Welcome to Central Otago: Guide for New Residents

Welcome to

CENTRALOTAGO

A GUIDE FOR NEW RESIDENTS

Welcome to

CENTRAL OTAGO

It is my privilege to provide a personal welcome to you as you go about making this special part of New Zealand your home. Central Otago is not just about landscapes and adventure. It is also a region where opportunities abound and where it is still possible to follow the Kiwi dream of lifestyle, family and friends.

Despite our small population, our facilities do match those of any other region in the country. We have excellent schools and medical services. There is a thriving cafe and arts scene. The district is home to many wineries and is the source of a number of worldrenowned wines, including the local specialty pinot noir.

As you settle into your new environment you will discover that there is something different about Central. We are very proud of where we live, are excited that you have chosen to join us. We invite you to jump in boots and all and embrace the things and values we hold dear.

This brochure contains an introduction to Council services and facilities, and some useful signposts to point to where you can learn more to help you get settled.

It is my hope that your time here will be one of enjoyment and good memories. Please feel free to make yourself known to me. We don’t dwell on formality unless we need to, so I look forward to meeting you personally when the opportunity arises.

Tony Lepper Central Otago Mayor

www.centralotagonz.com www.centralotagonz.com offers a fabulous range of information to help you get to know more about your new region.

Browse the site to find out about the Central Otago way of life, doing business here and getting out and about discovering the district.

LIVE HERE This tells you about our people, our communities, the services available and the array of community groups and recreational activities on offer.

DO BUSINESS HERE Here you’ll find information about employment, starting a business in Central Otago and the key industries in the region. You’ll also find helpful resources including strategies and research reports, business support and training, and details of business groups in the area.

VISIT HERE This section provides all the information you need to enjoy your Central Otago experience, including things to do, places to visit, accommodation, wine and food, and local events.

www.centralotagonz.com

i-SITEs i-SITEs are a great place to go if you’re new to town and want to explore the region.

If you’re after maps, brochures on walking or cycling tracks and trails, or information on local events including markets, activities and attractions head to an i-SITE.

There are connecting transport services to Dunedin, Christchurch and Queenstown. Our i-SITEs can let you know about available options and even book your seat.

There are also courtesy coaches from some bars and restaurants.

Contact Alexandra

Cromwell

Ranfurly

Roxburgh

21 Centennial Avenue (03) 448 9515 3 Charlemont Street (03) 444 1005

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2D The Mall (03) 445 0212 120 Scotland Street (03) 446 8920

CMYK / .ai

Like www.facebook.com/centralotagoinfo

Pools, Parks and Libraries POOLS

Molyneux Aquatic Centre in Alexandra and the Cromwell Swim Centre are modern indoor facilities offering all year round swimming programmes.

During Central’s long hot summers the outdoor pools in Roxburgh, Millers Flat and Ranfurly are ready to help you cool down.

The Molyneux Aquatic Centre has a 25m lap pool, a large therapeutic/learners’ pool, spa pool, a toddlers’ pool and children’s play area. There is also an outdoor pool for summer use with an expansive grassed area to lie back and enjoy.

The Cromwell Swim Centre has a 25-metre lap pool, a therapeutic/learners’ pool, toddlers’ pool, and a spa.

Central Otago Swim School’s team of experienced and enthusiastic instructors deliver a Learn to Swim programme at both Molyneux Aquatic Centre and Cromwell Swim Centre. The Swim School’s programme provides a range of classes for all ages and levels of ability. Let our team help you and your family gain confidence in the water.

www.codc.govt.nz/pools

s PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

Central Otago is blessed with a significant number of parks, reserves and domains. These areas cater for a multitude of recreational and sporting pursuits. These include sporting venues, places to swim, walk, cycle or play, and off-leash dog exercise areas.

Find out more about what our parks have to offer.

www.codc.govt.nz/parks

CENTRAL OTAGO LIBRARIES

As a Central Otago resident you are invited to join your local library. Membership is free.

Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District councils operate their libraries in partnership. Library membership gives you access to 14 branches. Items can be borrowed and returned to any branch.

Our libraries offer a great range of items – books, jigsaws, CDs, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, e-books and e-audio. Some branches have WiFi and public computers available to use.

School holiday programmes are run at our Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh and Maniototo Libraries.

http://libraries.codc-qldc.govt.nz

Regional Identity The Central Otago people are passionate about this place and have developed a unique proposition for the region.

From its landscapes and seasons, to its people, products and experiences, Central Otago leaves you with a lasting sense of difference.

Because we wanted to protect and preserve those things we valued and the quality of life we are privileged to have here, we developed “A World of Difference�.

Having a unique mark and single expression helps to remind us of what we love about Central Otago. It defines our special difference.

We know that people who are passionate about Central Otago are people who care about this place and embrace the regional values in their everyday lives. We know you will want to do this too.

You can find out more about our place, our values, our stories, our people and our partners at:

www.aworldofdifference.co.nz

Resilient Communities Alexandra Community House on Centennial Avenue is the base for a number of social service agencies such as the Alexandra Community Advice Network, Central Otago Budgeting Service, Plunket, Age Concern, along with rural education provider Central Otago REAP. www.coreap.org.nz The Cromwell Resource Centre at 5 Murray Terrace provides community advice, support and resources. www.cromwellresource.co.nz

Get Ready, Get Thru · Make sure you ‘get ready to get thru’.

Follow the advice and checklists at www.getthru.govt.nz · Familiarise yourself with the information within your local community response plan. These plans are in development for communities within our district. · Find out the location of your nearest Civil Defence Centre on the CODC website – www.codc.govt.nz/ services/emergency-management Otago Rural Fire Authority ORFA is responsible for all the rural fire functions of the five territorial authorities within Otago and the Department of Conservation. For more information on fire seasons, permits, volunteering and rural fire control head to www.otagoruralfire.org.nz

You should call 111 when you need immediate help with a life threatening or time critical emergency.

In the Loop Ways to keep in touch with Council news:

• Check out our weekly CODC Noticeboard published on page 5 of The News

• Hop on to our website www.codc.govt.nz where we regularly post news and highlight what’s topical • ‘Like’ Central Otago District Council on Facebook • Keep an eye on your letterbox for The FlipSide Council newsletter each April and October.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS

We value your feedback because it helps us improve our services. We encourage you to get involved in helping us plan for the future of our community.

You have the opportunity to share your views by responding to draft proposals, attending community meetings, or sharing your views via our online forms.

Current consultations are listed on our website at www.codc.govt.nz/consultation.

Contact Us: Central Otago District Council PO Box 122 Alexandra 9340

info@codc.govt.nz

Your Elected Reps On Council’s website you’ll find information about the Mayor, Councillors and your local Community Board members.

Central Otago District Council has four community boards – Vincent (Alexandra and EarnscleughManuherikia wards), Cromwell, Maniototo and the Teviot Valley.

Council is led by the Mayor. There are 10 councillors elected by ward.

Council and its committees, and Community Boards meet on a six-weekly cycle and meetings are open to the public. You’ll find a meeting calendar on our website. Meetings are advertised in The News.

CROMWELL

VINCENT

MANIOTOTO TEVIOT VALLEY

Rubbish, Roads and Wate RUBBISH & RECYLING

Council provides kerbside wheelie bin collections, recycling drop-off facilities, transfer stations for general waste and greenwaste sites. These are listed on Council’s website.

Every property in the collection area is supplied with wheelie bins for mixed recyclables, glass and rubbish.

Rubbish is collected fortnightly and recycling and glass bin collections are once a month. Collection calendars can be downloaded from www.codc.govt.nz/kerbsidecollections.

Check out our website for more information on waste minimisation.

www.codc.govt.nz/zerowaste

ROADS

With Central Otago’s distinct seasons come changeable driving conditions.

Council posts early morning updates of road conditions throughout the winter. These reports advise whether ice or snow are likely on our local roads.

“Like” Central Otago District Council on Facebook or sign up to follow @RoadSafety_CO on Twitter to receive updates.

You can tune into your local radio station for weather and road reports.

er At other times throughout the year we will also use Facebook and Twitter to advise of road works, closures and delays.

Head to www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for State Highway conditions.

WATER

Most urban centres in our district are on Council provided water and sewerage schemes. If you need to talk about your connections phone Council on 440 0056 or email water@codc.govt.nz.

Council promotes being water wise and in most parts of the district Council-supplied water is metered.

If you are going to be heading away over the winter months, consider draining your water pipes to prevent damage. If you are unsure how to do this seek advice from a local plumber.

More information about water, sewerage and stormwater can be found at:

www.codc.govt.nz/water

Services A-Z Here’s a list of services provided by Council. You can find more information about these on our website including contacts for respective teams.

• • • • • •

Building

Cemeteries

Community Planning Council Property Dog Control

Economic Development

• Emergency

Management

• Environmental Health • i-SITEs www.codc.govt.nz

• • • • • • • • • • •

Libraries

Parks and Recreation Planning Pools

Property and Rates

Recycling and Rubbish Roading Tourism Venues

Water Services And more!

OTAGO REGIONAL COUNCIL

The Otago Regional Council has an office in Alexandra.

The ORC’s responsibilities include monitoring water and air quality, land and biodiversity management, hazards, civil defence and flood protection.

More info at www.orc.govt.nz

Tell us about it Council relies on our residents to help be its ‘eyes and ears’. If you’ve seen something that needs attention please let us know.

CONTACT Maybe your water meter’s leaking,US there’s a broken Otago Council branch or aCentral damaged swing District at your local park that needs fixing, or you’ve seen a wandering dog. Whatever it is, if www.codc.govt.nz something needs doing, us know. 9340 PO Box 122letAlexandra 03this 440 Reporting to 0056 Council| isinfo@codc.govt.nz quick and easy.

Call us or pop in to one of our service centres: www.facebook.com/centralotagodistrictcouncil Alexandra 03 440 0056 1 Dunorling Street Cromwell

03 445 0211 42 The Mall

Roxburgh

03 446 8105 120 Scotland Street

Ranfurly

03 444 9170 15 Pery Street

Send us a message via our website: Go to www.codc.govt.nz, click on ‘Request It’, then select ‘Request for Services’.

Front cover: The Alexandra-Clyde 150th Anniversary Walkway, commonly known as the ‘River Track’.

Photo by Lisa Hilll Photography.

Email us:

info@codc.govt.nz