Pharmac is seeking clinical advice on whether weight loss medication should be funded.New Zealand has the third-highest adult obesity rate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).One in three people over the age of 15 are classified as obese and one in eight children aged between 2-14.Pharmac received two applications to fund Wegovy or semaglutide - a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss.The first was in September, for people with an established cardiovascular disease (such as someone who has had a heart attack or stroke) and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher. The second was in October, for chronic weight management in people with a BMI of 30 or higher, with at least one weight-related comorbidity.Pharmac director of advice and assessment David Hughes said guidance was expected to be published later this month."Our expert advisors will assess how effective the medicine is compared with current funded options, and consider its impact on individuals, whānau, caregivers and the wider health system," he said.Hughes added that Pharmac also had an application to fund Saxenda or liraglutide for people with very high BMI.That application was currently under assessment.On Monday, Australia announced that Wegovy would be subsidised, after being listed on the country's equivalent to Pharmac.The ABC reported that Australia's Health Minister Mark Butler committed to listing the drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for patients with an established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 35 or higher. No clear timeline for was established.However, that would reduce the cost to AU$25 (NZ$29) per script or AU$7.70 (NZ$9) for a concession card holder.Wegovy costs $459.99 per month in New Zealand.Associate Minister of Health David Seymour could not comment on what Pharmac should or should not fund."However, I am urging them to improve their budget bids for more money, by considering how funding new drugs might save the taxpayer money elsewhere," he said."That shift could lead to drugs such as this one being funded sooner, but the final decision remains with Pharmac."Weight loss specialist Dr Gerard McQuinlan also believed that funding Wegovy would save the taxpayer money in the long run.He told RNZ that obesity was related to more than 200 other diseases."If I just take one of them, like diabetes, the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes if you have obesity is about 12 times, right?"If you look at the cost of Type 2 diabetes to the taxpayer - this is from the Ministry of Health - it costs about $2.1 billion per year, so just reducing just one disease, like diabetes, you can save a lot of money."He did not think funding Wegovy would create a shortage, especially once the pill form was available in New Zealand.He said obesity was a chronic, relapsing and progressive disease, with a 95 percent chance the weight would return, if the disease was not managed through medication."We don't want people to lose weight and then stop the medication, and the weight comes back on, because usually, they'll gain more weight than what they started with," he said."People put on more weight after dieting, eventually, because it's not a willpower problem - it's a hormone problem. It's to do with hormones that regulate hunger, appetite and particularly the feeling that people have had enough food."That's the problem with obesity - people don't feel that they've eaten enough. The signal's lost."The Wegovy, that is the hormone that controls satiety, the feeling that you've had enough to eat."

Central Otago tourism leaders are welcoming fresh government funding to help attract Australian visitors during the off-season as part of a wider lower South Island marketing push.  Central Otago is included in the Southern Way tourism partnership, which has secured $459,250 from the second round of the government’s Regional Tourism Boost Fund.  The funding will support an Australian-facing campaign encouraging travel to the lower South Island, including Central Otago, between April and June 2026. Southern Way chair and Tourism Central Otago head of destination Anthony Longman said the funding recognised the value of regional collaboration. “We’ve demonstrated that there is strength in unity when it comes to supporting regional dispersal and increasing awareness of the diverse offerings in the lower South,” he said.He said the funding would allow Southern Way to continue marketing activities across the ditch to maintain a strong trans-Tasman presence during the traditionally quieter months. The Southern Way partnership has previously gained national recognition, with its ‘One Trip to See It All’ campaign named a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards. That campaign encouraged visitors to fly into one southern airport and depart from another, increasing the likelihood of travel through multiple regions, including Central Otago. Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston announced the latest funding on Thursday, describing it as part of a broader effort to grow visitation outside the peak summer season. “With direct flights from the Gold Coast into both Dunedin and Queenstown, it’s never been easier for Australians to explore everything the lower South Island has to offer,” she said. The Southern Way campaign promotes destinations and attractions across Otago and Southland, including Central Otago’s food and wine offerings.It is the third time the campaign partners have secured support from the Regional Tourism Boost Fund. The latest allocation brings total government funding for Southern Way promotional activity to more than $1.2M since the campaign launched in 2022. Southern Way is a partnership between eight regional tourism organisations, along with Dunedin, Queenstown and Invercargill airports.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Fishing licence compliance on Lake Dunstan has dipped slightly over summer, though Otago Fish and Game said most anglers were still following the rules.Rangers have been out on the lake as part of a new three-year fisheries monitoring programme, carrying out short interviews with anglers in addition to routine licence checks.Otago Fish and Game's Bruce Quirey said staff were using both highly visible boats as well as more discreet monitoring methods.“Overall compliance has dipped slightly from recent highs of around 98 per cent, with current summer compliance sitting at about 95 per cent,” he said.“While any offences are disappointing, the slight drop in compliance over the Christmas–New Year period might have been just a ‘blip’ with holiday-goers who don’t fish often."The most common issues were fishing without a licence and using more than one rod, and in some instances Fish and Games seized fishing rods.Survey work has been interrupted at times by persistent winds, which have limited both fishing and monitoring activity on some days.“We’ve had a mix of blustery days and some excellent summer weather,” Bruce said.Despite that, rangers said they had enjoying chatting with anglers on the water, many of them holiday visitors. “The annual influx of visitors to popular holiday fishing spots is positive for the local economy,” Bruce said. It is still too early to draw firm conclusions about fish numbers, with data from the 2025–26 season due to be analysed over winter as part of the longer monitoring programme.Rangers said some anglers had found the season challenging, largely due to weather conditions and, in some cases, limited experience among those who fish only occasionally.Brown trout, rainbow trout and perch were the main species caught so far.Fish and Game encouraged anglers heading out for the rest of summer to ensure they held a valid licence and that everyone fishing, including friends and family, was properly licensed.Bruce also shared a few tips for improving fishing success on Lake Dunstan when conditions allow, including trolling at walking pace, closely monitoring depth and using sounders to follow contours such as drop-offs and river mouths.A fuller picture of the lake’s fishery is expected once the season’s survey data has been analysed later in the year.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Alexandra whitewater kayaker Nick Collier finished 2025 with an international silver medal in China, before returning home to Central Otago for Christmas and straight back into training.Nick competed at the China Wildwater International Open in Yunnan Province, arriving back in Alexandra at 11pm on Christmas Eve, he said.The three-day competition was held on the Nu Jiang River from December 19-22 and featured five disciplines.Nick placed second in the short distance event and finished inside the top five across all five disciplines, which also included long distance, kayak cross, a challenge race and a rafting race.The silver medal marked his third consecutive podium finish at the China event. He previously placed second in the challenge race in 2023 and third in kayak cross in 2024.Nick Collier: 'A top five in every discipline was an epic achievement'. Image: Supplied Nick said Christmas Day was spent with family before he returned to training on Boxing Day, making use of the rebuilt Clutha slalom course near his hometown.He then began the new year with five days of training on the Tekapo Whitewater Course, alongside Olympic silver medallist Luuka Jones and supported by Central Otago Whitewater Club coach Alex Goñi.The China result capped what Nick described as an "exceptional year" across multiple disciplines.In 2025, he was crowned under-23 Oceania and New Zealand champion in canoe slalom, won the under-23 world title in kayak cross, and placed 10th at the Whitewater World Championships.Nick is now preparing for the first races of 2026, starting with the two-day New Zealand Open at the Mangahao Whitewater Course, which kicks off on Saturday, followed by the Oceania Championships at Auckland’s Wero Whitewater Park later in the month.Both events double as selection trials for New Zealand age-group and senior teams.Nick said he would be trialling in his final year of under-23 eligibility as well as for the senior squad.On the Nu Jiang River in Yunnan, China. Image: SuppliedHe has already been pre-selected for the New Zealand under-23 kayak cross team after winning gold at last year’s world championships in France.Nick said early-season selections would determine whether he competes in a full European World Cup campaign, alongside the under-23 world championships in Poland and the senior world championships in the United States.Now based in Auckland to train full-time at Wero, Nick said Central Otago remained a crucial part of his development.He said growing up paddling local rivers including the Clutha Mata-Au, Kawarau and Hāwea, and spending countless hours at the Hāwea Wave, had shaped his career, and returning home was something he continued to value during a busy international season.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A 24-hour shear-a-thon in the Maniototo has brought the community together for an important fundraiser for the Kirk family.Organised by Scott Armstrong and Paddy Henderson, the mates worked together as shearers with Murray Kirk back in the day, and now they have roused up everyone they know to help out the family during this difficult time.Murray has a terminal brain tumour and grew up in Oturehua, spending his whole working life crutching, shearing and tailing on farms in the Ida Valley, Becks and Omakau.Shearing contractors across the district have donated staff and their time to shear 8500 lambs at Sandy Sutherland’s woolshed in Wedderburn from Friday 7am through until early afternoon on Saturday, as part of the ‘Clip For a Cause,’ event.Farmers will pay for their lambs to be shorn, and all of the profits will be donated to the Kirk family.Paddy is formally known as a Cromwell police officer, but he’s also been a shearer for the past 38 years, and part of his professional role is helping educate workers across the rural sectors - from shearers to RSE orchard staff.As a rural liaison officer, he helps bridge the gap between the police and the shearing and orchard communities, helping people navigate challenges, from licences to personal wellbeing.Paddy Henderson in the woolshed. suppliedCentral Otago deputy mayor Tracey Paterson, of Matakanui Station is part of the catering crew in the kitchen at the shearing fundraiser, and said the entire community has been incredible with their support.“The Kirks have always done a lot for the community,” she said.The family has been involved with everything from the Becks Playground, the Central Otago A&P Show, Omakau Playcentre and School, and Matakanui Rugby.Tracy said now was the time to be able to give back to them, with people filling numerous roles from rouses to pressers, shepherds, cooks and trucking support over the 24-hours.“If no-one has seen a shearing display before, this is an opportunity to come and have a look,” she said.For this and more places to go over the weekend, check in with The Central App What's On guide.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Otago regional councillors are onboard with the ‘Simplifying Local Government’ reform, but agree the issue is complex.Announced by Government late last year to review the current system that has been described as confusing and costly, the reform will also avoid duplication of governance roles.Questions were raised at a workshop in Dunedin on Wednesday, by several councillors asking what exactly Government was simplifying.“Is it structure, decision making, relationships or all of these things?” Cr Michael Laws said.Under the proposals, Otago regional councillors will be replaced by a Combined Territorial Board, made up of mayors across each region. Their job will then be to develop Regional Reorganisation Plans (RRPs) to improve service delivery.Roles and functions of regional councils will be instantly reviewed and either cease or returned to central Government.Chair Hilary Calvert said appointing mayors “had so many problems I don’t know where to start,” and Cr Alan Somerville agreed, they weren’t the appropriate people for the job.“They have plenty of other things to do.”Otago Regional Council chair Hilary Calvert. file shotMichael said they need to address early on the issue of whether governance is the problem, “and if we are the problem not the staff, what is the decision making that we are doing that we need go before our tenure expires in 2028”?It was implied that they were “out of step” with local government and their communities, he said.Former chair Gretchen Robertson said the review was reasonably smart but didn’t think it would work - comparing it to what happened in the Three Waters space.She believed it was all about trying to make the Territorial Authorities (TA’s) work together, “and that didn’t go well, and we’re going to see the same thing with this model.”Chief executive Richard Saunders said not having elected regional representatives as part of the process was concerning, “because you lose the voice of your constituents and the knowledge of regional functions, and the delivery of those.”Under the proposal, Crown Commissioners can also be appointed rather than mayors as an alternative option, although the Government preferred the first option.The Minister of Local Government will be the decision maker on RRPs with advice from the LG Commission, and in consultation with Ministers.The meeting was told by staff that the new legislation will be introduced into Parliament but not passed until mid-2027, after the General Election.

A heritage stonemason restoring the ruins of a school in St Bathans will open his worksite to the public this weekend, offering insight into the traditional techniques behind some of Central Otago’s oldest stone buildings. Keith Hinds is working to stabilise the historic structure and will run a demonstration workshop as part of the St Bathans Village Fete on Saturday (January 17). The former school building was originally constructed as a Catholic church and reflects stone construction methods once common across the district.“I’m going to show them how easy stonework is, right? Because it’s just sticking to the rules,” Keith said.  “These buildings that have been built 150 years ago, a lot of them were temporary buildings, and they still are standing.” He said most damage occurred only after roofs were removed.The workshop will include a demonstration of slaking lime to make a type of traditional mortars used in historic buildings. “It boils, it reacts and everything goes hot and melts and comes to a putty,” he said. “It’s easy to do, but it’s quite good to watch.” Keith said the public demonstration was intended to help people, especially owners of older stone buildings in need of repair, better understand how traditional construction works and the long-term value it can add to a property.Fete-goers are expected to fill St Bathans on Saturday. Images: FaceboookThe St Bathans Village Fete is designed to celebrate the area’s history and creative community.  Chanelle O’Sullivan, one of the team of local volunteers organising the event, said it was also an important fundraiser for the St Bathans Community Association, which helps maintain historic buildings and public spaces in a settlement with only a handful of permanent residents. Alongside the stonework demonstration, the day will include old-fashioned games, gold panning using local tailings, live music, and stalls run by local makers and producers, with an emphasis on activities that reflect the village’s past. “We’re not having big, shiny bouncy castles,” Chanelle said.  “We’re having egg-and-spoon races, sack races, and tug of war, and there’s a big gold treasure hunt...tying back to the local history of the area.” She encouraged people to dress in period-style clothing. For this and more things to do over the weekend, check in with The Central App What's On guide.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The old way of doing HR—purely administrative, focused only on compliance—is a liability, not an asset. For your business to truly thrive in 2026, HR must become a strategic force. It's the mechanism that directly links your people, processes, and paperwork to your core business goals, vision, and values.What does strategic HR actually look like?It means saying goodbye to HR as just a painful necessity and embracing it as an engine for success:Clarity & Purpose; Every single role in your company must have a clear purpose and contribute directly to your desired direction.Aligned Paperwork; Your contracts, job descriptions, handbooks, and policies must go beyond simple compliance. They need to be genuinely aligned with how you operate and what you are building.Vision-Driven Management; Your daily people management shouldn't just maintain the status quo. It should bring your vision to life, ensuring employees feel like active participants in the journey, not just passengers.Analogy: Think of your business as a gearing system. Each person is a cog. Cogs need to be the right fit, they need regular attention and "oiling," and as the business evolves, they may need replacing. If your direction shifts, you must adjust the whole system—relying on what has "always worked" will only cause a breakdown.⚙️ The 4-Point HR Strategy Checkup for 2026To shift your HR from admin to advantage, here are four steps to implement right now:Stop and Review Your Business StrategyTake the time to revisit your long-term goals. Strategies evolve, and the sooner you identify any unintended drift, the easier it is to course-correct.Reassess Your Structure and RolesIs your current team structure still fit for purpose? Do you need new skills? A structure that was perfect two years ago might now be the bottleneck holding you back from 2026 success.Refresh Your HR Paperwork Compliance is the bare minimum. The real value comes when your employment documents are tailored, current, and genuinely reflective of your operational goals.Review Your People ProcessesOutdated policies, performance management systems, and communication tools don't just frustrate staff; they waste time and create risk. Ensure your processes are evolving alongside your business.Not sure where to start?Achieving business success through your people isn't luck—it's the result of intentional planning, clear direction, and ongoing maintenance. Take our quick HR Health Check here to identify exactly which areas need your strategic focus heading into the new year.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

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Rural fire crews quickly contained two small vegetation fires near Lauder and Patearoa on Wednesday (January 14), with no injuries reported and no buildings threatened. Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Alex Norris said the first fire, reported near Lauder a little after 10.45am, involved a small area of grass measuring approximately 20 metres by five metres.“There was no danger to any structures, and crews were able to contain it pretty quickly,” he said.Crews were initially dispatched from Alexandra, Dunstan, Omakau and Blackstone after early reports suggested a nearby structure could be at risk. However, once crews arrived on scene, that risk was ruled out and some responding appliances were stood down.The fire was fully extinguished within 20 minutes."So not a big job in the end," Alex said.Later in the day, crews were called to a second grass fire near Patearoa.Alex said crews from Ranfurly attended the incident, with a mix of appliances including a fire engine, a rural fire truck, a tanker and a support vehicle.On arrival, crews encountered a fire covering approximately 200 square metres.“Within about 45 minutes, they managed to get the fire extinguished,” he said.Crews remained on site for a further 15 minutes to damped hotspots before leaving the scene.Alex said Fire and Emergency New Zealand had not seen a significant increase in fire activity in Central Otago recently.“Our focus over the last week really was around Canterbury, with high wind and hot weather,” he said.Alex said the Lauder fire was believed to have started during a burn-off, while the Patearoa fire was thought to have been sparked by a tractor mower.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The 2025/26 export cherry season won’t go down in history as a vintage year, but orchardists across Central Otago still have plenty of fruit to pick yet.Rain, wind and hail battered Central Otago orchardists since the beginning of Spring, and Cromwell growers have been battling at least one rain event a week for the past two months.Fortune Fruit in Lowburn has called out helicopters to dry cherries at least seven times, and said any more rain will be disastrous for the orchard.Manager Blair Davidson said this season was “unlike any other,” and he described the ongoing wind and rain as relentless.“Things will get pretty dire if we get more rain.”The orchard had to cull 40% of a block of cherries from rain damage in early January, but many of their later varieties were still on the trees, with 350 tonne still to pick. “There is still good fruit out there, if we get no more rain it will still be an okay season,” Blair said.Panmure Orchards grower Jeremy Hiscock, of Earnscleugh, said the rain came at the wrong times when many growers were trying to get export fruit off to market - particularly cherries.“It’s been a cool summer but we’ve had worse.”The weather also affected harvest windows, with some pickers frustrated with delays having to wait for different varieties to ripen.Leaning Rock in Springvale, has been advertising for pickers all this week across social media, as the fruit has all started to finally ripen.Last year the peak of the summerfruit season in Central Otago was around January 17, but this year it was running at least 2-3 weeks behind.Growers say the cooler season has affected sizing across crops and delayed their maturity, “but if anything it has spread the season out and there should be less pain that way,” Jeremy said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Popular swimming spots around Central Otago have been closely monitored over summer, and so far the water quality has been good.Otago Regional Council scientist, water quality Helen Trotter said the results from the recreational water quality monitoring programme for Central Otago have been broadly consistent with previous years. She said across the region, there have been several amber (‘caution advised’) results and a small number of red (‘unsuitable for swimming’), most of which were associated with rainfall.“E. coli levels after rainfall can vary widely due to several interacting factors, including sources of contamination present in the catchment (e.g., livestock, wildlife, urban stormwater, septic systems), rainfall intensity and timing, environmental conditions and runoff generation.”Sometimes the heavy rainfall can dilute E. coli concentrations, even when contamination is present in the waterway, she said. As a general precaution, the regional council recommends avoiding swimming for 48 hours after rainfall as the best way to reduce risk, because most elevated bacteria results occur following rain.She said it was also helpful to understand the long‑term grade at monitored sites. Sites graded ‘poor’ or ‘fair’ tend to experience elevated E. coli more frequently, as they usually have more faecal sources in their catchments—such as urban stormwater inputs, or large numbers of livestock, birds and wildlife. This includes the Manuherikia River at various points in the lower catchment.In contrast, ‘excellent' sites typically have fewer contamination sources and therefore may be less likely to show elevated E. coli levels after rain.The Manuherikia River under the Shaky Bridge in Alexandra has had an 83% clean bill of health since weekly monitoring started in early December.The Clutha River at the Alexandra boat ramp has been 100% clear of any elevated E.Coli levels since testing started, as well as the Kawarau Arm at the Bannockburn Bridge.Lake Dunstan at Alpha Street in Cromwell has also been clean along with Burton Creek near the Dunstan Rowing Club.Pinders Pond near Roxburgh is part of the testing and has a clean record as well so far this summer.Monitoring of the 36 sites across the region will continue through to 31 March.Results are updated on LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa), a national platform that brings together water quality information from councils across New Zealand.ORC has carried out recreational water monitoring since 2006. The toxic algae blooms can also occur in the warmer summer months, and appears as green “pea soup” or scums on the surface of the water. Butchers Dam and the Manuherikia River are both hotspots for Cyanobacteria. Image: suppliedIn rivers, toxic algae occurs as dark brown or black mats attached to rocks, often with a musty smell.Both the Manuherikia River and Butchers Dam are known cyanobacteria hotspots, and the ORC encourages people to report it.If you think you have experienced a reaction after exposure to water containing toxic algae, seek urgent medical attention. Let your doctor know that you think you have swallowed toxic algae, so that they can inform Regional Public Health of the incident. Swallowing water containing toxic algae can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth. The toxins can also affect the liver and the nervous system.Dogs are particularly susceptible to poisoning as they can be attracted to the musty smell of toxic algae mats – if eaten it can cause severe poisoning or death. In extreme cases death can occur within 30 minutes after signs first appear. If your dog experiences these symptoms treat it as an emergency and contact a veterinarian immediately.Livestock are also at risk from poisoning from toxic algae and should be provided with alternative drinking water.Symptoms of poisoning in animals include:LethargyMuscle tremorsFast breathingTwitchingParalysisConvulsionsSee the Toxic Algae information page to learn more about it.  

More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing a Central Otago District Council plan to harvest two pine forest blocks in Cromwell, a move that would close two popular off-leash dog exercise areas. The petition was started by local resident and dog walking business owner Lisa Telle, who said the planned forestry work would leave Cromwell without any suitable off-leash options for many dogs.“There’s no other safe option,” Lisa said.  “It would be quite devastating for the community if it were to go ahead.” The council has said the harvest is required because the pine trees have reached maturity.  One block, bordering Bannockburn Rd, is earmarked for an industrial subdivision, while a solar farm has been flagged as a possible future use for the larger Sandflat Rd block. While alternative off-leash areas have been identified at Alpha St and Dustin Park in Pisa Moorings, Lisa said feedback from dog owners suggested those locations were not suitable replacements. She said the pine blocks provided large, shaded spaces where dogs could exercise without being forced into close contact with other dogs or members of the public. “There’s enough room for dogs to coexist without interacting,” she said.  “People think dog exercise areas are about dogs interacting, but having your dog under control actually requires space - and dogs also need space to run.” Lisa said Alpha St posed safety concerns because of its proximity to a busy road and a shared walking and cycling track. “I would never have a dog off-leash right next to a road,” she said.  “You’ve got cars on one side, bikes and pedestrians on the other, and some dogs don’t react well to bikes. That’s going to cause issues with tourists and members of the public.” She said both Alpha St and Dustin Park were also close to playgrounds and residential areas, were relatively small, and lacked shade. “In summer months it’s incredibly hot to take a dog somewhere with no shade because they can’t regulate their body temperature,” she said. The petition has been running since late November, attracting 512 signatures (as at Tuesday January 13). Lisa said many people who signed also provided written feedback through an online survey. While she accepted council may need to remove the trees, she said she wanted greater collaboration with the community on either replanting or identifying an alternative off-leash area that was genuinely suitable. “I totally understand if they need to take the trees down,” she said.  “But it’s the fact that there are so many dogs that are going to be affected, and therefore the community will be affected as well.” She said concentrating hundreds of dogs and their owners into one or two small spaces could also create further issues. "It's just going to be chaos," she said. Addressing her own commercial interest, Lisa said the petition was not driven by business concerns. “We’ll be fine,” she said.  “If we have to, we’ll rent land or go out of town with our walking and training groups. I’m more concerned about the wider repercussions.” Lisa said she had contacted the council and planned to present the petition and survey findings, alongside other residents, at the Cromwell Community Board’s first meeting of the year on February 4. “A group of us will be attending and presenting the findings from the public,” she said. The council has not yet publicly responded to the petition.  However, responding to discussion on a local residents and ratepayers Facebook page, Cromwell Community Board member Mike Casey said a solar farm was only an idea at this stage. “Solar panels are just an idea of how we best use this land, but it’s only an idea,” Mike said.  “These trees need to be felled because they’re due to be.” He said replanting the site in pine was also an option, and that council would explore a range of future uses for the land. “What we will be doing is exploring options on what to do with this land, and I’m very supportive of concepts that maximise value to put downward pressure on rates,” he said. Mike said any decision would require careful evaluation, noting the land was held as an endowment and must be used to benefit the community.Read more: Dog parks to go as council eyes solar potential for Cromwell Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

While parts of the North Island sweltered through record-breaking heat late last week, Central Otago remained unseasonably cool, with temperatures struggling to climb out of the teens.With some places enduring daytime highs in the mid 30s and overnight lows that did not drop below 20 degrees Celcius, locals and holidaymakers in Central Otago were likely reaching for warmer and waterproof layers instead of swimwear. According to MetService, the heat elsewhere was driven by a westerly flow pulling hot air from the edge of an Australian heatwave, but that air mass did not extend far enough south. Napier Airport recorded a high of 36.3 degrees Celsius over the weekend, while Kerikeri reached 32.7 degrees Celsius, breaking January records.MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said the south was caught in a completely different weather pattern. "It was very much a northern and central parts of Aotearoa heatwave," she said.  "The hot air from Australia just didn't quite make it down to you guys. You’re getting more of that regular westerly stuff from the middle latitudes...and some of that air is coming from further south, from around Antarctica." The cooler temperatures were not the only weather related drama for the area. While the north baked, Central Otago and Southern Lakes were hit by an intense electrical storm early Sunday morning. MetService detected 2,277 lightning strikes across the area, most of them occurring between the early hours of the morning and 10am.  Residents in Lowburn and Cromwell reported houses rattling and thunder that seemed to roll on for several minutes at a time. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said there was "a good mix of very intense and less intense strikes" as a large front moved north."But the thunderstorms likely felt more intense due to the proximity and duration of the thunderstorms and also the frequency of the lightning and thunder," she said. Adding to local frustration regarding the summer weather has been a noticeable difference between a popular smartphone weather app and conditions on the ground. Same time, different picures of weather conditions in Cromwell on Tuesday. Images: The Central App and iPhone Weather appOn Tuesday, the Apple Weather app forecast a high of just 16 degrees Celsius for Cromwell, while the temperature gauge at the Big Fruit Reserve reached 25 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon. Kiwi Water Park owner Emily Rutherford said she no longer relies on phone apps for Central Otago forecasts.Her advice to visitors: "Don’t look at the iPhone app for weather in Central; it is incorrect 100% of the time. Check MetService instead." For those hoping summer still has more to offer, there may be some good news ahead.While Ngairie couldn't promise a heatwave, she said Central Otago often experiences its most settled and hottest weather later in the season. "As much as we haven't had those longer spells of fine weather yet, it doesn't mean it's not going to happen," she said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

At least five incidents of burglaries at properties in the Alexandra area over the past few weeks, has prompted locals to use social media to warn others.People are warning that some letterboxes have been ‘tagged,” possibly as a signal from offenders marking which properties are vacant and therefore targets.Alexandra police investigated a burglary on January 1 at Fruitlands where a vehicle, firearms and ammunition were stolen, along with jewellery and tools, including a chainsaw. Acting Senior Sergeant Adam Elder said after extensive inquiries from Central Otago to Southland, they were able to locate some of the stolen property, including the firearms which have since been returned to the owners.A male aged in his 40s was arrested later that day and remanded in custody to appear at the Invercargill District Court on January 22.He is facing charges of burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Inquiries continue for some of the missing property.A couple in Lookout Estate also had their two E-bikes stolen around lunchtime on January 2, and then another resident was woken the next night by their dog barking and the driveway gate left wide open.People were reported walking around a building site in Killarney Street with torches at 11pm on January 7, and then the following night a resident reported offenders trying to break into their neighbours house on the same street.“Be vigilant and look out for one another,” one of the Facebook posts read.Another resident said she had already installed cameras around her property, whilst on Kerry Street, there has been a guy sneaking around houses looking in windows. The man was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and on a push bike, and was reported to police.Central Otago police say keep your houses secure. Image: FileAnd just this week on January 11 an Alexandra woman reported that someone had entered her property in Ashworth Street, and made their way towards the garage.Luckily nothing was stolen as everything was well secured, but her Facebook post prompted others in the area to also write about their experiences.Snr Sgt Elder said four of the five complaints reported to police are still under investigation. “We continue to send the message that this type of crime is not acceptable. We’d like to remind people to stay vigilant and report any behaviour that looks suspicious."The Fruitlands investigation highlighted the importance of quality security systems including CCTV, and alarms which was instrumental in finding the offender, he said.Police suggest some other simple steps to reduce burglary risk: For homes:• Lock doors and windows when you’re not in the room or heading to bed.• Use window stays for ventilation while keeping windows secure.• Close curtains at night.• Get to know your neighbours and let them know if you’re going away. For vehicles:• Always lock your vehicle and take keys with you, even if you’re only away for a short time.• Remove valuables from sight, including wallets, phones, and tools.• Park in well-lit areas or secure garages where possible.• Consider using steering wheel locks or other visible deterrents.• Never leave spare keys hidden in or around the vehicle.• Tradies: Remove tools from vehicles overnight and secure them inside.• Avoid leaving car keys in obvious locations near entry points to your home. “I’d like to remind the public that they should contact police as soon as possible if something is happening or has happened.If you witness any suspicious behaviour please contact Police on 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

The sweltering Central summer heat is back and it’s definitely increasing The Central App news teams’ ice cream consumption. So, how hot has it been, and what can you do to find relief?Alexandra Airport’s weather station hit 29.9 degrees on Wednesday, and 27.2degrees the day prior. MetService forecast indicates Tuesday’s [January 28] temperatures will climb to 27’C again.Blenheim cracked 31’C on Thursday January 23 and Invercargill had a chilly southerly reaching only 14’C.The forecast temperatures for the coming days. PHOTO: MetServiceMetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said this past week certainly has resembled a seesaw, with temperatures in the high twenties but then on Thursday Alexandra hardly even touched 20°C.“This weekend temperatures return to the low to mid-twenties but drop back down on Monday as fresh southwesterlies arrive to the region. Midweek may see temperatures back in the mid-twenties for a time as a weather system approaches with westerly winds.“For those looking to make outdoor plans, there should be plenty of opportunities in the coming days. Saturday could see a shower in the morning, then the rest of the day should remain dry for most.“The first part of Sunday should also be dry - although places close to the Waitaki District may see spots of rain. The second half . . . however, looks to bring showers to the region - the best chance for wet weather for the coming days.”Ideas to help beat the heat:Drink plenty of water (this goes for pets and animals too)Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (snaffle a siesta)If exercising outside go early morning, or late evening when the sun is not as strong and temperatures are coolerClose curtains to keep the sun outRun a fan (stick a bowl of ice in front of it to circulate cooler air), or your air conditioning/heat pump on cool If you’re in the sun slip, slop, slap and wrap on some sunglasses (and head to the shade)Open your windows at night to let the cool air in, and then close them before the temperature outside heats upSwim (in a lake, or a safe river swim spot, or a paddling pool, or a council owned pool [LINK: https://www.codc.govt.nz/services/pools/our-pools], or even a cool bath or shower will help to lower your core body temperature)Switch your coffee or tea for an icy-drink or treat - support a local ice cream storeConsider your wardrobe (ditch the black sweater, think jandals or sandals, natural breathable fabrics and a wide brimmed straw hat) Advice on heat stroke and symptoms can be found on the not for profit community website Health Navigator.  This summer is the fourth year MetService is trialling a heat alert system for 46 towns or cities, if the forecast temperatures are expected to be unusual - very hot - for that location.Stay up to date with weather and roads on The Central App.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Otago Regional councillors will meet tomorrow to further discuss how they intend to submit on proposed local government reforms.The ORC has until February 20 to prepare a whole-of-council submission on the Government’s reforms, which is threatening their roles as elected members.The Government’s Simplifying Local Government proposal will see all elected regional councillors replaced by a Combined Territories Board (CTB), made up of mayors and/or Crown Commissioners.There have been ongoing discussions with mayors and chairs across Otago, to share submission points in understanding how each council operates.Chief executive Richard Saunders told the last ORC meeting in December, it would be difficult to get a joint formal submission signed off with other councils before the February 20 deadline.As a result, the ORC would be submitting its own submission, and those points will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting, and then put forward for resolution at its first official meeting of the year in mid February.Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has been asking for reform and a review of the system for years, and the proposals announced late last year will affect local democracy across New Zealand.ORC chair Hilary Calvert believes it is not the job of mayors in the region to take on new roles on the Combined Territories Board, because they would become conflicted.Dunstan ward councillor Gary Kelliher said the reforms have come about because of the poor decisions made by the ORC in recent years - and in its defiance of Government direction.“Central Government and ratepayers were very clear they are fed up with regional councils complicating everything unnecessarily, and at huge cost.“If current councillors are to play a part in the signalled transition then they need to be all about efficiency, savings and removal of red tape. Finally we might see progress killing ideology gone from future resources’ management,” he said.Fellow Dunstan ward councillor Michael Laws is in favour of unitary authorities, saying that regional councils have run their course.More to follow post meeting.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

For decades, the corporate structure has remained rigidly vertical. Strategy was dictated from the "bridge" by the captains of industry, while execution was carried out in the "engine room" by the crew. Information flowed down, and obedience flowed up.But we are currently witnessing a massive power shift.Artificial Intelligence is doing something unprecedented: it is leveling the playing field. It is dissolving the invisible barrier between execution and strategy, allowing the "underdog" in the engine room to outpace the traditional "captain" on the bridge.Intelligence, data analysis, and strategic foresight are no longer exclusive perks of the executive suite. Today, they are accessible to anyone with a laptop and the willingness to adapt.The Dinosaur DilemmaDespite the undeniable wave of change, we are seeing a strange phenomenon in leadership circles. I call it the Dinosaur Dilemma.There is a subset of leaders who are dismissing AI with a wave of their hand. You hear them say things like, "It’s not going to take jobs," or "That sort of automation isn't going to happen here anytime soon."These leaders are clinging to obsolete hierarchies. They rely on the authority of their title rather than the efficiency of their output. By ignoring these tools, they are making a fatal career calculation: they are choosing to fall behind the very employees they are supposed to lead. While they cling to the old charts, their crew is already navigating with GPS.The Power Shift: Why They Need YouThis reluctance from the top creates a unique paradox. While traditional bosses refuse to innovate, you have the immediate opportunity to master the tools that will essentially "save the ship."When an entry-level employee can use AI to analyse market trends, automate complex workflows, or draft high level communications in seconds, the hierarchy flattens. Value is no longer defined by tenure; it is defined by fluency.This creates a dynamic where the organisation needs you more than you need them. You are no longer just a pair of hands; you are the architect of your own efficiency. You become the translator between the problem and the solution.Your Window of OpportunityThe market is waking up. While the "dinosaurs" are stalling, open-minded leaders and forward thinking companies are aggressively hunting for AI fluency right now. They don't care if you have five years of management experience; they care if you can leverage AI to do the work of five people.By upskilling today, you position yourself for three distinct advantages:Higher Pay: AI fluency is a leverage multiplier. When you can produce high-quality work faster than your peers, you can negotiate based on output and productivity, not just hours worked.Better Culture: By signaling your skills, you attract (and get hired by) a "tribe" of innovators. You move away from environments that stifle growth and toward cultures that reward curiosity.Real Impact: AI handles the drudgery. This frees you up to do work that actually matters - creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and high-impact projects.The Takeaway We are in a brief transitional period where the gap between the "AI-literate" and the "AI-resistant" is still bridgeable. But that window is closing.Don't let a "dinosaur" stifle your potential. If your current leadership doesn't see the value of these tools, use them to outgrow your current role. Embrace AI now to transition from a bored employee in the engine room to an indispensable asset who knows exactly how to steer the ship.The bridge is yours for the taking.

The Institute of Economic Research's (NZIER) closely followed Quarterly Business Survey for the three months ended December showed a net 39 percent of respondents believed economic conditions would get better in coming months, compared to a net 17 percent in the December survey."There is a turnaround in demand, with lower interest rates finally gaining traction," NZIER principal economist Christina Leung said.Weak sales were still cited as the chief constraint on businesses, but the pressures were easing, with only 3 percent reporting lower sales in the quarter.Expectations were for improved growth in the coming quarter, with a net 23 percent forecasting a lift in their own business - up from 10 percent in the previous quarter.Leung said businesses were increasingly feeling confident about investing in plants and machinery and hiring more stuff.Business confidence improves to highest level since March 2014Net 39 percent expect economic improvement vs +17 pct in September surveyBusinesses report better demand, plan to invest and hire more.Inflation pressures contained around 3 pct, expected to gradually declineSurvey suggests annual growth around 1.4 pct, RBNZ to hold interest rates steadyBusiness sentiment rebounded strongly at the end of last year, with firms reporting improved sales and planning to hire staff and increase investment.NZIER principal economist Christina Leung. Photo: ABC News"Firms increased staff numbers and are feeling more positive about hiring in the next quarter."However, she said there were signs that firms were finding it more difficult to find skilled staff in the manufacturing and construction sectors, which could point to future labour shortages.She said inflation pressures were contained with fewer firms expecting higher costs and also fewer expecting to have to raise their prices, which indicated inflation gradually falling back to the middle of the Reserve Bank's 1-3 percent target band.Leung said the survey indicated the economy was recovering but the increase in growth was likely to be slower than previously thought, with annual growth about 1.4 percent."With demand starting to recover but inflation remaining contained, we expect no further OCR cuts in this monetary policy cycle.""We forecast the OCR to trough at 2.25 percent until the Reserve Bank.. commences increasing the OCR in the second half of 2026," Leung said.The manufacturing sector was the most optimistic of respondents, followed by service industries.