David Bruce

About 200 entry forms have been sent out for the Oamerican Car Show in Oamaru in February and organisers are urging people to get in early, especially local American car enthusiasts.

A draft water management plan for the lower Waitaki River and Waimate district has prompted 22 people to comment on the programme.

A community fund which has distributed more than $1.5 million over the past five years to projects in the Waitaki Valley has won a major national award.

The plan to turn Omarama's Memorial Hall into a multi-purpose community centre has received a boost, with a grant taking fundraising to half what is needed.

Just half a dozen submissions on the Cardrona Village character guidelines had been received by the Queenstown Lakes District Council by the cut-off last Friday.

Common views have emerged on water management in the Upper Waitaki which will now be considered by a community-based committee as it prepares a draft plan for public comment.

Irrigation companies on the lower Waitaki River have withdrawn their appeal to the Environment Court over plans for a new $200 million scheme to irrigate up to 40,000ha in the Waimate district.

American car fans have until the end of this month to register for a show in Oamaru, which organisers hope will attract 100 or more vehicles.

Kurow is reviving its festival, making it bigger to provide entertainment and activities for locals as well as holiday-makers who pour into the area during the Christmas period.

Extra meeting is being planned for people to provide feedback on a water management plan for the upper Waitaki catchment, at a time when major decisions are being made on irrigation in the area.

A small North Otago group is spearheading a campaign to raise national awareness about what could happen to New Zealand's rivers if parts of state-owned hydro-electricity companies are sold by government.