The Outlet

Facing a 33% rates hike, how would you and your neighbors cope? This week on the Outlet podcast, we're joined by Gill from the Teviot Valley community to unravel the implications of this staggering increase, especially for those with properties valued at $450,000 or more on town water. Gill brings to life the worries of the elderly, many on fixed incomes, who now face crucial decisions about cutting back on essentials like food and electricity. Her passionate community mobilization resulted in an impressive 40% of submissions to the Central Otago District Council's annual plan coming from Teviot Valley, showing that this issue hits home hard.

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Can you imagine being buried under an avalanche for 45 minutes and coming out alive? This episode features an extraordinary conversation with Ken Wylie, who shares his spine-chilling experience of surviving an avalanche in Canada two decades ago. Ken walks us through every critical moment leading up to the disaster, from the eerie whomp sound that signaled impending doom to his conscious battle for survival beneath the snow. His story is a stark reminder of the importance of thorough risk management and adherence to avalanche safety protocols, offering invaluable lessons for anyone adventuring in the snow-capped mountains.

We also delve into the profound personal transformations Ken underwent following the avalanche. He sheds light on the virtues of courage, self-acceptance, and setting boundaries, all of which were pivotal in reshaping his life and career. Ken shares tips for skiers and snowboarders on honing their intuition and trusting their instincts to evaluate avalanche risks.

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Discover the transformative potential of Plan Change 19 for Central Otago's housing landscape with Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie. In this episode of The Outlet,  you'll gain a deep understanding of how this ambitious plan is set to shape the future of residential development in Cromwell, Clyde, and Alexandra. Neil walks us through the meticulous community feedback process and the strategic zoning decisions designed to balance density and land size, addressing both developers' and residents' needs. Learn about the vision for securing enough residential land for the next 30 years, and the thoughtful considerations taken to accommodate diverse housing options while tackling cost challenges.

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In this podcast, Tim Cadogan, Mayor of Central Otago, shares valuable insights into the introduction of Māori wards and the significant changes made in 2018, aiming to amplify Māori voices in the decision-making processes. Hear firsthand how these wards have started to reshape local governance, and why diverse perspectives are crucial in council decisions.

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Ever wondered what it takes to make our roads safer for both cyclists and drivers? That's exactly what we're unwrapping with Central Otago's own Chris Foggin. As the District's Road Safety Advisor, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, discussing everything from the ground-breaking Wheels Up initiative to the role education plays in creating a well-oiled cycling culture. We'll explore how this education-driven approach is making headway in the community and how future projects, like school and community bike ambassadors, could revolutionize our streets.
Winter doesn't have to spell the end of your cycling adventures, Chris share a treasure trove of tips to keep you pedaling through the frost, from mental fortitude to the alchemy of layering. We also shine a spotlight on the heart-warming efforts of UpCycles, a charity that's not just about getting more bikes on the road but also nurturing a sense of community and mindfulness about our environmental footprint.

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Embark on a journey through Central Otago's dynamic housing landscape as Peter from Tall Poppy joins us to peel back the layers of the local real estate market. Discover the undercurrents shaping first-time homebuyers' experiences in the region, as we discuss the ripple effects of affordability that are sending waves of young purchasers toward towns like Cromwell and Alexandra. Witness firsthand Peter's savvy insights on the significance of adhering to a budget in the quest for homeownership, and gain unique perspectives into the evolutionary strides real estate selling has taken in the age of digital media. And there's cause for celebration, too—raise a glass to Tall Poppy's national award triumph, a testament to the collective dedication fueling their franchise's success.
https://www.tallpoppy.co.nz/franchises/central-otago

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Discover the hidden impact of skyrocketing mortgage rates and living costs on once financially secure households, as Pam Hughes of Central Otago Budgeting Services joins us to explore the reality behind the numbers. We're tackling the hard truths that come with a 6% mortgage hike and how it throws budgets, that once had breathing room, into disarray. Our conversation extends to the knock-on effect of rising prices for necessities, putting additional strains on communities attempting to navigate these turbulent economic waters.

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Have you ever been touched by the moon's silvery glow and felt a story unfold? That's exactly what happened to acclaimed author Kyle Mewburn, whose novel "Sewing Moonlight" took a 24-year journey from a late-night inspiration to a heartfelt local book launch. Through the power of historical fiction, Kyle brings to life the narratives of German settlers in New Zealand, painting a picture of a community's resilience against the backdrop of war-driven prejudice. Join us as Kyle shares the twists and turns of her writing odyssey, revealing the endurance required to transform a fleeting moment into a tale that captivates the heart and the mind.
https://kylemewburn.com/news/

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Councillor Gary  Kelliher joins us from Central Otago, wearing the hats of both farmer and business owner, to shed light on the pressing issues surrounding the Land and Water Regional Plan. Gary weighs the impact on local communities against the intent to protect our vital waterways. Gary's dual perspectives bring a rare depth to the discussion on council dynamics, governance, and the balancing act required to sustain both agriculture and the environment. We navigate the thorny path of aligning local aspirations with central mandates, 

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Have you ever considered the monumental effort that goes into commemorating a day of national significance? Join us as Kevin Harding , the newly minted president of the Alexandra/ Clyde RSA, pulls back the curtain on the year-long preparation for Anzac Day in Central Otago. In a conversation marked by community spirit and remembrance, Kevin shares the intricate details of organizing this revered event. He highlights the essential contributions of various community groups, the poignant sounds of the bugle players, and the heartwarming participation of local schools.

https://centralapp.nz/things-to-do/whats-on/page-1/5ba97a6c6e9e5e002a48139c

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