Sarah Marquet

A retrospective application for resource consent from Cold Gold Clutha, which operates a dredge on a long stretch of the Clutha River below Roxburgh, has drawn one submission.

America's Cup yachtsman Sir Russell Coutts has branched out into farming, buying a 265ha Omakau dairy property.

The Central Otago Ecological Trust, which aims to save the critically endangered Otago and grand skinks from extinction, finally has all the money it needs to extend a predator-proof fence at the Mokomoko Skink Sanctuary near Alexandra.

More than 150 people, their horses and support crew gathered at Earnscleugh Station yesterday evening, ready for a day trek to Kawarau Station today they hope will raise more than $20,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

''We can't afford not to do it,'' was the sentiment expressed by members of the Vincent Community Board when they considered submissions on a proposal for Alexandra's ice rink to be relocated to a site next to the pool.

The new Maniototo Community Board - (from left) Rob Hazlett, Sue Evans, Sue Umbers, chairman Mark Harris and deputy chairman Stu Duncan - was sworn in on Thursday.

New Zealand gained six new citizens last week, at a ceremony in Alexandra. Pictured with Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper (rear centre) they are: Asher (left) and Jennifer Statham, formerly of Britain, now of Tarras; Anchalee Khunnangmuang (17), formerly of Thailand, now of Cromwell, Jinda Fox, formerly of Thailand, now of Cromwell, Ruenell Wing, formerly of South Africa, now of Alexandra and Sharon McCulloch, formerly of Britain, now of Cromwell.

The new-look Teviot Valley Community Board - chairman Ray Gunn (left), new member Russell Read, Central Otago district councillor board appointee Stephen Jeffery and deputy chairman Cliff Parker.

Australian racing driver Klark Quinn admitted to more than 200 schoolchildren yesterday he had had a car confiscated for doing ''burnouts''.

New Zealand's newest motorsport park, Highlands, near Cromwell, will be thoroughly scrutinised by everyone from world-class racing drivers to first-time spectators this weekend, but there is something few will get to see.

Elite domestic cricket is back on the agenda for Alexandra's Molyneux Park and its groundskeeper has received a scholarship for his efforts in getting the pitch up to scratch.

More than a thousand pupils representing about 20 Central Otago primary schools gathered in Alexandra's Molyneux Park yesterday to test their athletic ability against their peers. Sarah Marquet was there to catch the action.

Cycle tourism companies are reporting good interest from throughout the country in the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Cuisine @ Clyde will definitely be back on the town's events calendar next Labour Weekend, organisers say.

About six weeks ago, almost by chance, members of the Dunstan Cricket Club found out their club was about to turn 150.