Otago Daily Times News Feed

The Whakapapa River. PHOTO: MIKE YARDLEY If you’re looking to have a splurge on a  luxurious escape in the Ruapehu back country, look no further than Retaruke Country Estate, writes Mike Yardley.

A long weekend was begging to stay local and try something new and that is exactly what Alex Hannagan experienced when she stayed at Hereweka Garden Retreat, on Otago Peninsula.

It is almost a hardy annual. The Dunedin City Council says it should take over responsibility for public transport from the Otago Regional Council and nothing happens.

Diamond wedding of Mrs and Mr Alexander Kilgour (front centre) with children (from left) Mr W.H. Kilgour, of Christchurch, Mrs H. Laing, of Otautau, Mrs W. Reid, of West Taieri, Mr D.A. Kilgour, of Dunedin and Mr A Kilgour jun. — Otago Witness, 13.6.1922 The members of the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church entertained Mr and Mrs A. Kilgour, old members of the congregation, at a social gathering last night in the Reid Hall on the occasion of their diamond wedding.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood addresses Business South members on a virtual call yesterday. PHOTO: ZOOM Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood has defended the Government’s Fair Pay Agreement policy, saying workers have been undervalued for too long.

Sheree Casey A plan to fix the labour shortage, and the Government’s backing.

Dairy trainee of the year Peter O’Connor (left), sharefarmer of the year Will Green and farm manager of the year Jaspal Singh celebrate their successes during a function in Christchurch. PHOTO: DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS He used to be an information technology student in India.

Ciaran Keogh Are regional councils a failed model, asks Ciaran Keogh.

Joelle King New Zealanders Joelle King and Paul Coll both recorded wins in the second round of the world championships in Cairo yesterday.

Jason Domigan The Southland District Council is seeking feedback on its gambling venue policy, proposing to keep its soft sinking lid for poker machines.

Invercargill Licensing Trust marketing executive Nikki Buckley showcases a trio of oysters from a mystery location which patrons will visit this Saturday. PHOTO: VALU MAKA The Not the Bluff Oyster Festival Mystery Bus Tour will hit the streets of Invercargill for the first time this Saturday.

Dog owner Tim Hogan, of Dunedin, crouches with his 7-month-old Hungarian Vizsla puppy Luna yesterday. Luna has the 10th most popular name in the city, sharing her moniker with 128 furry friends. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON The names chosen by Dunedin dog owners range from the banal to the bizarre.

Moeraki resident Ciaran Keogh questions the Otago Regional Council’s approach to rabbit control, and says the presence of boxthorn on his coastal property is more of a concern. Photo: Ashley Smyth Individual action will not make a "blind bit" of difference to Moeraki’s growing rabbit problem, a resident at the forefront of the town’s effort to control the pest says.

A new campaign is calling on "local legends" in Queenstown and the Upper Clutha to stand in this year’s local body election.

Integrated planning for Wanaka's town centre has remained in the pipeline for 20 years. PHOTO: MARJORIE COOK After 20 years of big idea, plans and meetings but no action over the development of Wanaka’s town centre, a group of residents has come together to drive the project forward.

PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Ratepayers in Central Otago’s Cromwell ward face a projected rates increase of 4.1%, while those in the Maniototo ward will have a 0.4% decrease.

PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON Ray Martin (31), of the Victoria club in Wellington, delivers a bowl on his way to a win over Dean Drummond (28), of Hastings, in the final of the World Singles at the New Zealand PBA finals in Dunedin on Sunday.

The weekend bus service for Palmerston has been confirmed and will start on May 28.

Celebrating the launch of the Waitaki Road Safe Pack are (from left) cycling and walking advocate Hazel Agnew, Waitaki Road Safe president Jo Anderson, Waitaki road safety co-ordinator Jason Evered, group member Jenna Wylie, Waitaki Road Safe member and Oamaru firefighter Sarrath Milmine, Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteer officer Kevin Murdoch and Constable Howard Jackson, of Oamaru road police. PHOTO: KAYLA HODGE Waitaki Road Safe is helping add something positive to a bad situation.

Central Otago residents can expect to see activity along Letts Gully and Springvale Rds between now and September.