Two women with almost 90 years of service between them to the North Otago Floral Art Club have been awarded life membership in the organisation.
''Opening day'' is Labour Weekend and ''closing day'' Easter, while Christmas is family time, at the Clarke family crib at Gemmell's Crossing. David Bruce discovers a family that survives without electronic distractions on holiday.
John Boulton's term as mayor is not subject to the whims of any voters, although he is starting to wonder if it is time someone else took over.
An estimated 6000 people turned out for the annual Kurow Market on Saturday, one of the best attendances in recent years and helped by a warm, cloudy day.
That dysfunctional American family, the Simpsons, have made a holiday appearance in Kurow and locals are hoping they fare better than the minions from the film Despicable Me last year.
Waitaki lakes are generally clear for swimming as thousands pour in to the area for Christmas holidays, although some are ranked ''poor'' and should be avoided under some circumstances.
Mountain bikers have a holiday gift - about 4km of new tracks around the Oamaru reservoir created by Mountain Biking North Otago.
The Waitaki District Council is already getting feedback on its proposal to lease Waitaki lakes camping grounds to private operators.
About 160 people sat down to Christmas Day community dinners in Oamaru and Waimate yesterday.
The success of the inaugural Twilight Farmers' Market and Christmas Party in Oamaru's historic area on Tuesday night exceeded the expectations of one of its organisers, Lucianne White.
A plane crash was something a Hilderthorpe woman never had to handle when she was a police officer, but she can now tick it off her list.
The decision by the North Otago Irrigation Company to expand its scheme is a big Christmas present for the region. David Bruce looks at what it means.
Taking a breather will be a sweet experience while admiring the views on the trek up the Kurow Hill walkway.
A ''one shop front'' for four Waitaki cultural facilities has been launched by the Waitaki District Council.
The finer details of disposing of the Waitaki district's rubbish, along with the cost, will now be worked on so it is in operation before the Oamaru landfill closes in 2016.
Employement-related complaints and grievances have occupied the most time as commissioner Nicola Hornsey works through issues at Waitaki Boys' High School.
About $600,000 spent on Omarama's fire station was ''a sound investment for the safety of Omarama and its surrounding district'', Fire Service national commander Paul Baxter said yesterday.
An increasing number of dog attacks is worrying the Waitaki District Council, with 17 recorded so far this year compared with 13 in all of last year.
A giant moa will soon be seen around Duntroon.
A modern look could replace the existing bare concrete walls of the Waimate Stadium as shown in a concept drawing of a new sporting complex released yesterday.