HERITAGE IN THE NEWS
Catch up on the latest Heritage news from in and around our region and sign up for our e-news at the bottom of this page.
Historic finds in cemetery development
The Central App, 12 August 2025 A cemetery plan for future burials in Naseby had to be amended after an archaeologist report found pre-1900 features within the existing site that needed protection. A report to the Maniototo Community Board last week from Central Otago District Council parks and recreation [...]
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, [...]
Sign up for our e-newsletter and stay up to date with what's happening in the Central Otago heritage sector