Our own world champion in town, virtual reality for primary schoolers, a national music icon and a fast-becoming local one, the start of a new arts trail and the (possible) end of our tourism association plus a multitude of events on for the Victorian Heritage Celebrations - you can't help but feel super proud of our region.

Motocross world champion, Courtney Duncan, who grew up in Palmerston thrilled her crowds of fans. If you missed it, check out what she had to say here - Fans race to meet world champion rider.

Local primary school kids were treated to cutting edge virtual reality and became citizen-scientists in their own backyards to help with "long-term monitoring of the seashore, raising awareness of biodiversity and inspiring conservation" with Noslam and Otago University's New Zealand Marine Studies Centre. Very cool science brought to our kids. You can read about that here - Land/sea connections brought home for children.

What national music icon you ask? In our book, if you've won numerous awards (album and solo artist), written music for Taika, written with Bic Runga, play with Liam Finn and have been signed to "the label that gave us Nirvana" you're an icon that musical luddites like us need to get to know. You might have missed the show (we did tell you about it) but check out the man here - Lawrence Arabia returning to Ōamaru for rare intimate show.

As for the fast-becoming local music icon - people are raving about Ōamaru Musical Theatre's That Bloody Woman, all the (outstanding) talent and especially, local music maestros, The Heavy Feathers own Krissy McGeown who plays the lead - 'Dream role' for That Bloody Woman lead. If you've seen it, you'll know why. If you haven't seen it yet, there's still time (That Bloody Woman). And if you've seen it and want to see it again - you get 30% off the second time around!

We heard about a new programme to showcase our local visual artists to the world (right here in Waitaki and everyone's invited) - Wheels in motion for Waitaki Arts Trail and we heard that after nearly 20 years, the Waitaki Tourism Association is considering closing. Do we want it to close? Have a read here - Tourism association at a crossroads.

Meantime, Council is looking for views on CCTV in Palmerston - Public opinion sought on Palmerston CCTV project and Ōamaru Hospital issued a public apology - Public apology from Oamaru Hospital following inquiry into baby’s death.

On National news, Alliance reports $70 million loss so we're feeling for our farmers, in the midst of rising Covid cases NZ needs centre for disease control, experts say, the USA definitely interfered in our election Pūteketeke crowned Bird of the Century, NZ fans are more fan-fanatical for Badjelly than home-grown UK ones Spike Milligan's Badjelly the Witch turns 50, and we still don't have a government yet Coalition talks in 'final stages' - National leader Christopher Luxon.

The weather's looking lovely right now and there's a weekend out there to get to so check out the What's On Guide and see what takes your fancy. Grab a coffee at one of our local eateries (Eat Drink) and try out the puzzles below. Answers tomorrow. Enjoy it all!

PS - huge thanks to our small team for all their hard work bringing all of this to all of us! You can be part of Waitaki App too, just follow the links below;

• Get on the What's on Guide (free)
• Tell us about your groups & clubs (free)
• List a job vacancy
• List your 'Local Loyal' offer - special offers for locals (free)
• Become a member and list your business on Waitaki App (check out this special deal on now for our upcoming 1st birthday celebrations)