The number of people sleeping in cars and public spaces in the Waitaki has increased a whopping 320% in five years, and that number is likely to be higher now.According to 2023 Census figures, there were 15 people without shelter in 2018, and 63 people in 2023. However, Waitaki District Council Housing Policy and Strategy specialist Kayla Stewart says this figure is likely to be higher due to new Government legislation and the challenges of reaching and accurately identifying people living rough.The Census figures have two different definitions of homelessness - the first is a more broad definition and includes people who basically have a roof over their head, she says.“People in temporary accommodation, like emergency housing or Women's Refuge, or staying in someone else's house because you don't have anywhere else to go, or in severely crowded housing,” she says.“So you might have two families in one house, or in uninhabitable housing, and by that they mean things like no running water.”This figure has also risen in the Waitaki by 60% since 2018, which means 486 people were experiencing homelessness in the Waitaki in 2023.The second definition, referred to by Statistics NZ as people living without shelter, is what people more commonly think of as homeless, and it is this figure which has more than tripled here.The statistics provide a “really good picture” of the situation, Kayla says, but that was two years ago, and the National-led coalition Government have tightened the conditions around emergency housing.“So the criteria for that has changed significantly.”It has become tougher for people to access emergency housing, with applicants having to demonstrate they have not “unreasonably contributed” to their situation.It might be the case that someone moves to the district for work and their job falls through. If they'd left secure accommodation, that might be seen as contributing to their homelessness, Kayla says. “I've heard from other service providers that there's a big challenge for people exiting prison, and whether that's being interpreted as contributing to their own homelessness being sent to prison? So, that's what we are hearing from the providers.”Statistics provided by Waitaki District Council Housing Policy and Strategy specialist Kayla Stewart. People in the Waitaki might be unaware of the issue, because they don’t see people living on the streets, but the council receives frequent reports of people taking shelter in public buildings, living in parks, or in their cars.“That's quite a unique thing for us, having those multiple reports coming in . . . And this is so concerning, particularly in the winter, you know, it was minus-four this morning.”The Waitaki desperately needs an outreach service, but one doesn’t exist, due to a lack of funding, Kayla says.“Central government has provided funding support elsewhere, to the likes of Rotorua, and if you look at the numbers, (per capita) we are very comparable to Rotorua.”Waitaki’s percentage of homeless people is 2.1% (210 per 10,000 people), which is also higher than Dunedin and Timaru.The issue is complex, there are a lot of moving parts and everyone is needed around the table, Kayla says.A meeting with Waitaki’s service providers and a lot of faith-based groups has been held recently, to do a “stocktake” of what can be done to help here.“Things like what kind of food supports are available, what kind of housing supports are there available? Mental health support and that kind of thing.”This helped identify gaps, and one of the biggest gaps is outreach support, Kayla says.“For a lot of service providers, people need to come through their doors in order to access the service, and you can see why that might be a barrier for someone experiencing homelessness.”Outreach is about going out, and finding the people who need help.“We are also looking at what a cross-council response could look like, because, as you can imagine, it affects lots of different council teams, and so how can we have a compassionate response and a consistent framework with how we approach these situations.”This includes working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand locality officers around fire safety.Kayla refers to an incident where multiple tents caught on fire in Dunedin’s Oval in May this year, and says it is “very relevant” to make sure people have good fire safety practices when using gas to cook and heat.There appears to be no one particular reason homelessness is on the rise, more like “the perfect storm” of factors, including the cost of living crisis and the change in legislation, and people having “increasingly challenging lives”.“Life is really tough for people at the moment . . . it’s very challenging, and it only needs one thing to go wrong.“We know we have a shortage of affordable rentals in this district, we have a very low median income, and we don't have transitional housing in this district either, which is an issue.”There is emergency housing, which is “very temporary” motel-kind of accommodation, but transitional housing is the “next step on the housing continuum”.It’s generally for about a three-month period, and people receive wraparound support and care that helps them transition into the private rental market or social housing.“And I think the other challenge we have is there are no further social housing placements allocated to Waitaki.“Central government provides social housing . . . In the budget they allocated a number of - they're called income-related rent subsidy tenancies, but - social housing tenancies, and none were allocated for Waitaki, or the South Island.”While there is existing social housing, it is full, and the need is growing.Kayla says it’s good for people to remember anyone can find themselves in this position, so be kind. It might only take one unexpected car breakdown or the loss of a job, which means a missed rent payment, and things snowball.“Just treat everyone with care and dignity, you know? And if you see someone and you're concerned, then let the police know, so they can do a welfare check.”If somebody feels they are on the verge of a situation where they could find themselves homeless, there are some great services available, she says.There is the Sustaining Tenancies Programme through Methodist Mission Southern, which works with people who might be at risk of having their tenancy terminated.There is also Family Works which can provide a financial mentoring service, the Ōamaru Salvation Army, who can offer “Kai cover” to help keep people fed if unexpected costs come up, and Energy Mate - which can help with advice on how to keep energy costs down, and stay warmer.“Just reach out and find out what support is available, because we do have some wonderful service providers in this district who really go above and beyond to help people.” She also encourages people to find out what help might be available from the Ministry of Social Development.Staff there can help with bond payments, and they are also the ones to see for emergency housing and to register for social housing.Next week in the Waitaki App, we talk to Jocelyn Smith from Ōamaru's Salvation Army, about being on the coalface of trying to help people facing homelessness.

Whether it's for the first time or a return to tertiary, people who are near or beyond retirement age still have the fighting spirit to head to university.By RNZ Digital journalist Isra'a EmhailWhen experienced broadcaster and food journalist Julie Biuso arrived at the University of Auckland campus last year, she felt a bit like an imposter.“Although it was funny, I'd travel by ferry from Waiheke and then either walk up or sometimes get the bus. If the bus was crowded, people would stand up and give me a seat because they probably thought I was a professor. Little did they know.”The now 71-year-old was the oldest on the Master of Creative Writing course by “quite a few years”, she says. The university describes it as a competitive degree, with only about 12 students accepted each year.Last year, people aged 40 and above made up about 20 percent (75,890) of domestic students enrolled in degrees ranging from certificate level 1 to doctorate.Julie Biuso looks at a shelf containing her cookbooks and hold holds her first ‘book’ of family favourites - written when she was about 10. Photo: Supplied“I'd written 17 cookbooks in my career, and I've worked as a food journalist and broadcaster for 40 years. But I didn't have an English degree. So it was quite a lot of things to consider,” Biuso says of her decision to apply.“I thought, I'll never know unless I have a go. So I started with the enrolment and it was so damned hard. It was like the proof and all the things that you had to do.”Biuso, the youngest in a family of 10 children, has been on a journey around the world learning about different cuisines and honing her craft. But she always knew she wanted to write a novel.It wasn’t until she moved to Waiheke Island about 10 years ago, when she separated from her husband, that her creative talent was unleashed.“I think for a lot of women in particular, you've gone through that whole thing, you might have started university or done a degree earlier or not even gone at all and life gets in the way and kids and work and all that kind of thing. You find yourself in your late 60s and you think, well, do I take up golf or what do I do?,” Biuso says.Julie Biuso with her first granddaughter, Remi, at the Parnell Rose Gardens, Auckland. Photo: Supplied"I wish I had time now to study politics, I mean there are so many things I'd love to do. I've left my run a wee bit late but just think of something you’re interested in, because if you are interested, you’re halfway there, the learning is easy."Biuso graduated in May and has completed her first draft of her novel. The best part of it all is how you feel about yourself, she says.“It comes at a cost because you’re supporting yourself through a year, and a degree is not cheap on any level, but I urge people if they’re interested and they're considering it, to find some way to do it because it's got all the rewards, not necessarily financial, but I think as a writer, you're kind of used to not making a load of money in your career.”Jane McCarroll says she's not earning a fortune, but she's always pumped to start the day at her job. Photo: SuppliedAucklander Jane McCarroll knows all too well what it means to be a single parent whose sole focus is on providing for her whānau. She spent 30 years in the corporate industry in various roles before hitting a turning point in 2023, when she was made redundant a sixth time.“I just lost the energy to try and fight the tide of having to explain why I shouldn't lose my job or respond to a consultation exercise that is moot at best.”Her parents advised her to consider what it was she truly enjoyed doing.“I've always just had to provide and chase money and sometimes [because of] the stress of all of that pressure, I would wake up in the morning and vomit before going to work and that would happen for extended periods of time.”The 52-year-old is now in her second year of studying at AUT for a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching). The sector fit her aspirations of helping parents and supporting mental health of tamariki."The first thing people say, ‘what do you want to do that for? Six figures to minimum wage? Like you know you're changing nappies?'.“And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah, but let's just think about this as a transition time and then what does the pathway look like? And I'll tell you what it looks like, it looks pretty f---ing exciting, way better than what it looked like trying to fight for my job and being ghosted.”While juggling two jobs and full-time study, her parents have sometimes chipped in to support her too, she says.“Just the feeling that I have when I go to work now, where I feel appreciated, I feel valued, I work with stakeholders that are hilarious, they're two and it's just such an engaging life.”She’s excited for what the future holds, with lucrative job packages for early childhood educators overseas too.“I love kids and I love seeing the sense of wonder. It's good for us too, to see the sense of wonder and the magic in everyday things.”Dr Timoti Te Moke. Photo: Stephen TilleyJust four months away from his final exams in AUT’s Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, Timoti Te Moke was facing a manslaughter charge and heading to the campus on meals of mainly rice and just enough money to pay for his rent and bus ticket.He was ultimately found not guilty, but he continued studying throughout the trial. The practical component of his degree was delayed until the next year.Having survived abuse and violence, a stint in prison and gang involvement, he was determined to graduate. Giving up was not an option, he says.Listen here on Nine to Noon: The former gang member and prison inmate turned doctor“I had to keep just pushing ahead. I had to make sure that I was doing the studying. Like when I get home, I just have my head in a book and of course I have to read over it five, six, seven, eight times for me to actually start picking it up because my head would keep wandering.“Of course, it [the trial] affected me because I went from being in the top percentage of my class to being the last, but the thing is that the skills that I had developed over this life allowed me to survive, and that’s what I’m very, very good at.“There have been a couple of times in my life, where I’ve been in situations where if I didn’t get up, I was going to die that night … I’ve experienced some unbelievable violence.“The will to survive is irrepressible in me.”Dr Timoti Te Moke says he wants to inspire the whānau to become doctors too. Photo: SuppliedAfter his paramedicine degree from AUT, he took a step further to become a doctor with a degree from Otago Medical School. The 58-year-old is now working as a house officer at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital, with plans to specialise in the ICU, which would take another five years to complete.However, he’s clear about one thing. It wasn’t that he simply worked hard and became a doctor, he says, but he overcame societal barriers that pushed him to believe he could never achieve anything.Before the manslaughter charge, the university had rejected his application three times."I’m more than used to having doors slammed in my face and being kind of shunned and rejected and that’s because my whole life has been hard,” Te Moke says.“I'm a doctor now, but I should have been a doctor 30 years ago and the reason is because these barriers have been put in front of me through colonisation, through having to live in negative social determinants. Don't get me wrong. This isn't isolated to Māori, it’s just that Māori make up a huge proportion of it.”His qualifications have opened the eyes of the younger members of his whānau, Te Moke says.“They had a belief that Māori didn't have what it took to get in there. Not that they weren’t smart enough, but that those kinds of doors weren’t available for them,” he says.“Now the plan is to make a family of doctors.”Rhondda Greig is a Wairarapa-based author and painter. Photo:SuppliedRhondda Greig has established herself as a painter in the 84 years she’s lived. But there’s a certain memory from nearly 20 years ago that’s moved her so deeply, she’s attending the University of Otago’s Master of Creative Writing to pursue it as a writing project.As an artist in residence at Scotland’s University of Aberdeen in 2006, she stumbled upon items that have a strong link to New Zealand.“I always thought sometime when I come back to New Zealand, I want to creatively write about this or deal with it in some ways, because most New Zealanders will not know of this.”Based in Wairarapa’s rural Matarawa area, where she has a studio, it wasn’t possible to drop everything and live in Dunedin for the course, which requires about 40 hours of commitment each week.“What it has meant is that I’ve had to learn very fast, I can tell you that, the technical skills of managing Zoom meetings et cetera.“I have been challenged in so many different ways but that’s good.”When things get tough, she’s reminded of her mother - a trained soprano who couldn’t pursue her dreams."Often when I felt, ‘oh, I can't keep going, this is all too hard, I don't have enough money’ or something else has come up. I've always thought you have to. I have got to because I'm doing this for mum really,” Greig says.“I would just be one of many thousands people who recognise that our parents didn't have the opportunities through education and encouragement perhaps in New Zealand that we have had.”Going back to study is simply an expansion of her mindset of being a student of life and the compulsion in creatively expressing knowledge, she says.“I was very conscious that I didn't want a younger person to have been denied a place on the course because they have a career and a future ahead of them.“But I was able to deal with that by thinking, well, I have been deemed suitable. So what I am producing now … I'm feeling this [project] is something I can give back to New Zealand, not being grand about that, but it's an experience I have had and I know that when I'm gone, there won't be many people around who will remember it anymore.”Greig had at a younger age been studying architecture but didn't finish that degree. She got married, became a mother and, instead, made a commitment to be an artist before going on to write five books and dabbling in poetry.“Quite early on in my writing career, somebody said to me, ‘I can't understand why you want to write when you can paint, and you've established yourself as an artist’.“For me, they've been in tandem. I mean, just because I can paint and I've been able to have a career as an artist, which has been fulfilling and wonderful, doesn't mean I have to shut down my voice.” - RNZ

When former Hampden School principal John Laing bought himself a tidy looking blazer for $5 from the Salvation Army about 25 years ago, it seemed like a good deal.On closer inspection of the jacket, John came to the realisation he had probably bought himself a small piece of North Otago and All Black history.The jacket had shiny silver buttons with a fern on each one, and after gently unpicking a badge sewn on the front pocket, he found an embroidered Silver Fern underneath.A name tag sewn neatly on an inside pocket read “Hurst”.John assumed the blazer must have been discarded by former All Black and North Otago businessman Ian Hurst, who played for the team from 1972 to 1974.Over the years, John would pull the jacket out for any important jobs he had at the school, such as umpiring or refereeing school sports.If an All Black test was on, John would bring it to school along with a white shirt and tie, and let the children pop it on to mark the occasion.Since retiring as principal, John says the blazer has mostly just hung in his wardrobe, and he decided to gift it to the Waitaki Event Centre Trust to be auctioned off at a fundraising dinner being held in October.Ian says he is not sure how his blazer ended up at the op-shop, as he keeps most of the memorabilia from his rugby days in the games room at the Papakaio homestead, Willow Park, where he and his wife Gloria live.The blazer is a “formal” one Ian was issued as part of his kit for the four months he toured the United Kingdom and France in 1972-73.  “It was worn for after-match, test match dinners, our audience with the Queen and Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace, and other such formal meetings whilst on tour,” Ian says.The blazer was repurposed with a Canterbury badge sewn on the pocket over the silver fern, for the Cantabrians Tour to the UK in 1979.“It would appear that it has been discarded during one of our ‘shifts’, and John has picked it up accordingly,” Ian says.While he is not sure the blazer would still fit, he is keen to place a few bids on it, to help the Event Centre cause, he says. Trustee of the Event Centre Trust, Deidre Senior, says she expects the blazer will be the biggest drawcard at the auction, which is part of a Spring Fling, black-tie event on October 4.The event will be held at the Loan and Merc, and includes dinner and dancing, as well as former All Black mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka as guest speaker.Deidre says he is an experienced public speaker, and she expects he will “entertain and inform”.John also brought in and donated a Division 2 national 1997 basketball finals programme, signed by the North Otago Penguins team, who won the competition that year.John, who coached basketball for about 20 years, says it was a problem for Penguin games that the Waitaki Recreation Centre courts are not regulation size, and with only two courts, local competition games would go late into a Friday night, when people wanted to be at home.Another big donation for the auction, was the recent gift from former Waitaki Boys' High School student Nathan Smith, of one of his Black Caps playing tops, Deidre says.“It’s so cool everyone is being so generous - it shows how much support there is for it.”Tickets for the Spring Fling can be purchased from Housekeepers Design or by emailing [email protected].

People need to talk about dying more. (8-minute read)North Otago celebrant Sally Cattle has been working as an end-of-life doula for about two years, having been a marriage and funeral celebrant before that. Sally was looking to expand her work, and she noticed, when preparing for funerals, a lot of families didn’t have guidance around dealing with things when they needed it.“I just felt there was something missing, and in my journey working with families, preparing funerals and that sort of thing, I realised that a lot of people don't discuss death or talk about death or have guidance with things when they need it.“So when someone dies, we call in the funeral director or whatever we want to do and that's great. It gets sorted out and we plan our farewell and it's done. “But I just feel that we're not prepared for death. Like when we when we're in our normal life, we prepare for birthdays, we prepare for when our babies arrive, we prepare for our holidays, we do a lot of planning around all life events, but we don't plan for when we're going to die.”While living in the North Island, Sally volunteered at hospices, and has always been involved in health and wellness in “some shape or form”.“It’s just in my nature, I seem to be drawn to compassionate roles, if you like.” She says the reluctance to talk about dying and death stems back to when the world wars came along. Before that, communities would look after their dead and dying together. “The women of the communities, mainly, would help assist when people were sick and then they'd look after the bodies after they died.” As hospitals became more common, there was more medical intervention, and then funeral directors to come in and take the dead bodies away.“So it changed the format of how a community deals with the dead and death and dying,” she says.“It sort of swung the pendulum quite a long way, to where we're quite removed from thinking about our own mortality and our deaths and what will happen to us.”Sally’s role as an end-of-life doula, is less a medical role and more of a “practical, spiritual, non-judgemental role”.Photo: Alexander Grey on UnsplashShe offers help in a wide range of areas, giving holistic care to people as they face dying.“Helping people to think about opening up conversations, taking the fear away from whatever treatments they're having, researching and finding out with them, giving them a space to learn or just express how they're feeling.”When people are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they're usually living with it for some time, Sally says.“So, it gives them time to explore that and and how that makes them feel and what treatments they want, how they want their end of life to look, what they would like to happen in the meantime, and just a safe space to explore all those sorts of important things. “When you're living with a chronic or a life-threatening, or a life-limiting illness, your life changes quite dramatically and lots of things change - your thinking changes and your ability to do different things changes.“As a doula, I like to say to people ‘well we want to give you the best quality of life you can have for as long as you've got it. Let's explore how we can make that experience of living with whatever it is you're living with, the best it can be and how we can go about that and supporting your loved ones and your people around you that are caring for you to help that to happen and find ways to do that’.“And then we can start talking more deeply about when the end of life comes, what type of care would they like, how would they like it to look, how do they feel, what are their biggest fears, how we can cope with all those.“So there's a lot a lot involved in it, and it all just comes out in time . . . and it's just building up a trust with people and going in there and just listening really and just letting people have safe spaces to express their thoughts.”Sally recognises what she does is a huge privilege, and she appreciates she is walking into people's homes and families' lives, often as a stranger. “You know, they all have the doctors, the nurses, the care workers, the health care system, you know, the physios or whoever it is they need, come in for a purpose, whereas I come in and just say, ‘Hey, I'm here for you, whatever this experience is for you'.”As an aside from her work as a doula, Sally is a proponent of everyone creating an advanced care plan, just in case.So if somebody falls sick unexpectedly, or has an illness of some type, they have a plan in place of the things that are most important to them, and what they would like in regards to treatment, she says.Her family were faced with a situation about five years ago, when Sally’s own father was rushed to Dunedin Hospital. “I used to have conversations with my dad quite often about you know, ‘how do you feel about this and that, Dad?’.“You know, we'd have these conversations, but he'd never let me write it down. He'd never fill in a care plan. There was no need for any of that rubbish, you know.”While she and her mother were waiting outside the intensive care unit, dealing with the emotions of her father’s sudden decline, they were also having to make tough decisions about his treatment options.“A team of surgeons and anaesthetists came in, ‘your dad's very sick, you know, what do you want us to do?’ “So we started to have this huge decision-making time right when we were all feeling very distressed,” she says. “All that information we had to sort of condense into such a small moment when you're the most vulnerable, most distressed.”He had always told Sally he didn’t want “any fuss or bother”, but a lot of people can say that, without making specific plans or writing anything down, which can be a “two-edged sword”, she says. “The hardest decision we had to make was to switch the ventilator off and let him go in his own time.“It all was such a rushed thing because of the situation we were in. You can't prevent that. That's just the nature of what it was. But, we all agreed afterwards in hindsight that we understood and we felt we'd done the right thing by dad because of the conversations we'd had before."I just go in with love and compassion and an open heart."“Even though he hadn't written it down, we'd had a conversation and that made it so much easier.“So anyway . . . this got me into more of the doula work because I thought, we don't have these conversations.”Sally also sees the importance of people telling their life stories, and encourages people to find a way to share them.“We're all very important people in our own families, and we've all done something, and we all think we're not worthy of talking about . . . but I sort of think we've all got a legacy and we've all got something that's important to our families to pass on.“It doesn't matter how small and insignificant we think it is, in the eyes of the future generations, that could be something that's really important for them to know and understand.”Sally also offers workshops for smaller groups of people to help them plan their funerals, helping them consider where they would like their funeral, how it would look, and how it would best represent them.“It's capturing the essence of you and you're telling them so there's no confusion . . . it gives them an idea when they've lost you and they've got no idea where to start.”Sally says becoming an end-of-life doula, or soul midwife, seemed a natural fit with what she already did as a celebrant. She considers it a circle of care.“I just love to be able to help people through all those huge stages in life.While Sally admits she is a “bit of a sook” and cries over anything, she copes with the emotions of the job knowing she has helped a person walk through what can be a horrible time.“I come away feeling that I have supported and helped those people, and I do my level best to do as much as I can to give them the support they need and want.” Sally did most of her training online through Peaceful Presence - a Canada-based organisation, and is registered with the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa. While awareness around the services an end of life doula provides are growing, the Ōamaru community is slow to catch on.There is good support here in the community for people already, so it can be difficult to choose to pay for an extra service, she says.“I like to think that I'm just another person working alongside the community, along with the amazing job the funeral directors do and the health people and the hospices and things. you know, we're all working together for the same reasons really, supporting and serving families.”Outside of her work, Sally and her husband of 40 years, Richard, try to visit their three grandchildren in the North Island as much as possible, as well as her mother in Dunedin. She loves the outdoors, singing, yoga and fishing. “And just socialising with friends.”She emphasises her work is mainly about having an open heart."There's no judgment, there's no preconceived ideas or expectation. We've got to be very careful with people's emotions and experiences. "I just go in with love and compassion and an open heart and just do what people need most to make the most of each day.”

Those responsible for shooting three sea lions at Waitaki River mouth over the weekend are being sought by police. Waitaki Police Sergeant Tony Woodbridge says they were notified about the Saturday (August 9) shooting by the Department of Conservation (Doc).Two of the sea lions were found dead, and a third, which was wounded, had to be euthanised, he says.“Ōamaru Police are eager to hear from the community to help identify those responsible for senseless acts of cruelty against wildlife,” Sgt Woodbridge says.Local iwi have been notified, and police are working with Doc rangers to investigate the evidence supplied to them.Those with information are asked to contact police on 105 and quote event number P063434540 or visit Ōamaru Police Station.

Kids Clued-Up on Safety in WaitakiWaitaki school children are now better equipped with vital safety skills, thanks to the recent Clued-Up Kids programme. The initiative, spearheaded by Waitaki District Council's education and engagement team, took 291 year 6 students from 17 schools through a range of fun, hands-on topics. The programme has been running for more than 10 years and was held at the Waitaki Recreation Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.Students rotated through interactive stations covering a wide range of topics to equip them for different life situations.Council Community educator and engagement officer Carrie Hamilton says the council is grateful to the organisations for their dedication to educating Waitaki's young people on making sensible, safe decisions.The stations covered:Road safetyFirst aid (with St John’s Ambulance)Safe use of batteries (Waitaki District Council and Fire and Emergency NZ)Animal safety, particularly around dogs (Animal Management with VetLife Ōamaru)Safety around electricity (with Network Waitaki)Safety around irrigation and waterways (North Otago Irrigation Company)Firearm safety (with Oamaru Sports & Outdoors)Emergency Management (Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management)Scooter Safety (with NZ Police and Sport Waitaki)Quad Bike Safety (with Five Forks Young Farmers)Keeping calm in an emergency - Enhance Occupational TherapyMaheno School pupils trying out their new CPR skills, at the Waitaki Recreation Centre. Photo: Supplied

The team at Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony are celebrating their best year yet with more than 80,000 visitors, a massive achievement after Covid-19 cut visitor numbers by 85%. The team is now able to invest in a visitor centre refurbishment – work on that project began this week.New figures show the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is celebrating its best year yet with more than 80,000 people flocking to see the world’s smallest penguins.The milestone is a major step for the business which is now able to invest in a visitor centre refurbishment.Cyndi Christensen, who recently joined the colony as Operations and Commercial general manager, is thrilled to be leading the team through this pivotal time.“Covid cut our visitor numbers by 85%. To have now bounced back to set a new record, even though New Zealand’s international visitor numbers are not at pre-pandemic levels, is a huge win. We’re extremely excited.“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s proof of the deep connection people feel for our little penguins and what we do to protect them,” Cyndi says.The record numbers are enabling targeted investment in the visitor centre, enhancing the overall visitor experience.“Work is now getting underway on a major upgrade. This will include new storytelling displays, interactive spaces, and updated educational content focused on our research and conservation work,” Cyndi says.Tourism Waitaki RTO general manager Heather Matthews says the revamp will help grow the business even further.“The colony is one of our region's most iconic attractions. When its visitor numbers thrive, so too does our wider community with flow-on benefits for local businesses, including accommodation and hospitality providers.”“This investment will enable us to welcome even more visitors to see the penguins in their natural habitat. It’s ironic really – the wee birds are so charming they attract tens of thousands of people who watch them going about their daily business – but they’re oblivious to their charm.”

Cautious optimism seems to be the over-riding sentiment from Ōamaru’s secondary school principals, following the Government’s announcement earlier this week, that it plans to scrap NCEA.Under the proposed changes, NCEA level 1 will be replaced with foundation literacy and numeracy tests, while levels 2 and 3 will be replaced with a New Zealand Certificate of Education and an Advanced Certificate.Students will have to take five subjects and pass at least four to get each certificate. Marks will be out of 100, with grades ranging from A to E.The changes will be rolled out from 2028 onwards, meaning this year’s Year 8s will be the first to test the new standards, while also being taught under the new curriculum.St Kevin’s College principal Jo Walshe, Waitaki Girls’ High School principal Sarah Hay and Waitaki Boys’ High School rector Darryl Paterson all say they need further details on what the changes will look like, but see promise in the proposed new system.Jo and Sarah welcome the move to a 0-100 grading scale, which they say will be easier for students, parents, potential employers and the wider community to understand.Darryl says he has reservations about it, but the students he has spoken to are looking for more clarity around their exact grades.He thinks it’s a positive move to replace Level 1 with the Foundational Skills Award for literacy and numeracy, with a significant number of boys below the expected curriculum level at the moment, although he is hopeful the curriculum changes already introduced will have a positive effect on this.“Our reality is a number of boys will not achieve Level 1 but go on to Level 2 courses and achieve. This doesn't seem right.”Going back to a 'pass the subject' approach, beyond the proposed Foundational Skills Award, will also promote a broader learning base and encourage boys to stay at school longer, he says.“This should be encouraging not only for the educational benefits but also the social benefits.”An example of what a student’s record of achievement could look like under the New Zealand Certificate of Education and New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education. Graphic: Supplied/Ministry of Education via RNZSt Kevin’s College has already replaced NCEA level 1 in favour of the Cambridge system in university pathway subjects, as staff had been concerned for a while about students being caught up in an ever-evolving education system, Jo says.“By offering Cambridge, we have been able to plan for the next few years and ensure that our students have an international qualification which holds up anywhere in the world,” she says.“We will continue on this pathway for the foreseeable future in those areas until we see what the changes look like.” She also thinks NCEA is “cumbersome” and there is a difficulty maintaining consistency. For example, an 8000-word history essay, which could take weeks to write might be worth 5 credits, and some single-day courses will be worth 20 credits for the same NCEA Level 2 qualification.All three principals have expressed concerns about the changes placing extra pressures on their teaching staff. St Kevin's College principal Jo Walshe. Photo: Supplied/Facebook“Our greatest concern at this stage is ensuring that teachers are given the time and professional support needed to implement these changes successfully, as the impact on classroom practice will be significant,” Sarah says.Darryl likes that the proposal aims to remove the onus of marking internal assessments away from teachers, as the current moderation system “is quite flawed” in his opinion.“It will also alleviate a huge workload off teachers who are already dealing with huge amounts of continual change (like this proposal!).”He was unsure how realistic the external marking option is, with the “enormous” human resource needed for external marking, however the Education Minister has since announced they are looking into AI options.Jo says consideration for staff is another reason the school adopted the Cambridge system.“Teachers are extremely tired of constant changes to the qualifications system and I wanted my teachers to know what they were doing and be able to have time to develop real skills under a steady system.” Darryl says he and the staff he had spoken to following the announcement are most concerned over the “lack of a bipartisan political approach” to education.“What will happen in three, six or nine years when another party becomes the Government, and looking at our history, this is a strong possibility. Will that party change it again?”Graphic: Supplied/Ministry of Education via RNZBoth she and Darryl voiced the importance of “vocational pathway” subjects and are awaiting more details on how incorporating these into the new certifications will work.“In my experience, it is our boys who are on Gateway/work experience programmes who are best prepared to join the trades, etc.,” Darryl says.Jo says they don’t want to “demotivate students by not offering them qualifications which are relevant for them”.She also hopes the number of migrant students is taken into account, and that literacy and numeracy tests are “accessible”. Darryl agrees with Education Minister Erica Stanford’s claims that there is "too much credit counting" with NCEA.Waitaki Boys' High School rector Darryl Paterson. Photo: Supplied/Facebook“I can see the system is being gamed... Credits are being used to get students across the line, like participating in a group activity or filling out a form,” she told Radio New Zealand.Darryl says the reality is, at Waitaki Boys’ there are a significant number of students who do just enough to pass, and who do not take part in external exams if they have passed with internal assessments, which the current system allows. “Personally, I see this as promoting mediocrity and not promoting the life skills (i.e. hard work, motivation) needed beyond school. The proposed changes will be good in that regard.”He is a fan of more onus being put on an end-of-year external assessment, as preparation for the challenges “life can throw at us” and to build resilience.“In most walks of life, you have to reach a certain standard (pass a test, etc.) to get employed.”There are a number of learners who do not thrive with this type of assessment and there also needs to be the correct support (such as the existing Special Assessment Conditions) to enable them to succeed if they apply themselves, he says.Waitaki Girls' High School principal Sarah Hay. Photo: Waitaki App Archive/Ashley Smyth“Overall, I am optimistic about the changes - as I believe it will provide more accountability for students and ultimately prepare them better for life beyond school."It is also worth noting these proposed changes will not be fully implemented until 2028 at Year 11, so there is enough time to fully prepare if we are given the appropriate support."Sarah says Waitaki Girls’ is “open-minded and committed to embracing” the changes.“To ensure that our students continue to receive a high-quality, future-focused education.”Jo says the young people of New Zealand are “fantastic” and deserve a system that enables them to “compete with the rest of the world”.“We need our education system to reflect their cultural identity as Kiwis but also open windows to the rest of the world. Getting the balance right is very important and I wish the government luck.” 

Although many Kiwi men are raised to be tough, a Wellington psychologist says it's more often women who need permission to show themselves kindness.When it comes to the process of befriending themselves, women often need more support, says clinical psychologist Ben Sedley."A lot of women, unfortunately, haven't been taught that it's okay to give yourself compassion."Yet if we don't give ourselves compassion, how are we going to be able to fully give it to others?" he tells Nine to Noon.There's no point trying to hide your own emotional struggles from your children, Wellington psychologist Ben Sedley says. Getty ImagesIn Holding the Heavy Stuff - the much-requested "adult version" of his 2015 teen self-help guide Stuff that Sucks- Sedley shares practical advice for the many New Zealanders feeling worried, anxious and depressed about the world around them.Drawing on ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he argues that while we can't choose our mind's endless parade of ideas and messages, we can choose to view thoughts as "content" rather than truth.Some people don't know that they can work to soften the tone of their own inner critic, he says. But beating yourself up doesn't make things easier and takes up too much energy."You've never got the best out of a friend or a family member or an employee when you tell them how awful they are. Yet, for some reason, we think that's going to work for ourselves."A parent struggling with their mental health often has people in their lives who - when asked - are happy to help out or listen to them "vent", says psychologist Ben Sedley. Photo: Getty Images / Unsplash via RNZInstead, it's helpful to work on being present with and curious about difficult feelings with presence, with curiosity, Sedley says."Tune into that compassionate voice, which is kind, strong, confident and wise, support yourself."We have to learn to make space in our bodies for feelings both pleasant and unpleasant, he says."Think 'there's room inside me for that distress' rather than 'I need to calm myself because I can't handle being worried' or 'I need to get rid of all the sadness because I can't handle being sad'."Listen here on Nine to Noon: How to be a good parent when you're struggling with your own mental healthWellington psychologist Ben Sedley shares tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in his new book Holding the Heavy Stuff. Photo: Supplied via RNZChildren learn how to respond to depression by watching their parents, Sedley says, so be aware of the responses you're modelling."We're teaching our children how they need to act if they feel depressed in their lives later on. Will they learn to treat themselves with compassion and keep fighting and advocating for themselves?"Because they'll be aware of it anyway, it's fruitless trying to completely hide your own emotional struggles from your children, he says."Give the message to children that, 'yep, things are hard right now, you're picking up on something. I'm not going to pretend there's nothing there'."[You could say], 'I'm feeling sad right now, and I'm going to make sure I look after myself, get the help I need'."Talking to my children, I say, 'Yeah, things are a bit tough right now, and we're dealing with it, and that might mean some changes, and we'll let you know when we've got this under control'."Holding the Heavy Stuff is Wellington psychologist Ben Sedley's follow-up to Stuff That Sucks - a self-help guide for teenagers. Photo: Hachette NZ via RNZHuman beings aren't designed to handle every aspect of parenting on their own, he says. If you're clearly overwhelmed, there are likely people around who are keen to help out somehow."You can ask for some extra help with practical things. Can you pick the kids up from school?"Calling a friend and asking to "vent" without them offering solutions can also be a big help.If you're having a hard time emotionally, Sedley recommends seeking out things that calm you, practising kinder self-talk, eating a bit more healthily if possible and grabbing a sit-down when you can."Look after yourself in a way that not only allows you to look after your children ... but also demonstrates to them that you're worth it."Where to get helpNeed to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.Samaritans: 0800 726 666.Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email [email protected]'s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.Healthline: 0800 611 116.Rainbow Youth: 09 376 4155.OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.Eating Disorders Carer Support NZ: Also on Facebook.If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. - RNZ

In the year since seedlings went into soil, the results from the Waitaki Grown medicinal crop trials are looking promising.The first harvest of the crops - a collaborative project between Waitaki District Council and farmers to explore land use diversification - has produced good phytochemical test results. The goal of the trial is to add resilience to and support the economic growth of the Waitaki’s vital primary sector, council economic development advisor Rebecca Finlay says.The project has been running since September 2023, funded by the Government’s Better Off fund, and the five crops were selected following a year of extensive research and consultation.The project is testing the viability of growing five high-value crops in the Waitaki’s unique environment, to potentially create new products aimed at high-value markets.Encouraging test results from the four root crops: astragalus, baical skullcap, liquorice, and withania (ashwagandha) have just been released, marking a significant milestone for the project, Rebecca says. Peppermint is the fifth crop.Testing was carried out by one of Australasia’s most reputable phytochemical laboratories, with the results providing critical insights into the potential of these crops for future commercialisation, she says.The key findings of the year-one testing included high saponin levels (specifically astragalosides), which exceed those in some high-quality reference samples.The herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and saponin astragalosides are known for their cardio-protective and anti-inflammatory properties, and for helping regulate the immune system, among other things. This is particularly exciting given this was a first-year crop and the crop is traditionally grown over a two-year cycle, Rebecca says.Baical skullcap also performed well, with 9.22% baicalin - a key bioactive compound - detected in the sample. This is close to the 10.72% benchmark from the reference material and shows there is strong potential to cultivate this crop as an annual in Waitaki conditions.Dried baical skullcap root. Photo: SuppliedBaicalin also offers a range of potential health benefits as an anti-inflammatory, with neuroprotective effects and potential benefits for skin health, metabolic function and even cancer treatment.The liquorice returned lower levels of glycyrrhizic acid in its first year, which was expected. The crop typically requires two to three years to reach peak phytochemical content and yield. These early findings reinforce the need for multi-year cultivation trials, Rebecca says.Glycyrrhizic acid looks particularly promising for those struggling with metabolic syndrome - potentially reducing body fat, healing stomach ulcers and fighting infections. Meanwhile, withania (also known as ashwagandha) presented more modest results, with lower withanolide levels compared to benchmarks. However, it remains a viable candidate for local processing due to its ease of cultivation and potential market for lower-grade material.“These results are a major step forward for Waitaki Grown,” Rebecca says. “We’re learning what works here, how to improve crop quality and yields, and which species have the strongest commercial potential growing in our climate.“The results for astragalus and baical skullcap are particularly encouraging.”The crops could provide a high-value diversification option for the Waitaki farming sector, Rebecca says.“On the back of a challenging growing year, where we had major weed problems, a positive result like this is the motivation the team needed to continue with this innovative project.”Going into year two, the project team is using these findings to refine planting and harvesting strategies, with a focus on improving phytochemical content. They will also trial different growing methods, and evaluate the two-year crops next autumn.Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher says projects like Waitaki Grown are about exploring future pathways for farmers and land use in the district.“North Otago has some of the best growing soil in the country, and working with our farmers to support land-use diversification into medicinal crops as an alternative, high-value option, will ensure we get the best out of it,” he says.Council chief executive Alex Parmley says the crop trial is about supporting our farmers in exploring how farming can be diversified in the Waitaki.“Adding resilience to our agricultural sector and ensuring it continues to drive economic growth in our district.”Waitaki Grown is also exploring future research partnerships, including applications in animal health and soil wellbeing, Rebecca says. This reflects a broader vision for integrated land use systems that support environmental and economic sustainability in the district.Community members or potential growers who would like to learn more or get involved in year two trials are encouraged to contact the Waitaki Grown team via the council.Hard at work are some of the Waitaki Grown team (from left) Rebecca Finlay, Johnny Halvorsen, Craig France, Viv Ferne and Jock Webster. Photo: Supplied

The Great Waitaki Winter Warm Up starts on Friday (August 1), inviting locals and visitors to shake off the winter chill with a range of hot drinks, hearty bites and warm local hospitality.Ten of Ōamaru's favourite cafés, bars, and restaurants have crafted a special menu of winter warmers - from mulled wine and hot toddies to rich soups, decadent hot chocolates and even a baked Whitestone Cheese Mt Dommett Double Cream Brie.The event is the brainchild of Jacob Barwick (Victoria Lounge) and Cyndi Christensen (former Waitaki District Council placemaking lead), both of whom have long been invested in developing new ways to celebrate local assets."It's more than a food and drink trail," Jacob says."It's a reason to slow down and enjoy what's on offer right here on our doorstep.""Winter in Waitaki is about comfort, connection and community, and this captures all three," Cyndi says.Different places are offering different treats and in some cases, multiple opportunities to indulge in specially crafted winter warmers.Along with Whitestone's baked brie, there are four distinctly decadent takes on hot chocolate, four hearty soups, plus a choice of mulled wines, hot toddies and freshly brewed coffee on offer, sitting alongside each venue's usual fare.Proudly supported by Waitaki App and Real Radio, The Great Waitaki Winter Warm Up is about giving a reason to explore, support local and celebrate the season together.Check out all the details on Waitaki App to browse the full list of venues and use our map view to plan your own trail here - The Great Waitaki Warm Up.Waitaki App co-owner Alex Regtien says there is something for "absolutely everyone”. Real Radio's Dan Lewis says it's about connection."Giving people a reason to come out, gather and enjoy what our local spots do best."

Two Ōamaru women are determined to fill in all the blanks for those staring down the barrel of menopause.Movement Hub owner Stacey Pine and Yoga teacher Margie Mitchell have put together Ōamaru Menopause Conference: Thriving through the stages.Margie says the menopause industry has become a little bit like the weight-loss industry, and women are made to feel like they need to “fix the thing”.“And that’s not true.”She has recently completed her teacher training in yoga, through the stages of menopause.“They talk about later reproductive years, just before perimenopause and then perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause.“And it's something that's affected me personally, and then you learn about it, and it's like, the more you learn, the more you realise you’re not going crazy, and that's really nice.”She hopes one of the things to come out of the day is women talking to each other, to go, “oh, that's happening for you? That’s happening to me”.Stacey, who is an exercise physiologist and pilates teacher, has recently completed a Girls Gone Strong course on menopause and feels compelled to share her learnings with as many people as she can. “I finished that course, and it was like, ‘how do I take this information now and deliver it?’. She wanted a way to get it out to the most people..“So, it looks at all the lifestyle factors. We learn about HRT, but it's outside of my scope of practice to advise on that.”“I know what part I'm comfortable talking about and delivering, and it's like, ‘what if you take all the experts?’ Because there's so much to know.“And then depending on what your values and symptoms and issues are, you get to focus on the part that's going to make the most impact for you,” she says.The conference runs for a full day on September 20, at the Ōamaru Opera House, and includes keynote speakers such as holistic menopause coach Marja Captjin who will give the introduction - Menopause 101, followed by obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Hannah Rose Hart discussing the medical management of menopause.They are joined by lifestyle physician and GP, Dr Erika Hollow, for a panel discussion.Dr Hollow is also offering a session on sleep later in the day, Stacey says.“She's studying endocrinology of sleep, which I'm so excited about, because if you're not sleeping, there’s no point thinking about your nutrition and your exercise, because it all goes out the window.”Another expert, clinical psychologist Nicola Brown, who is also a comedian, will talk about mental health.Outside the sessions provided by the keynote speakers, conference attendees can pick their own path for the rest of the day.“You’ll be able to kind of dictate what’s going to make the most impact in your life,” Stacey says.There is advice on nutrition from Ōamaru health and fitness expert Mel Smith, Nicola Brown will offer executive coaching to help women deal with their busy lifestyles, and Stacey will run a session on pelvic floor and core.“Linda Direen looks at pleasure in terms of not just sexual pleasure, but pleasure, touch and vulva health and education,” Stacey says.“Because again, things can change in menopause and it can also be a time to come into yourself. I feel as if it's, 'I can do all of this for me', rather than always caring for other people.”Margie agrees menopause is a chance for women to “really transform”.“And actually feel empowered that there can be some benefits of it, as well.”There will also be post-menopausal women speaking about their experiences, and being on the other side of it, Margie says.“So, talking about things they've experienced and things that are better for them. I feel like it'd be nice, rather than just going, ‘it’s all shit’.”Tickets are limited to 100, but the workshop numbers are not capped, Stacey says.“We're kind of hoping there'll be a nice spread, but we're not gonna limit one, if more people want to go one way.“Because in keynote sessions, there's just a lot of information to go through and you're kind of being talked to, whereas the workshops, we really want people to be able to share and hear, have a voice heard, and to realise they're not alone in their symptoms.”The event includes morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, catered by That Food Guy, Mark Townsend, and most dietary requirements can be met. Stacey says she has already sold tickets to people from places such as Central Otago and Christchurch, and encourages local women not to leave it until the last minute, and risk missing out.

For Ōamaru business owners dreading the encroachment of another seagull breeding season, help may be on the way.A revolutionary system which uses electricity to deter the “nationally vulnerable” birds from nesting is being trialled in Ōamaru.Active Oxy director Brendon Spencer is working with Business South Waitaki navigator Rebecca Finlay to see if the system is a viable option for businesses struggling with the noise and mess created by the mostly red-billed gulls which, once they start breeding, cannot have their nests disturbed.Brendon says his Christchurch-based business to this point has mostly been installing ozone (O3) systems to deter nuisance birds from indoor areas, such as food and seed storage, processing facilities and farm buildings.The ozone gas, made of three oxygen atoms, is used at a regulated level to make the birds feel uncomfortable, but does not harm them, and encourages them to fly elsewhere.Brendon has been looking to implement a product that works on the outside of buildings, as ozone dissipates quickly and is less effective outdoors.The new system, which he will begin trialling on the roof of 149 Thames Street at the start of August (above Don the Barber), is a plug-in system, which uses electromagnetic pulses.“It does two things really. It makes the birds feel a sensation of vertigo, and it interferes with their guidance system. It disorients them slightly, they don’t like it, and they refuse to land on the buildings with this system installed.”He says the building is “almost perfect” for the trial, because the roof has two levels.“So we've got a treated area and a control area all in the one space . . . The high roof's going to be treated, the lower roof's not. So we'll see, like if they stay off that one and go onto that one, then it's a thumbs up.”The pulse goes out about 8m, and the length of the wire is between 70m and 180m, and that can be woven around the area. The power it uses is “negligible”.The red and green lines indicate where wires will be installed, to deter seagulls from the roof. Photo: SuppliedThe system, which uses technology from overseas, has been used in Blenheim and other buildings around New Zealand with promising results.These installations were carried out by a Blenheim business called Hitman Pest Management, owned by Leighton Hynes, who Brendon is also consulting with on this project.“I'm going to involve him, because if this does get some uptake, we're going to need more than me,” Brendon says.“In Ōamaru we will be using similar technology that Leighton has successfully installed on the Marlborough Library (Te Kahu o Waipuna), but a different system, and from another company.”The system installed on the Blenheim library was activated in March 2024 and has been operating since that time, and seagulls are no longer an issue on that roof, he says.If this system works for Ōamaru, it will be the most affordable option, Brendon says.“So we've, neither of us, had experience with this one before, so it'd be good to put this one in. And then we can choose between three.”They are not charging for their time or for the product.“I want to see how good it is compared to the one in Blenheim that is regulated differently. “So, it's a matter of sharing the love, if that makes sense.” Rebecca says it is an exciting possibility for Ōamaru businesses and shoppers, who are often plagued by the protected birds and the mess they make, there is hope that finally, something can be done about the problem. As soon as the system is installed it will be monitored, and it will stay there, with little intervention required except occasional maintenance.Seagulls coming in for landing on top of 149 Thames St. Photo: Ashley SmythIt will only be a matter of days before they know whether it is working, and there is the potential to offer it to the wider community ahead of this year’s breeding season, which tends to be around spring.While he couldn’t be specific about costs, the system is cheaper than the netting which is covering the Ōamaru Woolworths roof, he says.“What it does is, birds are at their most vulnerable when they're landing. And this works in that area of their flight.“So it's a proactive treatment as opposed to a reactive treatment, it's designed to deter them as they're coming in at their most vulnerable.”The Thames St building’s property manager Kevin McLay says if this system works, it will be worth the cost, when he takes into consideration the time he spends cleaning up the mess the birds make.“The stink of seagulls, especially when they're nesting,” he says. “And, because then they block up the gutters, then it rains, then it floods, then you've got mould and it just goes on.”Rebecca says there are all kinds of ramifications by not being able to adequately protect your building from seagulls and nesting seagulls.“Some businesses are at their wit’s end,” she says.“There's all kinds of social and environmental effects . . . you don't want to walk and shop. And we need people to walk and shop. Footfall is the most effective way to keep the high street alive.“Also thinking about potential implications for hospitality businesses for people who want to eat outside. The gulls in the Octagon (in Dunedin) are sort of aggressively targeting people dining outside.” Business South has several members in the hospitality sector, and recognises it's important for urban vibrancy to have people dining al fresco, Rebecca says.“There's all kinds of studies about footfall, getting outside, occupying your street frontage, that increases vibrancy in a city.”She wonders if there might be some way to spread costs across businesses.“There could be some way that we can bring all the building business owners together down this portion of Thames Street,” Rebecca says. “Because we're aware that we don't want to just push the problem to the next building.”Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher says the council continues to provide advice to business owners to assist them in keeping seagulls off their buildings, and any new initiatives are “most welcome”.“It’s been a long process to get us to where we are now, including providing areas for seagulls to nest and breed, as an alternative to our community’s buildings. “We also work closely with the Department of Conservation to manage any specific problems. “It is very much a case of welcoming any initiatives that keep the birds in areas where any interaction with humans is minimised,” he says.

Economic optimism among farmers is at a record high, according to the latest Federated Farmer's Farm Confidence Survey.The July survey found 65 percent of farmers surveyed felt confident about farm profitability - a 12-point boost from January - the highest result recorded in the survey.The six-monthly survey also found farmers' perceptions of current economic conditions had reached an eight-year high, with 33 percent believing economic conditions were good - a significant jump from a record low of - 66 percent a year ago.Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford put the upbeat mood down to strong dairy and meat prices, lower interest rates, and cuts to government regulations.Langford said it was a "good result" all round."It's a really, really positive result for farmers, but also a really, really positive result for New Zealand. When New Zealand farmers are doing well, New Zealand is doing well."Bouyed by high milk prices, 80 percent of dairy farmers had reported making a profit, with sheep and beef farmers at 44 percent and arable lagging behind, with 11 percent reporting a profit amid lower crop values.Langford said he was aware some arable farmers were struggling."We will be looking to see what we can do to improve the arable sector. But across the board, a rise in dairy prices, a rise in red meat prices had really helped with the profitability of those businesses."Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford. Photo: RNZ/Marika KhabaziFarms throughout the country were recording profitability, the survey said, with Otago-Southland farms leading the pack at 72 percent, followed by the East Coast of the North Island at 69 percent and Taranaki-Manawatu at 66 percent.The results also showed rural mental health had improved in 2025, moving from a net 52 percent negative in January 2023, to net 26 percent positive in July 2025.The biggest concerns farmers reported in the survey were regulation and compliance costs, followed by climate change policy, the emissions trading scheme, and local government rates.The survey was completed prior to the Tasman floods, and Langford said while farmers in Nelson-Tasman had experienced challenges recently, he remained optimistic there was long-term confidence in the sector."Farmers will know that they are in it for the long game, and when they are looking at this survey and saying hey do we have confidence in our businesses - in farming in general into the future - no doubt they will be looking at it with confidence to carry on."'Lots of reasons to be optimistic'ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly said conditions had improved markedly on a year ago."Lamb prices are up 50 percent, beef prices are up around 30 percent, and it's easy to forget, with how good thing's have been over the past year, but Fonterra's opening farmgate milk price at this time last year was $8 and now we're looking at $10."So these are really big increases that farmers are seeing right now."The survey found only 6 percent of farmers expect economic conditions to improve over the next 12 months, a decrease from 23 per cent in January.Dilly said there was more positive momentum for sheep and beef prices to remain high amid a global shortage of red meat causing high demand."Dairy there's a lot of reasons to be optimistic there, but there's a bit more potential for global production to swing in a direction that starts to impact the price."While global grain prices were low right now, Dilly said there was potential for something to turn the outlook around. - RNZ

Jemima Riley-Duddin is a name you will be hearing again.The St Kevin’s College year 12 pupil, who most recently blew audiences away with her performance as Artful Dodger in Musical Theatre Ōamaru’s production of Oliver!, has exciting times ahead.Since the show wrapped last Saturday (July 20), the 16-year-old has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback that has come her way.“My mum has received most of the compliments for me, actually. Like people have stopped her during half time, at all the six shows that she went to, to say, ‘oh, are you, are you Dodger's mum? Man, you must be so proud’. Which is so lovely.”Jemima’s mother Helen Riley-Duddin, who owns Inc. Design Store on Itchen St, says she still has strangers come up to her in town, and wishes she could “bottle” the compliments for when her teen daughter needs a confidence boost.“I've lost track . . . It's everywhere we go, every day,” she says. “Every day someone stops me, and often it's people that we don't know as well . . . and somehow that means even more. “She was absolutely amazing. But we are really conscious, a show like that is, it's everybody. You know, you can only shine in your role if everyone is in sync. “We are really aware of that . . . it's everything. It's the costumes and it's the lighting and it's the choreography and all of that.“But yeah, it's just been absolutely, totally overwhelming.”Jemima says the closer she came to the show opening, the easier she found it to embody her character.“It only really came to me in probably the week leading up to the actual show date, I think is when I felt the most in character . . . because I find it quite hard to get in character off stage. I mean, I can do it, but it's, it's not like natural.”The role was physically demanding and involved a lot of singing and dancing simultaneously.Jemima says while she was tired after each show, she never felt drained.“It absolutely fueled me being on that stage doing what I love.“Within the show, I got quite tired, after Consider Yourself, but it's interesting, because Dodger as a character, I find myself like grasping his energy and so his energy becomes my energy, and my energy that I had before the show still remains. “So I get a different sort of energy. I'm not sure where from.”Jemima admits she has a small case of the post-show blues.The Artful Dodger (aka Jemima Riley-Duddin). Photo: Supplied“It's not like the kind of sad that I know it's gone. Like it's still here and it's still a part of me. It's just not happening anymore.”Since Oliver! wrapped, Jemima has leapt straight into her next role, as Sour Kangaroo, in her school’s production of Seussical - a musical that combines characters and stories from several Dr. Seuss books.Rehearsals started the day after Oliver!’s closing night, and Sour Kangaroo is Jemima’s first villain role, which she says is interesting. The show is being performed in September.But as well as shining in local theatre, Jemima’s talents are bringing her national and international recognition.Last January, she spent a “downbeat summer” observing from the sidelines as a lot of her friends took part in the Netflix filming of East of Eden, in Ōamaru’s historic precinct. An opportunity she missed out on.“I watched them do their acting for hours down on set, and I was happy for them, but I was a bit bummed out myself.”So Mum got busy trawling the internet, to see what other opportunities were out there for Jemima.One that caught her eye was a Musical Theatre International and Travel Gang collaboration called International All Stars.Thirty-two teenagers from the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand would be selected to travel to New York to work under the instruction of Broadway industry professionals, to create a performance for the Junior Theatre Festival to be held in Atlanta, a week later.Jemima sent in an audition tape, not really thinking she had much of a chance, and then carried on with life.One night in June, after picking Jemima up from a late-night Oliver! rehearsal, Helen showed her the promotional video for the programme.“I watched that and I was like, ‘wait, isn't this thing I auditioned for like two months ago?’ And she said 'yes . . . you got in', and I was... I did not speak for the rest of the ride home, I was so shocked.“I'm still a bit in disbelief . . . and if I tell people about it, I see their reaction. Honestly, I feel the same . . . it seems like a dream.”Jemima admits she doesn’t pay much attention to politics, so has no particular feelings about travelling to a Trump-led US, other than feeling “really lucky” to be going overseas, and to have been recognised for something she loves doing.The trip is for two weeks in January, and now Jemima and Helen (who will chaperone) need to raise money for flights to and from the US, and the almost $15,000 ( USD $9000) required to cover the cost of the two-week programme.It is a daunting amount, but the two agree the opportunity is too good to pass up, and Jemima is one of only three who have been selected from New Zealand.Jemima says she hopes to run a “stage club” involving singing, dancing and acting for children ages six to twelve during school holidays.Other people have also reached out with ideas and offers of fundraising help, which Helen says they are grateful for.But before then, Jemima is also competing in the National Young Performer of the Year competition.She qualified at the North Otago Performing Arts competitions in March, and was one of only two who went through the process of preparing two separate seven-minute pieces which were a monologue leading into a song.One of Jemima’s performances was as the Artful Dodger singing Consider Yourself, and the other as Maria Von Trapp from The Sound of Music singing I Have Confidence.“It was this really strict, long list of rules that had to follow. “It was really confusing, and I didn't really know what I was doing . . . and the song I Have Confidence wasn't actually in the original musical, and so it almost got disqualified . . . but the judge said it was too close to the competition time for me to change it, so I just did it anyway and I got nominated through, which is amazing.”The national competition is being held in Palmerston North in October and Jemima is now working on coming up with a second piece, but will stick with her beloved Artful Dodger, she says.“So thankfully I don't have to say goodbye to Dodger just yet."While Jemima has a natural talent, she also works hard doing what she loves.Consider Yourself entertained - Jemima and the cast of Oliver!. Photo: Supplied/FacebookThere are lessons in ballet, jazz dancing and singing, and she has been involved in theatre shows since she was about eight.“I think the other thing that helps me, is just the motivation to keep doing better, and to keep like, being my best self.“Yes, it’s fun, but there’s also a goal at the end.”Jemima’s ultimate ambition is to feel proud of herself and happy that she has done her best. “And out of that, I hope will come some sort of career pathway, some opportunities, and experiences that allow me to grow."She also wants to make her Musical Theatre Ōamaru family proud, and prove the things she has learnt being involved in Ōamaru theatre are as good as she could have learnt anywhere else.“But the ultimate goal is just to feel happy," she says. "And to keep feeling happy.”

It seems only logical that a North Otago business which helps the nation care for its small pets and birds is also among the best at caring for its people.Earlier this month, Topflite was named on the shortlist for the 2025 Best Places to Work Awards.Topflite is one of 60 companies across New Zealand to make the list, and the team is now waiting to hear if it makes the finals, which will be announced next month.The awards have been running for 20 years, and the shortlist represents “the gold standard in workplace excellence”, organisers say.Topflite managing director Greg Webster says he believes the prioritisation of family, and making work/life balance “a cornerstone of our operations” is likely one of the key reasons the company has been recognised.The business was founded in 1974, by Peter Mitchell and Greg’s father Jock Webster, and both families remain heavily involved.To enter the awards, employees were surveyed on “nine pillars” of their experiences: Trust in leadership, connection to purpose, working environment, innovation, wellbeing, connection with team, performance and growth, tools and tech, and sustainability.Topflite holds an annual Green Friday native planting day (in contrast with the commercial Black Friday sales), it funds national conservation work through its Soar Initiative, and staff are involved in, and ask for feedback on, product development.An example is the process used to refine the company’s top-selling Nectar Feeder, which has been designed to feed native birds safely and hygienically, Greg says.“We worked on improving the design for nectarivorous birds like tūī and bellbirds over the years, and the input from staff was invaluable. “Everyone got a feeder before we released them and now we all compare notes on which birds have been visiting.”The team is also trialling (with the help of their dogs) new flavours of freeze-dried meat dog food, for Topflite’s “little brother company” Hound.An early finish on a Friday probably helps keep staff happy, too.Topflite staff taking part in one of the company's social occasions. Photo: Supplied“Two years ago, we made the decision as a team to start the workday slightly earlier, from Monday to Thursday, allowing us all to down tools and finish at 2pm on a Friday,” Greg says.“That means every weekend is a long-ish one, creating space for family, friends and adventures in our amazing Otago environment.”Best Places to Work chief executive Julie Gill says the shortlisted organisations have demonstrated a deep commitment to listening to their people and creating environments where wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation are embedded in the culture. “It’s inspiring to see businesses of all sizes raising the bar for what workplace excellence looks like in 2025,” she says.Greg says Topflite set the goal a few years back to be the workplace of choice in Ōamaru.“So we are very proud to have been acknowledged in the shortlist.”Julie says attracting and retaining talented staff has never been more critical. “The businesses on our shortlist understand that when you invest in your people, through listening, learning and action, you create a culture that sparks innovation, lifts performance, and builds resilience for the future. “We hope their successes will inspire others to put employee experience at the heart of their business strategies.”Next, Topflite will complete an awards submission, which includes answering a comprehensive set of questions around community engagement, and customer and employee experience.Finalists will be announced next month, with the major awards presented at a ceremony in October.As an aside: During Topflite’s latest community tree planting day, one of its staff discovered a moa bone.Experts are suggesting the bone is from a Pleistocene-era moa, potentially dating back between 2.6million and 12,000 years. It is now awaiting further investigation by palaeontologists from Otago University.The moa bone discovered during a Topflite tree planting day. Photo: Supplied

Dr Benjamin Baird is an expert on ways to induce and control lucid dreaming and how it can benefit our health and well-being once we wake up.Dreams and the subconscious have become a serious research topic for neuroscientists.Dr Benjamin Baird, a research professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Texas, is an expert on ways to induce and control lucid dreaming and how lucid dreaming can benefit our health and well-being once we wake up.He joined RNZ's Nine to Noon to answer questions about lucid dreams why we have them, why some of us don't have them and what use they might be to us therapeutically.A lucid dream is one where you know it's a dream while it's happening. Photo: RNZRelated stories:Why frequent nightmares may shorten your life by yearsSleep Maxxing: does it work? And what really helps you get a better night’s sleepWorking long hours? It could be altering the structure of your brain, new study saysHow is lucid dreaming different to regular dreaming?“It's simply that you're dreaming while it's happening. So, in the middle of the dream, you realise you're dreaming. It's as simple as that.”How common is it to remember dreams?“Many people claim they don't remember their dreams at all. And when we bring them into the sleep lab and wake them up in specific parts of sleep, they're often shocked to wake up and realise they remember all these different dreams.“The stage of sleep that's most correlated with the vivid narrative type of dreams is known as REM sleep for rapid eye movement sleep.“We go through this stage about every 90 minutes or so as we go through an overnight sleep epoch. And we think though that dreams of various sorts can happen in other stages as well. It's just that these very vivid, long kind of structured dreams are most common in REM sleep.”Sometimes you want to remember your dream and within a flash it's gone. What's happening?“There's likely a very strong evolutionary reason for why we tend not to remember our dreams.“We humans are special, but for other animals it would actually be very bad to be confused about a memory, whether that memory came from a dream or from reality. Where did I hide that nut? You know, if you're a squirrel, you don't want to misremember where you hid it in the dream.“We humans have language, so it's a bit different.”What is the purpose of dreams if not for remembering?“One theory is that dreaming is tied to memory consolidation, and we do know that memory consolidation is happening during sleep and in REM sleep as well, but the link between specific mnemonic consolidation processes and the conscious experience of dreams is still rather weak.“There are also theories within the psychological literature that dreams may have to do with simulating threats, and therefore we have an opportunity to practice our response to certain kinds of threatening simulated situations, and you can imagine that would give kind of an evolutionary imperative to dreams.”Listen on Nine to Noon: Can you control your dreams?Can lucid dreaming be used therapeutically?“By working with a qualified clinician one can actually engage in certain practices within the dream, confronting the psychological content of the dream in a way that's impossible unless you're aware and lucid, and actually working with that in real time, turning around, for example, and confronting that person who's been chasing you for the last six months in your dreams and saying, who are you?“We've heard many, many anecdotes from people, we need more empirical work on this, but anecdotally, the evidence is overwhelming from all kinds of reports we've gotten from people engaging in those kinds of practices, again, best in the context of working with a qualified clinician, where they can actually have that kind of transformative experience, and they end up never having the nightmare again.”Is lucid dreaming different from being aware you are dreaming?“We do think that they are the same. You'll find some debates still in the academy about whether control is necessary for lucidity.“There are a few scholars that would make that claim. But I think on the whole, the consensus is lucid dreams simply mean you're aware that you're dreaming while it's happening, full stop.”What work are you doing on understanding lucid dreaming and its potential to be beneficial?“In academia, we often tend to focus on clinical conditions, on bringing people who have some deficit back up to normal.“But we don't think a lot about how can we take normal people and take them to new heights to really excel and reach their full potential and explore their minds and so forth.“And I think that's really where the potential and promise of lucid dreaming is at large, is it gives people a new opportunity to explore their mind. If you like to get into a kind of different state space of their own mind brain, and for all of us to find out what might we use this for, what might be possible in this other state.”What are dream diaries? And what are the benefits?“If you wake up in the morning and just try to remember anything from the dream, describing any kind of thread, even a small detail. If you do that every morning, what most people find is that they start to remember more and more day after day, as time goes on.“And this is certainly true for myself, I started with nothing. And by the end of a couple of months, I was spending an hour in the morning writing out five very vivid dreams.“And so, it can be very interesting, I think, for people just to start to get in touch with their own mind in this way, to recognise what's going through their mind every night, because all this stuff is happening, all this content is being presented to us, it's just that normally, we're completely oblivious to it.”What is reality testing?“One of the simpler forms is simply throughout the day, periodically, you ask yourself, is this a dream or not? And you can do some sort of test, looking at your hands and counting your fingers.“So that's one kind of reality test is we'll be looking at your hands, counting your fingers, asking yourself if this is a dream or not.“Part of the idea is if you do this enough, then by habit, you'll also start to do it in your dreams. And then you will, of course, notice after doing the test that you're in fact dreaming. So it's one method to cultivate lucidity.”What is mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD)?“What MILD in the context of dreaming is you set a strong intention to, when you're in the dream, to recognise it as a dream and become lucid. And there are some specific practices surrounding that.“Some visualisation practices, you imagine yourself in the dream, ideally one you just woke up from, engaging with the specific content, but this time noticing that it's a dream. And you repeat that to yourself and setting this prospective memory intention over and over as you're falling asleep.”Dr Benjamin Baird's answers have been lightly edited. - RNZ

A new swimming programme in Ōamaru for neurodiverse and disabled children has been so successful, it has the potential to be rolled out in other areas.The swimming lessons are an off-shoot of a peer support group Able Minds whanau/family support worker Marne Phillips set up in June last year. She shared an office with Healthcare NZ Explore child and family psychologist Stephanie Lewis, who identified the need for it.A common story Stephanie was hearing from parents was they felt alone, and they were juggling not only typical parenting problems, but the added life factors caring for these children brings.“They felt they were doing this alone in a bubble, when in fact, there were other parents experiencing similar struggles and showing similar strengths,” she says. Marne says after doing her homework and checking there was nothing similar already happening in the area, she was given the go-ahead to start the group.Initially, it took a bit of time to get people in the doors.“This one mum came in and she said, ‘I almost didn't come in . . . I sat out there in the car, I just sat there and thought, I can't do this’.“But she braved it and she came in and she has been to almost every single group since.” Since last June, there have been more than 30 people join group meetings, and benefit from “amazing community support” from experts in various fields, she says.Topics covered in meetings include the journey to get a diagnosis - “which is the most challenging part of being a parent with neurodivergent children”, accessing funding, getting out in the community, eating, sleeping, schooling and teacher aid support, among others.“There is minimal cost to our group, and guest speakers are happy to come along without charge,” Marne says.Baking is supplied by Good Bitches Baking.While the swimming lessons are a small part of what the group does, they are a “huge success”, she says.“The feedback has been absolutely amazing.”One parent says the lessons have provided her with one-on-one time with her son, which she doesn’t get much of since she had a new baby. He loves anything to do with water, and they wanted him to become more capable and gain water safety skills.They have gained “lots” from the lessons, she says.“Swimming skills, quality time, and a real sense of belonging. The class is chaotic and everyone is doing their own thing, learning their own ways, and it’s amazing.”Another mother also has a son who “loves water in any form”, and these lessons help increase his comfort and capabilities with swimming.“It’s surprising me how he is adapting to these lessons, and his concentration is improving with each lesson, thanks to the awesome instructor, Rebecca.”Swimming and swimming lessons were identified by parents as difficult to do with a child who had complex needs.Marne spoke about the idea of swimming lessons at a Stronger Waitaki meeting. She was told by Stronger Waitaki lead Ali McIntyre and Waitaki District Council community development coordinator Enya Fisher to “action it”.“That never happens," Marne says. "I was like, ‘so, I don't have to write a fancy letter with like 10 signatures from parents, apply for funding and all that?’. “At that point it was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be a happening thing’.”With Stronger Waitaki support, the idea took shape, leading to a collaboration with the Waitaki Aquatic Centre which brought it to life.Rotary quickly came on board, putting money towards the lessons, which have been running in five-week blocks since earlier this year.Rotary president Miles Koberstein says the organisation is proud to support the swimming programme, which makes a significant difference to the children’s development and wellbeing, and applauds the community groups which have made it happen.There are two sets of lessons running at the moment, with four children per group.The numbers are kept low, but the programme is tailored in a way it can be expanded, provided the funding allows.“It is amazing what can happen when the community comes together, and we work as a community, basically,” Marne says.“So just being able to actually go along to the pool and see their children start to learn safety around water, making connections with other parents and children, and just being able to have something to go to on a weekly basis.“It's a progressing thing for them . . . and getting out of their comfort zone too, to be able to do that.”Waitaki Aquatic Centre programme lead Kerry Holland said the pool was proud to offer the swimming lessons to these children and their families, to help build their confidence and reduce their anxiety around water.“Every swimmer is unique and our trained instructors adapt lessons to suit individual needs and pace. Whether it’s using visual supports, one-on-one guidance, or gentle sensory approaches, we focus on making every lesson calm, fun and empowering.”The lessons are arranged during the pool’s quieter times, to avoid too much noise and stimulation. To enquire about the swimming lessons, people can contact the pool directly, or phone Marne at Able Minds 021 353 325.Able Minds is also available to support children and families going through any type of challenging situation, including grief, or a family member affected by mental health challenges or addiction.  

Ever since her first foray into the World of Wearable Arts, Tracey Vickers has been planning her next one.The Herbert artist has just found out her second entry has made it to the 2025 finals, which will take to the Wellington stage in September.This year’s entry, which is top secret until opening night, is more complex than last year, but Tracey says in some ways the whole process was easier because she learned from experience.“I knew what was to be expected, but there's still a lot to get through . . . and then there was like this added expectation, because people were like, ‘oh no, you'll get in’, and I'm like, ‘it's not as easy as that!’.”Tracey has been working on the construction of her piece since the start of last year, “chipping away” at it in her evenings and spare time, between balancing family life with two children, and her furniture restoration and upholstery business.Her 2023 Maiden of the Ferns entry took her more than 500 hours to complete, and is made of recycled upholstery scraps, plastic packaging, EVA window seals, Worbla and sequins.This entry took longer to make, and Tracey uses recycled soft plastics and milk bottles, which she has “transformed beyond their everyday appearance”.It also involved a lot more experimenting, she says.“I learned so much from last time, like all the construction, cause when my Maiden of the Ferns came back, there were little bits that I had to fix up, just the wear and tear of it, so that taught me like, ‘oh, won't do that this time around’.”It was also more “tedious”, she says.“More handcraft, like, a lot more. A lot more to sew by hand.”The entire entry process was less daunting though, because Tracey knew what to expect, but she was still anxious waiting to hear if she had made the finals.Tracey's Maiden of the Ferns on stage at the World of Wearable Arts Show in 2023. Photo: SuppliedThe first step was sending away photos of her entry, and when she heard she’d made it through to the next round, there was a week of going, ‘how am I going to send this?’ and then more than a week spent making the boxes to pack it up and send it in.“You've got to make sure they're still. They're so fragile and you’ve got to kind of think of how to pack it so it's not gonna break, move and shift around on its journey.”That was mid-May, and Tracey found out earlier this month she had made the cut. “So yeah, I had a good seven weeks of waiting, and longer than that, because you know, when you’re packing it . . . it's on your mind.She would have been “gutted” if she didn’t get through to the finals, after the amount of time spent on her piece.“Like everyone would be, you know.“But, you've got to also think, well, if it's not meant to be, then it's not meant to be, and I think I would've maybe tried to rework it and use it for something else.“You go into this knowing it's not guaranteed, but yeah, I would've had a sad week!” This year’s WOW theme is “Rise - Ignite what lies within”.The categories are Aotearoa (entries inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand), Avant Garde (experimental and unorthodox), Open (no boundaries), Air (something that can fly, float or levitate), and Neon (a celebration of colour, illumination and things that glow in the dark).When Tracey was working on Maiden of the Ferns, she had several other ideas up her sleeve for another go, but the break between her 2023 entry and this year’s was a necessary one.It allowed her time to work through her ideas before she began construction early in 2024.This creation involved more experimentation and also some failures, but she relished the learning.“It's just so different, and so there's a lot to work through, you know, things to make things work.”She made the theme work with her idea, rather than creating something around the theme.“I'm so excited this time. I know what to expect this time round. Last time it was a bit of the unknown. I did push myself more this time.” And, next time? “If there’s a next time . . . but I’ve got more ideas I didn’t follow through with with this one . . . so I’ll definitely try and incorporate some of them into the next piece.”