1922 trophy head back in the family
1922 trophy head back in the family
An Alexandra man is marvelling at the ''proper fluke'' which led to the recovery of an unusual, long-lost family heirloom - a 20-point stag trophy head.
Lynda van Kempen
Court rejects appeal over home
Court rejects appeal over home
The Environment Court has rejected an appeal against an application by a Ripponvale couple to retain their existing home as accommodation for workers or travellers after they build a new house on the property.
Town firefighter for record 50 years
Town firefighter for record 50 years
Roxburgh's longest-serving fireman, Colin Robb, says half a century of answering the fire siren's call seems to have gone in a flash.
New proposals for naming peaks and lake
New proposals for naming peaks and lake
Rejected as the title for Central Otago's highest unnamed peak after much debate, the Te Kohua name is now being proposed for the nearby lake.
Water taxi service looks to be starter
Water taxi service looks to be starter
Providing a water taxi service to connect the northern and southern sections of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail has already piqued the interest of three potential operators.
Police get more calls over drug
Police get more calls over drug
Alexandra police are fielding a big increase in calls from people concerned about the use of synthetic cannabis products and the availability of the product in the district.
Risk to democracy, ORC told
Risk to democracy, ORC told
Do not drop the democratic ball again over the Tarras irrigation scheme issue. That was the warning to the Otago Regional Council's annual plan hearing panel yesterday from submitter Robin Dicey, a Bannockburn viticulturist.
Rabbits reaching 'plague' numbers
Rabbits reaching 'plague' numbers
Allies from the annual Great Easter Bunny Hunt in Central Otago must have embarrassed the Otago Regional Council, as they revealed the ineffectiveness of its pest management, submitters said this week.
Dog owner escapes charges over sheep deaths
Dog owner escapes charges over sheep deaths
The owner of the two dogs that killed 27 sheep on a property near Alexandra a fortnight ago will face a $200 fine for failing to keep dogs under control or confined.
Cash for quarter of hall study
Cash for quarter of hall study
The Cromwell Community Board has agreed to fund only a quarter of the $20,000 feasibility study needed to rebuild Bannockburn's Coronation Hall, closed two years ago because of its earthquake risk.
Three communities join in celebration
Three communities join in celebration
When a mob of merinos features among vintage cars and floats in an anniversary parade, you know you are in heartland Otago.
Driver sparks school lockdown
Driver sparks school lockdown
The potential for disaster was ''huge'' when an alleged drink-driver went past two schools and an early childhood centre in Alexandra at speeds estimated at between 80kmh and 90kmh, just as children were arriving yesterday morning, police said.
Troublemakers not heeding warning
Troublemakers not heeding warning
Patrons causing trouble at bars and licensed restaurants in and around Cromwell will just have to ''learn the hard way'' if they ignore the warning about the consequences of bad behaviour, Cromwell police head Sergeant Simon Paget said yesterday.
Grenell still has it at 68
Grenell still has it at 68
Entertainer John Grenell proved he still has pulling power after half a century in the music industry, with a couple of ''groupies'' tussling over him during his performance in the Bards, Ballads and Bulldust Festival at the Chalet Rest Home in Ranfurly.
Subdivision controversy
Subdivision controversy
Round two of a wrangle between the owners of Earnscleugh's Grasshopper Rock vineyard and their next-door neighbours, who want to subdivide, was played out this week.
Bards and ballads festival 'spreading out'
Bards and ballads festival 'spreading out'
The Maniototo's annual salute to bush poetry and rural balladeers being staged this weekend will be ''everywhere, man'', in the words of guest artist John Grenell.
ORC promises action on bonfires
ORC promises action on bonfires
Complaints to the Otago Regional Council's pollution hotline about seven Central Otago bonfires within 48 hours has prompted a warning that such behaviour will be ''stamped out'' and the worst offenders prosecuted.
Going, going, going ... gone
Going, going, going ... gone
The first Central Otago building to be demolished because of its earthquake-prone status has now been levelled.
Record use this season
Record use this season
Peak season patronage of the Otago Central Rail Trail has hit a record high of 14,000 people. Trail trustee Daphne Hull said counters recorded that number of people completing the full 150km length of the trail between September last year and April this year - the traditional peak season.
Broader sweep to new rail trail role
Broader sweep to new rail trail role
The trailblazing trust which manages the country's first cycling and walking trail has employed someone for promotion, marketing and considering fundraising opportunities.