SUBSCRIBER
Warning merger could harm Central Otago
Central Otago’s ‘‘unique’’ nature is at risk from a council amalgamation process that fails to address local government’s fatal flaw: a lack of funding, a district councillor has warned.
Renowned for gold and cold
Renowned for gold and cold
The small former gold-mining settlement of Ophir sits on the bank of the Manuherika River and has a population of 50 residents.
SUBSCRIBER
Iwi made no ‘financial demands’
SUBSCRIBER
Iwi made no ‘financial demands’
Australian mining firm Santana is now saying local iwi never made any ‘‘financial demands’’ — despite previously alleging a $180 million payout was sought.
SUBSCRIBER
Region riding high after recognition
SUBSCRIBER
Region riding high after recognition
It has been a big week for Central Otago winemakers, with two major sets of awards recognising the region.
Back country roads to close
Back country roads to close
A range of Central Otago back country roads will close to motor vehicles after the long weekend, ahead of the winter season, the Central Otago District Council has advised.
SUBSCRIBER
Council takes on minimum flow Bill
SUBSCRIBER
Council takes on minimum flow Bill
‘‘We’ve got an opportunity to put a peg in the sand — and we have to take it.’’
No bull: Teviot Valley Hereford fetches $50k
No bull: Teviot Valley Hereford fetches $50k
A large bull has set a stud sale record in Teviot Valley.
Young deer killers busted for shooting prize stags
Young deer killers busted for shooting prize stags
A pair of youths who sneaked onto private land and shot dead two prize stags near Cromwell have been hunted down by police.
Group takes aim at tailings dam failure risk
New anti-mine group takes aim at tailings dam failure risk
A local group opposed to Santana Minerals’ fast-track mining application launched this week with a campaign that questions the mine’s net economic benefit for the region.
SUBSCRIBER
Councillors butt heads over Local Bill
SUBSCRIBER
Councillors butt heads over Local Bill
An Otago regional councillor and Manuherikia farmer says he supports decision-making being taken out of his hands.
SUBSCRIBER
Fast-track bid hits snag over gaps in information
SUBSCRIBER
Fast-track bid hits snag over gaps in information
Santana Minerals’ bid for fast-track approval to mine gold at Bendigo has hit a snag over information gaps in its application.
SUBSCRIBER
Fruit variety protections hailed
SUBSCRIBER
Fruit variety protections hailed
A central Otago grower involved in developing new apricot varieties has welcomed changes that will give plant breeders exclusive commercial rights for longer.
Opening of trail delayed until spring
Opening of trail delayed until spring
The opening of the long-awaited Kawarau Gorge Trail has been pushed back until September.
SUBSCRIBER
Mustangs roar into town
SUBSCRIBER
Mustangs roar into town
Alexandra’s main street came alive on Saturday as 36 Mustangs rolled through town for the 2026 Southern Muster.
Lining up the lift
Lining up the lift
Simulating bin stacking as though on an orchard, Luke St John, 24, carefully puts his skills to the test in the tractor and machinery round at the Central Otago Young Grower of the Year...
SUBSCRIBER
Dam work may hinge on flow-rate decision
SUBSCRIBER
Dam work may hinge on flow-rate decision
Central Otago district councillors will have to resolve a decade-long debate on the flow rate for the Manuherikia River if Falls Dam is to be rebuilt.
SUBSCRIBER
Inside the storm
SUBSCRIBER
Inside the storm
On a grey Wednesday in Alexandra, Otago’s emergency services activated a region-wide simulation of a catastrophic snowstorm.
Time takes its toll
Time takes its toll
Time stood still in Alexandra when the hands on the town’s iconic hillside clock stopped for about a week.
Town’s last chance for a project: councillor
Town’s last chance for a project: councillor
Rebuilding the beloved Roxburgh Entertainment Centre could be that last project in town "in a very long time" if amalgamation goes ahead, a councillor has warned.
New installation only temporary
New installation only temporary
Refurbishment of the Cromwell Mall has been a hot topic in the town for several years but the most recent makeover was only temporary.