Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley has joined a viral social media trend, creating an AI-generated caricature after seeing local business owners share their own entertaining versions online.The trend, powered by generative AI image tools, allows users to upload a photo and prompt to produce a stylised, cartoon-like version of themselves.The resulting images often exaggerate facial features and include props or backgrounds that reflect a person’s interests or personality.Tamah said she first noticed the trend when her Facebook feed was “flooding” with caricatures.“Some people had fantastic - and very accurate - depictions,” she said.It was seeing Alexandra business owners taking part that convinced her to give it a go.“When I saw the ones from Paper Plus with all the books, I thought it was time to generate my own,” she said.“It was quite fun waiting to see what ChatGPT would come up with.”Her verdict on how AI interpreted her photo?“I think mine is a pretty accurate depiction - my role is awesome, so I’m pleased I look like I’m having a great time,” she said.“It’s captured Central Otago well, including Lake Dunstan and Leaning Rock, despite the fact we’ve not had as much heat and sun as we would have liked this summer.”She did, however, question one particular feature.“The teeth - I feel like I’d have to pay a lot of money to get teeth that white and enormous.”Alexandra Paper Plus owners Stevie and Sam Robinson also shared their AI caricatures on social media.“We had a bit of fun with it - the first one we did for me put Stevie’s mole on my face, and it was actually hard to tell which one was who,” Sam said.AI’s interpretation of backgrounds added to the appeal.“Mine was taken in my office as I was about to leave, so we love what AI did to the background - messy office hidden,” Sam said.Sam and Stevie Robinson’s AI caricatures shared on Facebook. Image: FacebookWhile the pair were curious about how AI might support some aspects of business, they were clear about its limits.“It can’t replace the human interaction in our store with our customers,” Sam said.The online challenge is now being extended to others across the district.“Alexandra Paper Plus nailed theirs (but the) best yet is still Nat Thurlow with her Thermomox,” Tamah said on her mayoral Facebook page.“Would love to see other local businesses. Maybe a butcher??? Do we risk it?”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago Police issued 165 bad driving infringements over Waitangi weekend.Road policing teams dealt with many offending drivers, while managing heavy traffic in Central Otago over the long weekend.Sergeant Regan Price said that a high number of driving infringements from Friday to Sunday was concerning.“Police are disappointed they had to issue 165 speed and traffic infringements in the Central Otago area over three days. Lots of people were coming to the area, drawn to a number of events on during the weekend.“It’s dangerous to speed or have bad driving behaviour at any time, and a busy public holiday only increases the risk someone could get hurt,” he said.On Waitangi Day, Alexandra Police clocked a car travelling over 50km/h over the speed limit on Alexandra – Fruitlands Road.Officers impounded the vehicle for 28 days, and the 26-year-old driver has been charged with driving a vehicle at a dangerous speed. He will appear in the Alexandra District Court on February 26.Police at Ranfurly dealt with a vehicle crash where alcohol was suspected to be a factor. A 19-year-old has been charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and will appear in the Alexandra District court on February 26.Meanwhile, the female motorcyclist from the St Bathans crash remains in hospital. Sgt Price said enquiries into that crash are continuing.Police encourage safe driving at all times. This includes ensuring you are not impaired by fatigue, alcohol or drugs, that you are alert and free from distraction, driving at a safe speed within the speed limit and ensuring everyone is properly restrained in a seatbelt or child car seat.  If you see dangerous driving, call 111.

For small business owners and managers, deciding when to employ, who to employ, and on what type of contract is one of the most important strategic decisions you will make. It’s also one of the most common areas where we see well-intentioned employers in Central Otago inadvertently increase their risk—often without realising it. The biggest trap? The “accidental employee.” Why Casual Employment Feels Like a Safe BetWhen a business is new, growing, or navigating the seasonal peaks of Central Otago, committing to guaranteed hours can feel daunting. Permanent or fixed-term roles require specified minimum hours and an ongoing financial commitment, even when the future is hazy.In this context, a casual contract seems like the perfect "safety net." On paper, it offers a pair of hands without the long-term obligation. But in the eyes of New Zealand law, this is where the ice gets thin. What a Casual Contract Actually MeansTrue casual employment is built on one core principle: no expectation of ongoing work. Each shift is a separate engagement, and either party can say "no" at any time.No guaranteed hours: Work is intermittent and irregular.Holiday Pay: Paid at 8% on top of gross earnings.Public Holidays: No pay if the business is closed; if worked, it’s time-and-a-half with no alternative day off (day in lieu).The Reality Check: Where Employers Get CaughtThe trouble starts when a "casual" role begins to look and feel permanent. If you regularly roster the same person for the same shifts over a sustained period, you’ve likely established a pattern of work.Here is the kicker: the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ignores the label on your contract. They look at the reality of the relationship. Because New Zealand legislation doesn’t strictly define where "casual" ends and "permanent" begins, you are at the mercy of case law and the ERA’s interpretation.The Risk: Once a pattern exists, that employee may be legally deemed permanent for those hours, regardless of what the contract says. Why This Matters for Your Bottom LineIf an employee is reclassified as determined to be permanent, the "low-risk" option suddenly becomes a compliance nightmare:Enforceable Hours: Those regular shifts become contractually guaranteed.Recalculated Leave: 8% pay-as-you-go may no longer be compliant; annual leave entitlement must be accrued.Public Holiday Entitlements: They will be entitled to paid public holidays if you are closed and if they work a shift that’s usually theirs, they’ll get a day off in lieu as well as time and a half. Restructuring Hurdles: You can't just stop giving them hours; any reduction requires a formal, legal process including consultation.Is Casual Employment Ever the Right Choice?Absolutely. It is the correct tool for work that is:Genuinely irregular or unpredictable.Short-term and event-based (e.g., a one-off festival or seasonal harvest surge).If you are using a casual contract simply because you’re nervous about the future, you aren't protecting yourself, you're potentially creating a ticking time bomb. A More Strategic Path ForwardInstead of defaulting to casual, Central Otago businesses should consider all the options available: Part-time permanent roles with modest, sustainable hours.Fixed-term agreements tied to a genuine, documented business need.Flexible clauses that balance business adaptability with legal certainty.How we helpAt EASI NZ, we work alongside small and growing businesses to design employment arrangements that align with their operational realities, growth plans, and risk profile, while ensuring legal compliance and clear expectations.If you’re unsure whether you may have an accidental employee, or you’d like confidence that your employment structure truly supports your business, now is the time to review it.

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A Bannockburn residents’ group has warned the village is unprepared for a major increase in cyclists once the Kawarau Gorge Trail opens, citing pressure on parking, safety concerns and a lack of public toilets.Representatives of the Bannockburn Responsible Development Society Inc. raised the concerns during the public forum at last week’s Cromwell Community Board meeting.The group said demand projections prepared for Central Otago District Council in 2024 estimated between 80,000 and 102,000 cyclists would use the trail in its first season.Speaking on behalf of the society, Harvey Perkins said peak day demand could reach close to 1,000 trips, with peak hour use of up to 225 cyclists.“This is almost two trips per minute in both directions,” he said.Harvey said the projected numbers raised questions about where cyclists would park, rest and access facilities, both at the Felton Road trail end and within Bannockburn village itself.He said parking was already congested and there was no public green space available for visitors.The society also highlighted the absence of public drinking water and toilet facilities.“Toilet provision is a major issue, given the peak...projections,” he said.“We need the community board to create a plan urgently.”Contractors finish the deck of a bluff bridge on the Kawarau Gorge Trail. Image: Supplied/Dave HowardSafety concerns were also raised regarding the lack of a formed walking and cycling path linking the end of Felton Road with Bannockburn Road and the village’s hotel and cafe.Several Cromwell Community Board members acknowledged the issues raised, saying the presentation highlighted valid pressure points ahead of the trail opening.A Central Otago District Council staff member told the meeting funding had been allocated for a path connecting the trail to Bannockburn village.However, the project had been paused to align with upcoming three waters infrastructure work. The staff member said council officers were assessing whether the path should be built as part of the water project or delivered separately, to avoid digging up newly completed work.Council staff also outlined ongoing work with the trail trust and commercial operators around signage, drop-off locations and encouraging use of larger parking areas further from the village.The Kawarau Gorge Trail is nearing completion, with less than one kilometre still to be formed.Contractors are finishing work through the gorge, with surfacing, safety barriers and signage still to be completed.An official opening date has not yet been confirmed, but the trail is expected to open later this summer.Read more: Kawarau trail close to finishHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A record number of podium finishes at the South Island Rowing Championships has set up the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club well for nationals this week in Lake Karapiro.Head coach Simon Smith said the club dominated at the South Island champs with 43 athletes making top three finishes, which he described as “phenomenal.”“I’m proud of the squad collectively, and these fantastic results are testament to the hard work and commitment put in. We have a fantastic team of people and coaches driving the club forward.” Last season the club had 26 podium finishes at the South Islands, so the standard just keeps on lifting, with many multiple medals across the different events.“As the old adage goes do better than before,” he said.This season has also seen the school rowing programme integrated into the club programme, offering more opportunities for school rowers to train alongside athletes of similar abilities and creating clear development pathways through to elite level rowing. Simon said both the club and senior programme have grown significantly over the past three years, attracting athletes from across New Zealand and around the world. “Our programme is growing, our depth of athlete is growing, and we’re the fastest growing club in New Zealand,” he said.Up until three years ago, Simon was coaching on his own, but now with three extra coaches they can all target one group each - seniors, club, intermediate and junior level rowing.DARC head coach Simon Smith with club squad coach Lauren Gibb with the medal haul from the recent South Island championships. Image: suppliedThe club has 109 rowers - 90 of whom are competitive and this weekend a squad of 60 athletes will represent the club at the New Zealand Rowing Championships.Club season will then finish and about 15 Dunstan High School rowers will carry on training for the South Island Secondary Schools and the Maadi Cup to conclude the season in March.Simon said about 12 rowers will be trialling for New Zealand - about the same as last season, and the club also has three international athletes (two from Germany and one from Canada).“We’ve had multiple international rowers that have competed for their countries.”However, the growth and success of the club comes with logistical and financial challenges, with more  equipment and volunteer power required to ensure all athletes have the resources they need to perform at their best. As a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, Dunstan Arm Rowing Club acknowledges the generous support of its key sponsors—C&R Insurance, ITM Southern Lakes, Breen Construction, and Vincent Holdings—along with the dedication of its coaches, committee, rowing families, and the wider local community. This support is vital to the club’s success both on and off the water, and the club’s sponsors were recently acknowledged at an event held at the club. “We are looking forward to seeing our athletes compete on the national stage at the NZ Champs on Lake Karapiro next week. We couldn’t do it without the generous support of our club sponsors.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Divers have removed 7.5 kilograms of rubbish from St Bathans’ Blue Lake during a clean-up dive run last week. The dive was carried out by Dunedin-based Dive Otago, whose students travelled to Central Otago as part of the company’s summer school and instructor training courses. Dive Otago general manager Virginia Watson said the clean-up was inspired by PADI’s “Dive Against Debris” programme, aimed at removing and recording rubbish found in lake and coastal waters. “One of the cool things training here in Otago is that we can go up to the lakes and do some altitude diving, which is a little bit more technical,” Virginia said. The dive took place at an elevation of 540 metres, with students working at depths of up to 14 metres, mainly around the edges of the lake. Virginia said the group recovered a range of rubbish linked to recreational use of the lake, including stand-up paddleboard paddles, fishing gear, bottles and food packaging. “None of it looks like deliberate dumping,” she said.  “It’s all misadventure - things ending up there.” Some of the 7.5 kilograms of rubbish pulled from the remote Central Otago lake. Image: Dive OtagoSome heavier items were brought to the surface using lift bags, allowing students to practise recovery techniques as part of their training. Virginia said one item stood out as more unusual than the rest - a metal object believed to be part of a chimney or ventilation unit.She said documenting what was found was an important part of the process.“If we keep going back to the same places, overtime we can start seeing whether there’s less rubbish, more rubbish, or different types of rubbish,” she said. She said Dive Otago tried to incorporate clean-ups into most of its training programmes.The goal, she said, was to pass that ethic on to future instructors.“Then wherever they go, they’ll know they can do similar activities,” she said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago District Council will proceed with harvesting two pine forest blocks in Cromwell despite a petition signed by more than 600 people opposing the move. The blocks house popular off-leash dog exercise areas, and the Cromwell Community Board has acknowledged there will likely to be a period when no equivalent dog exercise space is available in the town.The issue was discussed at Wednesday’s community board meeting, where petition organiser Lisa Telle and her partner Eddie asked the council to consider a paused, staged or partial approach to the larger harvest site on Sandflat Rd.Community board chair Anna Harrison said the trees were plantation forestry and could not simply be left in place indefinitely."They're 40 years old, and there is a lifespan of them being safe,” she said.She said allowing dog access during harvesting would not be safe, but there was openness to re-establishing a dog exercise area within the Sandflat Rd block once harvesting was complete."I don't think there was ever any intention...it would be a loss forever,” she said.Lisa told the board the two pine blocks made up the vast majority of Cromwell’s off-leash dog exercise space, providing shaded areas where dogs could be exercised safely and away from roads, cycleways, playgrounds and, in some cases, other dogs.Using council mapping tools, the pair showed once harvesting begins, almost all of the currently marked off-leash area would be lost.This would leave a small grassy area beside Alpha St and Dustin Park in Pisa Moorings as the only remaining options.Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures owner Lisa Telle with Roo at one of Cromwell's off-leash dog exercise areas. Image: SuppliedLisa said feedback gathered through an online survey showed most respondents did not consider those locations suitable.Concerns raised included safety, lack of shade, limited size and proximity to other park users.Community board member Mike Casey suggested it may be better to “rip the Band-Aid off”, complete the harvest, and then move quickly to re-establish a suitable off-leash area at Sandflat Rd.The smaller pine forest block, bordering Bannockburn Rd and the council’s transfer station, has been rezoned for industrial subdivision.Mike said he supported further investigation into future uses of the Sandflat Rd land, including solar generation, but said those options were not mutually exclusive with retaining space for dog exercise.Regardless,“the numbers have to stack up”, he said, and any solar proposal would need to deliver value to the community.He also thanked the petition organisers for their “community leadership”.Lisa said she accepted the trees may need to be removed but wanted council to work closely with the community on what came next.She pointed to dog exercise areas such as Jardine Park in Queenstown as an example of what Cromwell could work towards.Board members also acknowledged there were no other council-owned, tree-covered reserves in Cromwell that could immediately replace the spaces being lost.Council staff confirmed the two pine blocks are scheduled for felling in April.Read more: Dog owners rally to save off-leash parks and Dog parks to go as council eyes solar potential for CromwellHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A trial planting by Contact Energy at the water’s edge of Lake Dunstan's Kawarau Arm has faced early setbacks, with high lake levels and wave action making it difficult for some plants to take hold.Whitestone Contracting installed the first plants in late December, fencing the area to protect them from pests.The trial - part of a wider project targeting the foreshore of the lake near Cromwell's heritage precinct - will test which species and planting methods can survive in the hydro lake’s fluctuating conditions.“Recent high lake levels, variable ground conditions, and wash from boats and jet skis have made establishment challenging,” Contract Energy said in its latest update on the project."Some plants have lifted before their roots have taken hold.”Contact Energy said staff are checking the site regularly and replacing dislodged plants, and EcoWool mats and biodegradable pins are also now being trialled and are proving effective in keeping semi-submerged plants in place.Some plants have floated away rather than taking root. Image: The Central AppThe update also addressed concerns about raupō (bullrush) that appeared limp after transplanting.“The stalks you see above the water are last season’s growth, and they naturally decline,” it said.“The important part of the plant is the strong underground rhizome...These locally sourced rhizomes are healthy and will send up new shoots once the plants settle into their new location.”Weekly monitoring and clearing of debris and algae are planned for the next five weeks to support plant establishment.The trial is part of a broader plan by Clyde Dam operator Contact Energy to revamp a silted section of the Kawarau Arm waterfront – an obligation of long-running consents related to the dam’s operation.Further resource consents granted in December allow for a 320-metre boardwalk, an upgraded jetty, and a flat-grassed area, in addition to native planting.The plan, developed in consultation with local residents and lake users, addresses sediment accumulation along the lake edge that has affected beaches and boat ramps in recent years.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

The new Millers Flat recreation hub has a brand new sports surface under construction for tennis, netball and pickleball, on top of the old bowling green site.The community has managed to raise the $650,000 themselves without any council or ratepayer money, and a grand opening will be held on Saturday March 28.Millers Flat holds an annual sports day for primary rugby and netball players from all over Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, and the reserve has become quite a community hub.The steering group, made up of Teviot Valley Community Board chair Mark Jessop, funded the project through grants and also donations.The next plan is to develop a bike pump track on the old courts, and relocate the playground at the rear of the war memorial.Mark told the board this week the programme was running on time, and equipment for the new adventure playground was also on its way, “it’s on the boat coming from Europe,” he said.He said that pickleball will be the most popular use of the surface. A new pickleball club was also recently started in Alexandra, and Cromwell began the first one in Central Otago several years ago.Read more here.The Millers Flat Recreation steering committee has expressed an interest to potentially utilise the council-owned clubrooms as a pavilion and storage facility. But Mark said the building was outside the scope of the project. He confirmed the new outdoor sports facility will be donated to council in March/April after the opening.“It’s going to be a great asset for our community.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

KiwiSaver is a long-term savings scheme designed to help New Zealanders save for retirement and is generally locked in until you reach age 65, but for many people, it also plays a crucial role much earlier, particularly when buying a first home.Understanding how KiwiSaver can be used, what happens if you work overseas, and how your KiwiSaver is dealt with on death can help you avoid unexpected issues later on.Using KiwiSaver for a First Home DepositIf you are buying your first home, you may be able to withdraw most of your KiwiSaver savings to put towards the purchase.In general, you can apply to withdraw:Your own contributionsEmployer contributionsInvestment returnsGovernment contributions (with some limits – if you worked overseas during the period these were paid, they may need to be repaid to the GovernmentYou must usually leave a minimum balance of $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account.To qualify, you typically need to:Have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three yearsBe buying your first home (or be treated as a first-home buyer)Intend to live in the property as your main homePurchase a property within relevant price capsApplications must be made through your KiwiSaver provider, and timing is important, as funds are usually released shortly before settlement.KiwiSaver and Death: Why a Will Is ImportantKiwiSaver does not automatically pass to a spouse or partner. Instead, it becomes part of your estate when you die.If your KiwiSaver balance is relatively small, providers may be able to release the funds without probate. However, once a KiwiSaver balance becomes significant (often around $40,000 or more, depending on the provider), probate or letters of administration are usually required before the account can be closed and funds distributed.This means:Delays for your familyDistribution of fund according to the Administration Act 1969 and not how you wishAdditional legal costsMore stress at an already difficult timeHaving a current will in place ensures your KiwiSaver is dealt with in accordance with your wishes and can significantly streamline the process for those you leave behind.How We Can HelpKiwiSaver intersects with property law, estate planning, and relationship property in ways many people don’t anticipate.Our firm has a highly experienced team who can assist with:Advice on KiwiSaver withdrawals for first-home purchasesEstate planning and wills, including how KiwiSaver is treated on deathRelationship property advice where KiwiSaver is part of a separation or a contracting out agreement (pre-nup)Guidance for clients who have worked or lived overseasIf you would like clarity around your KiwiSaver position or want to ensure your affairs are properly structured, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

Before you spit in the tube, there are some important things to consider.If you unwrapped an online ancestry DNA test for Christmas, you might be feeling curious - even excited - about discovering your cultural heritage and family tree.But did the accompanying card warn it could also blow up your life?Before you join the more than 26 million people globally who have undertaken ancestry DNA testing through direct-to-consumer companies, there are some important things to consider.Public health genomics expert Dr Jane Tiller categorises ancestry testing as "recreational genetics" and says accuracy is not guaranteed.For people who know they are adopted or donor-conceived, genealogical DNA testing may be useful and necessary to connect with their biological family when records are otherwise inaccessible.But if you're taking these tests as just "a bit of fun", know there is the risk of uncovering more than you are prepared for, explains Dr Jane Tiller."People don't always expect [their results] can have a dark side — the family tree might not be what they expect," says Tiller, an ethical, legal and social adviser in public health genomics at Monash University.Uncovering unexpected family connections can be "life-altering", says Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow, leading to feelings of betrayal and identity confusion.She is the president at Jigsaw Queensland, an organisation that provides information, support and referrals for people affected by past adoption practices, including those who discover they are adopted later in life."Some learn they were adopted, or donor-conceived [through DNA testing]," explains Sparrow.Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow says "Common reactions include shock, disbelief, anger, confusion, and a sense of betrayal — especially if the truth was hidden by loved ones."While sometimes surprising results can lead to positive outcomes, experts warn it's important to be prepared for the potential impact of uncovering a "family secret".In more extreme cases, people may discover they are linked to something criminal or distressing, explains Andelka Phillips, an associate professor in the law school at the University of Leicester and an academic affiliate with the HeLEX Centre, University of Oxford.For example, a fertility doctor using their own sperm to inseminate patients, or IVF companies using the "wrong sperm" to conceive children.There can also be cultural implications, Phillips explains."Ethnicity [testing] is not standardised, and it might impact your view of your cultural or ethnic identity."What will happen to your data?Where your DNA sample is stored and how your data is used are other considerations.In 2023, hackers stole the profile and ethnicity information of millions of people from one such company — 23andMe.Philips says most people don't read the fine print of genealogical DNA testing."The price of these kits has dropped a lot … the profit [these companies] make is from the data and partnerships that emerge from having a large database."23andme did have partnerships with pharmaceutical companies; there's always been this tendency to reuse the data for research."In Australia, genetic data is protected as "sensitive information" under the Privacy Act, but that doesn't mean it's untouchable.And if you are sending your DNA to another country, as often is the case with these tests, "you have to know your country's laws cease to have any impact", says Tiller.As more of us use ancestry websites and DNA testing as a bit of harmless fun, experts warn that many people are unprepared for what they might find.Phillips says people should think about privacy issues and be aware that data leaks are possible.Data breaches can also affect children, grandchildren and so on, she says.Would it be a problem for you if you couldn't get insurance coverage because of having a test?Dr Andelka Phillips "Taking any of these tests, you need to think about how comfortable you are with the privacy of your data."Would it matter to you if your data was leaked in a breach? Would it be a problem for you if you couldn't get insurance coverage because of having a test?"Is ancestry testing accurate?There is a spectrum of direct-to-consumer DNA testing available, including genetic testing for medical information.Tiller categorises ancestry testing as "recreational genetics" and says accuracy is not guaranteed."There is a reasonable degree of evidence behind what you get back — but over time that might shift, as that evidence base is still developing."She says ancestry testing is not standardised, so results may vary from company to company.Phillips says being informed is vital before taking this type of test."I'm not anti-industry, but this is an industry that really needs better oversight and standards."

An Alexandra couple that own an international software development company, say Central Otago has by far been their favourite place in the world to live.Natalia and Matthaus Panferova moved to Alexandra in 2023, and bought an old house with some land on the edge of the town. “It felt like a quiet town with friendly locals. I noticed there were many community groups and activities to get involved in, and a diverse mix of people living here. “The weather is good, and it feels like a safe place to live,” Natalia said.She’s been impressed by how much goes on in the town, and how active the locals are. “Alexandra felt like a good balance: not too big, not too small, and close enough to the airport, which is important as I travel a lot for work.”Having had just flown in from Singapore where she had been at a conference, Natalia was on her way to Finland the very next day for more work - after talking to The Central App.Their company Nil Coalescing Limited was founded in 2022 and the couple specialise in building apps for Apple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, as well as writing books about software development.Natalia enjoying some downtime at The Blue Lake in St Bathans. Image: suppliedNatalia grew up in Russia and studied foreign languages at school and University. She always wanted to move away, travel, and explore the world to find the right place to settle.After finishing University, she moved to Ireland and worked as a French teaching assistant, before meeting her UK husband. They lived in different places in Europe including Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, and Saint Petersburg.“We were looking for an English speaking country to settle in, as English is the only language we are both fluent in. “My husband received a job offer in New Zealand, and we were fortunate to both obtain work visas quite quickly, which made the move feel like the right decision.”They spent five years in Christchurch and then moved south to Wānaka, before finding their perfect home in Alexandra.“It is an old house, over 100 years old, that used to be part of an orchard before the town expanded in that direction. It has a lot of character and history, as well as a garden, which we really liked.”Natalia said she learned her skill of software development through attending online university courses in Paris, followed by a software development bootcamp in Portugal.She worked as a software developer in several companies, including Verizon Connect in Christchurch, Apple, where she worked remotely from New Zealand, and Trade Me. After leaving Trade Me, Natalia began focusing full time on her own business, personal projects, and writing software development books, with occasional contract work. She also speaks regularly at technology events and conferences in New Zealand and overseas.Locally, Natalia has already been quite involved in the community, with the Alexandra Women’s Football team, and the couple recently designed and built the new website for the Alexandra Community House. Natalia and Matthaus have big plans for their property and their new community.“Alexandra is my home now, and I would like to live here for a long time. We are currently renovating our house and planting out the garden, making it more like us, and that alone will probably take a few years. "Central Otago is by far my favourite place out of everywhere I have lived, and I would like it to be my permanent home.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nzCentral Home is proudly brought to you by Central Interiors - Design dreams made into reality

Another Central Otago paddler is emerging as a serious kayak cross contender, after Nick Collier finished ahead of Olympic gold medallist Finn Butcher at the Oceania Championships in Auckland. The championships were held at Wero Whitewater Park from January 31 to February 2, with Nick delivering a standout win in the open men’s kayak cross final, up against Australian Olympian Tim Anderson and under-23 world vice-champion Oli Puchner, in addition to Finn. The final podium saw Nick take gold, followed by Oli, Tim, and Finn in fourth. Nick said the kayak cross discipline suited his racing style. “My paddling style tends to be explosive, which is exactly what is required,” he said. He said finishing ahead of two Olympians was a milestone. “Placing above two Olympians is significant, but when one of them is Finn Butcher, the Olympic gold medallist, it’s monumental,” he said. “It’s also an indication that everything I’m doing is working.” Nick also won the under-23 head-to-head kayak cross title and the under-23 and open men’s individual kayak cross titles. He said the standard of kayak cross in New Zealand continued to lift, with close and intense racing across the field. "I’ve been coaching kayak cross in Auckland, which is a double win," he said."I get to develop my theory and application, and I also get training partners. You can only do so much kayak cross alone, the technique is one small aspect in amongst the tactics, decision making and strategy."In the K1 canoe slalom, Nick won the under-23 men’s title and placed second in the open men’s final, finishing just 0.26 seconds behind the Aussie Olympian. The event was supported by Central Otago Whitewater Club coach Alex Goñi.  Other club paddlers included Sam Collier, Nick’s brother, and Quinn McCutcheon, with Quinn winning the under-18 K1 men’s title to become Oceania champion. Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Work to reduce invasive lakeweed in Lake Dunstan will begin next week, focusing on high-use areas popular with boaties, swimmers and anglers.Divers contracted by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) will clear lagarosiphon around boat ramps and popular swimming and boating areas between the Bendigo boat ramp and Burton Creek.Work will also take place in the Kawarau Arm.LINZ leader biosecurity Tracey Burton said lagarosiphon was one of New Zealand’s most problematic aquatic weeds.“Lagarosiphon forms dense weed beds that can interfere with activities such as swimming, boating and fishing, and it also poses a significant risk of spreading to other lakes,” she said.Effective control in high-use areas was essential to reduce impacts on lake users and help limit further spread, she said.Because Lake Dunstan is continuously reinfested from upstream river systems, LINZ said it focuses its control efforts on reducing the weed’s impact rather than full eradication.This includes prioritising areas with high recreational use such as boat ramps, swimming zones, and access points.Control work in the Kawarau Arm is being funded by Contact Energy as part of its Landscape and Visual Amenity Management Plan.The plan aims to improve the visual quality, public experience, and environmental function of the Kawarau Arm area.The wider lake weed control programme across Lake Dunstan is jointly funded by LINZ, Otago Regional Council, and Contact Energy.Tracey said the community also played an important role in preventing the spread of lagarosiphon and other invasive aquatic weeds.“By remembering to check, clean and dry your gear between waterbodies, we can all help prevent its spread and reduce the risk of other invasive species entering the lake,” she said.The check, clean, dry message applies to boats, trailers, fishing gear, paddleboards, and any equipment that comes into contact with the water.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

From free-entry heritage sites and cycle trails, to cultural celebrations, scenic cafés and wineries, Waitangi Day 2026 offers a full day out for locals and visitors alike.If you're planning to explore what’s on this Friday, February 6, The Central App has mapped out the best ways to experience the day around the region.Lake Dunstan trail. Photo: The Central AppHayes Engineering Works (Oturehua)Step into New Zealand’s legacy of innovation at this historic engineering site, where Kiwi “Number 8 wire” spirit is on full display.With a free entry open day, you can explore the engineering works and restored 1920's homestead. Free tours will be operating every half hour between 10am and 2.30pm. No bookings required.Fuel Up Locally Olivers, Clyde - Their courtyard is in high demand on long weekends. If you’re finishing a Lake Dunstan ride it's a great place to stop for lunch. Book ahead for dinner. Click hereOlivers, Clyde. Image: suppliedBella’s Café, Alexandra - Close to the Rail Trail and just over half an hour from Hayes, it’s an easy stop for coffee, lunch, or an ice-cream and a breather in the shade.Monte Christo winery, Clyde - Open from 10am and staying open until 8pm Friday and Saturday. Double your discovery, by going on tour to the new Monte Christo Cellar Door at Gibbston for world-class wines, artisan eats, and views that demand a slow sip. If you can’t squeeze it all in on Friday, don’t worry - there’s Live music at Monte Christo winery, Clyde on Saturday 7th, from 5pm.Monte Christo winery, Clyde. Photo: suppliedFind full opening hours and local maps in The Central App under “What’s On” and “Eat + Drink”.However you mark Waitangi weekend this year, with history, culture, a quiet coffee, or wine in the sun - Central Otago has the space and stories to make it meaningful.

Santana Minerals will not know whether its Bendigo-Ophir gold mine can proceed until late October, after a decision to set the project on the longest assessment timeframe requested by local authorities.The decision follows a January conference where councils, government agencies and iwi argued the project was too complex to be assessed within the shorter timeframes initially sought by the applicant.In a formal minute issued under the Fast-Track Approvals Act, panel convenor Jane Borthwick confirmed a 140-working-day timeframe for the decision, with the expert panel due to begin work on February 25 and a final verdict required by October 29.Jane said the scale and technical complexity of the application, along with the number of unresolved issues and the fact the proposal falls under several different laws and agencies, justified both the extended timeframe as well as the appointment of a seven-member panel.Outstanding information requests and the likelihood of expert conferencing, mediation or hearings were also factors in her decision.The Bendigo-Ophir proposal, lodged by Matakanui Gold Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals, includes open-cast and underground mining above Cromwell.At the January conference, Otago Regional Council, Central Otago District Council and Department of Conservation all argued the project could not be properly assessed within a compressed fast-track timeframe, citing the size of the application, the number of matters still in contention, and concerns about the pace and depth of pre-lodgement engagement.Iwi Kā Rūnaka also raised concerns about the scale and longevity of the project’s potential effects, including the possibility treaty settlement issues could arise.Jane said if such issues were triggered during the process, additional time would be required for the panel to consider any amendments, though the overall statutory timeframe could not be extended.The mining company initially sought a 30-working-day decision period and later indicated it would accept 60 working days.“The applicant has not persuaded me that 60 working days is an appropriate timeframe,” Jane said.“The application is substantial in scale and technically complex...more complex than the nearest comparable case.”The expert panel will be chaired by Hon Matthew Muir KC, with members Gina Sweetman, Philip Barry, Roger MacGibbon, Tim Mulliner, Peter Kensington and Douglas Johnson, bringing expertise across mining, planning, environmental science, hydrology and geotechnical engineering.A panel nominee put forward by Central Otago District Council was not included.Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring said the confirmation of a firm decision date marked an important procedural step for the project, providing him a “clear line of sight”.“From our perspective, certainty around process and timing is what matters, and we now have that.”He said while a shorter time frame was preferable, the company was now focused on working constructively with the panel and other participants in the fast-track process.Participant comments on the application are due on April 10, with the company’s response on April 17.A spokesperson for mine opposition group Sustainable Tarras said group members were "relieved" to see the longer decision-making timeframe and the larger sized panel of experts."We are cautiously optimistic that this panel will be able to identify the gaps in the data, the overstated economic case, and the underestimation of environmental impacts," the group said in a statement released after the decision was published."We also remain hopeful that the panel will invite a wide range of affected parties, including ourselves. We have therefore taken steps to engage experts in areas where we believe we can add evidence to what we understand the agencies will be submitting."Read more: Agencies seek more time, challenge engagement on gold projectHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Council equipment failure has caused irrigation water to leak into the foundations of the new Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub on three occasions.As a result, the $4.1 million project at the Omakau domain is running about four weeks behind, the Vincent Community Board was told this week.The new hub is a collaborative effort between the Central Otago District Council and the local community, led by the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust.Council staff said the flooding had resulted in water having to be pumped out of the foundations several times.Property officer Tara Bates said they were still having to remove silt from the last incident in January when the water was also running out onto the state highway.Additionally, there was the issue of having the grounds ready for use for the upcoming Central Otago A&P Show on February 14.Trust chair Andrew Paterson said they had been trying to irrigate the reserve for the upcoming show to get it ready for the horses on the day, “so if council can sort the equipment out that would really take the pressure off us.”The cost of each flooding incident was between $4000 and $5000.Breen Construction is building the new community hub at the domain - the same company that built the original hall and rugby clubrooms 70 years ago.Construction of the long-planned replacement of the existing facility will include a 200-seat hall, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen, function room with bar, gym, changing rooms and a stage for school performances.Funding support for the new hub came from local, regional and national sources, and the expected completion date is now February 2027.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A close friend of the late Lynley Claridge made a special tribute to her at the Vincent Community Board this week.Cr Martin McPherson described his dear friend as “an exceptional woman whose heart had room for everyone.”Lynley was diagnosed with cancer just before the October election, and Martin said close friends and family knew the outcome wasn’t going to be good.She died on November 19, after serving the Central Otago community for more than 25 years.Her work as a councillor involved the Naseby Dark Sky initiative and the Vincent Spatial Plan, and she will be remembered for her advocacy for balanced growth, affordable housing and the protection of local heritage.Martin said even though Lynley was in hospital right on election time, she still made a phone call on the day to congratulate him, “because that was who she was. She really cared about people.”Regarding her time as community board member and councillor, Martin said she brought the “underdog’s tale,” to the table, including supporting several developers in the community.“We did clash on numerous occasions,” he said.Martin offered his condolences on behalf of the community board, to Lynley’s husband John and their family.“She has left a significant hole in our hearts.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz