Lynda van Kempen

The occupant of a second-storey motel unit in Alexandra received a "hell of a fright'' when they woke to find a man in the room early yesterday, police said.

Crowmell's response to earthquakes, wildfires, landslips, storms and major transport crashes was canvassed this week.

Black clouds threatening rain over the Maniototo A&P Show delivered the goods just as the show was ending, much to the delight of the district's farmers.

The driver of a van which crashed at Queensberry on Good Friday, killing an Indian woman, has been charged in connection with the crash.

The family of a tiny tot with strong links to the district will benefit from this year's Teviot Valley Garage Sale Trail on Saturday.

Cromwell's growth is devouring nearly all available residential sections, leaving lean pickings for anyone wanting to build a home in the town or surrounding settlements.

A desire to do her bit for the community led to Lisa Davis also helping the Otago Rural Fire Authority to notch up a milestone.

A $600,000 makeover has ensured all traces of the Millers Flat Fire Station's origins as a pipfruit coolstore are long gone.

The scene is set for the fourth Central Otago Relay for Life, being held at the Cromwell Racecourse today and tomorrow. The event is a fundraiser for the Cancer Society. Central Otago reporter Lynda van Kempen caught up with relay co-ordinator Neroli McRae to find out more.

Something's afoot in the Teviot Valley. Central Otago reporter Lynda van Kempen investigates.

Tiny robots called buzz-bots and erupting ping-pong ball volcanoes helped make science "cool, fun and interesting'' for several hundred school pupils this week.

Central Otago orchardists have been mapping out room for their flourishing industry to grow.

Denise Potter's disappearance remains a mystery, a year after she went missing.

After 92 years, the last bowls are about to be rolled at the Millers Flat green.

An uncertain regulatory environment has contributed to a delay in making a decision on a $15 million to $20 million Central Otago hydro-electric scheme.

Mixing a overseas holiday with an intentional trip to hospital sounds like a bizarre combination, but Central Otago reporter Lynda van Kempen talks to two men who could not be happier with the outcome of their travel-hospital experience.

Changes to the "blueprint'' for Central Otago - the District Plan- should be notified by the end of the year or early next year.