Sarah Marquet

Kerry Stainton-Herbert, chairwoman of the Bannockburn Community Centre Management Committee, with...

Halls face shaky future

As the needs and wants of society change, so does the future of rural halls. No longer the focal point for communities, the halls are at risk of being abandoned or demolished due to new earthquake strengthening rules. Reporter Sarah Marquet finds out what lies ahead for some halls in Central Otago.

$30,000 ex gratia payment made

A $30,000 confidential ex gratia payment was made to the liquidators of the Molyneux Park Charitable Trust, records show.

Giving a voice to desperate cries for help

North Korean exile Kim Sang Hun with his book detailing abuse in the secretive country. Photo by...

Giving a voice to desperate cries for help

Kim Sang Hun was born in North Korea but thanks to his father's foresight, the family moved south before the 1950-53 Korean War.

From North Korea into the light

Kim Chol-su is depressed. He has no hope, no friends, no job, and no will to work. He knows he should but almost every waking moment is consumed with thoughts of his wife and son. Are they alive? Have they been starved? Raped? Tortured? Will he ever find out their fate?

Upgraded facility a success story

The Becks War Memorial Hall. Photo by Sarah Marquet.

Upgraded facility a success story

The Becks War Memorial Hall, which has served the tiny community for about 50 years, is a success story compared with some of its neighbouring counterparts.

Council affected

In addition to community-owned halls, a significant number of halls owned by the Central Otago District Council are considered to be earthquake-prone.

Request for library cash

Request for library cash

Disestablishment of a library manager position last year, a development beyond the Central Otago District Council's control, came at a significant financial cost.

Park, council to share mains upgrade cost

Highlands Motorsport Park near Cromwell needs to upgrade a Cromwell water main to continue its development and the Central Otago District Council has decided to share the cost.

Quake work ordered

Quake work ordered

Council-owned quake-prone buildings in Central Otago will be strengthened, likely to 34% of the national building code.

Board annoyance over relocation of postbox

Board annoyance over relocation of postbox

A relocated postbox in Cromwell has raised the ire of some elected members, not necessarily because it was moved but because they feel they were not consulted properly.

Indications trail funding a ratepayer burden

Riders on the Clutha Gold Trail near the Roxburgh Dam. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Indications trail funding a ratepayer burden

Despite assurances ratepayers would not be asked to further fund Roxburgh Gorge or Clutha Gold trails, the Central Otago District Council has included $100,000 in its draft annual plan for general trail maintenance.

Fire spreads quickly in strong winds

A helicopter crew douses flames on the Bannockburn side of Cornish Point yesterday.

Fire spreads quickly in strong winds

A scrub fire covering an estimated 50ha on Cornish Point, near Cromwell, took five hours to bring under control yesterday as strong winds fanned flames.

Collection may be too valuable to go on show

A garment designed by Vinka Lucas, of Auckland, in the early 1970s is part of the Eden Hore...

Collection may be too valuable to go on show

The Eden Hore fashion collection, bought by the Central Otago District Council for $40,000 in August last year, has gone from being a dress collection to a ''museum treasure trove'', Mayor Tony Lepper says.

Water rates may rise as consumption falls

Pat Braddick, of Clyde, waters her flower garden yesterday. She said she would be ''not...

Water rates may rise as consumption falls

Since water meters were introduced to Central Otago, water use, in the Vincent ward at least, has come way down, so council revenue has dropped, too.

Cellphone outage grates

A cellphone tower damaged in Thursday's 50ha fire on Cornish Point was yesterday being assessed by Telecom staff but it was not known when service would be back to normal, causing frustration for some users.

Couple's business simply blooming

Growing peonies can be a hard business, especially come harvest time, but Jill (left) and John...

Couple's business simply blooming

A Naseby couple on the verge of retirement have started a niche peony-growing business, spotting an international demand. Alexandra reporter Sarah Marquet finds out about Altitude Peonies.

Pupil recovering from bike crash

The 17-year old James Hargest College head girl injured in the Otago Southland Secondary Schools Triathlon in Cromwell on Thursday was yesterday recovering at home.

Getting down to grass roots

Getting down to grass roots

Southern Steel player Erena Mikaere receives a ball from year three The Terrace School pupil Elle-Anna Eweans during a visit yesterday.

Heat and hydration issues for pupils

At least one secondary pupil fainted and others retched on the finish line as temperatures hit the 30s at a Central Otago triathlon yesterday.

Busy preparations for double Deco event

As cavalcade walkers, riders and wagoners make their way to Ranfurly, the town's Rural Art Deco committee is busy preparing for this weekend's double celebration, Decocade.

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Sarah Marquet