Rosie Manins

Otago Polytechnic's sports turf management programme is going from strength to strength, with $140,000 of new equipment and a student roll at capacity for the first time.

Cromwell residents can expect to become familiar with the town's latest police officer, who is enthusiastic about the personal approach to small-community policing.

Just over a week after the fire which destroyed their Ranfurly home and two business premises, Dick and Janet Parker are busy getting on with life.

Parties are being urged to register their involvement in a liquidation hearing for Alexandra Stone Ltd, which is scheduled to be heard in the High Court at Dunedin next month.

Despite being on opposite sides of the world, Alaska and Alexandra have more in common than most people realise, visiting geologist Carol Huber says.

Central Otago residents are being warned about the district's extreme fire risk following a close call in Clyde, where a blaze threatened houses and businesses along the town's main street.

Proposed traveller accommodation along the Otago Central Rail Trail at Lauder is concerning residents, as well as national, regional, and district-wide organisations.

An independent commissioner will preside over a hearing for a proposed $4 million tourism venture at Cromwell later this month.

Apples selling for $1 a kilogram in Central Otago are not an indication of a poor-quality season, growers say.