Central Otago has its fair share of grim place names such as ‘Deadman’s Point’, ‘The Lonely Graves’, ‘Drybread Cemetery’ and the ‘Linger and Die’ reserve in Alexandra. We explore the origins of ‘Linger and Die’ and whether this bleak name is justified. The Linger and Die is a public reserve [...]

The dispatch of the dearly departed became an add-on service for a few enterprising colonial Central Otago builders, joiners and picture framers. Although funeral services seem an unlikely diversification for such businesses nowadays, it was a logical solution back in the 1870s when the influx of settlers and goldminers to [...]

The man who introduced the rabbit to New Zealand was banqueted and lauded, but they would hang him now, if they could get him. In England they fine a poacher, whereas he ought to be banished to New Zealand. New Zealand would pay his way and give him wages. [...]

The News 22 March 2021 Perusing a treasure trove of photographs has been a trip down memory lane for an Alexandra woman. The suitcase full of photos of the Alexandra Blossom Festival were taken by Ernest Fort, of Dunedin. For 50 years Mr Fort was a butcher at Fort Roche [...]

The News, 21 January 2021 Nothing. That is the answer from Maniototo residents regarding what they would change about where they live. However, the emphatic answer comes from survey results based on a small sample size. The ‘‘Your Place, Your Community’’ survey garnered 96 responses, which equates to about 6% [...]