HERITAGE IN THE NEWS
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Postmistress bids farewell after 26 years
Otago Daily News, 5 Aug 2025 After more than two decades of handwritten letters, local gossip and cheerful hellos across the counter, Val Butcher is stepping down from her post. The much-loved postmistress of the Ophir Post Office has called time on her 26-year career, retiring from one of [...]
Riverside Park making steady progress
The Central App, 22 July 2025 The new Riverside Park development in downtown Alexandra, Kāmoanahaehae, has been secured with a retaining wall, and landscaping is underway. Stage one of the $3.2M project at the end of Tarbert Street was recently reprioritised to ensure better stability of the site. The [...]
Iconic heritage-listed Cardrona Hotel goes on the market
Stuff - 3 July 2025 One of the country’s most photographed pubs - and a fixture of the Central Otago landscape - is going on the market. Expressions of interest open on Friday for the 162-year-old, heritage-listed Cardrona Hotel. Cade Thornton, who has owned the pub with his partner [...]
Our winter newsletter is out!
Our winter newsletter is out. It features a fascinating story on the history of the moa in Central Otago, a look at Murray Radka's passion for preserving roses, plus more. Click here to read the newsletter.
OCT fund education hub to boost Kāi Tahu heritage and culture
The Central App , 7 May 2025 Otago’s three Papatipu Rūnaka (local Māori authorities) have joined forces to establish an education hub aimed at transforming cultural capability in Otago's education sector. The initiative, Hono ki Tua, represents a collaborative effort between Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, [...]
In Central Otago, historic buildings on the council chopping block
Radio NZ - 5 March 2025 Town halls are often the centre of community life, and in Central Otago, these historic buildings are a tourist attraction. But with a council plan to save money by getting more than 20 off the books, locals worry for the loss of both. [...]
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