The next chapter in Ophir’s postal history has begun, with Harriet Cameron stepping into the role of postmistress.The Galloway resident becomes the latest in a line of postal workers to serve at the town’s post office - New Zealand’s oldest continually operating one.The 1886-built schist-stone building, maintained by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, has long been a hub for locals and a magnet for visitors - and Harriet is set to be part of its living history.“My first official week at the post office has been simply awesome. I’ve met a handful of local identities and I’m starting to match names to faces,” she said.“It’s a very homely building and I am enjoying discovering the history.”She said mastering the pigeonhole mail system and unfamiliar local street addresses had been a learning curve, but it’s one she’s embraced, and she’s getting quicker at the job each day.“It’s essential. The post office is the hub of communications,” she said.“I love engaging with people, enjoying a smile and a banter.”Harriet describes herself as “a country girl at heart”, with a career that has spanned policing in Invercargill, running a high-country station near St Bathans with her husband, and earlier work as a postmistress and travel agent at the Stewart Island Post Office and Flight Centre.“I feel honoured, privileged and humbled to serve in this role, and being part of a continuous line of managers at the post office that stretches back well over a hundred years,” she said.“I truly think I was born a century too late. I love the era the post office building represents - a time when communities were strong because each household had big families and farms employed many people, all things were made with care and made to last.” Harriet takes over from long-serving postmistress Val Butcher, who retired earlier this year after 26 years in the role.Val became a familiar face to locals and a welcoming presence for visitors passing through, and once described the post office as “the heart of the community”.The Ophir Post Office remains a Category 1 Historic Place and, according to Heritage New Zealand, is among the most photographed heritage buildings in the South Island.Looking ahead, Harriet would like to see Ophir’s heritage continue to draw people in.“Ophir is a sitting gold mine in terms of the local economy,” she said.“It has much untapped potential which, carefully managed, will bring many visitors over the bridge. Through social media and targeted merchandise, and by creating more events in and around Ophir, the people will come.”Read more: Ophir Post Office seeks new keeper as Val Butcher retiresHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

There’s a new North Island import in Cromwell, and this one is furrier than most - Cruz, a trained hearing dog.The 15-month-old Cavoodle is unique in these parts - there’s no other accredited dog of his kind located in Central Otago or Queenstown Lakes.Cruz helps his owner, Nick Linton, navigate daily life with hearing loss by alerting him to important sounds such as a knock on the door, a mobile phone ringing, people calling his name or an oven timer going off.It’s Cruz’s job to gently paw Nick, then lead him to the source of the sound.He arrived in town two weeks ago from New Plymouth, where Hearing Dogs New Zealand trains its dogs in simulated home settings.Nick lost hearing in one ear in a water polo accident at 13 years old. Now, hearing in his other ear is starting to deteriorate after a tumble turn went wrong just a few years ago at the pool in Cromwell.“The writing is on the wall for me in terms of my hearing loss,” Nick said.“My hearing is not going to get better - it’s going to get worse.“And it’s starting to get problematic. I could fake it for a while, but I just can’t now.”When The Central App visited Nick’s Cromwell home to meet Cruz and Hearing Dogs New Zealand recipient coordinator Fliss Wilson, a little test was underway.After a morning of training, Nick and Fliss ignored our knock, waiting for Cruz to prove his worth - and he did.By the second ignored knock, Cruz was on his feet, heading over to Nick, tapping him, and leading him to the entryway.New dog owner Nick Linton relaxing at home with his ‘wee mate’ Cruz. Image: The Central AppNick said hearing loss could be “very isolating”.“One-on-one, you’d never know,” he said.“But cafes, restaurants - they’re a nightmare.”And Cruz is already helping on that front.“Cruz makes it better. He’s companionship. He’s my wee mate,” Nick said.Fliss was in Cromwell last week, working with Nick and Cruz on some on-location training.She said hearing dogs are different from guide dogs because they don’t take commands and need to think for themselves.“You’ll see Cruz working things out,” she said.Like with the door knock.“He would have heard the knock. We kept talking. Now, I might be making this up a bit, imagining his thought process, but he understands Nick hasn’t heard the sound, and he needs to alert Nick to that sound.”So, what do people need to know when they see Nick and Cruz in public?Cruz will be wearing a yellow jacket marked ‘HEARING DOG FOR THE DEAF’ when he’s on duty.“He kind of has two modes - family dog mode and work mode,” Nick said.“When we’re out and about in town, he has legal access to cafes, restaurants, retail shops, even the cabin of a plane.“When people come up, if he’s got his jacket on, ask before petting him.”Nick said it was a “two-way street” and the training and accreditation process would continue to ensure Cruz performed and behaved well in public settings.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

This feature showcases the newest listings from Tall Poppy Real Estate, offering you a first look at the latest homes on the market.Solid Brick Charmer on the Rail Trail61 Russell Street, AlexandraDiscover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this solid brick home. The modernised kitchen is centrally located and featuring three generously sized bedrooms with wardrobes and an open-plan living area complete with a cozy log burner that adds both warmth and ambience. Step outside to private courtyard —ideal for entertaining or unwinding in the afternoon sun. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Iconic Location. Architectural Elegance119 Wooing Tree Avenue, CromwellPositioned alongside the iconic Wooing Tree Reserve in one of Central Otago's most coveted subdivisions, 119 Wooing Tree Avenue delivers a lifestyle of distinction. This brand-new residence captures the essence of modern luxury living - a sanctuary for discerning families, professionals, or those seeking a refined holiday retreat. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Niki Lord and Keeley Anderson.Elevated, Immaculate Home with Stunning Views!9 O'neill Crescent, AlexandraLocated in a sought-after area just across the bridge in Alexandra, this elevated 3-bedroom home offers exceptional comfort and space. Enjoy sweeping views across town and out to the mountains, all from the privacy of your well-positioned property. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Epic Family Living!13B Taylor Place, AlexandraWelcome to 13B Taylor Place – a showstopping, modernised family haven tucked away in one of Alexandra’s most sought-after locations. Elevated, elegant, and effortlessly stylish, this five-bedroom masterpiece offers the perfect blend of space, sophistication, and scenery. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.This could beeeee yours!20 Killarney Street, AlexandraThis delightful family home offers a perfect combination of comfort and convenience, ideal for those seeking some space and without sacrificing easy access to essential amenities. As you step inside, you will appreciate the layout designed for growing families.. The property features three bedrooms, plus a small office sewing room. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Lifestyle, Location, and Space All in One!21 Hosking Drive, CromwellPositioned on one of Cromwell’s most popular streets, this five-bedroom home is on the market for the very first time. Vacant and ready for new owners, it offers space, comfort, and the chance to add your own personal touch. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Light, Space & Comfort - Your Perfect...1 Quail Close, AlexandraWelcome to 1 Quail Close, a stunning property nestled in the heart of the sought-after neighbourhood of Alexandra. This charming home offers an exceptional blend of style, comfort, and convenience, making it the perfect sanctuary for families and individuals alike. Tucked away in a prestigious cul de sac, known for winning the "Best Cul de Sac Award," this residence promises a peaceful lifestyle whilst being in close proximity to local amenities, schools, and recreational opportunities. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Fiona Cooper.Move in and Enjoy10A Lanes Road, AlexandraWelcome to 10A Lanes Road, an appealing home nestled in the highly sought-after Bridge Hill area. The hard works been done, with new fencing, landscaping, interior painting & flooring giving our new purchasers little to be done after moving in. The property has a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal retreat for first home buyers, couples, or individuals seeking a serene yet friendly neighbourhood lifestyle. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon and Dee Labes.Your Next Chapter Starts Here57A Wishart Crescent, CromwellSet in one of Cromwell's most popular pockets, 57A Wishart Crescent is a home that instantly feels like the right choice. Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder, looking for a smart investment, or searching for a lock-and-leave holiday base, this property delivers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and Central Otago lifestyle at a great price. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Niki Lord and Keeley Anderson.A first home buyers dream!4 Orpine Court, CromwellSituated in a peaceful Cromwell cul-de-sac, this modernised home offers space, style, and security on one of the larger fenced sections in the neighbourhood. With a generous floor plan, thoughtful updates, and the practicality of a separate single garage plus ample off-street parking, it’s a property that combines comfort with convenience in a location families and professionals love. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Niki Lord and Keeley Anderson.Want to see more? click here to view all of Tall Poppy’s current listings.

A severe weather warning has been issued by MetService for the Otago headwaters, with heavy rain and strong winds expected throughout today (Monday October 20).MetService is warning residents and visitors to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions as a strong and humid northwest flow pushes a front across the region.Between 7:00am and 9:00pm today, up to 160mm of rain is expected near the main divide, and between 80mm and 120mm within 30km east of it. Severe gale northwesterly is expected, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.Peak rainfall rates may reach 20mm per hour in some areas, and while the snow level remains around 2200 metres, the downpour could affect river systems well beyond the divide.MetService said streams and rivers could rise, leading to slips, surface flooding and difficult driving conditions.Locals are being urged to:Secure loose outdoor items like trampolines, furniture, and binsClear gutters and drains to reduce the risk of surface floodingAvoid driving through flood-prone areas, especially near rivers and low-lying roadsDrive cautiously. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclesBe aware of possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structuresAt this stage, there is minimal risk of the alert being upgraded to a Red Warning, but authorities are advising people to stay up to date with the latest forecasts. Note, another period of severe gales possible during Tuesday.Stay informed via MetService updates and The Central App’s Weather and Roads reports.

Alexandra parents Lena and Sam Peterson count their blessings every day that they have four healthy children - but they have also lost four babies along the way.Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9-15) provides an opportunity for parents, families and whānau to come together and remember the lives of their babies who have died. During last week more than 40 landmarks around the country were lit up in pink, purple and blue, including the Alexandra clock and the Cromwell entrance sign, to honour these “angel babies”.Lena met Sam about a year after high school and they married in 2007. That same year she suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks.Later that year she became pregnant with twin girls, but at 19 weeks was sent to Dunedin in labour - just her and Sam in the car wondering what on earth had gone wrong.They had to stop several times along the way because the pain was so bad, and strangers pulled over and asked her if she was okay. There was Lena on the side of the road in a ditch, in her pyjamas. She gave birth to Jay first at 5:30pm that night - who was still born, followed by Salena who survived for a few minutes - Lena got to hold her before she too died.Then she was rushed into surgery, with Sam left wondering if he was going to lose his wife as well as his two daughters.They were given a separate room to recover, still in the maternity ward, and listening to other women in labour was far from ideal for a couple who had just lost their twin daughters.Then it was time to pack up the girls and take them back home to Alexandra, where they held a private funeral and buried them in the Clyde Cemetery.Memories of their twin girls - butterfly wings on Lena’s back with their names inside. Photo: The Central AppThe response from some people in the community was surprising. Lena said she felt alone and isolated, “because nobody knew how to react so I guess they didn’t”.Lena went back to work a week later and said talking to her clients in the salon chair each day was her therapy.A year later Aria was born - five days earlier than the twin girls in 2008, after an extremely emotional pregnancy, where Lena worried about every little thing going wrong.Lena became pregnant with twins for the second time and gave birth to them at Easter 2010: Two boys Luka and Noah, who were also early at 35 weeks, but after three weeks in NICU they were healthy and ready to go home.A year later Lena fell pregnant again with another girl, but at 31 weeks they couldn’t find a heartbeat so it was back to Dunedin Hospital.She had an emergency caesarean on November 18 - but she too was stillborn. Lena didn’t ask for an autopsy to find out what went wrong. It was too much to handle.“You are still grieving the fact you are missing their birthdays and milestones,” she said.Lena found a woman in the North Island (KJ Designs) who makes free birthday cards every year for all the registered ‘angel babies‘ around New Zealand. She too had lost a son, Koby, and Lena makes sure he is remembered each year.“Nobody else remembers but it’s a very significant thing.”Lena lost her third daughter Mila who was stillborn at 31 weeks. Photo: The Central AppAfter losing Mila, Lena went into a deep depression, “but I had no time to grieve because I had such a huge role with 18-month-old twins and a three-year-old, so where is the time to do that?”Lena finally received counselling, and she was grateful for her midwife, Vicky McMillan, who stayed with her the entire week she was waiting to give birth to her third still born daughter.In 2015, Lena and Sam had another surprise pregnancy, and she gave birth to a healthy boy - Harlan - on September 3.“My heart was just so broken he really did fill it,” she said.Every year the family visits the Clyde cemetery to see all of the girls on their birthdays, and Lena makes a cake to mark the occasion. She knows time will heal, and said now is the perfect time to share her story.She hopes one day there will be a special area in the maternity hospital away from other mothers, where families can grieve their angel babies.  Support and information about Baby Loss Awareness Week hereHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A group of Central Otago high school students has been trading classroom lessons for construction sites, completing a full-scale cottage build through a partnership between Breen Construction and Otago Polytechnic. Pupils from Dunstan High School and Roxburgh Area School, alongside peers from Wakatipu High School and Te Kura, took part in the Level 3 Building, Construction and Allied Trades (BCATs) programme. The initiative allowed students to apply their learning by constructing an 82m², two-bedroom transportable cottage. Under the guidance of project managers and subcontractors, and polytechnic tutors, the students gained practical experience across all stages of a real build, from framing and cladding to finishing.Five of the 14 students involved have since secured apprenticeships. Breen people and culture manager Karyn Buttar said the programme has been rewarding for everyone involved. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration, valued the support of our polytechnic partners, and seen the benefits it has brought to students, staff and the wider community,” she said.The cottage completed by the 2025 student cohort is currently under offer.While Otago Polytechnic has confirmed the Level 3 course will pause in Cromwell next year due to lower student numbers, two Level 2 carpentry cohorts will continue across Central Otago in 2026.Despite changes ahead, Karyn said it remains committed to fostering local talent. “A large part of our decision to partner on BCATS’s with local schools and the polytechnic was the opportunity to support the next generation and help raise the profile of construction as a viable and real vocation for youth in this region,” Karyn said. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz 

Almost 200 children took part in the annual kids’ duathlon in Cromwell on Sunday (October 19), competing across age divisions from preschool to 13 years old.Participants completed a combination of biking and running, either individually or in teams, in an event designed to celebrate participation, perseverance, and community spirit.For ten-year-old Zac Kirkman, the fun bit was “going fast”, particularly on his bike, where he reckons he “passed lots and lots of people”.Not so fun, getting the stitch: “But I had a good strategy, when I breathed in, I put my arms up, and when I breathed out, I put my arms down, and it helped,” he said.The boys’ race begins for the nine and 10 year olds. Image: The Central AppEight-year-old Rosa Lipscombe raced with a mate.She said biking on the grass was tough, and the “most fun thing was coming second with my friend”.Other highlights for the young competitor: “I passed three people in the race…I also got a Mr Whippy and a spot prize,” she said.Quinn Connelly, 4, on his bike at the Kids Duathlon. Image: The Central AppThe duathlon was organised by Goldfields Friends of the School (FOTS), a group of parents and teachers who work together on fundraising events for the Cromwell-based primary school.Parent organiser Liz Herring said the success of the day came down to a big effort from lots of people.“It takes months of planning from our amazing FOTS committee, the help of volunteers on the day, generous support from local businesses, and of course the kids who show up full of excitement and energy,” she said.Tom Browne, 9, on the running leg of his race. Image: The Central AppGoldfields School principal Anna Harrison said events like the duathlon that bring the community together while raising funds make a huge difference to the school.“They provide opportunities for us to think big with projects like redeveloping our school hall as well as lots of the extras that school budgets don’t cover that make a difference for our students,” she said.“I love seeing our children, their families, and participants and their families from outside our school community, come together.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

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.

The breeding season for toroa - the northern royal albatross - has been the most successful on record at the Otago colony, the Department of Conservation says.Toroa are one of the largest seabirds in the world, with wingspans up to three metres, and DOC classifies them as 'nationally vulnerable', meaning they are at risk of extinction in the medium term.While the species also breeds on islands in the remote Chatham Islands archipelago, Otago's Pukekura/Taiaroa Head is its only mainland breeding colony and the site has been adapted to protect them, even to the extent of installing sprinklers to help cool them down from rising temperatures in the summer.This year, 38 toroa chicks were successfully raised by birds at the colony and have fledged - grown strong enough to fly - and left the colony, said DOC albatross ranger Sharyn Broni. The next most successful seasons were last year and the year before, when 33 chicks fledged each year.Albatrosses are capable of flying incredible distances and, after leaving their nests, young albatrosses fly all the way to South America.While the last of this season's chicks have just left this week, Broni said trackers attached to some of them showed they were already most of the way across the Pacific.A toroa/northern royal albatross Photo: Supplied/ DOCThis year, the Pukekura/Taiaroa Head colony hosted more than 80 breeding pairs of toroa, and Broni said the increase in fledged chicks was due to success hatching eggs in an incubator to keep heat and flies away from them."It's been a fantastic season at Pukekura," he said. "The weather has been great, with slightly cooler temperatures over summer, so there haven't been overheating or flystrike issues, which is better for both the birds and rangers."The chicks have also needed less supplementary feeding than in past years, which suggests there was plenty of food available for the parents. We even found a 2kg eel next to one nest, which a parent had brought back!"There were several chicks, however, which lost one or both parents, and required a lot of support from the rangers to ensure they were a healthy weight prior to fledging."This was the 10th year the colony ran a round-the-clock livestream, called 'Royal Cam', with lenses trained on one chick, as it grew from an egg to a fledging, and millions of views from people all around the world. The stream has ended for the season now, but highlight reels can still be viewed.Kaewa the chick, at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head. Photo: Department of Conservation/ Sharyn Broni"Kaewa, as this year's Royal Cam chick was named, left the colony on 17 September and is living up to her name, which means to travel or roam," Bronis said. "Her tracker shows she has flown more than 2800km across the Pacific Ocean."However, despite fledging and growing strong enough to leave the nest, one of this year's clutch had already met a young death."Unfortunately, one chick took off successfully, but was found dead at a local beach several days later. We don't know what the cause was."It's sad, but it's natural that not all the chicks will be successful, once they leave the colony."Plastics in ocean pose significant threatSadly, despite the bumper crop of Otago fledglings this year, the toroa population still faces significant pressures, Broni said."It's not such good news for the wider population."About 99 percent of the toroa population breeds on small islands in the Chatham Islands and this is a species that faces a range of threats in the wild.Plastic found in the regurgitation of an albatross chick. Photo: Department of Conservation"One way you can help toroa... is by picking up rubbish, because toroa will mistake plastic in the ocean for food, which can be fatal for the adult or the chick, if rubbish is regurgitated to them."Plastics have been found in Otago toroa nests, marking several close calls for chicks, and last year, a chick from the colony died, after plastic blocked its intestinal tract.Conservation through partnershipThe Pukekura/Taiaroa Head colony is run by Te Poari a Pukekura, a partnership between DOC, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Korako Karetai Trust and Dunedin City Council.DOC ranger Sharyn Broni with an albatross. Photo:Te Poari a Pukekura chair Bill Karaitiana said the iwi had strong, longstanding links to the area, which was a place generations past were born and educated."The challenge for Te Poari a Pukekura is to build the body of knowledge about the ocean, the land, and the flora and fauna. The purpose of this process is to better understand the toroa as an indicator of the mauri [life force] of its ecosystem."The Department of Conservation has made in-roads into gathering this data. Overall, the increase in the health and population of the toroa is a great result, and supported by underlying principles of wairua, whakapapa and mauri."

An 11 year old from Tarras is swapping a Central Otago summer for back-to-back winters, chasing her dream of competing on the skiing world stage. Lottie Faulkner left for Europe on Saturday (October 11) on one very long school commute. She’ll be spending six months studying and skiing in Austria, switching up classroom time for the slopes as the Northern Hemisphere winter ramps up. Lottie will be looked after by staff at the boarding school she’ll attend as well as by a local skiing family she has connected with on a previous European ski trip. Plus her paternal grandparents live driving distance from where she’ll be based. Lottie told The Central App she was looking forward to staying “on the mountain”, with chairlifts to take her further up the slopes not far from her front door, after a New Zealand winter of very early morning starts to a day’s skiing. Mum Jenna remembers Lottie skiing almost as soon as she was walking. “She was on a pair of those penguin skis from when she was one,” she said. “But it was five, when we put her in the programme on Sundays at Cardrona, that her teacher said, ‘You need to get her into racing’. So, we did.” Not long after, Lottie made QAST – a Queenstown-based training squad looking to develop New Zealand’s next wave of competitors good enough to have a go at winning world titles. Lottie Faulkner is in Austria, chasing back-to-back winters to improve her skiing. Image: Supplied“She’s competitive, in every aspect of her life,” Jenna said of her daughter. “But she’s also humble...she has her goal of what she wants to achieve, and she’s really driven. “At 11, I just think it’s incredible.” For Lottie, it’s the thrill of taking a slope at speed that she enjoys most. "I love when I'm, like, on a fast course and just going fast,” she said. “It scares me, sometimes, when it’s quite icy or a hard course, like slalom, but I love just fast courses.” This Kiwi winter has been a step up for Lottie, a year seven pupil at Cromwell College; used to taking the top spot on most post-race podiums, she has been competing in a new age group, against racers potentially two years older than her. There is a maturity as she reflects on her season, where, for a change, she didn’t “always win”, meaning she built resilience and learned more about dealing with setbacks. “I’m proud because last year...it didn't really matter if I was annoyed because I was still winning, but this year, I think I've had to be more, like, ‘If I do a bad run, I'll be fine - I just have to work on it’, and I don't get mad and stuff.” Her favourite run in this neck of the woods: “I like Alta at Remarkables. It's really fun - it’s fast and it’s steep”.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Aurora Energy has begun upgrading its Alexandra substation, which supplies electricity to more than 4,400 customers in the area.The lines company is installing new equipment as well as constructing a new building in a bid to boost safety, reliability and resilience.The work comes after a fault in late August at the existing substation, when a circuit breaker failed to operate as expected. As a result, extra safety measures have been applied to the current facility while the transition to the new one is underway.Aurora service delivery general manager Richard Starkey warned there may be brief, planned power interruptions of “less than 10 minutes” to allow checks by contractors while the network reconfiguration is completed.The upgrade also includes replacing some high voltage 33 kV lines. That work is scheduled to happen in two stages, in November and February. During this period, electricity normally fed through two circuits to Alexandra will temporarily be supplied via one circuit, and Omakau will draw power via Alexandra’s circuit.Aurora says this single circuit has the capacity to serve all customers, but acknowledged that in the event of an unforeseen fault, restoration could take six to eight hours.While Aurora maintains that the substation has continued to operate reliably, the company stresses the need for these works to underpin future delivery.Historically, Aurora’s network has suffered from prolonged underinvestment, particularly in Central Otago, a factor now driving much of its accelerated upgrade programme. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago District Council’s partnership with Clutha and Gore to deliver local water services has been given the official go-ahead, marking a major milestone in how the region’s drinking, wastewater and stormwater systems will be managed in future. The Department of Internal Affairs has approved the three councils’ joint Water Services Delivery Plan, paving the way for the creation of Southern Waters - a council-owned water entity that will begin operating from July 1 under the government’s Local Water Done Well framework. CODC chief executive Peter Kelly said the approval showed what could be achieved when councils worked together with a shared vision. “The acceptance of our plan shows that local solutions can work when there’s commitment and trust,” he said. The plan outlines approximately $560M in capital investment between 2024 and 2034, close to 40 percent of it for renewing ageing three waters infrastructure.  While average water charges are forecast to rise about 110 percent over that time, the partnership model aims to keep future costs lower by sharing expertise, assets and administration across districts. Waitaki District Council, which had initially been involved in discussions about forming a four-council Southern Water Done Well partnership, withdrew to pursue its own stand alone water plan.  That proposal has since been rejected by the Department of Internal Affairs. When Central Otago committed to the joint approach earlier this year, Peter Kelly said the partnership had been designed to leave the door open for other councils to join - a move that would further improve economies of scale and benefit ratepayers. Southern Waters will be the largest joint council water entity in the South Island.  Its focus will be on the safe, reliable and sustainable delivery of water services, separate from other council functions. The next stage of work involves recruiting key leadership roles and preparing foundation documents such as the shareholders’ agreement and company constitution. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A controversial $5B gold mining project near Tarras is now one step closer.Mining company Santana Minerals confirmed yesterday (Thursday October 16) it had signed a binding agreement to purchase “key blocks” of Bendigo Station for $55M.A statement from Santana Minerals said this means it now controls the ground it needs to shift from “exploration to full-scale development”.Under the deal, Santana Minerals will acquire roughly 800 hectares of the historic station, or approximately 10 percent of the farm, for “modern open-pit mining”.The proposal is still subject to Overseas Investment Office approval and the Fast Track Approvals Act process.Bendigo Station owner John Perriam said he had decided to step aside and trust the government process. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Cosmo Kentish-BarnesBendigo Station owner John Perriam said he had come around to the idea of selling the land to Santana Minerals.“I… was determined to keep control by leasing not selling the land to Santana, but seeing the benefits the Clyde Dam has brought to Cromwell and Central Otago, and the rigorous process that new age goldmines have to go through, I have decided to stand aside and put trust into the New Zealand government process.”John said he “didn’t feel he had the right to stand in the path of” the forecast $5B in regional economic benefits.The gold mining proposal has faced significant opposition from the local community and has also attracted national attention.Sustainable Tarras chair Suze Keith has compared the fight between the small rural community and the mining company to “David vs Goliath”.Santana Minerals has not yet lodged a referral application for the project via the Fast Track Approvals Act.The company’s chief executive Damian Spring said the agreement to purchase a portion of Bendigo Station marked “a huge step forward”.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz 

The final vote count has confirmed the makeup of the next Central Otago District Council, with no changes from the weekend’s preliminary results.The new council will be led by mayor Tamah Alley.In the Vincent ward, incumbents Tracy Paterson and Martin McPherson retained their seats, joined by newcomer Nathan McLean. The fourth confirmed councillor, Dave McKenzie, announced his withdrawal from the process on Thursday (October 15), which means an expensive by-election looms for the ward.Former council senior staffer Louise van der Voort was just 33 votes behind.Dave withdrew after only five days as a councillor-elect, following online allegations of financial misconduct, some of which were backed up by a previous Central Otago District Council report released on Thursday morning.Read more: Councillor withdraws, citing ‘online hatred’The Local Electoral Act 2001 says a candidate can only withdraw after the close of nominations through medical incapacitation.A council spokesperson told The Central App the last by-election it held (the Cromwell Community Board by-election in 2023) cost $42,000. The Vincent by-election is likely to be even pricier, as costs - especially postage - have risen significantly since then, and Vincent is the largest ward.In the Cromwell ward incumbent councillors Sarah Browne and Cheryl Laws have retained their spots, alongside two first-term councillors - unsuccessful mayoral contender Charlie Sanders and one-term Cromwell Community Board member Bob Scott.In the Maniototo ward, where only one council seat was up for grabs, incumbent Stu Duncan retained his seat ahead of challenger Michelle Bisset. In the Teviot Valley ward, where there were no incumbents standing, community board member Curtis Pannett secured the seat.The four Central Otago community boards also feature some new faces.Cromwell Community Board will be represented by Anna Harrison, Rebecca Anderson, Wally Sanford, and Mike Casey.For the Vincent Community Board, the successful candidates are Karla Sanders, Jim Moffitt, Jayden Cromb, and Tony Hammington.The Teviot Valley Community Board will be made up of Hayden Smith, Becky Slade, Gill Booth, and Mark Jessop.Finally, around the Maniototo Community Board table will be Logan Dowling, Duncan Helm, Becky McAuley, and Mark Harris.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Food security is underway for the community this summer, thanks to the Alexandra Community Gardens annual planting day last weekend.Organised by the Alexandra Salvation Army, the event at Eden Gardens attracted more than 40 volunteers ranging from babies to grandparents on Saturday (October 11).Alexandra Salvation Army captain Jonny Whybrow said the day started with a karakia and a mihi to welcome guests to gardens where they worked on 'Lloyds Patch' - named after the late Lloyd Miln, a previous volunteer.Jonny said the group planted a variety of crops in the glasshouse as well as six very large vegetable plots, and ended the day with a sausage sizzle and tidy up.“We returned the next day for church at the gardens, in collaboration with St Enoch's church. We have both been exploring the theme of 'peace with creation' recently, and took the opportunity to meet together at the gardens for worship.”The joint gathering concluded with the planting of an almond tree, which was gifted to the gardens from St Enoch's. Last spring the Alexandra Community Garden had a new orchard planted with cherries, nectarines and greengages, but a big snowfall on Friday September 13 wiped most of it out.Community gardens manager Brian Seymour said surprisingly they still had some fruit left for their first season, but he expects a better crop this summer.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz 

More Kiwis are finding the courage to seek help thanks to grassroots initiatives promoting open conversations around wellbeing. Mental health is a vital part of overall wellbeing, yet many people hesitate to seek help. In New Zealand, initiatives like MentalHunts are reducing stigma and making support more accessible, particularly in communities where asking for help has traditionally been challenging.Why Mental Health MattersMental health shapes how we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. It influences how we handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions. Prioritising mental health is as important as caring for physical health.Simple daily habits—like getting enough sleep, staying active, eating well, and maintaining social connections—can make a meaningful difference in overall wellbeing.Introducing MentalHuntsMentalHunts is a New Zealand initiative focused on promoting mental health awareness, especially among hunters and firearm users. The organisation was founded after Glen Thurston experienced challenges accessing mental health support without risking his firearms licence.MentalHunts works to create a safe environment where individuals can seek help without fear of judgement or consequences.The platform provides a range of resources, including counselling services, online support groups, and educational materials. Central to their approach is community connection—linking people with shared experiences to foster recovery and understanding.By encouraging open conversation, MentalHunts helps normalise seeking help.Addressing StigmaA major barrier to mental health care is stigma. Many people worry that disclosing struggles could affect their personal or professional lives.For hunters and firearm owners, this fear can extend to losing access to their licences. MentalHunts collaborates with organisations such as the Firearms Safety Authority and community associations to ensure that seeking help does not compromise individual rights.Their efforts demonstrate that it is possible to prioritise mental health while maintaining other responsibilities and interests.Seeking Support Is StrengthAsking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health professionals—including counsellors, therapists, and peer support networks—offer guidance tailored to individual needs.Whether facing stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, reaching out can be life-changing.In New Zealand, support is readily available. MentalHunts provides a central hub connecting people with local services, while organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation NZ offer helplines and information around the clock.These services ensure that anyone struggling can access help quickly and safely.Building a Supportive CommunityCreating a society where mental health is openly discussed benefits everyone. Supporting initiatives like MentalHunts, encouraging open conversations, and fostering understanding all help reduce barriers and ensure individuals feel safe seeking help when they need it.If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, support is available. Taking that first step—reaching out—is an important part of healing.Resources: MentalHunts NZ – counselling, support groups, and resources. Mental Health Foundation NZ – 24/7 helpline and information.Sponsored content: This article was submitted by a contributing insurance advisor as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme. All sponsored stories are reviewed to ensure they align with our community-first values of accuracy, trust, and local expertise.

Hawkeswood mine in Millers Flat will be opened to the public this weekend, for the first time since gold dredging started onsite exactly a year ago.The company began operations on October 18, 2024 after being issued with a 10-year land use consent, and is currently processing up to 250 cubic metres of gravel an hour.Operations manager Simon Johnstone said the company employs between 20 and 25 people onsite, with a further 6-7 at its workshop in Alexandra, along with a specialised drilling crew.The open day will give people an insight into what is actually happening behind the scenes, he said.Both the earthworks and dredging operation crews will be operational on Saturday morning, specifically for the open day.Simon said it is also a great opportunity for school leavers interested in trades to come and have a look at the range of different jobs available. The company has been liaising with high schools about opportunities for school leavers.Hosted by the Roxburgh District Lions Club, proceeds from the Millers Flat Alluvial Project Open Day will go towards the Teviot Valley Educare re-roofing project.The Hawkeswood Mining dredge in action. Photo: SuppliedDespite initial opposition to the mine, the company has been proactive in the community with various sponsorships, and also amended its quarry consent operational hours as a result of a public meeting last month.The company is currently waiting to hear whether its quarry application will be publicly notified. It has listened to the community and cut out operational hours over weekends and public holidays, and reduced the number of truck movements from 100 to 20 a day.A post on the company’s Facebook page said: “We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the community meeting…it was refreshing to hear your thoughts and suggestions, and we remain committed to working alongside our community.”The alluvial gold mining operation attracted 475 submissions last year - many in support. However there are residents close by who continue to have concerns about the large-scale operation on their doorstep.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A suspended bunker proposal among rocky outcrops on the Tarras-Cromwell highway has attracted a range of submissions both for and against.JKH Holdings has applied for consent to construct the 890sqm, eight metre deep bunker, which includes five bedrooms, a gym and media room, finished with a ‘green roof’ camouflaged by surrounding vegetation.It was publicly notified by Central Otago District Council in September and attracted 13 submissions, including from the Director General of Conservation and Aukaha Ltd.The original consent for a building platform of 1,600sqm on a lower section of the 335.72ha site, zoned Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL), was relinquished by the owners.Conditions of the original consent did not allow for any schist outcrops to be disturbed, while the current application requires that two be moved for construction.The suspended bunker will be close to the Devils Creek walkway (labelled 7 on map). Photo: SuppliedSituated below the Dunstan Range near Devils Creek, the dwelling is proposed to have an overall height of 3.85m.The application gained the support of seven submitters.But in its opposing submission, Aukaha general manager Mana Taiao said Te Rūnaka were concerned about adverse effects on the cultural landscape of development within the rural areas of their takiwa, and capacity of that landscape to absorb those impacts. “The location of the proposed dwelling is significantly higher than the approved building platform and, while it has a low profile, the dwelling has a very large footprint with long facades containing substantial glazing.”Although there were no recorded Māori archaeological sites within the boundary of the site, the submission stated there was the potential to disturb unrecorded sites.A separate submission from Waihōpai Rūnaka opposed the removal of the two schist stone walls for the bunker construction.The Landscape Assessment report for the applicant outlined how the bunker would be cut into the hillside to integrate with three rock outcrops on each of its corners.The rooflines western and southern corners would terminate into existing rock outcrops, with the southern corner flush with existing ground level. The northern façade and eastern corner would cantilever over a schist foundation podium by approximately 2.5m.The planner’s report said overall the proposed activity was likely to have adverse effects on the wider environment that were more than minor. Therefore, public notification was required.The applicant proposed extensive ecological enhancement of the site in the form of a 4.8ha predator proof sanctuary, and the provision of 14,000 indigenous plants at various locations across the property. Department of Conservation Central Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar, on behalf of the Director General of Conservation, took a neutral stance, and asked for a condition that the predator proof lizard sanctuary be protected by a legal mechanism such as a covenant.A hearing will follow in due course.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

The world-famous Cardrona Hotel will remain in Kiwi hands after being sold to New Zealand buyers for an undisclosed sum.The 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel and restaurant has been purchased by a group of NZ investors with strong links to Central Otago. The group, which did not wish to be named, will take over ownership on November 3.The business will be run by Warren Barclay, who has lived in Wānaka for the past four years and brings corporate hospitality experience. Warren is the owner of Experience Group, which runs hospitality for major sporting fixtures and events. He’ll step away from the day to day oversight of Experience Group with his new role as Cardrona Hotel publican.Warren said the new ownership group brings with them “a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s heritage and a clear vision for the future of the hotel”.“We’re incredibly proud to take on the stewardship of such a special part of New Zealand’s story,” he said. “The Cardrona Hotel holds a unique place in the hearts of so many, and we’re committed to preserving its heritage while exploring thoughtful ways to enhance its boutique accommodation, dining, event offerings and overall guest experience.”He said the acquisition reflects continued confidence in the Southern Lakes region as a premier tourism and lifestyle destination. “The hotel’s strong trading performance, year-round visitor appeal, and iconic status made it a highly sought-after opportunity in the hospitality market.”Outgoing publican Cade Thornton and incoming publican Warren Barclay.Outgoing owner Cade Thornton, who has overseen the hotel’s operations for the past 13 years, expressed gratitude for the support of the local community and guests over the years.“It’s been an honour to be part of the Cardrona Hotel’s legacy, and we look forward to becoming ‘locals’ ourselves. We’re delighted to see it passed on to passionate new custodians who share a love for the region and its heritage.”The Cardrona Hotel sale attracted national and international attention when Cade announced news of the private sale in July. During the six-week campaign he received enquiries from NZ, Australia, USA and Singapore. At the time, the Cardrona Hotel listing on Trade Me Property was the website’s third most popular live listing this year, with more than 130,016 views in five weeks.“I’m really happy with how it’s all turned out,” Cade said. “It’s been a successful outcome for both parties.”The hotel will continue to operate as usual, with no immediate changes planned to staffing or services, Warren said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz