Hamish MacLean

New hosts could face fee 'fright'

The Mackenzie District Council has issued a warning to would-be visitor accommodation providers ''so they don't get a fright'' when they apply for a building consent and learn a financial contribution is required.

$3m distillery site falls through

$3m distillery site falls through

The New Zealand Whisky Company's plans to develop a $3 million distillery in Oamaru could be in jeopardy.

Climbers' dream dashed by nature

Though he says he has learned about "large-scale disappointment", Oamaru’s Sam Henehan still smiles when talking about his 26-day journey to the Rolwaling Valley on the Nepal-Tibet border.

Airfield urged to be ready

Tourism injected an estimated $502million annually into the Wanaka economy. Photo: Mark Price

Airfield urged to be ready

Changes coming up at Wanaka Airport and the possibility of a flight school at Oamaru should prompt the Omarama Airfield board of directors to broaden the objectives of the airfield, Waitaki District Council says.

Waterfront Rd extension opened to traffic

The $600,000 Waterfront Rd extension in Oamaru Harbour is now open to traffic. Finishing touches...

Waterfront Rd extension opened to traffic

Traffic is now using the $600,000 Waterfront Rd extension at Oamaru Harbour.

'Friendly, loyal' man mourned

A man who worked with Craig Porter for 15 years has offered a heartfelt tribute to "one of the best men that I ever worked with".

Call for tourism body to be self-sustaining

Tourism Waitaki must strive to be more financially sustainable, a senior Waitaki district councillor says.

Man killed in ute crash near Dunback named

Police have released the name of the man who died after the ute he was travelling in rolled on a farm near Dunback on Sunday afternoon.

'Extreme' frustration at delayed harbour slipway repair

'Extreme' frustration at delayed harbour slipway repair

A Waimate man says he has been unable to sell his boat, moored in Oamaru Harbour, because of delays in repairs to the Waitaki District Council slipway at the harbour.

Story of change helps inspire youngsters

Ella (17, left) and her sister Grace Francis (16), both of Oamaru, take a photo with Good2Great...

Story of change helps inspire youngsters

When eight-time New Zealand Music Award-winner Stan Walker was a boy, he "was never good enough" - he "was always the one that never fit in".

Economic development head named

There are calls for Oamaru Harbour to be dredged. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Economic development head named

The person tasked with pursuing "growth opportunities" in Waitaki — including finding ways to secure the district’s share of the Government’s newly created $1 billion-a-year Provincial Growth Fund ...

Two injured when powerboat capsizes

John Buckland and his co-pilot head back to Oamaru Harbour after the New Zealand Boat Marathon...

Two injured when powerboat capsizes

Two men were taken to Oamaru Hospital after the powerboat they were racing capsized in Oamaru Harbour on Saturday morning.

Bookseller's library plan delayed

Owner Bill Nye, of Oamaru, pictured earlier this year. Photo: Hamish MacLean

Bookseller's library plan delayed

Adventure Books owner Bill Nye is set to depart for the United States to collect a treasure trove of books - and the size of his bounty has grown since he inherited thousands of rare books.

Town abuzz over movie production

Town abuzz over movie production

Omarama is buzzing about the major movie production coming to town.

Decision pending on Harbour St

Harbour Street Bakery owner Ed Balsink carries a sign for the Tyne St entrance of Harbour St to...

Decision pending on Harbour St

There is still no answer for Harbour St.

School board requests manager

School board requests manager

The Weston School board of trustees wants the Ministry of Education to appoint a limited statutory manager at the school to help it process a ''staffing issue''.

Go-ahead to apply for Global Geopark

Go-ahead to apply for Global Geopark

The New Zealand National Commission for Unesco has given the Waitaki District Council the nod to go ahead with its bid to establish the country’s first Unesco Global Geopark.

Project planning gets nod

Tourists wander through Harbour St in Oamaru's Victorian Precinct. Photo ODT

Project planning gets nod

Two long-awaited projects at Oamaru Harbour and the town’s historic Harbour St gained traction yesterday.

Brief encounter led to ongoing passion for town

David Harbourne, of Yorkshire, spent three days in Oamaru by chance in 2011. Five and a-half...

Brief encounter led to ongoing passion for town

David Harbourne’s love affair with Oamaru began with low expectations.

Maintenance of church’s gardens questioned

St Luke’s Anglican Church at the corner of Thames and Itchen Sts will have its terraced gardens...

Maintenance of church’s gardens questioned

A firm belief in the separation of church and state has prompted one Waitaki District councillor to oppose picking up the maintenance tab for high-profile Oamaru gardens.

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Hamish MacLean