Waitaki Grown: Promising Results from Year One Medicinal Crop Trials Published on 25 July 2025 Waitaki Grown is pleased to share early results from the first harvest of the Waitaki Grown medicinal crop trials, including encouraging phytochemical test results from four promising root crops: Astragalus, Baical Skullcap, Liquorice, and Withania. Waitaki Grown is a collaborative project between Waitaki District Council and farmers to support land use diversification in Waitaki. Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Southern Water Done Well model best position for future – Brad Olsen Published on 03 June 2025 Leading economist Brad Olsen has voiced strong support for Southern Water Done Well’s preferred water services delivery model, saying it offers the best pathway to safe, reliable water services and long-term financial benefits for the southern region. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Consultations, Council & Community Boards, Media Releases
Food Business Levy to be collected from July 1 2025 Published on 29 May 2025 In 2024, the Government agreed to introduce a Food Business Levy. This levy will be used to enhance core food safety services under the Food Act 2014. From 1 July 2025, Waitaki District Council is required to collect the levy from food businesses registered with it, on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Rates rebate threshold for SuperGold cardholders raised in Budget 2025 Published on 23 May 2025 The Government has announced changes to the rates rebate threshold for SuperGold cardholders, raising it from $31,510 to $45,000.The changes, which take effect from 1 July 2025, mean that SuperGold cardholders and their households with rates higher than $2,000, and income of up to $45,000 will be able to receive the maximum rebate. Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Observatory Village Lifecare to repay Council loan Published on 09 December 2024 Waitaki District Council is pleased at the news that Observatory Village Lifecare will be repaying the funding loans made by Council. This includes the $15.6 million of core funding, as well as closing a $2.5 million short-term facility. The total of $15.6 million will be returned to Council in January 2025. Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Industry trained graduates celebrated Published on 20 November 2024 This week Waitaki District Council and the Mayor’s Task Force For Jobs (MTFJ) celebrated 28 local employees who have successfully completed training in their industry field in the last year. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Media Releases
Mayor and Councillors approve Economic Development Agency proposal Published on 31 October 2024 Waitaki District Council’s Governance Team agreed to public consultation on a proposal for standing up an Economic Development Agency (EDA) for the Waitaki District at a meeting of full Council this week. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Media Releases
Waitaki Grown a potential key to future Waitaki growth Published on 22 October 2024 Waitaki Grown, a group of progressive Waitaki farmers partnering with Waitaki District Council Economic Development team, are conducting a medicinal crop trial this Spring. The trial will test if diversifying their land can support and sustainably grow the district’s primary sector. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Land & Environment, Media Releases
Central Ōamaru Masterplan adopted by Council Published on 24 September 2024 Waitaki District Councillors voted to adopt the Central Ōamaru Masterplan at Tuesday’s meeting of full Council. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Media Releases, Projects & Works
Get ready to soup! Published on 24 June 2024 The Waitaki Souper Soup Sipper returns from July 6th to July 28th. Recognising soup is best when it’s frosty and chilly in the Waitaki, this year’s Souper Soup Sipper goes beyond Ōamaru to the wider Waitaki District.Twenty-one cafés and restaurants have submitted their own take on a variety of warming bowls of soup for the three-week food festival. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Media Releases