Central Otago District, Alexandra

New lottery, new home

New lottery, new home

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

1137 days ago

Playing up plywood

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

With a few Resene testpots, simple shapes can become fun kid-friendly accessories.

Find out how to create your own.

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1138 days ago

Gardening live chat on now!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours,

It’s coming up to spring, and with everyone stuck at home in Covid lockdown, what better time to get the garden in order? NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll and Jack Hobbs, manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, are live on Stuff now to answer all your gardening questions.

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1138 days ago

Cancer doesn't stop, we won't either.

Cancer Society

COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services … View more
COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services to support New Zealanders going through cancer.
Learn more

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1139 days ago

Last week to nominate!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

We're in the last week of nominations for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. So come on, Otago – who’s your New Zealander of the Year?

Tell us with a nomination! Nominations close 31 August.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.org.nz...

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1140 days ago

Help your local small business - and get $10!

David Downs from SOS Business

If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
View more
If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
SOS Business - A not-for-profit helping NZ small businesses during a tough time. All the money (less credit card fees) gets paid to the businesses.

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1141 days ago

Are you using our 2021 Garden Diary?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

We're all working from home during this lockdown, not just to bring you your favourite gardening mag, but also our Garden Diary 2022! This is where we need your help: Show us how you've been using your 2021 Diary -- take photos of the pages, tell us what was most … View more
Dear neighbours,

We're all working from home during this lockdown, not just to bring you your favourite gardening mag, but also our Garden Diary 2022! This is where we need your help: Show us how you've been using your 2021 Diary -- take photos of the pages, tell us what was most useful, did you have enough space to write your notes, what have you scribbled on the pages? Did you clip your plant labels on them? Perhaps shoot a little video with your phone as you turn the pages. Your feedback will help us put together next year's diary.

Please email your comments and photos to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by this Friday, Aug 27. The five most helpful readers will each receive a free copy of the 2022 diary.

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1141 days ago

One to watch

Competenz

We love seeing our apprentices making waves in the industry.
Wade Peek was recently named Plastics Apprentice of the Year, is definitely one to watch. With two qualifications under his belt, he’s been earmarked as a future plastics industry leader.

He hopes to one day start his own … View more
We love seeing our apprentices making waves in the industry.
Wade Peek was recently named Plastics Apprentice of the Year, is definitely one to watch. With two qualifications under his belt, he’s been earmarked as a future plastics industry leader.

He hopes to one day start his own manufacturing business and says: "I really want to pass on what I have learnt to support apprentices in their training. I also want to be able to teach people outside of the plastics industry about what we do, as I truly believe we can't solve any of the really important environmental issues that surround plastic unless as many people as possible understand it."

If you are thinking of signing up for an apprenticeship, get in touch with us here

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1144 days ago

Do you have a great rocket 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. We are now on the hunt for rocket recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before Aug 31, 2021.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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1144 days ago

Bin storage

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Form meets function in this stylish bin storage and planter combination painted in bold Resene hues. Find out how to create your own.

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1145 days ago

Digital Boost is here to help

Digital Boost

Lockdowns are tough for many in business, so let us share the load.

Whether it's setting up technology to keep your business running smoothly, or advice on working remotely.

Get in touch with us, we’d love to help.

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1145 days ago

Nominate your Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

Kia ora Otago neighbours!

We hope that you are safe and sound with your bubbles at home.

With two weeks to go until nominations close – it's time to lockdown your nomination for 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. We're looking for that special person in this community – the … View more
Kia ora Otago neighbours!

We hope that you are safe and sound with your bubbles at home.

With two weeks to go until nominations close – it's time to lockdown your nomination for 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. We're looking for that special person in this community – the one doing exceptional mahi to make Otago a better place.

Nominations close 31 August and only take 5 minutes.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.co.nz...

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1145 days ago

Queenstown Airport profits plummet during turbulent year

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A massive 91 per cent drop in net profit reflects a turbulent year for Queenstown Airport Corporation.

The company's annual results for the year ending June 30 underscored the complex and uncertain operating environment created by Covid-19, board chairwoman Adrienne Young-Cooper said.

Total … View more
A massive 91 per cent drop in net profit reflects a turbulent year for Queenstown Airport Corporation.

The company's annual results for the year ending June 30 underscored the complex and uncertain operating environment created by Covid-19, board chairwoman Adrienne Young-Cooper said.

Total passenger movements (arrivals and departures) were down 29 per cent compared to the year before and 42 per cent compared to the year ended June 30, 2019.

Net profit dropped 91 per cent to $1.6 million from $18m last year and total revenue was down 40 per cent to $27.8m.

No annual divided would be paid to shareholders.

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1145 days ago

Industry Skills Development Handbook

Competenz

Is this you?

You know building the skills and capability of your staff is vital, but it’s hard to know where to start or even where to turn for advice, so it keeps sliding down your to-do list.

Use this guidebook to develop your company’s capability and improve your bottom line.
Free download

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1146 days ago

Lockdown: Changes to public transport, health services and Covid-testing in Otago

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Otago, along with the rest of New Zealand, has entered level 4 lockdown which means closing of public facilities, changes to health services, and limiting of public transport.

Healthcare facilities across the Southern DHB will remain open during lockdown, but the majority of scheduled surgeries … View more
Otago, along with the rest of New Zealand, has entered level 4 lockdown which means closing of public facilities, changes to health services, and limiting of public transport.

Healthcare facilities across the Southern DHB will remain open during lockdown, but the majority of scheduled surgeries and outpatient appointments have been postponed for the next three days.

The Covid-19 vaccination programme has been suspended for the next 48 hours, however those with potential symptoms were urged to contact their GP or call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719).

There was capacity for testing and opening of more testing sites if required.

However, those with symptoms were urged not to attend the Emergency Department.

Aurora Energy advised that it would continue to respond to emergency faults and carry out essential safety work on the network during level 4.

There will however be no planned power outages, unless required for essential safety work. Pre-planned work on the network will be deferred until the alert level changes.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has closed all service centres, sport and recreation facilities, playgrounds and libraries until further notice.

The main council phone line is operating on (03) 441 0499 with priority given to urgent issues.

Queenstown buses are running to the usual timetable on Wednesday but are for essential workers and essential travel only.

Covid-19 testing is available at Queenstown Medical Centre at the Isle St practice.

People are asked to book ahead for swabs on (03) 441 0500.

Anyone who has been in Auckland or Coromandel since last Thursday, August 12, who needs a Covid-19 test will need to remain outside the Isle St building and follow staff/signage instructions.

1146 days ago

Snow seekers' dreams of perfect powder day dashed by Covid-19 lockdown

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The dreams of snow-seekers throughout the South Island have been snatched away by a lockdown that coincides with the season’s best powder day.

A storm early this week dumped up to half a metre of snow on southern ski areas and Wednesday was keenly anticipated to be the best day of the season … View more
The dreams of snow-seekers throughout the South Island have been snatched away by a lockdown that coincides with the season’s best powder day.

A storm early this week dumped up to half a metre of snow on southern ski areas and Wednesday was keenly anticipated to be the best day of the season with thick powder and brilliant sunshine.

Cardrona and Treble Cone manager Bridget Legnavsky​said everyone’s plans came to a halt overnight when it was announced New Zealand was entering an alert level 4 lockdown.

“We haven’t had great snow this season and all of a sudden it’s absolutely dumped enormous amounts of snow,” she said.

While ski area staff were disappointed, they were not caught off guard and were ready to close down if necessary.

Read more, including how the region's other major fields have responded to the snap lockdown, here.

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