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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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Members of the Cromwell Returned Services Association want the word “memorial” retained in the name of the new public complex being built on the site of the former Cromwell Memorial Hall. RSA president Denis Ryan made the case during the public forum of Wednesday’s Cromwell Community Board meeting, where elected members agreed to proceed with a public consultation on the facility’s name.“The word ‘memorial’ is not symbolic - it is foundational,” Denis said.Denis said the RSA had been involved early as an external stakeholder in planning for the replacement of the former hall, which was demolished after failing to meet earthquake standards.He said retaining “memorial” in the name was one of the organisation’s earliest and most consistent requests, dating back to January 2022.The RSA had previously supported the working title Cromwell Memorial Hall and Event Centre, which Denis described as a compromise reflecting both the expanded purpose of the new complex and its commemorative origins.While he said the RSA respected the decision to consult the wider community, Denis warned about what was at stake.“Removing ‘memorial’ from the name would erase a vital link to our identity and history,” he said.The reinstated Cromwell cenotaph. Image: The Central AppThe public forum followed an earlier community board workshop led by council staff, which was open to the public but limited discussion to those seated at the table.That workshop focused on the scope and timing of consultation, along with the challenges of naming a $46 million, multi-use facility expected to serve both Cromwell and the wider district.Board members and council staff acknowledged the name would be asked to do a lot of work."We want it to be a way-finding tool, it's got to explain what's in the facility, we want it to be easy to say and remember, we want it to be marketable for the audience that we're wanting to reach, it’s got to last the test of time,” CODC community and engagement manager Paula Penno said.However staff and board members stressed the main name would not need to carry that responsibility alone.Separate names were proposed for outdoor spaces and individual areas within the complex, allowing different aspects of history, function and funding to be recognised."We've got the Cromwell War Memorial Gardens, which is great. And I'm sure that when we come to naming the RSA room - it might be called the RSA room by everybody - but it's highly likely to be the Cromwell RSA Memorial Rooms or something of that nature, so that it's got very much an identity that links it to that memorial purpose,” board chair Anna Harrison said.It was suggested some internal spaces could also carry sponsor or donor names.Cromwell councillor Bob Scott noted regardless of the final decision, “there will always be a group of people who are always going to call it ‘the hall’”.Discussion also covered who should be included in the consultation process.While most of the build was funded through Cromwell endowment land, the facility’s ongoing operating costs will be met through district-wide funding, prompting staff to recommend consultation extend beyond the town.Anna said she did not want to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation but reassured RSA representatives the board was taking the task of recommending a name “very seriously”.Council staff indicated consultation would run for two weeks in March, with feedback expected to be reported back to the community board in April.The board would then make a recommendation to councillors and the mayor, with a final decision needed to align with construction and signage timelines ahead of the complex’s planned mid-year opening.A full house for a Cromwell Community Board workshop on Wednesday, February 4, focused on naming the town's replacment hall. Image: The Central AppAlthough not seated at the table, council property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson stood to highlight tight construction deadlines as others toyed with the merits of a longer consultation period.“We’ve got to mount the name...these are the things we’ve got to start thinking about...we don’t want to be bringing in more construction crews just to put up a name,” he said, noting any delay would be costly.Cromwell councillor and community board member Sarah Browne said while the consultation timeframe was short it followed “years of discussion”.“We’re front ending this with as much fact as we can.”Cromwell councillor Charlie Sanders described the educational component of the consultation as “propaganda” and asked what options would be available to people wanting to have their say.Both board members and staff supported a combination of online and paper submissions, alongside drop-in sessions, while there was no appetite for a town-hall style meeting. The option for site tours was also discussed.The workshop confirmed mana whenua had gifted a te reo Māori name for the complex, with its significance to be shared during consultation.Board members were told the memorial grounds surrounding the reinstated cenotaph were expected to be completed ahead of Anzac Day.Council staffer David Scoones described some “nail-biting moments” as the cenotaph was lowered into place earlier this week.The workshop was well attended by councillors from across the district, as well as members of the public.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

When people in the community are doing it tough, there is a ‘Central Way’ of making things easier, thanks to the Alexandra Baptist Church.Frozen meals and firewood are always available to families that need a bit of a leg up, and there are no strings attached. Lead pastor Craig Ashby said food and firewood are simple but valuable commodities, and that was when the idea for the ‘Central Way’ came about - back in 2015.“That was the birth of it.”Two working bees in Autumn and Spring made up of community volunteers, get together to split firewood and make meals - the Alexandra Baptist Church bought logs from Naseby in the very beginning as a kickstarter to get them up and going.“In the years since, local people and businesses (e.g. orchards) have kindly donated trees for us to cut down and process.” Anybody is welcome to join them as volunteers, or to nominate somebody who might need a boost. Have a look at their page under our Support and Services section “People are always doing stuff tough and we wanted to make a positive difference.”The ‘Central Way’ is not the only organisation helping families in need - there is also the Salvation Army and food banks in various towns across Central Otago, and the group connects with agencies at Alexandra Community House.“This is about making it accessible.”Splitting logs for firewood in the community, are (from left), Alan Clarke (obscured), Ian Clarke, Aaron Leslie. Image: suppliedOnce the logs are cut and dried and the food packaged and put into freezers, there are more volunteers that come in and help out with deliveries - a well oiled machine of currently 50+ people.“And there are those that come back (to help) that have been recipients,” he said. And that’s the beauty of community in action. It’s a very simple philosophy.”Craig said they have supported about 15-20 families a year with firewood, and the people in the kitchen are all foodies, that love making soups, lasagnes, etc.“It’s about playing our part and working together.”A similar initiative in Pioneer Park in Alexandra a few months before Christmas, involving a group of men, a barbecue and a few hundred sausages was appreciated by many - some locals, and some passersby.Keep a look out for them again in coming weeks, as I’m pretty sure they’ll be cranking up their barbecue again soon.Craig has been leading Alexandra Baptist Church for over 10 years, after he and his family returned in 2015 and have noticed the community demographic changing.“The diversity now is huge and that is broadening our horizons. The community is changing and we can’t live in the past.”There is also a lot more hardship, “and stuff is expensive,” he said. It was all about just looking after each other. Contact craig@alexbaptist.co.nz - 027 5483463 if you are interested in being involved in The Central Way, or would like to nominate somebody in need.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact editor@centralapp.nz

Staff undertaking the job of Central Otago District Council’s next Long Term Plan (2027-2037) say they are working in a constrained financial environment.But there is still time to include new projects, group manager - business support Saskia RIgharts told the Vincent Community Board on Tuesday.“If there was a grand idea about an adventure playground that someone came up with, and they have some co-funding, and if the VCB said let's put in $100k, this would be amazing - with that kind of stuff, the door is still not closed,” she said.The LTP team will be working on budgets once it has talked to all of the community boards around the district about their priorities (museums, swimming pools, etc), with a report then back to council.The council’s finance team told the VCB that they were operating with a really high degree of uncertainty around the future of local Government, and so the LTP was in a constrained space.The council’s average rates increase for 2026 is set at 7.5%, but the Government has proposed 4% rates cap for councils moving forward.The LTP (2027-2037) process includes several major milestones before the final document is adopted in June 2027.A full rates review is scheduled for June 2026, followed by community consultation. Budgets for the 2027–2037 period are due in August 2026, but the final audit and sign-off of the LTP won’t happen until mid-2027.Council started its LTP workshops with community boards before Christmas, designed to start long-term thinking before wider public engagement begins this year.Community input will form a significant part of the drafting process as the district plans for future growth, infrastructure, services and investment.The LTP will set the direction for the next decade, balancing financial pressures, legislative changes and the needs of Central Otago’s communities.Read more here

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

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.

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