Lynda van Kempen

The only choice remaining for many Central Otago voters will be who they want as mayor.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says he has some unfinished business to complete so is seeking a fourth term in the role.

The cleaning-up process after the gusting wind storm continued in Central Otago yesterday, with fallen trees and branches destined for firewood and damaged road signs being repaired.

The thoughts of volunteers celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Maniototo area St John at the weekend were focused on their colleagues in Christchurch and at Fox Glacier.

A strong focus on rates - setting them, boosting the rating base and factoring in Government regulations - dominated much of the discussion at the Central Otago district mayoral debate in Alexandra last night.

A small native fish named Gollum galaxiid has convinced a special tribunal building dams on the Nevis River should be prohibited.

One hurdle crossed - but the battle is not over yet. That was the message yesterday from organisations in the wake of a report recommending prohibiting dams on the Nevis River.

A public forum in Alexandra yesterday at which people talked openly about suicide was one way of addressing the issue, removing the stigma and providing support to those affected, the organisers said.

The steep building site has delayed the completion of the $6 million Kowhai hydro-electric power station but the first power should be generated by the end of next month.

Project Hayes opponents are optimistic the landscape values of the Lammermoor Range site will still "trump" the potential economic benefits of the wind farm proposal when the matter is reconsidered by the Environment Court.

Transpower has been given approval to spend up to $170 million upgrading the lower South Island grid and recover the cost from lines and generation companies.

Otago pipfruit growers are hailing as a victory a World Trade Organisation ruling which lifts an 89-year ban on New Zealand apple imports to Australia, even though the Australian Government is appealing the decision.

Deep snow blanketed Otago yesterday, paralysing the region and triggering a civil defence alert - on paper.

The Central Otago Kindergarten Association is withdrawing from providing a home-based education and care service, blaming cuts in government funding for the move.

The budget for this year's "resuscitated" Alexandra Blossom Festival is $100,000 less than last year's outlay as the committee is predicting a turnaround in the festival's fortunes and is aiming for a profit.

Widening the Government funding criteria to develop irrigation schemes is a good move, but funds for capital works would be even more welcome, Otago irrigation scheme proponents say.

Central Otago wine growers are going through their toughest time in almost two decades, with the focus now on reducing debt rather than new development, New Zealand Winegrowers deputy chairman Steve Green says.

A beefed-up national grid between Roxburgh and the Waitaki Valley would cater for new hydro and wind generation projects and result in less energy being wasted, energy companies told the Electricity Commission yesterday.