Work is underway on the new Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub at the Omakau Recreation Reserve.Breen Construction is setting up onsite from Monday November 24 and excavation work will begin. Site preparations have already started, including the removal of a few existing trees to make way for the new building. As part of the project, new fencing and landscaping will be installed to enhance the area once construction is complete. The new hub is a collaborative effort between the Central Otago District Council and the local community, led by the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust. Trust chair Andrew Paterson was excited to reach this stage.“We’re over the moon to think that we’ll soon be turning the turf on a project that has been so long awaited and needed by the community.” With $3.5 million already raised towards an expected total build cost of up to $4.1m, the project was approved to proceed in July 2025, following council’s commitment to fund the remaining shortfall on top of the $1m already approved from Vincent ward reserves.Funding support has come from local, regional and national sources, acknowledging the value of the new facility and the strong community spirit behind the project.Key contributions include:Central Otago District Council – $1,000,000Bob Turnbull Trust – $600,000CLT – $800,000OCT – $540,000Lotteries – $200,000Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club – $80,000Santana Minerals – $25,000Otago Masonic Lodge - $10,000Omakau Toy Library - $10,000Plus, other generous donations from local businesses and community groups.The trust continues to fundraise for the internal fit-out, landscaping, and other finishing touches. A golf tournament in Omakau on December 28 will raise funds for the hub, and plans are underway for a major fundraising event in the New Year.Construction of the facility is expected to take around 12 months and once complete, the new community hub will serve as a vibrant gathering place for the Manuherekia Valleys, bringing people together and supporting local events and activities for years to come.If you would like to attend the whakawatea/sod-turning, please contact the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust: [email protected].  

When it comes to managing your money - especially as you prepare for or settle into retirement - it’s important to know exactly what kind of guidance you’re receiving.One of the biggest sources of confusion we come across is the difference between a financial adviser and a financial planner. While the titles may sound interchangeable, they often reflect two very different approaches to supporting your financial wellbeing.Advisers: Focused on the ProductsMany financial advisers focus primarily on your investments. Their role is typically to recommend financial products—such as shares, bonds, or managed funds—based on your appetite for risk and your investment goals.Typically they don’t provide guidance across the full spectrum of your financial life. They often won’t help with planning for major life transitions—like retirement lifestyle changes, aged care decisions, or passing wealth to the next generation. Advice on tax efficiency, insurance, KiwiSaver strategies, and estate planning is usually outside their scope. Nor do they tend to offer a long-term plan built around your personal goals and values.That’s the key difference: where advisers manage money, financial planners help you manage your life.Planners: Focused on Your Whole LifeBy contrast, financial planners begin with a very different set of questions:What matters most to you in life?What does your ideal retirement look like?Do you want to keep working, travel more, support your family, or leave a lasting legacy?These questions aren’t about markets or money, they’re about you.A financial planner's role is to help you define what success looks like on your terms, and then design a long-term plan to help you achieve it.That holistic plan includes everything from retirement income strategies to insurance protection, estate and succession planning, tax efficiency, KiwiSaver, and more - along with investments tailored to your specific goals.Evidence-Based Investment ApproachCombining long-term planning with an evidence-based investment philosophy is crucial.Stock picking and market timing are not reliable long-term strategies. A disciplined, evidence- based approach—grounded in broad diversification and long-term consistency—has been shown to deliver more dependable outcomes over time.Working with respected fund managers, a financial planner will build highly diversified portfolios and tilt towards investment factors that research has shown can improve long-term outcomes:Small companies – which historically offer higher growth potential.Value stocks – those priced more attractively compared to their fundamentals.High profitability – favouring businesses with strong and consistent earnings.These are not just theories—they’re backed by decades of academic research and real-world results. These principles help build reliable, resilient portfolios that support your broader life goals.Planning Is a Relationship - Not a TransactionAnother key difference? A financial planner walks with you over time. When markets get choppy, or life throws you a curveball, your planner helps you stay grounded adjusting your plan as needed and keeping you focused on what matters most.A good planner also takes time to understand your behavioural tendencies, helping you avoid decisions that could put your plan at risk during periods of uncertainty.Can You Manage Without a Financial Planner?Yes, you can. But many of our clients tell us they wish they’d come to see us sooner, from a narrow investment-based approach to a comprehensive planning relationship that supports their life in a meaningful way.Before you settle for investment advice, make sure you're getting guidance that truly supports your whole financial life. Here are five questions that can help you find out:Do you advise on more than just my investments? Look for a planner who helps with retirement income, estate planning, insurances, tax, and KiwiSaver too.Will you help me plan for lifestyle changes or long-term goals? A good plan starts with your values—not just your portfolio.Do you offer an evidence-based investment approach? Ask if your adviser uses academic research and diversified strategies—not predictions.How will you help me stay on track during market volatility? Ongoing guidance matters just as much as the initial plan.Do you take time to get to know my personal circumstances and goals? You deserve a plan that fits your life, not a one-size-fits-all solution.Want to Know If You’re Getting the Full Picture?If you're not sure whether your current adviser is giving you the full picture, ask the questions above. Or — have a conversation with our team.At Central Financial Planning, we’re here to provide clarity, confidence, and a strategy that reflects your life—not just your portfolio.We’d love to help you plan with purpose.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme. All sponsored stories are reviewed to align with our values of community first, accuracy, and trusted people in our community reporting.

This feature showcases the newest listings from Tall Poppy Real Estate, offering you a first look at the latest homes on the market.

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.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 the mayor.

A person and their dog have been winched to safety by helicopter, after getting stuck on a cliff in Arrowtown.Emergency services were called about 1pm Saturday and responded to the incident close to Thompson Hill, near Arrowtown, along the Twin Rivers Trail.A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the pair had to be rescued using harnesses and a helicopter, as they were trapped about 60 metres down.The person became stuck, when they tried to rescue their dog and found they could not get back up to the track.Two crews of firefighters from Frankton and one crew from Arrowtown were sent to the scene.The rescue was wrapped up by 4pm Saturday, the spokesperson said, and there were no reports of injuries.

Three hundred pairs of recycled reading glasses collected in Cromwell have reached a remote hospital in Nepal, thanks to a community effort and a special courier connection.The glasses were delivered to Khunde Hospital in the Everest region after Peter Hillary, the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, offered to transport them during a trip to Nepal.Peter connected with the local project after a conversation at the launch of Cromwell mountaineer Kim Logan’s new book.The glasses were collected and sorted by Cromwell resident Andy Andrews on behalf of the Cromwell Lake Dunstan Lions Club.  Ladies Lions volunteers then washed, tested and packaged each pair, before the glasses began their long journey. They were couried to Auckland, picked up by Peter and flown to Nepal, helicoptered from Lukla to the Everest View Hotel at 3900 metres, carried by porter to Khunde Hospital, and finally handed to the local optometrist. Andy said it was “quite the journey”. He has coordinated the glasses rehoming project for six years, taking over a long-running Lions initiative that once focused on Fiji but now reaches communities around the world. Glasses sorted in Cromwell have travelled to Tonga, Vanuatu, Cambodia, Zambia, Fiji and, now, the Khumbu region of Nepal.Andy said Central Otago Aramex had been a great help with logistics. All donated glasses are checked, washed with an ultrasonic cleaner, and tested on a lens meter to record their prescription.  Each pair is packaged with its readings, so qualified staff in receiving hospitals can safely match glasses to patients. “We’re not fixing anyone’s eyesight, but we’re giving them something to read with when they couldn’t normally read,” Andy said.  “We got an email from Zambia once – three people signed it and said, ‘Thank you, I can read the computer now’.” He said he was grateful for the steady stream of donations to the cause.“I probably get about 100 pairs a week dropped off or sent to me at my house,” he said. “It’s only because of the locals that we’re able to make a difference to somebody’s life.” The project accepts used prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses.  Central Otago residents can drop them to any Lions member or to Andy directly. Andy can be contacted on 021 842 346.

Warning: Readers may find these images distressingAnimal welfare activists, public submitters and the associate agriculture minister are still at odds around the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls at pig farms, amid the release of covert footage inside one.The Ministry for Primary Industries was investigating what it called "minor animal welfare issues" at a South Taranaki pig farm, after activists released covert footage from inside the barn using farrowing crates.MPI animal welfare inspectors visited the farm last week following a complaint it received from animal rights group SAFE relating to footage it received from 'Grassroots Campaign'.Videos showed large, lactating sows constrained in farrowing crates, unable to move beyond standing, one with a large open wound, some without water or dirty water only, and some biting the metalbars.Piglets were able to access the sow for milk and lived separately in heated homes, but had no natural material like hay, and dead piglets were piled up in a rubbish bin.SAFE chief executive Debra Ashton said farrowing crates were a cruel practice that should be banned, as previous governments had promised."That must be a horrible existence for those pigs in those conditions," Ashton said.A sow pig inside a farrowing crate will be allowed to remain inside it for up to a week under new rules, down from 33 days. Photo: SUPPLIED/Grassroots Campaign"What we've really seen here is animal cruelty where pigs are confined in those crates that are so small, they can't turn around, look after their piglets properly."These are conditions that are typical on a farm that is using farrowing crates, and that I think is our biggest concern that this is business as usual."Ashton said it received the footage externally from "brave people", and conditions were kept behind closed doors without it."We're not asking for anyone to enter a property to get footage. But out of frustration, we can see why people would do this."A large sow was found with an open wound during a covert filming operation at a South Taranaki pig farm. Photo: SUPPLIED/Grassroots CampaignShe said releasing the footage was not about victimising farmers."We are talking about a system that the government is allowing, we're not trying to pick on individual farmers."Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard led legislative changes that sought to amend the minimum standards for pig farming that retained the use of both farrowing crates and mating stalls, but with slightly larger sizes and less time for pigs spent in them.A sow in a farrowing crate inside an indoor South Taranaki pig farm. Photo: SUPPLIED/Grassroots CampaignThe select committee members reported back to Parliament on Tuesday that the changes could proceed without amendment.Most public submissions opposed the legislative changes.Hoggard said the new legislative changes aimed to maximise piglet survivability."I know a lot of people out there find the images reasonably confronting. However, that's the whole goal of what it is we're doing, is to actually minimize the time that sows spend in a farrowing crate down to just seven days."Animal activists took footage form inside a South Taranaki pig farm, raising concerns about the use of farrowing crates for limited a sow's natural behaviours with its piglets. Photo: SUPPLIED/Grassroots CampaignHe said submissions on the changes were looked over for balance, but those affected by the changes like the pork industry must be considered."In terms of submissions, well, obviously the animal welfare organisations mobilised a whole bunch of people, and so yep, most of the submissions were opposed," he said."But quite frankly, it's not about the number of submissions for or against, because if that's how we decided things in New Zealand, then we wouldn't bother with a Parliament."At the end of the day, we have to make a call on what's best for the country, and in terms of our pork industry."He said MPI investigated the farm, so it was an operational matter he could not specifically comment on.The Taranaki farm in the videos was approached for comment.MPI said the farm's "minor welfare issues" were being addressed and inquiries and follow-up inspections were continuing.

Red Frogs NZ is launching a school safety pilot in Central Otago this December, ahead of its 10th annual New Year’s response in Queenstown and Wānaka.The non-profit, which works alongside Queenstown Lakes District Council, police and St John, is known for its on-the-ground volunteer presence during New Year’s celebrations – particularly in youthhotspots like Wānaka and Queenstown.Each summer, thousands of teenagers – many underage and unsupervised – travel from across the South Island, including Alexandra and Cromwell, to mark the New Year in the Lakes District. Whilemany enjoy the festivities safely, a significant number experience alcohol or drug-related harm.Last year, an incident involving around 300 teens took place at Wānaka’s Dinosaur Park on January 2. It occurred after the coordinated safety response had ended, and agencies have since signalledplans to boost their presence in Wānaka this New Year.Red Frogs volunteers in Wānaka, 2024. Photo: Supplied.Red Frogs has supported more than 100,000 young people since its first Queenstown Lakes response. Over 1,200 individuals have received direct care – including being walked home, havingemergency services contacted, or being monitored until sober.This summer, more than 60 Red Frogs volunteers from New Zealand and Australia will be based out of Queenstown Memorial Hall and Lake Wānaka Centre.Red Frogs NZ media spokesperson Shannon Thomson said the organisation has received new funding from Health NZ’s Alcohol Harm Prevention Community Action Fund. The funding will support thedevelopment of a school-based safety programme to be piloted in Central Otago, and then rolled out from South Canterbury south in 2026.“This is about helping communities prepare, especially parents, so they understand the local environment and how to best support teen safety over New Year,” Shannon said.As part of the pilot, parents' information evenings will be held on:December 8 at 7pm – Dunstan High School staffroom and December 9 at 7pm – Cromwell College.

The Central App has reached its ninth year of keeping Central Otago informed, connected, and transparent, and it’s only just getting started.From humble beginnings, where the team showed up at school fairs, local shows, and community events to help residents download the app, The Central App has grown into a trusted digital companion for the region.It was Marielle Craighead who saw its potential for Central Otago after a conversation with founder of Wanaka App, Tony O’Regan.“It was such a new concept back then. A lot of people had a ‘wait and see’ attitude,” Marielle said. “I’d worked in advertising, had a background in computers, and had experience in management. All the necessary skills to develop, launch, and sell the concept."That leap of faith led to new momentum. When Vicki McLean returned to Central Otago in 2020 after two decades in media globally, she took over as owner and expanded the vision - to make Central a better place through better access to local information.“We carried forward the strong foundations Marielle had built and focused on deepening our local voice,” Vicki said. “We grew the team and simply started telling more everyday stories - about the people who live here, what’s happening in our towns, and the decisions shaping our future.”That approach resonated. In just a few years, readership has climbed more than 400 per cent, growing from 7,000 regular monthly readers to an average of 35,000 today.Over the past five years, The Central App has also navigated rapid digital change, including the shift to AI. At first, the idea of AI brought questions, would it replace roles? But the team quickly saw its power as a tool to enhance, not replace, their work.“AI is helping us future-proof The Central App. It streamlines our workflow, giving us more time to focus on quality, balanced reporting and delivering stronger results for our clients,” Vicki said.This forward-thinking approach was recently recognised when The Central App was selected to join the Google News ANZ AI workshops - one of just 12 media outlets across Australasia chosen after a rigorous application and interview process.The training, delivered by an AI digital media firm, is set to sharpen the team’s skills for an even more agile and informed future.What hasn’t changed is the app’s commitment to free, accessible news.“Everything we do is made possible by the local businesses who back us,” Vicki said. “Some of them have been with us from the very start, and we’re incredibly grateful.”As newsrooms across the country shrink or shut, The Central App continues to grow, staying grounded in its local first approach.Nine years in, The Central App still exists for the same reason - to share honest stories, reflect real voices, and help all of Central Otago feel connected.Stay even more connected with a bi-weekly newsletter to your email. Click the banner below.

Hundreds of kilograms of venison and pork is making its way to fridges and freezers of families who need it thanks to the kindness of a group of hunters at Millers Flat.Back in September, the Millers Flat Tavern Pest and Predator Hunting Competition was held for the third year running - this time with a twist.Participants were invited to donate the meat from any deer or pigs shot to charity after a collaboration between hunting competition organisers and Deer to Care, a non-for-profit organisation that connects wild game meat with charities supporting local households.Millers Flat Tavern manager Grace Roos said close to 30 teams entered the competition, on top of 15 individual entries, and “about 90 per cent” of them gave away their kill.“There was probably half a tonne of meat,” she said.Organisers of the annual hunting competition in Millers Flat partnered with Deer to Care to ensure wild meat from the event didn’t go to waste. Image: Facebook/Deer to Care“Deer to Care came to our weigh-in, which was awesome.”They then organised for the safe and efficient processing of the meat, bagging it up to pass it on.Grace said there was so much meat it had been “a bit of a mission” to distribute it all, but now the last of it is sitting in Grace’s grandmother’s freezer with the plan to have it available for collection from the tavern in the coming weeks for anyone who would appreciate a feed.Meanwhile, bagged processed meat has made its way to southern households via Deer to Care’s partnerships, including Women’s Refuge.Grace also organised for 345 kilograms of mince to go to Kiwi Harvest, which rescues surplus food from cafes, restaurants and supermarkets and redirects it to community groups.Kiwi Harvest operations supervisor Darryn Graves said the meat was delivered to 14 groups.“Each got a basket full of tubed venison mince,” he said.“It’s high-protein, highly nutritious meat. From us, it’s a massive, massive thanks. It’s just so appreciated.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

The Teviot Valley community will soon be consulted on the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre rebuild.A community meeting in early December will give locals a chance to hear about the process moving forward, the Teviot Valley Community Board decided on Thursday.The project steering committee that was formed in July, has been working on a number of alternative location options.Council’s project manager Gareth Robinson prepared some initial cost and timing estimates, and outlined the decision-making steps involved with a site location change for the committee to consider.A detailed report would come back to the board in March 2026, before being putting forward into council’s Long Term Plan( LTP).An indemnity insurance payout of approximately $4 million is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, with negotiations for the final settlement on-going.The total sum insured for replacement of the old Roxburgh Entertainment Centre is $6.4 million, with the final settlement figure to be determined by build costs that reflect a like-for-like replacement. New board member Becky Slade said it was important the committee was being completely transparent with everything, “so everyone knows all of the facts on what is best for them.”Board chair Mark Jessop said the opportunity to look at other sites was definitely something worth doing.He said the aim of the steering committee wasn’t to design a new build, as some people in the community were led to believe, but to have a look at what the community needed.“It’s to determine what the needs could be of groups moving forward that could be using the building.”Mayor Tamah Alley said it was important that the community understood how much extra time would be involved in the process of investigating alternative sites.She said changes were also afoot in central government, and warned that “we won’t be operating in the same landscape as now, and we don’t know what that looks like.”Board member Curtis Pannett said they just needed a few months to investigate further options, and the community meeting will be held on December 11 at 7pm. It was thought a community survey might be the best way to find out the community’s feedback.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Lynley served the Vincent community with dedication for over 25 years, beginning on the Vincent Community Board in 1998 and then on Council from 2001. Throughout her time in public service, she earned a reputation as a thoughtful advocate, known for her practical thinking, integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to local people and businesses. "Lynley was a true community champion. Her warmth, generosity and commitment to all our people will be sadly missed, along with her caring nature and valued friendship. Our thoughts are with John and her family," Mayor Tamah Alley said. Passionate about growth and opportunity, Lynley championed business development, job creation, and community wellbeing. She consistently encouraged Council and community groups to “have an ear to the ground” and work side-by-side to find solutions and identify opportunities.Her drive to secure long-term prosperity for Central Otago guided her involvement in initiatives such as the Vincent Spatial Plan, Naseby Dark Sky Community and her advocacy for balanced growth, affordable housing, and the protection of local heritage. Lynley was known for her belief in community partnerships and her conviction that Central Otago should be a “land of opportunity for all”. Her dedication and heart for service will leave a lasting mark on the region she loved so dearly. The Council extends its heartfelt condolences to John and the Claridge family, and to the many friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives she enriched. Lynley will be remembered with deep gratitude for her decades of service and the legacy she leaves behind.

Trout, salmon, and perch be warned: dozens of Central Otago anglers picked up pro tips at a fishing workshop in Cromwell at the weekend. Organised by Fish and Game, pro-angler Lance Gill set up on the edge of Lake Dunstan at McNulty Inlet to run a hands-on session on using soft baits in freshwater fishing. Lance, who works with fishing brand Okuma, demonstrated rod and tackle set-up, as well as casting and retrieving techniques, answering questions from amateur anglers keen to upskill ahead of the summer season. Fish and Game hosted a hands-on information session for freshwater anglers at McNulty Inlet on Lake Dunstan. Image: The Central AppWhen it came to soft baits, hooks and jig heads, Lance had plenty of advice.“If you’re going to be stocking up your tackle box, I’d be getting size one hooks and a range of weights,” he said. His go-to weight is 1/8oz, which he said he “can use in a foot of water or a deep lake”, and his “all-time favourite” bait is a 2.7 inch paddle tail. “In my opinion, it’s probably the most effective out of the whole range,” he said. When it came to colour, he said the key was to mix it up: “The best colour is the one that catches fish on the day”.Lance’s go-to soft bait? A paddle tail, and he mixes up colours to see what works. Image: The Central App“I just go for the most natural colour. But if they’re not catching fish and you know there’re fish there, change it – they obviously don’t like that colour”. As he demonstrated casting and retrieving, Lance emphasised calm and control. “You just want a smooth cast,” he said.  “Give yourself a wee bit of line to actually do the cast [at least two foot was his suggestion] and you shouldn’t have any dramas.” For the retrieve, keep tension on the line so it winds tightly and neatly, he said, and keep the pace slower than you might think. “You don’t want to be setting your reel on fire,” he said. “You want [the soft bait to travel] at a natural speed, add some twitching to your rod...It will just make it [look] more like a fish.” He encouraged people to check their gear regularly for signs of breakage, particularly after a fish had taken their line past a rock. “That next fish could be the fish of a lifetime, and you’d only have yourself to blame,” he said. Lance shared his preferred knot for joining braid to fluoro carbon – a “clinch knot”. “This is what I’ve used for a very long time, and it’s never really failed,” he said. “It’s the same knot I use to tie lures on.” For anyone who couldn’t follow the demonstration, he had a simple top tip: “There’re thousands of YouTube videos showing what to do, but practice is key”, he said, so anglers can tie the knot quickly in any conditions. He also advised trimming ends carefully with a “good pair of braid scissors” - specialty serrated scissors that can cost as little as $6 - to prevent tangles. Cromwell-based Fish and Game officer Mason Court said upskilling anglers of all abilities was the aim of the day. A change to family fishing passes this season means each associated family member will receive their own ID card. Mason said the update was about encouraging women to fish independently of their partners. “There are so many different license options for people to give fishing a go.” He said soft baiting was a good place for beginners to start, as it was less “tricky” than fly fishing. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]  

Otago Community Trust is encouraging locals to complete its “He aha te mea nui – What matters most?” survey before December 12, helping shape future funding decisions across the region.Nearly 500 people from across Otago have already taken part in the campaign, which aims to ensure the Trust’s future mahi reflects the aspirations of the communities it serves.Since 1988, the Otago Community Trust (OCT) has granted more than $230 million to thousands of community-led kaupapa across North, Central, and South Otago, including Ōtepoti / Dunedin. Projects have ranged from emergency infrastructure in the Catlins, to youth development programmes in Cromwell, and the return of the tīeke (saddleback) to mainland Otago after more than 100 years.Chief executive Jemma Adams says the Trust wants to hear from as many people as possible before the deadline.“It’s great that nearly 500 people have already shared their whakaaro – and we’re excited to hear from even more voices,” she says.“OCT belongs to all of us in Otago. This is a chance to help shape the Trust’s future – not just for today, but for generations to come. The best ideas always come from the ground up, and this survey is another step to make sure our mahi reflects community voice.”Trust chair Andy Kilsby, who lives in Central Otago, says Otago’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Trust wants to reflect that in its decisions.“Otago is made up of many distinct communities – each with its own priorities, challenges and opportunities,” he says. “We’re encouraging everyone to take part, whether you’ve been involved in local projects for years or are speaking up for the first time. Every voice counts.”The online survey is open until Thursday December 12 at www.oct.org.nz. Those who complete it will go in the draw to win one of two $250 Prezzy Cards.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Central Otago residents can meet Health New Zealand leaders next week at a series of public sessions across the region.The four upcoming community events include an in-person session in Cromwell on Wednesday, November 26, and a virtual meeting later that evening. A panel of Health NZ’s leadership team will answer questions from the public.In addition to the formal sessions, face-to-face drop-in opportunities will be available for residents wanting more informal discussions with health leaders and local government representatives.Health New Zealand is developing a clinical services plan for the Otago Central Lakes region. MP Joseph Mooney, who has been part of the Otago Central Lakes Health Services and Assets Project since its inception, said the work marks a significant step forward.Joseph said it is the first plan of its kind in several decades — and the fastest of its scale in New Zealand.“The group has made serious progress over the past two years,” he said.The project group includes Central Otago representatives including Mayor Tamah Alley and MPs Miles Anderson and Todd Stephenson.Joseph said hundreds of local groups, including tangata whenua, had been consulted as part of the planning process.Community organisations such as the Wānaka Health Action Group have advocated for more specialist clinics at Dunstan Hospital and improved crisis-level mental health services.Joseph said new data revealed around 25,000 unnecessary health-related trips are made by Central Otago residents each year, and there were also certain health needs within communities that Health NZ hadn’t known about.“Ninety per cent of New Zealanders who live more than two hours from a base hospital are in Otago,” he said.People can submit questions online before the sessions. To register or learn more about health service planning in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, visit the Health NZ website.Health NZ:Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Raupo choking the Aronui Dam will be cleared this summer after the Central Otago District Council agreed to restore the site back to its 2015 condition.Friends of Aronui Dam representative Ken Churchill spoke to the Vincent Community Board this week. He said volunteers could no longer keep up with the fast-spreading weed.“It is now beyond us,” Ken said.The volunteer group has spent years maintaining the popular picnic spot and has repeatedly used diggers to remove raupo. Despite their efforts, Ken said “there is virtually no clear water left in the dam.”Raupo is a tall wetland plant that thrives in shallow, fertile water and can grow up to two metres. It provides breeding habitat for waterfowl but can quickly dominate small ponds.The dam and surrounding reserve were vested to the Central Otago District Council in 2016 after being transferred from the Department of Conservation.Ken told the board the overgrowth was now affecting the stability of the dam wall and causing leakage into nearby properties.“It’s prolific, this stuff, and very difficult to get out,” he said.Two Australian coots with their new babies on the Aronui Dam. Photo: The Central App.The council recently commissioned geo-engineers to assess the dam. They found the structure was not considered stable due to its age, similar to a number of older dams in the district. Although the southwest embankment shows visible deformation, engineers did not believe failure was imminent except in an earthquake.Constructed in 1909, the Aronui Dam originally supplied water to gold mining operations. It later became part of Alexandra’s water supply and feeds water to the nearby Lanes Dam. Shortly after its construction, the western wall began to bulge and a buttress was added. The board has now approved a dam break risk assessment, funded through the Long Term Plan and agreed for council staff to remove raupo back to its 2015 levels while retaining a small section forbird breeding.Council staff will also work with the Friends of Aronui Dam on future maintenance and funding needs.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

A 10-year-old issue over 30-year-old trees in the Centrepoint Carpark in Alexandra is finally being resolved by the Central Otago District Council.Local business partners Russell Ibbotson and Daphne Hull addressed the Vincent Community Board on Tuesday, saying properties in the carpark area had been flooded due to leaves blocking drains on the roof.As directors of Limerick Properties, the pair said the most serious issue was the damage to buildings, including five instances of flooding to Alex Furniture.A letter from Russell to council in 2024 said that Limerick Properties had been financially disadvantaged by up to $20,000 in insurance claim excess payments, including reimbursement payments to tenants for damage they sustained as a result of the flooding.Later that year council removed one tree in the carpark and two in the surrounding area, but in a report to the board it said an offer made in 2019 to help businesses clear their roof gutters hadn’t been taken up.The trees were planted over 30 years ago to provide shade and amenity to the carpark area. The council report recommended that the community be consulted over the future of the remaining trees, but Cr Martin McPherson suggested removing them ASAP.“These trees are not fit for purpose.”Martin said he could see for himself the damage that trees did to the carpark area, having just driven past on the way to the board meeting, following heavy winds overnight.Limerick Properties director Russell Ibbotson addressed the Vincent Community Board this week about the issues. Photo: fileRussell thanked senior members of staff and Mayor Tamah Alley for helping address the issue, and said it was only through goodwill that there had not been legal action taken against the council - for not acting fairly and responsibly.  He said a legal opinion had placed the liability of damage to buildings directly on council, and tenants had been almost at the stage of walking out.Community board members agreed with Martin that the matter was urgent enough to not have to consult the community, and decided to approve the removal of the four Raywood Claret Ash trees.A landscape plan will also be actioned in consultation with business owners, to replant the area with more suitable trees.The council will make a final decision at its next meeting on December 17, and the trees removed prior to Autumn 2026.“Get rid of them and replant with something beautiful,” Daphne said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Central Otago can expect a warm, slightly cloudier-than-usual summer with more northeasterly winds and less rainfall overall, according to MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris. The outlook comes after national forecasters signalled a likely shift to La Niña conditions, prompting The Central App to ask what that means for life around the lakes and hills of Central Otago. “For Central Otago you should expect more northeasterly winds than normal,” Lewis said. “These will typically be accompanied by warm, humid air, potentially a bit more cloud than a typical summer.” While the region is tipped to be drier than average, a few wet days could easily balance things out.  “Less than average rainfall is predicted for Central this summer, but it being such a dry place, it would just take a few wet days to skew that closer to normal,” he said. The long-range outlook points to fewer southerly changes and less spillover rain from the West Coast.  “High pressure to our south means less cold fronts marching up the West Coast,” Lewis said.  “This means less spillover rain from the west but, on the flipside, less westerly winds means less of those extreme hot days with northwest winds.” Lewis said summer temperatures were likely to sit on the warmer side of average, but not necessarily push into extremes.  “La Niña warm is less of a noticeable heat as it’s not represented so much in the extreme afternoon heat,” he said.  “It’s more, warmer minimums and afternoon temperatures on the warmer side of average without touching extreme too often.” After a volatile spring that brought everything from snow to strong winds, Lewis said locals should expect a slower transition to settled summer weather.  “Spring is always a changeable season - people tend to forget that every year - but this spring was on the upper end of severity,” he said.  “I don’t think people should get their hopes up for summer to kick into gear on December 1st. It usually takes until Jan for consistent weather to become more common.” Earth Science New Zealand’s latest three-month climate outlook reports an 80 per cent chance of La Niña conditions persisting through November to January.  Lewis cautioned a La Niña climate pattern is not the sole driver of day-to-day weather.  “La Niña isn’t a weather event, it’s a phase of a naturally occurring global climate cycle,” he said. “It doesn’t cause weather, it just makes certain types of weather systems more likely.”  The big picture? The long range models are signalling more than average low pressure systems to New Zealand’s north-northwest, over the Tasman Sea, and more stubborn high pressure to its south.Further north, people are likely facing a wetter sumer than normal, with plenty of humidity, particularly at night.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected] 

Parishioners at the Lakeside Church in Lowburn are nearing completion of their new 600m2 facility and are now proposing a subdivision to help pay off the project loan.The Lakeside Christian Centre has applied to subdivide two 3000m2 lots from its site on Lowburn Valley Rd. The organisation hopes the sale of the lots will help fund the second stage of the church fit out.Pastor Bruce Wast said the congregation had spent the past year closing in the new church building and preparing for internal work once finances were secured.The new church is ten times the size of the original 60m2 building, which has been on the site since the 1980s. It includes traditional design features such as a higher pitched roof, vestibule and altar.After considering several designs, the congregation decided to build a separate structure beside the original church rather than join the two. The smaller building continues to be used for Sunday Schooland for hire for weddings and special events.The original Lowburn church remains onsite and is popular with visitors. Photo: File.Public submissions are now open on the proposed three-lot subdivision, closing on December 11.Land use consent is also sought to establish a residential building platform on the two new allotments.The proposal is considered a non-complying activity under the District Plan because it does not meet minimum or average allotment sizes for the Rural Resource Area. However, the Central OtagoDistrict Council noted the site sits within a clearly defined enclave of residential activity.Six neighbouring landowners have been identified as affected parties, along with Land Information New Zealand.A date for the official opening of the new church will be announced in the New Year.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]