Oamaru Mail

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Latest documents

• Native timber furniture winner

  He had ‘‘very mixed emotions’’ about closing the business, after 40 years of ‘‘living and breathing it’’, and retirement would take ‘‘a little bit to get used to’’, but he was looking forward to spending more time with family — especially grandchildren — and focusing on his health.

• Native timber furniture winning product

  Tucked away in an alley off Harbour St, Willetts Furniture has been quietly achieving in Oamaru for more than 35 years. Owner Colin Willetts chats to Rebecca Ryan about his decision to close the business and retire.

• Still goals for trotting maestro

  Training horses requires a special skill-set, a lot of patience and plenty of passion — but the real key to success is a good horse, Phil Williamson says.

• Still goals to achieve for trotting maestro

  He has also won the New Zealand Trotting Championship, the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All, the Australasian Grand Prix, the Redwood Classic and the Breeders Crown.

• Waimate to recognise diversity with cultural jersey

  Waimate Rugby Club is celebrating its cultural influences.

• Mentoring trip seminal for award winners

  Sam Vivian-Greer admits he is not usually the most emotional person.

• Development starting to take shape

  Christopher Paul is pleased to be making progress on his new office and retail development in Oamaru’s main street.

• Dried flowers fascination led to side hustle

  The Waitaki district is humming with more than its share of clever people who are quietly building businesses in their spare time. Ashley Smyth has sought out some of these small-scale entrepreneurs, to find out more about their side hustles. This week, she chats with Sophie Brash, of Yesterday’s Blooms.

• Backyard conservation

  We’re fortunate to live in a place full of fantastic groups who do so much good work in the community. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting one such group — the Waitaki Menzshed.

• Top-level pre-season clash coup for town

  Some of New Zealand’s top women’s basketball talent took to the court in Oamaru on Sunday.

Featured documents

• Five Forks finally comes to fruition

  In a world where many things are being cancelled, Five Forks School is thrilled to be able to finally move forward....

• Wide-reaching benefits from new bins: mayor

  Waimate’s new kerbside rubbish and recycling service is set to start next month....

• Duntroon couple personify perseverance

  In the sleepy North Otago township of Duntroon lives a couple who have overcome massive obstacles to continue to operate a business in their much-loved community. Sally Rae reports....

• Collection celebrates women and their influence through the years

  Oamaru designer Mary-Jane Hyde talks to Sally Rae about coping with cancer, launching a new knitwear label and surrounding herself with women....

• Recognition for those who have made difference for community

  After Covid-19 abruptly upended our lives last year, 2021 began with lots of promise and hope. Then came Delta, and with it another year of monumental events. But in the Waitaki district, resilience was everywhere — and lots of great people still did lots of great things. They served, they...

• Recognition for those who have made difference for community

  After Covid-19 abruptly upended our lives last year, 2021 began with lots of promise and hope. Then came Delta, and with it another year of monumental events. But in the Waitaki district, resilience was everywhere — and lots of great people still did lots of great things. They served, they...

• No lack of opportunities in South

  East Otago born and bred Rowena Davenport thrives on a challenge. The new chief executive of law firm Gallaway Cook Allan talks to Sally Rae about stepping outside her comfort zone....

• Forrester Heights’ ‘intrinsic value’ stressed

  It was heartbreaking to read the responses from Alex Parmley and Gary Kircher in last week’s Oamaru Mail regarding Forrester Heights. The area forms the backdrop to our unique harbour and lies in front of the lookout where there is the best view of the stunning waterfront. What is tragic is that...

• Living the good life: from cattle to chooks and the addition of a child

  It’s been a roller-coaster ride for South Canterbury farmers Kelly and Morgan Campbell since their cattle were the first in New Zealand to be depopulated due to Mycoplasma bovis. But they have come out the other side with a new business venture. Sally Rae reports....

• Draws...