A South African swimming instructor has swapped the “hustle and bustle” of Johannesburg for the quiet of Cromwell, starting a new chapter in Central Otago.When Gill Baird told people she was packing up and moving half a world away to a town with fewer than 10,000 people, she said the reaction was often the same.“They’d say, ‘Where are you going?’ and I’d say, ‘the South Island of New Zealand’,” she said.“They’d go, ‘Is there anything there?’ and I’d say, ‘I have no idea’.”Gill took up a role as a senior swimming instructor and sports development officer at the Cromwell pool.She said she applied for the job “out of nowhere” after deciding it was time for a change.Her sister had already moved to New Zealand with her family, while her son and daughter-in-law were living in Australia, leaving Gill on her own in South Africa.“I actually started a new journey for myself,” she said.“And I’m so lucky that I found this job. It has been the most amazing start to a new journey.”Gill had been teaching swimming for close to 20 years before the move, and she and her sister previously owned and ran a swimming pool in Johannesburg.In Cromwell, the job felt different.“I just get to teach, I just get to have fun,” she said.“I get to do all the things that I love to do without all the stress of being a business owner.”Gill said the welcome from staff, parents and children had made the transition easier.“It’s been awesome,” she said.The move has also brought a slower pace of life.Gill described the constant “hustle and bustle” of Johannesburg as a stark contrast to the rhythm of her day in Central Otago.“You wake up in the morning and it’s just so lovely and gentle,” she said.“It’s so quiet....it’s beautiful.”Making the move at 50 was a significant turning point for her.“I’ve spent the last 50 years with family and friends, bringing up my child and running a business,” she said.“Just being able to pack everything up and move to the middle of nowhere on my own - it’s been the most liberating experience ever.”There have also been challenges in starting again in a new country.“When I walk around here, I have no memories of this place with people that I love from back home,” she said.“It’s quite a surreal experience, because it can be a bit isolating at times, but also exciting as well.”Despite that, Gill said she would encourage others to take a similar leap.“I suggest everyone have one of those adventures at least once in your life,” she said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Each week, mayor Tamah Alley shares a one-minute snapshot of the week that was, highlighting key decisions, updates, and the issues council is tackling.Democracy works best when your voice is heard. Tap into Let's Talk for ways to connect and be heard, from surveys and drop-in sessions, to writing directly to the mayor.

Farmers, orchardists and viticulturists in the Manuherikia catchment will finally have some assurance that a rebuild of Falls Dam is on the cards.The Government announced today (Friday 20th) it is investing in the future resilience of Central Otago’s primary industries with a $2 million Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan to support pre‑construction work on the replacement dam near St Bathans.Associate Regional Development Minister and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson arrived at Two Farmers Farming in Lauder on Friday to make the announcement.The likely cost of the dam, which will be rebuilt in front of the existing one, was last estimated at a cost of $100 million, and National has been a strong supporter of the water storage upgrade for many years.The 90-year-old dam which supports around 8000ha of productive land in the catchment, is near the end of its life, and failing to deliver enough irrigation during dry years.The $2 million loan will go towards a pre-construction programme to ensure the district can plan for a secure and sustainable source of water.Manuherikia River Limited chair Jeff Grant explains the financing behind the Falls Dam rebuild to Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson and guests at Lauder on Friday. Image: The Central AppThe loan recipient, Manuherikia River Limited (MRL), will use the funding to confirm regulatory requirements, consenting, engineering and detailed design, procurement, construction costs, and financing options. MRL will contribute $2 million in co-funding towards the pre‑construction programme, which is expected to take around two years to complete.MRL chair Jeff Grant said the bulk of financing for the dam rebuild will be through private banking.The only difficulty with the pre-construction phase will be the consenting process because of proposed changes to the RMA, he said.Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said water supply is essential for the Central Otago community, and in the 90 years since the dam was built, the communities have seen major changes in land use and population growth.“This is a major step towards certainty and confidence for the many users of water from the Manuherikia River, and for the future of the river itself.”He said managing the Manuherikia water resource sustainably and efficiently is important for Central Otago from an ecological as well as economic perspective.In recent years, water users have faced significant restrictions on irrigation, with periods of complete shut off limiting productivity during a drought season.MP for Southland Joseph Mooney said he and Miles have been advocating for a solution to the water storage issue for a number of years.“A reliable water supply for agriculture, rural communities, and potentially town supply, coupled with greater climate resilience and the ability to store winter and spring flows would be a major boost for Central Otago,” he said. Potential benefits such as increased renewable energy generation, improved environmental flows, potential fish passage, and better flood protection all make a strong case for a replacement dam to secure and improve the area’s future, he said.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz  

As thousands of people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the return of the screening bus to rural Otago and Southland is a welcome sight. The mobile breast screening unit is travelling to Clyde and will be there from March 5 to early June this year.While the bus does its rounds, WellSouth will promote the service and support the community, particularly Māori, Pacific Island and rural people, to access the bus. Since October 2024, WellSouth has held a Screening Support Service contract with ScreenSouth Limited, who administer the national breast screening programmes Te Waipounamu (BreastScreen South and BreastScreen Otago Southland) for BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA). According to the Ministry of Health, Health and Independence Report 2024, each year approximately 3,600 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Aotearoa, with Māori and Pacific Island women experiencing the highest rates of cancer. As at January 2026, 68.5% of Māori and 60.5% of Pacific peoples in Otago and Southland had been screened, this is up on previous years, but more work is to be done. WellSouth equity delivery programme lead Jen Lowrey said Māori and Pacific Island people experience poorer health and treatment outcomes due to lower participation rates, access to screening services and follow up treatment. “This means there are higher rates of cancer and as a result higher death rates in those communities. This is made worse with barriers including living rurally and in many cases the stigma associated with mammography screening,” she said. “We are trying to break down those barriers starting with enrolling high needs women on to the programme, alongside education, information, and our dedicated call centre talking with and supporting women to get to clinics or the bus and get these important checks. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can save lives and change communities who are losing loved ones.” Screening mammography alone won’t prevent breast cancer, but evidence shows that regular screening does help with early detection. A free mammography is available every two years through the BSA programme. Jen said that another focus has been growing partnerships with local Hauora Māori and Pacific Providers to support people to access their mammogram screening. The free BreastScreen mammogram age group has recently been extended, with women aged 70 - 74 now eligible. The age extension will roll out and will be fully in place by the end of 2029 to include all women up to the age of 74. This change makes around 130,000 more women eligible every two years and is expected to improve early detection. Women who are eligible will be automatically identified through the new online breast screening system and will be sent a personalised link to enrol/re-enrol and to book a mammogram. Facts from BreastScreen Otago SouthlandMāori and Pacific Island people have a significantly higher breast cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Māori and non-Pacific and are almost twice as likely to die from breast cancer as non-Māori, non-Pacific.The aim of breast screening is to find very small cancers before a lump can be felt in the breast. Early treatment has the best chance of success.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women.While screening mammography cannot prevent breast cancer, international evidence shows that mammography, when delivered through an organised screening programme, can reduce mortality from breast cancer.The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Three-quarters of women who get it are over 50. EligibilityAged 45 to 69 years of age or qualify for the extended screening range up to 74.Have not had mammography within the previous 12 months.Not be pregnant.Do not have symptoms of breast cancer.If previously diagnosed with breast cancer, be at least five years post-diagnosis.Be eligible for public health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.Mobile clinic dates are here.  

Award-winning novelist Laurence Fearnley is coming back to Central Otago next month to take a workshop for aspiring writers.Organised by the Creative Writers Circle in conjunction with the Central Otago Arts Trust, Laurence was the last artist-in-residence at the Henderson House between December 2024 and January 2025.Creative Writers Circle president Dr Roger Browne first started discussions with Laurence about holding a workshop in Alexandra several years ago, and now finally it has come to fruition.“She’s been very enthusiastic about having one,” he said.Already there has been a huge amount of interest right across the district, and for the first hour she will talk about the process of writing novels. The second hour will be devoted to questions presented by attendees and she will give insights into the publishing industry - which can be challenging amidst recent changes.Based in Dunedin, Laurence’s novel The Hut Builder won the fiction category of the 2011 NZ Post Book Awards and in 2014 her novel Reach was long listed for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.In 2008, Edwin and Matilda was runner-up in the fiction category of the Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Her second novel, Room, was shortlisted for the 2001 Montana New Zealand Book Awards and In 2004 she was awarded the Artists to Antarctica Fellowship.She also wrote Hawea mountaineer Lydia Bradey’s autobiography ‘Going Up Is Easy,’ after she was the first woman to climb Mt Everest without oxygen. Dr Roger Browne - trustee of the Central Otago Arts Trust and president of the Creative Writers Circle in Alexandra. Image: suppliedRoger is also an enthusiastic writer, having published a novel and anthology of short stories, and is already 35,000 words into his next one.The Creative Writers Circle currently has about 35 members and recently published a book of its combined creative works as well.The group started 15 years ago “and there was an early flush of enthusiasm and then we got it going again,” he said.They meet regularly to read extracts of their work and discuss the challenges they are having, encouraging constructive criticism.A former senior lecturer at Massey University, Roger retired in 2007 and has a PhD in physics and electronic engineering. Prior to writing fiction he had 60 works published during his academic years.The former Vincent Community Board deputy chair was involved in 10 different committees and boards up until last year, when he took a step back at the age of 81.More information on Laurence Fearnley’s workshop can be found on our What’s on section.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Central Otago District Council will assess the pros and cons of two possible sites for a replacement Roxburgh Entertainment Centre, more than a year after the building was destroyed by fire. The first is the Scotland St property the former building stood on, while the second is, for now, unknown, but put forward as an option by a member of the Teviot Valley community.CODC community experience group manager David Scoones said the council would only consider options submitted through a request for proposal (RFP) process.That process closed last week, with one alternative site put forward.“The exploration of alternative locations was initiated by members of the Teviot community, not by council staff,” David said.“Only one alternative site proposal was received from the RFP, which will be assessed alongside the existing site as part of the formal process.”Council staff will now prepare a report for the Teviot Valley Community Board and full council to consider at meetings in March.Until then, the location of the alternative site has not been made public.“The report will become publicly available when the agenda for those meetings are released,” David said.“Until then, no additional information can be provided.”David said the site investigation would assess the advantages and disadvantages of each location, including timeframes, costs, and overall benefits to the community.“The assessment will also consider any relevant goals and aspirations outlined in the Draft Teviot Valley Community Plan,” he said.The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre was destroyed by fire on Waitangi Day 2025.The former site, on Scotland St, has been cleared and remains vacant.In documents supporting the RFP, the council said the process was intended to invite alternative sites that community members believed should be considered alongside the Scotland St location.The project steering group and Teviot Valley Community Board previously sought approval to widen the project scope to allow consideration of alternative sites.That change was approved by the council in December, despite early opposition from some in the Teviot Valley.Elected members said at the time thorough due diligence was needed to ensure any rebuilt facility was future-proofed and aligned with community needs and aspirations over the next 50 to 100 years.Read more: Council approves Roxburgh site investigation after push to stay put and Teviot Valley resident questions council poll on Roxburgh hall rebuildHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

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Understanding the Upcoming Changes and Their Impact on Retirement SavingsNew Zealanders will soon see changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates, affecting both employees and employers.With the country’s population structure evolving, these adjustments aim to encourage greater personal savings for retirement.Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming increases and their implications.Key Changes to KiwiSaver Contribution RatesThe minimum KiwiSaver contribution rates are set to rise in two stages:From 1 April 2026: Minimum employee and employer contributions will increase to 3.5% each.From 1 April 2028: Minimum employee and employer contributions will further increase to 4% each.These adjustments apply to all employees and employers currently making compulsory minimum contributions. For official details, visit Inland Revenue or MBIE.Why the Changes Are ImportantNew Zealand is experiencing significant demographic shifts. Research by Professor Paul Spoonley highlights a rapidly growing population aged 65 and older, declining birth rates, and a decreasing ratio of working-age people to retirees.These factors put pressure on public retirement systems and make personal savings more crucial than ever.What Employees and Employers Should ExpectEmployees contributing at the minimum rate will see their KiwiSaver deductions increase in 2026 and again in 2028, boosting their long-term savings.Employers will need to update payroll systems and adjust budgets to meet the new contribution requirements.Illustrative Impact: Comparing Contribution RatesConsider a 35‑year‑old earning $100,000 per year and starting with a KiwiSaver balance of $20,000. Contributing at the current minimum of 3% (employee) and 3% (employer) could see their balance grow significantly over time, assuming steady contributions and long‑term investment returns. Increasing contributions to 4% each could boost the projected retirement balance by around 25–30% over the same period. These figures are indicative only; actual outcomes depend on investment returns, fees, taxes, salary growth, fund selection, and time in the market.The Power of Small IncreasesEven modest increases in contribution rates can significantly impact retirement savings due to the effect of compounding.As employer contributions rise, additional savings accumulate over decades, becoming especially important amid New Zealand’s demographic challenges.Need Personalised Advice?If you’re unsure how these changes may affect your retirement plans, Central Financial Planning’s experienced team can help. They offer guidance on contribution options, model retirement scenarios, and support informed decision-making.Contact Central Financial Planning:📞 Phone: 03 448 8613📧 Email: admin@centralfp.co.nz🌐 Website: www.centralfp.co.nz

Central Otago District Council (CODC) is backing proposed changes to national rules for earthquake-prone buildings, saying a risk-based approach would protect public safety without forcing small communities to lose beloved buildings they cannot afford to upgrade. In a submission lodged on the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill, the council said the changes on the table could significantly reduce costs for districts like Central Otago, where the council owns 15 earthquake-prone buildings, all of them historic.The council said earthquake-strengthening costs under current settings would run into the millions for buildings that sit at the heart of rural communities, placing a huge burden on a small ratepayer base."These historic buildings deeply connect to the district’s identity. They reflect the regions gold-mining origins, resilient early communities, and the distinct way of life shaped by the climate, landscape, and cultural traditions," the submission said.Mayor Tamah Alley said the council supported the move to a risk-based approach.“A risk-based approach allows us to focus our resources where they are needed most, ensuring public safety while recognising the significant financial impact current settings have on small communities like ours,” she said.“We are committed to protecting both our people and our heritage buildings in a way that is practical, proportionate, and sustainable."The council said its earthquake-prone buildings ranged in age from 50 to 158 years old, with many performing poorly against modern building standards due to their age and original construction methods.The oldest, the Naseby Town Hall, was built in 1868 - just 26 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.Central Otago covers nearly 10,000 square kilometres but has approximately 25,500 residents and 15,500 ratepaying units, which the council said created “a significant funding and financing challenge” under current earthquake-strengthening requirements.CODC’s 2025-2037 Long Term Plan has budgeted $8.6M for earthquake strengthening across 11 buildings it plans to retain.If four buildings earmarked for potential divestment were also kept, costs would rise by $2–3M.“This would represent a spend in excess of $555 per ratepaying unit for the 11 to be retained; or almost $700 for all 15,” the submission said.The proposed legislative changes would allow the council to prioritise work on the highest-risk parts of buildings rather than requiring full upgrades to modern standards.The submission also highlighted strong community support for retaining council-owned halls and facilities.During consultation on the Long Term Plan last year, 650 submissions were received on the future of earthquake-prone buildings, with 85.8 per cent supporting retaining some or all of them.Public submissions on the bill closed on Monday (February 16), with a report due to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee later this year.Read more: Council weighs impact of new quake rules on local halls and assetsHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

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

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