As Christmas quickly approaches, many of us plan to take our annual leave during the summer season.After a challenging year, this break offers a chance to recharge alongside loved ones, often near a beach or lake, enjoying a few BBQs. While it's a crucial time for our well-being it's also essential to ensure the business is in good shape before we leave, so you can truly relax this holiday break. This break also offers time to think about the future of your business in the coming year.Here are some top tips to ensure you return refreshed and ready for the New Year, rather than feeling stressed and playing catch-up.Get your business affairs in order before the holidayTo make sure you enjoy a well-deserved and stress-free wellness break, prioritise getting your business affairs organised before you leave. From experience, the festive season can make it tough to motivate yourself to ‘finish things off’, but doing so is crucial as it will impact your well-deserved break.Complete as much as possible before your break to truly disconnect. If some tasks can't be finished, communicate openly with suppliers and customers in advance. Clear communication ensures everyone understands the situation and aligns their expectations with yours, making it smoother for all involved. Good communication is key!Make sure there's a solid cash flow plan for the festive seasonThe holiday season can pose cash flow shortages or challenges for businesses. Revenue tends to dip while operational costs remain steady.Have a solid plan to cover your fixed expenses during this period. Consider discussing a temporary overdraft facility with your bank to ensure enough financial flexibility. Finding solutions during the festive period can be tough, as the whole country tends to run on a skeleton crew during this time. Creating a plan for the holiday break can often save you from last-minute stress. Encourage your staff to take a well-deserved break tooIt's an incredibly important time for your employees to all have a well-deserved break too. In New Zealand, with our holiday cycle, there are not many people that I chat with at this time of year who are not looking forward to (and needing) a decent break. If you're a business owner able to do so, I highly recommend encouraging your employees to take a proper recharge.It's not just about doing the right thing; it also benefits the employer. Giving employees this time off tends to boost employee engagement in the coming year. People return refreshed and motivated, ready to tackle the New Year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Plus, it helps manage your holiday leave liability, ensuring it stays at a reasonable level (no business wants to pay out an employee leaving with a hefty accrued leave balance). Take time to reflect and set new goalsAfter you've caught up on rest and spent time with loved ones, it's a good idea to review the past year. Take time to reflect on the business success and (equally as important) areas that didn't go as planned and what you would do differently. With fewer emails and calls coming in, it's an excellent opportunity for reflection, learning, planning and goal setting. This clear headspace offers the perfect time to set both personal goals and professional goals. Creating realistic goals and action plans for the upcoming year ensures you return from your break revitalised, prepared and ready to go after a well-deserved break. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New YearWherever you may be celebrating this festive season, I and the BDO Team, wish you and your families well over the Christmas break. I hope everyone has a safe, fun and relaxing holiday.Here's to a fantastic 2023 ending and a warm welcome to all that 2024 brings!    

A mixed bag of weather is in the forecast for today’s end of year festivities across Central.MetService meteorologist John Law said New Year’s Eve weather was “looking like an unsettled story”, with the prospect of showers and possibly some thunderstorms and hail to see out 2023. Fine weather is expected to return by New Year’s Day.High pressure is building across the country for the start of 2024, which would mean many parts of the country will have a good start to the new year with “plenty of dry and fine weather in store”.“Central Otago looks to be one of the warmest spots with a forecast high of 25 degrees Celsius, similar to Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.”However, people are encouraged to keep an eye on weather forecasts, due to their ever changing patterns, which had been the case over much of the holiday season so far.John said MetService’s rain readings since Christmas had shown there had been 18mm at Wedderburn, 13mm at Alexandra and 9mm at Cromwell. He said while there is some rain in the forecast later in the week, the general trend is for a drier start to the year.People can keep an eye on thunderstorm charts here. To keep an eye on weather reports, click on The Central App’s weather button. Read more: Recent rainfall benefits the Maniototo.

People ventured from far and wide for a round of golf and, in doing so, have helped raise $7000 for the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust.Members of the trust hosted the golf tournament at the Omakau Golf Course on Thursday, an event that attracted 119 people from around the country, including as far away as Auckland.They made up 30 four-person-teams, who played an ambrose style tournament, which took place throughout the day in hot conditions.One player, in particular, took advantage of the heat - or maybe it was a bet - to play part of the tournament naked.It is the second year the trust has hosted the post-Christmas golf tournament, an event the Omakau Golf Club has run for more than 20 years.However, over that time the club has allowed several local community groups to use the tournament for their own fundraising ventures.Di Wilson (left) and Jayne Douglas enjoy the morning's session of golf.Derek Shaw on the barbecue, a popular stopping point on the golf course. Thanks to the Omakau Golf Club and the many people who took part, this week’s event has brought the trust closer to its aim - construction of a purpose-built, multi-use community facility on the Omakau Recreation Reserve, for the benefit of the township and surrounding communities.Trust chair Andrew Paterson said the cost and design was estimated at about $5.3 million, with $1.7M already secured.One team makes their way across the course, including member, Joe Flannery, centre, who opted to go naked. The group has not yet applied to some of the larger funding organisations.The trust plans to host another mid-year golf tournament in May, which will be open for registrations in April.To provide financial support, people can visit the trust’s Give a Little page.Anyone who wants to find out about joining the committee can email [email protected]: The Central App

Power outages across parts of Cromwell are keeping repair crews busy.Three generators were used to power three transformers after an underground cable fault caused a power outage in the town's Antimony Cr area.An Aurora Energy spokesperson said there were about 70 customers who relied on each transformer.Power was restored to those customers just after 10pm yesterday.“We thank all customers who were impacted for their patience while our contractors worked to repair the fault.”According to the Aurora Energy website, another power outage in Cromwell’s Ripponvale area is affecting 68 customers in Ord, Ripponvale and Ritchies Rds.Power is estimated to be restored to those residents at 12pm today.That outage initially affected 754 customers, but power has been restored to a large portion of those households.Keep up to date with power outages by clicking on The Central App’s power outages button.

Otago Sparks and Volts both took a hit during the opening of the Dream11 Super Smash at Molyneux Park on Thursday.The Otago Volts lost to the Wellington Firebirds by eight wickets, while the Otago Sparks lost to Wellington Blaze by 20 runs.Otago Volts were all bowled out for 47 after 12 overs and the Sparks scored 139 from their 20 overs.On January 1, Otago Sparks will return to the pitch against Auckland Hearts at Molynuex Park at 12.30pm.Otago Volts will take on Auckland Aces, also at Molyneux Park on January 1, at 4pm.Alexandra will play host for the Super Smash double header series one last time on January 3 when Otago Sparks take on Canterbury Magicians at 12.30pm and Otago Volts compete against Canterbury Kings at 4pm.The crowds enjoying the cricket and sunshine at Molyneux Park. PHOTO: The Central AppShaded areas were popular as the crowd watched the cricket in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppSparks head coach Craig Cumming said, ahead of the series, he was excited to be returning to Alexandra for the series.“As cricketers and as fans, there is so much history playing and watching at Molyneux Park. The best weather, lovely ground, grass banks and an awesome local community that we are thankful for their support,” he said.“There is no better place to be, and I know the Sparks cannot wait to play three games in Alexandra.”Volts head coach Dion Ebrahim was also looking forward to getting out into the regions throughout the season.He said it was exciting to be playing in Alexandra.“We know the team gets a lot of support from the area and there is always a fantastic family feel about playing cricket in Alexandra. The weather is hot, the locals friendly and the cricket is always entertaining.”Both Otago teams started their Super Smash campaign at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve, before they took on Canterbury on Boxing Day at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.This summer also marks the start of the three-year broadcast deal with TVNZ, which will broadcast all 64 Super Smash games on free-to-air.

Welcome to the next installment of our "My Town" series.This initiative is to find the charm and attractions of diverse small townships nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Our aim is to provide holiday-makers with an immersive experience that delves far beyond the well-known landmarks, such as Cromwell’s iconic big fruit sculpture and the majestic Clyde Dam. The series will unfold with weekly releases every Saturday and Wednesday until the 26 of January. Over this period, we will cover towns of Central Otago, exposing the region's hidden treasures from a locals perspective.Episode 4. ClydeRetired Clyde School principal Doug White welcomes readers to Clyde, population 1200.How did your story in Clyde begin?During the 1980’s I was a university student with a real passion for aviation. I stayed in Clyde and flew in some memorable regional and national gliding championships during this time from Alexandra Airfield.The South Island high country is a special place for me and I enjoy working in rural school communities.In 2005 I jumped at the opportunity to take up the position of principal at Clyde School. It was such a lovely place to work, I remained there until I retired in 2020.” What is it about Clyde that you couldn’t live without and why?The mountain biking tracks around Clyde are fantastic. Take your pick from our vast network of trails and single tracks. There is something to suit all rider abilities.View from the Clyde lookout. PHOTO: Tim Bardsely Smith / Tourism Central OtagoWhere’s the best spot in town for lunch?You have a great choice of lunch spots in Clyde. Have fun trying them all.You will find they are all family run businesses that serve great fresh food with a smile and a chat.If you feel you deserve a lunchtime craft beer after a walk or cycle, Olivers have a selection from their own brewery and interesting guest beers.Olivers Cafe, Restaurant and Accommodation are located in the middle of the Clyde Heritage Precinct. PHOTO: James Jubb/ Tourism Central Otago   What’s a fun fact about Clyde?Clyde’s first school was established in 1863 with 66 pupils, only a year after Hartley and Reilly banked 87 pounds of gold in Dunedin, starting the Dunstan gold rush.What’s one thing people need to check out when visiting Clyde?The Clyde Historical Museum in Blyth St presents a fascinating visual history of the area.Historic Clyde is a resting and refuelling point for many cyclists in Central Otago. PHOTO: Tourism Central OtagoWhere in Central Otago do you like to escape to and why?The distinctive rock tor Kopuwai/Obelisk (1682M) stands over Clyde on the southern skyline.My e-mountain bike enables me to climb up to the amazing landscape of the Kopuwai Conservation Area. It is a unique, wild and lonely place.Go prepared for alpine conditions. It is the highest point between us and Antarctica and the weather can change quickly.Proudly sponsored by TyreLAND

Rain gauge readings are starting to circulate, proving who got what for Christmas in Central.Heavy rain fell throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and official recordings provided to The Central App by MetService suggest Wedderburn was the wettest part of Central Otago over Christmas, with 30mm reported.However, Stu Duncan, who farms at Wedderburn, only recorded 20mm, while other farmers recorded 65mm in Patearoa and 30mm in Danseys Pass.He said overall, the rain would be enough to assist crop growth and also reduce the risk of fires.“It was a good Christmas present, put it that way.”He said a follow up rain - even just a shower - would be enough to help keep crop growth healthy.Central Otago’s tendency for thunderstorms means there is potential for some more light relief.MetService meteorologist John Law said more unsettled weather was possible in the lead up the New Year.“However, high pressure looks set to rebuild for the start of the New Year.”A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago despite the recent heavy rain events and it was important people did not become complacent, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.He said Central Otago remains under a prohibited fire season, which meant there was a total fire ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were still suspended.Fireworks are also still banned in Central, as well as in Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lake Ōhau, Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice.

Community Christmas dinners continue to be popular traditions on Central Otago festive calendars. Various communities across the district hosted events over recent days for people who would otherwise have been alone at Christmas, were from overseas, or just wanted to join in the fun alongside others.On Christmas Eve, Cromwell’s Church Untamed hosted a barbecue with the aim of providing a fun event for people, particularly younger residents who wanted to connect with others.Church leader Tim Muller said about 30 people attended the event, which also featured a sing-along of Christmas carols. He said although the event did not attract “too many” people, he hoped that over time it would grow.“It’s one of those things, if you do things regularly over time people hear about it. You have to be prepared to play the long game with these things.”The Alexandra Clyde Lauder Union Parish also hosted its annual Christmas Day dinner at St Enoch’s Church.Reverend Andrew Howley said the event, which attracted about 70 people, including volunteers, went “very well”.That number was slightly down on other years, which was partly due to some workplaces treating their overseas workers to meals on the day - a nice touch to their busy summer schedules.It was the second year the event had to be hosted entirely indoors due to wet weather, while another year saw the event venture indoors half way through.This year’s meal consisted of traditional ham and sausages, along with chicken and beef burgers.Rev Howley thanked everyone who volunteered on the day and donated money towards making it happen, in particular, the Alexandra Rotary Club, which was the core funder.

Welcome to the next installment of our "My Town" series.This initiative is to find the charm and attractions of diverse small townships nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Our aim is to provide holiday-makers with an immersive experience that delves far beyond the well-known landmarks, such as Cromwell’s iconic big fruit sculpture and the majestic Clyde Dam. The series will unfold with weekly releases every Saturday and Wednesday until the 26 of January. Over this period, we will cover towns of Central Otago, exposing the region's hidden treasures from a locals perspective.Episode 3. Millers FlatMarion Mewburn welcomes readers to Millers Flat, population 90.How did your story in Millers Flat begin?“In April 1990 we drove past what would become our property while on an outing with some fellow apple pickers.There were two old walnut trees and we climbed the fence to check if there were walnuts.Half a year later we had bought it to build a house on, now they are our walnut trees. Great walnuts too.”What do you think is one of the town’s best hidden treasures and why?“About 9km from the village, on the track along the river, there is a walkway, about 10 minutes, to an old swing bridge.It’s a lovely walk and the bridge is not only a piece of history which makes you imagine what life was like here 150 years ago, but it’s also beautiful and magical to be there and look down on the fast flowing river.”Author Kyle Mewburn and the outlook at her and wife Marion Mewburn’s house. PHOTO: SuppliedMarion and Kyle on a walk. PHOTO: SuppliedWhat is one piece of advice you would give to someone planning a visit?“My advice would be to book ahead. There is very little accommodation here. Great campground with cabins though.” The Mata-Au (Clutha) River. PHOTO: Shirley HowdenWhat’s something people planning a visit should bring with them?“Bring your bikes or walking shoes. The track along the river in either direction from Millers Flat is stunning and not too hard to do. Also, bring snacks.The café is presently closed and there is only the pub for food.They have good food there, but it can be busy. The nearest shop is 17 km away in Roxburgh. And, even there the options for evening dining are limited.”What’s one thing about Millers Flat that might surprise a visitor?“The thing which seems to surprise people is that we have a heated pool of a reasonable size.I don’t know why people find this surprising, but there you have it.”Where in Central Otago do you like to escape to and why?“I actually really like staying home, because we have everything my heart desires on the property.A lovely creek to swim in, even the cycling track goes right through the middle of it. And, we always eat yummy homemade food. But, I do like to have little outings with friends once in a while to either Lawrence, Roxburgh or Clyde for coffee or lunch and maybe some shopping.”An example of Marion’s ceramics. PHOTO: Central Otago ArtsRead more: Millers Flat author to launch new children's books.Proudly sponsored by TyreLAND

Welcome to the next installment of our "My Town" series.This initiative is to find the charm and attractions of diverse small townships nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Our aim is to provide holiday-makers with an immersive experience that delves far beyond the well-known landmarks, such as Cromwell’s iconic big fruit sculpture and the majestic Clyde Dam. The series will unfold with weekly releases every Saturday and Wednesday until the 26 of January. Over this period, we will cover towns of Central Otago, exposing the region's hidden treasures from a locals perspective.Episode 2. St BathansBirgit Krippner welcomes readers to St Bathans, population "fewer than" 10.How did your story in St Bathans begin?Eleven years ago I did my first roady to the South Island. At the time I lived in Wellington and I had a little Mini Cooper. I planned out the trip, where I will be heading. My husband Murray said that there is one place, he would like me to visit. I said, sure, what’s that? It was St Bathans. After cruising around the South Island for some days, I ended up taking the right turn onto gravel road, leading to St Bathans. That was the beginning of my love affair with this historical place. A couple of years ago we started looking for a holiday home in the area. This holiday home became a big house which we purchased. Earlier this year we sold our house in Seatoun, Wellington, which was located close to the beach. Our home is in St Bathans now.St Bathans resident Birgit Krippner. PHOTO: Birgit KrippnerWhat is it about St Bathans that you couldn’t live without and why?The smell of nature, it brings me back to childhood memories, which I thought were long forgotten. Where’s the best spot in town for lunch?There is one amazing spot in town for great lunch, which is the one and only Vulcan Hotel.St Bathans' popular meeting spot is the Vulcan Hotel. PHOTO: Geoff MarksThe Blue Lake at St Bathans is a must see when visiting the area. PHOTO: Geoff MarksWhat’s a fun fact about St Bathans?Not sure if this is a fun fact, but it is being said that room number one of the Vulcan Hotel is haunted. This is a story coming from the old gold mining days of St Bathans.What’s one thing people need to check out when visiting St Bathans and why?The Gold Office, which is a little store selling local crafts and collectibles in the historic village of St Bathans. Coming here is like diving into a different reality. I highly recommend.Where in Central Otago do you like to escape to and why? A good escape for me is the Aquatic Centre in Alexandra. I go swimming there a couple of times a week. Always feeling great afterwards. Also, going for walks on gravel roads, and spending time with our five sheep, two dogs, one cat and my family.Proudly sponsored by TyreLAND

A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago despite two days of heavy rain in some parts of the district.According to MetService, there was 13mm of rain in Alexandra from December 24 to 25, with 4.2mm overnight on Christmas Eve and a further 8.8mm on Christmas Day.Heavy downpours continued on Boxing Day, but those figures were not available before The Central App’s deadline.A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said although the past 48 hours had seen some rain across the district, it was important people did not become complacent.He said Central Otago remains under a prohibited fire season, which meant there was a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were still suspended.“It’s still . . . a prohibited fire season and that won’t change until the powers that be make a more informed decision.”A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago. IMAGE: FenzHe said rainfall was not the only factor that would allow a change to come into effect.“There’s all sorts of things that go into it - humidity, fuel loading, current temperature - everything plays on each other.”Fireworks are also still banned in Central, as well as in Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lake Ōhau, Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice.The ban came into effect just days after a fire near Clyde earlier this month, which was caused by fireworks.Crews from five Central Otago fire brigades, along with helicopters carrying monsoon buckets, battled the blaze on a steep hillside above Lake Dunstan.“That fireworks [message] is huge because they can smolder away for some time, as was the evidence with the fire above the Clyde Dam. The risk is still very high.” To keep up to date with weather forecasts, click on The Central App’s weather button.To find out more about fire restrictions visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

Motorists were urged to avoid the Kawarau Gorge this morning following a crash, however the road is now open.Keep up to date via The Central App Roads report.Police are responding to a report of a truck that has jack-knifed on State Highway 6 (Kawarau Gorge Road), Kararau Gorge around 7:55am.There are no reports of injury, but the vehicle is blocking the road and is partly overhanging the side of the road.It may take some time to clear and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

The Central App team would like to extend a heartfelt Christmas greeting to each and every one of you, regardless of how you choose to celebrate or if you don't celebrate at all. This time of year is a special reminder that our community is made up of diverse backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs, and it's in this diversity that our strength and richness truly shine.Whether you're marking the occasion with family, friends, or finding solace in quiet moments, we hope this season brings you joy, peace, and a sense of connection.Metservice is reporting mostly cloudy today, with a few showers this afternoon.To those celebrating Christmas, may your day be filled with the warmth of love, the joy of giving, and the beauty of shared moments.For those not observing this particular holiday, we extend wishes for a season filled with happiness, relaxation, and the simple pleasures that make life beautiful.As we close out this year, we express our gratitude for the moments we've shared, the stories we've told, and the connections we've forged. Here's to a season of harmony, togetherness, and the anticipation of newbeginnings in the coming year.Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas from The Central App Family!We would love to know how you are spending your day. Please email us at [email protected] or use the Contact Us option. We'd love to hear from you. Cheers to the festive season and all the very best for a happy and safe holiday.

It's always nice to receive gifts during Christmas and other special occasions. But, what about when you don't like them? Is it ok to sell unwanted gifts? The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and the tradition of gift-giving. However, amidst the unwrapping frenzy, many of us find ourselves holding items that don’t quite impress.In the age of online marketplaces like Facebook and TradeMe, the temptation to sell unwanted gifts lingers as a convenient solution with thousands of new sales popping up on Boxing Day. There may be more value in retaining the gift than selling it on. Selling these gifts often emphasizes its monetary worth over their sentimetal or thoughtful values. The act of giving encompasses more than just the exchanging of gifts; it’s a gesture of love, appreciation and understanding. While the item itself might not fit our preferences, the sentiment behind the gift remains significant. Selling it demininshes this sentiment, reducing it to a quick way to make a dollar. Holding onto unwanted gifts can serve as a lesson in gratitude and empathy. Embracing a gift, even if it’s not exactly what we desired, encourages us to appreciate the gesture and effort put into choosing it. At the end of the day, that person didn’t have to give you a gift. The never ending cycle of gift giving and reselling only adds to the rampant consumerism that is Christmas time. While it may seem like common sense, don’t buy a gift for someone if you don’t know what they like. It only adds to the awkwardness on Chirstmas Day when you have to put on a fake smile. A gift should be backed by thought, care and intention. At this time of year, many people feel as though they have to buy gifts. Instead of buying something materialistic, something as simple as a food basket or grocery voucher would be greatly received considering current food prices. If you find yourself unwrapping something that didn’t make the list this Christmas, think about better ways of rehoming that gift rather than selling. Regifting, for instance, can be a thoughtful way to pass along a present to someone who may appreciate it more. Alternatively, donating gifts to charities or shelters can bring joy to those in need while preserving the goodwill and purpose behind the act of giving. So next time you hit up TradeMe to get rid of an unwanted gift, think about how you would feel if a gift you gave was up for sale.

A short soak in water and baking soda will help extend the life of fresh raspberries, says Waikato berry grower Jay Malloy.After rinsing the berries, he recommends soaking them in a small amount of this mixture for a couple of minutes, straining them then storing them in a ziplock bag in the fridge."There's a good chance that your berries are going to be in a lot better condition than if they were just put in on their own," Jay tells Jesse Mulligan.Jay is the managing director of Kaipaki Berries, which produces strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.He says raspberries are so expensive this year because flooding in Hawke's Bay earlier this year destroyed so many plants."It wiped out a large majority of the tunnel raspberry supply in New Zealand, so what that means is there's just very little supply of raspberries at this time, probably about 70 percent back."When it comes to strawberries, prices are high due to wild weather ruining a third of New Zealand's strawberry plants back in June.He would like supermarkets to help the situation by "getting a bit tighter" on their profit margins for Kiwi's favourite summer berry."What customers are paying isn't exactly close to what we're getting in return from the supermarket."When buying strawberries, Jay recommends being careful to choose "the good ones" from the shelf."I'd just be a bit careful with which ones you're picking up at the supermarket.'

If you haven’t driven or walked past Mike and Margaret Payne’s house opposite the council in Alexandra on the corner of Bringans St, then it’s worth a look before Christmas.It takes almost two weeks to set up Santa in his sleigh, Mother Christmas and the elves, and a 2.5m tree all lavishly decorated.“Some of the decorations require a bit of DIY stuff to make it work,” the former thermal power engineer said.Hauling out the Christmas collection every December 1, the display will stay for the next few weeks, “it makes it pretty hard to mow the lawns otherwise,” he said.Mike Payne in his Alexandra garden, which he has since transformed in time for Christmas. PHOTO: The Central AppMike and Margaret and sister-in-law Sandra Kelmsley moved to Alexandra in 1999 - Christmas garden decorations and displays have been one of the family’s retirement projects.The Christmas garden in the day time. PHOTO: The Central AppBut it was actually Sandra who first got them interested in decorating, when they all moved south from New Plymouth. They bought a campervan and drove back up there to her house to retrieve the lot - but they’re always adding more to the collection. “You do have to keep replacing them, especially the solar ones. And being a power station man I prefer real ones, like 240 volts.”One guy reckons he can see the top of the tree all lit up from the other end of Bringans St.The Central App has provided a Christmas lights trail to view all the properties lit up, and you have until the 4th of January to visit homes like 16 Fraser Avenue and remember to vote for your favourites.

Introducing the "My Town" series.This initiative is to find the charm and attractions of diverse small townships nestled in the heart of Central Otago. Our aim is to provide holiday-makers with an immersive experience that delves far beyond the well-known landmarks, such as Cromwell’s iconic big fruit sculpture and the majestic Clyde Dam. The series will unfold with weekly releases every Saturday and Wednesday until the 26 of January. Over this period, we will cover towns of Central Otago, exposing the region's hidden treasures from a locals perspective.Episode 1. TarrasBeau Trevathan welcomes readers to Tarras, population 606.How did your story in Tarras begin?Born at the Cromwell Maternity Home, the third generation to live in the same house.What do you think is one of the town’s best hidden treasures and why?The Lindis river is the number one gem. While it has been the life blood to the local agricultural industry it also offers many special places for family camping and picnics.A large tin sculpture greets people to Tarras. PHOTO: Tourism Central OtagoTarras is a good spot for a picnic. PHOTO: James Jubb / Tourism Central OtagoWhat is one piece of advice you would give to someone planning a visit?Tarras has always been BYO. Do not expect the normal social gathering available at the “local,” that you will find in most other villages.Check out the community's small collection of stores, including cafe. PHOTO: James Jubb / Tourism Central OtagoWhat’s something people planning a visit should bring with them?Come with an open mind, golf clubs, walking shoes and sunscreen. There are several walks, but be prepared for all conditions. The locals would prefer to not have to carry anybody out.What’s one thing about Tarras that might surprise a visitor?Visiting any of the many heritage sites that remain since the discovery of gold in the 1800’s.The "My Town" series will also be featured in a new section on the main page of The Central App, so visitors can refer to it as we build the places to go when visiting Central Otago.If you'd like to be a part of our series or know someone who would be interested, please Contact Us. The more local perspectives, the better the series. Thanks in advance for your input.Proudly sponsored by TyreLAND

Santa can expect some mild temperatures while delivering presents across Central Otago on Sunday night.By Christmas morning temperatures will start to creep up from about 13 degrees Celsius, to a predicted maximum of 28C.MetService meteorologist John Law said, overall, Central Otago was looking like a good place to be on Christmas Day.“While there will be the odd shower during the day, much of the time will be dry before cloud and showers move into the south of the region later in the day.”He said while the weather looks generally more unsettled for the week between Christmas and New Year, “much of the wet weather will be skirting” Central.While Central looks set to be a good place to be, so does the east of the South Island, Hawkes Bay and Nelson, with each of those regions expected to see some of the best of the festive weather.The hottest spots are likely to be on the east coast of the North Island, John said.He encourages people to stay hydrated and to avoid the hottest part of the day, while also keeping an eye on friends and family, “not forgetting the furriest of the family as well”.metservice prediction next seven days in Central OtagoFor more information about heat alerts and how to stay cool and calm when the temperature rises, visit the Weather in the report section of The Central App.

Christmas has arrived at Ewan Mason and Heather Kinley’s home in Ranfurly.Their property at 49 John St is intricately decorated in full Christmas glory for everyone in the community and beyond to enjoy.When The Central App caught up with Heather, the display had not yet taken shape due to the need for calm weather.However, last weekend they got the window of opportunity they needed to get the mammoth display ready, just in time for Christmas.Among its many highlights is a six metre mega tree with a star on top, featuring an animated lighting display that runs to music.A backdrop of LED Christmas lights have also been hung to coincide with the pixels Ewan runs as one of the main features - an artform he has mastered, right down to each and every bright glow.Music from The Greatest Show on Earth is also played through a sound system, which they try to keep to a minimum for the neighbours.CLICK BELOW TO GO TO 1MIN VIDEOThe display at 49 John St, Ranfurly, is best viewed from the Thomas St side of the property. VIDEO: SuppliedThe display, which operates from 8.45pm until midnight each night over the festive season until the second week of January, is one people come back to see time and time again, Heather said.“People come back every night. On New Year’s Eve it’s usually choka block out there.”The only downfall is daylight saving, which means it is a very late night for young children to see it at its best, Heather said.However, knowing just how much of a spectacle the display always is, lots of parents get their children out of bed to make sure they don’t miss out.Heather said seeing the looks on everyone’s faces makes it worth the effort.“We do it for the kids - we love the kids’ faces.”Heather said although their address is on John St, the Thomas St side of their property is where the spectacle is best viewed from, which will operate until about a week after New Year.Her one piece of advice to anyone who comes to view the show is to get out of their vehicles and view it from the fence.Anyone who has decorated their home for Christmas this year is encouraged to take part in The Central App’s inaugural Aurora Energy Light Up Central campaign, supported by Tall Poppy.The aim is to create a trail of homes or businesses that are decorated, which people can view from the road.So, if you have lit up your abode, register the address with our Light Up Central campaign and go in the draw to win some amazing prizes.Prizes include a $1000 home improvement from Central Interiors, one night’s accommodation for two with breakfast at Harvest Hotel and a movie night for you and up to 20 family and friends at Central Cinema Alexandra.For a list of addresses already registered on the trail, click on the Light Up Central button and vote for your favourite.