Lynda van Kempen

Police are hunting a 20-year-old Cromwell man with a history of violence who has escaped from police custody.

After three terms serving his "apprenticeship" as deputy mayor, Tony Lepper has won the top job in his first bid at the mayoralty.

The Blossom Festival would definitely "live to see another day" thanks to the combined efforts of a vast number of people who rallied in support this year, chairwoman Clair Higginson said at the festival's closing event.

The Central Otago District Council was ringing the changes yesterday, introducing a new committee structure as well as a new duo at the helm.

Seven flakes of gold gave Queenstown teenager Amelia Gatward-Ferguson a glittering advantage yesterday when she became the youngest winner of the New Zealand gold-panning championship.

Central Otago primary school pupils are splashing into their nearest swimming pool for lessons wearing a full set of clothing, including footwear.

A steady stream of visitors to Roxburgh yesterday made the most of the chance to drool over hundreds of classic cars on display or view equally well-polished exhibits in the town's arts festival.

A tiny hill-top cemetery in the Ida Valley was the focal point for a series of family reunions at the weekend.

The incoming Central Otago District Council faces a tough decision at its first meeting: who should be responsible for water-metering policy and strategy - the council or its community boards?

Commercial ventures should be encouraged and fostered by the Central Otago District Council, especially as many small businesses were struggling for survival, the council's hearings panel was told this week.

Samoa tsunami survivor Ngaire Woodward has faced her fears, walked on the beach and even swum in the sea that nearly claimed her life a year ago.