Hunters are urged to take care and be considerate of others as they hunker down in their mai-mais across Central this weekend.Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) are among those calling for people to take extra care this weekend, which marks the opening of duck shooting season.The event features on the calendar for thousands of hunters, including locals and those who travel to the district for the occasion.Fenz advisor risk reduction Otago District Mark Mawhinney reminds people that a lot of volunteer firefighters enjoy opening day as much as any other hunter.“It’s a big weekend for a lot of people.”However, the last few years has resulted in callouts in the Ida Valley over opening weekend, causing the day to be cut short, or interrupted for some volunteers.While callouts were necessary and something volunteer firefighters were proud to attend, there were some scenarios that could be avoided.Mark urged people to be considerate of others and to not take any risks.He said another key message to anyone, duck shooting, or not, was to visit the Check Its Alright website to make sure it was ok to light a fire.“There’s good guidance there on what they should and shouldn’t do.”Central Otago has moved from a prohibited fire season to restricted, which means anyone who lights a fire requires a permit.The outlook for opening day is fine with morning frosts, light winds and a high of 12 degrees Celsius.Sunday is similar, but with a high of 14C.Keep track of the weather forecast by clicking on our Weather button.And, to keep up to date with the seven safety rules of firearms usage, visit the Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority.If you’ve got some photos or a good yarn to share after opening weekend contact [email protected]

Millers Flat author Kyle Mewburn’s new novel ‘Sewing Moonlight’ has been a 24-year-long journey, involving numerous rewrites, but it has hit New Zealand bookstores and made a bestseller list last month. Kyle said she was “astounded” to make the Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list on April 19 as it has never happened before.“I've been around for 20 years now and I've had one picture book in number 10 for one week. But, when you say you've been in the top 10, you're in the bestseller list, people think, oh, you'll be going on a fancy holiday and buying a new car. And, you think, I might be able to afford my power bill this month.”Sewing Moonlight is set in the fictional Falters Mill in the 1920s. It follows a German immigrant finding his feet in a new country and exploring sustainability.The cover of Sewing Moonlight, published by Bateman Books. PHOTO: Supplied Kyle and her wife Marion bought their five acres in Millers Flat in 1990 and started building “a little oasis, planting hedges and gardens.”In 1997, Kyle bumped into a volunteer at a 24-hour book sale, the granddaughter of one of the original owners of her Millers Flat property.“She told me her grandfather was a massive gardener. They had a macrocarpa hedge around the whole property. They had chickens, they had perennial borders, [and] orchards. She also told me that her grandmother married beneath her station. Her parents basically gave her a sewing machine for [her] wedding and never talked to her again.“I suddenly thought . . . that we were just repeating a cycle . . . we’ve basically got our macrocarpa hedge and orchard."The idea of cycles led her to the moon, companion planting and biodynamics and that combined with the sewing machine story sparked her to start the novel in 2000 and finish the first edition in 2002.Marion and Kyle Mewburn. PHOTO: SuppliedThe historical fiction book had two local launches thanking Central’s arts community, one held at Cromwell’s Paper Plus and a 1930s themed ‘ladies plate of supper and dance’ in the Millers Flat hall, attended by more than 50 people.Kyle’s advice to aspiring writers, learned over the past 30 years since she started writing full time is to “play around, have fun, experiment . . . find your inner self and then start expressing that.”Listen to Kyle’s interview on today’s episode of The Outlet podcast.

The duck population will be significantly reduced across Central Otago this weekend, and a planned goat cull was also planned for the Cromwell Gorge.Alexandra Police Senior Sergeant Graham Perkins reminded duck shooters to be vigilant heading into opening weekend.Remembering basic firearm safety was important such as identifying your targets and being mindful of those around you for public safety.Drinking alcohol was another risk and best saved for the end of the day when the hunting had finished, Snr Sgt Perkins said.If children were accompanying adults they should be wearing ear protection, and legally nobody under 16 should be in possession of a weapon.“And finally look after your dog, feed it and keep it warm,” he said.According to the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, which supports hunter safety and carries out firearms training, 87 per cent of game bird hunting injuries occur in May and 50 per cent over opening weekend.Falling, tripping and slipping in or around the maimai is the most common cause of duck hunting injury, but firearms incidents also occur, such as proximity-related injuries, hearing loss, as well as facial and eye injuries.Fish and Game officers would be out and about checking licences, and there will be a strong police presence, particularly in the Maniototo, carrying out breath testing on road users.Motorists travelling through the Cromwell Gorge recently would have noticed many wild goats and their small families that have come down from the hills to find fresh feed.Snr Sgt Perkins said Aspiring Highways had a goat cull planned for May, as numbers have started to escalate and encroach on the road verge.

The Alexandra Blossom Festival committee is disappointed by comments made by the Vincent Community Board (VCB) this week that it should work towards becoming financially self-sustainable. Festival organiser Martin McPherson, who sits on the VCB, was not privy to the discussion and declared a conflict of interest - removing himself from the meeting.Festival treasurer Tim Coughlan spoke to the recent grant application on Tuesday and said he was “deeply disappointed’’ to hear the comments made by council staff and board members about the festival’s sustainability. To his knowledge this has never been raised as an issue with the festival committee.The VCB has granted $20,000 for this year’s festival - less than a tenth of the cost to run the event ($224,400), and $4000 less than what it received last year.Tim said when the opportunity arose to clarify any issues or concerns the VCB had with supporting the festival, they chose to remain silent, with discussions about sustainability held after he had left.VCB chair Tamah Alley said, when approached for comment, Tim could have remained for the discussion, and she acknowledged to him that she could have specifically invited him to, and will in the future.“It was important for the board to have a conversation directly with the blossom festival committee rather than through alternate channels. “I have spoken with members of the committee and we all look forward to meeting soon to talk through how to support this event into the future.”She said the VCB “whole heartedly” supported the festival, “and as the current cost of living makes life challenging, it is important that fun events in our community remain accessible to as many people as possible. The committee has always strived for this by subsidising entry fees. It is important to consider all options with a long-term view to ensure this event remains accessible and viable for years to come."The Alexandra Blossom Festival has been a cornerstone event in Alexandra and the wider region for 67 years, attracting visitors from across New Zealand, and internationally. The past two years saw more than 12,000 people attend the Party in the Park - with 17,500 attending the Grand Parade - many of them from out of town. Festival chair Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay said the festival had survived more than six decades despite the odds, and was a not-for-profit entity that relied heavily on generous sponsorship, grants and donations. “The festival has survived recessions, Covid-19 lockdowns, extreme weather and a cost of living crisis, but only with the support of the community and key grants and sponsorship stakeholders.  “Where other events have folded, the blossom festival is still standing, proving the not-for-profit event is sustainable, with the support of generous sponsorship, grants and donations,’’ she said. Sharleen said she welcomed the opportunity to discuss with members of the Vincent Community Board any concerns they may have regarding the festival. “We have always said the festival is by our community, for our community - but if our own community can’t afford to go, then what’s the point?’’ 

From Monday cellphones were banned in New Zealand schools, with the Minister of Education Erica Stanford’s message being “phones away for the day”. Central schools are well placed to keep students focused on learning in a phone free environment because many have adhered to the ban for months in advance.The new regulation states that "schools must ensure students do not use or access a phone while they are attending school, including during lunch time and breaks. This includes students who are on a school course or visit outside the school grounds." As students returned to school this year, The Central App asked some Central secondary schools how they were approaching the cell phone situation.On January 30, Cromwell College (CC) principal Mason Stretch said CC had banned them last year for students in year seven to 12.Mason said there was strong support from the school community for this. The return to school for 2024 saw this ban extended to year 13 students; a term prior to implementation of the Government policy to ban cellphones in schools.After two days of the new nationwide regulation being in place CC has had very few issues, he said.“Students are understanding and accepting of the requirement [and] parents have also been supportive. If a student is seen with a phone at any time during the day, then a staff member will ask for it. It will then be stored safely in the office area.”“CC is currently collecting one or two phones per day, mainly from senior students."Parents pick up confiscated phones at the end of the day.”At CC, listening to music is at the discretion of the teacher and depends on the work for that lesson. “There would be no music during whole class instruction or group collaborative work. If music was allowed by the teacher it would generally be during independent tasks.”  Maniototo Area School (MAS) principal Melissa Bell said in early February that students have always handed phones in, and there were going to be no changes to the usual process for MAS.“Almost none of our students have smart watches so they are not an issue either.“Listening to music via laptops might be something that happens at certain times. For example, while working on an art portfolio. Headphones are not allowed during instruction time in any class,” Melissa said. Dunstan High School (DHS) has a new cell phone policy, which requires phones to be turned off and in a school bag between 8.55am and 3pm, they cannot be used in break times, and they must remain off until the student has left school. Smart watches cannot be used as a phone, and must have notifications turned off. In a return to a past practice, laminated copies of student timetables were distributed to DHS students, some of whom before now had timetables stored on their phones. The behaviour change stemming from the cell phone ban extends to whānau who need to contact students during the day, instead of firing off a text message or sending a voice memo, they need to call the school office. Feedback from students was mixed. One DHS student said they were still using their phones at break times, with no consequences and another said on Monday there were seven phones taken off students, and on Tuesday there were 11. There are exemptions to the ban such as if the student requires their phone for health purposes to monitor insulin levels, or for students aided by their phones to address barriers to accessing and participation in learning.  DHS acting principal Bryce Clapham was approached for comment, but missed the publishing deadline. One Central father said getting students off social media during school time might help their learning.“Teenagers are still online on snapchat, Tiktok, gaming and all the rest of that at the first chance they get.”Further information is available on the Ministry of Education’s webpage Phones away for the day. Read more: Kapa haka group welcomes Minister of Education The Central App would like to hear from Central youngsters about how they’re adjusting to being phone free at school. Send the news team an email, outside of school hours: [email protected] and share your thoughts. 

Sustainable Tarras has not let the Christchurch Airport proposal go, and now the Central Otago group is also submitting against the Santana Minerals gold mine operation.Local media and group spokesperson Suze Keith have both poked fun at Santana’s ‘scoping study’ which promotes plenty of employment opportunities for the local population.“Good news, every person (children, adults, workers, retirees, like absolutely everyone) living in Cromwell can be assured they’ve got a job with Santana Minerals,” Sustainable Tarras’ Facebook page says.Santana’s scoping study said ‘fly-in, fly-out’ of staff or major camps were not required when Cromwell had an 8000-strong labour pool, and there was main road access from State Highway 8.Sustainable Tarras is made up of just eight members, with support from people all over New Zealand, who meet fortnightly to discuss their research and findings, and make Official Information Act requests for important information on relevant high-profile projects.Suze said the group was particularly concerned with Santana’s ‘fast track’ proposal, which it believes will open up politicians to corruption, being the final decision maker.Site map of the area for the proposed Rise and Shine gold mine near Bendigo. PHOTO: SuppliedMaking a formal submission on the proposal, Suze said the group believed it was a form of authoritarianism not seen since the Muldoon era of the 1980s.The group advised against any developer in New Zealand using the fast-track process, as it risked being seen as disrespecting social licence, and alienated the local community.While Bendigo had been used to mine gold many years ago, it was not a landscape that recovered well from the industry activity, she said.Then there was the toxic waste left behind and storage dams built to contain that risking contamination of waterways.“Our infrastructure deficits do not lie in airports or gold mines. It’s not smart development,” she said.The Australian-owned company said several weeks ago that it expected to make a net profit of $2 billion, but was still a year away from starting its Rise and Shine prospect.The mine would operate for eight years as an open-cast mine and for four years underground, recovering 1.12 million ounces of gold.

A squad of 13 masters rowers from Dunstan Arm Rowing Club (DARC) smashed out 25 rowing races over the two-day South Island Masters Rowing Regatta held at Glendhu Bay, Wānaka, on April 25-26. The group collected three trophies and 10 gold medals. Coach Natalie Wilson said it was a successful weekend for the small squad who range in age from 30-60 years old.“[There are] those who are relatively new to the sport through to those who have previously rowed at representative level.”Trophies went to the fastest men’s quad crew of Kelvin Maker, Dave Hanan, Chris Brooks, Andrew Jolly, the fastest women’s four of Rebecca Kingan, Heather Breen, Natalie Wilson and Melissa Cragg (of Picton) and the fastest double team of Rebecca Kingan and Dana Leishman.Pictured (from left) are Dana Leishman and Rebecca Kingan. PHOTO: Supplied  On Friday fresh snow on the mountains brought chilly conditions and a stunning backdrop to the day, but due to choppy conditions the long-distance race was shortened from 5km to 2.5km. The South Island Masters Rowing was held in Wānaka last weekend with snowy vistas. PHOTO: Stephen DuncanDARC rowers were in a combined crew who won the mixed masters eight on Friday. The crew was Rebecca Kingan, Natalie Wilson, Emilie Nebulot (North Shore), Maude O'Connell (Cromwell) Jeff Steele, Quentin Annan, Phil Newsome, Wayne Gloag and coxswain Abbey Pederson.The men’s and women’s eights were another highlight of the regatta. In the women's four DARC rowers Rebecca Kingan, Heather Brennan, Dana Leishman and Natalie Wilson teamed up with Melissa Cragg (Picton), Anne Arnt (Union), Christina Blackford and Vanessa Felix (Avon) and coxed by Abbey Pederson. “They [had] a blistering race, rowing through the North Shore eight in the second half of the race to take line honours,” Natalie said.  The winning South Islands Masters women’s four was (from left) Rebecca Kingan (stroke), Heather Breen, Natalie Wilson and Melissa Cragg (Picton). PHOTO: Stephen Duncan. It was a tight battle in the men's eight with Kelvin Maker, Quentin Annan, Andrew Jolly, Chris Brooks, Gary Jack, Jeff Steele, Phil Newsome and Wayne Gloag and cox Abbey beating Picton on the finish line to win the gold.A prize giving and an evening function was held at the Lake Wānaka Centre, hosted by the Wānaka Rowing Club for competitors and supporters.Pictured (from left) are the gold winning crew of Chris Brooks, Dave Hanan, Kelvin Maker and Andrew Jolly. PHOTO: Stephen Duncan.Some DARC masters train all year round, getting together on the weekends for training, followed by breakfast and a few rowing yarns at one of Central’s cafes. “Some masters will hang up their oars over winter, but for others they'll pop on a few extra layers and continue to head out on the water."Planning is underway for a masters training weekend at Dunstan in late winter, with masters coming from all over New Zealand before the NZ Masters Rowing Regatta at Lake Karapiro in September.”For information see DARC’s listing.

The Alexandra Blossom Festival committee is working hard to build up its reserves in case it had to cancel the event at the last minute.Treasurer Tim Coughlan spoke to the Vincent Community Board (VCB) yesterday about how 2023 was a close call, with rain all week in the lead up to the September festival threatening the iconic event.“We were pretty close last year, but the weather gods came through with the sun at the last minute,” he said.According to its accountability report, the festival costs $224,400 a year to run and the VCB grants the festival $24,500 each year for the infrastructure.The committee also relies on corporate sponsorship - Contact Energy has been involved for many years, donations/fundraising in 2023 raised $126,000 and revenue on the day almost $100,000.Tim said they were looking at securing a new agreement with Contact Energy in coming months, but had also been advised the company was under a corporate review.VCB chair Tamah Alley questioned what would happen if the Blossom Festival was canned at the last minute, and how much of a loss they would face.Tim advised it would cost them $100,000 in reserves, but all market sales would be refunded.“We broke even last year, but there is not much room for error. “The committee was just “one event away” from not being able to go ahead if threatened by bad weather or another Covid-19-type outbreak.“All of our funding is short term and we have to do that annually.”Numbers attending last year’s Saturday in the Park was around 12,000 - similar to 2022.The board decided it was important to have another talk with the committee about how best it could become self-sustainable.Board member Tracy Paterson said it was so iconic to the region and was here to stay, “and we need it to stay.”

A French fruit picker working on a vineyard at Bendigo was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital last week, after getting stuck underneath a moving car without a driver.Alexandra Police Senior Constable Graham Perkins said the car was parked on an incline and started to roll backwards, picking up speed as it headed towards the fruit picker and knocked him over.“He became wedged underneath the vehicle which dragged him and rolled him and then spat him out the front,” he said.The incident happened on Lakeview Rd on private property so police wouldn’t be laying charges as it was a Worksafe New Zealand issue.Snr Const Perkins said he wasn’t sure how severe the man's injuries were, but it was obviously an extremely unpleasant experience for the backpacker - having not long arrived in New Zealand.In other police news, a civil dispute between a landlord and tenant in Omakau last week, resulted in the 65-year-old owner of the property being charged with cultivating cannabis.Snr Const Perkins said an argument broke out between the pair about unpaid rent, and the landlord called police.The local officer walked past the garage and smelled the cannabis. Five mature plants were later discovered, which had been harvested, along with a large quantity of marijuana on the bench.Back in Alexandra last weekend, two Central Otago men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested by police for interfering with a patrol car in Queenstown.Snr Const Perkins said one of the men was also charged with endangering transport after police had to pull over on the way to a job and pump up their tyres.Endangering transport carries a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment. The pair were also identified by CCTV footage for stealing a taxi sign off the roof of another vehicle.They appeared in the Queenstown District Court on Monday morning and were bailed with conditions, which includes a curfew.   

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of downsizing as retirement approaches? You're not alone. Many of us find ourselves faced with the prospect of downsizing. Whether it's to simplify our lives, reduce maintenance, or free up equity, downsizing can be a daunting task but ultimately a rewarding journey.Here's how to prepare for downsizing and make the transition smoother: Sort Out Your Budget:First things first, get a clear picture of your financial landscape.Seek a market appraisal from a trusted real estate agent to understand the estimated value of your current property. This information will be invaluable when determining your budget for a new, smaller home.Once you determine the price, remember to include legal fees, real estate agent fees, removal costs, and any other related expenses, as well as consider how much you want to set aside to support your retirement savings, before you complete your budget.This will provide you with a ballpark figure and help you make an informed decision on what houses you should be looking at.Research Several Properties:Once you have a budget in mind, make a list of your "must-haves". Your must-haves could include the number of bedrooms, office space, bathrooms, or even the level of maintenance required both internally and externally.While thinking about your "must-haves", you must also factor in what it might look like for you getting older. Proximity to amenities like supermarkets, medical care, and recreational facilities might be crucial to consider especially when things like driving become a challenge in the future.It might be worth exploring different housing options, such as retirement villages or houses closer to town, based on your needs and preferences.Aurum on Clutha residentsThe Future You:Getting older may mean your living space may have to look a little different.Some common considerations that people look into are single level with few stairs/stairways, internal access garage, low-cost heating, ensuite, wheelchair access and wet floor shower.Consider factors like medical dependency or convenience to amenities when making your decision too. Although homes like these are usually more favourable and can mean more demand, hiking up the prices. In Preparation For Downsizing:When downsizing you're not going to have the same storage space you once had, so you'll have to start decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need. Consider giving back your children's belongings and consider hosting garage sales, donating to charity or putting extra belongings in a storage unit.While you might be excited to get rid of unwanted items, there may be quite a few sentimental items that can be hard to part with. Downsizing often requires making tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go, so start preparing months in advance to allow plenty of time for the decluttering process. Your real estate agent can also help you make decisions around decluttering.There are many areas of the house such as your kitchen or closet space that are likely to be smaller after you downsize, so it's a good opportunity to simplify and lighten your load across all areas of your life. With less square footage available, larger items like furniture pieces and heavy appliances might also need to be downsized or creatively arranged to fit the available space more efficiently. Don't Leave It Too Late:One common mistake is leaving downsizing too late. Waiting until health issues arise or mobility becomes limited can make the process more challenging. Start planning early to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother transition.Getting started early gives you extra time to spruce up your place for open houses or viewings. You can freshen things up with a new coat of paint or improve the lighting by switching out bulbs to better appeal to potential buyers. If you'd like some more suggestions, you can check out my article for some tips on getting your home ready for showings.Get The Help You Need:Consider involving family members in the downsizing process. They can provide support, help with decisions, and assist with the physical aspects of moving. Keeping lines of communication open ensures everyone is on the same page and can alleviate some of the burdens associated and decrease the stress levels with downsizing.Conclusion:Downsizing can be a significant life transition, but with careful planning and preparation, it can also be a fulfilling one.If you need some expert advice and guidance on budgeting, moving logistics, or navigating the real estate market, don't hesitate to reach out to me. We can support you every step of the way on your downsizing journey throughout Central Otago. 

Insurance brokers play a vital role in the complex world of insurance, acting as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies. But are they worth the investment? Let's delve into the reasons why getting a broker can be a valuable asset.Deeper understanding of the insurance marketFirstly, insurance brokers are experts. They have industry knowledge and extensive insurance advice that can be invaluable when navigating the myriad of options available.With their in-depth understanding of insurance policies and regulations, advisers can help clients assess their needs and find the most suitable coverage tailored to their specific requirements.Insurance personalised to your needsInsurance needs will differ from person to person. Insurance brokers can provide personalised service, taking the time to understand their client's unique circumstances and priorities, and helping them find the right type of insurance.By building long-term relationships based on trust and understanding, advisers can offer ongoing advice and support, ensuring that clients have adequate coverage regardless of whether their situation changes.Offering Diverse Options Beyond a Single ProviderAnother key benefit of using an adviser for insurance is access to a wide range of products from multiple insurance providers.Unlike an independent insurance agent who represents a single insurer, brokers have the flexibility to shop around and compare policies from various providers, ensuring that clients receive competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage options.Advisers are in your cornerAdditionally, insurance advisers advocate for their clients in the event of a claim, assisting with insurance claims processing and liaising with insurance companies on behalf of the policyholder.This can be particularly valuable during stressful times, as advisers work to expedite the claims process and maximise the benefits for their clients.Summary While insurance advisers may incur additional costs compared to purchasing insurance directly from an insurer, their experience, personalised service, expert advice, access to a wide range of insurance products, and ability to tailor coverage to individual needs can make all the difference for individuals and businesses seeking peace of mind and comprehensive insurance coverage. Don't hesitate to reach out and explore how a broker from C&R Insurance can make a difference for you and/or your business.Commercial - Horticulture & Viticulture - Rural - Personal - Life & Health - Income Protection 

Alexandra Police are noticing an increase in golf carts being used by players illegally on the road in Clyde.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said golf carts needed to be registered and warranted if driven on the road, and more and more players were using them as transport and pushing the boundaries to get to and from the Clyde golf course.“And they are coming from further afield.”Players could also be breath tested and were liable to the same conditions as a normal motorist.Alexandra Police have met with the Clyde Golf Club president who will advise members in a newsletter about their responsibilities.Snr Const Perkins said it was the same as a farmer using a quad bike between paddocks - their vehicles also required to be registered and warranted if used regularly on main roads.Meanwhile, a 64-year-old woman, who had been using an E-bike, was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital on Thursday after she was found lying on the Roxburgh Gorge track, north of the dam.Snr Const Perkins said she had been riding her bike alone and while her current condition was not known, it must have been serious if she was taken to hospital by the rescue helicopter.He said accidents on E-bikes were becoming more common, and riders needed to know their limits and be familiar with the track conditions, as well as their own riding capabilities. “They’re either coming around a corner too fast or cutting corners.”Last week a driver fell asleep at the wheel of his car near Lowburn between 7am to 8am, and side-swiped a truck coming in the other direction.Luckily there were no serious injuries, but the driver’s car received extensive damage.

Views on how willow trees could and should be managed throughout the Manuherekia Catchment were heard in Omakau last week.The session, which was funded by the Ministry for the Environment, allowed everyone to be part of the conversation on willow management, while also helping the group prioritise sites for action.The Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) hosted a public workshop at the Omakau Rugby Clubrooms on Wednesday, an event that attracted about a dozen people, keen to share their knowledge and opinions.MCG general manager Clare Hadley hosted the event alongside Sally Dicey and Mike Thorsen, both of Whirika Consulting in Dunedin.Clare said the input from the public had been good, with many keen to look at the detailed LiDAR data technology displayed on a big screen tv, which showcased where willows were located.The group said the aim was to get the community to provide input so they could understand community priorities and perspectives.Clare said the drop-in session was not designed to brand all willows as bad.A willow in the right place was a good thing, she said.But, a willow in the wrong place could be problematic, she added.In some cases, willows could consume a lot of water, ultimately affecting waterways, while also providing cover for trout, which can create a negative environment for Galaxias anomalus.However, a willow tree in the right place could also be a good thing, such as providing shelter.They are also good for long finned eel, as willows protect their habitat.Mike said while willows do not self-seed, a twig flowing down stream can re-establish itself.Willow leaves can also impact water quality by smothering organic matter, which affects the food chain and sucks the oxygen out of the water.Another negative was when willows choke up waterways, causing creeks to flood, break their banks, and affect crops.However, the group acknowledged there was a flip side, whereby if the wrong trees were removed, it could create instability.The MCG will now look at developing a strategic plan on willow management, based on the feedback it received.

Replacement of the public wastewater main has started in front of the Ranfurly Hotel on Charlemont St.Central Otago District Council (CODC) has temporarily closed some of the area’s parking spaces as a result, due to public safety and to ensure road access can be maintained.A CODC waterservices team spokesperson said while it was inconvenient for people not being able to park on the main street for the next couple of weeks, it was a step they had to take due to health and safety measures.It was also part of temporary traffic management guidelines by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, in order to carry out the essential pipe work.“We have taken proactive steps to highlight the alternative parking space, and we have marked this space with the minimum number of cones adjacent to the Four Square to comply with traffic management requirements.“We apologise for any inconvenience the work is causing and thank the community for their cooperation.”The area of the map marked red features parking spaces that are currently unavailable, those marked yellow are still accessible, although caution should be taken around temporary signage and traffic cones, and spaces marked green show the additional parking available on Northland St.CODC anticipates it will complete this phase of work within the next couple of weeks.Work on Thomas St is progressing at the same time and is expected to be complete by May 21.

Stormy weather did not deter the thousands of people who paid their respects across Central on Anzac Day.People of all ages attended the many services held across the district, from Alexandra to Cromwell, and Roxburgh to Ranfurly - and everywhere between.Alexandra-Clyde Returned and Services Association (RSA) president Kevin Harding said while the weather Gods were not kind, the number of people who braved the conditions was impressive.The sun came out for Cromwell’s Anzac Day parade. PHOTO: SuppliedHe said a dawn service at the Clyde Dam was met with gale force winds, which made standing up difficult.Another service that followed in Clyde was greeted with a rainbow, which added an “amazing” element to the occasion, he said.By the time the Alexandra service started, the sun came out, making for much better conditions.He said the amount of people who attended the various services was “amazing”.An estimated 150 people gathered in Omakau for a 10am Anzac Day service. PHOTO: The Central App“I think [the weather] would have put a lot of people off . . . but there were still a lot of people at each one, especially the dawn service [at the Clyde Dam].“That’s the biggest crowd we’ve had up there. There were cars up to the top of the hill.”He estimated the dawn service was attended by more than 1000 people.A 10am service in Omakau was also well attended, with an estimated 150 people.Penny Sinnamon watches on while children lay wreaths in Omakau. PHOTO: The Central AppPenny Sinnamon, who led the proceedings, said while the attendance was good, the weather had possibly kept some people away.If you have a photo from one of the Anzac Day parades you would like to share with our readers, email [email protected] more: Another Anzac Day ready to dawnRead more: Poppy Day support continues in Central

Outspoken Otago Regional Councillor Gary Kelliher never expected to stay onboard more than for three terms, but he’s thinking he may need to consider one more.From one long standing chief executive to then two subsequent Otago Regional Council (ORC) bosses who’ve come from outside the region, and now a third from within the council, he’s seen a lot of change around the table in recent years.He said the ORC’s new direction meant it had in the last 10 years “moved away from being a council that understands its regions, and with staff out interacting with what was happening out there,” to a council that became very Dunedin-centric and very much working to impose central Government direction.An engineer by trade, as well as a farmer, a quarry owner and also involved with the Manuherekia Irrigation Company scheme management, he brings many ‘hats’ to the table, and questions where that understanding is around the table about all of the region’s issues.To him it’s a governance role, but it was very much a career to some regional councillors, particularly those who have served for more than 20 years, he said.“What I see around the table is a very determined ideological perspective brought to the table to influence direction that’s not relative to what’s happening on the ground,” he said.Gary said the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan that has been worked on for years now, no longer aligned with the recently released Regional Policy Statement, “and it doesn’t fit the direction the new Government’s signalling, so while the Government’s scrambling to change its direction, we’re set on bulldozing ahead to try and beat it.”For a more in-depth analysis on the issues facing the ORC from Gary’s perspective, tune in to this week’s The Outlet podcast.

Power outages are affecting hundreds of residents across parts of Omakau and Letts Gully this morning.Aurora Energy has noted on its website there were 15 customers affected in Omakau from about 7.15am, including those on Huddleston, Lauder, McNulty, Racecourse and Stafford roads.It was not known what the cause was, but crews were investigating. It was not known when power was likely to return.Power also went out at about 8am across parts of Letts Gully, which affected 1188 customers, across dozens of streets and roads, including Springvale, Brassknocker, Ferris, Galloway and Golden roads, along with Ngapara, Pollock and Success streets, and many others.Crews are also still investigating the cause and according to the Aurora Energy website, less than five customers were still without power across the Letts Gully area.Central was under a strong wind watch this morning, from 9am to 11am, with some areas also receiving heavy showers at times.Showers are expected to return tonight, while strong northwesterlies will ease this evening.You can keep up to date on Power outages and Weather reports on the Central App.

Businesses that have a more diversified profile of domestic and international visitors have performed more strongly over the summer, according to a report by Tourism Central Otago.Central Otago District Council head of destination Anthony Longman noted in his report that some tourism operations reported declines in numbers as domestic travel demand had softened.This was due to high interest rates, inflation and political uncertainty, but those with a focus on attracting higher spending markets like the United States, did much better.The Gate manager in Cromwell Glen Christiansen also spoke to the council yesterday about the challenges they were starting to face, despite a strong summer period.Having just completed a $2million investment into a new restaurant and reception area, occupancy rates and revenue was up 10 per cent this summer, but only now just back to pre-Covid levels.Their biggest “battle” currently was in food and beverage which he described as a very tough industry - particularly with the cost of living crisis where people were tightening their belts.The price of butter was “through the roof” and it was no longer affordable to put blue cod on the menu.   This year was also the first time he’d had to constantly look at changing the menu regularly rather than seasonally.Employing 100 staff, he said it was increasingly difficult to find appropriate and experienced staff, and was reliant on transient workers, and then put them through training.But, having to pay immigrant workers $31.66 as a starting rate was also no longer affordable and he recently had the difficult task of laying off four staff, “because our business just can’t manage that.”“That’s been the worst part of my career, having to deliver that news.”Finding accommodation was another battle, and most local businesses were not in a position to be able to afford buying property to house staff.The Gate was fortunate in that it recently purchased a six-bedroom house for staff, which would make a huge difference, he said.Over the past eight weeks there had been an increase in the number of organisations wanting sponsorship from The Gate, such as free conference facilities, but that also wasn’t sustainable for the business.“We take our corporate responsibilities very seriously, so unfortunately we’re having to say no quite a bit.”

The owner of Hawkeswood Mining Ltd Simon Johnstone is not deterred by planners' reports recommending his proposed gold mining operation at Millers Flat be declined.A hearing is set down for May 14 in the Millers Flat Hall over three days, where the company will call on 14 expert witnesses in support of the application.“We’re still very positive about our situation and we’re confident to make a start on August 1,” he said.Planners for both the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council said the gold mining operation would cause irreversible damage to sacred Kai Tahu sites, and the company had not taken into consideration iwi’s relationship with the cultural landscape - including the Clutha Mata-au river.Simon said it had been difficult trying to engage with iwi, with numerous emails sent over several months ignored, and he had been struggling to find out what the specific issues were.However, last week iwi representatives finally came onsite for a look around and he had started to make some progress with them.A recent public meeting to answer questions about the gold mining operation in the community had also been successful, attracting over 100 people.Simon said the proposal would inject between $5million and $7million into the local economy, and the dredge had been reconditioned and was now ready for a new name.He accepted the reports from both councils, but was surprised more by the regional council, "but they have to do their job and look into all the effects.”