NewsBank (Central Otago News)

A Central Otago cherry grower is keen to put his new electric Toyota Hilux ute ‘‘to the test’’ to see how it compares with the original diesel workhorse.

A complete ban on camping and off-roading at the Manorburn Dam Recreation Reserve is a step closer.

“The first wealth is health,” wrote philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1860.

Manuherikia sheep farmer Irene Leask believes ‘‘townie ignorance’’ is costing her business.

Nine years ago, the then new Alexandra Hospice Shop received one of its most valuable donations — the gift of Jenny Morton-Clark’s time.

AS National Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of volunteers across the country, the Alexandra Blossom Festival committee extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated individuals who make the festival possible year after year.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is calling for a strong focus on flu vaccination in 2025 to help keep yourself, your community and those more likely to experience severe illness from the flu safe.

THE countdown to one of New Zealand’s most well-known spring festivals is under way as float entries have opened for the 2025 Alexandra Blossom Festival.

Age Concern Central Otago co-ordinator Annelise Botha introduces herself and shares some of the activities available through the organisation. I’ve been working in community roles and aged care for many years.

Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure: it’s very much acclaimed as our district’s cultural and heritage centre.

BACK in December 2023, the Local Government Commission published its decision not to undertake an investigation into creating a separate Wānaka-Upper Clutha district.

The Central Otago District Council is defending a move that has some perceiving them as being the fun police, saying there has to be one rule for all.

It can be very difficult to live with dementia, but you are not alone. The Alzheimers Otago Society has been helping individuals live the best life possible while navigating the journey of dementia since 1982.

Student actors from Dunstan High School performed their homegrown production exploring the hardships of Central Otago’s gold rush era to a packed audience at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre on Monday night.

A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers, who bring warmth, support and joy to our Central Otago Friendship Network. From our governance team to group helpers, 1:1 Buddies and volunteer drivers — your dedication truly makes a difference.

The temptation to hibernate can be irresistible when the temperature drops. But no matter how cosy you are at home, getting out is key for a healthy body and mind over winter. Here are some of our top tips to help you through these chilly months.

THE project manager who helped lead award-winning projects such as the digitalization of New Zealand’s arrival cards has swapped Wellington for the much quieter Cromwell and hopes to bring her skills to the district.

Twenty-seven Central Otago primary school pupils took to the skies as part of the Police’s Blue Light initiative ‘‘Take a kid flying day’’ in Alexandra over the weekend.

KEEP Alexandra Clyde Beautiful members have been volunteering their time, energy and experience for 35 years. Members are keen to continue native plantings suitable for our drylands for the benefit of people, as well as birds, lizards and moths.

Parkrun relies on 10 volunteers every week, ranging from 10 to 70 years old. This story is from one of them.

An Alzheimers Otago support group is offering a lifeline to both people living with dementia and their caregivers through a new programme running in Cromwell, Wānaka and Queenstown.

Find the money now or face ‘‘astronomically expensive restoration efforts’’ for Otago’s deepwater lakes later, a regional councillor says.

AN Alexandra karate club achieved remarkable successes at tournaments over King’s Birthday Weekend, with the club winning more than 20 medals.

Alexandra Community House values the work that volunteers do within our community.

A CHARITY hoping to help the elderly and disabled get out for an afternoon bike ride is looking for volunteers to start offering rides in tricycle e-bikes.

The housing market in Central Otago and Southern Lakes is heading into winter well stocked, as the average asking price for properties dips, according to latest data from realestate.co.nz.

The Central Otago District Council is working its way through more than 300 submissions on a preferred model for the delivery of Three Waters infrastructure for generations to come, as a government deadline looms.

Funding of $400,000 to make up for a shortfall for Alexandra’s new Kāmoanahaehae-Riverside Park has been granted, clearing a hurdle for stage two of the long-anticipated public space.

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WAIORA Manuherekia, a group dedicated to the restoration and enhancement of the Manuherikia River, celebrated one year of action, collaboration and environmental action, in a tree planting ceremony in Lauder on Tuesday.