Life has been “a little bit crazy” for Whitestone Civic Trust property manager Jacob Barwick this past week. Only Ōamaru residents living under a rock will be unaware of the buzz that the filming of Netflix series East of Eden, in the Historic Precinct, has brought to the town.About 650 people are involved in the production, including cast, crew and extras, with close to 400 beds booked out for 10 nights across the district, Jacob says.“There’s people spread from Waimate to Moeraki and everywhere in between.”The seven-episode adaptation of the 1952 John Steinbeck novel has brought a number of stars to town, including actress of the moment, Florence Pugh, in a lead role, alongside Mike Faist, Christopher Abbott and Ciaran Hinds.The story takes place from the late 19th Century to the end of World War 1, in California’s Salinas Valley. And Ōamaru’s collection of Victorian buildings has provided the perfect backdrop for the era.   Following the end of filming in the early hours of Friday morning, Jacob and the rest of the trust will be able to breathe a sigh of relief, and maybe put their feet up - if only briefly. “I've been, you know, in amongst our tenants in the area, making sure they're happy, the buildings are happy, the production team is happy - making sure everybody that's within the Civic Trust sphere is okay.” Filming ran from last Sunday, into the early hours of Friday morning. Photo: Sarah RowlandDue to the size of the production, Jacob is excited about the potential long-term benefits for the town and the historic area in particular.  “Hopefully we pop out the other end and it's a hit and you know, we're catapulted into stardom of a different type.”  Already, Ōamaru has had it’s own moment in the limelight, garnering national and international attention due to its starring role in the production.Part of the attraction has been the openness of the filming, with public able to look on and take photos from behind cordons. This was a large part of the six-month negotiations before an agreement was reached between the trust and the production team, Jacob says.Being able to watch as filming was carried out, was a drawcard. Photo: Sarah Rowland“One of the things was that we couldn't shut the precinct down, like we couldn't lock it down for that period of time at this time of the year, it just didn't work. “So one of the things was that there had to be a lot of public access to the area, and of course that brought the media attention.“We have had so much interest from around New Zealand, and international media, you know, being interested in what's happening here, which for the Civic Trust point of view is amazing.” Communication has been “really important”, and keeping everyone in the loop has been crucial to maintaining good feeling despite the disruptions.“Yes, and so I guess that's been one of the biggest things, is that it has attracted a whole new crowd and demographic to the precinct and to Ōamaru, because even in this short time we've now picked up people travelling to Ōamaru to look at the film set because, you know, people want to see where it's filmed.”English actress Florence Pugh (centre) has a leading role in the series. Photo: Sarah RowlandOne of the big highlights for Jacob this week, was a behind-the-scenes tour with the location manager, and having what everything was being used for, and how, explained. “But just, for me, I'm sort of on the side of the production company, you know, the location team. So watching them, how they transform everything and the work that goes into it has been really interesting for me.”Most of the production team left town for Central Otago today, with the remaining clean-up to take place over the next few days, Jacob says.It should be business as usual for everyone now, even if things don’t quite look as they should, yet. Photo: Sarah Rowland“The gravel, the displays, anything that they've changed, they've got three or four days to convert it all back.” Making the precinct available to these sorts of filming opportunities is a “really important income stream” for the Civic Trust, which receives a location fee from the production companies, Jacob says.Businesses that have had to close are also compensated for loss of income. “That's why we put so much work and effort into making sure that the precinct’s always film-ready. “So, when we're planning things long-term, we actually go, ‘will that work?’ . . . can it be removed easily? So we've always got our eye on bringing the next one here.” The production company says the Waitaki District Council and the Civic Trust have made Ōamaru one of the easiest towns to work with in New Zealand, Jacob says, and the feeling is mutual. “Oh, the production company's amazing.“And we have this amazing set of buildings that do not exist anywhere else. It is a perfect set. I think the size of this production shows that, you know, you just roll in and you can film a huge chunk of a TV series in one location.” Photo: Sarah Rowland

By Richard Larsen, Producer - 30' with Guyon EspinerIs it time to listen to the research on drinking? It might be a tough topic to swallow when summer's finally starting to hum and the gin and tonic is singing to you.But like it or not, research continues to reveal that while a drink or two may feel harmless - or even beneficial - there are good reasons to rethink how much and how often we drink.According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2022 guidelines, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means it conclusively causes cancer in humans, and the more alcohol we drink, the higher the risk.A factsheet released by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, titled Alcohol Causes Cancer, puts it like this:Drinks Per Week:0: No cancer risk (from booze, obviously)1-3: Risk of breast cancer and bowel cancer increases slightly.4-8: Risk of cancer increases, including breast, colon, mouth, throat and liver cancers9 or more: Risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke radically increases.The paper defines "a drink" as one 330ml bottle of 4 percent strength beer; one 100ml glass of wine; or 1 shot glass of spirits.It also alarmingly reports that more than 4 out of 5 New Zealanders "don't know that drinking alcohol cause cancer".Yet, despite this knowledge gap, many Kiwis - particularly younger generations - are drinking less.Shifting attitudesDr Andy Towers, an addiction and mental health specialist at Massey University, points out that youth drinking rates in New Zealand have declined over the past few decades."Youth aged 25 and under are drinking less, and many simply don't want to drink," says Towers. "This is partly due to 30 years of public health campaigns discouraging excessive drinking and drink-driving. This generation has grown up with these messages as a constant backdrop."He adds that many younger people are also influenced by their parents' experiences. "They are the children of a generation that drank a lot. Parents are more cautious now and don't necessarily encourage drinking."This shift also aligns with broader lifestyle trends."Young people are more health-conscious than previous generations," Towers explains. "Social media plays a role too. Their public-facing profiles mean they're investing more in health and less in substance use."Social dynamics have also evolved. "Drinking has traditionally been a social lubricant for older generations. Today's youth socialise differently, often online, where alcohol plays a smaller role."Older generations and hazardous drinkingWhile younger New Zealanders are cutting back, those aged 40-65 remain a concern. Towers notes that this cohort has always preferred alcohol as their "drug of choice"."Many in this age group are drinking at levels comparable to what they consumed in their 20s, and we classify them as hazardous drinkers," he says. Public health professionals are particularly worried about this group's high consumption levels.However, there's a silver lining. Many in this age group are also leading conversations about quitting alcohol, often sharing their personal journeys with addiction or heavy drinking. Towers cites figures like Lotta Dann, Hayley Holt, and Guyon Espiner as examples of people who've captured public attention. "Their stories resonate because they aren't kids. They're respected professionals, and their experiences carry weight."The trend of "Intermittent Sobriety"For those not ready to give up alcohol entirely - or have no intention of doing so - intermittent sobriety is becoming a popular alternative. It's basically the latest way of saying "I should probably stop drinking every day." Cutting out alcohol during the week or partaking in "dry" months can be beneficial, according to Towers."At a minimum, any time off alcohol is good for you," he says. "We forget that ethanol is a literal poison, and consuming it over time causes a range of harmful effects, from blackouts and injuries to long-term risks like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline."However, intermittent sobriety isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Towers explains that light drinkers are best positioned to adopt this approach."It's a good self-test to see how well you can cope without alcohol. Many people use alcohol to reduce stress or cope with other issues, so taking a break can help identify whether it's become a crutch."Heavy drinkers may find intermittent sobriety more challenging. "Those who drink most days of the week may have started developing a psychological or physical dependence," Towers warns. He says the heaviest drinkers should avoid abrupt breaks without medical supervision, as withdrawal can be dangerous.GP Sue Crengle, who co-authored the Royal Society Report on the cancer risks of alcohol, echoes these concerns. "The recommendations around safer drinking in New Zealand include having at least two alcohol-free days per week," she says. "Dry months or cutting out alcohol during the week can be beneficial, but it's important to consider whether you're binge drinking at other times."Lifestyle tips for cutting backFor those looking to embrace intermittent sobriety, Towers offers some practical strategies:Stay active: "Exercising with others provides social connection and an endorphin buzz."Set goals: "Training for an event, like a half-marathon, is a great excuse to avoid alcohol."Try new hobbies: "Engaging your brain with something new can be incredibly rewarding."Spend time with whānau: "Family-oriented activities often don't involve alcohol and create meaningful connections."Find alternatives: "Simply swap your daily drink for another non-alcoholic option. Sometimes it's about creating a different atmosphere."But if those options have you instantly reaching for the nearest cold one, there are, of course, other alternatives out there ...The hospo industry adaptsChanging drinking habits are affecting New Zealand's hospitality industry, but not as dramatically as other factors, says Jos Ruffell, co-founder of Garage Project."Excise tax increases over the last three years have significantly impacted independent breweries more than changing drinking habits," Ruffell explains. "But people's drinking habits are evolving. Over the past decade, we've seen a shift toward more flavourful and interesting beers, and now there's growth in non-alcoholic options."Non-alcoholic beers, in particular, are experiencing a surge. "They're growing at a much faster rate than the wider beer market," says Ruffell. "For many people, the taste and flavour of the best non-alc beers have been a game changer."Brewing high-quality non-alcoholic beer isn't easy, though. Ruffell shares that Garage Project spent over a year on research and development before releasing its non-alcoholic beer, Tiny. "The secret is that they're real beers. We use the same ingredients-great malt and hops-but specific yeasts that don't produce alcohol. It's a careful process that preserves the flavour and aroma."Last call?New Zealand's relationship with alcohol is evolving. Whether it's the younger generation's move toward sobriety or older drinkers rethinking their habits, there's never been a better time to jump on the wagon - even if it's only to trundle along to the next special occasion.Just make sure to step off gracefully instead of faceplanting onto the footpath."The goal is to support people who want to use any drug, including alcohol, in a way that reduces harm," says Towers. "It's about knowing how much is enough and making informed decisions about when to stop." - RNZ

By RNZ reporter Kate Green The Postal Workers Union is concerned a new directive from NZ Post will mean less mail is getting where it needs to go.Letters addressed to a company's physical address when a PO box is available will be returned to sender, with workers no longer allowed to look up the box number and replace it on the envelope.NZ Post chief customer officer Bryan Dobson said that was "a hugely time intensive process", and has told workers to stop doing so."Most big businesses, government agencies, shops etc have both a physical address (where the building is located; and not usually eligible for mail delivery) and a postal address (usually a PO box where their mail gets sent)," Dobson said in a statement."NZ Post will no longer be offering this free readdressing service, and will instead be asking New Zealanders to address their mail to an address that qualifies for mail delivery."This might mean people needed to look up a mailing address to make sure letters were safely received.He acknowledged this change might be inconvenient for customers, but it was part of a raft of changes "in response to New Zealanders choosing to communicate more online".But the union said it represented a "downgrade in services", with the focus no longer on getting mail where it needed to go.Co-national president John Maynard said: "This is government departments, hospitals, resthomes - and we've been getting a lot of feedback from the posties around the country, they are very unhappy about the loss of service to the people."He said it would also affect high-profile mail recipients like MPs - any mail to an elected official would now need to be addressed to Parliament's private bag, rather than "Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street, Wellington" or "The Beehive"."There would be very few constituents writing to their MPs who would know that Parliament Buildings has a private bag," Maynard said."We can see the point that, perhaps if a company's got a box number, make sure you advertise it, but there will always be somebody that's gone past, didn't realise there was a box number, and wanted to send mail to that place - I've done it myself."He was concerned it would result in double-handling, when those returned letters again came across NZ Post workers desks when the sender gave it another try.More changes were on the way.Late last year, NZ Post proposed fewer deliveries every week, a reduced number of postal outlets, and no longer having mail deliveries to letterboxes at front gates.Dobson said they would eventually begin combining mail delivery with the parcel delivery network, "moving from two urban delivery networks to just one".This would manage the high cost of delivering much less mail than in the past, allowing the service to remain commercially sustainable, he said. - RNZ

Jo Henwood quietly opened her Ōamaru store Boho Jo more than a year ago in Smiths Grainstore. In May she shifted into a larger space on Tyne St, and last month she started a fragrance bar. She spoke to the Waitaki App about the “why” behind her business and how it’s all going.Q. Tell me about Boho Jo? What was your motivation behind opening it? Opening Boho Jo was inspired basically by people at work wanting to buy things I made. I am a migraine sufferer and also have sensitive skin, so I make my own products so I know exactly what's in them and they are natural. I make all natural-based products - beeswax candles, coconut-oil soap, natural perfumes and a few other things that vary - always something different.A co-worker suggested doing a market, so I did and customers loved the products I made. Q. When did you open in Ōamaru?I stumbled across a cute little empty store in the Smith's Grainstore at the Victorian precinct and thought that would be a perfect space for my products, so I started there in December last year. Then moved to the larger space in May on Tyne Street. I love the Victorian precinct and the people there, so I feel really lucky to be able to have my store there. I live in Geraldine and will travel until my son finishes high school at the end of 2025. My husband and I will then move down permanently.Q. Tell me more about the candle-making and perfume bar. How long have they been running, what can people expect from them, how has the response been?The fragrance and candle-making bar/workroom launched on December 23. I have been running workshops through November and December in the store after hours and that has been really successful. I will still do the workshops in the new year but the fragrance bar is more for you to come in and make your own perfume or scented candle, with my guidance, but more of a fun hour activity instead of a full detailed workshop. No need to book just pop in and you can start creating on the days I'm there which I will have a sign out stating it's open or set days on Facebook. Large groups of up to 12 people can book an evening too. Q. Tell me about yourself... My work history: I have been in a few different roles that have all helped with the skills I use today in my business - laboratory work, manufacturing organic health oils and working in health care. I have also studied and have a diploma in aromatherapy application. I love swimming, camping and tramping. The outdoors is where I feel relaxed and I really enjoy being in nature.Q. What are you enjoying about running the business? Are there any unexpected challenges?I love being busy, so I enjoy the day-to-day challenges of keeping up with stock. I make majority of the products instore, and anything else is all locally made. I really enjoy showing people how to make their own creations, which is why I started the workshops. Boho Jo is at 7 Tyne Street.

Six planets are lining up across the night sky this month in a so-called "parade of planets".Four of the planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye.Listen on Morning Report: Six planets to line up in night skyAstronomer and planet discoverer Ian Griffin said it was a great time to do some sky watching if you were interested in planets."Because of the way the Earth goes around the Sun and different plants go around the Sun for a short period of time over the next few weeks, you've got a whole bunch of naked eye planets on display," he said."Starting in the west this evening if you go out about an hour after sunset you'll see Venus blazing away above the horizon and then just above Venus you can see Saturn, a little bit fainter and whitish, and then in the northern sky you've got Jupiter which is incredibly bright at the moment and then rising in the north-east you've got fiery red Mars which is at its closest to us over the next few weeks."To top it all off, towards the end of the week there should be a comet that can be seen with the naked eye in the south-west, he said.The view of the comet was likely to be even better next week, he said."Seeing a naked eye comet is quite a rare thing, there's been a few over the last few years but astronomers have got really high hopes for this one."Hopefully towards the end of the week, early next week, in the south-western sky about an hour after sunset you'll see this kind of white streak of light in the sky and that's the comet tail and this comet is on its first visit to our part of the solar system and the next time it comes round will be about half a million years time - so if you want to see this comet now is a really good time to do it."It was a great time to go out and do some astronomy with so much on view, he said.Provided the sky was clear all of the planets should be on display from throughout New Zealand, he said."All you need is a Mark 1 eyeball, a deck chair and a really good view of the horizon."Although the planets would be able to be seen with the naked eye, binoculars would allow you to see greater detail, he said. - RNZ

The head of Helicopters Otago is dipping into his own pocket to provide a $10,000 reward to catch whoever stole critical medical supplies from a rescue helicopter.The Queenstown rescue helicopter was burgled at the Taieri Airfield over the weekend after taking a critically ill patient to Dunedin Hospital early on Sunday morning.The 48-hour reward is on offer from 8am on Tuesday.It was bad weather that kept the rescue helicopter from returning to Queenstown, with the crew having to hunker down instead.A bag with the helicopter's medical supplies including drugs was checked before they went to bed.It was gone by the time they got up.Helicopters Otago chief executive Graeme Gale is furious, going into his own pocket to pay for the reward to catch whoever was involved."I want two things - I want my bag returned with the equipment in it and I also want the name of this clown that actually did it," he said."Now his mates will dob him in for $10,000, surely. It's an easy $10,000. It's more guaranteed than Lotto. All I want is the name and my bag back."Whoever did this broke at least two civil aviation rules by coming onto the airfield and entering the helicopter before taking the essential gear, he said.They were lucky to discover it was gone before they were called on a rescue mission, Gale said."Potentially a patient would die, if it's that critical and we need some of the equipment that's in that bag. A builder can't build a house without his hammer and nails."Our medics can not go to a job and attend to critically unwell patients without their equipment that they use on a daily basis."This is, in my book, just an unforgivable act that this clown has done."Nothing in the bag has street value but it would be costly to replace if the bag was not returned, he said.Their medical equipment was funded by a local community trust.Gale did not believe the trust should have to fork out more money to cover costs, so he planned to replace it himself."I can't go down to the shop down the road, I can't go to Kmart or Mitre 10 and replace that equipment," he said."This is specialised equipment that takes time to get and it is very important for us to get this back so we can go and do the job that we were put here to do and that is saving lives."Police said taking the medical supplies put patients' lives at risk, but could pose a lethal risk if someone decided to take the drugs recreationally.An investigation is underway and anyone with information should contact the police. - RNZ

MetService is forecasting settled and mostly dry weather for much of New Zealand this week, with little to no rain forecast for most.While cool temperatures continue in the east early in the week, warmer, humid air with rain may move onto the country as we near the end of the week.MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo says cool temperatures are expected to stick around this week, especially in the eastern areas, thanks to the southerly flow driven by a high-pressure system that’s currently dominating New Zealand. “However, western areas and the lower South Island continue to be the best places to be this summer, with Wanaka temperatures forecast to average 28°C this week while the West Coast basks in sunshine.” Although it will be cooler, mainly fine weather is forecast for much of the country. “Even though there could be days of a few showers in some places during the morning and afternoon, it will be a mainly fine week for the southern North Island, with dry but cold evenings,” Surprise says. Towards the end of the week, a complex low-pressure system from the north is set to bring rain and warmer temperatures.“A band of rain and strong warm northeasterly winds may move onto Northland on Friday, gradually spreading to Auckland during the day,” he says.“At this point, there is still some uncertainty on the amount of rain that we might see there, so we advise everyone to keep up with our local forecasts for your weekend plans.”

By RNZ reporter Samantha Mythen Omanawanui Track, Waitakere Ranges Regional ParkEditor and publisher of Wilderness Magazine Alistair Hall said the Omanawanui track is an escape, a world away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Auckland city."The views found along the sinuous trail - of Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea - are exquisite and rival those you expect to find in a national park," he said.The walk takes about 2.5 hours each way and is in excellent condition because of upgrades in recent years, making it suitable for most ages.It is exposed to the elements, so Hall recommended plenty of water, sun protection, wind, and rainproof gear be carried.RangituhiFormer Victoria University Tramping Club president, and lifetime tramping enthusiast Anita Radcliffe said she adored Rangituhi Hill, tucked behind industrial Porirua.Anita Radcliffe walking Rangituhi Hill. Photo: Supplied via RNZIt is only about two kilometres to the lookout and two more to the summit, but Radcliffe said it feels like a real achievement as you walk through the extraordinarily lush bush, full of nīkau and supplejack.Rangituhi Hill. Photo: Supplied"You see all walks of life hauling themselves up the stairs, everyone is out giving it their best and cheering each other on," she said."It transports you away from your worries and makes you feel like you're deep in the bush. It even has a small waterfall and glowworms at night. A small walk but it packs a punch."Rangituhi Hill. Photo: SuppliedNorth-West Circuit Track, Rakiura National ParkBackcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown said the 10-12 day odyssey around Stewart Island was one of the best longer tramping trips in the country if you were looking for a real outdoor quest.Rakiura National Park. Photo: Supplied"The challenging walk offers a spectacular mix of windswept beaches, forest and coastal scenery that never disappoints," he said.There was also an "almost certain chance to see Kiwi in the wild," and visit huts in perfectly idyllic locations.Rakiura National Park. Photo: Supplied"By the time you get to East Ruggedy Hut, you feel a long way from anywhere," Brown said.An amble along the Paekākāriki BeachRic Cullinane, chief executive of Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, has explored walks worldwide. But his favourite is outside his front door, along Paekākāriki Beach.Paekākāriki Beach. Photo: Supplied"It's never the same beach," Ric said."It's spectacular. The colours, sea, the jetsam, are always changing."Ric Cullinane, chief executive of Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission on Paekākāriki Beach. Photo: SuppliedHe usually walks along the beach every evening with his three Labradors.The beach walk links up to the south with the towering and wildly popular Escarpment Track. To the north, it links with a plethora of tracks through Queen Elizabeth Park. During the summer, Te Araroa walkers make their way along this long ribbon of walkways.Paekākāriki Beach. Photo: SuppliedKāpiti Island's Trig TrackOne of NZ Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley's favourite walks is the Trig Track on Kāpiti Island, which climbs to the island's highest point, Tuteremoana at 521m.Mike Daisley. Photo: Supplied / Sarah Topliff"I love this track because you get to experience the magic of Kāpiti Island," Daisley said.The island is a predator-free sanctuary with regenerating native forests."You're likely to hear noisy kākā overhead, encounter curious weka and, if you're lucky, spot a takahē," he said.You will need to pre-book a Kāpiti Island Nature Tour for your boat trip to the island and attain a Department of Conservation permit. He recommended using Plan My Walk, the NZ Mountain Safety Council's free app and website for planning your next outdoor adventure.Adventure to Ballroom OverhangWilderness Magazine deputy editor Leigh Hopkinsin's favourite bush walk is up the Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang, on the South Island's wild West Coast."I love this walk because the river allows you easy access to these incredible places that would be challenging to get to otherwise," she said.Ballroom Overhang. Photo: SuppliedIf you time it right, you can finish with a swim, a coffee and Pad Thai at the laid-back Fox River Market, held at the river mouth every Sunday.A Ruahine Forest Park LoopOne of the Federated Mountain Club president's favourite "on-track" walks is the loop around Otukota, Colenso and Ironbark hut in the Ruahine Forest Park.Ruahine Forest - Megan Dimozantos crossing the Maropea River below Otukota Hut. Photo: SuppliedThe area holds a special place in president Megan Dimozantos' heart as FMC has worked to ensure access via Mokai station remains unobstructed for everyone to enjoy."It features a plethora of excellent huts that Backcountry Trust volunteers have lovingly restored and cared for," she said.The Otukota Hut, restored by the Backcountry Trust. Photo: SuppliedThe area is also well-trapped by Ruahine Whiō Protectors. Dimozantos saw two Whiō whānau on her last trip there."The area is just such a beautiful reminder of just how special our wild places are," she said.The Whirinaki TrackNeil Mythen, this writer's father, has spent over 40 years tramping around Aotearoa.He said the "untouched lush native forest full of majestic trees" of the Whirinaki Track is an unbeatable bush walk.He said the area filled with rimu, matai, kahikatea, miro and totara, all hundreds of years old, is a magical place."It will take your breath away as you meander along the track, where you could imagine a dinosaur appearing around the next corner."Unbelievable as it may seem, in the late '70s and early '80s, this forest was set to be selectively logged by the then NZ Forest Service, Mythen said.A campaign was started to save the forest, which captured the public's imagination and was basically the forerunner of the Green movement.The forest was saved and a new government department was formed to look after our native forests... the Department of Conservation.Mt FoxAlpine adventure company, Mountain Journey's owner Rob Frost set his sights on Mt Fox.He said it was a steep and difficult track which "doesn't muck around," climbing 1200m over a distance of less than 4km.Mt Fox. Photo: SuppliedBut it is worth the hustle he said, offering unparalleled views of the Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe, the highest section of the Southern Alps / Ka Tiritiri o te Moana, as well as both north and south along the West Coast.There is plenty of variety, too: it starts in lowland podocarp-hardwood forest draped with mosses, and climbs through tree ferns, dracophyllum forest, subalpine shrubs, to finally reach alpine tarns amongst the tussock."Allow a day, and plan to use your hands for the steep bits," he said.A bath for a princessJust a couple of hours' drive into the back of Hanmer Springs, you will find yourself at sapphire blue Lake Tennyson.Looking over the lake is Mt Princess, where nestled under its peak is a glorious tarn, named Princess Bath.There is no set route up to the tarn, but you can follow the ridgeline eventually arriving for a cool dip to wash off the summer's heat.Author and her dad, Neil Mythen at Princess Bath. Photo: Supplied

In spite of recent rain, and more forecast, open-air fires are now restricted for coastal Waitaki from today until further notice.Coastal Waitaki joins Upper Waitaki, which has been in a restricted fire season since the start of December.A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an open-air fire needs a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nzThese restrictions do not change a year-round prohibited fire season in the following special risk zones: Mount Iron, Queenstown, Albert Town Recreation Reserve, Shag Point, Ruby Island, Stevensons Island, Mou Waho, Mou Tapu, Pig Island/Mātau, and Pigeon Island/Wāwāhi Waka.Fenz Otago District manager Phil Marsh says in spite of the wet weather, the district will continue to dry out.Fire and Emergency New Zealand has also banned fireworks in the Queenstown Lakes area and restricted open-air fires in the Strath Taieri and lakes areas.“In many areas we see grass browning off and seed heads drying out - this is where our fires start,” he says.“We also urge people to check their old burn piles or land clearing burns to make sure they are completely out. Windy weather is liable to reignite them if they’re not extinguished.”Phil says this is already a busy time of year for fire crews, who also deal with motor vehicle crashes and other types of incidents.“The influx of visitors over the holiday period usually brings more activities such as boating, camping and recreational driving, increasing the risk of fires getting started.“I’d like to see volunteer firefighters getting to spend a bit more time with their family these holidays, not having to be out there putting out another preventable fire.”Fireworks also pose a significant threat when grasses dry out, and Queenstown Lakes is a mix of mostly grassland and some scrub and forest.“Many properties in this area are surrounded by grassland, which is very quick to ignite. Grasslands dry out quickly even after rain, and this often catches people out.”

There is a changing of the guard at Stronger Waitaki.One of the coalition’s key instigators, Helen Algar, is taking a step back, while Ōamaru newcomer Ali McIntyre faces the challenge of being the first Waitaki District Council Community and Stronger Waitaki lead.Helen will continue to lead work in the mental health and addictions area, as Stronger Waitaki goes through a shift to work more closely with the council’s new Community and Economic Development team, headed by Mel Jones.Stronger Waitaki is a community-led coalition of about 170 people from agencies and organisations in the Waitaki.“Essentially what it's based on is the collective impact model, which says that there should be this backbone organisation that facilitates social change initiatives,” Ali says. “And so the way that works is we essentially facilitate different networks.There are a collection of groups in the community, and each organisation has its own people who work to benefit the community. The role of Stronger Waitaki is to “work in the background . . . and really facilitate that amazing work to go on”, Ali says.While Helen is “incredibly humble”, Ali says it is important to highlight that Stronger Waitaki, which began as Safer Waitaki in 2013, is “her baby”.“We would be absolutely lost without her, and it's just the world's biggest shoes for me to fill.”She also pays tribute to Jason Evered and his work leading Stronger Waitaki over the last year. “Helen actually stood down from the Community Development manager role in October 2023, and Jason led the team as it underwent transformation.”He was instrumental in getting significant professional development workshops into the community and in the renewal of community camera technology being rolled out early next year, she says.Jason is now part of the council Community Engagement team, and Ali expects to continue working closely with him.Council chief executive Alex Parmley says one of the council’s ambitions in “changing the way we Waitaki” or transforming the organisation, is to strengthen the way the council teams up with other organisations and its communities.“Our Community and Economic Development Team are at the forefront of this work, and ensuring we do this consistently across all of council. The team will continue to facilitate and support Stronger Waitaki,” he says.“Stronger Waitaki is not council, but is a network that brings together community organisations, agencies and businesses to work collaboratively to achieve better community outcomes.” Alex says the council is sad to be losing Helen and is “really grateful for the brilliant work she has delivered for our council and our community”. “Helen has been the driver of the development of Stronger Waitaki and has been instrumental in leading the thinking on how we reshape council. “We will miss her in the council but know Helen well enough to say we will still see her active in our community. Thank you Helen for all your great mahi,” he says.Before stepping into her new role, Ali was working for Fire and Emergency New Zealand in community readiness and recovery.“So what that meant is spreading understanding about fire safety and awareness in homes, and that kind of led to some wonderful partnerships in the community.”She sat on the Neighborhood Support Board and was part of the Stronger Waitaki cohort as well.“Which essentially is how I got here.”Prior to that, her background was in education - particularly building equity in education.Ali grew up in Tauranga, and moved to Dunedin for her FENZ role in 2020. She moved to Ōamaru the weekend before her new job started in November.“My role at Fire and Emergency was covering coastal Otago, essentially, and I think I just really fell in love with the people here, and Stronger Waitaki is such a huge part of that.“I think the networks that are built and those partnerships are really, really meaningful. And you don't see that anywhere else. So it was a bit of a no-brainer really.“So I sit in the Stronger Waitaki community development space with my coordinator, Enya Fisher, who everybody knows and absolutely adores, and we very excitingly actually also now sit in the (council) community and economic development team headed by Mel Jones, and I think that's really exciting.”In her first month in the job, some “awesome examples” have been discussed about how the two teams can work together and help create opportunities for each other.Helen says Stronger Waitaki sprang from the Safer Communities model, and was morphed into something that suited the district better.She is adamant it wasn’t a solo effort.“Shirley Bee was very, very instrumental in supporting us, so it was kind of the two of us, really. I'm not going to take all the credit for that.” Helen has also worked with other councils around the country who have been interested in the Stronger Waitaki model and figuring out what the “secret sauce” is down here, Ali says.Leading into the festive season, mental health can come to the fore for those who may not be feeling like celebrating over the summer holiday period.In her spare time, Ali likes to walk her “two crazy dogs” - a beardie and huntaway - at Ōamaru’s lookout. She also enjoys reading and describes herself as a “very, very enthusiastic cook”.“But I’m not sure how fantastic I am, actually.”She loves the community connection in her new role, and getting to know people in a different space from her previous job. She also wants to reiterate “the mana and incredible work that has gone before”, and “the enormity of the shoes that have been left”.“Paving the way for a really bright future for Stronger Waitaki.”

By RNZ Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds, It's been a tough year for proponents of electric vehicles.From 1 January, the Clean Car Discount ended and rebates were no longer available to purchasers.From 1 April, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids started to be charged road user charges. Now, ACC levies are set to increase from $42.09 in the current year - the same as a petrol car - to $109.05 in the next financial year.By the 2027/28 year, the levy for electric vehicle owners will be $122.24 - twice the petrol rate.Until now, electric car ACC rates have been discounted as the Government tried to boost EV ownership rates.But this Government is generally unwinding those incentives. Petrol cars also pay ACC levies on petrol they buy at the pump.Kirsten Corson, chair of Drive Electric, which represents the sector, said it had been "really hard". She said while the changes to the clean car discount scheme and the road user charges had been communicated before the election, the ACC levy was a surprise."It is sending a message to the market which isn't as positive as we would like."Obviously from a Drive Electric perspective, we want to see fair and equitable policies put in place."The average petrol car in New Zealand is 15 years old, the average EV is less than four. They are a lot safer cars with newer technology, the risk of accidents is a lot lower with EVs… in the bigger scheme, it's a small impact but these all add up."Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley said the Government wanted to maintain consistency in policy settings."However, the timing of this change could be better for both the new vehicle industry and motorists. The MIA strongly urged the government to carefully consider the broader implications - timing, impacts and outcomes - of such policy decisions before determining when to proceed."Effective policy changes must strike a balance and consider consumer affordability and economic, social, and environmental factors affecting New Zealand."The MIA does not support the timing of this decision, which we believe is premature. We are deeply concerned about its impact on the already fragile EV market. A decline in consumer demand for EVs will significantly hinder the industry's ability to meet the increasingly stringent CO2 targets set for 1 January 2025."Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said the incentives were never going to last forever."Now we've got a good proportion the government is going, 'They need to pay their way just as much' - but it does feel like [the charges and levies] have come through all at once."It comes at a time when everyone has got a much-heightened focus on cost after going through the most intense inflation our country has had in a generation."The fuel excise duty probably "undercooked" the cost that petrol cars should be paying, Olsen said.This was calculated on the basis that a car that used a certain amount of petrol would have driven a typical amount."As cars got more fuel efficient it takes less fuel to do the same distance and for the same hit on the road. So cars are using less petrol and paying less fuel excise duty - all else being equal."If or when we can get better use charging on vehicles, if you got rid of fuel excise duty and petrol cars had to pay road user charge, we would probably see something quite similar between EVs and petrol cars."Registrations of new, full-battery electric vehicles were down 55 percent in the year to November compared to the same time a year earlier, Olsen said.Plug-in hybrids were down 51 percent. Petrol vehicles dropped 5 percent and diesel 22 percent."The challenge here is you've got much more difficult economic times… [but we've seen] a much greater hit to those vehicle types."EVs cheaper post-rebateWiley said the messaging to consumers had changed and that made it seem as though EVs were not as affordable as they used to be."What consumers don't necessarily know is that EVs are cheaper now than with the rebate. We knew over time the price of technology would come down anyway but the price of technology hasn't come down, it's more because of a sudden change in consumer demand."What used to be two or three months of stock became one or two years because no one was buying. You can't sit on EVs - they don't like to just sit still, the batteries need to be used or refurbished if they're not used."This had led distributors and manufacturers trying to clear stock, Wiley said."There's never been a better time to be buying [in] terms of price point but the problem is once they've cleared their stock the prices won't stay like that forever."Some distributors were making massive losses this year, she said.If people could charge their cars at home they would cost the equivalent of 40c a litre to run, Wiley said."The messaging to the consumer has been heavily dominated by policy this year rather than features. EVs are newer, safer, cleaner but it's a new technology and that comes with hesitation for some people to want to adapt. When the ACC changes hit, that's going to have as similar impact in the short-term as road user charges on EVs did."Corson said EVs still stacked up from a running perspective. "They're still the most cost-effective option for Kiwis to drive. If you're charging at home after-hours, it's a massive saving. If you're charging overnight it's about $3 per 100km."This worked out to about $20 per 100km in a typical car.The futureWiley said the industry needed to consider how it could communicate more strongly how the move to EVs was less about policy change and more about opportunities for consumers."What's best for the consumer, what's best for the environment. What do we want our fleet in New Zealand to look like in the future?"The sentiment around electric vehicles feels negative but I don't think it should. They're a really impressive product … I don't think we should be playing one type of power off against another… when it comes time to buy our next vehicles, if we all buy the cleanest, safest newest car we can afford, it will have the biggest meaningful difference for human safety, human health and air quality and the environment long-term. If people thought about that it would make a big difference."Corson said it would take a while for New Zealand to "flip its fleet" to the point where more cars were electric."In the likes of Norway, where they've had a lot of incentives, over 90 percent of new car sales are electric. The reality is it takes decades to be able to flip your fleet. They're sitting at over 35 percent of the total fleet but they've been working on it since 1990. If you look at New Zealand, we've got one of the oldest and dirtiest fleets in the OECD. It's going to take a bit longer."Corson said she would like the government to consider whether the ACC levies were equitable.Policies to encourage homes and businesses to adopt smart charging infrastructure would also be welcome."That's set to save us billions of dollars - as opposed to doing it retrospectively, which will cost twice as much." - RNZ

While the forecast has been for an extra-hot summer, current conditions are proving otherwise.So when those grey clouds release rain on holiday fun - or a break is needed from the sun - it’s handy to have a Plan B up your sleeve, especially if young children are in close vicinity.Waitaki App has compiled a list of ideas - a “go-to guide” - for when bored kids are driving you up the wall, screentime is at an all-time high, and you can’t think your way out of a paper bag.Waitaki Aquatic CentreYou know the saying… when children are bored, grumpy or fighting, “just add water”, and it really does work a treat.If the rain is putting you off the outdoor water options - don’t forget the indoor Waitaki Aquatic Centre.Usually open from 6am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm on weekends, the Christmas hours are:December 24 - 6am to 3pm, Christmas Day and Boxing Day - CLOSED, December 27-30 - 10am to 6pm, December 31 - 10am to 3pm. New Year’s Day and January 2 - CLOSED. January 3-5 2025 10-6pmRegular hours resume from January 6, and keep an eye out on the Facebook page for updates about extra fun, such as inflatables for both the learner and main pools.There are often inflatables at the Waitaki Aquatic Centre to make pool play even more fun for the kids. Photo: Waitaki Aquatic Centre/FacebookForrester GalleryAllow your child to explore their creative side (and make the mess somewhere else!), at the Forrester Gallery's wonderful Wonderlab.The Wonderlab exhibition in the lower Thames Street gallery is Warm Fuzzies showcasing wool in the Waitaki. Discover the woolly Waitaki history and view local gems from the Museum, Gallery and Archives collection and from the community. This is a whānau-friendly exhibition with hands-on activities.It is free, although donations are always welcome, and you can explore the other exhibitions on display in the gallery at the same time.Christmas hours are: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pmWeekends 1.30pm - 4pmChristmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and January 2 - CLOSEDWaitaki District LibrariesReading is always a great option (indoors or out) for any time you have a moment to put your feet up.If you have a child in your life who loves a good book - or even if they don’t and you want to offer an incentive - grab an adventure pack from your local Waitaki District Library from 9 December, fill in the reading log every time a book is finished, and return it back to the library no later than the 25 January for the chance to win a prize pack.The packs are available to all primary and high school aged children.For opening hours across all the Waitaki District Libraries (Hampden, Kurow, Ōamaru, Otematata, Omarama and Palmerston) see here.Steampunk HQSteampunk HQ is a museum like none you have ever seen before.For those who have not come across Steampunk before, it is a quirky and fun genre of science fiction that features steam-powered technology, often set in an alternate, futuristic version of 19th-century Victorian England.Steampunk HQ allows for hands-on exploration and discovery of an interesting collection of retro-futuristic sci-fi art, movies, sculpture and sound. The highlight is The Portal - a hi-tech mirror and lighting installation - which offers an experience children and adults alike will want to experience over and over again.Steampunk HQ is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am to 4pm.The magical Portal is a big drawcard at the Steampunk HQ. Photo: Steampunk HQ/FacebookWhitestone CityWhitestone City is located in the heart of Ōamaru’s Victorian precinct, and is an indoor “city” set in an original 1882 grain store.It harbours interactive activities such as a penny-farthing carousel, Victorian games, videos and a variety of displays.The welcoming Victorian-clad staff help provide a glimpse of what Oamaru would have been like in the town’s early days - a living, breathing Whitestone City is not your run-of-the-mill heritage attraction.Open daily - 10am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm).Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - Closed (Open Boxing Day).The Phoenix ComplexThe Phoenix Complex, formerly The Galleon Family Complex, is situated at the north end of Ōamaru on Thames Highway.It has an 8-lane tenpin bowling alley, Combat Laser Tag, pool tables and an arcade games area, and you can grab a meal, a drink, or some hot chips while you’re playing.Riviera Cinema ŌamaruA rainy day for a lot of people screams “Movies!” Over this holiday period, Mufasa, Sonic 3, and Paddington 3 all come out within a two-week span to keep the kids happy, and this will be the most movie-stacked Christmas period since the start of the pandemic, says Riviera Cinema owner Chris Rottenberry.While for the adults, Better Man - a Robbie Williams biopic, is out on Boxing Day. “And then we have A Real Pain coming out, which is an arthouse film, and it's already started winning awards leading up to the Oscars, so yeah, it's going to be fun to watch. And then the other one would probably be Nosferatu, which is New Year's Day, which is a horror film, and reviews are coming out for that already, and apparently it's exceptional, so, yeah, got a bit of everything.”  The cinema is closed on Christmas Day, but back open Boxing Day.Chris and Grace Rottenberry are excited with the selection of movies screening at Riviera Cinema over the Christmas break. Photo: Ashley SmythJanet Frame HouseJanet Frame House might be one of Ōamaru’s best-kept secrets when it comes to tourist attractions. Visit 56 Eden Street, where one of New Zealand’s most well-known authors lived until the age of six.The house is open 2-4pm daily except Christmas Day, until the end of April. Visits outside this time may be possible by prior arrangement, and entry is $10 for waged and $5 for unwaged.Monday to Saturday you will be greeted by curator Rachel Fenton, while on Sundays the house hosts are volunteers.Harbour St Collective CafeHarbour St Collective Cafe is a well-known sanity saver for North Otago parents of young children on a rainy day.Not only do they serve up the much-needed caffeine and a decent feed, but they also have an indoor playground that will keep those aged 11 and under entertained long enough to let you drink your coffee while it’s still hot!The cafe is open seven days 7:30am-4pm, but closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, December 27 and New Year's Day.The Pottery PatchThe Pottery Patch has just opened in Ōamaru this year, and will be a welcome addition to the list for parents with children who need occupying.The kids can paint their own ceramic plate, mug, or ornament. Their masterpiece will be glazed and fired in the kiln, and comes out shiny and like new.There are a variety of items to pick from, and also coffee, and cakes courtesy of The Sweet Smith.The Pottery Patch is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but open all other days from 10am to 5pm, until Jan 20 - when the owners will be having their own much-needed holiday.

The Ōamaru Underland Arts Trail was officially opened on Wednesday by OSCAR@Fenwick children to the delight of project organisers. The ribbon cutting by the Out of School Care and Recreation children was part of a small ceremony, which included moa-nest cakes, to celebrate the community-led revitalisation of one of Ōamaru's lesser-known walkways under and near the Thames Street railway bridge.The project was part of the Waitaki District Council's Revitalise Our Places Ōamaru (Ropo) programme which began with a five-group "Strategic Doing" workshop in December last year.The Ōamaru Underland Arts Trail group comprised Jacob Barwick (Victoria Lounge), Sarah Gallagher (Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga), Jeremy Holding (Waitaki District Councillor), Martin Horspool (Buggy Robot Gallery), Mark Smith (Waitaki District Council) and Cara Tipping Smith (The Business Hive).Although Jeremy didn't make the celebration, he congratulated the group on the collaboration and for getting the project over the finish line."It’s a great enhancement to the area and I am sure it's going to be appreciated by our locals and visitors alike," he says.The team appreciated the financial investment from Waitaki District Council, through the previous Government's Better Off funding, to help support local place-making and improve community well-being.Project coordinator Mark Smith thanked artist Matthew "Wicksey" Wicks who painted the moa; Martin, who was in charge of painting the moa footprints; Dooley's Masonry who prepared the surface; and various teams at the council and Otago Regional Council. He also thanked Kiwirail for "all the preparation and work that's gone into this project".OSCAR@Fenwick students cut the ribbon to officially open the walk. Photo: Alex RegtienMartin Horspool (left) plays the sounds of moa as Mark Smith (right) explains some facts about the giant birds. Photo: Alex RegtienSome of the project team (from left to right), Jacob Barwick, Sarah Gallagher, Martin Horspool and Cara Tipping Smith. Photo: Alex RegtienView from Thames Street. Photo: Matthew Wicks.Eating cake "moa nests" complete with eggs (in miniature). Photo: Alex RegtienCake time at the station. Photo: Alex RegtienPainting in the moa prints' basecoat, (front to back) Mark Smith, Martin Horpsool and Matthew "Wicksey" Wicks. Photo: Cara Tipping SmithJeremy Holding and Jacob Barwick talking about possibilities for the area, a year ago. Photo: Cara Tipping SmithSarah Gallagher (front), Ruth MacEachern (formerly Oamaru Victorian Heritage) and Mark Smith navigate the stepping stones, last year. Photo: Cara Tipping SmithBack where it all began a year ago, the full project team including Lisa Heinz (formerly, Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark) at the whiteboard. Photo: Supplied WDCFind out more about the artists and the project - Moa murals to be 'hidden gem' under Ōamaru bridge and First giant steps taken in 'Underland' art project.Find out more about some of the other community-led Ropo projects;Photography pop-up part of CBD revitalisation initiativeArtists' pop-up brings colour to Thames StreetLatest pop-up hopes to help realise CBD potentialCrafting a new future from old furnitureGrowing the future - Farmer / WDC collaboration germinating

With under a week to go until Christmas, children around the country are busy deciding which toys to put on their wishlists.This year a viral toy sensation is proving to be popular for young and old, as well as a push for more 'traditional' toys after the Covid years were dominated by devices with screens.Listen to Morning Report here: Which toys are popular this Christmas?Morning Report producer and Squishmallow fan Charlotte Mulder explained this year has been an interesting one for the toy industry, with the cost-of-living crisis impacting parents' choices."Lots of families were quite budget conscious, which is quite understandable, looking for the best value in toys, ones that won't break straight away and you can keep for a long time."Mulder said Toy World's Top Ten Most Wanted Toy List was topped by a traditional favourite."We start it off strong with the Barbie Dream House, which was a personal favourite of mine growing up, and then there was the Lego Emirates Team New Zealand America's Cup Yacht, and then finally in number three we had the TikTok popular Squishmallows."According to Mulder, the popularity of Squishmallows can be traced to their fame on social media."Squishmallows are basically these soft toys that have gone viral. You can get them in big, medium, small."They went viral in 2020. They are comfy, you can put them behind your head."Mulder explained they are a 'comfort' item that people put on their couch or bed."But most importantly they are adorable. You can go for the simplistic look, people collect them, but it's not just the younger generation, that's the funny thing, it's actually the older ones as well."Squishmallow expert Lily O'Moore said the audience for Squishmallows has changed over time."The audience was initially very young girls, but as time went on, and as the lockdown impacted so many people and they became so widespread through social media and the demographic became young adult women."Outside of the top three, Mulder said toy companies are selling lots of 'traditional' toys, such as wooden toys, balance bikes and outdoor swing balls, alongside interactive family games like Monopoly and Settlers of Catan. - RNZ

By RNZ Digital Journalist Billie PrydeWith his brain running critically low on energy these days, my dear 76-year-old dad Tom is usually tired or restless to the extreme.After he showed us last December that festive gathering is something he can no longer do, none of our family will be with Tom this Christmas Day.But in late November we did get a special shared gift at the place he now lives - a care home in Dunedin for high-needs people living with dementia.On an evening visit, for about an hour, my dad was able to relax and engage with four of us as much as he ever can these days, at a properly fun and spontaneous party."They're going to bring him down here? Well, that’s nice, hopefully" - Tom improvises a pleasant phone chat at our impromptu party. Photo: Billie PrydeMy mum Margo, sister Bonnie, 10-year-old niece Willa and I had made the three-hour car journey from Queenstown to the multi-storey retirement village where Tom lives for this visit.At the reception we find something new and funny to check out on the wall - a photo series of residents' one-on-one encounters with a visiting lamb. Next to this is a good spot for our Where's Wally?-style scan of the white heads in the living/dining area for his specifically shaggy one.We eventually find Tom at the end of a hallway, standing outside the locked door of the staff room. He is foggy-faced at this late stage of the day and wearing a khaki polo shirt and brown trackies that read LEISURE from the inevitably communal menswear collection.Tom very much likes to feel that he's in charge but when he's willing to be led - as he is this time - we usher him into the Family Room, a haven that is both lockable and scent-free.Into the small sparsely furnished room this night, we bring The Beatles Chill Out, which Willa dances to, BBQ Copper Kettle Fries and Coke. In a nearby closet, we find - as if left by party angels - a set of golden toy crowns and an unplugged, old-fashioned telephone.Christmas 1991 somewhere in Southland or Otago. (Left to right - Margo, Bonnie, Billie and Tom) Photo: SuppliedRecently, when I mentioned Tom's name to him, he said: "What's she got to do with it?' But today, something happens when Bonnie hands him the heavy two-headed phone handle.Unlike his eldest daughter, our dad was always beyond keen to pick up a ringing phone and give his full attention to whoever was calling. As a lawyer, that was quite often someone with an urgent and complicated problem they wanted him to solve.On clasping the phone handle to his ear, "Tom Pryde speaking?" flows off his tongue just as it did thousands of times before cellphones. An imaginary conversation touching on a large money transfer, an interpersonal situation that needs delicate handling and the date of an important delivery then begins..Now living in a world where other people don't make sense anyway, Tom has a clever workaround for giving himself a sense of conversational control. When he's feeling chatty, what comes out of his mouth are very natural-sounding sentences about the specific yet unrelated logistical details of an unfolding situation he's in charge of sorting out.This self-scripting allows him to be part of real-time conversation and at the same time perform what seems to be his role of a lifetime. In improvised meeting-style sentences, he advocates for unity, tolerance, patience and compassion. I like to think these might be his core values.Tom's days, from what we can piece together, are mostly spent scanning words, dozing, puzzling over objects - sometimes with his gentle-faced friend Ray - and trying, in his way, to sort out some of the people and situations he comes across.When he has enough brain energy, he tries to make friendly conversation with whoever's around with a commitment to chat that is really impressive. Even the occasional grunt from a nonverbal tablemate is enough to keep him rolling: "Sorry I didn't quite hear what you said, really. Well, I sort of did but…. [on with the chat]."Tom at Invercargill Middle School in the 1950s. Photo: SuppliedIn 2021, Tom was diagnosed with a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. As hard as it is for our family watching him get sucked away by a kind of internal identity theft, for a good amount of time and in several ways the effects of dementia also brought him closer.Superdriven by his passion for sport and service - which scored him an NZ Order of Merit - my dad was often, in Margo's words, "burning to get out the door".When dementia took down his capability and confidence, he was grounded at home. Stationed at the head of the kitchen table, often with an adult colouring book or The Southland Times, he was around.The year before Tom's diagnosis - which happened to be when the world was locked down - Bonnie moved to Queenstown from Canada with Willa (then 5) and Kaay (then 10).Our dad quickly grew close to Willa who arrived just as his conversational abilities were fading and his sense of humour becoming more silly. Without the changes to Tom's daily life and relational style that dementia delivered, Bonnie thinks their playful and loving bond could not have been forged.I also feel like a side of Tom that is more tender and heart-centred was revealed by the effects of dementia on his brain. As it took out some of his Southern Man identity programming, he became more emotionally sensitive.Because I'm quite that way myself, I felt newly seen by Tom. In his last years at home, we shared many chill hours together, doing our own things in parallel and listening to music. When confusion made him distressed, '60s & and '70s folk favourites were a medicine sometimes just as effective as anything else we had on hand.This Christmas Day, although none of us will see him to confirm it, I'm going to trust Tom will feel that he's in as safe a place as any.I hope on 25 December - if he has the energy - he'll relish some kind of pudding, add a line or two to some carol-singing and maybe play the in-house piano.Last winter, the night before Tom left his own home to live in dementia care, he performed a single Beatles song in his more poignant post-dementia piano style.I think its message is worth remembering at Christmas time, especially for families with a dementia-affected person in the mix. You guessed it. Let It Be."He's funny now, he is less fussy and he eats things he didn't used to like" - Willa on her grandpa Tom's dementia. Photo: Bonnie Pryde

Four healthcare priorities for Waitaki have been identified following community feedback.Last year Te Waka Hauora o Waitaki - Waitaki Health Futures Project (a partnership between Waitaki District Council, Te Runanga o Moeraki and Health New Zealand) was launched to improve coordination and access to health and wellbeing services for the people of Waitaki.Feedback was sought from a range of people who use the district's healthcare services, including community and whānau, as well as local service providers.Health New Zealand community integration manager Aroha Metcalf says knowing how people experience health services as consumers and providers is important to balance the data and information around access, utilisation, and need."To do this, we want to know how people use these services and what they like and don't like about them," she says.A three-week survey, launched in September, garnered 2200 comments from 737 respondents, and another 278 comments were gathered through six community engagement sessions held across the district.The four priority areas identified are: making it easier for people to navigate the health system; improving access to services, increasing local workforce capacity and flexibility; and making enhancements to some services.The Waitaki Health Futures Project survey asked about people's experience with current healthcare services as well as their future requirements. Photo: SuppliedAroha says the project aims to remove some of the barriers to health services, address inequity of health outcomes that some rural communities experience, and relieve pressure on some tertiary services in the region.Possible considerations for improvement include improving communication between Oamaru Hospital Emergency Department and Aged Residential Care facilities, opening referral pathways to Timaru Hospital, expanding vaccination access for priority populations, and improving pathways for older people to transition from hospital care to at-home care.Four priority areas are improved navigation, access, workforce and service delivery. Photo: SuppliedThe project will now roll out in three phases.Phase one seeks to identify immediate actions, streamline hospital services and fast-track existing initiatives.Phase two intends to strengthen networks between health services and opportunities to combine clinical approaches and/or co-locate services.Phase three focuses on integrating primary, community and hospital services in a single-service approach across the continuum of care.Implementation of improvements is expected to begin early next year.The Waitaki Health Futures Project is intended to deliver improvements in three stages. Photo: SuppliedWaitaki District Council partnerships manager Helen Algar says community and local health leaders have worked closely with Health New Zealand to support a unified response to local community engagement. “It’s fantastic that implementation is already under way, with more planning to come,” she says.  Other key partners in the project include Oamaru Hospital; providers Te Hā o Maru and the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group (OPICG); the WellSouth primary health network; and the Stronger Waitaki coalition.  A summary of the community engagement results can be found here:

By Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentLong school holidays might have been important for the 19th century agricultural economy, when children were needed to work in the fields.But in the 21st century, there are warnings that all that children are managing to harvest on their holidays is a lot of stress for their parents.As school holidays start around the country, thousands of parents are trying to work out how to juggle work and school holidays, when kids get at least 12 weeks off during the year and adults only four.Ellen Ford - author and founder of the #WorkSchoolHours movement - said it was a major problem."The hours of work, roughly 40 hours a week, 9-to-5, 48-ish weeks of the year... all that was cemented more than a century ago with theHenry Ford car manufacturing era. That was amazing social progress in its time but it assumed every household had one worker and one caregiver of the children."That's just not our society today and it hasn't been for many decades. It blows my mind that we've gone to the moon, we've invented the internet, we've got AI but the construct of work genuinely hasn't changed in the last century, it's an enormous mismatch."She said it meant there were some households where it was not cost-effective for both parents to be in work, or for a single parent to work at all.That could mean someone was at home and out of the workforce, not by choice."The cost of childcare often doesn't stack up, especially if you're in a lower-paid role."Mother-of-two Sarah Campagnolo said she often managed the juggle by taking turns with her partner to work from home. But then that could mean her kids spent too many hours on screens, she said,"We encouraged them off screens, of course, but when you've got a tonne of work to do, you don't have the time to parent your kids through their boredom. You need to work and you can't have kids fighting in the background or moaning about being bored."She has spent the past year training to be a teacher. While it was not the only reason, she said the opportunity for more flexibility in the holidays was a drawcard.Ford said some people put their children into holiday programmes, even if it meant that the household was making a loss during the holidays.She said the #WorkSchoolHours movement was not saying that people should never work outside school hours, but was encouraging employers to focus more on output, not the number of hours worked."I speak at events and run workshops helping people implement this stuff and the businesses that do best are the ones that treat people like adults. They say 'we know you've got stuff you care about beyond work, we've employed you to do these tasks, we're less fussed about when, where and how you do them."She said many people just needed a bit of flexibility. "I do work a bit during the school holidays, maybe in the evening when the kids have gone to bed... flexibility is the biggest key to allowing people to deal with the things they have on beyond work. In many cases, that's the massive juggle of kids and work."It can be harder for people who do not work "laptop jobs" to have flexibility, but Ford said she had seen it work in manufacturing, farming, retail, hospitality and nursing.When people had to work during the school holidays, offering some flexibility and input into shifts made a big difference."A dairy farmer I worked with did the milking schedule around the school bus. They acknowledged people in the community will be milking cows, they have kids they need to get to the school bus and pick up after the school bus. It's incredible for staff retention."She said her research indicated that when people had "a taste" of flexibility, it was very hard to go to a job that did not offer it. "It's a massive part of a remuneration package."AUT research in 2018 showed that two-thirds of respondents said they had conflict managing school holidays. Sixty percent said the holidays made it challenging to focus on work and achieve their normal performance. Almost 70 percent said they did not feel like a good parent during the school holidays.NZCTU policy director Craig Renney said New Zealand had expensive childcare and long working hours compared to other countries."We should be looking at ways of making support for people in work easier and simple and cheaper."There was a risk of bifurcation in the market, he said, with those who could work flexibly getting the benefits that accrued with that and those who could not suffering."We know when the holiday seasons are for children, a bit of compassion probably goes a long way to help."The Ministry of Social Development offers a subsidy for holiday programmes, depending on the number of children that a family has, and household income.A family with two children earning less than $1221 a week gross can get up to $319 a week. The amount drops as income grows, when a household earns $2401 to $2578.99 a week they get just under $100. Above that, there is no subsidy available.A full day at a holiday programme can be $50 or $70.Frog Recruitment managing director Shannon Barlow said it was probably less common at the moment for employers to offer holiday flexibility."The market has changed so dramatically. Employers probably can't afford to offer extra time off and also feel they don't need to go the extra mile to attract or retain staff." -RNZ

By RNZ longform journalist Ella Stewart, (Ngāpuhi, Te Māhurehure, Ngāti Manu), Te Ao MāoriGathered from the cold blue waters of awa up and down the west coast of the South Island, pounamu begins as a raw, hidden piece of stone.Once carved and cut into an intricate design, it can take on a deep, personal meaning for the wearer.Pounamu is a prized taonga for Māori and non-Māori alike, and increasingly gifted for significant life events and celebrations.But as interest around pounamu grows, what are the tikanga surrounding the buying, wearing and caring for it?Joel Marsters (Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Pikiao) has been a carver for almost 15 years. Based in Rotorua, he has been surrounded by mahi toi for much of his life."Me and my twin brother, we kind of always learnt. We grew up with our nan and sat at her side while she weaved. We didn't really think about it as art, it was more functional," he says."It was in our blood, I like to think. We come from a long pedigree line of carvers."Marsters originally wanted to be a tā moko artist, marking people's bodies with traditional Māori tattoo, "but then I slowly fell into whakairo", he says.Alongside his twin, he attended the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute in Rotorua.There, he was chosen for the first intake into Te Takapū o Rotowhio (the National Stone and Bone Carving School), learning under the tutelage of renowned master carver Lewis Gardiner.Marsters and Gardiner now work side by side at Rākai Jade, a studio in Rotorua.Joel Marsters was among the first students to attend Te Takapū o Rotowhio, learning from master carver Lewis Gardiner. Photo: Erica Sinclair via RNZDoes pounamu always have to be a gift?Over time, Marsters says perceptions of what is tika, or right, for how to treat pounamu has changed. Now he is working to revive traditional practices."We're redefining and making our own as we go, because a lot of the stuff that we were doing was western."He says one of the biggest misconceptions around pounamu is that you cannot buy it for yourself, with some believing it might bring bad luck."I've done some research and there's no evidence of that actually in te ao Māori."That idea was a "Pākehā marketing method" used to encourage tourists visiting Aotearoa to buy pounamu for their relatives back home, rather than reflecting a traditional practice or rule, Marsters says.Although the origins of this superstition are murky, it has undoubtedly contributed to the mystique surrounding pounamu ownership.In the past, when traditional, more time-consuming methods were used to carve a pounamu, it could take a year or more to create a single taonga. As a result, the pieces were highly valued and often passed down from generation to generation - likely influencing the modern practice of gifting pounamu.Nelson-based carver Timoti Moran also agrees that it became a marketing strategy."You can definitely buy yourself one," he says."Our tīpuna traded pounamu. It was traded as a commodity, and it was the best commodity. Great warriors, great ariki, great tohunga all had pounamu."Nelson-based carver Timoti Moran (Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Porou, Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koata ki Whaingaroa, Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tama ki Taranaki, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūhoe, Ngāpui, Ngāi Tahu). Photo: Supplied / Whakaata Māori via RNZCan you repair broken pounamu?Previously a plumber and builder by trade, Moran decided to learn how to carve pounamu after he had a recurring dream calling him to work with the precious stone.He particularly enjoys educating others and, through the blog on his website, addresses commonly asked questions about pounamu.One of these is what to do if your pounamu breaks.Because pounamu was traditionally used by Māori to make tools, Moran's tīpuna were practical in their approach to broken pounamu, he says."Pounamu that was broken by our tīpuna were always repurposed, because it was the most sought-after stone. There was no such thing as throwing stuff away back then."He stresses the importance of taking care of pounamu to prevent breakage."You are dealing with a stone object, and therefore it will break [because of] our modern concrete floors, concrete tiles, laminated bathroom bench tops, which are really hard. So your care of your pounamu is very important," he says."If you need to take off your taonga, do it in a carpeted room."Pounamu is gifted by Māori and non-Māori alike nowadays. Photo: https://timoti.nz/ via RNZFellow carver Marsters says he would only repair a piece "if the structural integrity is there"."Otherwise, if it's broken, I'm like, 'he tohu tērā, pea ka hangaia tētahi taonga hou.'" (That's a sign, maybe it's time to make a new taonga.)"I try my best to replicate it or make it look like it has some little tohu (symbol, mark) acknowledging that broken taonga or tiki, so you're still carrying that mauri," Marsters says.He recommends contacting the original carver of the broken piece."You're not allowed to carve over someone else's mahi, because that's tapu whakairo.That's like killing a man twice so I won't."Like Marsters, Moran says the mauri of the old taonga is still there even when it is repurposed."It still carries the story. Regardless of whether it was a toki and is now a hei tiki, its whakapapa is still there, just like ours."To bless or not to bless?The question of whether a new pounamu taonga should be blessed is one of the most complex, Marsters says.He uses karakia in his mahi everyday to clear the tapu, so believes getting the piece blessed separately is not essential."For starters, you've made the connection with me. You've obviously come this far with me. You feel safe in my hands. I feel there's no juju, but heoi anō, I do karakia every morning before I start my day."Moran, who also uses karakia while creating his taonga, says each person has a different perspective, depending on how they were brought up."There's a lot of different beliefs within hapū, within iwi, within whānau, so kei te pai, each of their own. You don't have to go and do that [blessing]."Who can find and sell pounamu?Ngāi Tahu, the South Island's largest iwi, are the sole kaitiaki of pounamu, a taonga regarded as precious to them and their tīpuna for hundreds of years.In 1997, ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu within Ngāi Tahu's rohe was returned to the iwi as part of its Treaty settlement through the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act. This Act recognises that when the iwi sold land to the Crown in the 19th century, it never intended to give up ownership of the highly prized pounamu.Francois Tumahai is the chair of Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Waewae - the smallest hapū of Ngāi Tahu, whose whakapapa traces back to the tīpuna of Te Tai o Poutini (West Coast of the South Island). He says that part of his responsibility is ensuring pounamu is protected for future generations."From our perspective, we are pounamu."Ngāti Waewae's takiwā (area) stretches north of the Hokitika River to Kahurangi Point and inland to the Southern Alps, the area where most pounamu is found.Fossicking for pounamu is only permitted on the beaches of Te Tai o Poutini, and is limited to what an individual can carry. Pounamu found elsewhere, including rivers, cannot be taken without permission from mana whenua.The dull green of raw, uncarved pounamu gives it away among other river stones. Photo: SUPPLIED / Jason Tuhuru via RNZTumahai says some people are breaking the rules, resulting in illegal black market trading."What is happening at the moment is you've got miners [illegally mining and] selling pounamu to carvers. It's coming off mine sites in the little hours of the morning and being transported all around the country and all over the world."To combat this, Ngāi Tahu has set up an authentication scheme, which any carver can sign up to for free.The scheme allows carvers to buy authentic and ethically sourced pounamu to carve. In return, they are provided with a unique traceability code, so customers can identify the origin and whakapapa of the stone, how it was extracted, processed and who the artist that carved it was.The extraction and mining of pounamu is done sparingly, Tumahai says."We're not mining 24/7. We only take pounamu as we require."The latest pounamu boulder Ngāi Tahu found while mining weighed six tonnes, which Tumahai says will last five to six years.Joel Marsters is also concerned about the black market and overproduction of pounamu.He carves by commission only, working with people on their own bespoke pieces."Especially for pounamu, there's no place or home for mass-produced taonga. I believe that, just like tā moko, you sit down, you have the dialogue, and you make a connection that way. Every piece I make is that way."It makes each taonga he creates that much more special, he says."I try to steer each person to the appropriate taonga for them, for that point in time. A lot of people, they might get a taonga that's not quite fit for, for example, a baby. I'm quite real with them."As kaitiaki, you've got to look at the most resourceful way of doing things too. A lot of carvers, they're just pumping and pumping and pumping. It [pounamu] can't withstand it."Marsters says he has been advocating for restraint for years. "Pounamu doesn't just come up again, so we need to be careful with what we do." - RNZ

Pastry chef Caitlin Smith loves being in the business of baking.When she isn’t busy with her two-year-old son Alex, she is in the kitchen, producing a selection of treats which she takes to the Ōamaru Farmers Market, and sells at her stall as The Sweet Smith.Since training as a pastry chef seven years ago, having her own “little business” has been the dream.“It's as hard as it sounds, but I love it, and you know, I think that's really important.”When deciding on a career after she left school, it was a toss up between writing and baking. She knew baking meant early starts, so journalism won out, and after studying, she got a reporting job with TV3.“Then I ended up doing shift work and had to get up early anyway, and put makeup on. So, you know, it kind of backfired. “It was a bad time. I got a bit of a bad start to that environment, but I kind of knew. I looked around and I didn't love it as much as everyone else.She went overseas and had “an existential crisis”. “I was like, what am I doing?” She decided she wanted to be a baker, found a two-year diploma at Auckland University of Technology, and says it’s the best thing she ever did.Donuts are always popular with The Sweet Smith customers, at Ōamaru Farmers' Market every Sunday morning. Photos: Supplied“I'm really glad I went down that route, because it's hard, and it's a very overworked, underpaid industry, but so is journalism.”She graduated in 2018 and, with her husband Sye Johnson, they decided to leave the city they both grew up in, and move south.The couple spent a year in Wānaka, where Caitlin worked at the award-winning Pembroke Patisserie, in Albert Town.“I really enjoyed working there. That was the downside of leaving Wānaka, unfortunately.”Aside from Caitlin’s job, the couple did not have a great experience in Wānaka, and at the start of 2020 moved to Ōamaru. Sye began teaching at St Kevin’s College just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.“I’m glad we’re here. Obviously, that was a bad year. If we were in Wanaka . . . we probably would have gone home to Auckland.” Covid also put the brakes on Caitlin’s business plans, and The Sweet Smith didn’t really get off the ground until 2021.“I think that is when I decided, right, let's do it. And yeah, I’ve kind of been operating on and off since then.”Pregnancy with a healthy dollop of bad morning sickness on the side, made being in the kitchen less appealing for Caitlin, and she took a break until Alex was a bit older. The Sweet Smith has been officially up and running again since February last year. The selection Caitlin offers at the market varies each week, but there are donuts and always an array of slices, cakes and tarts.Also, this winter, for the first time in four years, there was a canteen at the North Otago Netball Saturday competitions, with Caitlin taking charge.She experimented with selling a few basic things, along with her handmade donuts and other baked goods.“It was great. And everyone was really happy to see it . . . I'll be doing it again next year hopefully, if they'll have me.”She also supplies Pottery Patch, the ceramic-painting cafe in the former Midori restaurant building on Ribble Street.Caitlin loves the intricacies involved in what she does. “I've always been very detail-orientated and I think that's what I love about baking, is that you can have your little recipe in front of you, and if you do it right and you know what to do, it comes out beautiful every time.”For her, it is equally important the food looks good, as well as tasting amazing.“You really have to have an eye for detail . . . you’ve got to look at how things look, and it's very much, people eat with their eyes. So if things don't look edible, you don't want to buy it.”Next year Alex turns three, and will be in care three days a week, which means Caitlin can take more orders and look at expanding the business.“I had a high tea order for a little girl's birthday this year, which was kind of an experiment because I love doing high tea, and it worked out really well, they were really happy,” she says. “I've always wanted to do more pastry items and more like high-end kind-of things but that requires a premises and chilled cabinet and all that kind of stuff. So one day.”She also has a friend in Waimate who she worked with in Auckland, and is hopeful eventually they will be able to run a business together - each working to their different strengths.“She's like the cake queen, she does all the fondant work and things like that. So she does the things I don't really like doing, and then I like to do the pastries and things like that.”Outside of baking, Caitlin enjoys other creative outlets such as embroidery, and has involved herself in the community as part of the North Otago Toy Library committee and the Good Bitches Baking group, which now has more than 20 bakers.  “I definitely keep busy, but that's what I do. I've always been like that.”A wedding cake that Caitlin baked, and her Waimate-based friend decorated. Photo: Supplied