Lottery funding sows seeds of sustainability in Waitaki garden
Waitaki Community Gardens sowing the seeds of community and sustainability
The Waitaki Community Gardens is at the heart of the small community of around 23,000 people, with a mission to share the joys of sustainable gardening with locals and touring visitors.
Supported by lottery funding from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board, the community garden hosts popular events and workshops throughout the year for those eager to learn about growing their own produce and reducing their environmental impact.
From humble beginnings over a decade ago, the garden has grown into a thriving hub of activity that attracts volunteers and students of all ages and backgrounds to work side by side, sharing knowledge and experiences and growing a sense of community alongside their lettuce and tomatoes.
Central to the garden's offerings is the ‘Seed to Table’ course - a hands-on permaculture workshop series designed to equip budding green-thumbs with essential skills for cultivating organic and productive gardens.
The garden not only brings the community together but also offers a refreshing antidote to today’s fast-paced, digital world.
With 100% of Lotto New Zealand profits being returned to funding Local Grants, every time you play a Lotto New Zealand game, you’re a Kiwi helping initiatives like the Waitaki Community Gardens foster a healthy, sustainable, and connected community.
Read more Local Grant recipient stories.
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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53.5% Yes
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46.5% 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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