A wood burner replacement trial to improve air quality and human health outcomes, using a $600,000 underspend, is one idea being considered by the Otago Regional Council.The proposal managed to gain the approval of the majority of regional councillors, using money that was originally budgeted for in the Regional Air Plan that is now on pause.The Government halted regional councils’ Regional Air Plans in mid-2025, but the ORC has been progressing to review and update its regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to managing air quality since 2023.Councillors were split 6-5 on whether to instruct staff to prepare a paper to consider options for the trial and other education actions, such as expansion of the air quality monitoring network.The surplus will remain in reserves while the report is being carried out by staff, and the next steps decided.A report to council said air quality is slowly improving in many of Otago’s monitored airsheds, however, Otago’s worst affected towns have some of the poorest winter-time air quality in New Zealand, and still fall short of compliance with the human health standards set out in the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality 2004 (NESAQ).That includes Clyde, where staff initially suggested that they could use the $600,000 to replace 80 wood burners in the town, reducing emissions by up to 40%.A blanket of smog sits over the Clyde basin. Image: fileLeader of the Otago Housing Alliance Aaron Hawkins also talked in the public forum supporting the initiative, but said the criteria for the funding should be based on the state of the heating appliance itself, rather than focusing on specific towns or airsheds.Cr Michael Laws called the proposal a “pet project for staff,” saying it was being utilised for a particular purpose to subsidise certain residents in Clyde, where he said the average house price in the town was now around $1 million.“Clyde is a wealthy community that can provide for its own upgrades.”Chief executive Richard Saunders defended the accusation it was a pet project, and said the proposal had always been part of earlier discussions in the Annual Plan (2026/27).He said staff assessments show spending the money on a particular area will lead to improved health outcomes, which is backed by science.Chair Hilary Calvert suggested that Milton would be a better preference for a town to trial, and pointed out that just because houses were high value in Clyde, didn’t mean those people living in them had high incomes.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A massive subdivision planned for the site of a quarry on the outskirts of Cromwell has almost doubled in density, with developers using the government’s fast track legislation to bypass local planning hurdles they claim would cause significant delays. The proposed Parkburn project, led by Fulton Hogan Land Development, was officially referred to the government’s fast-track consenting process by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop last week.While the initial proposal that prompted Central Otago District Council’s Plan Change 21 included fewer than 600 new homes on the 118-hectare site, fast track documents show Fulton Hogan's revised plan includes closer to 1000 “across a range of densities”.Also proposed, spaces for shops, businesses, healthcare, a preschool and a primary school, as well as two “coves” extending into Lake Dunstan.An end-of-life quarry near Cromwell could become a new 1000-home neighbourhood in a proposed staged development. Image: The Central AppBriefing documents to the minister said the developer acknowledged its higher-density plan was technically non-complying and that was “likely to create significant delays if the project proceeds under normal RMA processes".They also said because the local plan was only recently made operative, the developer's ability to pursue another plan change locally was "limited”, while the government’s fast track process would "support and facilitate more timely and efficient delivery of the project”.The minister backed the referral, saying the project met the criteria because it would “increase the supply of housing" and "deliver significant economic benefits".Analysis showed the project would contribute $472M to New Zealand’s GDP and support 331 jobs over a 10-year delivery period.The minister was told Fulton Hogan believed the proposal would respond “to identified housing needs” in Cromwell and the wider district, including affordable housing and housing to “support the demands that are expected to arise from the proposed mining operations planned across Central Otago”.The project is not without early red flags, and Contact Energy has signalled all private land and roads in any new development on the site should be elevated to 197 metres to mitigate flooding risks associated with the Clyde Dam.Fulton Hogan now has a two-year deadline to lodge a "substantive application".Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Story updated 8.35pm: A large vegetation fire near Clyde that burned approximately 20 hectares - roughly the size of 20 rugby fields - has been contained, with firefighters remaining on site overnight to monitor for flare-ups.Most residents evacuated near Springvale Road have now been allowed home following the "fast-moving" blaze this afternoon (Wednesday February 25).Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident controller Nic McQuillan said only a small number of people from properties west of McArthur Road remained unable to return home.Twenty-one fire trucks and support vehicles responded to the incident.Nic said firefighters had worked hard to save homes in the fire’s path.Images: Susan HealOne shed was destroyed and the exterior of one house was scorched by flames.The fire burned on both sides of Springvale Road, which remains closed.Helicopters with monsoon buckets fighting the fire from the air were stood down at 8pm, and some ground crews were released.Multiple crews will continue working until dark, with one crew remaining on site overnight keep watch.“Additional crews will return tomorrow to extinguish some deep-seated areas of fire,” Nic said.Videos shared to social media showed the fire burning through dry grassland and pine trees along the road linking Clyde with Omakau.A FENZ spokesperson earlier told The Central App fire trucks had been deployed from Dunstan, Clyde, Alexandra, Cromwell, Dunedin, Omakau, Tarras, Blackstone and Millers Flat.No injuries were reported.Fire crews respond to a fast-moving blaze near Springvale Road on Wednesday afternoon. Image: Susan HealOn its own Facebook page, FENZ had warned nearby residents during the peak of the blaze of "a lot of smoke...drifting towards Alexandra"."If you are in the vicinity of the smoke, please stay inside with windows closed," it said on its Otago Facebook page."Please stay away from the area of the fire so firefighters can do their job to contain the fire."It asked people to "take extra care while undertaking any hot works in the area", such as welding, grinding and lawn mowing due to the number of resources responding to the blaze.The cause of the fire is not yet known.The fire was reported to FENZ a little after 4pm.The district entered a prohibited fire season on Saturday.Read more: 'Surprise' fire ban for CentralHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Sixteen national rowing medals came home this week from Lake Karapiro for the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club, including four golds.A squad of 60 athletes represented the club at the New Zealand Rowing Championships.  The Men’s Senior Double Sculls, Women’s Senior Double Sculls, Women’s Senior Coxless Quad Sculls and Men’s Senior Coxless Quad Sculls were all first in their events.Dunstan High School student Bella Breen, at just 15, is one of youngest athletes the club has seen perform at senior level.Bella was also awarded a senior pin - a prestigious award presented to members of gold medal winning crews in Senior grade events at a national level.As well as her gold in the Senior Double Sculls with Madison Neale, Bella also won bronze as part of the Women’s Senior Coxless Quad Sculls - the same race that was won by her team mates Emma Spittle, Olivia Key, Olivia Piebenga and Millie Scott.DARC head coach Simon Smith with some of female medal winners at the nationals. Image: suppliedThe Men’s Senior Double Sculls was won by Henry Clatworthy and Matt O’Meara, who then teamed up with Charlie Manser and Harry Lightfoot to take out the Mens Senior Coxless Quad Sculls.Head coach Simon Smith said it was such a phenomenal thing to be performing at that level with the best in the country, “and it was fantastic seeing that happen.”The club also has four U-23 rowers trialling for New Zealand - Jack Pearson, Mathew King, Finn Allison and Madison Neale.“We’re constantly trying to evolve and grow,” he said.The focus is now on the 15 Dunstan High School rowers that will carry on training for the South Island Secondary Schools and the Maadi Cup in March.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Two Central Otago drivers had their licences suspended by police over the weekend.Alexandra Police Acting Senior Sergeant Regan Price said on February 21 a driver in the Omakau area had his licence suspended for driving through a road works zone, which at the time had a temporary speed limit of 30km/h. The driver’s speed was alleged to be over three times the temporary limit. This driver’s vehicle was also impounded for 28 days.On Thursday February 19, a 54-year-old man was stopped in the Ranfurly area after being seen driving over 50km/h over the speed limit.His licence was suspended for 28 days and his vehicle impounded. He is due to appear in the Alexandra District Court on March 19.Cromwell Police are also investigating the theft of a blue 2016 Ford Ranger from Pisa Moorings which occurred on February 17.Police would like to hear from anyone with CCTV, dash cam or other information that could assist its investigation.Anyone with information can contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing the file number 260218/0460.

It has a well-earned reputation for being brutal - and now the long-time race director of the Northburn 100 near Cromwell is about to get a taste of his own medicine.The tagline for the gruelling mountain running event is: “Where suffering is a prize and everyone’s a winner”.This March, race director Terry Davis will line up to suffer alongside the rest of the field, taking on the longest course on offer - the 100 Miler, a 161 kilometre route that has runners climbing and descending 10,000 metres over up to 48 hours.“It’s very hilly…and they’re quite relentless,” Terry said, describing the course.A Cromwell resident who has built a business around running events that get people out into the Central Otago hills, Terry said there was nothing else quite like the Northburn 100.“Ours is a long climb that goes on and on and on, with a lot of false summits, and it just wears you down,” he said.“Then when you get to the top you think, ‘Oh, great, downhill’, but the downhills go on and on and on and down can be more uncomfortable than going uphill."Year after year, competitors are drawn to the challenge, though that does not mean they enjoy it at the time.“It's very much type two fun,” Terry said.One section, dubbed “the death climb”, comes more than 100 kilometres into the race and involves a steep ascent from lake level to Leaning Rock.Checking the course in previous years, Terry has tackled it himself.“While I was going up there, I had vivid ideas of ‘I don't need to keep doing this. I could just lie down here and die in these tussocks, and I wouldn't have to keep going’. That seemed like a pretty attractive option.”At the inaugural event in 2012, Terry - already race director - recalled standing on the finish line.“The ones who did finish just had looks of anguish on their face. There were no smiles or relief or how happy they were that it was done, they just absolutely collapsed and looked like death warmed up, and I remember thinking to myself, ‘Geez, it can't be that hard’.”Terry Davis: 'If I just jog around and make it look easy, they will be terribly disappointed'. Image: FacebookNews he has stepped away from directing duties to compete this year has spread, drawing some good-natured ribbing from fellow runners.“There are a lot of people that just can't wait to see me really suffer,” Terry said.“If I just jog around and make it look easy, they will be terribly disappointed.”So, what is the appeal?“For me, endurance events - and all the training that you need to do for them - are just absolutely fantastic for mental health, because you have to spend a lot of time outdoors, in the fresh air, in the mountains,” Terry said.Also high on the list of positives, he said, were the people.“The trail running community is the most fantastic, inclusive, embracing – just really friendly and welcoming – and they're just the best community of people that I know.”Glen Christiansen, the general manager of The Gate in Cromwell and another keen runner, will take over as race director for this year’s Northburn event.Marathon, half-marathon, night races and a kids adventure race are among the options available to entrants.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Want to learn how to fix up bikes or need some secondhand parts to get yours back on the trails again?The Up-Cycles Charitable Trust is opening up its 'BikeHive' on the old Wastebusters site every Saturday morning, to enable people to do just that.Having finally found a place to house all of its second-hand bikes and parts in 2025, Upcycles will be ready in mid-March to open the gates to the public.Founder Chris Foggin and a small team have spent hundreds of volunteer hours securing the site to make it fit for purpose, after receiving a ‘right to occupy’ agreement with the Central Otago District Council in mid 2025.Chris said the aim of the Upcycles project has always been the same from the get go - primarily to help people in need, and to bridge the gap between Central Otago’s cycle tourism success and the barriers some locals face in owning or riding a bike.“We’ve helped many new families to the area. Also people without jobs and those that need to get to jobs.”Chris Foggin and the Upcycles team have a dedicated space in Alexandra to fix up bikes and teach others how to do the same. Image: The Central AppThey have also gifted adapted bikes for neuro-diverse riders and those with disabilities.Emphasising they are not a bike shop, he said they will sell some bikes on the Saturday morning for koha, with the proceeds going towards supporting further upcycling activities.Upcycles Charitable Trust had a milestone year in 2025, gaining national recognition, ongoing funding and delivering its largest-ever impact for local riders and families.The trust’s flagship programme, COBA – Community Of Bike Ambassadors – was named a finalist for the second year running in the national Recreation Aotearoa Awards. Soon after, Upcycles secured a major five-year philanthropic funding commitment through the Gift Trust, providing long-term stability and supporting COBA’s expansion.The COBA programme has grown rapidly across schools and community groups, and this year he plans to get even more students involved.“I’m encouraging those kids to also come in and help, and I want to encourage other people that are keen to learn about recycling and fixing up bikes.”Around 60 donated bikes were restored in 2025, and the trust continued purchasing ex-rental bikes to pass on to families needing support.Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for more details about the Saturday morning sessions, which will run from 9:30 until 11:30am.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Keeping all up-to-date with current listing - all you need to do is to click here Tall Poppy Real Estate

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

A proposed $200,000 upgrade to lighting and rigging at Cromwell’s new lakefront venue could be partly funded through a seat sponsorship scheme, according to a council capital expenditure report. According to the report prepared for Wednesday’s Central Otago District Council meeting in Cromwell, the upgrade aims to “future-proof and maximise the usability of the theatre” following feedback from community groups.Council officers are researching a sponsorship initiative for the 400-plus seats inside the auditorium, with terms and conditions currently under review.The update confirms the $45.8M project is on track for a May completion, with approximately $42M already spent.However, the project's risk level regarding sticking to that budget has been given an “amber” alert, and the "expected variation to date" has climbed to $2,002,334.82 as the build enters its final months.“Consumption of contingency is a risk,” the report said."Variations continue to be monitored carefully."The project team is watching for blow outs as the replacement for the Cromwell Memorial Hall edges closer to completion. Image: The Central AppBeyond the budget, the council is also preparing to name the lakefront facility, with consultation set to begin next week on an English-language name.A separate report prepared for Wednesday’s meeting said a “short, targeted, two-week engagement” period would run from March 2, with elected members leading the process, following recommendations from the Cromwell Community Board.The report said the timeframe was tight, but a “high-level awareness and education campaign about naming the new facility has begun due to the tight timeframe”.From the overall project budget, $3000 has been allocated for the consultation.The facility will also have a te reo Māori name, gifted from mana whenua through a process facilitated by Dunedin-based consultant Aukaha.While the report acknowledged that any name including "Memorial Hall" carried "historical weight", it suggested a title reflecting the facility's "modern, multi-use function" was “worth considering”.A final decision on an English name is expected in late April.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations are invited to learn more about Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund and how to submit a strong application, with two free webinars taking place on March 3 and 10.ORC councillor Chanel Gardner said the 2026 ECO Fund will open for applications on March 16, with a total $919,800 available - a similar amount to last year.“The ECO Fund information webinar on March 3 is about clarity. We want potential applicants, including those who have applied before, to understand what the fund is designed to achieve in 2026, what’s changed, and how to position their project well before applications open,” she said.The following week, ORC will host a Preparing a Strong Funding Application webinar at 7pm on Tuesday March 10, designed to help applicants strengthen their submissions and maximise their impact.“The second webinar is practical. Good environmental projects deserve strong applications. Whether you’re new to funding or experienced, this session will walk through what makes a proposal clear, credible and aligned with Council priorities. We encourage all applicants to take part.”Two ECO Fund categories have been updated this year: Hill country erosion management, replacing Critical Source Area Management on private land, focuses on reducing sediment and soil loss through erosion control measures. This includes stock-exclusion fencing and tree planting for erosion control.Total funding available: $51,100Scaling up for biodiversity replaces Large-scale Biodiversity Projects and supports projects that protect and enhance native biodiversity at a larger scale. It also aims to help community groups build delivery experience and transition towards the Large-Scale Environmental (LSE) Fund or other long-term funding sources.Total funding available: $306,600Four existing ECO Fund categories will continue unchanged:General — total funding up to $306,600Sustained rabbit management incentives — up to $102,200Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land — up to $102,200Weed removal and revegetation — up to $51,100The ORC said there are some new requirements when applicants apply for funding.“We’ve introduced a quote requirement this year. It’s a straightforward step that strengthens accountability and helps ensure ratepayer money is used carefully, while still keeping the process accessible for community groups and landowners,” Chanel said.The ECO Fund is one of the largest regional council environmental funds of its kind in New Zealand. Every dollar allocated comes from an Otago home or business. “That means we have a responsibility to continually demonstrate value and maintain public confidence in how the fund operates.”More information about the webinars and the ECO Fund is available at orc.govt.nz/ecofundwebinarEstablished in July 2018, ORC’s ECO Fund supports work that protects, enhances and promotes Otago’s environment to enable iwi, communities’ and private landowners’ environmental activities. An annual review process occurs, to set up the funding categories for each year which align with Council’s strategic directions.Since 2018, the ECO fund has supported 194 projects from 420 applications, distributing just over $3.64 million (out of $10.45 million requested) across 11 application rounds. Each round has averaged 38 applications and has been oversubscribed by an average of 300%.

The directors of Cold Gold Clutha who had their gold dredge consent declined in 2023 in the Upper Clutha have a new mining application underway in the area.Awa Koura Mining - owned by Peter Hall and Daniel Walker, have submitted a resource consent application with the Central Otago District Council to extract gold from their land near Queensberry.The company is hoping to extract the mineral using earthmoving machinery and processing through a floating screen/trommel plant.They have asked for a three year consent before they convert the land to an eight-lot rural subdivision on their property.Terramark planner Darryl Sycamore, who is representing the company, said the applicants are highly experienced miners with multiple projects around the South Island. “It is proposed mining will occur only during standard work hours, Monday to Friday, to limit effects on surrounding landowners. Excavation will only be two to three meters deep into alluvial gravels and will not require any chemicals as part of the processing activity.“There is no risk of chemical contamination to land or water, dust or legacy issues which is often highlighted by opponents of hard-rock mining projects.”Darryl said the lifestyle subdivision on their land already has consent, and the mining will be no closer than 40m from the upper extent of the riverbank.The application is publicly notified solely because landscape effects on some landowners was deemed to be more than minor albeit for a short period, he said.The gold dredge that is currently in operation already on the lower Clutha River. Image: fileOther mining equipment used will consist of a floating gold processing screen plant, five excavators, two dump trucks, a bulldozer, pumps and ancillary equipment. Up to 2,520m3 of water per day is proposed to be used to run the processing plant, based on a flow rate of 70L/s over a 10 hour working day. A report to the CODC said the water will primarily come from groundwater brought to the surface into ponds, and supplemented from the Mata-Au Clutha River. Overall, the proposed activity is likely to have adverse noise and landscape effects on the wider environment that are more than minor.The report identified 16 affected parties - including Ngai Tahu, DOC, NZTA and Heritage NZ that should be served notice of the application.The company has been gold dredging in the Clutha River from the Beaumont area north for several years, but when an application was made to move the operation into the Upper Clutha, it came up against many opposing submitters.Concerns were raised at a hearing in Cromwell in 2023 about environmental impacts on the river, from both the exhaust emissions, the disposal of effluent onboard, as well as lack of cultural considerations.Submissions for the new application close on Thursday March 19 and a hearing will follow.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Two Dunstan High School-focused projects have received more than half a million dollars in funding from Central Lakes Trust.The largest grant of $520,630 was awarded to Molyneux Turf Incorporated (MTI) to develop a multi-purpose artificial sports surface on the grounds of the school.The project, which last year received $300,000 in ratepayer funding, will see the conversion of unfit-for-purpose tennis courts into a more usable space for sports of different codes."This facility will make a meaningful difference to our community," MTI co-president Chris Galbraith said.“It will provide a high-quality, all-weather surface that supports year-round training and competition for schools, clubs, and community groups across Central Otago. By increasing access to quality infrastructure, we are creating more opportunities for participation, improving wellbeing, and investing in the future of local sport.”Dunstan High School also received $68,445 to support delivery of its TradeBase vocational training programme.TradeBase is a partnership between Dunstan High School, Breen Construction and the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, giving students hands-on experience in building, construction and allied trades.Students attend two days a week during the school year, working toward NZQA credits while gaining practical industry experience."What makes TradeBase so valuable is that it puts our students into real construction environments where they’re learning directly from people in the industry,” school principal Andrew King said.“They’re earning NZQA credits, gaining confidence with practical skills, and seeing clear pathways into apprenticeships and employment. For some students, it opens doors they hadn’t even considered, and at the same time it helps build the skilled workforce our region relies on.”In addition, Haehaeata Natural Heritage Charitable Trust was granted $15,000 as an operational grant for the year ahead.The Clyde-based trust works to restore, educate and advocate for the unique dryland plant species found in Central Otago as well as the creatures that depend upon them.CLT approved a total of $1,407,059 in grants at the February meeting, supporting projects and organisations across Central Otago and the wider central lakes area.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

It was a packed house at the first Citizenship Ceremony of the year in the Central Otago District Council chambers on Friday.Residents from Bulgaria, Papua New Guinea, USA, Phillipines, South Africa, England, India, Germany and Brazil were welcomed by Mayor Tamah Alley, who shared some of the new citizens’ background stories.Each new citizen was given a kowhai tree to plant, and were treated to New Zealand kai including cheese rolls and pikelets, while the pupils from The Terrace School sang the national anthem.Mayor Tamah said all New Zealanders have come from somewhere else, the only difference is when they came.She quoted Martin Luther King Jnr, “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”Amongst the 20 new citizens was a policeman originally from the United Kingdom (Constable Mark Sheehan) and a retired medical professional who once worked in China in an attempt to ‘relax’ the one-child per family policy (Helen Axby - also from the United Kingdom).Terrace School pupils lead the national anthem at the end of the ceremony. Image: The Central App.Jinu James came from Southern India with a background in electrical engineering and is now settled in Central Otago with his family working as a construction foreman.Sandra Schubert and Thomas Kaestner were from Berlin and had lived in Christchurch during the earthquakes. They are now settled in Bannockburn.Charlie McLeod was a musical director from South England and met his wife Amy from Alexandra overseas, where they shared a mutual love of New Zealand band 'The Black Seeds.'They named their daughter Marley after the late singer-songwriter Bob Marley, and Charlie continues to teach the drums around Central Otago and play in bands.Charanjeet Singh was originally from India where he played professional cricket from a young age and opened a restaurant in Alexandra when he arrived. He is also a surveyor at Fulton Hogan, and has been playing for Otago Country cricket since 2021.The next Citizenship Ceremony will be on Friday April 17.

Potentially hundreds of local clubs and community groups operating as incorporated societies could be struck off the register in coming weeks if they fail to meet new legal requirements.Figures provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment show 254 incorporated societies with registered office addresses across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes have yet to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.However, the ministry said it could not provide figures specific to the Central Otago district alone, with postcode data used as a proxy covering both districts.James Betton, the acting national manager of business registries, said incorporated societies have been aware of the need to reregister for nearly three years.“During this time, the Companies Office has run an extensive information and education campaign and has developed many useful resources to assist with the reregistration process,” James said.More recently, staff have been contacting society officers directly to clue them up to the changes.Those still waiting to re-register have until April 5 to get the job, after which their club or group would cease to officially exist.But there is a reprieve.James said societies will be able to apply for restoration and registration under the 2022 Act for a period of six years.“Website content is being prepared to assist societies that are removed after the deadline to assist those that wish to be restored and registered under the 2022 Act,” he said.The revamped legislation replaces rules that were more than 100 years old.“The outdated 1908 Act has been replaced by modern legislation that strengthens governance and enhances protections for members, officers, and society assets,” James said.Societies must update their constitution to meet the new legal and governance standards introduced by the 2022 Act.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

Westpac says it is cutting its three-, four- and five-year home loan rates.It is the first bank to move after the latest official cash rate (OCR) announcement.The Reserve Bank indicated it expected to raise interest rates a little faster and earlier than previously forecast - but not as quickly as markets had priced in.Wholesale markets fell as a result.Commentators said it could be good news for borrowers and should mean a temporary end to the increases in home loan rates seen in recent weeks.Westpac said it would cut its three-year special to 4.99 percent, which it said was the only three-year rate below 5 percent at the main banks.The four- and five-year rates will drop by 20 basis points to 5.19 percent and 5.29 percent respectively.Meanwhile, ASB economists say borrowers need to work out the best strategies for their circumstances in the current environment."With so much going on, it is an important time to have a mortgage plan."They said shorter-term rates were now down the most compared to their peaks. Floating, six-month and one-year terms are all 2.9 percent from the highest point.Senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said the message for borrowers was that rate were likely to rise over the next few years."The timing of when they'll go up is the uncertain bit and that just depends on if inflation cools quick enough for the Reserve Bank to be comfortable on the sidelines for this year or they need to act earlier or swifter than their forecasts imply."It has tended to be the case that a series of one-year fixes has proved cheapest overall, over time.Tennent-Brown said whether that continued would depend on whether inflation and the economy turned out to be stronger than expedited."There's still a lot of value in strategies like splitting mortgages over one, two and three years."It still comes back to that story of balancing up people's needs for certainty because you can get a lot of certainty now for historically low prices."We don't expect one-year mortgages will get up to the levels that the four- and five-year mortgages are unless inflation turns out to be a much bigger problem than we're currently thinking."He said one- and two-year rates had historically been where banks were most competitive."It looks like it'll be the place to be, but I don't want to discount the certainty you get if inflation turns out to be more persistent than the current thinking is, for some of the longer-term rates."He said he expected one-year rates to get into the early 5 percent range and two-year rates to go a little higher."Clearly the low point in rates is at best here and likely behind us. So you just need to work out, what are your needs for flexibility and what are the big risks for you? If I had a lot of debt and I couldn't deal with rates getting too much higher, there's a lot of value in those longer-term rates."If I need flexibility, the part of the curve around the one-year space has worked incredibly well for years and based on our forecasts should be okay, but it doesn't give you much protection if inflation and higher interest rates turn out to be on the horizon."

All outdoor fires will be banned across Central Otago from 8am Saturday February 21, as Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) declares a prohibited fire season.FENZ said the ban will remain in place until further notice, meaning no outdoor fires can be lit in the district.District manager Craig Gold said the move may surprise some residents after a slow start to summer and fewer long, hot days than usual."However, it’s been quite deceptive. Our grasslands are now very dry, and the fire risk has been slowly but steadily increasing - notably in Cromwell, Lauder, Clyde and Butchers Dam," he said."We have reached the threshold where we need to declare a Prohibited Fire Season."Craig said while several large, permitted burns had been successfully carried out over recent months, conditions had now changed."We appreciate the support of the farming community, in particular, in recognising that," he says.Central Otago is predominantly grassland, creating significant fuel for fires that could quickly become difficult to control."We want people to be very vigilant," Craig says."A ban on all outdoor fires will reduce the number of callouts and allow Fire and Emergency crews to manage other fires that may occur."Residents unsure whether their property falls within the prohibited area can check their address at www.checkitsalright.nz for specific information about their location.FENZ is urging the community to take the restrictions seriously and help reduce the risk of potentially disastrous fires during the dry period.Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

A little more than a quarter of eligible Vincent ward voters have returned their ballot papers ahead of a meet-the-candidates event in Alexandra today. Some 2,103 voting papers had been received as of Friday, representing a 25.29 per cent return rate.Voters have 10 more days to have their say in the by-election, which comes just months after ballots were last posted in October's local government elections.Returning officer Anthony Morton said votes could only be counted if they were received by the midday deadline on Tuesday March 3.He said voters still had time to return completed papers by mail, but Tuesday February 24 was the recommended final day to do so.From February 25, voters were advised to use one of the council’s branded orange voting bins, he said.Those bins were located at the Alexandra Service Centre on Dunorling Street, the council-owned Alexandra Library, Alexandra New World, Alexandra Woolworths, Clyde Night ’n Day and the Omakau supermarket.Anthony said similar bins were used during the October elections and were well supported.“Council received good feedback on the voting bin locations...and they were well used,” he said.“Electors appreciated an alternative return option to the mail network, especially over the closing week. We expect a similar level of use for the current by-election.”Vincent ward by-election candidate Andrew Dowling says his campaign t-shirt is a conversation starter. Image: SuppliedA meet-the-candidates event organised by Grey Power is being held today from 1.30pm to 3.45pm at the Alexandra District Club.A second event, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Elevate Central business group is scheduled for 7am on Friday February 27. An RSVP is required.First-time candidate Andrew Dowling said it felt a bit unusual campaigning so soon after an election cycle, but he had been out and about meeting residents across the ward and encouraging people to vote regardless.“I’m having a great time meeting people and chatting away, learning as much about them as they are about me,” Andrew said.He said the proposed Santana gold mine had been a frequent topic of conversation on the campaign trail.“It’s great to see the depth of resolve people have to see our region prosper into the future, but with safeguards,” he said.He encouraged voters not to put their ballot papers aside.“Many have voted already, which is great. I hope the others don’t find the envelope on the coffee table mid-March,” he said.Candidate Louise van der Voort, who narrowly missed out on election to the council in October, said people seemed really interested in the by-election."I think that's because affordability is a big issue for many households, and there are so many changes happening through government reform that will potentially affect people having a say about costs, delivery of services and the shaping of the future of Central Otago," she said."That's why people should exercise their vote and make sure they are well represented to get the best outcomes for Vincent."Candidate Nat Jamieson was also approached for comment but did not respond by deadline.Read more: Catch up on The Central App’s Q and A with all three candidatesWatch here: Candidate videosHave a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]

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