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 

Two winners of an Alexandra and Districts Parents Centre fundraising raffle scooped up $500 worth of groceries in a mad two-minute grocery grab yesterday. Mum-to-be Courtney Mudgway nominated her partner Alain to take the trolley around because she’s due to have their first child in mid-July. The other winner was Paul Anderson, who sent his son Joe Mugford to collect his family's winnings as he couldn't attend.Car seat coordinator Courtney Winstanley, winner Paul’s son Joe and APC president Nicola Rae. PHOTO: The Central AppAPC committee members thanked Helen and Shane Ryan from Alexandra New World for supporting the grocery grab and APC. Helen scanned the items after the two-minute dash. PHOTO: The Central AppCourtney had briefed Alain to get meat including roasts and steak. PHOTO: The Central AppThe store was open during the grocery grab and other shoppers were informed to stay aware of the action and give the runners plenty of room. Watch Alain’s sprint through the store, firmly focused on the butchery section. VIDEO: The Central AppAlain said he couldn’t steer due to his pace, and that the time constraint made him feel panicked. His trolley was jammed with sausages, chicken, pork roasts, steak and a last second grab of orange juice.Watch Joe’s turn, where he gets Kiwi favourites tomato sauce, milk and cheese. VIDEO: The Central AppJoe said the two minutes weirdly felt a bit longer.“I didn’t want to stay in one spot too long.”He spent time in the butchery and the dairy section, stocking up on whole chickens, eye fillet, bacon, 1kg cheese blocks, milk, tomato and burger sauce. He was the only one to get fresh vegetables, he nabbed a lettuce at the start of his run. His last-minute find was some chocolate, taking him to the $500 figure.There were some exclusions and winners could not put cigarettes, alcohol, Lotto or gift vouchers in their trolley. The APC raffle proceeds have gone towards four new car seats for the car seat hire service.As the cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets the winners said they were grateful for the prize and chance to stock up for the winter months.Statistics New Zealand’s selected price indexes (released March 13) showed grocery food had a 3.9 per cent increase in cost in February 2024 than February last year.  Learn more about APC here.

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.

A nationwide shortage of dentists is impacting Central, with local practices reporting three month waits for appointments. Central Dental practice manager Ben Paterson said they have been short by two dentists since the start of 2024.Ben said for Cromwell the wait was about four to six weeks for an appointment.“In Alexandra it’s booked out until halfway through June.”The practice has been advertising but Ben said they can’t compete with overseas.“Our job ads are lost in a sea of others.“On the New Zealand Dental Association website there are hundreds of ads.”The shortage has become widespread that Ben said “even Auckland is struggling for dentists.”Ben said that neighbouring districts' problems are spilling over into Central, as patients were travelling from Invercargill for treatment, and people from Queenstown were coming to Central for appointments.His message for locals is to make sure you are continuing with regular checkups and dental care.“We are trying to look after our own patients first . . . if you have an emergency it’s a matter of ringing around . . . there might be cancellations as there is a bit of Covid-19 still around.”Tarbert St Dental Surgery business owner and dental hygienist Emma Ishikawa said a few times a day they get phone calls or people popping in trying to get appointments.The business is also advertising for a dentist and have been for the past few years, with only a few applications coming in.Emma said they haven’t taken on any new patients since 2020.“We were lucky and got a wonderful dentist last year who is full time.”One of the Tarbert St Dental team dentists, Mark Smith, is splitting his time between New Zealand and the United Kingdom currently, but Emma said they are committed to looking after their enrolled patients and informing them that checkups may be slightly delayed.“If it’s an emergency, [for our patients] we will get you in within a day or so.”Emma said the main challenge in getting dentists to relocate to Central was accommodation.“I’ve spent more than 20 hours [in the past] trying to find accommodation for a locum dentist . . . it was the expense of it, then there was no flexibility around it.“We are looking at buying a place now, so we could rent it to a locum dentist.”Emma said they were a family run business, their staff were treated like family and everyone took great pride in their work, so not just anyone can join their team.“Friends of friends, and word of mouth” might just help with the shortage and she was hoping a dentist “popped out of the woodwork” to ease the waiting times. For dental emergencies in Central there is an on-call roster running on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. If you have an emergency after hours phone 03 746 6157 for help.

There has been a 10 percent increase in the number of years that New Zealanders are staying in paid work, since a mandatory retirement age was eliminated in 2000.A study by AgeCalculator.com using OECD data indicates New Zealand had the fourth highest increase in the age when workers retire and was the only non-European country to make the top 10 list.While government superannuation kicked in at 65, people were staying in work longer, with the average age rising to 67 years in 2020, from 61 in 2000.The findings were no surprise and reflected a positive change to retirement policies that took place in New Zealand 24 years ago, Retirement Commission policy lead Michelle Reyers said."New Zealand has got a number of policies in place that actually encourage older people to continue in paid work that don't actually exist in other countries. And this is really giving people flexibility and choice to decide when they're going to exit from paid work."Read more: How old is too old to still be working?In some countries, there was a mandatory retirement age."And because New Zealand Super is not mean tested, there's no disincentive to continue work beyond age 65," she said."So all of these things are playing a bit of a role when you do comparisons with other countries."She said a 25 percent workforce participation rate of New Zealanders over the age of 65 was also one of the largest such groups in the OECD."There are a whole lot of things going on in the background that are actually encouraging ongoing participation in the workforce for older workers in New Zealand."She said there were also government policies to encourage employers to improve workplace flexibility for older workers."We know from research that people are wanting to transition into retirement and not just stop altogether."And we know it's really important to eliminate ageism, or age discrimination in the workforce, and really important for training and upskilling for older workers to allow them to continue working if that's what they choose to do."The Retirement Commission wanted a cross-party political agreement to keep the superannuation age at 65.In February, Commissioner Jane Wrightson said a superannuation age of 65 was "perfectly affordable" at the moment, but if that changed, access to NZ Super could be income tested.National wanted to raise the age to 67 from 2044, while Labour was sticking with 65.

ANZAC Day is a day of great privilege as a mayor, getting to play a bit of a role in the most special of days. This ANZAC Day was an extra-special one for me as I was invited to give an address at Lowburn, while my brother Murray McMillan read the Ode. I gave the same address at Clyde earlier in the day and it is copied below if you want to have a read. I always feel that the chance to speak at events such as this should not be taken lightly and that if you are given the chance to say something, you really should actually say something. I was motivated in this year’s address by two conversations that I had had in the weeks preceding. One was a comment made in a meeting with a fairly angry chap during which he told me that there was no such thing as democracy in New Zealand as leaders like me and those in Wellington don’t do what people want them to do. The reality that you can’t make all the people happy all the time appeared to have eluded him, but what made me bristle was the nonsense that we don’t have democracy in New Zealand. We do, and we are blessed to do so, and I feel it an insult to those who came before us and a danger to those that are to come after us that people like this guy devalue what we have to the extent to claim it doesn’t exist. The other thing that got me thinking was someone saying to me that apparently President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has two $15m yachts, set around a premise that the west shouldn’t really be supporting him if that’s what he’s doing with the money. I mean, seriously? Firstly, where would he sail these things, given Ukraine’s only available bodies of water, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, are Russian Navy lakes and secondly there is probably nobody more likely to receive a sniper’s bullet in the world while sunbathing than he? It’s hard to fathom how this can’t be seen by some as misinformation, but there you go. Hence my plea for people to critically question what they are told. I have a tip on that; if someone starts a story with “apparently” or even better “I have it on good authority”, set your BS detector to High because what is about to be said is probably shaky at best. I can’t remember how many people told me a few years back that they had heard from a brother who had a cousin who was married to a high-ranking police officer (or similar) who said Clark Gayford definitely had a Home D bracelet or got the nanny pregnant. In regard to the last one, I loved it one day when someone told the line about the nanny and an old bloke next to me said “he’s a slow learner because he got her pregnant last year too”. We now know, and should have then, that these were just ugly rumours, told so many times that they became seen as truth. And that’s bloody dangerous to all of us. Here's my address from the day below, I hope you enjoy it: As we meet this morning, there are as many reasons for attending as there are people here. Some will come to remember those they served with, many will be here to pay thanks to those people who came before us and sacrificed so much so that we can live our blessed lives in this incredible place, and some will be here to do those things but to also cast a worried eye to the world we live in today and to say a prayer or give thought to the hope that the peace filled lives most of us have lived will stay that way. I am not sure I have ever lived in times where the world situation is as troubling as now. Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine has turned into a war of attrition that has no end in sight. Similarly, bloodshed in Israel/Palestine has shortened the fuse on the powder keg that the Middle East has been for generations and closer to home, geo-political tensions between the US and China, especially around Taiwan, seem to relentlessly march in only one direction. It's got to the point where watching the news has become such a grim undertaking that sometimes I find myself switching off. And that is a problem, because as our need to be informed, as our need to get as clear as possible an understanding of the challenges our world faces becomes even more vital, our news media is dying around us. And what is replacing it? Rumours, gossip and opinions; a boiling mess of misinformation that is a malignant growth that will thrive in an environment without proper journalism. As we gather here today remembering and commemorating our past, we must stand strong to protect our future, to protect the democracy that is the foundation of all we hold dear, and as part of that, we must make sure we each ensure we are informed, not misinformed about the world around us. We must all constantly question and challenge the misinformation that threatens our very way of life. In 1924, one hundred years ago, Adolf Hitler was in a prison cell writing his manifesto Mein Kampf. In that litany of hatred he wrote “What good fortune for those in power that people do not think.” What better way to honour those who have sacrificed for us than we all today commit to thinking, to making the effort to be properly informed not by opinion and rumours but by fact, and that we recognise that in doing so, we are in our own small way fighting for the democracy that those who came before us fought so hard and gave so much for, the democracy that is the foundation of our fortunate lives, the democracy that that we must never take for granted.

Central Otago ratepayers are facing large and varying rates hikes with some homes in line for increases of up to 33 percent.The Central Otago District Council signed off its draft annual plan for consultation on Wednesday, saying its starting point was a 45.4 percent rates increase.The council said it took an essentials only approach to cut costs including delaying non-critical work to reach an average rise of about 21 percent, while grappling with rising costs across the board.District mayor Tim Cadogan said it was a tough but necessary decision."We've made, I believe, the responsible decision not to put things off for tomorrow. Not to cut depreciation and therefore make tomorrow pay for today's usage and things like that," he said.District mayor Tim Cadogan. Photo: Supplied"It's a very hard pill to swallow but I'm, at this stage, satisfied that there's not really much meat left on the bone to pare off."The consultation document gave ratepayers a taste of what to expect with examples in suggesting a Roxburgh residence with a capital value of $425,000 could be in line for a 33 percent increase.In Cromwell, a residence with a capital value of $680,000 might face a 27 percent hike, raising rates from $3,229.69 to $4,108.68.At the lower end of the scale, an Alexandra lifestyle block with a capital value of $1.3 million and a Manuherekia farm with a capital value $5.28m were in line for an eight percent increase.The council joins a growing list of local government bodies that are staring down double-digit rates rises, including the Gore District Council, which voted to take a proposed 21.4 percent average increase to its community for consultation on Tuesday.About 65 percent of the Central Otago District Council's revenue comes from rates.The total rates required had increase by $9.89m or 22.6 percent, the council said.Deputy mayor Neil Gillespie said it was a bitter pill to swallow."I would love to be able to say that I'd found the silver bullet to this but I can't. I think it's a matter of keep doing the hard work we're doing to get to where we are, and we will, through the Long-Term Plan next year ... look at those bigger picture issues," he said.Commercial businesses were not escaping the rising rates either with the draft budget's sample rates suggesting the Omakau Hotel was facing a 42 percent hike while the Alexandra Hotel was in line for a 38 percent rise.The council said inflation has ballooned its cost by 25 percent this year compared to what was budgeted for, with interest, insurance and energy costs spiking enormously along with infrastructure costs.Three Waters costs accounted for more than a quarter or $18.6m of the council's operating costs in the upcoming financial year, which the council said was $5.6m more than it was budgeting for.

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.

Helpers are needed to lend a hand at five Mōkihi Reforestation Trust (MRT) community planting sessions at keystone sites this autumn. Four sessions are at Stuart Ferry, a site previously covered in wilding pines, and one session at the 45th Parallel.Organisers said volunteers need to bring a hat, gloves, water, good footwear, a shovel, along with friends, family and enthusiasm. After the morning’s work, morning tea will be provided. Stuart Ferry is a visible site opposite Pearson Rd and before the Bannockburn bridge which is utilised by people on the cycleway. Planting started at Stuart Ferry in 2020. The dates are May 4 and 25, June 22 and July 20, at 10am - 12noon. The working bee at the 45th Parallel is on August 17. Volunteers at a previous community planting day. PHOTO: Jane PoweAt the 45th Parallel site, planted in 2018 and 2019, rabbit nets have protected most of the 650 plants. There are dryland shrubs and grasses, mountain flax and trees and the cycle trail goes alongside the plantings. Along with Stuart Ferry and the 45th Parallel site, the third keystone MRT site is Richards Beach, it was planted in 2016 and there are more than 3000 plants at the site. MRT aims to restore and establish pockets of indigenous biodiversity in Cromwell and surrounding areas, and in particular the Lake Dunstan shoreline.For more information about MRT see the group’s website.

Local primary health organisation WellSouth is filling a gap for Māori and Pasifika aged 55-64 years old to get a free flu vaccine this winter.With the arrival of the flu season, the best defence against flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine and follow hygiene practices such as handwashing and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.  There are many people in Central who are eligible for a free flu vaccine including everyone over 65, and those with long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, a heart condition and long-term mental health conditions. Last winter, Māori and Pasifika aged 55-64 years old were funded to receive a free vaccine by the Ministry of Health, using a one-off Covid-19 funding stream. That funding has ended, and with this, many hundreds of 55-64 year old Māori and Pasifika were no longer covered. WellSouth clinical director Dr Carol Atmore said WellSouth sees the value of providing flu vaccines for all Māori and Pacific people in our district, and has decided to fund this locally. “Given Māori and Pacific people experience a greater illness burden at a younger age than NZ European people, and often live in multi-generational households, this was seen as a great targeted service to promote health in this population group. “We looked at the percentages and funding available and have made the decision to fund the shortfall and ensure that high needs group is covered this year.” “This supports approximately 1000 people and means that all 55–64 year old Māori and Pasifika in Otago and Southland are now able to get a fully funded flu vaccine,” Carol said. You can get your vaccine at your general practice or local pharmacy. See the Health button for information for details. Another available alternative in Central Otago is Uruuruwhenua Health, on freephone 0800485111.Uruuruwhenua Hauora manukura hauora and nurse Lana John said to protect vulnerable whānau, especially elderly kaumātua and those with underlying illnesses from the effects of flu, where cost and access may be a barrier, they are offering whānau free flu vaccinations, alongside all nurse clinics and by arrangement.Find additional information on the flu vaccine on the Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) webpage.

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.

Six young swimmers from Alexandra Swimming Club (ASC) represented the district at recent national swimming competitions in the Hawke’s Bay.Breast stroke specialist Caleb Ludlow and backstroke specialist Liam Rees raced in the New Zealand Open Championships, swimming with New Zealand’s elite swimmers at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre, from April 9 to 13.Following that meet, four other ASC swimmers joined them for the New Zealand National Age Groups Swimming Championships, known as NAGS, from April 15 to 19, at the same venue.Liam, Ashleigh and Caleb. PHOTO: Supplied ASC head coach Ashleigh Rankin said the trip away was good in general with swimmers making a few personal bests and the team producing strong swim times in the relay.“I think we made a final every night, except for one, across both the competitions.”She said for a relatively small club with much fewer resources than the large city clubs, ASC should be proud.She was away with young son Luca (dressed in a ‘mini coach’ uniform) for two weeks, supporting swimmers at the meets.“It was a long time away from home and a bit exhausting. Luca was quite the flirt and got a lot of attention too.“In some races, some swimmers felt really good, but times didn’t quite match how they felt.”Both Liam and Caleb moved up an age grade to the 17 and 18 year olds at NAGS, which Ashleigh said meant “more tough competition”.She said one of the highlights was seeing the small team support each other if results weren’t as they hoped, then have a good laugh and move on to focus on future races.Liam’s mother Bronwyn Rees was away for the duration and assisted Swimming New Zealand as an inspector of turns. PHOTO: SuppliedAshleigh thanked the supporters from Central for their messages.“A group of Cromwell girls sent a snapchat to me, of them all together having a big sleepover to support the Alex club swimmers and watch the livestream. That was so cool.”Young swimmers from Cromwell unite to watch the livestream of the swimming. PHOTO: Supplied Ashleigh, who coaches Cromwell Swimming Club swimmers too, said it was nice to show the older more experienced swimmers how they were inspiring the next generation to make it to national level.“Near the end of our trip, there was a feeling of [our group] being ready to go back to short course swimming, where we really shine.”For more about ASC see their club listing.Listen to a previous episode of The Outlet where Ashleigh talks about her coaching journey so far.

Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Annual Plan goes out for consultation from today and the community is encouraged to have its say.The draft 2024-2025 Annual Plan draft budgets, consultation document, and supporting information were adopted at the Central Otago District Council meeting in Alexandra this week.   It will be followed by a month-long public consultation. Speaking to her report presented to council, Vibhuti Chopra who is leading the development of the draft Annual Plan budgets, spoke about the draft budgets and their preparation under conditions of high inflationary pressure in the economy, substantial regulatory change and increasing sustainability and resilience needs in CODC’s operating environment. Councillors discussed these pressures and the ever-changing Three Waters landscape and expressed their concern knowing the cost-of-living pressures facing our community. They also acknowledged that there was apparently no way around the level of increase as the majority of it was in relation to core council services. The rates increase of an average of 21.4 per cent was obviously far higher than what was anticipated in the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan for a variety of reasons, but primarily because of increased costs to deliver water supply and wastewater systems, roads and bridges and waste management.At the meeting Mrs Chopra was asked to share her views on the development of this Annual Plan from her experience working with other councils. “I genuinely believe that the council is in a very good place with strong governance and that the council has genuinely put in a lot of effort to determine what is viable [in the savings in drawing up this year’s Annual Plan]. So, I want to say that the ratepayers of Central Otago can be confident of the rigour their council puts into developing options for the community.”A range of drop-in sessions will be available for the community to attend on the following dates. IMAGE: SuppliedMayor Tim Cadogan thanked councillors and council staff for the mahi in finding $10 million in savings to pull the rates rise back as much as they could realistically, without compromising the level of service provided. He further stressed the importance of understanding that the proposed 21.4 per cent increase is an average. “Regrettably, residential property owners are likely to pay more than those who live in rural areas as significant parts of the costs we can’t avoid relate to urban services such as three waters and waste.” He encouraged ratepayers to make use of the online rates calculator, which would allow them to enter their address to see what the estimated rates increase will be specific to their property. The rates calculator, along with the consultation document and supporting information, and how to provide feedback can be found at the CODC’s consultation platform Let’s Talk: Let’s Talk Central Otago, when the consultation officially opens on Friday, April 26. The council will be holding drop-in sessions to give people the opportunity to talk to elected members. These drop-in sessions will include an online event, which will be recorded and available to view. 

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.”

Central’s Anzac Day dawn services are likely to be met with unsettled weather, including wind and rain.MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said while the district’s many services could be held under damp skies, the biggest concern was for wind.A strong wind watch has been issued for some parts of the South Island, including Central Otago from 6pm Wednesday until 8am on Anzac Day.She said wind speeds could approach severe gale in exposed places.A strong northwesterly flow over the South Island is expected to bring rain to mainly the West Coast ahead of a series of fronts passing on Anzac Day, with the potential to spill over into Central on Anzac morning and again in the evening.However, accumulations in Central were not expected to be anywhere near the amounts predicted on the West Coast.“I'd recommend anyone heading out for [a] dawn/morning service to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and wear a raincoat for protection against the wind, even if there isn't much rain.”The heaviest falls are expected in the morning and again in the evening as fronts pass over the island, which have prompted heavy rain watches for Fiordland and Westland from late Wednesday night to early Friday morning.To keep up to date with weather forecasts click on The Central App's Weather & Reports button.For a list of Anzac Day services across the district click on our What's On button.