Southern District Health Board chief executive Carole Heatly
My break will be spent with my partner and two dogs, and we are going to take to the roads in our wee camper van ''Betty'' and tiki-tour parts of the South Island.
We cannot wait to get out and explore more of the beautiful countryside, stopping off at cafes and vineyards along the way (no drinking and driving though!), and discovering some more of New Zealand's finest treasures, such as Riverstone Cafe, the baby seals at Kaikoura and all that Central Otago has to offer.
Being Scottish, I'm still grappling that Christmas here is spent in summer and that there is no snow!
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Otago-Southland residents a very merry Christmas.
Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead
In early January, we take our annual holiday in the caravan at Omarama camping ground, where we join four or five family groups for two weeks' catch-up and relaxation. Days are spent on beaches on Lake Benmore with the boat, water-skiing, fishing and soaking up the sun.
I also intend to do some biking and walking to regain some fitness to ensure I can assist with a Milton Rotary/Otago Youth Adventure Trust tramp on one or two of the Great Walks during the autumn.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull
I will be using my time away to wind down after a busy year.
There will be general chilling out and ''a bit of reading between wines''.
I will be taking some reading work with me and intend to start in on my annual Christmas haul of books, after completing last year's collection earlier this month.
I will fill the rest of my holidays with some kayaking, swimming and cycling.
I will be back in Dunedin for a few days during the holidays to attend a wedding at Karitane in the new year.
Knox Church minister The Rev Dr Kerry Enright
The great thing for me is, my wife (Dr Mavis Duncanson) has been working in Sydney and is coming home, so the whole family except for my son, who lives in Canada, will be there for Christmas dinner.
That's a very special thing. We will also head to Stewart Island for a few days' holiday.
It's my first time on Stewart Island.
