NewsBank (Central Otago News)

Straight out of the gate.

Fifty-four groups have each received up to $1000 towards their activities from the quarterly mental wellbeing funding.

The South Island Sprintcar title event roars into action this Saturday at Central Motor Speedway. It has not been held in Cromwell since 2016 so there will be plenty to look forward to.

Flying is a family thing for Clyde aviator Andrena Davis, the new event manager for Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

Christmas is an incredible time of year but it’s also a minefield for many people who are trying to keep their health in full focus.

If you intend to be out in the sun this summer, it’s important to ensure you’ve got the right sun protection.

Local choir members are warming up their vocal cords to sing this week.

As inflation soars globally and New Zealand is hit by higher power, fuel and fertiliser costs, and a shortage of labour leading to higher wages, the costs are passed on from producers through higher prices at the checkout.

Consumer NZ’s latest test of sunscreens has found some products are not meeting label claims.

Brooklyn Watkins (18), of Alexandra, looks at pottery by Marie Jarvis, including her Washing Line sculpture at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday.

The future of wilding conifers in the council-owned Half Mile Recreation Reserve at the southern entrance to Alexandra will not be decided before next year.

Local band Powder Chutes are set to take centre-stage alongside international acts next year.

New Central Otago District Councillor Sarah Browne hopes to see a choice of candidates now nominations have opened to fill an extraordinary vacancy on the Cromwell Community Board.

A species of pine selected to replant a site in Roxburgh has not been proven to be a low spreader in local conditions, Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group project manager Phil Murray says.

Being SunSmart means remembering to use the sun protection system:

Penvose Farms director Graeme Duncan has worked the land for ‘‘60-odd’’ years, his son Stu for about 20. Stu and Lorraine Duncan’s children will be fifth-generation farmers.

Cars speeding along SH8 through Tarras have residents concerned about safety.

Art has always been a part of Dorothy Piper’s life and an interest her family always encouraged.

The Central Otago District Council has reassured the region it is not the Christmas grinch, following a dispute over the legality of car boot sales and garage sales.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has made personnel and role changes to its tourism arm following the recently released Central Otago Destination Management Plan.

John and Heather Preedy, who have owned Ettrick Market Gardens for more than 40 years, remember when Outram was the major food bowl for the lower South Island, with up to 15 market gardens.

Women from around Aotearoa have opened up to share their personal experiences of dating Kiwi men and how they differ regionally in her new book, Dating the Kiwi Male.

The Wanaka Lakes Coastguard’s new marine rescue centre and rescue boat, Waiariki, are ready for business.

Musician Paul Foulds helps daughter Grace (11) prepare for her next song at the Pre-loved Street Christmas event at Elim Church on Saturday.

A Pasifika Christmas Celebration on Saturday at the Cromwell Sports Club is a way to keep island culture alive and make community connections, says organiser Meraine Rotari.

Over the two and a-half years the volunteer driving service has been available in Alexandra, co-ordinator Graham Quinn cannot recall an instance of a ride request going unfulfilled.

I am now into week six of my term as mayor of the Queenstown Lakes district.

The house the community built continues to give back to the Cromwell community, with St John Community Health Services becoming the latest recipient.

Savvy shoppers have the chance to make a start on their Christmas shopping this weekend — all while supporting a good cause.

Central Otago is not the usual place to find kaka, but one intrepid parrot has made itself at home.