The Oamaru Performing Arts Society has honoured six life members with over a 100 years of combined service as it searches for new volunteers to help keep the group going.

The new Waitaki District Council will comprise a blend of new faces and experienced councillors when it is officially sworn in next Wednesday.

Waitaki’s first female mayor, Melanie Tavendale, says she is looking forward to building stability in the face of "massive challenges" for a more "positive direction" for the people of the district.

Plans for a centre of the arts have been drawn up and class could be in session at the Kurow School as soon as next year.

Cricket season has arrived in North Otago. With the Borton Cup returning this weekend, Reporter Nic Duff caught up with the seven teams vying for the title this summer.

Savannah Clark’s time at St Kevin’s College may have been short, but she still managed to built one a hell of resume.