The horticulture industry in Central Otago is heavily reliant on labourers, but about eight years ago it was facing a huge shortage of people willing to pick and pack fruit.
When the main pipeline of Alexandra's wastewater treatment plant was punctured, letting smelly sewage spill and run downhill towards a nearby river, contractors did what energy companies have been hoping to do for years - they built a dam.
Following mediation, Pioneer Generation and Contact Energy appeals to the Environment Court about the Central Otago District Council's district plan have been resolved.
The top fleeces from around the country have already been chosen for the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand's national Golden Fleece competition, to be held in Ranfurly on Friday.
One small church made one long journey yesterday - and all because one lightweight bridge is not strong enough.
An Alexandra garage-sleep-out was gutted by fire last night.
Past and present Central Otago police officers were recognised for their efforts by Police Commissioner Peter Marshall (second from left) and police staff yesterday in Alexandra.
Council was not the "golden bullet" for creating growth, the business community was, Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper told a meeting hosted by the Otago Chamber of Commerce in Alexandra last night.
Some of the soon-to-be tenants of the new Alexandra Community House were given a sneak peek of their new offices yesterday when they were shown around the building site.
One of the last physical connections to the original Teviot settlement may be lost - the Roxburgh East house badly damaged by fire on Saturday is thought to be one of the last three original houses of the settlement.
The owner of the Alexandra pie cart escaped with minor burns after fleeing the kerbside diner just as it erupted in flames on Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters are warning people to be vigilant while cooking after they had to attend three fires in Central Otago on Saturday afternoon.
Wilding pines could soon come under attack in Central Otago after the district council set aside $10,000 in its draft long-term plan to look into the issue.
Preparations for winter sports in Central Otago are gathering pace now frosts have started. The Alexandra ice rink is expected to open on May 18, with preparations for ice-making starting this weekend.
Seasoned Alexandra Blossom Festival float builder Lyn Quinn says the relaxation of rules for competitive floats will not detract from the festival.
Fruitgrowers say a $200,000 pilot project to develop the Central Otago fruit brand has been a success, earning an extra $1 per kg for fruit sold under the brand.
Hundreds of long-dead Central Otago residents may finally be recognised as archaeologist Hans-Dieter Bader visits the district's 16 cemeteries, identifying unmarked graves.
The rates rise being faced by Central Otago district ratepayers could be 7%, not the 5.7% approved this week by councillors - but more trimming could yet see the rise come down again.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper yesterday tried to decline a pay rise, but was told he was too late to make an appeal - by one day.
A proposal to buy a Cromwell property which has been hailed as "future-proofing" Old Cromwell moved a step closer to becoming a reality after public submissions were considered yesterday.
