Voters in the Vincent ward will head to the polls following the resignation of newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie in October.The by-election will determine a new representative on the district council, with three candidates standing for this role.As part of our election coverage, we have put four questions to each candidate, covering key issues facing the ward and the wider district.All candidates were given the same questions, a 200-word word limit for each response, and the same deadline.Their answers will be published over the next two weeks, in their own words, to allow voters to compare the candidates’ positions directly.The series concludes today with a question focused on must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollars.Public consultation often results in a wide range of opinions. When the community is divided, how do you decide which way to vote? Will you always stick to the majority view, or are you prepared to make an unpopular decision if you believe it’s in the district’s best long-term interest?Andrew DowlingI listen to all points of view and then weigh up the pros and cons of each. From this I can then make the best decisions.At a governance level you are often privy to information that is not for the general public, this is a privilege and a responsibility. The responsibility is to use that information wisely to make the best decision for the region.I feel that division comes more from people not feeling listened to or having only one side of the story, rather than extreme views. We are a democracy. This gives you the right to have a view point and also the safety to be able to express it. We need people to tell us what they think, preferably before a decision is made rather than after!I’ll be making decisions that best suit our district and be prepared to explain my position.(I hope those who make all the noise also take the responsibility to vote!)Nat JamiesonPublic consultation is essential, not because it produces a single 'right' answer, but because it helps decision-makers understand the impacts, concerns, and trade-offs different people are facing. When opinions are divided, I would look carefully at who is affected, how strongly views are held, and what the long-term consequences of each option might be.I don’t believe a councillor’s role is simply to count hands and follow the majority every time. My responsibility would be to weigh community feedback alongside evidence, cost, risk, and long-term outcomes for the whole district. If the majority view aligns with what is sustainable and fair in the long run, I would support it. But if I genuinely believed an alternative decision better protected the district’s future, I would be prepared to make that call - even if it was unpopular - provided I could clearly explain my reasoning and remain accountable to the community.Louise van der VoortCommunity consultation is an important part of good decision making, but it is not the only thing councillors must consider. Consultation helps decision-makers understand community sentiment, surface local knowledge, and identify issues or perspectives that may not otherwise be obvious. It also provides an opportunity for questions, challenge, and debate, all of which strengthen decisions.However, many council decisions are complex and highly technical, involving legislation, long-term financial implications, risk management, and specialist advice. In these cases, decisions cannot be based solely on the volume of submissions received, particularly where participation levels are low or where the issues require a detailed understanding of regulatory or infrastructure systems.My approach would be to enter every decision with an open mind, not predetermined, and to carefully weigh all available information: technical advice, legal and financial considerations, and community feedback. Consultation is not a referendum, but one part of a broader responsibility to act in the district’s best long-term interests.There will be times when leadership requires supporting the majority view, and times when it means making a difficult or unpopular decision. I am prepared to do both, provided decisions are well-informed, transparent, and clearly explained to the community.Important dates for the Vincent by-election: Voting opens: Voting papers will be sent to eligible voters from Friday January 30Voting closes: Midday on Tuesday March 3Read more: Why should the community trust you to represent them, and what does 'transparency' look like to you in practice? - here How will you ensure this ward’s voice is heard while still making responsible decisions for the region as a whole? - here What do you consider a 'must-have' that you would protect at all costs, and what is one 'nice-to-have' service or asset you would be willing to cut or defer to keep rates affordable? - hereHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Labour List MP and former West Coast farmer Damien O’Connor is set to run against Miles Anderson for the Waitaki electorate at the election.The spokesperson for trade, land Information and regional development moved to Dunedin last year, but was first elected to Parliament in 1993.Damien served as a Minister in both the fifth and sixth Labour Governments, and has been a spokesperson in opposition for a variety of roles, including Agriculture, Biosecurity, Food Safety, Tourism, Immigration and Health. In the 2020 Labour Government, Damien O’Connor was appointed Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, and Minister for Land Information. He was also previously the Minister for Rural Communities.The Waitaki electorate covers Cromwell in Central Otago but not Alexandra, Roxburgh and the Maniototo - which is covered under the Southland/Queenstown Lakes electorate by Joseph Mooney.During the 2023 New Zealand general election, Damien was unseated by National MP Maureen Pugh, who won the West Coast-Tasman by a margin of 1,017 votes. Despite losing his seat, Damien was re-elected to Parliament on the Labour Party list.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is nearing completion, but a highway crossing remains a hurdle, with users required to cross State Highway 6 at road level while an underpass proposal is still under consideration.With less than one kilometre of trail left to be formed, contractors have returned to site and are now in the final stages of construction through the Kawarau Gorge.Southern Lakes Trails said months of complex foundation work had been completed, allowing the project to move into its next phase.Attention is now turning to installing key structures along the route, including suspension bridges, bluff bridges and fixed bridges.Much of this infrastructure has been prefabricated off site and will be assembled in the gorge.From March, a final surface coating will be applied to the 13-kilometre backcountry section of the trail, using helicopter access.Specialist climbing gear and helicopters have opened access to challenging construction sites along the gorge. Images: Supplied/Geoff EllisSafety barriers and signage will be installed once surfacing is complete.Meanwhile, a New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson said, while its contractors had been working "around the difficult Nevis Bluff section of the highway", the location of a proposed underpass linking the new trail with the existing Gibbston River Trail was still being assessed.Costs and timeframes for the underpass have yet to be determined.Until they are, the spokesperson said "the new trail will cross the highway at a location where trail users will have a good view of approaching traffic, enabling them to cross the highway safely”.They said warning signage would also be installed to alert motorists to cyclists in the area.Southern Lakes Trails said the Kawarau Gorge Trail would form a key connection within the wider regional network, linking Queenstown Airport with Central Otago.The trust held information sessions in December with local businesses expected to be affected by the trail’s opening.It said there had been interest from the community in supporting a user-supported funding model for the region’s off-road trail network.An official opening date for the Kawarau Gorge Trail has yet to be confirmed.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.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you’ll know the landscape for Central Otago homeowners just shifted.As of 15 January 2026, the Government’s new legislation regarding "granny flats", or minor residential units, has officially come into force.For many in Cromwell, Alexandra, and the surrounding basins, this is the "green light" they’ve been waiting for. But before you back the ute up with a load of timber, there’s a bit more to the story than just "consent-free" building.Here’s what you need to know about the new rules and whether a secondary dwelling is the right move for your property.The New Rules: What’s Changed?The headline is simple: you can now build a standalone, single-storey dwelling up to 70 square metres without a building or resource consent, provided you meet specific criteria.Size & Scale: Must be 70m² or less and single-storey.Safety First: The build must still comply with the NZ Building Code. This isn't a DIY free-for-all; work must be done or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs).The Paperwork: While you skip the consent, you must apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from the Central Otago District Council (CODC) before you start. This identifies natural hazards (like flood zones or schist-heavy ground) and ensures you're on the right track.The Setbacks: Your new unit must be at least 2 metres from any legal boundary or other residential buildings.The Pros: Why Build Now?Multi-Generational Living: With Central Otago’s property prices remaining high, providing a space for adult children to save for a deposit or for aging parents to stay close (while keeping their independence) is a huge win.Passive Income: Whether it’s a long-term rental for local workers or a short-stay option for the bike trail tourists, that extra 70m² can significantly help with the mortgage.Capital Growth: Generally, adding a self-contained unit increases the overall value of your asset. It’s an "add-value" strategy that just got a lot cheaper and faster to execute.The Cons: The Reality CheckDevelopment Contributions: Even without a consent fee, the CODC may still charge Development Contributions (DCs). These fees cover the extra load on our pipes and roads and can range from a few thousand to over $20,000 depending on your location.Infrastructure Costs: Connecting to power, water, and wastewater isn't cheap—especially in rural areas where you might need a new septic system or a specific potable water setup.Landscape & Aesthetics: In our part of the world, we have "outstanding natural landscapes." Your PIM will flag if your design needs to meet specific colour palettes to blend into the hills.Real Estate Insider Tip: Check Your CovenantsBefore you get too excited, check your Record of Title.Many modern subdivisions in Central Otago have private covenants that may strictly forbid a second dwelling or "transportable" homes, regardless of what the national law says.The law change removes Government red tape, but it doesn't override a private legal agreement on your land.Next StepsCheck in with us if you would like to consider your options with an eye on the future. The opportunity to unlock value in your backyard has never been better, but a mistake here can be a costly headache when it comes time to sell.Sponsored Content: This article has been submitted by a contributing local expert as part of The Central App’s sponsored advisor programme.

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Central Otago District Council has signed off a land access agreement with Santana Minerals for the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold project that includes a million-dollar-plus annual payment to ratepayers.The agreement, approved by elected members during a closed section of the council’s first meeting of the year on Wednesday, relates solely to access over council-owned roads under the Crown Minerals Act and does not constitute approval of mining activity.It covers access along Thomsons Gorge Road and the Shepherds Creek paper road, including a 20-metre corridor on either side of those routes.In a statement on Monday announcing the agreement, CODC chief executive Peter Kelly said the council was required, as a landowner, to consider and negotiate access arrangements where appropriate, but stressed it stopped short of providing green light for the mine itself.“Approving this agreement provides clarity around access arrangements, but it does not predetermine whether the mine will proceed,” Peter said.“That decision sits with the relevant consenting and regulatory processes.”Any future road stopping would still require approval under the Public Works Act or the Local Government Act.If any roads were stopped, replacement routes would be constructed to ensure continued public access.Alongside access arrangements, the agreement sets out a community funding framework that would apply only if the project was ultimately consented and developed.Under the agreement, Santana Minerals would make an annual payment of $1.25M to the council, indexed to CPI, starting six months after commercial gold production began.The funding would be ring-fenced, administered by the council, and reported separately in its annual accounts.Mayor Tamah Alley said the agreement ensured the district would receive a clear and transparent return from the use of council land if the project went ahead.“This agreement ensures that if the project goes ahead, the Central Otago community receives tangible, long-term benefits, while maintaining transparency and public accountability,” Tamah said.She said the council had not taken a position for or against the proposed mine.“We acknowledge our community holds a wide range of views. Our focus is on ensuring decisions are made objectively, lawfully, and with full consideration of the information available,” she said.Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring said finalising the agreement resolved a long-standing statutory requirement in a “pragmatic” manner.“[It] provides durable clarity around roading and access arrangements, and establishes a transparent framework for long-term community benefit,” he said.“It allows the project to progress in an orderly and disciplined way through the fast-track process, without pre-empting the outcome of that decision.”However, local mine opposition group Sustainable Tarras is criticising the "behind closed doors" manner in which the agreement was reached."We've been in discussion with CODC on this very issue for well over six months. It's complex and has huge implications for the local community, including significant numbers of people who use these roads," the group said in a statement on Monday."We believe there are considerable legal pitfalls to granting access, and we have repeatedly pointed these out to CODC and cautioned them to take time to consult, consider the consequences and involve the wider community."Today, in announcing this behind-closed-doors decision, they've made it clear that community is secondary to their private negotiations with Santana."The Bendigo-Ophir project is a proposed large-scale gold mine in the Dunstan Mountains near Cromwell and Tarras, now under consideration through the government’s fast-track approvals process.The mining company said the site represents the largest gold discovery in New Zealand in more than 40 years, and its mine would be expected to produce 120,000 ounces annually at peak production, for 14 years, if developed.Read more: Council switches fast-track gold mine panel nominee and Agencies seek more time, challenge engagement on gold projectHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

The Omakau Racecourse hosted the Vincent County Rally for the first time at the weekend, and organisers say it was a huge success.Around 700 motorcyclists from all over the country, and including the United States, Scotland and Perth descended on the small Central Otago town for the 41st event.The event started back at the Fraser Domain near Alexandra for its first two rallies, and then moved to Galloway beside the river for the past 38 years.BRONZ Otago hosts the event and has been saying for awhile now the cost of bringing in facilities was just getting too much.President Colin Gillespie said the committee was starting to get older “but we always said we had to make it to 40.”They have been looking at the Omakau site for the past seven years, “but there is a lot of history and attachment to the old site.”The old poplar trees onsite at Galloway were starting to get old and becoming a risk and the new site has much more shelter.Members of BRONZ Otago at the Vincent County Rally at the weekend. Image: suppliedHe said the Omakau Racecourse stood out for the group “because it’s already got many of the facilities we’d otherwise need to bring in.“This lowers our costs and reduces the number of people we need through the gate to support our nominated charities. It's also got plenty of camping space, great shaded areas thanks to the trees, and plenty of space for a band.”Colin said it was the second time the man from Scotland attended the event - and he came last year to visit his daughter. “He buys a bike and travels to the event and then sells it and flies back home.”The highlight of the event was seeing the mobile bar being craned in over the racecourse building.And of course all of the positive comments from the bikers at the gate, “we’ve never had so much feedback and admiration,” he said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Vincent Community Board will meet in the Omakau rugby club rooms today (Tuesday February 3), marking the first of several meetings to be held outside Alexandra this year as part of a push to engage more directly with smaller communities and rural residents. Board chair Jayden Cromb told the first full council meeting of 2026 last Wednesday the board was committed to holding sessions across the ward.The schedule includes a meeting at the rugby rooms on Alton Street at 10am, as well as at Clyde’s historic museum rooms in March.“It’ll be a really great opportunity to get out into our smaller communities and rural spaces and hearing from them so they’re not always having to travel to us,” Jayden said.Jayden also outlined changes to the board’s community liaison roles, to be discussed at today's meeting.Rather than assigning members to just specific entities as has been done in the past, the board is proposing to trial engaging with broader interest groups, such as faith-based organisations and business collectives.“We’re going to be having meetings throughout the year with different interest groups and sectors of our community…It’s just a way to kind of spread out beyond just the traditional groups that we have always liaised with,” he said.He said the new approach would be evaluated after 12 months and adjusted if it did not achieve the desired community engagement.Jayden said the board’s new members had settled in well.“They’ve been really engaging and energetic, and we’re really looking forward to the next 12 months and working with you all,” he said.Mayor Tamah Alley welcomed the initiative, saying she looked forward to seeing how the board’s outreach approach worked in practice.“It is totally worthwhile trying some different things,” she said.Read more: Vincent ward by-election beginsHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Police clocked a motorbike rider speeding at 193 km/hr on the Ida Valley Road on Sunday morning, but have yet to track them down.The rider failed to stop for Omakau Police Constable Henry Caccia-Birch, and overtook a convoy of motorcyclists assumed to be leaving the Vincent County Rally in Omakau.The incident follows a serious crash between a female rider in her 60s and car near St Bathans late Friday morning, and it was understood the motorcyclist is still in hospital with serious injuries.Constable Caccia said there were no issues reported at the rally and it appeared everybody had an awesome weekend.Police have put the word out on social media looking for footage of the speeding rider from those on the convoy, as they have yet to identify them.Const Caccia said the rider was on a sports bike “and at that speed all I saw was a blip.” After activating sirens and lights, he abandoned the pursuit when he realised the rider wasn’t going to slow down.He said sports bikes had the capacity to reach speeds up to 300km/hr.Organisers of the Vincent Rally BRONZ president Colin Gillespie said it was "pretty sad news" at the start of the rally to hear about the Friday afternoon accident with the female motorbike rider.Rally organisers were also doing their bit to help police find the speeding rider on Sunday morning, but Colin said it wasn't known if either riders were connected to the event.Road users are asked to take extra care on busy South Island state highways leading into the long holiday weekend, which will be swelled by thousands travelling for an event billed as the largest motorcycle event in the Southern Hemisphere. The Burt Munro Challenge from February 4-8 in Southland will be a hot destination for motorcyclists and enthusiasts, adding to traffic for other events and the usual holiday travel for Waitangi Day weekend around the South Island. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its contractors will be monitoring and ready to respond to any incidents. “Long holiday weekends always mean more traffic on the state highways and greater potential for crashes,” NZTA journey manager for Otago and Southland Nicole Felts said. “Having a much larger than usual number of motorcyclists travelling adds another dimension of risk, given they are amongst the most vulnerable road users.” More on the Vincent rally in tomorrow's news.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz  

Voting papers are arriving in letterboxes across Central Otago’s Vincent ward as a by-election gets under way to elect a new district councillor.Delivery of voting documents began on Friday (January 30), just months after voters went to the polls in October.The by-election will decide a replacement for Dave McKenzie, who resigned from his newly elected role days after the election result was announced following public reporting about historic invoice tampering that occurred in 2018.Three candidates are standing for the seat: Andrew Dowling, Nat Jamieson, and Louise van der Voort.Andrew Dowling, a veterinarian who grew up in Ranfurly and moved to Alexandra three years ago, said he was focused on ensuring council “listens to locals and acts for the long term good of Central Otago”.In his candidate statement, Andrew said affordability was a key issue and council needed to “consult, invest and spend appropriately to ensure resources fit the needs of our communities and enable businesses, both urban and rural, to thrive”.Local business owner Nat Jamieson said his motivation for standing came from a desire to give back to a place he is "proud" to call home.From left, Andrew Dowling, Nat Jamieson and Louise van der Voort, candidates in the Vincent ward by-election. Images: Supplied“I am passionate about supporting sustainable growth for Central Otago - growth that retains our people, supports local businesses, and makes our region more affordable,” Nat said.Former Central Otago District Council executive staff member Louise van der Voort said she would bring "expertise and dedication" to the role, against a backdrop of ongoing central government reforms affecting local decision making.“Council must stay connected with residents to ensure their views are heard on the challenges ahead including reform, affordability, and growth, and find opportunities to deliver efficiency, equity and value,” she said.Louise was the only candidate who also stood in the October election, narrowly missing out after finishing fewer than 40 votes behind Dave.Dave's seat has been vacant since the new council was sworn in.Several opportunities are scheduled for voters to meet the candidates before voting closes.A meet and greet hosted by Grey Power will be held on Saturday February 21 from 1.30pm to 3.45pm at the Alexandra District Club, while a business event is planned for Friday February 27 at 7am at The Finery, with RSVPs required.Voting closes at noon on Tuesday March 3.Preliminary results are expected as soon as practicable, with official results due to be declared on Wednesday March 4.The Vincent ward is centred on Alexandra and includes the townships of Omakau, St Bathans, and Clyde.Read more: Catch up on The Central App’s Q and A with all three candidatesHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago District Council will repay close to $20,000 after incorrectly charging some smaller infill subdivisions a reserve land development contribution.The issue was outlined in a report presented to council on Wednesday by parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey, who said a $10,000 Reserve Land Development Contribution introduced last year as part of a wider policy review had been “applied incorrectly in some cases”.The contribution is intended to help fund the purchase of new reserve land.However, council has no budget or programme to acquire reserve land in the next decade and has not purchased any in recent years.“In the absence of a defined programme to purchase reserve land through the Long-Term Plan, it is not appropriate to charge a Reserve Land Development Contribution on smaller infill subdivisions,” Gordon said.He told councillors the charge remained appropriate for larger greenfield developments where new neighbourhoods were being created and new recreational space was required.As an example, Gordon said a 100-lot subdivision could be required to provide about 2,000 square metres of reserve land to ensure residents had access to parks and open space.This approach was not necessary for infill developments in established areas, where parks and reserves already existed and residents already had access to green space.“In these situations, it is more appropriate that contributions support the enhancement and betterment of existing open space and recreation assets to respond to increased use and demand,” he said.For smaller infill developments, a Reserves Financial Contribution of $2,900 should be charged instead.Council staff said no formal change to the policy was required, as it already allowed for different contribution mechanisms depending on the type of development.Affected developers will now be refunded the difference where the higher reserve land contribution was incorrectly applied.The mayor and councillors accepted the report and noted its contents.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Resurfacing work and improvements at the busy Deadman’s Point intersection in Cromwell will result in short delays next week (February 9). New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) said work will begin on Monday where the State Highways 8 and 8B meet, alongside the Clutha River / Mata-Au.Contractors will start with milling/removal of the existing asphalt surface and then move to laying new asphalt.NZTA media manager Jarrod Booker said the asphalt surface at the intersection is more than 20 years old and past its serviceable life, which is why it is being replaced.“The damage that can be seen in the photo will form part of the site for resurfacing. Any visible damage at the site is considered to be because of age/wear.”Jarrod said contractors will also be taking the opportunity to make some minor safety changes to the layout of the intersection, changing the give-way priority (which lanes need to give way and which have right of way), and installing a dedicated slip lane. 'New Road Layout' signs will be at the intersection immediately following the change to alert road users of the updated arrangements.The intersection is a known high-risk area, with multiple serious accidents reported in recent years, including in March 2025, February 2022, September 2022 and July 2012, when a fatal crash prompted a $100,000 upgrade.The work is scheduled to begin daily from 9pm to 6am, Sundays to Thursdays, and during these times it will mean a single lane closure and road users being asked to stop on demand. Work is expected to continue through until Friday 20 February. The work is weather-dependent and if the schedule has to change, notification will be provided. “We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as we complete this work to upgrade this intersection for all those who use it.”Resurfacing has also been carried out on a stretch of road between Luggage and Cromwell over the past weekend near Amisfield Road, and between Tarras and Cromwell near Bendigo Loop Road.For the latest updates on state highway closures and delays, check out our roads section.

A new safety campaign from Aurora Energy is reminding tradies and contractors to keep their distance when working near power assets - four metres to be exact.Launched this week, the ‘Safe is a 4 metre word’ campaign is designed to raise awareness about the risks of working too close to live electricity infrastructure, including overhead lines, pole-mountedequipment and underground cables.Aurora Energy General Manager of Future Network and Operations Matt Settle said safety is the company’s top priority.“Tradies and contractors work near our network every day. Safety is our number one value, and we want to make sure everyone gets home unharmed,” Matt said.Getting too close to live lines can cause electricity to arc - jumping through the air - to people, tools, ladders or machinery like diggers. This can cause serious or even fatal injuries.Striking cables or overhead lines can also lead to unplanned power outages that affect nearby homes, businesses and communities.“In 2025, we saw at least 20 reported incidents where contractors hit cables or power poles on our network,” Matt said.“Thankfully there were no serious injuries, but every one of those incidents had the potential to cause major harm. Keeping four metres away is the simplest and safest choice.”That four metre buffer is not just a recommendation - it’s a legal requirement under the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34).The campaign was produced in collaboration with local contractors including Fulton Hogan and Naylor Love.Fulton Hogan General Manager – HSQES, Tim Talbot, said the message is timely and important.“Our crews work near power infrastructure every day, and this campaign reinforces the critical message that staying four metres away can save lives,” he said.Naylor Love Dunedin Health and Safety Manager Gary Clarkson agreed.“We’re proud to support Aurora Energy’s campaign to raise awareness of electrical hazards on worksites,” Gary said.“Reminding our teams to keep a safe distance from power assets is a simple but powerful way to prevent serious incidents.”The campaign will feature across digital channels, radio, and social media. A resource kit including posters, videos and digital banners is also available for Otago businesses to download and share.Staying safe near electricity on site - Contractors are encouraged to:Always look up before raising ladders or using cranes and diggers.Use the free Before U Dig online service to check for underground cables.Apply for a close approach consent from Aurora Energy at least five working days before needing to work within four metres of the network.Consents will outline minimum safe distances and required safety measures.Businesses can download safety resources and request support via the Aurora Energy website.

Questions over how community opinion shifted on the future of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre were aired publicly at Central Otago District Council’s meeting on Wednesday, with a Teviot Valley resident challenging the way council gathered feedback. Gill Booth, a member of the Teviot Valley Community Board, used the public forum to question why polling results appeared to swing from strong support for rebuilding on the original Scotland Street site to majority backing for exploring alternative locations. “I just want to know how this vote has changed so substantially,” Gill asked. She told the mayor and councillors she had carried out her own informal street poll in early November, speaking to 77 people over three days.  Of those, 66 supported rebuilding the hall on its original site, while the remainder wanted other locations investigated. Gill said she later understood council’s own polling initially showed similar results, before shifting significantly after a public meeting held in the valley. She raised concerns about the reliance on online voting and limited drop boxes, saying the approach did not give everyone in the valley an equal chance to participate. “If you want to reach people in the Teviot Valley, you put a piece of paper in their letterbox,” she said. Gill said she had offered to carry out a paper-based poll herself, delivering and collecting forms across the valley. Teviot Valley councillor Curtis Pannett said the change in results reflected people hearing directly from council staff at the public meeting and then having the opportunity to respond. He said voting before the meeting showed approximately 95 per cent support for rebuilding on the same site, but that changed after residents had more information and a chance to engage. Mayor Tamah Alley said there was no predetermined decision to move the hall and no “foregone conclusion” about its future location. She said council had provided multiple ways for people to give feedback, including in-person meetings, online surveys and drop boxes, but could not compel residents to take part. “We can’t make people give us feedback,” Tamah said. Tamah also rejected suggestions council could easily deliver letters to every household, saying the cost would be significant. “We are not in a position to send a letter to every resident of the Teviot Valley at $3 per letter,” she said. She told Gill the council would be entering “very dangerous territory” if it were to present a further poll because someone did not like the results of the first.She said the decision made late last year was to explore other options, following a recommendation from the Teviot Valley Community Board. Gill acknowledged she had supported setting aside funding to complete that investigation. Another public meeting has been scheduled for February 5. Curtis said he was “aware that people like the in-person form of communications”. “That’s why we’re holding another public meeting very close to the last one even though we don’t have a lot to update on.”The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre was destroyed in a fire almost one year ago.Read more: Council approves Roxburgh site investigation after push to stay putHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

A large-scale commercial visitor accommodation development in the Wooing Tree estate is being planned by Auckland company Redwood Group Ltd.The development company was also recently involved with Greenmeadows Terrace, Kawarau Villas and Coronet Peak Alpine Villas.The Central Otago District Council granted consent for Redwood to build 46 residential units in October, but the company has come back asking to change its proposal to also include visitor accommodation.The application seeks to add an alternative land-use option so individual owners may make their units available for short-stay rentals.Although visitor accommodation was initially included as an optional activity in the original application, it was removed at council’s request due to concerns relating to notification and potential transport effects.The site formed part of the wider Wooing Tree development approved under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, which included reference to visitor accommodation as a potential use for the lot. However, planning consultant Oli Monthule-McIntosh said in his report, that Redwood’s consent did not authorise visitor accommodation on the subject site and, in any event, was a separate and now superseded authorisation.Oli said that the conversion of an entire medium-density residential development to short-stay accommodation would represent a material change in how this site contributes to local housing outcomes.…”this proposal introduces a large-scale, commercial visitor accommodation use into an area still establishing its residential identity. “In the absence of a detailed and enforceable management plan, or a single accountable operator, the proposal does not provide sufficient certainty that adverse effects on neighbourhood character, amenity, and social cohesion can be effectively mitigated.”The Grove visitor accommodation proposed for the Wooing Tree Estate in Cromwell. Image: supplied.Since 2019, there has been 310 houses built in the Wooing Tree Estate, and a total of 370 will be fully consented by the end of the year.Of those 299 are Low Density residential lots, 91 Medium Density residential lots, and Lot 604 was purchased by Redwood for the final stage of the subdivision.The development is called The Grove, and will be situated adjacent to the Vineyard Cellar Door and underpass, and alongside State Highway 8b that runs through the town.Visitor accommodation is permitted in the subdivision, where certain conditions are met, including that at least one person resides permanently on the site and the maximum occupancy is six guests per night. In this instance the application proposes to authorise the exclusive use of the units for visitors accommodation (i.e. no permanent resident). As such the proposal is a discretionary activity.There will also be a shortfall in parking onsite if the units are used for visitors accommodation.Oli said in his report the absence of permanent residents diminishes opportunities for casual social interaction, passive surveillance, and a sense of shared responsibility within the community. “In aggregate, these factors are likely to undermine the residential character and social cohesion anticipated under the Medium Density Residential (MDR) zone framework.”He said the MDR zone is intended to provide for compact residential living and to contribute to the district’s overall housing capacity. “The conversion of an entire medium-density residential development to visitor accommodation has clear implications for the supply and availability of long-term housing stock.”But in its housing and economic report, submitted with its application, Redwood Group said the proposal does not remove dwellings or change the underlying residential zoning of the land. “As a permitted activity under the operative plan, the owners of these units retain the ability to use them for permanent residential occupation at any time. “This inherent flexibility ensures the units can readily contribute to Cromwell’s long-term housing resource, while also enabling a response to market demand for visitor accommodation, all without compromising the district’s supply pipeline."Submissions Close at 4:00pm on 20 February 2026,

One person is seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash between a car and a motorbike near St Bathans just before midday.Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Blair Walkins said two FENZ crews from Omakau and two from Ranfurly attended, and State Highway 85 remains closed with detours in place.The crash happened at the intersection of Wedderburn-Becks Rd and St Bathans Loop Rd about 11.40am, and the Otago Rescue Helicopter was also called.Blair said nobody was trapped in the vehicle and one fire crew remained on the scene.Detour route
for westbound traffic, turn left onto Ida Valley-Omakau Road, continue along Ida Valley-Omakau Road, then turn left back onto SH85. Reverse for eastbound.Keep an eye on Roads in The Central App. We will update when the road is open again.

Central Otago District Council has received the highest possible rating for communications and engagement in an independent review, with assessors finding the council is “thriving” in an area where local authorities are often heavily criticised. The result formed part of a Te Korowai independent evaluation report presented at Wednesday’s council meeting, the first full council meeting of the year. Mayor Tamah Alley said the top rating for engagement showed the council was performing strongly on something “that councils as a whole generally cop a lot of flak for”. Te Korowai consultant Mark Abbott said that tension was common across local government. “Quite frankly, I haven’t seen any council over the last decade or decade and a half that scores particularly well with its community in terms of communication, because they’re always expecting something better or something different or something more,” Mark said. The review assessed council performance across four areas: governance and leadership, financial decision-making, and service delivery, as well as communications and engagement. Overall, the council received a rating of Mauri Tū - the second-highest possible result in the programme. CODC staffer Amelia Lines, who presented the report at the meeting, said the overall result showed the council had strong foundations. “It means we have a good foundation to work from as well to improve if we choose to do this again,” Amelia said. Not all councillors supported the review. Maniototo councillor Stu Duncan said he had not supported the decision to undertake the evaluation, suggesting the council had been “pushed into it by some of the ratepayers who were not happy with council performance”. “I felt it was looking for faults, and I feel it’s not there,” Stu said. He said the council was already in a process of continuous change, suggesting the assessment did not alter that trajectory.Mark said the programme was not designed to find fault. “The intention of the programme as it’s currently shaped and framed is very much around development, improvement, and looking for what is positive,” he said. Te Korowai programme manager Elke Thompson said the independent nature of the process helped build trust and transparency. “Through the independent evaluation, it’s not just you singing your praises,” she said. “People can actually see that it was a robust process and that you are doing really well in many, many areas.” Tamah said she hoped members of the public would read the report. “It’s in a format that can be easily digested by our community,” she said. “It’s not full of jargon or confusing graphs or terminology they’re not going to follow.” The Te Korowai evaluation, run by Local Government New Zealand and formerly known as CouncilMARK, was carried out between June and August and included written submissions, interviews, and an in-person assessment by independent evaluators. Councillors voted to receive the report and note its findings.  The next step will be a workshop to develop an action plan addressing areas identified for improvement.The full report is available on the council's website.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago District Council has formally adopted its Economic Development Strategy for the decade ahead, setting an ambitious target to raise the district’s average wage to match the national average by 2035. Central Otago's average wage sits at $66,867, trailing the national average of $78,731. The strategy, praised by Mayor Tamah Alley as “aspirational”, also outlines priorities for sustainable growth, thriving communities, resilient infrastructure, and partnerships with local businesses and mana whenua. CODC economic development manager Nick Lanham said the strategy would now be put into action, with a 12-month work programme to be presented at the next council meeting. Despite only 18 formal submissions received on the draft plan, Tamah said she was comfortable with the level of consultation and feedback from members of the community. “The numbers were not as high as we might have liked, but the quality of the feedback that we got from them I thought was really great.” She referenced a retired “high-flyer” from Australia with a holiday home in Central Otago, who travelled from Queenstown to meet with her about the strategy. She said he told her the strategy was unique in that it included direct reference to aspirational goals, when often such documents could be “airy-fairy”. “He was very complimentary of the strategy and that gave me faith that the people we were hearing from...really knew what they were talking about...and it wasn't a tick-box exercise for them.” At Wednesday’s full council meeting, the strategy was adopted with unanimous support and little discussion.Nick recapped for elected members the 10-year plan was developed following extensive engagement with mana whenua and players from key sectors including construction, horticulture, viticulture, and tourism. Staff held 11 workshops and conducted an online survey with more than 200 responses, before the six-week consultation on the draft strategy, which received 18 submissions, including three from organisations. There were common threads in what respondents had to say, he said, concerns raised about overdevelopment, environmental sustainability, and balancing growth with the district’s character. But he cautioned the comments sat against the “backdrop of some large projects” potentially on the horizon in the district and top of mind for some.Nick agreed with the mayor the low number of formal submissions did not undermine the strategy, particulary in light of the wide-ranging community consultation prior to the document being drafted by an external consultancy.“At that early stage of engagement, it’s a lot easier to get a higher number of responses, because you’re asking wider, more holistic questions. Whereas when we go back to consult on a 40-page strategy, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to sort of dive into that.” In the timeframe of the strategy, CODC has flagged the district’s population is set to grow to 32,500.The full Economic Development Strategy 2025–35 is available on the council's website.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz