Otautau NZ

Election 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 04:54:00 +0000

Election season has swung into gear with the next General Election on Saturday, September 23rd - 7 1/2 weeks away. Not much has changed with the way most Otautau people have voted over the last few years. The National Party garners most of the votes as it does in the rest of Clutha-Southland except Kaitangata. But National seems to be in a declining trend over the last decade. The other parties are showing interesting trends too.

This graph compares party votes over the last five elections as determined by Otautau voters. The Labour Party has been in serious decline for fifteen years, but with Jacinda Ardern as their new leader, that decline may stop this year. NZ First has had a roller coaster ride and was on the rise in 2014 - will they break the glass ceiling and get more votes than Labour? The Green Party have never been popular in Otautau and seem to be in strife with co-leader just resigning. The Conservative Party did well in 2014, but the founding leader resigned amidst lawsuits that are ongoing. United Future, like Labour, has been in decline among Otautau voters.

This information came from electionresults.org.nz. Parties that got less than 1% of the vote were not included in the graph.

Whatever your political leanings are, make sure you are enrolled and able to vote. Go to Enrol, Check or Update at the Elections.org website. Voting is a positive way to make a difference in the world, but if you're not enrolled, you can't vote.

Something else to know -- NZ voters are shrinking - not literally, but their numbers are. Thirty years ago, voter participation was above 90%. There was a lot happening politically so it sparked people's interest. In 2014, about 78% of eligible voters voted. With so many issues facing New Zealand - educational, economic, social, cultural and environmental - it doesn't make sense not to vote. This data is from the Statistics New Zealand Voter Turnout page.

So make a difference, get enrolled and get ready to vote!

Otautau on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 01:28:00 +0000

If you are looking for what's happening in Otautau ...go to our Otautau, New Zealand Facebook page. You don't have to be on Facebook to see all the photos and read the comments.

If you'd like to contribute to this blog or the Facebook page with your own Otautau news, leave a comment and we will get back to you. Thanks!

Big Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 03:48:00 +0000

This photo set was graciously contributed by Quint Baker. He and his daughter were out with the sleigh on the day of the big snow - 7 July. Aren't these just lovely? Enjoy!

Anzac Day Service 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:45:00 +0000

A few photos from today's Anzac Service.

Allen Brown at podium leading the ceremony.
Otautau RSA Chairman, Brian Drummond, to his left.
Bill Anderson seated. Junior Brass Band on left.

Captain McKernan

Father Vaughn Leslie singing with brass band.

St Andrews Scout group.

Students of Otautau School, Brownies/Guides and Scouts

People lined the bridge. A good crowd this year.

Four students read the Roll of Honour in turns.

Dr Pauline Stewart

Catherine Beck laying wreath.

Members of the Waimatuku Pipe Band

Otautau School students laying poppies.

Betty & Jim Flett and granddaughter?

A cross for each of the 53 Otautau & Districts men who died in WWI.

Call for WWI Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 06:37:00 +0000

The Otautau RSA and Otautau Museum are collaborating on a project for the war memorial to commemorate the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April. They are looking for information and photographs for the following WWI men listed on the memorial. They're also collecting photos and information on returned WWI men. If you can help with photos and info, please email the Otautau Museum. Thanks.

Leonard Allen (27426) - an Australian who was living and working in Wairio when he enlisted for the war. He was killed in action 7 Jun 1917.

Joseph Beck Ayton (61169) - lived and worked in Aparima.

James Robert Ewen Beck (49323) - horse trainer in Winton; discharged with diabetes; died at Wairio.

William George Napier Brown (22226)

William James Butler (18958) - worked in Merrivale; killed in action 14 Jun 1917.

William Clark - no information on him.

Albert Ernest Dove (9/693) - an Australian who was working in Orawia when he enlisted; died of wounds in 1918, France.

Peter Ellis (41078) - from Wairio; killed in action at Passchendaele.

Albert Walter Findlater (47016) - blacksmith in Otautau; killed in action 1918.

Michael Henry Ford (9/816) - from Heddon Bush; discharged from war and died at Heddon Bush.

Robert Emmet Ford (18983) - blacksmith at Orawia; killed at Messines.

Sydney Ford (8/3900) - Otautau farmer; killed at the Somme.

Oliver Daly Gavigan (48193) - Otautau farmer; died of wounds, 1918.

William Healey (11279) - labourer at Woodlaw; died of TB, 1918.

Peter Thomas Johnston (24/199) - from Avondale; killed at Passchendaele.

Francis Andrew Laidlaw (8/3938) - from Isla Bank; killed at the Somme, 1916.

James Duncan Laing (32862) - from Dipton; killed in action, 1918.

Arthur David Lindsay (45102) - Strathmore, Otautau, farmer; died of influenza, Invercargill, 1918.

Joseph McAfee (42688) - from Otautau; died, 1918.

Douglas Victor McCaw (71042) - farm cadet, Otautau; died of disease, 1918.

Daniel McKenzie (8/1786) - from Scotland and worked in Otautau; killed in action, 1916.

John Morris (45538) - Australian working at Scotts Gap; died of wounds, 1917.

Donald Muir (8/1808) - Scot working at Linton Park, Otautau; died of wounds, 1917.

Patrick O'Shaughnessy (36882) - from Ireland, worked in Otautau; killed in action, 1917.

Ernest John Pay (8/3996) - Ryal Bush cheesemaker; killed in action at the Somme.

Walter James Powell (18939) - from Scotts Gap; died of wounds, 1917.

Arthur John Scott - no information.

Eugene Tangney (8/492) - worked at Pukewao; died of pneumonia, Egypt, 1915.

Edward Richard Thomas (9/350) - Otautau contractor; killed at Gallipoli, 1915.

Andrew Hannah Ward (33046) - from Thornbury; killed at Passchendaele, 1917.

If you have a photo of one of these men, please email the museum. Thanks!

Feb 28th Events

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 04:58:00 +0000

Otautau is the place to be this Saturday, the 28th of February. There is the Classic Car show at Holt Park, the Three Churches Flower and Quilt Walk and, in the evening, the Classic Car Cabaret. Rock 'n Roll is the dress theme for the cabaret which will include an Elvis dance party, fundraiser auctions, prizes, photo booth, and milk bar. Come and dance or watch the fun, tickets $35 at Otautau Four Square, or ring Marg 027 331 5290.

If you would like to enter the Three Churches show, click on this link for the programme and competition schedule (pdf). Everyone is welcome, and it's all about having a go! You can enter flowers, vegetables, baking, hobbies and photography. Entries are to be in between 2pm and 6pm on Friday, 27 February at the Otautau New Life Church, corner of Queen and Chester Streets - entrance off Queen Street.

These are fundraising events that will benefit local groups like the school, pool, arboretum and the museum so please support them and have a great day.

Symons Contracting's 50th

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Last Friday, Doug & Mary Symons and family celebrated Symons Contracting's 50th anniversary. Friends and associates joined in to mark the milestone at the workshop which was the perfect venue for the evening. Decorations were provided by the Western Southland Floral Art Club. Here are a few photos from the festivities.

New diggers ready for duty.

Doug & Mary Symons

Mary and Doug and the grandkids.

It's great that a local family has remained in business for so long. Here's to the next 50 years.

Rubber Duck Race

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 07:27:00 +0000

Look for the rubber duck and registration sheet at local businesses on Main Street.

The Otautau Street Party is fast approaching and preparations are well in hand. One of the newest events is a rubber duck race on the Otautau Stream organised by the Otautau Lions for Otautau United. People can register at the Main Street Cafe, SuperValue, Farmlands and other places on Main Street. Only $5 and it promises to be a lot of fun! The race will be around 7:30 pm, 12 Dec, at either the walking bridge or railway bridge. The finish line is the Main Street bridge, and people will be on hand with butterfly nets to catch the ducks as they cross the line. Be sure to register as soon as you can so you can race your duck. Prizes include a kayak, BBQ, Christmas hamper and more.

RD1 Building Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 07:16:00 +0000

With a little less rain, a lot more progress is being made on the RD1 building on Main Street. The foundation is in, and the steel framing is up.

Corner view showing the front of the building on the left, and side of building facing Main Street.

Side view facing Main Street.

Back side of the building view from Rochdale and Queen Streets. The Catholic Church in the background.

It's been great watching the construction day by day. The future is looking good.

Lydia's and Rory's in the Making?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 09:25:00 +0000

After a few cancellations due to bad weather last month, the Western Zone Primary School Golf Tournament was all go on the 18th of November at the Otautau Golf Club. Five schools came to practice skills and compete for golfing glory. Any one of them could be a Lydia Ko or Rory McIlroy in the making but I think most were just happy to be outside enjoying a full day of golf.

It was a fine, sunny morning, and the kids were rarin' to go, but first they happily posed for team photos.

The Heddon Bush junior team

The Heddon Bush senior team

The Winton team

The Otautau team

The Drummond team

The Waiau team

Half of the teams played a few holes of golf while the other half practiced at various skill stations. One of the stations was the Chuck and Putt which provided a few challenges as it was harder than it looked. Three competitors chucked a ball each onto the putting green, and wherever it landed is where they had to take their putt from.

Good chucking form

Preparing to putt against each other

Good composure.

Nearby, the Snag Golf station always provided a challenge. The player had to hit a snag ball at a target. The person holding the target could not move their feet but could move the target to get the ball.

Hand-eye co-ordination for both players.

Just about to snag it.

Driver practice was also on the schedule.

Eyes on the ball.

A good full swing and still tracking the ball.

Meanwhile the other kids were heading out to play a few holes of golf.

With golf bags in tow, heading out to play.

After lunch they switched places so that by the day's end all got to practice specific skills as well as play golf in a competitive setting.

And who won?

1st - Drummond 1(Matt Hal, Ollie Stevens, Alex Doyle, Brenna Gibbs)
2nd - Drummond 2 (Partrick Marron, Nicholas McLeish, Courtney Laughton, Emma Freemans)
3rd - Winton 2 (Rachel Alexander, Ollie Waldrom, Lochie Earland, Jogs Milne)
4th - Waiau 1 (Ben Egerton, Emma Howden, Cameron Johnston, Sam Unahi)

November Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 04:39:00 +0000

Events/Ngā Takunetanga

7 Dec: Senior Citizens' Christmas Dinner, Otautau Lions Club. All senior citizens are invited and welcome. If you haven't received an invitation, phone Gretchen on 225-8878.
12 Dec: Otautau Street Party, produced by Otautau Promotions and Otautau United. Main Street will be blocked off from 5pm-8pm. Craft stalls, entertainment and food. A fun event for all.
21 Feb 2015: Clifden Playgroup 4WD Tiki Tour, starts at Blackmount School then through Blackmount and Eastern Bush farms to Clifden Playgroup. Reg $25/person or $30 on the day, includes tea. Lunch available en route at Wairaki Station.To register or find out more ring Sheryl 225-4404.
28 Feb 2015: New Event, Otautau Blueberry Classic. Cars, singers, pop-up market, kids' activities, bbq tea and more.
28 Feb 2015: Otautau Three Churches Flower and Quilt Walk. More info to come.
28 Feb 2015: 7:30pm, Blueberry Classic Concert. Otautau Sports Complex.

Sport / Fitness

Otautau Golf Club, season closes 22 Nov.
Otautau Squash Club, Summer League, Mondays, 3 Nov - 8 Dec, 7pm. Register teams on 20 Oct, 7:30pm.
Western Tennis, coaching Wednesdays, 12 Nov to 3 Dec, 3:15pm. Men's and Ladies' social competition starting after Labour Weekend; entries close on 20 Oct. Holiday/Fun programme may be run during Dec/Jan holidays if there is enough interest. Contact Annemarie 03 225-8857 (junior co-ordinator) or Ann 03 225-8733 (social co-ordinator).
Yoga, Mondays, 7:15pm-8:15pm, Otautau Netball Pavilion; Thursdays, 8pm-9pm at Nightcaps Rugby Club.
Otautau Athletics Club, Tuesdays, 14 Oct - 9 Dec and 10 Feb - 24 Mar 2015, 5:30-7pm.
19 Nov: Women's golf, Three Blind Mice, 10:30am, Otautau Golf Club, Slaughterhouse Road.
16 Oct - 11 Dec: Summer Football, 30-minute, 5-a-side games played at Moore's Reserve, Winton. A casual backyard feel event. All are welcome Local teams forming. Call Suzie 225-8917 to join.
15 Nov: Men's golf, King of the Mountain SBS Tournament, 1pm, Otautau Golf Club.
22 Nov: Golf Closing Day, Kathleen Manson Trophy, presentation of trophies and afternoon tea, Otautau Golf Club. Golf will continue to be played over the summer months with the same tee off times or play when it suits you. Friday night golf will start in Dec.
17 Nov: Swimming pool opens. Sign up for the roster by contacting Carolyn 027-463-7630.
12 Dec: Biggest Loser, final weigh-in. Otautau Fitness Centre. Prizes.

Meetings/Hui

18 Nov: St Andrews Scout Group Annual General Meeting, 7:30pm at the Den. All parents and caregivers are asked to attend. Apologies to Helen Mason, 03 225-8200.
18 Nov: Otautau Golf Club Annual General Meeting, 8pm at the Otautau Golf Clubrooms. Any new players, new people in the district and any just interested are encouraged to join and play golf.

Opportunities

The Otautau Museum is looking for volunteers. Those interested in creative display and interpretation, cataloging, family history or even just opening the museum during the week are welcome to email and find out more. Attending monthly meetings is not required. No experience is necessary.
Fitness Centre 3-month membership given away each month by the Otautau Medical Centre. To enter, you must be 18 or older and pay for your consultation on the day. Entry forms given out by reception staff.
Wanted: drivers for the St John health shuttle, Otautau. Contact the Co-ordinator for more information (03) 225-8588.

Armistice Day and WWI Unveiling

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 02:37:00 +0000

On Tuesday, the Otautau RSA and members of the public gathered at the war memorial for the annual Armistice Day ceremony. Afterwards, they traveled to the Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum for a special unveiling.

In the big clearing where other personal memorial trees have been planted, the Arboretum Trust has planted a Cercidiphyllum japonicum. It's a hardwood from Asia that can grow up to 45m. It is there to commemorate the beginning of World War I.

Draped with the Union Jack, the plaque was unveiled by Brian Drummond and Jim Gibson of the RSA.

The plaque reads: Cercidiphyllum japonicum, 2014. Planted to Commemorate the Commencement of World War I by the Alex McKenzie Arboretum Trust.

This tree will now become Otautau's World War I tree to remind us of the sacrifice and loss caused by the war. Thanks to the Arboretum Trust and the Otautau RSA for creating this lasting memorial.

Photos by Jan Lowrey.

Tour of Southland

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:34:00 +0000

The Tour of Southland came through Otautau last Friday. The Stage 5 race started in Invercargill at 10am. Shopkeepers and supporters lined the sidewalks to glimpse the exciting spectacle.

The two front runners.

Peloton was long and quick.

Calm, sunny, warm conditions greeted the riders as they sped their way to Lumsden. Couldn't have asked for better weather.

Peloton leaving Otautau.

Though it was all over before we knew it, it's always great to see the tour come through town. You can find more photos on the Otautau, New Zealand Facebook page.

Armistice Day and WWI Commemorations

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 05:30:00 +0000

The Otautau RSA's annual Armistice Day ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on 11 November at the war memorial. This will be followed by an unveiling at the Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum at approximately 11:45 a.m. The tree to be unveiled commemorates the WWI centenary. Everyone is warmly invited to attend both events.

Annual Ex-Otautau Get Together

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 09:18:00 +0000

The annual get together for ex-Otautau residents will be held on Saturday, 1 November, at the St Stephens Church Hall, Waikiwi, Invercargill, at 2pm. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Please bring a plate and $3 entry fee. Raffles will be available and entertainment provided. For more information, contact John & Barbara Low, 03 215-9472.

Correction

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:21:00 +0000

It's been pointed out to me that I had mistakenly said that Kath Laing lived at the house on the corner, soon to be demolished for the RD1 building, when it actually was Miss Margaret Laing who lived there. Miss Laing was the daughter of the Laings' who owned the bakery. Kath Laing actually came from Auckland. So, apologies for getting it wrong, and thanks to the person who pointed it out.

RD1 is Coming to Town

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 10:03:00 +0000

Construction will soon start on the new RD1 on Main Street, but first there's a little deconstruction taking place. The old panel beater's shop by the petrol station is being dismantled, and the house next to it will be demolished.

Kath Laing's old house on the corner of Main and Rochdale, soon to be no more. Correction: Miss Laing, not Kath Laing.

While there's a little speculation on whether the farming community can support three service businesses (PGG and Farmlands are here too), progress is moving ahead, and it's hoped RD1 may bring valuable jobs for local folks.

October Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 09:42:00 +0000

Events/Ngā Takunetanga

19 Oct: 11am-1pm, Otautau Toy Library House Warming. See the new premises and huge selection of toys. Sausage sizzle and new bouncy castle. All are welcome.
19 Oct: 1:30pm, Otautau Bowling Club Open Day. Rye Street. All are welcome.
24-27 Oct: 10am-4pm, Otautau Patchwork Group Annual Exhibition. New quilts, President's Challenge, Beginner's Corner (members' first quilts) and a quilt to be raffled. Gold coin donation and complimentary morning or afternoon tea. The Old Courthouse, 146 Main Street, Otautau.
30 Oct, 10am-3pm, Otautau Spinning Group Open Day. $10 entry includes morning/afternoon tea, lunch, and a raffle ticket. Otautau New Life Centre, corner of Chester and Queen Streets.
1 Nov: Aparima College 40th Anniversary Celebration, 7pm, at the Aparima College Hall.
12 Dec: Christmas Street Party. More news to come.
28 Feb 2015: New Event, Otautau Blueberry Classic. Cars, singers, pop-up market, kids' activities, BBQ tea and more.
28 Feb 2015: Otautau Three Churches Flower and Quilt Walk. More info to come.
28 Feb 2015: 7:30pm, Blueberry Classic Concert. Otautau Sports Complex.

Sport / Fitness

Otautau Golf Club, season closes 22 Nov.
Otautau Squash Club, Summer League, Mondays, 3 Nov - 8 Dec, 7pm. Register teams on 20 Oct, 7:30pm.
Yoga, Mondays, 7:15pm-8:15pm, Otautau Netball Pavilion; Thursdays, 8pm-9pm at Nightcaps Rugby Club.
Otautau Athletics Club, Tuesdays, 14 Oct - 9 Dec and 10 Feb - 24 Mar 2015, 5:30-7pm.
Western Tennis, coaching Wednesdays, 12 Nov to 3 Dec, 3:15pm. Men's and Ladies' social competition starting after Labour Weekend; entries close on 20 Oct. Holiday/Fun programme may be run during Dec/Jan holidays if there is enough interest. Contact Annemarie 03 225-8857 (junior co-ordinator) or Ann 03 225-8733 (social co-ordinator).
13 Oct: Soul Dance Academy - ballet lessons start in Otautau.
14 Oct: 5:30pm, Otautau Athletics Club registration evening. A fun evening of teams and athletic games. Kids aged 5-14 years can register to be competitive or noncompetitive participants.
15 Oct: Women's golf, Nassau Stableford, 10:30am, Otautau Golf Club, Slaughterhouse Road.
16 Oct - 11 Dec: Summer Football, 30-minute, 5-a-side games played at Moore's Reserve, Winton. A casual backyard feel event. All are welcome Local teams forming. Call Suzie 225-8917 to join.
17 Oct: Biggest Loser, first weigh-in, 6-6:30pm. Otautau Fitness Centre. Final weigh-in 12 Dec. Prizes. $40 to enter.
18 Oct: Men's golf, Hidden Holes, 1pm, Otautau Golf Club.
22 Oct: Women's golf, All Irons, 10:30am, Otautau Golf Club.
25 Oct: Men's golf, African Stableford, 1pm, Otautau Golf Club.
29 Oct: Women's golf, 6+6+6+123 Stableford, 10:30am, Otautau Golf Club.
31 Oct: Farmlands Golf Tournament, Ambrose teams, RSVP to Farmlands by 17 October. Limited spaces.
17 Nov: Swimming pool opens. Sign up for the roster by contacting Carolyn 027-463-7630.

Meetings/Hui

12 Oct: 10am, Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka Annual General Hui, at Takutai o te Tītī Marae, Foreshore Road, Colac Bay
20 Oct: 11am, Otautau Toy Library AGM, Otautau Hotel. All are welcome.
21 Oct: 7:30pm, Otautau Playcentre AGM, Railway Hotel.
4 Nov: 7pm, Otautau Lions Community Garden. All interested please come to 3 Rochdale, Otautau to discuss.
6 Nov: 2pm, Otautau Community Board, SDC Otautau office. If you wish to make a presentation, please contact Kelly at the SDC office at least 48 hours before the meeting.
TBC Nov: Otautau Golf Club AGM.

Opportunities

17 Oct: Biggest Loser, first weigh-in, 6-6:30pm. Otautau Fitness Centre. Final weigh-in 12 Dec. Prizes. $40 to enter.
20-22 Oct: Donate Blood, Working Men's Club, 154 Esk Street, Invercargill. Call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325).
23 Oct: 4-5pm, Free dog microchipping, 4pm. SDC Otautau office. Bring proof of registration.
Fitness Centre 3-month membership given away each month by the Otautau Medical Centre. To enter, you must be 18 or older and pay for your consultation on the day. Entry forms given out by reception staff.
Wanted: drivers for the St John health shuttle, Otautau. Contact the Co-ordinator for more information (03) 225-8588.

Biggest Loser Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 09:26:00 +0000

Community Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 09:03:00 +0000

Patchwork Group Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 08:53:00 +0000

The Otautau Patchwork Group is gearing up for another great exhibition on Labour Weekend. Along with members' latest works there will be the President's Challenge and Beginner's Corner (members' earliest quilts). The beautiful quilt shown below by the Chapman family will be raffled off to a lucky winner.

Tess (mum), Ava and Riley hold up the raffle quilt.

Entry is by gold coin donation, and a complimentary tea or coffee will be provided. The exhibition goes for 4 days, 24 - 27 October, 10am - 4pm, at the old Courthouse, 146 Main Street, Otautau.

New Garden at War Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 07:19:00 +0000

Behind the scenes, these men are preparing a new garden at the war memorial. Below, George Stearne is making concrete, and Peter Gutsell is pouring it into the framework that will be the edging for the garden.

Watching this space for flowers to appear in readiness for next year's Anzac Day commemoration.

Thanks to Judy Gimblett for submitting these photos.

Arboretum in Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 03:43:00 +0000

The Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum is brimming with life. The kererū are enjoying a particular willow near the back of the property. This sight alone is worth the visit as a flock of 10-20 can be seen in this tree.

These white-faced herons (matuku moana) dancing in the air.

The wildflower garden is not quite in bloom but it's just around the corner. The tussocks in the background that were planted last year are doing fine as well.

There are two memorial plaques that have been installed. This one is to commemorate the Women's Division of Federated Farmers (erected by Western Southland Rural Women) and is situated at the start of the maple avenue. The leaves of these trees are a brilliant red in the autumn so this will be quite a sight as the years roll on.

The other memorial is at the Flaxmillers garden at the far end. The daffs and the camelias have blooms but there is more to come in this special area.

The arboretum is run by volunteers. If you like to help or make a donation, please do!

Early Voting

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:40:00 +0000

You can vote starting today in Invercargill at the Electorate Headquarters, Ground Floor, Menzies Building, The Crescent, 1 Esk Street, (off Leven Street). Hours are:

Wed 3 Sep - Fri 5 Sep 10am - 6pm
Mon 8 Sep - Fri 12 Sep 10am - 6pm
Sat 13 Sep 10am - 2pm
Mon 15 Sep - Wed 17 Sep 10am - 6pm
Thu 18 Sep 8am - 8pm
Fri 19 Sep 8am - 6pm

Or you can vote at the Winton RSA Hall Rooms, 186 Great North Road, starting next Monday, 8 September. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm until Friday, 19 September, when it's open 10am to 1pm.

Election day is 20 September. You can vote in Otautau at the Otautau School, Elles Road, 9am to 7pm.

For more information, go to the Elections website.

Otautau News & Views - September

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:15:00 +0000

Upcoming events, meetings, and sports are listed in the side bar, but if you want more details download the September News & Views here.