NewsBank (Central Otago News)

In the weeks before Chinese New Year, Clyde Orchards’ packhouse is a hive of activity as rich, red cherries freshly picked from surrounding Central Otago orchards are brought in to be washed, packed and prepped — ready for export.

SIX poets are protesting ‘‘ecological and aesthetic violence’’ being proposed in Central Otago.

‘‘ABSOLUTELY thrilled to bits’’ was the reaction from Southland farmer Mark Thomson after learning he and wife Elspeth were the winners of this year’s Otago Daily Times-Rural Life Rural Champions initiative.

A SLIMMED down Vincent Community Board was sworn in at its inaugural meeting in Alexandra yesterday with the chairman saying he was putting ‘‘the greater good ahead of self-interest’’ as he announced he would not be contesting the vacant council seat in next year’s by-election.

The Cromwell Community Board, pictured, has been sworn in.

INCREDIBLE staff and customers will be missed but the 5.30am alarm will not be, one of the Roxburgh supermarket owners said as he prepared to leave the business he has run for 13 years.

THE nation’s largest rural-supply store Farmlands has turned around a disappointing financial result a year ago with a profit credited to business improvements.

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.

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.