Junior gold kayak cross under-23 world champion Nick Collier said he was feeling “over the moon” after his big win in France two days ago.“To realise this goal, this dream is simply incredible. I wish everyone could experience this feeling because it is beautiful,” he said.Becoming the first New Zealander to win the title at the canoe slalom world championships, the 21-year-old went one better than his silver medal at the same world championships in Krakow, Poland, two years ago.It's also the same event Finn Butcher won gold in at the Paris Olympics, and Nick said year on year the competition had grown stronger and harder.“The induction of kayak cross into the Paris Olympics massively raised the standard. I had put in the work so I knew that I would be competitive. My coach, Nico Boudoin, and I created a strategy that was perfect for the course and competition. I raced hard but importantly smart.” Nick made the shift from Central Otago to Hamilton in 2021 after winning a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship to study at Waikato University.Nick with gold medal. Photo: SuppliedHis parents George and Jenny were extremely proud of their son’s achievement, and the hard work and commitment he’d put in to get there. “It’s a dream come true for him to win gold at the U23s and we’re thrilled to see his talent and dedication pay off on the world stage,” Jenny said. “He’s shown remarkable tenacity and resilience over the years and sacrificed a lot, but he loves the sport and we’re excited to see where he goes with it next.”Jenny said it was also fantastic to see another success story for Central Otago whitewater. “As a small club we punch above our weight in producing champion paddlers. It must be something in the water,” she said.

A dog owner says her beloved pet is alive thanks to the quick thinking of her husband after the animal ate carrot pieces laced with poison while on a walk in Alexandra on Friday (July 11).Nadine Black says Toffee was given the all-clear by the vet on Monday after being under close watch throughout the weekend.The rainy Friday evening walk in a forested area near Alexandra Cemetery took a turn for the worse when Nadine’s husband spotted Toffee eating what appeared to be chunks of carrot covered in “green slime”.“She's a lab - she eats anything, you know?” Nadine said.“He pulled her away immediately, but she can wolf down a few portions in just a few precious seconds.”An after-hours call to their vet prompted quick action.“They said, ‘Bring Toffee in now, like, as fast as you can’. So, he rushed back to the car and drove her straight to the vet,” Nadine said.“He picked up some of the carrots and brought them with him too.“The vet said his fast action probably saved her life.”Toffee had eaten pindone, a slow-acting anticoagulant poison used for rabbit control that works by reducing the blood's ability to clot, leading to internal bleeding.The vet induced vomiting and instructed that Toffee be “bubble wrapped” and watched closely for any signs of bleeding over the weekend, Nadine said.Vet Carol Laird, who works at PetFirst Alexandra, said any pet owner who suspected their pet had consumed a poison should contact a vet immediately, ideally with the name of the chemical involved.Symptoms of poisoning could be varied, but in the case of pindone, lethargy and signs of internal bleeding (including pale or bruised gums, bruising, coughing and blood in stools) were clues, she said.Her advice: Avoid dog walking in areas where pindone had been dropped for several months, even after bait had disappeared, as carcasses of targeted pest animals could also be dangerous to dogs.Last week, Central Otago District Council began rabbit control operations at several public sites across the district, including the Alexandra Cemetery.In a statement at the start of July announcing the eight-week programme, the council said it involved laying pindone-laced carrot bait targeting feral rabbits.“Pindone carrot is used in winter, as this is when food sources are most scarce and fewer young rabbits are present,” the council said.“The bait will be dyed green to make it easily identifiable and will be laid by hand and quad bike by a contractor. “All affected areas will be clearly signposted with warning notices.”Pindone-laced carrots were also being used at the Cromwell, Clyde, Ranfurly and Roxburgh cemeteries, as well as the Half Mile Recreation Reserve in Alexandra as part of the pest-control programme.Nadine said her husband had not noticed warning signs last Friday, but did acknowledge it was dark and rainy by the time Toffee was taken out.“I was surprised to hear they would put rabbit poison in such an accessible area…such a popular dog walking area,” she said.

A woman has died following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1, Hampden on Sunday.The crash near Moeraki Boulders Road was reported at around 4:20pm on 13 July.The woman was taken to Dunedin Hospital with critical injuries and sadly passed away early this morning.Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely difficult time.Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has recorded one of the highest cumulative rates increases in the country over the past three years, according to fresh figures released by the Taxpayers’ Union.The 2025 Rates Dashboard, launched on Monday (July 14), showed Central Otago’s rates had risen 47.95 percent over the current council term, compared to the nationwide average of 34.4 percent – putting the district in tenth spot for highest rates increases over the period.This year alone, Central Otago’s average rates increase was 12.47 percent, compared to the nationwide average of 8.39 percent, according to the dashboard.Taxpayers’ Union local government campaigns manager Sam Warren said the dashboard’s numbers represented “real pain being felt by ratepayers”.Sam described the average cumulative rates increase over the past three years as “astonishing” and “more than two and a half times inflation over the same period”.But CODC mayor Tamah Alley said the dashboard’s figures don’t tell the full story.“Last year, our 18.3 percent average rates rise was made up of over 80 percent ‘core’ services - predominantly water,” the mayor said.“This year, some of our rates rise is driven by the Cromwell Memorial Hall opening next year, but this has been a community project nearly 20 years in the making.”She cautioned against simplistic comparisons between councils, noting Central Otago serviced four main “towns” with multiple service centres, libraries, and pools - unlike many districts, where services were centralised in a single hub.“It’s comparing apples with pears - they’re both fruit, but not the same,” Tamah said.It was her view a Local Government New Zealand assessment process started by the council would provide more useful comparisons.“Te Korowai (Councilmark)...will help our council to identify what we’re doing well, and where we can improve.“We should always be striving for improvements and efficiencies in how we deliver the services our communities want. Many people think councils spend loads of money on ‘vanity projects’, but that is not often the reality.”The Taxpayers’ Union had intensified its campaign for rates caps, pointing to reports of ratepayers being forced out of their homes due to the growing burden.Sam said caps were in place in parts of the United Kingdom and Australia, and they were “urgently needed” here.“Councils should be forced to keep rates under the level of inflation unless approved by local referenda,” he said.Tamah acknowledged the financial stress felt by many residents, particularly older people on fixed incomes.“People in Central Otago are facing increased prices in groceries, insurance, power and rates,” she said.“We have families who are short every week. We know times are tough for people and council needs to be accountable and efficient with our spending.”She noted the council’s existing support for those on low incomes, including rates rebates and remission policies for those facing hardship, particularly “asset rich but cash poor” pensioners.CODC had also opened up new residential land through Plan Change 19 to help address housing affordability and supply, she said.On the question of capping rates, Tamah was cautious, describing the policy as more complex than it sounded, with “some devils hidden in the details”.“The government is proposing a rates cap on non-core services, but they haven’t defined as yet what those core services are,” she said.“We anticipate services such as water, rubbish and roading would be considered ‘core’, but what about swimming pools and libraries, which aren’t provided by private businesses?“People like the idea of a ‘rates cap’ as they think this will mean their rates would only rise by three to four percent each year. This is not the reality of the proposed system.“For example, you might have an eight percent rise in core services, plus a three percent ‘non-core’ cap, which would equal an 11 percent increase.”She also pointed to the example of New South Wales, where councils could apply for exemptions to a cap - North Sydney Council, for instance, sought to raise rates by 87 percent this year.“This indicates the scale of just how far behind councils are getting with providing the services communities expect.”However, the mayor remained committed to keeping the conversation going about the kind of community the district wanted to build - and how to fairly pay for it.“I made a video on rates capping last week. It’s up on my Facebook and YouTube pages.“Transparancy is key - we need to get better at condensing the thousands of pages that make up our Annual Plans, Long Term Plans and Annual Reports, to be easily accessible for people to get their heads around.”As part of efforts to ease the burden on ratepayers, CODC was also looking at ways to diversify revenue, including a land investment strategy for Cromwell and exploring additional funding avenues through the proposed regional deal with central government, she said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Members of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project have welcomed Health NZ’s clinical services review, which will begin this month.The review is looking at how needs have changed in this region, with clinical services “the priority” and the location of a regional hospital “the fundamental point of the review”, Health NZ Southern chief medical officer David Gow said.Read more: ‘Unmet health needs’ acknowledged at roadshow “This is the news from Health NZ we’ve been waiting for,” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers said.“Until recently, despite our growth, Health NZ had no plans for expansion in our area. We’re finally on their radar.”Glyn is one of the leaders of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project, along with Central Otago District Council mayor Tamah Alley, Southland MP Joseph Mooney, Waitaki MP Miles Anderson, and Queenstown-based ACT MP Todd Stephenson.The group (which is backed by a charitable trust) has been working with health infrastructure specialist Helen Foot of Markit Consulting since October 2023, with the goal of incorporating public health services alongside existing and planned private providers. A statement from the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project yesterday (Monday July 14) said Health NZ’s clinical services review “clears the way for a new hospital in the region that could complement and support existing health services”. “It could be New Zealand’s first large privately-owned and publicly operated hospital,” the statement said.Joseph Mooney said incorporating public health infrastructure alongside current or planned private providers in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wānaka and Queenstown would bring public healthcare closer to home for the area’s growing number of residents and visitors.“We want to work with existing providers and help uplift the service everyone can provide.”Health NZ’s clinical services review is expected to be completed by December this year.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

There was a moment's silence in Central Otago District Council chambers on Thursday (July 10) to acknowledge the passing of former councillor Mike Dowling, of Ranfurly.Mike also served on the Maniototo Community Board, including chair for seven years, and the Community Trust of Maniototo from 1989 to 2017.He died on June 30 and a celebration of his life was held in Ranfurly on July 6.A third generation farmer of Pine Terrace (which has been in the Dowling family for over 100 years), Mike was a long standing stalwart of the Maniototo community and had been married to Joan for more than 50 years. The couple had seven children. Mike also gave his time to rugby clubs, school boards and charitable trusts. There were many tributes on social media for the man who was patron of the Maniototo rugby club, including from members of the ex Maniototo Maggots.“Over the years as a supporter there wouldn't have been a game he and Joan did not miss. Every ground in Otago country and beyond supporting their boys. They were a constant,” read the tribute.The ex-Maniototo Maggots said Mike was always on hand to give well-thought-out, truthful and experienced advice on how they had played, “and it was always respected and sought after”.Mike was crucial in the formation of the club and with the building of the new clubrooms.“His length of time of involvement in rugby on the Maniototo would be second to none. Not only have we lost a patron we have lost a pillar of our club but also a very dear friend.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Kim Bowden has joined The Central App news team, replacing reporter Anna Robb who worked for the company for the past three years.Kim retrained as a journalist about 15 years ago after working in the travel industry.Her most recent work was for Crux Media and a brief stint recently with Allied Press, for both the Otago Daily Times and the Central Otago News.Kim, who is based in Lowburn with her husband and three children, moved to Central Otago eight years ago. She worked for The Central App when she first arrived.Having graduated from AUT’s postgraduate journalism course, her first newspaper job was with The Southland Times, based in Alexandra.“It was a maternity leave contract, and I returned to Auckland, but I remember a glorious golden summer that left my husband and I wanting to return,” she said.Kim said she is passionate about local journalism - covering stories that directly affect people’s day-to-day lives. “I believe it plays a big role in creating connection and a sense of belonging, but also in helping communities face up to challenges,” she said.“I’m not afraid to report on the hard stuff - I think it’s important to reflect back what’s really going on, even when it’s uncomfortable. Good local reporting gives people reliable information to chew over at the dinner table or on the sidelines of the sports field. It lays out the issues clearly, so even if people disagree, they’re at least having the same conversation - and that’s how communities move forward together.”Kim is looking forward to getting stuck into some local democracy reporting, and is known for asking tough questions, thinking on her feet, and wanting to understand how and why things work the way they do.She also loves talking to people who do brilliant things, “whether it's a local business owner, a farmer with a smart new idea, or someone quietly making a difference”. “There's something energising about hearing what makes people tick, and I really enjoy turning those conversations into stories that celebrate their work and passion.”Before becoming a journalist, Kim worked as a tour guide across Southeast Asia and the Pacific (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Vanuatu, and NZ) for Intrepid Travel. “And, even further back, after graduating with a degree in politics and geography from the University of Auckland, I worked as an electoral secretary for three Members of Parliament.” Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

As with many industries, life and health insurance providers sometimes change their names, particularly following acquisitions or structural shifts. Here’s a helpful breakdown of recent insurer name changes and what they mean for your policy.Why are insurance companies changing names?In recent years, several life and health (L&H) insurers in New Zealand have been bought or sold. This trend is especially noticeable where banks have chosen to focus on lending and outsource insurance to dedicated providers, rather than handling policies in-house.For policyholders, this can create confusion, especially when you receive a letter from a company you don’t recognise. And with the rise in insurance scams, you might even question if the correspondence is legitimate.Recent life & health insurer name changesHere’s a list of recent life insurance company name changes to help clarify who your policy may now be with:Asteron Life (previously owned by Suncorp Australia) was sold to Resolution Life in 2025.BNZ Life was acquired by Partners Life in 2022.Westpac Life NZ was sold to Fidelity Life in 2022.AMP Life, including the AXA Life brand, was sold to Resolution Life in 2020.OnePath Life NZ was sold by ANZ to Cigna in 2018.Cigna Life Insurance NZ was later sold to Chubb Life in 2022.AIA acquired Sovereign in 2018, and Sovereign policies were rebranded to AIA. Note: ASB Life is also part of the AIA NZ group.What happens to my policy if the insurer changes names?If your insurance provider changes name, your policy remains valid. In all transitions listed above, the original policy terms were honoured. Often, it's the same team operating behind the scenes, just under a different brand.Could this be a good thing?In some cases, joining a specialist life insurer may bring added value, such as improved claims processes or even enhanced cover options. Consolidation can mean better service and innovation.Unsure who your policy is with?If you’re unsure who your life or health insurance policy is now with, or if you're concerned about any unfamiliar correspondence get in touch. We’re here to help.Contact our Life & Health team

State Highway 1 is closed south of Hampden, while emergency services respond to a crash.The two-vehicle crash near Moeraki Boulders Road was reported at around 4:20pm.Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.Motorists are advised to avoid an unnecessary travel, as there are no alternate routes available.

Each week, mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues council is tackling.Shot Friday July 11 Democracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to mayor Tamah Alley.Click here to go to mayor Tamah Alley's website.

You all must be wondering what happened to Daisy’s Dating Diary?Well, everyone loves a good love story, so listen up.Do you remember when I mentioned seeing an old flame from 25 years ago on a dating app and swiping left to say hello?That was about three to four months ago. When he didn’t match with me I got the huff and took down my profile. It was like my past was catching up with me and this dating game was getting all too hard.But then one cold, horrible, inversion layer Saturday evening I gave it another shot. Reworked my profile and got back on the horse.Well, lo and behold, there he was again. Surely this time he’ll at least be polite and match with me, even just to say a quick hello?Jackpot! Yep he did. So why now and not four months ago I asked him?… Apparently he did match with me and even left me a big message but I had already left the site and completely missed it. Hmmm. Not sure if I totally believe that, but anyway, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.So after chatting online for hours and hours (we had 25 years to catch up on remember), he agreed to drive from Dunedin on one of those horrible inversion layer days to take me out for lunch.Green flag right there. Full points for effort. We spent the best part of the afternoon by the fire talking about old times, and all of the time in between. Married in the past? Nope. Any kids? Nope. No baggage is always a bonus. And the best part was that it felt like no time had passed at all, and we were able to carry on right where we left off.He said it was like finding an old shoe behind the couch and slipping it back on. Old shoe? Okay I’ll take it, considering I’m no spring chicken.So definitely still a connection after all of this time and definitely somebody I am excited about seeing. The only problem is we live in different towns and I have children. So I had to explain that while I had my life and he had his, we would have to find a way to create a ‘third’ world in the middle - while we were getting familiar with each other again.So that’s where I am at right now. Which means no more dating diaries because that would hardly be fair would it?Tune in next time when I reveal what happens next. Will we manage to make this new relationship work? I call him my recycled boyfriend, but not sure he’s liking that much.

Vodka jelly shots sold at the Alexandra Blossom Festival (ABF) in 2024 by a vendor who had no understanding of their liquor licence was one of the reasons why the committee was applying for a special licence.But the Central Otago District Licensing Committee initially declined the special licence because the festival committee wasn’t selling the alcohol.As a result, a hearing was held yesterday (Friday July 11), by the licensing committee for the festival committee to contest its on-site licence for the Saturday in the park event.The committee was told in 2024 that individual vendors were now required to obtain their own onsite licences, but that meant organisers had no control over who was selling what and where.In 2024, one vendor advertised on Facebook that they were selling vodka jelly shots at the event—“an activity we would never approve of”, the committee said in its report to the hearing.Police officers in attendance were also unaware of the vendor’s licence conditions, and the licensee themselves had no clear understanding of their obligations. “The sale of jelly shots was only halted when we informed the licensee they could be removed from the event if they did not comply. This situation was unsatisfactory for both the organisers and the licensee.”“We are still unclear as to why control over alcohol sales at our own event was removed, which is why we are submitting this application.”The licensing committee said that in order to comply with the requirements, a licensee must be directly involved in the sale and supply of alcohol - a requirement that changed in 2024.Every other year between 2013 and up until 2024 the committee was granted a special licence, and supporting evidence from Alexandra Police said the event had been well run with very few issues.Read more: Blossom Festival to contest special liquor licence Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

KiwiHarvest’s 'Souperheroes' campaign has provided over a tonne of soup, stews, and curries to charities in Queenstown Lakes - including in Cromwell and Alexandra - since launching in May. The food charity collects surplus food and delivers it to those in need, and ‘Souperheros’ started as a small side initiative, KiwiHarvest Queenstown Lakes branch manager Gary Hough says.“What began as a simple idea - aligned with KiwiHarvest’s mission to reduce food waste and support those in need - has grown into something that fills me with pride and hope.”Gary said KiwiHarvest started by collaborating with students from Queenstown's Liger Leadership Academy, working together to find a new way to feed people facing tough times.It soon expanded into a district-wide mission, with primary schools collecting surplus containers (like ice cream tubs and yoghurt pots) and teaming up with chefs at hotels and restaurants to turn excess food into a stockpile of frozen soups, stews, and curries.“The ‘Souperheroes’ campaign has exceeded expectations with over one tonne of food contributed,” Gary said.Souperheroes now delivers these meals to 13 charities.“Over 550 kilograms of nutritious, heartwarming soups and stews have been prepared, with local chefs transforming excess produce from KiwiHarvest and local kitchens into comforting winter meals,” Gary said.“In addition, we’ve received over 450 kilos of canned soups and stews that have generously been donated by our community…”On the back of the success of ‘Souperheroes’, Kiwiharvest has launched its major fundraiser of the year, ‘Cruise for a Cause’: an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound with RealNZ.“We have come along with local grant support etc in the last couple of years but [we are] still operationally in a deficit of around $20K for the next two years,” Gary said.“This event we hope will help to bridge that gap for next year and make our operation more secure and sustainable, which has a massive ripple effect for the community.”Find out more about the Doubtful Sound cruise here and more about KiwiHarvest here. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

With effect from 22 May 2025, the Government launched a new tax incentive called Investment Boost. It made headlines at the time, but as is often the case with policy changes, the initial noise dies down and life goes on.Now that things have settled a bit, it’s a good time to take a second look, to check in re whether it’s something that fits into your business strategy.So, what is Investment Boost?In simple terms, if you buy an eligible asset, say a new piece of machinery, a vehicle, or some tech equipment, you can immediately deduct 20% of its cost from your taxable income, on top of the usual depreciation you’d claim.That means a lower tax bill in the year you make the purchase, which sounds like a win. The Government says this is about encouraging growth and boosting productivity and for some businesses, it could do just that.But here’s the thing...This is about cash flow, not just taxA lower tax bill can be helpful, sure. But it doesn’t magically make a new purchase affordable.Let’s say you want to spend $10,000 on new equipment. With Investment Boost, you are allowed $2000 extra depreciation on that spend, plus you are allowed the normal depreciation on the remaining $8000 portion, so let’s say another $2,400 for example at a 30% rate. But remember, that’s not money in your pocket. It results in a reduction in cash income tax payable of say $1200- $1700 depending on your circumstances. The net effect of $10,000 less reduced cash tax payable $1200- $1700, is an after tax cost of around $8,300 - $8800 on that $10,000. Another thing to remember, is an income tax benefit now, will impact your March 2026 year income tax to pay, so there is a time lag for the associated tax payments to roll around.So a key question becomes; Is this something you were planning to buy anyway? Or are you buying it mostly because there’s a tax break attached? Don’t overcommit because the numbers “look good”If a new asset genuinely moves your business forward, you both need and can afford it, then this incentive is a win and more power to it. That said, we’ve also seen businesses trip up by chasing tax perks without thinking about the longer-term impact on their cash flow.Consider whether you would be stretching your budget now, and whether that would mean you're struggling to pay suppliers, hire staff, or weather a quiet month later. Sometimes the tax saving might come at too high a cost. Knowing your future cash flow projections is crucial for your decision making.It’s not a one-size-fits-all opportunitySome businesses are in growth mode and/or still have solid cash flow. Others are still rebuilding after a tough few COVID years. For some, this tax break will exactly what is needed for their pre-existing plans. For others, it could create stressful cash flow 10-12 weeks down the track. This is why understanding your specific business context, matters.So, what should you do?We always say, before you make any big spending decisions, especially off the back of new tax policy, have a chat with your accountant or adviser. Not just to crunch the numbers, but to talk about your goals, your cash flow, and the timing of any major investments.Even if you’ve already bought something and you’re wondering how this change affects you, it’s still worth checking in.The bottom line:Investment Boost is a useful tool, and is better than having no stimulus, but it’s not a magic fix. Like anything in business, the value lies in how and when you apply the changes. So now that the noise has died down, let’s sit down, look at the big picture, and figure out if this is the right time, and the right move, for you. Because good business isn’t just about saving on tax. It’s about making smart, sustainable decisions that keep your business moving forward, one step at a time. To achieve the type of life you want.Want some complimentary business or tax advice? Reach out to us for a no-obligation, no charge chat. Love to you, from Love to Grow

Each week, mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues council is tackling.Shot Thursday 3rd JulyDemocracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to mayor Tamah Alley.Click here to go to mayor Tamah Alley's website.

A heavy snow watch, road snowfall warnings and local snow advisories came into effect across Central Otago and neighbouring areas today, with snow expected in some areas from 6am this morning (Thursday July 3).The snow watch covers inland Canterbury south of the Rangitata River, Queenstown Lakes District and Central Otago from 9am Thursday July 3 for eight hours.Road snowfall warnings are in place for Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), Crown Range Rd with slippery surfaces expected overnight. Road closures are possible if conditions worsen.Periods of heavy snow are forecast above 600 metres. MetService advises residents to watch for any escalation to higher alerts as there is a moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.With mid-year school holidays starting this weekend and many families heading away, drivers planning to leave town should carry chains and monitor road updates, as conditions may deteriorate.Check The Central App Weather & Reports and stay up to date via our Roads reports, which will be updated at 9 pm tonight and again by 7am tomorrow morning.

There’s not much that Alexa Bell hasn’t tried and if there is, well, there’s plenty of time to give it a go.From driving trucks towing floats carrying four horses non-stop across the US in her early 20s to competing in her own mini-America’s Cup, Canadian-born Alexa loves to be at the controls and not much fazes her.For four years in the 1980s she was a successful stockbroker in the institutional sector in Toronto, which helped fund her international horse habit.At 25 in 1985 she set a world equestrian Puissance jumping record in Toronto clearing a 2.25m (7-foot 4½-inch) jump — a feat that remains unbeaten. This cemented her place as a pioneer in equestrian sport.After competing in show jumping and buying and selling horses all over the US, Canada and Europe, she went on to become the youngest and first female showjumping coach at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, representing the Australian Equestrian Team. Left: Alexa, at around 19, ready to strut her stuff in the show ring. Right: Alexa as the 2000 Olympics Australian Showjumping Coach. Photos: SuppliedIn the mid-90s Alexa retired from international equestrian competition and took the reins in the kitchen, following her passion for cooking.She graduated summa cum laude from Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris, one of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world.She’d been competing around Holland, Belgium and France so Paris was the logical location, Alexa doing long practical stints in European restaurant kitchens while studying for two years.That led to her own French food label, Pub Grub – easy to heat frozen French dinners, over this side of the world and, now living in Central Otago, she still enjoys the odd catering job. “I mostly cater for small events, but three times a year I go on a high-country muster in Canterbury as cook which I love.” The mustering crew enjoy coming home to Alexa’s beef stew, cottage pie and freshly baked bread that she’s whipped up on the musterers’ hut coal range.Alexa off on another local catering job. Photo: Supplied“Whether it’s a jump course, a fine dining kitchen, or a yacht regatta, I love a challenge,” she grins.Then last year Alexa accidentally fell into radio-controlled yacht racing, a passion of husband Roy’s. “I went to watch one day, and the Commodore offered for me to borrow his boat,” she says.“It’s very competitive and fun – I was hooked. It just sparked something, and I couldn’t get enough of it.” Roy bought her a boat and eight months ago she started competing.“I’m not very good. It’s so challenging, but when you get behind the controls it’s like the America’s Cup, it’s so intense.”Before she knew it the much younger Club Commodore Jamie White was telling her she needed to become Commodore, so despite being only one of three women nationally racing radio-controlled yachts in what is a very male-dominated sport,Alexa was voted in. She’s believed to be the only female Commodore in New Zealand for radio yacht racing, just returned from the National Yacht Championships.As she says, this Montreal girl loves a challenge.The daughter of two Brits who’d emigrated there not knowing the front end of a horse from the back, Alexa was a real animal lover and from the age of 13 had fallen in love with horses, heading to riding camps.Snow days and big dumps when it was minus 10deg and too dangerous to get to the horses weren’t happy days for young Alexa.“I wasn’t academic. I left home at 18 to ride horses on the horse circuit, competing in the north in Canada during the warmer summer months and in the southern US during the winter,” she says.Alexa’s trusty horse float that she drove all over the States and Canada as a young equestrian competitor. Photo: Supplied“It’s a business. I’d continually ride and compete, buying and selling horses. My main goal was to qualify for the Olympics.”Her big break came in 1985 when she jumped her world women’s indoor record Puissance (2.25m) jump.“I’d drive through blizzards and white outs to get through to the next venue, sometimes 1000 miles (1609.3km),” Alexa says. “I drove a truck and trailer with horses from New York to LA non-stop in just under three days in my 20s with a friend on board. That was the norm.As two young girls we got lots of help on the side of the road,” she says. “The alternator went in Pennsylvania on a holiday weekend. We got to a truck stop and the mechanic said, ‘The boss has the same one in his truck. Go have breakfast’ and he replaced ours with the boss’s one, no charge,” Alexa chuckles. “We were 18, two young girls in a pick-up truck.”On another occasion the brakes failed at the top of the Rocky Mountains. Horse trailer in tow, with a straight road ahead downhill for miles. “Truckies at the top went in front and behind guiding us safely down, keeping in radio contact, and keeping traffic in front clear.”Things really took off in her equestrian career after the world record. Alexa was flown to Australia with three other Canadian riders to compete on borrowed horses – her first international experience.Alexa competing on borrowed horses in Australia in 1986. Photo Supplied”I did really well and became the coach for the Australian team. I also represented Canada from 1985 until 1997 all over the world, flown everywhere from Brazil to Morrocco and Belgium where I’d compete on borrowed horses. It was a big deal to fly them then.”Puissance 1985 Toronto Canada. Photo: Supplied“In Morocco the princess – not how I’d envisaged a princess would be, organised a Horse Show and I fell off and was hurt badly, suffering a huge haematoma on my leg,” Alexa says. “She said, ‘You will ride tomorrow’. I said, ‘No! I will see the Canadian doctor, who drained and treated it, but it was all a fantastic experience.”Alexa competing on the Princess’s horse that she got injured on in Morocco. Photo: SuppliedShe also rode in the UK, France and South Africa, based in Europe for 10 years before selling up her children’s Riding School and heading to Australia. “I travelled and slept in a swag and next thing they said, ‘Congratulations! You’re the 1999 National Australian Sydney Olympics Showjumping Coach’,” Alexa says.“I’d already said, ‘No’, four or five times.” A friend convinced her to do it, and she worked with the team for four years. “It was the best showjumping team result they’d had in years and the three-day eventing team, that I was part of the coaching crew for, won gold.”Flying back from the Hawkes Bay Horse of the Year Show she met husband Roy on the flight – a non-horsey guy, originally from Katikati.They sold their properties and bought a large sailboat which they lived on for four and a half years, doing long sailing trips, including Sydney to NZ in 2004.The sailboat that Alexa and Roy lived and sailed in. Photo: SuppliedThey’d settled in Kerikeri until three years ago when a biking trip to Central Otago’s Rail Trail saw them fall in love with this area’s beauty, moving south to Queensbury.But Alexa’s not putting her feet up yet. Her next mission - to drum up new members for the Cromwell Radio Yacht Squadron.Alexa competing in her new love of radio-controlled yacht racing in Central Otago. Photo: Supplied

Heavy snow and rain have swept across Central Otago overnight, causing road closures and flood warnings.Lindis Pass closed overnight with heavy snow, and State Highway 85 between Omakau and Kyeburn is closed due to heavy snow and minor flooding. Danseys Pass Road is also closed from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel.The Manuherikia and Maniototo regions face thick snow and some flooding. Drivers are urged to avoid travel unless essential and to take care if they must head out.Alexandra to Raes Junction experienced wet roads with five degrees on the thermometer.Roxburgh, Cromwell and Alexandra areas are reporting wet roads and above freezing temperatures, but isolated flooding is possible in low lying areas.South of Queenstown, temperatures hovered at one degree with persistent rain. Snow fell in the Gibbston Valley, while sleet and one degree conditions were reported on State Highway 6 towards Haast.To plan journeys, check the Central App Roads report and NZTA Waka Kotahi State Highway updates at journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.Day break, Ida Valley Photo: Fraser McKnightOur front lawn at 08:30 Saturday, Omakau - Photo: Leo van BoxtelIf you have a picture of the snow from your window, or of a snowman, please send to [email protected] or Contact Us

Central Otago Health Services Ltd chair Richard Thomson fears that a new base hospital in Queenstown would short change people in this district.Speaking in the public forum of the Central Otago District Council meeting on Wednesday (June 25), Richard said Dunstan Hospital was a critical piece of infrastructure in the region.The former Otago District Health Board chair and deputy commissioner of the Southern District Health Board, who is based in Dunedin but spends half his time living in Central Otago, was appointed chair of COHSL in March 2024.He said population makeup, rather than population per se, drives health needs, and yet Dunstan Hospital had two and a half times more medical admissions than Lakes District Hospital in Frankton.“Why? Because our population is relatively older and poorer,” he said.Dunstan Hospital has 24 inpatient beds while Frankton only has 12, but Lakes District Hospital also has a further 10 emergency department beds, while in Clyde there are only two, and by referral only.Queenstown has more because of its population, which is younger and more risk inclined.“We could and should build on what we already have to meet these two pressures,” Richard said.He urged councillors to strengthen their case for Central Otago under the Regional Deal proposal, and from what was proposed in the Otago Central Lakes Health Services & Assets project.The Strategic Report can be viewed here.Richard said a base hospital in Queenstown would mean the majority of medical patients would have to travel further for care, because of our disaggregated region with multiple population centres (Wānaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, Roxburgh).Richard believed we should be focused on health services rather than health buildings, “and a base hospital incorporated into a private facility in Queenstown should not be the only option on the table”.“We should be building on the two jewels we have rather than replacing them with a single facility further away from home.”As the Central Otago population grows, Dunstan Hospital could expand medical bed capacity for a comparatively small capital and operational cost.He said if a private facility was built in Wānaka, Dunstan Hospital could potentially lease space and leverage off its current infrastructure and overheads to provide Wānaka residents with hospital care closer to home.A proposal by a Wānaka-based property investment company (Roa) for a $300M privately funded project (comprising a five-level hospital with operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds) is currently being considered by Queenstown Lakes District Council. “We can keep oncology treatment and outpatient appointments and diagnostics and rehab services closer to home by building on what we have,” Richard said. “We already do this well and the same could apply on the other side of the gorge - whether in a refurbished Lakes [district] hospital or in leased space in a private surgical hospital.”Dunstan Hospital chief executive Hayley Anderson said discharges at Clyde have risen 30 percent since 2020 and chemotherapy services have grown to four days a week, while radiology was operating 24/7.