said the fruit size on his orchard and quality was strong, and the ‘packouts’ were outstanding (the number of cherries being packed for export), compared to what was picked. “The market returns were strong so if you weigh that all up.  We worked a lot harder in previous seasons to pack less fruit.”Meanwhile, 80 tonnes of apricots were being exported this season, up from just 47 tonnes in 2023, with the new Nzsummer varieties experiencing favourable weather conditions in recent weeks. 

At least a dozen tyres have succumbed to a stretch of road between Naseby and Danseys Pass in recent times. Maniototo Community Board member Duncan Helm highlighted the issue at the group’s monthly meeting on Thursday.“I’ve had a couple of comments from different people about the number of flat tyres between Naseby and Danseys Pass area - about 14 tyres I’ve heard of.”However, he agreed to an earlier comment by Central Otago District Councillor Stu Duncan, that the roads throughout the Maniototo were generally in good condition.“As Stu said, the roads have been pretty good.”Stu had earlier talked about a drive he did around the district, including the Styx where roadworks have recently been done.“It looked really, really good,” Stu said.“It’s quite interesting because I know the staff get a lot of grief about the roads, but . .  . there’s a lot of roads around New Zealand and ours are some of the best.”Duncan said many of the roads in the area were “a dream to drive on”, comparing them to a road he was recently diverted onto near Rakaia, in Canterbury which had about 10kms of corrugations.Stu said while driving around the Maniototo he also noticed some of the roads are used by dairy farmers for lanes, which posed the question as to whether those roads could be sold and the money spent on other infrastructure, such as bridges.

Nasbey’s cemetery is almost full to capacity, prompting the need to expand the site for future generations.The cemetery, on the aptly named Cemetery Rd, which has been operational for 164 years, has just a small selection of plots left available.As of January, there are six ashes plots and nine burial plots available, excluding those that have already been reserved.Last year an assessment of burial demand, forecast population growth of the town, and the potential burial capacity of the undeveloped area of the property was completed.The report, presented at this week's Maniototo Community Board meeting, showed that due to population growth projections and burial rates, specific to Naseby, an additional 482 plots would be required to meet the community’s needs over the next 100 years.Details around the extension strategy were presented at the meeting by Central Otago District Council (CODC) group manager - community experience David Scoones.CODC group manager - community experience David Scoones. PHOTO: CODCHe said as part of the CODC 2024 to 2034 Long Term Plan, money has been allocated to progress with the expansion of the cemetery over the next three years.The first year would be a planning stage, the second would focus on preparation and the third would be development of the site.To do that, council plans to expand the site on council owned land at the southern part of the cemetery, which is about 1.2 hectares in size and is planted in mature pines.A look at the new proposed cemetery layout. PHOTO: SuppliedThe surrounding property is privately owned by forestry company Ernslaw One.Development of the cemetery will require the removal of the over mature trees from the unused sections of the site.David said Ernslaw One has been in recent discussions with CODC and agreed, in principle, to remove the trees at their own cost and convenience, and retain any value gained from the sale of logs.

Central residents are being praised for their conscientious efforts towards fire prevention so far this summer.Fire and Emergency New Zealand group manager for Otago District - Central Otago Bobby Lamont said the hot and dry summer had not resulted in any more fires than usual around the district for this time of year.Central remains in a prohibited fire season, which means a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.“Overall Central Otago [residents] are generally very, very conscientious and aware of the fire danger and I think [that is] partly due to the community still being aware of what happened in 1999 in Alexandra with those large fires.”This month marks 25 years since “those large fires” swept through parts of Alexandra, where thousands of hectares of land and vegetation were scorched.“Generally, people are still very, very aware of the risk of fire danger and the risk of spread, so [we’re] pretty happy with Central Otago communities overall.” Bobby said.“Every year I say it, but I just thank them again for their efforts, and their awareness, and consciousness of that fire danger.”However, as teams battle a large fire in Christchurch’s Port Hills this week, exactly seven years after another large scale fire in the same area, people are urged not to become complacent.Bobby Lamont, of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. PHOTO: SuppliedBobby said in Central, fires are often accidental, predominantly when farm machinery heats up, or flicks a stone, which then sparks.He urged people to do those high risk jobs in the morning, when there was still a bit of dew on the ground. Bobby also reminds people that fireworks and lanterns are banned, until further notice.“We don’t want to be the fun police, but we do ask people to have a bit of awareness.”Anyone considering lighting a fire outdoors, no matter the season, should visit www.checkitsalright.nz to make sure there are no restrictions in place and read up on fire safety advice.People can also visit fireandemergency.nz where they can get some good fire safety advice, along with weather updates.Listen to more on The Outlet podcast.Read more at RNZ: Christchurch Port Hills fire: as it happened

Resource consent has been obtained for the Chinese settlement in Old Cromwell, and work on recreating the original site will be underway by the end of the year.The Cromwell & District Community Trust (CDCT) has been involved in the project for several years, to honour the Chinese living in Old Cromwell from 1866 to 1920.The remains of Chinatown were destroyed to make way for Lake Dunstan and the site was the best-preserved example of a New Zealand Chinese urban settlement.Located opposite the Victorian Arms Hotel, the Cromwell Chinese Settlement will form part of the proposed ‘Golden Highway’ - a world class cultural tourism experience, featuring stop-off points at the Arrowtown Chinese Camp, Alexandra’s Central Stories, the Lawrence Chinese Camp, and Dunedin.CDCT chair Ali Ballantine said the site would be levelled, a pathway and stone footings made to show the original buildings, as well as a recreation of one of their old huts.The group has been working in conjunction with Old Cromwell Inc, the Cromwell Museum, Goldfields Heritage Trust, the Chinese community, CODC, LINZ and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.Stage three will involve technology such as QR codes that people can scan to learn more about the history and the people who once lived there.Ali said one of the committee members had family in Los Angeles who was involved in the world of virtual reality and film, who could help them with bringing the settlement to life interactively with visitors.“It was about honouring the lives of the Chinese who lived down the worst part of town, but who also looked after people and had huge gardens,” she said.In a nod to the rich history embedded in Otago's goldfields during the late 1800s, Gibbston Valley Wines will be donating $5 from every bottle of China Terrace Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its Cellar Door to the project.  It also coincided with the start of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival.“Remnants of this rich legacy are scattered across the region, manifested in gravestones, schist houses, and artefacts that serve as poignant reminders of the struggles and triumphs of these early settlers. Their stories, etched into the soil, beckon us to acknowledge and embrace a shared history that has shaped the cultural tapestry of our community,” wine manager Jake Tipler said.

A hearing in Cromwell concluded this week to determine the town's next housing subdivision, under a proposed plan change by Fulton Hogan.A panel of two independent commissioners and the Central Otago District Council heard evidence on Plan Change 21, to rezone 118ha of rural land adjoining Pisa Moorings.In its application, the company said while the focus of the zone was residential, some commercial and community facilities were also anticipated, where they supported the local residential population, and were compatible with the character and amenity values of the zone.It included 81.15ha, which would be rezoned residential along with a further 10ha (medium density), with 4.72ha business, 2.32ha industrial and a further 22.28ha as well.Council consultant planner Liz White questioned in her report to the panel whether this was an appropriate location to provide such housing supply, but concluded that it would significantly reduce the shortfall in the wider township area.She noted that the Cromwell Spatial Plan concentrated on growth of the existing urban area through higher density development than has been occurring. No additional growth beyond the town boundaries, such as in Pisa Moorings were identified, and economic analysis has shown the planned housing would still not meet projected demand across the wider Cromwell ward.The proposed commercial and industrial zoned land would also provide some services and employment opportunities for those living in Pisa Moorings, and reduce vehicle trips.A new policy to provide for convenience retail activities serving the local community, as well as the inclusion of a new rule providing for travellers’ accommodation was also part of the plan change application.The PC21 Request was received by Central Otago District Council on September 23, 2022 and accepted on December 14.  Submissions were made by 14 individuals and companies/organisations.Hearing commissioners have asked Fulton Hogan to submit written closing statements within two to three weeks.

Triumph cars dating back through the decades will descend on Alexandra later this month.The Triumph TR Club will bring a weekend of celebrations to Alexandra from Thursday, February 29, before touring Southland, and finishing in Dunedin on Sunday, March 3.Coordinator Ian Ramage, of Fruitlands, said about 80 Triumph TRs will be joining the events from all over New Zealand, including some of the club’s affiliated members who will be travelling from Australia for the occasion.The cars are British two-seater sports cars, which are TR2 to TR8, and date from 1952 to 1986.Ian, who owns a 1971 Triumph, said the weekend’s events will include a concours in Pioneer Park on Friday, March 1, which will be open to the public, from 9am to 12pm.On Saturday, March 2, the group will take a drive through the Ida, Styx and Manuherikia Valleys, followed by a dinner and dance, where prizes will be awarded for the concours.“To dove-tail into the national weekend and after-tour, about 17 intrepid members are also doing a Cape Reinga to Bluff run, which will be a test of both man, woman and machine,” Ian said.“The after-tour will then go to Te Anau so members can either do the Milford Sound run or the Doubtful Sound trip.”He said 80 cars and 150 people are taking part in the overall event, making it one of the largest the club has ever organised.The tour will also go to Invercargill, the Catlins and Dunedin where a farewell dinner will be hosted.

Every hand in the room was raised in support of buying a public access easement on Matangi Station at a meeting in Alexandra last night.A public easement would assure access “in perpetuity” to the existing trails, along with some new ones for bikers, walkers and runners.What lawyer John Williamson called ‘“the unfolding story” of Matangi Station is continuing with last minute discussions extending to potentially allowing horse riding in the White Sands area, and also dogs, which would need to be under control and up to date with their monthly dose against sheep measles, on the Rock Garden and Ten Heads loop track. These details are not yet incorporated in the easement document and discussions are ongoing.Two hundred and ten people attended the meeting, organised by the Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA).It ran for two hours, from 7pm, with almost every chair occupied and a livestream broadcast viewed by those who could not attend.  Topics covered were the history of Matangi Station and the Matangi MTB park, pastoral leases, the current easement proposal, possible new trails and ways to fund the easement.The audience of Central’s community members, cyclists, young and old, walkers, runners, horse riders, business owners, retirees and families were asked to indicate if they supported the idea of buying an easement.They were also asked if they supported the creation of a charitable trust to oversee the trails and park by MOA president Andrew Dowling. Chairperson for the evening Ollie Yeoman said the turnout was wonderful and evidence of the love and deep concern for access to Matangi Station.Questions, answers and feedback sessions after the presentations covered weed control, horse riding, the potential earnings from commercial operations, the timeline and the next steps.Pictured (from left) are speakers who are behind the proposal (a subcommittee of MOA) Andrew Dowling, Rob Wardle, Joe Sherriff, John Williamson and Ollie Yeoman. The speakers thanked the Sanders family for their years of granting access for recreational use, along with their cooperation, collaboration and partnership in good faith.Folllowing the meeting, MOA is running a public survey to gauge support.It needs to be completed by midnight tonight (Wednesday, February 14). Responses will be confidential, and pledges of support are non-binding.Complete the survey here.Stay tuned to the Central App for more information about the public easement proposal, the amount of funding targeted and next steps tomorrow morning.

A 39-year-old Roxburgh woman who was seven times over the excess breath alcohol limit had her license suspended for 28 days, after the public noticed her weaving along the state highway.Alexandra Police Acting Sergeant James McDonald said members of the public informed police on Saturday morning about the driver of the Toyota Hilux.Police went to a private address where the woman admitted drinking and driving - her excess breath alcohol level was 1367mcg.  Acting Sgt McDonald said the extremely high level was representative of someone who was a functioning alcoholic.Over in the Ida Valley on Monday February 5, two separate police officers stopped and ticketed a driver for excessive speed twice within 20 minutes.The road policing sergeant first stopped the 30-year-old driver, who was carrying a toddler in the back, going 121km/hr, and then Acting Sgt McDonald stopped him again going 114km/hr near Chatto Creek.On his first infringement he was fined $170 and received 30 demerit points, and on the second occasion received a further $80 and another 25 points.“He said to me he obviously hasn’t learnt his lesson,” Acting Sgt McDonald said.Speeding on quiet rural roads continued to be a problem, and some drivers were not clearly taking the speed limit seriously, he said.The Ida Valley and Maniototo roads were policed quite well, using both local officers and the road policing units.“People will try their luck on a rural road, and they are quite high risk for us as well,” he said.Just last Sunday a 54-year-old Cromwell man was stopped by police in the Kawarau Gorge going 123km/hr near the Victoria Bridge.He had an excess breath alcohol level of 806mcg, and had his license suspended for 28 days.   This was his third and subsequent charge and he will appear before a judge for sentencing on March 5.