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Otago Daily Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Power trust candidates sought
It is "not a job for the faint-hearted" but volunteers are needed to help keep the lights on across North Otago. The Waitaki Power Trust (WPT) elections are coming up and at least two new members will need to be elected to the consumer trust's five-person board. WPT holds all the shares in Oamaru-based lines company Network Waitaki Limited (NWL), on behalf of about 13,500 households and businesses connected to NWL's electricity distribution network. Long-serving trustee Herb Tonkin has been on the trust since retiring from work 23 years ago. "I was employed by the Waitaki Electric power board for 42 years and I thought it was over to me to give something back to the consumer." "It is the consumers' company — it belongs to every consumer." Fellow trustee John Clements agreed. "They are making a big song and dance about water, and how we're going to have three councils in charge of our water. "It's a very good parallel to draw with the network distribution company, which is ours." A big reason to vote in the election and stand for a seat on the trust was the annual consumer power rebate, which was only made possible through consumer ownership of the lines company, Mr Clements said. "Most consumers get about $79 which is a big help at Christmas time. "It's a rebate on the power, and appears as credit on the power account." Trustees serve a three-year term before becoming eligible to stand again for election or retire. Mr Tonkin and Mr Clements will retain their seats, while two trustees are stepping away and a third will stand for re-election. The WPT is administered by elected trustees and exists to provide oversight and represent the interests of consumers who are both owners and users of NWL's electricity distribution network. The trust monitors NWL's financial performance, ensuring profits are reasonable relative to asset value and capital works. It also undertakes an ownership review every 10 years. Mr Tonkin said being a trustee was an important job, requiring commitment, good knowledge of the trust deed, which established the trust legally, and the ability to foster good relations with NWL company directors. "A trustee is elected by consumers. "Their most important job is they interact with the directors of the company and approve any major transactions or new business undertaken by the company. "It's not a job for the faint-hearted. "The company is having to upgrade the electrical network and is spending a substantial amount to safeguard the continued supply of electricity in North Otago." The major project trustees provided oversight for at the moment is a $50million project to build a new grid exit point. Without it the region will run out of capacity to receive electricity from the national grid by 2027. "It's big biccies,"Mr Tonkin said. NWL chief executive Dylan Andrews said WPT trustees provided a crucial role in the annual setting and monitoring of the company's statement of corporate intent, as well as providing valuable customer insights. "There is an aligned commitment to ensure the company provides safe and reliable electricity service while investing in the network to meet future demands. "The WPT also provides valuable input into the company's annual pricing review. "Our relationship with the Waitaki Power Trust is positive and constructive, as demonstrated through joint activities such as the shared display at the annual North Otago A&P Show and the presentation of the Network Waitaki Sponsorship Awards, which celebrate and support local achievements. "The company is looking forward to working with current and future trustees who provide local insight from across our service areas." Nominations for candidates open on July 9 and close on July 30. Nomination forms are available on the Waitaki Power Trust website Postal voting ballots will be mailed to consumers on August 8 and voting closes on August 29.
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Signs of elder abuse in spotlight
The serious, but often hidden, issue of elder abuse in New Zealand is top of mind for the Age Concern Otago team, which is working hard to keep older people in the region safe. This Sunday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on the mistreatment of older people and call for collective action to stand up for seniors and ensure they can live with dignity, respect and safety. Age Concern Otago chief executive Mike Williams, who took up the role in January, said the organisation's dedicated Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) team were busier than ever. The EARS team of four social workers, led by Central Otago-based Rosanna Pritchard, supported 387 older people last year experiencing alleged elder abuse across the region. Types of abuse reported included emotional, financial and physical abuse, along with neglect — often at the hands of those they trusted most. Across New Zealand, Age Concern was involved in 2817 cases of elder abuse from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Of those allegedly causing the harm, 88% were family members, of which 50% were adult children or grandchildren. Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said elder abuse was not just a private issue, it was "a community issue". "On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we urge all New Zealanders to learn the signs of abuse, speak up and support older people in their lives and communities." This year, Age Concern's theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is "spot the signs". It calls on individuals, whānau, community groups, organisations and businesses to help raise awareness and take appropriate action. Ms Pritchard said the Age Concern Otago EARS team, which comprised Dunedin-based social workers Tim Ollerenshaw and Trici Grothe-Robertson, Oamaru-based social worker Sharon McGregor and Dunedin-based community social worker Annie Nevin, were dealing with increasingly complex cases of elder abuse. "Unfortunately, older people are finding that the health services and other back-stops they may have relied on in the past have vanished," she said. In addition, more older people were living in trailers and caravans and moving around more, which made it difficult to maintain support networks. Families were also often scattered around New Zealand and overseas. On the flip side of the coin, some older people were finding themselves caring for adult children who had returned home due to economic circumstances or issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. "Financial abuse is a major issue — we are seeing lots and lots of money being taken from older people," she said. "And this is really distressing for our clients — these are people that they love and should be able to trust." When there were difficulties with family members, the Age Concern team could be a buffer and provide confidential support. "Our focus is on the older person and what they want and need — that is the most important thing." Ms Pritchard said it was encouraging that growing numbers of older people were reaching out to report elder abuse and request support, along with reports by concerned friends, neighbours and family members. EARS is also a member of the local Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke team, part of a national framework through which police, iwi and organisations work in partnership to reduce family harm. Mr Williams said the demand on the Otago EARS team, and the complex nature of many situations, meant the service was under increasing pressure. "Complex situations take longer to unravel and deal with, which adds to the pressure," he said. "We are already working at capacity and are acutely aware that more people are at crisis point and needing our help." Mr Williams came to the Age Concern Otago chief executive role after a long career in the mental health, prisoner rehabilitation and children's health and wellbeing fields. "Since I have been working with the Age Concern team, I have been impressed by the heart and passion they have for our older people," he said. "This is a great organisation, and the services we offer are highly valued by the community." How You Can Help: • Learn to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to respond. • Check in with older friends, neighbours and whānau. • If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact Age Concern's Elder Abuse Response Service at 0800652105 (weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm) or the national 24-hour helpline at 0800EANOTOK (08003266865), for free, confidential support. • More information on the free, confidential Age Concern Otago Elder abuse Response Service (EARS) can be found online at
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Independent Cheesemakers Reign Supreme - Trophy Winners Named In NZ Champions Of Cheese Awards 2025
Independent cheesemakers were the heroes of this year's NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, with Whitestone Cheese Co, Barrys Bay and Anabelle Exquisite Diary taking out the top three trophies. Eighteen of the Award's 24 trophies were awarded to independent producers. Family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese Co was the big winner at the country's annual Awards, taking out five trophies, including the top award, Woolworths Champion of Champions for Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, which also receivedtrophies for; Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese and Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese. Judges praised sheep milk cheddar, Monte Cristo saying; 'Complex, waxy, balanced with a beautiful ivory paste. Delicious. Favourite of the day!' Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie was named FOSS Champion New Cheese and Whitestone Cheese Co cheesemaker, Jonathan Emerson was MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker. Established by fourth-generation Otago farmers Bob and Sue Berry in the farming downturn of 1987 to diversify their business - and today managed by their son Simon – the company employs more than 80 staff, with the majority in Oamaru at their factory and the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli. FSQSNZ Champion of Champions Mid-Sized, Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, was pronounced 'delightful' by the judges who also made these tasting notes; 'Lovely chewy fudgy texture. Pronounced fruit, sweet, umami flavours. Excellent.' The Champion of Champions Mid-Sized was one of four trophies awarded to Barrys Bay. They also won: AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style forBarrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese for Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, and Sabato Chefs' Choice with Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Parmesan. Akaroa's Barrys Bay Cheese was founded in 1895, as one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives around Banks Peninsula. Over time, these small dairy businesses closed, leaving Barrys Bay Cheese. In the early 1950s a new Barrys Bay factory was built - which is used today. Purchased by Daniel and Amy Shields in 2017, in 2020 Barry's Bay Cheese celebrated 125 years of cheesemaking. It prides itself on a commitment to traditional cheesemaking, producing handcrafted traditional cheese using fresh, Banks Peninsula milk. Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions Boutique, Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic received the following feedback from the judging panel; 'Lovely fresh cheese, love the fresh garlic. Cheese is smooth with a great balance of flavours and a good texture. ' Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic was also awarded Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese. Anabelle Exquisite Dairy is a boutique producer of French-influenced fresh cheese made with sheep, goat and cow milk. Founder Anabelle David, a French-born Kiwi who moved to Aotearoa in 2007, has a Masters in Food Technology and a passion for fine cheese, which she combines in the creation of high-quality dairy products. Anabelle uses natural fermentation with live bacteria, developing cheeses suitable for various dishes, admired by cheese lovers and top chefs. Another family-owned business to receive multiple accolades was Meyer Cheese from Waikato, which received five trophies. They were: IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese with Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, their assistant cheesemaker Jarvis Whyte was named Innovative Packaging Aspiring Cheesemaker and the company was named Woolworths Sustainability Champion. Woolworths Sustainability Champion is assessed by a panel including Woolworths New Zealand, Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Tami Schiefelbein. This year, the Award recognised a cheese producer embedding environmental stewardship into business practice. Bestowing the Award, the judges' note to Meyer Cheese said; 'The judging panel was impressed by your holistic, Pasture to Plate approach, which demonstrates a commitment to sustainability at every stage of production. Your long-standing legacy of environmental consciousness, dating back to the company's founding, is a testament to your genuine dedication…' Other independent cheesemakers to be named NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Champions 2025 were: Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goat Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese New Zealand's largest cheesemaker Fonterra also was recognised with the following four trophies: Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese The Trophy announcement following 199 medals were bestowed upon the country's finest cheeses after evaluation of over 240 locally produced cheeses. The awards, managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, highlighted exceptional quality and innovation in the local cheese industry. Assessment was conducted at Hamilton's WINTEC in early March with Master Judge Jason Tarrant guiding thirty judges, supported by 20 stewards, through an evaluation of 240 NZ-made cheeses. Jason Tarrant said 'this year the superb quality of cheeses had the judges working overtime to separate the best of the best and confirm the Champions. It's great to see such fantastic kiwi produce being created and all trophy winners are deserving of their status among the finest NZ cheese.' Kiwi cheese lovers will find trophy winners and NZ Champions of Cheese Awards medal winners at their local supermarkets and specialty retailers. Many local cheesemakers also sell these award-winning cheeses at their store or café, local farmers market or online. Consumers will recognise award-winning cheese because it will sport NZ Champions of Cheese trophy, gold, silver, and bronze medals – it's a consumer guarantee cheese is made in NZ, and it has been assessed by experts who affirm it is of the highest quality. Buying NZ cheese helps maintain jobs and income for Aotearoa businesses. NZSCA Chair, Simon Lamb thanked the Awards sponsors and all the volunteer judges and stewards whose expertise made the awards possible. Without the voluntary contributions of judges and stewards who donate their time to help find NZ's best cheeses and without whom the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards wouldn't be possible.' Owned and managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are in their 22nd year of recognising Aotearoa's finest cheeses and shining a light on the best examples to guide consumers on purchase decisions with trophies and medals awarded to outstanding NZ Cheese. NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025 Champions at the are listed on NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Trophies Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial) Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion of Champions (Mid-Sized) Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions (Boutique) Jonathan Emerson, Whitestone Cheese Co, MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie, FOSS Champion New Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Puhoi Valley Cheese, Cow's Milk Feta, Cheeselinks Champion Greek-Style or Danish-Style Cheese Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Galactic Gold, Thermaflo Champion Washed Rind Cheese Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese Open Country, Ched M (Matured Cheddar), Sealed Air Champion Bulk Cheddar Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goats Milk Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Special Awards are:
