Hamish MacLean

It's a grabatology record - you can count on it

Holding the last tie counted, Irene Sparks relaxes with her world-record-breaking tie collection...

It's a grabatology record - you can count on it

While grabatology - having a passion for collecting ties - is quirky and good fun, making an attempt at the Guinness World Record for it is a serious business, Oamaru's Irene Sparks says.

Never say tie! Irene smashes record

Irene Sparks holds the last tie counted as she celebrates the end of a count that saw her set a...

Never say tie! North Otago woman smashes record

Records are made to be broken but Irene Sparks has just set one she hopes will last.

Strong interest in vacant sites

Strong interest in vacant sites

The search for developers for two vacant sites at Oamaru’s waterfront has started well, with 20 registered parties asking for information, Waitaki District Council acting chief executive Neil Jorgensen says.

Ire as penguin-watchers light up night

A crowd of about 100 people gathered on the breakwater in January for a sneak peak of little blue...

Ire as penguin-watchers light up night

Unruly behaviour could force a review of public access to the breakwater in Oamaru Harbour.

Won't settle for tying world record

Oamaru's Irene Sparks will count her up-to-23,000 ties on Saturday in her effort to enter the...

Won't settle for tying world record

After visiting more than 250 op shops, North Otago's Irene Sparks will try to break the Guinness World Record for grabatology.

$1m cost put on district's repairs

It will be weeks before Humber St is reopened, the Waitaki District Council says. PHOTO: HAMISH...

$1m cost put on district's repairs

Cleaning up after flooding in the Waitaki district could cost up to $1million.

Vital marrow links sisters

Oamaru’s Crossan family (from left) Kara, Brent, Hailey (18), Riley (13), and Tyla Crossan (17). ...

Vital marrow links sisters

Fighting cancer was a family affair for the Crossan family. Hamish MacLean met Hailey, Tyla and Kara Crossan to talk about Hailey’s battle with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and how...

‘Robust’ consultation called for

‘Robust’ consultation called for

A "robust framework" not a "rambling" approach is needed for a Harbour St closure consultation period, a Waitaki district councillor says.

Stadium proposal triggers concerns

Stadium proposal triggers concerns

A Waitaki district councillor says a proposal to build an indoor stadium in Oamaru would be a ''noose around the neck'' of the district's ageing ratepayer base.

Expansion of historic area

The Oamaru courthouse will be strengthened later this year. Photo: ODT.

Expansion of historic area

The expansion of Oamaru's historic area is a good ''first step'' as the town seeks even greater recognition for its heritage buildings, Waitaki district councillor Peter Garvan says.

Advertising kiosk proposed

The scene of last Tuesday's fatal car crash. Photo by Shannon Gillies.

Advertising kiosk proposed

Signs advertising local businesses could be contributing to the "high risk" drivers face at Moeraki, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says.

Stadium bill up to $25m

Stadium bill up to $25m

An indoor stadium for North Otago could cost nearer to $25million than the $7million earlier predicted.

All roads lead to rates increase for Waitaki

All roads lead to rates increase for Waitaki residents

Waitaki ratepayers could see their rates bill increase over the next few years to pay for improved roads.

Council changes tack on beach erosion protection

The Waitaki District Council says ‘‘sand mattresses’’ will not be used in front of the Oamaru...

Council changes tack on beach erosion protection

The Waitaki District Council has abandoned its plan to use sand mattresses for erosion protection at Oamaru’s waterfront after a "one-in-seven year storm" changed the beach.

Council reaching out via social media

Council reaching out via social media

After 20 submissions were received on Tuesday night, the Waitaki District Council’s interactive social media public consultation for its general bylaw review will be repeated later this month.

Neighbours riled by storage yard plan

Network Waitaki’s plans to operate a storage yard and from this Weston property have some...

Neighbours riled by storage yard plan

The neighbours of a proposed new Network Waitaki storage and servicing site at Weston are crying foul.

Council open to offers on harbour land

Two Oamaru Harbour sections slated for visitor accommodation could be developed as visitor attractions instead, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher says.

Ross confident of better IANZ audit

Ross confident of better IANZ audit

The Waitaki District Council's building team has passed its International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) audit for the first time with no corrective actions required.

Ideal result for class of ’82

Ideal result for class of ’82

All they wanted was a win to cap the day — and they got it.

Gravel supply issue affects rural roads

A stoush between a Waihemo landowner and Downer has caused the Waitaki District Council to hold back routine gravelling on rural roads in the area and rethink its gravel supply strategy.

Search form

Search form

Hamish MacLean