My 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero nomination
I would like to nominate OVTS - Otago Vacuum Tank Services. They always provide their best service and have the best smiles on their faces when they do their job. The west Harbour community is so grateful on how they are giving a helping hand - they go out of their way to help. The most outstanding part was when we had last year the landslides in West Harbour and OVTS jumped straight into action to provide the community with fresh water and supplied fresh bottled water to the Kindy in Port Chalmers - so Kindy had one less thing to worry about when they started operating again and a boil your water notice was in place. They have also helped the Rugby Club for Harbour Hawks with some new post "cushions" and gave the club house a good clean - no one asked for it but they did it as they know how important Rugby is for the West Harbour Community. Another outstanding OVTS has done was a Water day in Aramoana: They put on an afternoon of a massive water festival for kids mid march (and even for the parents): slip and slide, water guns, water canon, paddling pools for the smaller kids (and the not to smaller kids) - it was a blast for everyone. OVTS - Tim and Courtney Giddens just do it without asking anything in return , they bring the community together while raising their two boys - nothing is too big or small for them, they are there to help and bring smiles on everyone's faces
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚒 Our Fire and Emergency crews have been kept busy lately
And they’re once again reminding everyone: please don’t light fires when it’s windy.
Central Otago will move into a restricted fire season from 1 December 2025, which means anyone planning an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and plan ahead.
So we’d love to ask you — how do you make sure you’re being fire-safe at this time of year?
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