Drugs a factor in fatal off-road crash: coroner
A Dunedin man who died in a night-time accident in the Hawkdun Range had MDMA in his bloodstream, the coroner saying the drug in his system was likely to have contributed to the crash.
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AI being used in plan submission process
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AI being used in plan submission process
Artificial intelligence is being used in the Central Otago District Council’s long-term plan submission process — but machines are not taking over, the mayor says.
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Local groups to be involved in rebuild
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Local groups to be involved in rebuild
Members of the Teviot Valley Community Board are pushing for locals to have a meaningful say in the new Roxburgh Entertainment Centre project.
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Fears pines could crowd in on open historic Lonely Graves site
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Fears pines could crowd in on open historic Lonely Graves site
An investigation has been launched into the possibility of pine seedlings having been planted at a historic reserve in Central Otago.
Alcohol ban extended for festival
Alcohol ban extended for festival
A ban on alcohol being drunk in public will be extended in a move designed to provide police with another "tool" for managing antisocial behaviour connected to the Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Airport runway resealed
Airport runway resealed
The Alexandra Aerodrome has reopened following a week-long closure to resurface its 1200m runway, a long-awaited upgrade that began on March 31.
‘Very good’ visitor numbers from Australia
‘Very good’ visitor numbers from Australia
As the summer tourism season on the Otago Central Rail Trail comes to a close, domestic tourist numbers have plateaued for some operators.
Old-timer
Old-timer
The Millers Flat bridge over the Clutha River is 176.2m long and has four 4.9m-high steel bowstring arch spans.
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Over 100 gather to discuss penguins
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Over 100 gather to discuss penguins
The largest-ever Oamaru Penguin Symposium has begun, drawing 113 experts and enthusiasts from around NZ.
'Awful': Reality of pokie addiction laid bare
'Awful': Reality of pokie addiction laid bare
Cromwell resident David George has seen first hand the devastating impact pokie addictions have on Central Otago families.
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Keen to win against the odds
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Keen to win against the odds
Five questions for Alexandra coach Lee Wilson.
New ultra race deemed a success
New ultra race deemed a success
Competitors braved the rainy Easter weekend to run 6.7km every hour on the hour until they could run no more at the inaugural Alexandra Carousel Backyard Ultra race.
Boat marathon powers up gorge
Boat marathon powers up gorge
The roar of powerboats echoed through the Cromwell Gorge on Saturday as rounds two and three of the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission’s 2025 race calendar were held in Central Otago.
Hundreds gather in remembrance
Hundreds gather in remembrance
Despite the cold, hundreds of Central Otago residents gathered to pay their respects at the various Anzac Day services across the district on Friday, one of whom was Teviot Valley Community Board...
Weaver to learn from Indian masters
Weaver to learn from Indian masters
A Cromwell weaver has the opportunity to study jamdani weaving with master artisans in West Bengal, India after winning a scholarship.
BMX coach ‘proud’ of award nomination
BMX coach ‘proud’ of award nomination
A teenage BMX coach said he was quite proud to be one of the finalists for the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards, to be held in Wānaka in May.
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Cemetery project makes grave discovery
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Cemetery project makes grave discovery
At least three probable unmarked graves were discovered using ground-penetrating radar at Cromwell Cemetery and it is very likely more will be discovered.
Hills’ wetlands work boon for game birds
Hills’ wetlands work boon for game birds
As Otago duck-shooters ready their decoys and check their gear ahead of the game bird season opening this Saturday, an Omakau farming couple are being praised for their efforts in preserving vital wetland habitats.
Improved pit design outlined by miner
Improved pit design outlined by miner
Santana Minerals has worked out a way to halve the amount of rock it needs to waste before it reaches its Central Otago payload.
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Cliff flag designed to keep conflict ‘in the public eye’
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Cliff flag designed to keep conflict ‘in the public eye’
People driving through the Cromwell Gorge yesterday were given a very visual reminder that the conflict in Gaza continues, with the unfurling of a massive Palestinian flag.