Vanuatuan fruit pickers are finally starting to head home after Air Vanuatu went into voluntary liquidation.Seasonal Solutions Cooperative (SSCO) has been working hard to find alternative flights on Fiji Airways and Solomon Airlines for many of those who had been left stranded.SSCO board director James Dicey said it had been a difficult process to get everyone home as there was only so much space on flights.“There are some pretty sad guys out there who are eager to get home. They’ve missed births, there have been divorces, all sorts of things but they just carry on. That’s normal life.”Nationally there were 213 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers waiting on flights, with 85 of these in the south. Air Vanuatu cancelled all of its international flights for a week last Saturday as the company went into liquidation. The Vanuatuan government was assisting the airline carrier on its finances.This was not the first time there had been issues with flights, with Air New Zealand temporarily suspending their regular schedule into Vanuatu in 2016, citing runway issues.Air Vanuatu has also cancelled flights in the past due to mechanical problems.“The logistics of getting the boys home is difficult. It has always been a difficult process.”James said on his vineyard he had left it up to the crew to sort amongst themselves who should go home first, prioritising those with wives and children.The first group of 11 will leave on Monday, followed by another group of 29 a few days later. A few more were still sorting out visas.SSCO and other RSE contractors were working with orchard workers to continue providing pastoral care, to ensure they had enough food and money to stay in New Zealand while they waited for flights home.

Tomorrow, Friday May 17 is Pink Shirt Day and many kura (schools) and workplaces are supporting the movement by dressing in pink or expressing their individuality in other ways.Due to the Dunstan Zone rippa rugby tournament being held tomorrow at Molyneux Park, some local primary schools will mark Pink Shirt Day on an alternative date to ensure all ākonga (learners) can participate.    The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has led Pink Shirt Day since 2012 encouraging people to Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!Celebrated annually around the globe, Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink.These students bought dozens of pink shirts and distributed them to their classmates to wear the next day. The word got out online and hundreds of students showed up in pink, some from head-to-toe, to stand together against bullying. Local not-for-profit organisation Sticks ‘n Stones has been working alongside young people for positive social change and a bullying-free New Zealand for more than 10 years.Sticks ‘n Stones was created in 2013 with 30 teenagers from five Central schools, after an application to a Ministry of Social Development fund for bullying prevention was successful. The organisation has ways adults can be involved too, including support for workplaces in terms of developing understanding and processes around workplace bullying, resources for parents relating to social media as well. Listen to an earlier interview with Sticks ‘n Stones chief executive and co-founder Karla Sanders on The Outlet podcast about the organisation's impact for youth in the district.Find Sticks ‘n Stones on their website, or Facebook. LINK: https://www.facebook.com/nzsticksnstones For more information visit Pink Shirt Day.For support for rainbow youth Puna Rangitahi (Alexandra and District Youth Trust) offers the DNA group (definitions not applicable) for LGBTQIA+ rangitahi aged 13 -24. Contact [email protected].  

Bareland Lifestyle in AlexandraLot 1 Letts Gully Road, AlexandraBuyer Enquiry over $515,0001.5 hectares (subject to title) nestled on Letts Gully Road this bareland lifestyle awaits its new owner. Ideal property to build your dream lifestyle or landbank for future and run a few sheep in the meantime. This block comes with power to the boundary and its own bore with 25,000 litres per day. Building platform has been cut out so you have a great base to start. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Cute Retreat with Potential!50 Ray Street, CromwellEnquiries over $670,000Step into potential with this charming 3-bedroom home nestled in the sought-after enclave of 'Old Cromwell'. While currently rented, this property presents an opportunity for buyers to unlock its true value through a little TLC. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Room to Move50 Ngapara Street, AlexandraEnquiries over $695,000Welcome to 50 Ngapara Street, Alexandra - a stunning property that epitomizes modern living in a large peaceful setting. Situated in a private leg in section and tranquil location, and offers a harmonious blend of comfort and style. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Dunstan Delight22 Dunstan Street, ClydeEnquiries over $690,000This well presented property offers a blend of modern living and convenience in a sought-after location. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a large spacious section, separate double garage with power, providing ample space for your vehicles or storage needs. The driveway offers additional off-street parking, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors alike. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Driving for Perfection on Old Golf Course Road10 Old Golf Course Road, AlexandraEnquiries over $2,100,000Escape to the perfect blend of comfort and style, town and lifestyle, on the edge of the picturesque Alexandra basin. Taking in the current beautiful Autumn colours, the stunning surrounding landscapes, views, all day sun you can indulge in the serenity of this executive 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis boasting spacious living areas including a separate lounge for cozy nights by the open fire. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.Family approved!9 Kohinoor Lane, CromwellEnquiries over $1,035,000Nestled in the coveted Prospectors Park, in Central Cromwell - an easy walking distance from Lake Dunstan, Heritage Precinct, Golf Course, Shops and more. Our latest listing will excite families looking for a home with space, flexibility and all the mod cons in a central location. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.Discover Cromwell Living Today!7 Electric Place, CromwellDeadline SaleStep into luxury through an enticing entrance to your newly expanded garage, perfect for all your vehicles and storage needs. Fully fenced for peace of mind, your furry friends can roam freely in the lush, landscaped yard, kept vibrant and green with efficient irrigation. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Contemporary Home With Ample Space!30 Ethereal Crescent, Mount PisaDeadline SaleStep into a modern contemporary masterpiece offering fabulous views and an expansive living experience. This remarkable home, built approximately in 2018, is perfectly situated close to the serene lake and scenic Dunstan trail, in Pisa Moorings, just 15 minutes from Cromwell and approximately 50 minutes from Wanaka and Queenstown. ensuring both convenience and tranquility. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.Good Starter Or Holiday Home7 Old Bridge Road, AlexandraDeadline SaleA family home nestled in a peaceful neighborhood. This property offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, with easy access to the river and cycle trail. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Stacey Waldron and Rebecca Ireland.Cromwell Lifestyle Opportunity94 Pearson Road, CromwellDeadline SaleWelcome to 94 Pearson Road. Ideal for those seeking an orchard lifestyle with income potential, as well as homeowners yearning for a harmonious blend of comfort, sustainability, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Kate Andrew.A Spectacular Luxury Pisa Home!39 Missy Crescent, Mount PisaEnquiries Over $1,525,000Behind the private high fence is a spectacularly luxurious family home located in affluent and desirable Pisa Moorings, one of the most admired and sought-after areas in the region, nestled on the edge of Lake Dunstan - a short drive from Cromwell, Queenstown, and Wanaka. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.Families Get Excited!69 Wallis Drive, CromwellEnquiries Over $1,265,000Families looking to upsize or relocate to Central will get excited with our latest listing in popular Prospectors Park. A short walk to Lake Dunstan, the Cromwell Golf Course, Schools, supermarket, and more - this four-bedroom modern and substantial home will exceed expectations. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Keeley Anderson and Siobhan Ramage.Rural Oasis: The Station Retreat In Omakau11 Half Time Close, OmakauEnquiries Over $1,000,000Escape to your own rural oasis at "The Station" retreat in Omakau. This exceptional property offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, providing a sanctuary for relaxation and leisure. Click here for more information or to contact the agent Peter Hishon.OPEN HOMESOpen HomesNOW SOLD

Commissioners involved in a hearing at Millers Flat for the proposed Hawkeswood Mining project were not impressed yesterday about the company carrying out earthworks without any consents.Led by Louise Taylor, Rosalind Day-Cleavin and Craig Welsh, the panel questioned the lawyer Jeremy Brabant about the earthworks, on day one of the hearing.Jeremy replied that the ‘why’ was irrelevant in the current context of the application and said the panel’s decision-making process shouldn’t be influenced by what had happened in the past.The panel further prompted the lawyer about their concerns with the company’s commitment to rehabilitating the site.“It wasn’t a good start to the process . . . hopefully the site looks a lot better than it does now,” Louise said.Hawkeswood Mining Ltd expects to create up to 30 jobs and inject an estimated $5 to $7 million annually into the local community with its gold mine on the banks of the Clutha Mata-Au River.Aiming to be operational by August 1, the project received more than 470 submissions, the majority of which were in support, but both the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Central Otago District Council (CODC) consultant planners recommended it be declined.Jeremy said the company aimed to return the land to pastoral use after it had finished, “and was certainly not darting around its responsibilities.”He said the company was also very open about ongoing consultation with affected parties such as iwi, and rehabilitation work would be ongoing throughout the 10-year project.Hawkeswood Mining first applied for a discretionary consent in 2022, for a two-hectare mine over a period of five years.This was - by request of the applicant - publicly notified by the ORC and CODC in 2023.Hawkeswood Mining then paused the application to make amendments - extending the proposed mine to cover approximately 10 hectares for a period of 10 years.The councils determined a new application needed to be made due to the significant increase in the intensity and scale of the activity.A CODC document show the unconsented work had exceeded the district plan allowance by 2118m3 and the company admitted it was an oversight by its survey team.Hawkeswood Mining is seeking consent to use the land as well as to take water, and discharge water to land only, with no risk of contaminants being discharged to water.

Accolades keep coming for the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club (DARC) men’s senior quad, which was named team of the year at the Central Otago Sports Awards late last week.The crew is made up of Henry Clatworthy, Angus Kenny, Jack Pearson and Marley King Smith.Following their national title, two of the quad Jack Pearson and Angus Kenny were selected for the New Zealand under 23 team in February and will compete in the under 23 World Championships in St Catherines, Canada in August. Coach Simon Smith was also nominated for coach of the year, but missed out to Wānaka athletics coach Michael Beable. “To get a nomination was great and a recognition in itself,” Simon said.Simon was “incredibly proud” of the DARC senior men and looking forward to their future progress as their New Zealand campaigns get underway.“Three are going to Canada this year, and Henry is going to China."Marley King Smith is then heading to Washington State University in the United States.“The plan is to be back here [at DARC] next season, but there’s a chance they might be pulled up into the summer squad elite team . . . if that happens, they’ll be out of my hands.”Pictured are (from left) coach Natalie Wilson, Bella Breen, Ruby Smith and Simon on the podium with their gold medals at Maadi Cup held on Lake Ruataniwha, in Twizel. PHOTO: SuppliedRower Jack Pearson, who is currently training with the NZ team in Cambridge, said it was “really full on”.“[It’s] upwards of 200 km a week, and twice a day or more.”Jack was in the running for the sportsman of the year award with other nominees Ben Richards (freeride - ski), Hunter Burke (luge), Luca Harrington (freeksi), Nico Porteous (freeski), Hamish Elliot (multisport), Finn Bilous (freeride -ski), Ben Campbell (golf), Hayden Paddon (motorsport) and Finn Butcher (kayak). Queenstown’s Ben Campbell took away the gong in this category.Jack said he did not expect to have a chance at the sportsman of the year, but receiving the nomination was cool because he was included alongside such talent.“I knew we had a decent chance at winning crew of the year. We couldn’t be there, but our coach accepted it on our behalf on the night.”Other Central sportspeople recognised in the team of the year finalists were Dunstan High School’s Maadi cup gold medal winning rowing pair Bella Breen and Ruby Smith, and the New Zealand junior men's curling team of Jed Nevill, Hunter Burke, Darcy Nevill, Sam Flanagan and Will Becker. 

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has referred a draft decision on the proposed change to the residential chapter of the District Plan back to the hearings panel for further consideration. The draft decision and recommendations of the hearings panel was considered at the general meeting of Central Otago District Council on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. In the week prior to draft decision being considered by the CODC, a new Environment Court decision was released in relation to a matter that directly related to evidence received in support of two submissions. This was in relation to land that comes under national policy statement for highly production land (NPS-HPL), which determines the productivity of the land. The Council laid the matter on the table while the panel invited the two submitters to provide written comment in relation to the Environment Court case by Friday, May 10. The hearings panel will then make an updated recommendation, which will go back to council for the May 29 meeting for a final decision.The panel first met on May 26, 2023 to consider the plan change, which proposed a complete and comprehensive suite of changes to the way the district’s residential areas and zones are managed under the district plan.A total of 171 submissions and 76 further submissions were received through the consultation process that began in July 2022.

The Aurora Australis did not disappoint across Central Otago, with many people capturing the striking bright lights on camera.Central was one of the best spots in New Zealand to view the geomagnetic storms thanks to the district’s low light pollution and often clear night skies.The bright colourful patterns of light captured the imagination of amateur and professional photographers alike, with many travelling to dark secluded locations, or high up onto hillsides away from the lights of the various towns, to wonder at nature’s displays.A colourful masterpiece above Spruce Cl, Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppReflections and an impressive display on Northridge Rd, Waikerikeri. PHOTO: Tania Catrasca Dylan Robb enjoys the display on Pines Rd, Alexandra. PHOTO: Anna RobbA display of red overlooking Northridge Rd, Waikerikeri. PHOTO: Tania CatrascaA kaleidoscope of colours taken on Pickett Rd, near Clyde: PHOTO: Sierra ConnellMany are calling it a rare solar weather event, but here at The Central App, we like to describe it as ‘nature’s disco ball’. MetService meteorologist spokesperson said while the weather does not impact the formation of an aurora, it does play a big part in being able to view it. An aurora occurs much higher in the atmosphere than where our weather forms, he said."As a meteorologist, I almost always enjoy looking at clouds, but this weekend was one time when I was hoping for a forecast of cloud free skies."NASA has a webpage where Auroras are explained for kids here.Did you capture the amazing display?We'd love to see any other images from across the wider district, so if you have one you would like to share with our readers, email it to [email protected] sure you let us know where it was taken and who took the photo. 

Alexandra’s Valmai Breen is honoured to be included in the hall of fame at the Central Otago Sports Awards in Wānaka on Friday, May 10.The grandmother has been an integral part of the softball community in Central for over 50 years, as a committee member, coach, mentor, and playing in the outfield.Valmai started playing softball when she was 12 in Dunedin, and then started playing in Alexandra after getting married and moving here.She said she was initially a “bit reluctant” to go to the awards ceremony, but her son Lindsay and others dropped a few hints that she had better attend.“I was honoured to receive the award.”Valmai said she still loves being a part of softball and watching the sport flourish.“When you enjoy something, you just get on and do it.”Valmai with her award. PHOTO: Image Central These days, Valmai volunteers as a coach at St Gerard’s School (where she has two grandchildren attending) and Poolburn School too.“I’ll stay at St G’s because of coaching my grandchildren, until they go to Dunstan High School.”She’s been helping at Poolburn School on summer afternoons on Thursdays for the past three seasons.She described the students there as “full of character” with “great huge personalities” with “awesome talent”.“There’s such a sense of fun that they give me . . . it’s delightful.”One of her 13 grandchildren was also a finalist in the team of year category, Bella Breen with rowing partner Ruby Smith, who both row for Dunstan High School and Dunstan Arm rowing club.Valmai said the future for softball looked good in Central.“The O’Neill family are replacing me with their drive and passion for softball . . . and they have some skilled players coming through.” The other two inductees into the hall of fame were Wānaka’s Simone Maier, for multisport, and Alexandra’s John Roche for golf.Valmai lives across the road from Alexandra’s other hall of fame recipient John Roche who has contributed to golf in the district as a former Otago golf representative, golf professional and former chief executive of Golf Otago.She said the pair plan to toast their success over a glass of wine.John Roche with his hall of fame award. PHOTO: Image Central  With the winter sports well underway, softball is taking a break, but Valmai will be cheering on the sidelines, supporting grandson Charlie Breen who plays rugby, and her three granddaughters who play netball and another two grandchildren who play rugby around the district.  The annual Central Otago Sports Awards continue to grow as the Central Lakes community celebrate the array of talented athletes and officials in the region. Nominations reached a record high this year and the calibre of finalists again impressed. Judges were pleased to see many different codes represented from cricket to curling, and equestrian to squash. Sport Central sport and active recreation adviser Jo Knight said ticket sales were huge, with the venue packed with sports enthusiasts from the Maniototo, Queenstown and all points in between.  Tomorrow The Central App will feature another local sports award story.

Central Otago police are disappointed at the high number of drink drivers caught in and around Alexandra over the past four days.Senior Constable Graham Perkins said seven men have been processed for excess breath and blood alcohol levels since Thursday last week.On May 9, a 20-year-old man was stopped on Brandon St with a reading of 440mcg. He elected for a blood test, which took hours longer to process.Snr Const Perkins said because of his aggressive nature, Omakau Police were called to assist.And, while that was happening police also received a call to Fruitlands where a disqualified driver crashed into another vehicle and had an excess breath alcohol level of 508mcg.Because Alexandra and Omakau officers were busy in Alexandra, Cromwell police had to attend the incident.On May 10, the rural liaison team stopped seven drivers for speeding, and a 23-year-old man returned a reading of 400mcg after he was pulled into the Millers Flat Tavern.In Omakau on the same day a 19-year-old Alexandra youth was stopped by police and his excess breath alcohol level was 250mcg (the limit being 0mcg under 20).On May 11 in Ranfurly, following a rugby game, two men were stopped for drink driving, and both blew 400mcg and were given infringement notices.Finally, on Sunday night, May 12, a 42-year-old motorist who was seen weaving on the road by a member of the public, was stopped in Fox St, Alexandra, and blew 474mcg. He also opted for a blood alcohol reading at the hospital.Snr Const Perkins said what people didn’t realise was because alcohol takes a while to metabolise, a blood alcohol reading two to three hours later could actually end up being higher.The seven drink driving incidents were all from people from different ages and “all walks of life,” and were endangering people’s lives by being on the road, he said.“Police are out there, anywhere, anytime. Country people die on country roads. Our police are at random spots and are getting results that we don’t want to have. But, we’re getting people off the roads.”

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A new Abbeyfield 14-bedroom shared house could be built in Alexandra by the end of 2026.The formal steering committee for the Abbeyfield housing proposal is now in the process of becoming a registered charity.Alexandra Council of Social Services (ACSS) secretary Carole Gillions said once the charitable trust is formed they can start with funding applications for the proposed $4 million elderly persons facility.“We’re building a membership and looking for key stakeholders,” she said.Land had been secured that was walking distance and within 1km of local services, but the committee was still working with the developer as it went through a subdivision process. ACSS secretary Carole Gillions looks over plans for the proposed Abbeyfield development in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppAbbeyfield was an innovative housing model for older people wanting to retain their independence, but enjoy the company of others, including shared meals.Research showed elderly people were vulnerable living on their own as they got older, and the Abbeyfield concept enabled both independence and security.There were currently two other houses in the lower South Island - Wakatipu and Dunedin, with three in Christchurch and four in Nelson.The idea for the rental accommodation followed two community huis - the first one back in 2018, that identified a strong need for more elderly persons housing in the town.ACSS carried out a survey for over 65s in Alexandra in 2023 which showed 60 out of the 300+ people were interested in shared housing.Carole Gillions introduced the Abbeyfield concept to the ACSS in 2023, and once the steering committee was formed, it also gained consent from the parent body to go ahead with the proposal.The steering committee was made up of Cathy Wagstaff, Marie Roxburgh, Helen Adair and Dr Bill Kaye-Blake.Funding for the development would be both on a local and national level, and each of the 14 residents would have their own private space including an outdoor area.“Abbeyfield New Zealand have been amazing to work with and given us that support to get to the next step,” Carole said.

Central Otago is now more accessible, safer and resilient thanks to the installation of three culverts on State Highway 8 near Roxburgh just in time for winter.NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has completed the project, with the final culvert installed at Black Jacks Creek, each designed to help the area cope in extreme weather events.The new culverts are up to eight times larger, making the road much less likely to become flooded or damaged by debris during heavy rain.NZTA thanked the community via social media for its understanding while construction work took place.“ . . . your support meant the road workers were able to finish ahead of schedule on each of the three culverts - and thanks to the workers for their tremendous work.”Roxburgh, in recent years, had been at the mercy of extreme weather events.A flash flood in 2017 was among the more recent events, which closed roads, cut power and water to the town and forced several people to evacuate their homes.The three areas where work was done was at Black Jack’s Creek, Golf Course Creek and Pumphouse Creek.A statement by NZTA at the time of the Black Jack’s Creek work noted that all three creeks had an ongoing risk of flooding, and the larger culverts now installed would help channel flood flood waters and gravels under the road down to the Clutha Mata-Au River.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has been holding a series of community drop-ins in all corners of the district to hear community feedback on the Annual Plan, which includes an average 21.4 per cent rates increase. Through feedback, the Council heard there was interest in having more, and as a result, is holding another online session on Wednesday, May 15, from 7pm - 8pm, with Mayor Tim Cadogan and councillor Tamah Alley. “We’ve listened and we want to keep talking to the community about what’s driving the rates rises,” Tim said. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow. We know times are tough and this is the last thing we want to be doing. But, we also want to make responsible decisions that allow us to continue providing the essential services that our communities expect and deserve without passing today’s costs on to tomorrow.” As elected members have travelled around the district in the past two weeks, they’ve been asked many tough questions, but they’ve also listened to the very real concerns that people have about the rate increase.  There is a lot of information on the Annual Plan consultation page on Let’s Talk, but sometimes people prefer to have a chat.  The online session scheduled for May 15 is about having an opportunity to listen, but more importantly, to ask questions and be heard. The link for the online community discussion can be found on the CODC website Meetings - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz)    

It’s Mother’s Day today which will give me a moment to think about my Mum, not that I really need one as she is always there somewhere in my mind and soul. Mum would be 100 next year, but we lost her in 2013. I was devastated but amidst the grief, had to hold tight to the truth that I was lucky to have this remarkable woman in my life for as long as I did. On her 12th birthday, Mum got polio, one of the last to catch it at the tail end of one of the last epidemics. This evil disease all but destroyed her body and left her with a lifetime of pain and challenges. But, it was facing this that gave Mum her incredible strength of character; she had steel in her back in more ways than one. When I was a toddler, she had a radical for then life-saving operation to have a rod inserted through her vertebrae to straighten her spine and was in hospital for the thick end of a year. I cannot imagine how that must had been for her, not just the physical pain she must have endured, but the loneliness and worry of leaving four kids at home for such a long time. We would travel from Balclutha every Sunday for a visit, but the time in between must have dragged like a lead weight for her. I was too young to remember much of this time but have done enough self-reflection to know it left an indelible mark on me. Growing up, I saw Mum fight to have a full life. I can recall her climbing slowly and painfully down the stairs at home to get to her car to get to the job she loved as receptionist at Balclutha Hospital. I remember her driving through the nights to Dunedin to train to be a typing teacher and then the day when I walked out of my economics class to find her standing at the door to enter the typing class she was taking for the first time that day. My friends said hello but I couldn’t find the words, a mixture of pride and being a 14 year immature boy striking me silent. I will always regret not giving her a hug and wishing her luck that day, but I made sure she knew that later in life. She forgave me. Of course. And, when my first marriage disintegrated in spectacular fashion, she was the one I rang [for] the wisdom and the strength I so desperately needed at that lowest point in my life. When I became Mayor in 2016, my brother Bryan gave me a framed quote, done in his remarkably good handwriting. It says “Analyse every political decision you make, question and consider if your decisions can fully withstand moral scrutiny, and once you have formulated your decision knowing it is morally the right thing to do, only you can defeat yourself”. These were the words Mum said to him when he had become Mayor of the Clutha District six years previously. She hadn’t lived long enough to see me in the role, but Bryan made sure her mantra was passed on to me none the less. Those words, and the memory of my Mum, live with me every day. Happy Mother’s Day Hazel May.

New Zealand's largest electricity distributor is warning the country to hurry up with controls around charging electric vehicles or face unnecessary bills running into the billions.A power system that is already prone to shortages like those currently forecast on Friday (May 10) is facing never-before-seen demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and big data centres.Vector is preparing for it - but the lack of laws and regulations and an Energy Ministry are in its way.Vector chief executive Simon Mackenzie warned it was way past time to get moving."We've been asking for probably over four years now for someone to make a decision that if people are putting in electric vehicle charges that they ensure there's connectivity to our network."All of the agencies that we deal with agree it's a good thing, but no one knows who can make that decision," Mackenzie said.They would have to build much more capacity than necessary, if EV charging was not smoothed out by Vector being empowered to schedule it."If we have the ability to schedule, then we have to build - between now and 2050 - the size of the Auckland network again, and if we had to build it without these scheduling and everything, it would be three times the size."That's billions. It's basically on current day, well over $4 billion."Smart EV charging saves a significant amount of money while meeting the same peak demand, Vector said.Households wanting to get an EV would also pay unnecessarily higher costs, Vector's asset management plan said.The UK and New South Wales have recently regulated for smart scheduling of EV charging and other controls.The government has promised there will be rules here, too, to match a roll-out of 10,000 more chargers by 2030, such as with standards to help shift home-charging away from network peaks.Running all at once, 10,000 fast chargers would suck up almost as much power as all of Auckland.Smoothed out, like Vector had begun successfully doing for EV public buses in Auckland, the network would cope, Mackenzie said.But for the family car, "we are not able to implement such a scheme without regulatory support", its asset management plan said.It needed industry standards to enable communications with chargers, and for smart chargers to connect to the management system."We have set connection standards ... However, our ability to monitor and enforce compliance is limited without legislative and regulatory support."Data centre loads on electricity systemsEVs are only one new load on the power network.The other is data centres - "the most visible new industry being attracted to New Zealand due to its largely renewable generation", according to grid operator Transpower.Vector is planning for 10 new data centres to be running by 2034, most of them sooner rather than later, on top of seven that have started up in the last several years.Each centre typically started by using 4MW of power, than rose to 25MW - enough to power 10,000 homes - Mackenzie said.So far, none of them, not even Microsoft or Amazon's, was a hyperscale data centre capable of swallowing 100MW.Nevertheless, in Albany, and Silverdale, Henderson and the central city, Vector foresees adding connections and sometimes upgrading transformers or other equipment up the line, to cope.Its asset management plan envisages its capital spend ramping up more than 50 percent next year to about $400m, then gradually dropping back to about half that.The plan repeatedly noted that data centres were a key factor "driving rapid and extensive load demand".The direct costs include data centres worth around $95m and $60m in charging infrastructure for 2024-27.However, the data centre companies, not households, would pay for all that, Mackenzie said.They were driven by specific requests to Vector and fully recovered from customers."For these types of things, which is causing the growth of that asset - and whether it's a data centre or EV charging or, you know, electric ferry charging ... we basically charge the cost of that to the developer."They pay 100 percent of those costs."It was Vector's job to connect them, not to choose who got connected, between, say, a subdivision or a data centre, or a factory - even though the power down the line was a finite, pressured resource. Vector has almost 600,000 connections, almost twice as many as the next biggest power distributor."The Electricity Authority, Commerce Commission, MBIE, ECA - there's no one that has been defined as making those kind of critical decisions," Mackenzie said."If we look at what's happened in the UK, they've put in a specific agency. They have essentially mandated those types of things."It's not a criticism of the existing agency. It's basically around saying we need to have a much more coordinated approach."The government last month promised to set up a cross-agency taskforce to engage with industry.

Tourists are continuing to ignore New Zealand road conditions and rules throughout Central Otago, frustrating local police.Senior Sergeant Graham Perkins said usually it was campervan drivers holding up traffic, but lately it has been more the other way with many speeding offences.“And, we’re getting a large number of complaints coming through.”He said highway patrol on State Highway 85 around Ranfurly were writing out tickets flat stick and the Lindis Pass was another problem area.“They’re not allowing enough time to get to places and then they expect us to just give them a warning.“It’s become quite noticeable and they seem to have no regard for our conditions,” he said.Four young men from Bluff, Gore and Invercargill kept highway patrols busy last weekend after two reckless driving incidents around the Devils Staircase.The driver was clocked going 147km/hr heading towards Queenstown, but the patrol car couldn’t locate him, and then later in the day the same carload of men swapped their driver and returned south, and he was eventually caught speeding at 158km/hr.Police radioed ahead to Lumsden where the police officer managed to put out road spikes by the bridge to stop them.One driver was arrested and charged with reckless driving and failing to stop and the second driver was charged with dangerous driving and was breath tested.Snr Const Perkins said the other passengers were released, but then proceeded to start smashing letterboxes around Lumsden.Alexandra Police are also reminding motorists to drive to the winter conditions now that it was frosty, and make sure your windows are all defrosted.“Leave a couple of minutes earlier, it’s an offence to drive with a lack of vision.”Driving with lights on automatic could also be a problem because they don’t switch on in foggy conditions, he said.Southern road policing manager Craig Brown said a lot of the crashes they see in winter involved people driving like it was still summer.“Rain, snow and ice make it challenging to stop quickly if required so it's important to allow a little bit more distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead."Inspector Brown urged drivers to consider ‘what would happen if…’, and put themselves in the shoes of the motorists around them."Anticipating how you would react if something were to happen can help readjust your driving behaviour."He said that included asking yourself: Can other drivers see me? Can I stop in time if the car in front slams on the brakes? Is there likely to be ice on this patch of road?"Black ice is particularly terrifying for any driver that hits it."If a patch of road looks wet or damp, assume it’s black ice; let your car slow down on its own, and brake gently before you get to a curve."That’s why it’s so important to drive to the conditions and anticipate what’s in front of you, he said."If you’re unsure, drive slower; we’re not going to ticket you for driving to the conditions."But if you’re driving like an idiot, don’t expect an apology when we pull you over."Before getting on the road this winter, check out conditions via The Central App's Weather & Reports link.

A new collection of landscape paintings is adorning the walls of Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery.More than 50 people attended the opening of the new exhibition featuring works by 11 Central Otago artists at the Alexandra gallery on Wednesday. Works on display are from Shaun Burdon, Jane Coombs, Neil Driver, Julie Greig, Rachel Hirabayashi, Debbie Malcolm, Maurice Middleditch, Jillian Porteous, Katie Robinson, Jane Whitaker, and Nigel Wilson. The exhibition, which encompasses a highly varied collection of paintings in oil, acrylic and cold wax, runs until June 30 in the Henderson and Grant galleries. All of 19 the works are more than one metre in size and visitors are encouraged to stand in front of them, to wait a moment and allow themselves to soak up the silence and beauty of Central’s world.Exhibition organiser Judy Cockeram spoke about art, architecture, history, philosophy, reality and dreamscape paired with Central Otago’s “extraordinary space of mountainous velvety hills and vibrant skies”. In the background is Jane Coombs ‘Oliverburn farm hut - Rough Ridge’ (1000 x 510mm), $2225. PHOTO: The Central AppArtist Katie Robinson who attended the opening said she was “beyond excited” to have been asked to contribute two of her paintings.“Being included alongside such a big names is an absolute privilege . . . and then I saw the hang and I was even more thrilled.”Katie with her painting ‘First snow on Pisa’ (1030 x 730mm), $1600. PHOTO: Katie Robinson ArtistShe splits her time between Central and Auckland and said her house was on the market and she’s “transitioning to here” and treasures her memories of many of her childhood holidays in Ophir.  Judy described Katie’s work as bright, bold and charming. “We are allowed to map out our place, plot our dog walk and travel for a time, in this playground of remembered events and familiar places.”Debbie Malcolm’s ‘Winter at The Pond’ (750 x 750mm).Watch one minute of Judy’s speech covering Debbie Malcolm and Julie Greig’s works here. VIDEO: The Central AppCentral Stories Museum and Art Gallery is open Monday - Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Bannockburn winery Felton Road has been crowned The Real Review’s New Zealand winery of the year in 2024.Destiny Bay, Church Road, Ata Rangi and Craggy Range complete the top five. Central Otago wineries have performed strongly this year, taking 36 of the 157 spots.In top position for the first time ever, Felton Road has never ranked lower than sixth place. Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter said they were honored to be awarded winery of the Year New Zealand in 2024 by The Real Review. “We’re blessed in Bannockburn with our four vineyard sites offering such consistent and distinctly high quality wines. We’ve been farming our vineyards organically and biodynamically for over 20 years now which brings additional harmony and nuance to the wines.”The top gong follows a tasting of over 3500 wines and a number of new entrants to the top wineries.The representation of the different wine regions in the list and the high proportion of the top wineries with certified organic vineyards is also notable. Within the top 60, 34 wineries in total have some or all of their vineyards certified organic. Marlborough leads the pack with 48 wineries on the list of 157, with Central Otago having 36 wineries. Auckland has 13 entrants, 11 of which are from Waiheke Island.

Property investment company Roa has this week announced its plan for a $300M hospital in Wānaka’s Three Parks, and says it has sought Fast-track Approval.Roa said in a statement to media it plans to build a “state-of-the-art integrated regional hospital” in Wānaka “to help meet the future health needs of its rapidly growing population”.Plans for the $300M privately funded project comprise a five-level hospital with four operating theatres, imaging services, a 24-hour emergency department and more than 70 inpatient, emergency, and post anaesthetic care beds.Roa said the hospital will be at the heart of a broader “health precinct” which would include four offices for allied medical services such as consulting and treatment rooms, on-site parking, and ground level retail and hospitality opening out onto public pedestrian spaces.The site of the planned healthcare precinct.“Roa will engage a high-quality private healthcare operator to manage the hospital and already has strong interest from established operators in New Zealand, Australia and the United States,” the statement said.“There is similar strong interest in the commercial office space from specialist medical tenants interested in moving into Central Otago.”Queenstown Lakes District deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App he welcomed the investment in health care.“We will keep advocating for public services to come alongside it,” he said, citing services such as much-needed after hours emergency care (which is currently operated by local GPs only until 11pm).Access to health services in the Upper Clutha was the subject of a packed public meeting in Wānaka in March, hosted by the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.Read more: Community sends resounding message to health officials The hospital resource consent application process has been submitted to Queenstown Lakes District Council, but Roa said it anticipated this could take up to three years, prompting the business to apply for the project to be a named project in Schedule 2 of the Government’s new Fast-track Approvals Bill.Roa CEO Mike Saegers said an efficient consenting scheme was critical.Read more: Roa to apply for fast-track approval “Construction of the hospital could commence within 15 months of consent being received, with a target opening date of 18-24 months after that,” Roa CEO Mike Saegers said.“Delay in consenting translates directly through to delay in the doors opening on this much needed beneficial community health asset.”Architects Warren and Mahoney designed plans for the hospital and surrounding health precinct, to be located on Sir Tim Wallis Drive.IMAGES: Supplied