Oamaru LIVE

19/11/2023

There was a Pet Day and horse show on at the A&P show grounds today, I was a bit late arriving and just caught the end of it. Congrats to all the prize winners!

19/11/2023

A few photos from around the Fete today, but not a lot compared to other years. But I understand in years gone by it was a fundraiser for Whitestone Civic Trust, but this year was a scaled-back 'Celebration of our heritage'.

19/11/2023

Opp's !!

A small grass fire along the bank of Waterfront Road was fanned by Northeast winds - it soon spread up a gully and endangered houses on Test St, within minutes fire crews from multiple stations arrived (including rural fire) and the fire was contained. A helicopter & monsoon bucket arrived to dampen down hard to get to hot spots.
Job well done Oamaru Volunteer Fire Brigade Waitaki Volunteer Fire Brigade - Bushfire Heliventures NZ Ltd.

18/11/2023

HERITAGE PARADE
Over 2000 people watched a parade of over 400 this morning.
Leaving Wansbeck Street the parade did a loop up Lower Thames St and back before moving to the cycle racing. The Victorian Fete is on tomorrow (Sunday) starting at 10 am. The Fete is the official fundraiser for the Whitestone Civic Trust, entry is free with plenty to see and do.

17/11/2023

If you have kids and teens who love the freedom of exploring the Harbour area, it might be a good idea to warn them of the dangers surrounding the caves on Waterfront Road. Last weekend there was a group of 5 playing in them having a ball, but there has been serious deterioration of the cave ceilings over the last 5 months. There are now large cracks and shifting of the walls. They are crumbling under the weight of hundreds of tons of silty clay above them.

15/11/2023

Tonight is Musical Theatre Oamaru opening night of "That Bloody Woman", the musical follows the highs and lows of New Zealander Kate Sheppard as she fought for women's rights in the early 1900s.
Opening night coincided with the start of Victorian Heritage Week, the grand opening was attended by heritage-dressed women in support of MTO's production.
Before the show started Jo Walsh inspired the group with a poem she composed on female struggles.

Shows remaining:
7:30 pm THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
7:30 pm FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
3:00 pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
7:30 pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Book your tickets here: https://nz.patronbase.com/_OamaruOperaHouse/Productions/THAT/Performances

13/11/2023

While Oamaru knocked off the top temperature today maxing out at 28 degrees, it was a good day to head to the Harbour.
The carpark by the penguin colony has now been chip-sealed
with stormwater drainage being dug towards the beach. Old beams from the Wharfe are being used to frame the lamp post positions, with a new asphalt path on the eastern side.
Specialist services have finished the 'Red Sheds' by s**g Wharfe and are now working on Bill's shed further east.
18.3 meter, 40-ton CONQUEST SKYE fishing boat from Lyttleton came into berth at Holmes Wharfe this afternoon, one of the bigger fishing boats I've seen.
And a rebellious little blue penguin was doing laps for fun in the sea before coming to rest.

11/11/2023

Oamaru Steam and Rail

Saturday was a big day at the Steam & Rail workshops, on Sunday they are running the B10 steam locomotive for rides to and from the Harbour, which takes a lot of maintenance and preparation.

Remembering OSR is run only by volunteers and led by Harry Andrews, the various volleys were hard at work, cleaning carriages, doing maintenance, and people in the background fabricating/rebuilding parts.
When I arrived Ashok and Dion were sweating it out running a flue brush in and out of each of the 58 fire tubes which allows fire to run through to heat the water. After that, everything was inspected - the firebox was lit, the water was heated and the fire was left to die, this means a headstart in the morning as the water will hold its heat overnight.

SUNDAY 12TH :
Train departs at 11:00am, 11:45am and 1:00pm.

Get along and support this vibrant and vital organization that is an important part of our Harbour ambiance.
Running the B10 steam engine is a significant cost as opposed to the Diesel alternative, we all want to see the steam! So pop down and support the crew!

10/11/2023

Over the last few days, I was lucky enough to sneak into several of Music Theatre Oamaru's (MTO) rehearsals for "That Bloody Woman" and pop backstage for a couple of photos of the cast and crew while trying not to give too much away!
Hot off the trot from the magical show 'School of Rock', MTO plowed straight into planning and casting for 'That Bloody Woman', as time has rolled on the momentum has built, lines are learned, routines are practiced, and dance routines flow like a well-oiled machine.
I was supposed to be paying attention and looking for photo ops - but... the banter, the dedication, and the infectious hype of the cast made it impossible not to become immersed in the show. The show contains some strong language and adult themes at times, so suitable for a mature audience.

About the show:
Our favorite daughter, suffragist, activist, and cyclist Kate Sheppard is transformed from the face on the $10 note into a feminist firebrand raising hell and rocking out.
That Bloody Woman presents New Zealand's founding mother like you've never seen her before; loud, proud, and in your face. Leading the charge to win women the vote, Kate takes on the patriarchy, public opinion, and even Prime Minister Richard 'King Dick' Seddon.

Now I can hear people rolling their eyes thinking this may be a black-and-white history lesson, but I can assure you it is anything but! With twists, turns, and a few truckloads of 'Oamaru humor' thrown in, the show explodes from the stage - full of music, colour, and showcases our local talent. This is a must-see, roll on opening night! 15th - 18th November Oamaru Opera House.

Oh! Did I mention the special guest appearance? I didn't?, well I'd better not ruin the surprise!!!!!!!

Tickets: https://oamaruoperahouse.co.nz/that-bloody-woman/
Meet the cast: Musical Theatre Oamaru

06/11/2023

While most of our AIR ambulance services are handled by Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter (Heli Otago) through to Dunedin hospital, occasionally the type of accident/patient requires retrieval to a Christchurch Hospital for treatment.
The Westpac rescue chopper run by Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue dropped into Oamaru Hospital the other week during the galeforce winds, the skill of the pilots made it look like just another day.

https://www.airrescue.co.nz/the-service/

https://www.helicoptersotago.co.nz/what-we-do/air-ambulance/

06/11/2023

Hold-ups on Severn St
Southbound reseal

From the Highway Highlanders:
State Highway 1 southbound Severn St, nightwork - stop/go traffic management with temporary speed restrictions for 4-6 nights. Single lane and speed restrictions for 2-day shifts.

Road works also starting at Industrial place, Oamaru North

Photo: Waitaki Museum & Archive
July 1923 (6483P)

29/10/2023

On Saturday Road Metals Oamaru officially opened its new site north of Oamaru at Industrial Place.
Their yard was lined with immaculately presented trucks of all shapes sizes and horsepower.
The site features large multi-bay heavy vehicle workshops, a staff room, offices, and reception. While outside there's plenty of parking for large equipment - including truck wash bays.
Road Metals began as North Otago Road Metal which was formed in 1955 by the late Stan Francis.

28/10/2023

A leopard seal stopped in for a snooze on Friendly Bay Beach this morning, as they are slightly more aggressive than a normal seal with a headache, the area was taped off for safety.
Just after 2 p.m. the tide disturbed his/her naptime and after a few yawns, was off swimming in the Harbour.

28/10/2023

Big swells out to sea today, I felt ill just watching these guys negotiating the waves!
You can see the size of the swells behind them in the first photo. 🤢

20/10/2023

Around town in 20 seconds....

-Every colour under the sun in the Oamaru Gardens,

-Flags are up for the upcoming Victorian Heritage Week, November 15th -19th 2023

- Second story of Lagonda tearooms new colour scheme,

-Observation Village is going ahead with building villas and apartments. (Story & photo coming soon),

-Red sheds by the "S**g Wharfe" have had their final coat of red,

The council has cleared back bushes around the harbour, and these recycled NZ post boxes can now be seen, I know which well-respected Penguin lady is responsible for these.

- After the shock closure of the Goodman Fielder factory in Oamaru which left around 34 people redundant, you can now buy the buildings and plant.

-

17/10/2023

DEVILS BRIDGE WETLANDS (spring visit)
If you're at a loose end this weekend, I highly recommend a trip out to Devils Bridge Wetlands.
First time I have been out there since autumn and the area has burst into life during spring.
If you're into wildlife, native trees, or just want somewhere to stroll in peace and quiet this is the place to head.
Now listed on the Geopark website, it is an easy stroll around the outer ring of the wetlands, with numerous Swans and cygnets gliding around amongst ducks, geese, and swag of other wildlife, there's plenty to see.
The magical part is to the south end where you're met with towering limestone outcrops that make you feel slightly insignificant!. Nestled away under these giants- is a cave system where the overflow water disappears underground out of sight and resurfaces later as the Oamaru Creek.
The name "Devils Bridge" came about from early European settlers who thought the two arches in the limestone resembled bridge arches, because it was a natural feature it was thought these must have been built by the Devil.
There was not ONE single scrap of rubbish anywhere along the tracks, all paths have been clear, credit to landowners!

Good to know:
-You can visit anytime you want at this time of year.
-If you want to take your dog, you must get permission.
-Park well off the road on either of the 2 entrances.
-8kms from town, Eden st > Ardgowan Rd > Homestead Rd > Devils bridge Rd.
- Water hazards.

https://www.facebook.com/DevilsBridgeWetland/

16/10/2023

I try to keep posts on this page positive, but unfortunately, there's nothing positive about the following story.
Most weeks I go for a wander around the Harbour area to keep up with developments, part of this is going over the swingbridge to see the old Freezing Works building.
As you come off the swingbridge there is a large pile of round posts on your left - which houses a pair of Little Blue Penguins, they have been there for the last year or two and you can peek between the logs and see them peering back at you.
On Sunday someone had used planks of wood (still in place) to lever up the logs, and killed one of the penguins - either by letting a dog into the nest or dragging it out.
I phoned D.O.C, and they arrived this afternoon to assess the situation and remove the little blue. They also noted an egg had been dragged from the nest and destroyed.

D.O.C wants to reiterate the message that disturbing/harming protected wildlife can carry a fine of up to $100,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment.

I'm not a real Penguin fan, but hell, this annoyed me, poor wee buggers, just living their lives.

14/10/2023

As part of the Waitaki Arts Festival local artists are tackling the south wall of Taste Cafe with an amazing mural.
Last festival the same artists completed the breakwater mural at the rear of Oamaru pharmacy. This art piece is on schedule to be completed tomorrow, so pop on down, say Hi, and enjoy watching their progress.
Artists:
Matthew Wicks (Wicksey)
Luzette Crossan (Art by Luzette)
Philina Den Dulk (Art On Thames)
and the talented Al Bell

I'll update on the progress tomorrow.

11/10/2023

Halfway through spring, the Oamaru Public Gardens have exploded into colour everywhere you look. So load up on your antihistamines and pop down for a stroll. Absolute credit to the staff that work tirelessly to maintain and propagate the gardens. Work is also progressing on the Hothouse refurbishments.

08/10/2023

And just like that the school holidays come to an abrupt end as they head into the final term for the year.
I looked tonight at some of the stunning architecture at our local high schools just as the sun went down. WBHS's historic buildings are predominantly Oamaru stone, while over the road at SKC, the use of red brickwork is predominant throughout the school.
WBHS was founded in 1883, and SKC in 1927, both are set on established grounds with trees, shrubs, and landscaping fit for a botanical gardens, compare this to the concrete jungles of some city high schools and we really are lucky with space these schools provided to our young people.

05/10/2023

There's a great beach walk between Beach Road (Golf course) and the rear of Cape Wanbrow, it's been less than a month since I was last there and rough seas and king tides have made a real impact on the cape area.
Erosion has removed large amounts of sedimentary rock and caused rock falls, but has also uncovered and exposed more geological wonders.
Some parts are downright dangerous with overhanging rock/clay, but you can see the cliff faces from a safe low tide distance.
2-3 meters up the cliff face you can see ancient sea beds (shell layers) and stone beaches from millions of years ago when Oamaru was under 100ft of warm sea water.
With Cape Wanbrow being an extinct underwater volcano from around 38 million years ago, it would be interesting if the Geopark could organize a geologist to give a talk in the area.

02/10/2023

Reinforcement of the breakwater appears complete, while work progresses on the $450k paved carpark behind the Penguin colony. Seagulls seem to like the nesting area set up by the council on the old defunct Graves track.

29/09/2023

It's not often that our roof tops are rattled in the Northend by the Otago rescue chopper, but today someone needed urgent help, and the chopper landed in Centennial Park. I really hope the person recovers and is well again.
This post isn't about what happened, but acknowledgment of our local emergency services who are there for us in our hour of need.
We have so many Ambulance and Fire personnel, a large majority of which are volunteers, who drop the tools, rush from their jobs- homes, and beds when we need them, and if we are in a bad way there's a crew on stand by with $15 million helicopter to get specialist teams to us, or us to a major hospital super quick.
It may not be much, but Thank you for all you guys do for us!

29/09/2023

Further to the story the other day on the demolition of 'Mingo's / Vonders' Northend fish supply, the building is being removed to allow the expansion of the optometrists next door. Here are some photos of the shop back in the 90s? and the Fish n Chip sign from the roof which is being lovingly restored by a local business.

27/09/2023

Mingo's fish and chip shop corner of Thames Hwy & Caledonian Rd (I know he hasn't been there for years but.. it's always been 'Mingos' to my generation) has been demolished for what looks like a rebuild. I have many memories of getting fish and chips from there and playing the 5/10c game on the wall, looking forward to seeing what goes up in its place.
History from comments:

Yogis takeaways
Mingos takeaways
Vonders takeaways
Northend fish supply

From Oamaru eye care:
Thanks Oamaru LIVE we are all really excited about the renovations!! We've been trying to let everyone know we'll be closed next Monday and Tuesday for the loudest part of the demolition. Back open Wednesday 😁 watch this space!

23/09/2023

Groundswell NZ Drive for Change convoy arrived in town today around lunchtime, stopping for a chat and bite to eat at the Galleon.
A different type of protest from last time, this time locals joined in at various spots along the highway and drove through town with them in support.
Photos of the convoy entering Oamaru, and lunch break at the Galleon... a couple of lambs cause I'm easily distracted.

21/09/2023

$3 MILLION NORTHEND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Traffic lights/modifications
It's all go for a raft of new safety improvements for the Northend. 100% funded by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) through the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

still trying to digest all the information, but a quick overview:

1 # The thirteen side-road entrance upgrades are on the west side of Thames Highway/SH1 between Orwell Street and Stirling Street, these will be fitted with street-level pavement and the entry/exit narrowed to reduce speed by 5-10 km/hr.

2 # Traffic lights
-At Arundel Street/Regina Lane, the intersection will have four new traffic signal-controlled pedestrian crossings and new lane-marking for turning vehicles.
-At Redcastle Road, the intersection will have four new traffic signal-controlled pedestrian crossings and new lane-marking for turning vehicles.
-There will also be two additional refuge crossings placed between the Arundel Street & Regina Lane intersection and the Redcastle road intersection to allow pedestrians to safely cross Thames Highway at alternative locations. They will be sited between Sandringham and College Street, and between Waitaki Avenue and Balmoral Street.

This will mean there are a total of nine crossing points on Thames Highway. From north to south there will be two signal controlled at Redcastle Road, two refuge crossings between Sandringham and College Street, and between Waitaki Ave and Balmoral Street, two signal controlled at the Arundel/Regina intersection, one upgraded signal controlled crossing at Harlech Street, the existing signal controlled at the North End shops and an upgrade to the refuge crossing between Ettrick and Conway Street.
This work will be carried out between early summer 2023 and March 2024.

Info/pictures Waitaki district council
https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Services/Roads-and-footpaths/Transport-Choices-Oamaru?fbclid=IwAR2lUcwtRxuqVELYmgOY-qenuDX9g2mQ-0V9ElYdu6zd1zL1Pmmm79qtOfw

18/09/2023

Police trial new BMW i4 EV

Over the next 6 months, Southern District Police are trialing one of their new BMW i4 EV highway patrol cars on our roads, covering Dunedin to the Waitaki bridge, and at times 85 & 83.

The trial is part of 5 vehicles nationwide, as the NZ Police look to cut emissions, each of the 5 BMW i4 was built in Germany specifically for the Police.
0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds is nothing to be sneezed at, and depending on the operational load, a full charge will allow a range of up to 590 Km. Standard charging time is 2 hours - but if charged at a hyper-charger it can be as little as 30 minutes.
Due to the enormous torque and low center of gravity (batteries) specialist driver training was done in Wellington earlier this year.

For more information, you can read the full story here: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/police-green-lights-trial-new-front-line-electric-vehicle-ev?fbclid=IwAR1Ndk09ED5UUuVfN1--7KSqPLFxVoOubbgGO4ZDvTN0PwM3vv3azUPlAFQ

15/09/2023

Crash.
Thames Hwy & Ouse St.

A car collided head-on with a police car just after midnight.
The police car was heading south on Thames Highway - when a car driving north decided to pop over the median for an impromptu meeting with local police. No officers were injured in the collision, and injuries to the other car occupants are unknown.

15/09/2023

Friday Flashback

I remember in the 80s when the Northside New World building was at the front of the current car park, and was demolished to build the new store further back. I've been trying to find photos of the old store, but nothing has cropped up.
I did however come across these photos of Bill & Max's which was located in the same spot. This was way before my time, but the lovely lady at the archives was able to pull these photos up for me.
Thanks to Waitaki Archive!

14/09/2023

KIWIBANK

Fire crews from Oamaru and Weston were called to a fire at Kiwibank on the corner of Severn & Coquet st this morning, firefighters with breathing apparatus could be seen entering the building, and later large fans were used to empty the building of smoke. Initial reports said a ceiling fitting had caught fire.

13/09/2023

While it is concerning to see the number of vacant shops on the main street, it's positive to see the number of new businesses popping up around town and buildings being repurposed in the last few months.

Here are just a few spotted recently.

'Art on Tyne' has relocated to 34 Thames St, renaming it 'Art on Thames', and joining forces with local artist Wicksey.
https://www.facebook.com/ArtOnTyne/
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Vivo Hair Salon Oamaru has moved from Eden St. into 3 redeveloped shops at 23-27 Thames St.
https://www.facebook.com/vivooamaru
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A new building 'Glenpack House' has risen out of the demolition of Macallan house in Lower Thames St, for lease signs are in the windows.
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Hub & Sprocket Cycles bike shop at 4 Wansbeck St has new owners, E-bikes, A2O, and anything bike-related!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086450277078
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The Kitchen (Formally Pozzobons Catering) has moved into new premises at 22 Usk st, for all your catering needs. https://www.facebook.com/TheKitchenOamaru
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The Tui cafe or you may know it as Cafe 469, is undergoing extensive renovations and is set to open in due course as Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli
https://www.facebook.com/WhitestoneCheese
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The Oamaru railway station restaurant is up and running again, Japanese-style restaurant.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550962193397

10/09/2023

At last, people have found a use for the $112k footbridge to nowhere! lovers have been writing their initials on padlocks and attaching them to the netting.
P.S. Please leave them there council, no one likes a party pooper.

The old footbridge over Oamaru Creek was demolished in 2014 after being deemed unsafe as it was full of "rot". There was a lot of heated discussion amongst the council about replacing it or not, the decision was made to replace it with a wooden suspension bridge and work started in 2018. The bridge links from the grass area behind Habour St and goes to an empty lot, and onto the old freezing works, which is fenced off and condemned, beyond that is contaminated land.
At some part of the process, the idea was proposed that the bridge would link up to the cycle track that runs to Waitaki Boys, as a result, the council was eligible for NZ Transport Agency funding that totaled 56% of the total cost of $112,000. The council was contributing about $50,000.
Fingers crossed that is still in the pipeline.

10/09/2023

10/09/2023

RSA Building
Built in 1951, the building was handed into the council's care in late 2015 following the dissolution of the North Otago RSA.
Interest from the N.O. toy library was halted after asbestos was found in the building, next on the cards was a 4 million revamp on the condition of a 10-year lease from an "un-named" commercial company.
All this ended when it was discovered the Oamaru Town Hall and Gasworks Sites and Recreation Reserves Act 1875, contains an absolute prohibition on leasing the RSA land.

Since then, apart from some military posters being hung in the Itchen St frontage (so you can't see the mess inside), very little has been done to maintain the appearance of the building.
I wander through there weekly, hoping week to week something has improved, but each time met with the same disrespectful lack of maintenance.
I realize that the answer will be "That would come at a cost to the ratepayer", Then I look at the $400k being spent to re-seal the penguin car park for tourists, or the regular cleaning, of the council and opera house buildings and think Hmmmmm.
I know we have monuments, and gardens of memories, but to most people, this building signifies a place that was built for our war heroes who experienced the living horrors of war.

06/09/2023

The far end of the Harbour is in full swing with earthmoving crews working their magic.
Road Metals are hard at it on the Breakwater, today they are on the beachside laying rocks on what looks like a waterproof membrane. Across the road, work has started on the $450,000 upgrade of the Penguin Colony carpark.

31/08/2023

I must admit, the moon beats me every time, it's on my bucket list to learn how to take a decent photo!
Today’s full moon is super and blue. Super because it's happening near the closest point of the Moon’s elliptical orbit to Earth. Blue because it is the second full moon in August.

Being near the closest point to Earth in its orbit - known as perigee - means the full moon is larger and brighter than when there’s a full moon further away from Earth

26/08/2023

Still a few days off official spring, but it's definitely starting to creep into the Oamaru Gardens.

25/08/2023

SLUMPS AND POTHOLES

Good news to end the week on, work is set to start Tuesday on repairs to Thames Street near the Usk St intersection (Weather dependent)
Severn St will have to wait for a while longer.

From Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency:

On Thames Street there is an area of significant slumping near the intersection with Usk Street. Work to repair this section is programmed to start on Tuesday, 29 August however this type of work is weather dependent and may be delayed at short notice.
To carry out the work near the Usk Street intersection will require closing one southbound lane. This may lead to added congestion and travel delays. Please plan for extra time on your journey, be patient and take extra care around our crews.

The Severn Street hill is deteriorating more quickly than anticipated. We are investigating options to ensure the surface remains safe and trafficable until weather and ground conditions allow us to begin work proper. It needs to be dryer and warmer to get a successful repair and resealing done.
Interim treatments are being investigated to find a suitable fix prior to doing the permanent repair.

20/08/2023

NOVCC DAFFIDILL RALLY FOR CANCER

Today the North Otag vintage car club held its annual daffodil rally raising funds for the cancer society.

All cars - new and old were welcome, and a diverse range showed up to enter and show their support
Here are a few photos from the public display before the rally.