Central Otago District, Alexandra

Have you got your tickets yet?

Have you got your tickets yet?

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

630 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

The Team from Office for Seniors

Our Seniors newsletter is out today. We publish details on the annual increase to NZ Superannuation and Veterans pension payments, the start of the Winter Energy Payment and provide advice on travelling overseas while on Superannuation and what you need to be aware of. We also hear about MoneyTalks… View moreOur Seniors newsletter is out today. We publish details on the annual increase to NZ Superannuation and Veterans pension payments, the start of the Winter Energy Payment and provide advice on travelling overseas while on Superannuation and what you need to be aware of. We also hear about MoneyTalks and the free budget advice they provide. Plus so much more!

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623 days ago

What's your best onion recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for onion recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by April 20, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the June issue of NZ Gardener.

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623 days ago

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE HOUSEHOLD HERO COMPETITION

The Team from NZ Compare

Over 360 Household Heroes across the nation were nominated by you to win $350! This country is full of amazing Kiwis who are keeping things running at home no matter what! You’re all heroes!

BUT there can only be one winner, was it you? Find out who WON $350 towards their Broadband and Power … View more
Over 360 Household Heroes across the nation were nominated by you to win $350! This country is full of amazing Kiwis who are keeping things running at home no matter what! You’re all heroes!

BUT there can only be one winner, was it you? Find out who WON $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill!

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624 days ago

Gift a subscription and Receive Oriental Lily Bulbs Free!

NZ Gardener

Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business… View more
Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business has shipped hundreds of spring and summer flowering bulbs and tubers all over New Zealand from their base near Feilding.

Offer valid until 11:59pm 14 May 2023. For full terms and conditions click here.

Happy Mother’s Day
Find out more

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W
626 days ago

Stainless Steel Kitchen sink and bench

Wendy from Cromwell

Stainless steel bench and sink
Length 1680cms
Depth 510cms
phone - 02102738054

Price: $25

628 days ago

Luxury Queenstown hotel building for sale, offers over $35m considered

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:L

A new five-star-plus Queenstown hotel building is for sale and the vendor will consider offers over $35 million.

Kevin Carlin built the seven-storey 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel and Oro restaurant near central Queenstown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:L

A new five-star-plus Queenstown hotel building is for sale and the vendor will consider offers over $35 million.

Kevin Carlin built the seven-storey 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel and Oro restaurant near central Queenstown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It opened in early 2022 and has since received several international awards including three Boutique Hotel Awards, such as the World's Best New Hotel in 2022.

Carlin operates the hotel and intends doing so for the next 30 years, but now wished to free up the capital involved in the building for other projects.

It was standard practice for hotels and other businesses to rent the buildings they operate from, he said.

”I was the rare person that’s a property developer and owned the building.

”I always intended to sell the real estate to get the cash back for another development,” he said.

He intended leasing the building back for 30 years and operating the hotel himself “if someone pays the price”.

“I’m not going anywhere. This is my retirement project.”

He declined to give details of other developments he sought capital for, though he is developing a five-star Radisson Hotel​ in Queenstown with Australia-based partner Centuria.

Despite a major staff shortage in Queenstown the Carlin Boutique Hotel was almost fully staffed with 38 employees on board.

Bookings were good going ahead, but he was looking forward to the return of European and wealthy Chinese travellers, he said.

Chinese visitors were struggling with visa issues in their own country while a lack of flights connecting Europe and New Zealand was deterring those visitors.

“I was there recently, and it took me four flights to get home to Queenstown,” he said.

Visitors to the hotel can book a room from $2219.50 a night, according to the website.

Each of the interconnected suites has views over central Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, its own outdoor fire and spa pool, and a kitchen where private chefs can whip up a meal.

“We don’t expect our guests are ever going to buy eggs and cook,” Carlin told Stuff on a tour when it first opened.

The property is listed with Bayleys Real Estate and expressions of interest are sought.

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631 days ago

Do you know any 'Boomerang Babies'?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In previous generations, children left home at 18 years old and became independent. Now with student debt and the increasing cost of renting and buying a house, we are seeing the rise of the 'Boomerang babies' who stay or move back home for well into their 20's. Is this good for our … View moreIn previous generations, children left home at 18 years old and became independent. Now with student debt and the increasing cost of renting and buying a house, we are seeing the rise of the 'Boomerang babies' who stay or move back home for well into their 20's. Is this good for our communities and have you noticed it in yours?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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628 days ago

Grab an epic broadband and power deal!

The Team from NZ Compare

The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy delivering some epic deals on BROADBAND and POWER!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband starting from $62/m with 6 months FREE Prime Video PLUS a chance to WIN 1 of 6 $300 Prezzy Cards with 2degrees? Maybe … View more
The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy delivering some epic deals on BROADBAND and POWER!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband starting from $62/m with 6 months FREE Prime Video PLUS a chance to WIN 1 of 6 $300 Prezzy Cards with 2degrees? Maybe you’d like to bundle and get your first 2 months of broadband FREE with Electric Kiwi! Or sink your teeth into a $100 welcome credit with Flick.

There is more so hop to it Neighbours before they go!
GET EPIC EASTER DEALS

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630 days ago

That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.

“Can it be removed?” she asked.

But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.

Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.

Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.

Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.

"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.

Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.

While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.

"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.

For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?

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630 days ago

Save at your local Resene ColorShop!

Resene

Bring out the best in your home.

Get 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops!

Hurry Resene sale ends Tuesday 11th April.
Shop online at shop.resene.co.nz or visit your local Resene ColorShop.
Learn More

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633 days ago

Gift a subscription and Receive Oriental Lily Bulbs Free!

NZ Gardener

Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business… View more
Spoil the Mum in your life with a subscription to NZ’s favourite gardening magazine.

For only $79 get 12 issues of NZ Gardener PLUS 5 Oriental Lily Bulbs worth $17 RRP from NZ Bulbs. Since 1957, NZ Bulbs has been supplying top quality bulbs to New Zealand gardeners. This family-owned business has shipped hundreds of spring and summer flowering bulbs and tubers all over New Zealand from their base near Feilding.

Offer valid until 11:59pm 14 May 2023. For full terms and conditions click here.

Happy Mother’s Day
Find out more

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634 days ago

Floating flowers

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Create art using Resene paint and your own breath.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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638 days ago

Poll: Should we scrap daylight saving?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?

View more
This Sunday we'll be putting our clocks back for the end of daylight saving. Despite the benefits of an extra hour of sun during daylight saving, these clock changes commonly bring disruptions to our households and sleep - some feel that it should be scrapped altogether. What do you think?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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Should we scrap daylight saving?
  • 32.5% Yes, scrap daylight savings
    32.5% Complete
  • 54.1% No, keep daylight savings
    54.1% Complete
  • 7% I don't mind either way
    7% Complete
  • 6.4% Keep daylight savings but change the dates
    6.4% Complete
6075 votes
641 days ago

Film studios and distillery in Central Otago get government support to become biggest in NZ

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

A Cromwell whisky distillery and a Wānaka film studio proposal have been promised government support to help the region diversify beyond its reliance on tourism.

Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced a $2.9 million loan to help Scapegrace … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

A Cromwell whisky distillery and a Wānaka film studio proposal have been promised government support to help the region diversify beyond its reliance on tourism.

Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced a $2.9 million loan to help Scapegrace Distillery expand to help meet growing national and international demand.

The government will also underwrite $4.5m of the Silverlight Studios’ film studio project.

“I love what you guys are doing ... the whole aspiration for us is to support our regions to grow,” she said.

Scapegrace Distillery is a privately owned Central Otago business that produces whisky, gin and vodka, and aims to become New Zealand’s biggest distillery.

Founded by brothers-in-law Daniel McLaughlin and Mark Neal nine years ago, the company has more than 48 shareholders and exports to 35 markets.

McLaughlin said about 65% of its products are exported, but it was hoped that would increase to 80%.

The government loan would be used to help build a new distillery and temporary hospitality facility, creating 218 jobs during construction and 24 permanent roles once operational.

Ultimately, the Central Otago site will house four whisky barrel rooms, a world-class distillery and a full hospitality precinct with cellar door facilities, a bar and restaurant, and event spaces,

McLaughlin anticipated it would be completed in 2026 and would be New Zealand’s largest distillery, spanning 36 hectares of land and 4500m² of buildings.

Allan said the projected increase in capacity from 30,000 litres to 567,000 litres of product was a “game changer”.

“It’s an absolute privilege to stand alongside you as you embark on your new venture.”

Asked whether it was appropriate for taxpayers’ money to be used to support the alcohol industry, she said it was part of the food and beverage industry, an area identified for development in the region.

Speaking about the support for Silverlight Studios, Allan said the screen industry employed about 16,200 New Zealanders and contributed $3.3 billion to the economy every year.

It was a key component of Central Otago’s economic diversification initiatives, she said.

“Silverlight Studios will provide new opportunities for local talent to be at the forefront of an evolving industry in the region.”

Silverlight Studios chief executive Mike Wallis said concerns had been raised that the company’s $280m Wānaka plan, which includes 10 sound studios, was too much and too fast for the area.

The company had therefore “pivoted”, and will instead bring three fast-build modular sound stages to the site with auxiliary buildings.

The sound stages, which are fully sound-proofed and include lighting rigs, will come from Belgium and are already being used by the likes of Netflix and Amazon, Wallis said.

The government underwrite of $4.5m would provide confidence for investors in this stage of the project and enable the work to be completed in 12 to 14 months, he said.

“This gives them facilities with rain cover, and it’s big enough for an international large scale production, which is really our key market anyway, but also for the local market.”

The stages will be packed down and moved as the full studio development is completed.

It will ultimately include an 11ha artificial lake, film school, screening theatre, exhibition centre and up to 10 sound stages – making it the largest studio of its kind in New Zealand.

It will also include recreations of international film locations, including an Italian village, the canals and bridges of Venice, a generic seaside Hamptons-style village, blocks of New York City and a portion of New York’s Central Park.

638 days ago

Snow is coming!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

MetService expects snow levels as low as 400 to 700 metres above sea level over the southern and eastern parts of the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “The Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago Districts may get noticeable snow accumulations from early morning… View more
MetService expects snow levels as low as 400 to 700 metres above sea level over the southern and eastern parts of the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “The Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago Districts may get noticeable snow accumulations from early morning Tuesday, where the first MetService Heavy Snow Watch of the year has been issued until midday Tuesday.”

These snowfalls may affect high country farms, as well as high-level roads and mountain passes. Road Snow Warnings have been issued for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Crown Range Road for the potential of snow settling on the road.

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