Fish & Game New Zealand is working on behalf of anglers and game bird hunters to secure changes to protect fishing and hunting, now and for future generations, in the Resource Management Act review. Fish & Game made a submission on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill which sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended — protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on. “We support replacing the RMA and we want this reform to succeed,” chief executive Corina Jordan said. “But the bills as drafted make it much harder for trout, salmon, and other valued introduced species to be protected. They define ecosystem health solely around indigenous species, which means environmental limits can’t be set with trout and salmon habitat in mind. “While Fish & Game has been advocating for a reduction in bureaucracy and costs when restoring wetlands, we are concerned that the ability to protect wetlands has been reduced in the bills. We want to see a definition of wetlands and clear mechanisms to protect them - we’ve already lost more than 90 percent of what we once had. “Access is a priority for our licence holders, losing access to a river is losing something we all have a right to enjoy. Access needs to be protected and improved. “Ultimately, these proposed reforms as they currently stand mean an uncertain future for anglers and hunters.” Fish & Game’s detailed submission on the reforms is available here. The submission sets out the specific changes needed to ensure the new laws work as intended - protecting the habitats, waterways, and public access that anglers and hunters rely on. Fish & Game’s submission calls for amendments to ensure:The goals framework explicitly includes recreation, fishing, hunting, public access, and habitat for trout, salmon, and game birdsThe ecosystem health definition is expanded to include valued introduced species so environmental limits can protect trout and salmon habitatWetlands are clearly defined and explicitly protected, while restoration pathways are enabledEsplanade reserve provisions are strengthened and the 20-metre minimum width retainedWater Conservation Orders and Sports Fish and Game Management Plans are recognised in planning and consenting decisions Recreational fishing and game bird hunting contribute to regional economies and are a cornerstone of recreation, wellbeing, and connection to place for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.“This submission reflects three decades of clear mandate from our licence holders: habitat, water quality, and access are what matter most. We are asking Parliament to listen to them.”

An overwhelming 92% of submissions on the Otago Regional Council Public Transport Plan (2025-35) said more support should be given to community transport initiatives.At a recent workshop, regional councillors heard from staff about the work being done across the district over the past year, to address the issues.A student researcher has been investigating the different types of transport options currently being offered across the region, including community initiatives such as St John, Red Cross, Presbyterian Support and the RSA - often run by volunteers.There are currently between 15 and 20 different organisations providing transport assistance - mostly for health care and community engagement in the region.Originally there were plans to trial assisting commuters living in Alexandra and Cromwell that work in Queenstown, given the high volume of traffic across the district.But it was downscaled back to just an investigation in 2025 due to government co-funding constraints.Cr Neil Gillespie asked whether there was a role for the ORC to support the community groups, as it appeared there was some duplication of the same services.“I’m not convinced that we are well connected and co-ordinated.”Research has shown that public bus services between Cromwell-Alexandra and Alexandra-Wanaka are well utilised. Image: suppliedStaff confirmed many of the groups worked in isolation with limited funding and volunteers, and provided some examples of other areas such as Canterbury where local government funding support models have worked well.A Community Vehicle Trust was one option where the existing volunteer model could move from being wholly community owned to having financial assistance from the ORC as a subsidised service.ORC staff will prepare a paper for the March regional council meeting, for councillors to look at some of the options, including a dedicated resource such as a community transport advisor to engage with the groups.A core aspiration for the council's involvement is to be an enabler for community groups, rather than becoming a direct service provider.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

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Police are in attendance at a serious crash near Clarks Junction between Rocklands Road and Johnson Road in Otago.The crash involving two vehicles occurred at about 2.15pm Wednesday.The driver of one vehicle has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.Diversions are in place on SH87 while emergency services work at the scene.Please expect delays in this area.The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The developer of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold project has secured the massive financial backing required to move from exploration to construction.In a statement to the ASX and NZX on Tuesday, Santana Minerals confirmed it has received "firm commitments" to raise A$130M (approx. NZ$152.1M) from "institutional and sophisticated investors".The company emerged from a trading halt following the announcement.Chief executive Damian Spring said the funds will "accelerate our pathway to production" by paying for early civil infrastructure works and placing deposits on major equipment.According to the market update, the move is designed to ensure the company can begin work immediately if final resource consents are granted.In a boost for local shareholders, the company's announcement also detailed a share purchase plan.This allows existing investors in New Zealand and Australia to apply for up to A$24,948 (approx. NZ$29,200) worth of new shares at the same discounted price of A$0.90 (approx. NZ$1.05) offered to the large institutions.Alongside the financial manoeuvres, the local conversation remains active.Santana Minerals reported plenty of interest at the Central Otago A&P Show on Saturday, saying close to 200 people dropped by their tent.According to a post on the company’s Facebook page, the most common question from locals was, “So… when do you start digging?”.The company said their youngest visitors included a "sharp group of students from Poolburn School" who are already shareholders."People came with real curiosity and plenty of straight-talk," the post said."Some raised concerns, many shared encouragement."Sustainable Tarras shares a video message from former prime minister Helen Clark. Image: Screengrab/FacebookHowever, the opposition is also ramping up its profile.Community group Sustainable Tarras shared a video to their Facebook page this week featuring former prime minister Helen Clark, who urged those concerned about the environmental impact of the mine to add their voices to collective opposition."Speak up. Spupport those who are asking for proper consideration to be given to future planning, the environment, communities and iwi," she said in the video."Let us all help shape the future of the country we love with proper care and attention. We are its guardians."The latest developments come just days after reports of escalating tension in the community, including claims of online abuse directed at those publicly opposing the project, which is being considered under a fast-track consenting pathway.The expert panel appointed to decide the mine's fate is officially scheduled to begin its work next week, which will mark the start of a 140-working-day timeframe, with a final decision required by October 29.Read more: Santana mine to face 140-day fast-track assessment and Claims of threatening behaviour escalate mine tensionsHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

An Alexandra teenager is “a little bit nervous and a little bit excited” as she prepares to take the start line at this week’s Challenge Wānaka event.For Tessa Cowie, a Year 13 student at Dunstan High School, it will be the second time she’s competed in the Adaptive Challenge.Tessa is clear about what keeps drawing her back.“I like the running at the end,” she said.“Running through the finishing line and getting a medal. I like when they cheer for me.”Jo Knight, one of the crew organising the event, said a defining feature of the Adaptive Challenge is its flexibility.“Athletes can choose which disciplines work best for them. Some complete the swim, bike, and run, others choose two disciplines, and some focus on just one,” Jo said.“This approach gives athletes autonomy and ownership over how they participate, which is hugely empowering.”Prepping for the big day, Tessa has been training across all three disciplines and has taken part in practice sessions run by the Central Otago Friendship Network in Alexandra.Tessa’s mum Ginny said Tessa has a support person who will race alongside her, encouraging and motivating along the way.“Taking part in Adaptive Challenge is a real achievement for Tessa, and a celebration of what she can do,” Ginny said.'A little bit nervous and a little bit excited': Tessa Cowie ahead of this week's race. Images: SuppliedCharlotte Jackson, programme manager at MINT, a non-profit organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities, said seven years ago Mint approached then head of Challenge Wānaka Bill Roxburgh about introducing an adaptive category to fill a gap in offerings locally.“Bill and his wife Marie were incredibly supportive, and together we piloted the first Adaptive Challenge in 2020 at Pembroke Park with five participants,” she said.“From the outset, it was clear how powerful the experience was. The sense of belonging and satisfaction that comes from pushing yourself alongside the wider community is something everyone should have access to.”Charlotte said the Adaptive Challenge had grown into more than a race.“It’s a meaningful, inclusive event that demonstrates what’s possible when flexibility and people are placed at the centre,” she said.Last year, 40 athletes took part in the Adaptive Challenge.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Zero rate increases remain on track across the region from the Otago Regional Council, but most property owners will actually be paying less.At the Draft Annual Plan (2026/7) workshop last week, councillors were given a recap from staff on the finances presented at its December meeting in Cromwell.In what was described at the time as a “radical” change to its Annual Plan process, new chair Hilary Calvert proposed knocking the rates increases down from 14% to 0%.She won the motion and directed the chief executive to prepare a draft annual work program and budget with 0% rates increases across the region.Staff came back with the figures, which showed that many people will in fact find their rates going down, except for in Queenstown where they are proposed to increase 3.64% - for new public transport routes.Cr Matt Hollyer, who represents the Dunstan ward in Queenstown, said it was unfortunate that it couldn’t be balanced out across the region.Chief executive Richard Saunders said there will be significant differences in rates increases and decreases, depending on how the targeted rates land.Catchment management and biosecurity are also examples of where the rates will be higher.There is an expected increase of approximately $2.2 million in fees and charges in the 2026/27 year, with about $1.4 to $1.5 million of that coming from bus fees based on a new fare structure and change of service levels.Councillors asked staff to be mindful of how they communicated the zero rates increases across the region, given that it will be different for everyone.Cr Neil Gillespie questioned if they were proposing to consult or inform the community about the new changes in the draft Annual Plan.Staff told the meeting they understood from the discussion that councillors did not want to formally consult on the Annual Plan, like they had in previous years.Hilary suggested that perhaps it was more that they don’t need to inform the public, rather than they don’t want to.The next council meeting will have updated financial reports from staff so they can formalise a position on the draft plan.Staff will then complete the Annual Plan 2026-27 and present to council for adoption at its April 2026 meeting.As in previous years, the regional council will have a rates calculator on its website that people can use for their specific properties, to see if they are paying more or less.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

For the third season running, Central Otago orchardist Mike Casey has delivered a two-kilogram box of cherries to every Member of Parliament, but last week’s drop-off marked the first time the fruit arrived on Parliament’s forecourt in a fully electric truck.Mike said Ross Linton, from trucking firm Etruck, “came to the party”.The truck collected the cherries from the Mt Pisa orchard, stopped for “a cheeky charge” in Christchurch, then continued to Picton and across Cook Strait.“The ferry was the only fossil fuels that were involved,” Mike said.His goal for next year is to see the cherries cross the strait on an electric ferry.“Then it will be a fully electric cherry migration the whole way,” he said.Mike said the arrival drew plenty of interest from MPs, with many coming outside to greet the delivery, climb into the truck and talk with those involved.Oppositon leader Chris Hipkins and the electric delivery truck. Image: FacebookHe acknowledged the annual stunt raised eyebrows.“People come up and ask, ‘Are you bribing politicians?’ And my answer to that is, well, I’m bribing them all equally,” he said.Each box was worth close to $90.But Mike said the cherries were less about currying favour and more about opening a cross-party conversation on electrification.“I want it to not be a political hot potato, because I genuinely believe, no matter what side of politics you’re on, electrification is good for the country,” he said.“From an energy sovereignty, an energy security, an economic and a climate perspective, everybody wins.”Mike said National MP and deputy speaker of the House Barbara Kuriger played a key role in helping get the electric truck onto the parliamentary forecourt.Security had been “pretty nervous” about vehicles entering the precinct after recent protests and stunts, and Barbara helped “convince Gerry Brownlee” to allow the electric truck through.Cromwell orchardist Mike Casey and National MP Barbara Kuriger, wearing a cherry-themed dress. Image: FacebookMike said he first met the MP at a farmers’ event in Taranaki, where he was speaking about electrification.After he outlined his plan to deliver the cherries to MPs, “she was fully on board with it”, and later turned up on the day in “cherry shoes and a cherry dress and cherry earrings” to welcome the truck.He said the annual cherry drop had also become a way to put Central Otago front and centre for Wellington decision-makers, alongside larger horticulture regions."The Hawke's Bay, when it comes to apples, is a bigger line item on a spreadsheet," he said.“One of the unintended benefits of doing this is that I’m also representing Central Otago and our fruit growers.“It’s really good to get in there and show them what’s going on.”Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Film crews renting out homes in Oturehua have been the talk of the town the past few weeks.It is understood The Legend of Zelda was being filmed in the area, as well as near Queenstown, but as usual those in the know have signed non disclosure agreements.Based on the Nintendo video game series due to be released next year, The Legend of Zelda features English actress Bro Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.The Central App knows of local families that have been involved as extras, after they put the call out for children at least nine years old, with quirky features and long hair. Talent agencies had also been looking for petite adults no taller than 150cm.Trucks, sound-crews and a large production team has been spotted in the Poolburn Dam area, but Oturehua resident Dorothy Boyd said they have all packed up and gone now.Tourism Central Otago head of destination Anthony Longman said it was great to see filming being undertaken in Central and the economic activity that the film can bring. “Unfortunately, we can’t share details, due to confidentiality and security surrounding these activities. We understand the public interest in local filming activity, and hope that the production will share information with media in due course.”In January 2025, Central’s iconic landscape also starred in the ‘East of Eden’ Netflix series, which involved British actress Florence Pugh.Film Otago said last year the Otago region was always on the radar in the international production community, and companies are attracted to the area not only for its location, but the great reputation of local crew, vendors and the film-friendly communities.In 2021, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog was filmed in the Maniototo, and in 2024 another film crew stayed in Naseby for weeks, also filming at Hills Creek where the previous movie was located.Hollywood A-lister rumoured to be in Central soonFilming underway in Maniototo

Cromwell Police arrested two Southland men for unlawfully hunting in the Nevis Valley on Sunday. Acting senior sergeant Regan Price said poaching and unlawful hunting continues to be an ongoing issue across the wider southern district, not only for personal safety reasons but also for the flow on effect from the damage caused to the forestry and farmers’ properties.“These two arrests are a pleasing result, and police will continue to work hard to hold offenders to account.” He said hunting without explicit permission from a landowner, farmer, or forestry manager is illegal. On public conservation land, a Department of Conservation (DOC) permit is mandatory. The men – aged 20 and 29 years, were bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court on February 18. Police urge anybody who has been a victim of poaching to make a report to Police via 105.In 2024, Cromwell police also caught three hunters in the Lindis shooting a deer on private property and without permission.Their animal was confiscated after the men lied about having permission, and claimed to be out of the boundary without realising it.Central Otago police often receive phone calls from the public about suspicious activity in the lead up to the Roar.Police could also seize vehicles used by offenders while hunting if they thought it was warranted.During the Roar in particular, offenders start targeting properties, driving through gates and leaving them open for stock to escape, as well as disturbing the animals.Meanwhile, Central Otago police attended several crashes in the area in the last week that have kept staff busy, and there will be more on that in our Central Beat later in the week.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Twenty-three teams swung into a fundraiser in Cromwell on Friday aimed at ensuring cost was not a barrier for young people competing in sport.Cromwell College sports director Mark Wilson, who along with Sport Central’s Ben Hamilton helped drive the tournament, said the price tag associated with travelling to compete had increased significantly in recent years.From travel and accommodation to entry fees, Mark said expenses were adding up, particularly for families in regional towns like Cromwell.“We’re seeing that the disparity between the people that can and the people that can’t afford it is getting bigger and bigger,” he said.“We need to continue to keep those opportunities open for those kids.”Students Kobe Nicholson, Year 10, and Cameron Webb, Year 11, on the BBQ helping keep golfers fed. Image: The Central AppBen said Cromwell businesses had backed the cause by entering teams, as well as providing sponsorship and prizes.“The community’s really gotten behind it,” he said.The tournament was played in a four-person Ambrose format, followed up with a putting competition and burger-and-chips dinner.PE teacher Amy Dickey joined the Aurum Building team with her husband Ant and said she regularly saw how cost affected young people’s ability to attend sports tournaments.“This will go a long way towards helping some of those kids get there and take a bit of pressure off some of the families,” she said.PE teacher Amy Dickey with teammate Sally King. Image: The Central AppTeeing off on the day, Amy said she was aware of both her swing and her audience.“I do play a bit of Twilight Golf, but I’m a little nervous here today, to be honest, with all the kids that are going to be out there watching.”Among them was sports prefect Meabh Naylor.The Year 13 student said travelling to compete was about more than sport alone.“It’s is a great opportunity to meet new people and try new things, and it can help take the stress away from school by giving you something to look forward to,” she said.A silent auction to raise further funds will continue this week.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A recent field trip by the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group (CWG), highlighted just how rapidly escalating the problem is.Led by project manager Pete Oswald, CWG board members as well as government and forestry representatives, were taken on a 340km loop of the district to examine the scale of the wilding pines issue.“The purpose of the trip was simple in theory, but complex in reality: to bring together forestry, farming, governance, and environmental voices to quantify and qualify a rapidly escalating ecological and economic crisis, and to begin shaping collaborative solutions to a problem that is as controversial as it is urgent,” volunteer co-ordinator Aimee Pilcher said.At Dunstan Burn they looked over a farm where paddocks harvested from pine forest were already being reclaimed by wilding conifers. The landowner, working with CWG, had been grappling with the sheer scale of re-investation - balancing control methods, land economics, and the visual and ecological integrity of his property. “Discussion quickly turned to the use of drone spraying: its effectiveness, limitations, and suitability in this terrain. That conversation broadened into debate around restoring soil fertility through nitrogen-fixing species, the challenges of re-establishing grazing land, and the long-term viability of different control models. Fire was also proposed as an appropriate control method on emerging wildings.”In Naseby they looked at a farmer’s remarkable efforts to halt wilding spread from the Naseby Forest through burning, in collaboration with the forest managers and CWG. “CWG has also applied significant public funds to this area to ensure this frontline between the forest seed source and the Oteake conservation area is controlled to a point where the landowner can reasonable assume control on their own.”Industry representatives and Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group members at a recent field trip around Central Otago. Image: suppliedAaron Watson, from Central Wilding Tree and Landcare Services, spoke about the realities of running a conifer control crew - the physical demands, the complexity of decision-making, and the constant trade-offs between terrain, infestation density, ecological impact, and financial cost. “In this case, an area of approximately 340 hectares of medium infestation was best suited to manual clearance with chainsaws. The scale of the effort was sobering, but it powerfully reflected the farmer’s commitment to protecting both the Oteake Conservation Area and productive farmland for generations to come,” she said.At Dansey’s Pass, they were given a live demonstration of spray-drone control targeting Douglas fir. Aimee said for many in the group, it was a first and an eye-opening look at how rapidly control technology is evolving. Further along the pass, a local shared his experience of trying to reclaim grassland under relentless pressure from Douglas fir spread from a long-standing seed source on a neighbouring property. “Upwind landowners had refused to remove seed sources, leaving the farmer to shoulder the cost of land degradation, lost productivity, and ongoing control. CWG has provided significant financial support here for which the farmer was very grateful.”The group looked at the successful control of the Kakanui Range that was carried out in 2016-17, and now not a single pine tree can be seen on the hills.Aimee said the final stop of the day was the most confronting.They were met by a wall of Douglas Fir forest - planted two decades ago and believed to be claiming carbon credits. The forest is managed by PF Olsen but Waiting for the group was a neighbouring farmer, “who wasted no time expressing his anger and exhaustion as Douglas fir continued to spill into his tussock high-country land.” Aimee said his message was direct: the burden of managing the spread should not fall on neighbouring farmers who never consented to conifers in the first place. Carbon credits, he argued, must not come at the cost of ecological collapse and economic loss for others. “It was a heated exchange - uncomfortable, raw, and necessary.” She said seeing the issue firsthand reinforced both the scale of the problem and the value of collaboration in tackling it. “A solution to wilding conifers will not come from any single perspective, but days like this move us meaningfully closer to shared understanding and workable solutions.” Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Former Dunstan High School student Lisa Kelliher is the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) newly appointed Defence Adviser to Australia.For Colonel Kelliher, DMSM, Canberra represents the centre of New Zealand’s most important defence partnership and personal familiarity.“I’ve spent a significant part of my career here, including some formative years in my professional development,” she said.Lisa grew up in Central Otago and enlisted in the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga, in 1994 as an officer cadet and completed her training in Australia at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College–Duntroon.She graduated into the Royal New Zealand Logistics Regiment in 1997. She has deployed to Egypt, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Iraq and South Sudan.In 2008, she returned to Canberra to attend the Australian Defence Force Command and Staff Course, where she was recognised as the top international graduate.She later served as military adviser to the New Zealand High Commission in Australia for three years from 2019.“These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how defence policy and operations function in Canberra, but just as importantly, they have built enduring relationships on both sides of the Tasman,” she said.While the relationship between Australian and New Zealand forces dates back to Gallipoli during the First World War, 2026 marks 75 years since the formal establishment of the Australia–New Zealand defence alliance.Australia remains New Zealand’s only formal ally, a relationship underpinned by deep trust, shared values, and an extensive record of standing together in conflict, stabilisation missions, humanitarian assistance, and regional security operations.“In an increasingly uncertain global security environment, our alliance with Australia remains steadfast,” Lisa said.“It is fundamental to how we protect and advance our shared interests—particularly in the Indo-Pacific—and to how we work alongside our neighbours as trusted and reliable partners.”Both countries are pursuing an integrated Anzac approach—focused on deeper coordination, alignment, and interoperability across the three services.“This isn’t a new direction, but the natural evolution of an alliance built on decades of cooperation.”“We’re seeing more personnel exchanges between both defence organisations, expanded opportunities for joint training, and deeper dialogue on future capabilities and strategic direction.”The Defence Adviser role is particularly important for that by providing a familiar and accessible channel to sustain momentum, connect decision-makers and operators, she said.It also ensured cooperation remained aligned to changing strategic requirements and shared priorities.The strength of the Anzac partnership was demonstrated in 2025, when more than 600 NZDF personnel participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre, operating alongside Australian and multinational partners in one of the Indo-Pacific’s largest and most complex military exercises.The Australian Army also contributed engineers to the NZDF’s Exercise Tropic Twilight in the Cook Islands, where infrastructure work was carried out.Lisa said she was looking forward to a busy schedule of activities.“As we look ahead to an active program of bilateral and multinational engagements in 2026 and beyond, the Anzac alliance - 75 years on - continues to evolve, anchored in history but firmly focused on meeting contemporary security challenges."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 mayor Tamah Alley.

For many families, the holidays mean sleep routines go out the window. Bedtimes drift later, screens stay on into the late evening, sleep-ins become the norm.As term time rolls around, parents start to dread what’s coming – getting overtired, half-asleep kids up, dressed and out the door on time.We are experts in sleep health. With a little planning and patience, you can bring sleep back into your routine without turning bedtime into a nightmare.For children, sleep supports brain development, consolidates learning, processes emotions and allows the body to recover.During the school term, children’s sleep–wake cycles are usually regulated by fixed daily schedules and predictable bedtimes. These play an important role in stabilising circadian rhythms (the internal body clock). On school days, children are typically exposed to morning daylight and structured indoor lighting, both of which help set the body clock.During holidays, children are more likely to have increased evening exposure to screens and artificial lighting, which can delay melatonin release – the hormone that promotes sleep.Understandably, sleep also becomes less regular. This in turn can weaken daily signals which help regulate sleep timing, making it harder to maintain a stable sleep–wake pattern.What are the signs my child’s sleep is ‘out of whack’?A child’s sleep schedule may be considered “out of whack” when their sleep timing becomes inconsistent and starts to affect how they function during the day.Common signs include frequent late bedtimes, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty waking in the morning, and feeling groggy or tired during the day.You may also notice changes in mood and behaviour, such as irritability, emotional outbursts, reduced concentration or increased restlessness and hyperactivity.Large day-to-day shifts in sleep and wake times (especially during school holidays) can also be a sign their body clock is out of sync and their sleep schedule needs attention.Why is it important to have a healthy sleep routine?If you think about how you feel after a bad or broken night’s sleep, it’s probably not hard to understand why we need a healthy sleep routine.For children, the stakes are even higher. Sleep supports brain development, consolidates learning, processes emotions and allows the body to recover.When sleep routines are disrupted children may struggle with concentration and memory, have mood swings and behavioural difficulties, and find it harder to regulate emotions. All these factors can affect school performance and social relationships.Here’s how to get back into a sleep routine.1. Have regular bed and wake timesStart by setting a regular bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends, to ensure children get the right amount of sleep for their age. For primary school children, this means around nine to eleven hours a night.If your child has been staying up later over the holidays, gradually bring bedtime earlier by 15-30 minutes every few nights until it’s back in line with their regular schedule. Do the same for wake time if your child has been sleeping in. Earlier wakings can be encouraged with exposure to daylight in the bedroom and a healthy breakfast to help realign their bodily rhythms.Napping during the day should be avoided, as naps can interfere with nighttime sleep.2. Have a wind-down routineGoing to bed earlier may be challenging for some children. A calming bedtime routine of relaxing activities may help some children sleep more easily. A warm bath or shower, soft music, reading a book or cuddling with a caregiver may provide comfort.If they find it difficult to fall asleep, suggest they come out of their bedroom for a short time (such as 15 to 20 minutes) to do a quiet activity (such as reading or drawing – no screens!). This may help them feel sleepy before returning to bed.3. Make bedrooms quiet and darkThe sleep environment matters too. A quiet, dark, comfortable space where children feel safe helps tell the brain it’s time to sleep.Simple reward systems, such as sticker charts, can reinforce routines for younger children. This can show kids sleep is a positive and predictable part of their day.Do the same things yourselfAnd don’t forget the role of parents. Good sleep habits also need to be modelled by parents. When older children see their parents maintaining consistent bedtimes and calm wind-down routines, they’re more likely to follow suit.It won’t be perfect overnight.Re-establishing healthy sleep patterns may take a week or two.So start, and stay consistent, and you’ll make back-to-school mornings calmer and easier for everyone.

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”It’s a beautiful sentiment - perfect for a greeting card.But lately, I’ve been thinking about the gap between that quote and the reality on the ground.As someone who runs a communications business and also volunteers across several organisations, I’ve seen behind the curtain of our not-for-profit world. And here’s the uncomfortable truth:Many organisations are treating their most valuable asset (people) with a level of neglect that would bankrupt a private business.The “Employee” mindset we’re missingThere’s a common misconception that because no money changes hands, the normal rules of management don’t apply.They absolutely do.While volunteers don’t receive a pay cheque, they should be treated with the same professional clarity and respect as employees.That means:Clarity of RoleThey need to know exactly what’s expected of them — not just “help out where you can.”Consistent SupportThey shouldn’t be left to “figure it out” because they’re doing it for free.Safety and StandardsThe same culture, communication, and protection rules apply. Always.If your organisation would never treat a paid staff member a certain way, why is it acceptable for a volunteer?The Christmas SilenceLet’s address the elephant in the room: gratitude.This past holiday season, I sat back and waited. I volunteer professional-level hours for multiple organisations.The result?Silence.Not a text.Not a “Happy Holidays” email.Certainly not a small token of appreciation.In the corporate world, we have Christmas functions, bonuses, or at the very least a card from the CEO. In the volunteer world? Often just a “see you in January.”When an organisation receives thousands of hours of free labour, failing to acknowledge that contribution isn’t just a social oversight.It’s bad leadership.Why the Well is Running DryEverywhere I turn, I hear the same concern:“It’s so hard to find volunteers these days.”Before we blame busy schedules or “the younger generation,” we need to look in the mirror.If you treat people like they are disposable because they are free, eventually they will dispose of the commitment.People volunteer to make a difference. They stay because they feel seen, supported and valued.If the only time a volunteer hears from you is when you need a shift filled, you’re not building community, you’re managing a transaction.And transactions don’t build loyalty.The Bottom LineVolunteers are not “extra.” They are infrastructure.If we want strong clubs, boards, community trusts and events in Central Otago, we need to treat our volunteers with the same professionalism we expect in our businesses.A little gratitude goes a long way.But a total lack of it goes even further, straight out the door.Let’s do better.If you’d like my “Volunteer Value” Checklist - a simple audit to see whether your organisation is truly supporting its volunteer team - click here and I’ll send it to you free of charge.All I ask is that you acknowledge the free support and say thanks.Because appreciation?It costs nothing, and it changes everything.

Tensions around a fast-tracked gold mine proposal in the hills above Cromwell have escalated this week, with opponents of the project alleging threatening behaviour and multiple groups linked to the debate publicly calling for online conduct to remain civil.Mine opposition group Sustainable Tarras said some of its members and individuals publicly opposing the mine had been subjected to “serious threats against them and their property”.“This absolutely crosses the line of what’s acceptable,” the group said in a Facebook post on Thursday.The group said it had written to Santana Minerals asking it to take action and would also respond directly, “including alerting the police, and publicly identifying anyone who does this”.Santana Minerals rejected any suggestion it was involved in threatening or abusive behaviour.In a Facebook post in response, the company said claims it was behind online abuse were “serious, and they are false”.“We do not control independent forums or what people say online,” the company said.“We do have zero tolerance for threats. Zero tolerance for intimidation. Anyone crossing that line does not speak for us.”Santana Minerals declined to provide further comment when contacted.Administrators of a pro-mining Facebook page that has grown rapidly in recent weeks also issued warnings to members.In a post by an administrator, the page said: “No threats to anyone please…There’s a time & a place & this isn’t it.”One of the page founders, Bill Sanders, said content would be removed if it crossed the line.“What I’m very concerned about is accusations of threats,” he wrote.“If anything is mentioned on this page that is over the top it will be deleted…We have zero tolerance for bad behaviour.”Meanwhile, Official Information Act documents released by Land Information New Zealand show an Auckland law firm acting for an unnamed New Zealand buyer has challenged Santana Mineral’s proposed acquisition of farmland at Ardgour Station.They allege their client was not given first opportunity to purchase the land, as required under rules for the sale of land to overseas buyers.In correspondence to the Overseas Investment Office, the firm described its client as having “a high degree of interest in purchasing Ardgour Station”, and as “a credible purchaser” with “funds readily available to complete the purchase”.It said its client first became aware the property was for sale through a Trade Me listing in September 2025, about two months after Santana Minerals announced it had entered into an agreement to purchase the station.The firm said its client contacted the agent listed on the advertisement seeking further information, but that information was not provided.The Bendigo-Ophir gold mine application, lodged by Matakanui Gold Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals, is being assessed under the government’s Fast-Track Approvals Act.Earlier this month, a seven-member expert panel was confirmed to consider the application and a 140-working-day assessment period set, with a final decision due by October 29.Read more: Santana mine to face 140-day fast-track assessmentHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Wildlife is thriving in the Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary near Alexandra, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and their work over the past 10 years.The translocation project of many skinks and geckos since 2018 into the 14ha site has been hugely successful for the Central Otago Ecological Trust.Led by Dr Grant Norbury, a wildlife ecologist who is retiring this week from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research after 33 years, the sanctuary is also abundant with regenerated native bush and at least 46 species of moth.Seven different species of lizard now live there and the 2m-high fence keeps mammalian pest species out - mice, rats, ferrets, rabbits, hares, cats and hedgehogs.But trustee Anna Yeoman marvels at seeing the Karearea - native falcon, occasionally preying on lizards, as an example of native predation that is naturally occurring onsite.It’s all part of the natural cycle of life. Also, lizards are omnivores and not only munch away on coprosma berries and insects, but the bigger Grand skinks will sometimes eat a smaller cousin, such as the Schist Gecko as well. A Grand Skink munching on a Schist Gecko inside the Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary. Image: Sam PurdieThere have also been tuatara bones found nearby from years ago, as they too once hunted smaller reptiles.The start of the lizard translocation project goes back well before 2018, when Grant arrived in Central Otago in the 1990s to measure the predator impacts on the local lizard populations.Originally from Australia where he grew up in a Melbourne city suburb and kept birds in an aviary, lizards became the new attraction when he moved to Alexandra.After many years of translocation trials to see which lizard species adapted best to local conditions, the trust raised the $539,000 for the new predator fence. Originally 33 Grand Skinks and 43 Otago Skinks were translocated, followed by 86 Jewelled (green) Geckos. Otago Green Skinks (61) were introduced in 2023.In 2019 Grand and Otago Skinks started having babies, followed by the Jewelled Geckos. At the last count there were 69 baby Grand, 75 baby Otago Skinks and 41 baby Jewelled Geckos.Anna said New Zealand lizards don’t breed ultra fast, and only once a year, but since they have been in the sanctuary, the numbers have started to rapidly climb. The pair head out to the sanctuary every month or so, to check on new babies and to look for mice and make sure none are present. Other volunteers also check the fence line to ensure there are no gaps.Because lizards are not as active when they are cold, they are a prime target for even the most humble field mouse, who can sometimes sneak its way inside the fence.“They are violent predators,” Anna said.Baby lizards recently found at the Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary. Image: suppliedIn 2018 Grant received a Queens Service Medal for his services to conservation, and last year Anna published a book Geckos & Skinks: The Remarkable Lizards of Aotearoa, which received a Whitley Award for conservation.They are currently carrying out a survey on the three species of ‘common’ lizards that have occupied the land long before the others were introduced.These species - McCanns skinks, Southern Grass skinks and Schist geckos, are thriving in numbers inside the sanctuary, compared to outside in the general landscape.“The numbers doubled in the first five years and have looked to have doubled again since then,” Anna said. The sanctuary has also been used extensively by university staff and students for various studies, such as DNA testing on the lizards to look at their relationship to other species, and their social behaviours in the presence and absence of mammalian predators.“That’s a bonus that we didn’t expect to happen,” Grant said.The 14ha is serving its purpose and the lizards are far from using up all of the space - there are still plenty of schist outcrops that have yet to be explored by the reptiles.“There is still plenty of unoccupied habitat,” Grant said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Households in Central Otago are being told to brace for significant power price hikes this winter, despite hydro dams spilling surplus water.Consumer NZ released a warning this week predicting power prices will surge by approximately five per cent across the country in 2026, off the back of a 12 per cent increase last year.It is a move Consumer NZ called "a blow to households".The price warning coincides with heavy summer rainfall that has forced dams like the one in Clyde to spill water - a sight familiar to local commuters."It’s an unfortunate reality that households are being asked to shoulder higher charges to have electricity delivered to their homes," Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge said."But at the same time, heavy rainfall over summer - so extensive that major hydro lakes are spilling water - has driven down wholesale electricity prices.“Those lower generation costs should be easing the pressure on consumers by offsetting these rising lines charges. That doesn't seem to be happening. And that’s deeply unfair."Industry body ERGANZ, which represents electricity providers, defended the current pricing structure, arguing investment in the poles and wires delivering power was the primary driver of upward price pressure.“Those rising network costs may be passed through in some bills by some electricity retailers,” the ERGANZ spokesperson said.They said while generators may release water for "safe limits" and flood control, these wholesale swings do not hit bills immediately."Households do not pay the wholesale spot price directly," the ERGANZ spokesperson said."Electricity generator-retailers manage supply and set prices over the long term, which helps keep household bills more stable when wholesale prices swing."Consumer NZ research found last winter, one in five New Zealanders went to bed early to stay warm, and one-quarter went without heating."Based on our price predictions for 2026, we think the situation will only get worse," Paul said.Local lines provider Aurora Energy confirmed its new prices will take effect from April 1, with the exact figures to be published on February 25.Aurora chief executive Richard Fletcher said the company’s charges reflect "continued investment across our network to increase capacity and resilience".Aurora is in a unique position compared to other lines companies because it is currently finishing a five-year "customised price path" for its investment plan, which ends on March 31."While other lines companies saw a larger price increase last year as part of the adjustment, our changes are taking effect this year," Richard said.He said the company’s charges reflected the need to increase network capacity as more households electrify - switching to electric heating and vehicles - as well as the cost of connecting new customers and repairing old infrastructure."We understand price increases are challenging for many people in the communities we serve, and transparency about what’s driving these changes is vital," he said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz