Latest news with #Oamaru-based
Otago Daily Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Nominations reflect ‘years of hard work'
The Whitestone Cheese Diner and Deli staff. PHOTO: RACHEL WYBROW PHOTOGRAPHY A trio of Oamaru eateries have been named in a "must-visit" list of the nation's best restaurants all vying for the title of Restaurant of the Year. Well-known food magazine Cuisine has unveiled its much-anticipated Good Food Guide 2025, spotlighting more than 300 of New Zealand's best dining destinations, including Oamaru-based restaurants, Cucina, Riverstone Kitchen and White Stone Cheese Deli & Diner. "We're thrilled about the Cuisine nomination," Whitestone Cheese Co, managing director Simon Berry said. "It's a wonderful accolade for our Deli & Diner team, especially since we've recently improved our breakfast and lunch menus. So, we're very pleased to see that work recognised with this nomination. Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen. PHOTO: EMMA WILLETTS "This is only our second year in operation and we've been nominated by Cuisine each year since we opened. This independent assessment truly shows that our offering is considered among the top hospitality establishments in the region. "It's a fantastic achievement for our entire team, who have all worked together to develop our new dish combinations, that highlight our full cheese range, served with the region's wonderful produce." Cucina co-owner Yanina Tacchini said the restaurant was "truly honoured and grateful" to be nominated again. "It's a recognition that reflects the years of hard work, passion, and dedication our entire team puts into Cucina every single day. Cucina owners Yanina and Pablo Tacchini. PHOTO: ALLIED PRESS FILES "It's heartening to see our efforts acknowledged, especially during times when the narrative around our business hasn't always reflected the full picture or the values we stand by. "We remain focused on delivering excellence and staying true to who we are. Perhaps this nomination serves as a timely reminder that substance and integrity do, in fact, shine through." The Cuisine Good Food Awards, will take place on August 18, and will be presented by American Express, where 20 category winners and over 95 hatted-restaurants will be announced including American Express Restaurant of the Year and Cuisine Chef of the Year. "As always we are thrilled to release our list of the New Zealand restaurants that will be featured in our Cuisine Good Food Guide for 2025," Cuisine owner and editor Kelli Brett says. "Despite the challenges across the hospitality industry we are seeing new openings and it's exciting to see that many are embracing an elevated casual approach that showcases the flavours and hospitable culture of Aotearoa so well."
Otago Daily Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
After-tax profit of $5.1m for Network Waitaki
Consumer-owned lines company Network Waitaki has posted a positive result for the financial year. The Oamaru-based electricity distribution company's 2025 annual report shows it made a $5.1million after-tax profit. Network Waitaki, which is wholly-owned by the Waitaki Power Trust (WPT), also paid a discount and returned $1.15m to consumers through energy retailers. "This is the benefit of your network being owned 100% by the Waitaki Power Trust," the WPT latest annual report states. "This financial result has been achieved following a focus on tight cost-control measures to counteract the inflationary environment experienced over the year. "Sustained profitability is essential so that Network Waitaki can support the reinvestment that is needed in the network over the coming decade. "Trustees understand affordability is a real issue for power users, especially in the current economic climate. "While the network requires investment, there is a concerted effort to spread the cost over a long period, so costs don't only fall on today's users where upgrades have longer term benefit for the next generation of customers." For the year ending March 31, 2025, Network Waitaki recorded a total revenue of $35.5m, down $1m on 2024. The $5.1m after-tax profit was $0.96m up from the 2024 financial year. The profit has been invested back into the company. Company assets grew 7.7% to $162m, putting the year-end debt position at $17.65m, with a debt-to-total assets ratio of 10.8%. Network Waitaki chief executive Dylan Andrews presented highlights of the report to the annual meeting on Tuesday and said the company had successfully delivered on its core business objectives and met its targets outlined in its Statement of Intent around safety, financial performance and reliability. "I'm particularly proud to report that there were no lost time injuries in any critical risk areas. Safety remains our top priority in both the planning and operation of our business," he told the Oamaru Mail. "NWL has made payments of $17.5m to local suppliers and staff during the financial year. Additionally, our $155,000 sponsorship programme further demonstrates our commitment to supporting our region. "We continue to maintain the electricity network with a dedicated workforce of 100 employees, ensuring high levels of reliability. "However, our greatest challenge is addressing the constraints in certain parts of our network, which could lead to disruptions during a hot and dry summer if demand exceeds capacity. We have precious little headroom therefore need to address this over the coming years. "To tackle this issue, the company is exploring various solutions, including the development of a new Grid Exit Point [GXP] that supports renewable energy sources such as solar and battery storage. It is crucial that any investment in a new GXP is carefully planned, timed and co-ordinated with all parties to ensure the fair distribution of costs, as we are mindful of the pricing impact on both current and future electricity customers." Network Waitaki sets distribution (lines) charges, which is the amount it charged electricity retailers to transport electricity to homes. It makes up about 27% of a total household power bill. Lines charges recently rose about 19%, effective from April 1,which is start of the company's 2026 financial year.
Otago Daily Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Crucible artist residency recipients announced
Two new artists have been chosen for the next instalment of the Crucible artist residency in Oamaru. The artist residency was launched by the Hynds Foundation and Gillies MetalTech foundry in the Oamaru Victorian precinct last year and Hynds Foundation programme director Leanne Gibson said they were "absolutely thrilled" to announce that Paula Collier and Zac Whiteside had been selected for the residency commencing in September. The programme supports artists to develop their creative practice by working with fellow artists and skilled craftsmen based at the foundry. Collier is a visual artist originally from Christchurch, now based in Wellington Harbour. Collier's practice spans installation, sculpture and photography. Her experience working as a textile artist in the film industry provides opportunities for incorporating repurposed or waste materials into her artwork, exploring their qualities beyond their intended practical use. Collier studied sculpture at Elam School of Fine Art in Auckland and completed a masters of fine arts at Massey in Wellington in 2024. Her recent exhibitions are "To Be Sure, We Are Speaking" (The Engine Room, 2024), "A Series of Actions and Observations" (The Wellington Working Men's Club, 2024) and "Diurnal Aspect" (play-station Gallery). Whiteside is an Ōtepoti-based artist working across sculpture, performance and installation. His practice explores humour, labour and the rituals of modern life through material contradiction, visual metaphor and wordplay. Whiteside graduated from the Dunedin School of Art in 2023 and is the co-director and curator of Pond Gallery, an artist-run space in Ōtepoti that supports early-career artists. He has recently exhibited in "Through the Fray" at Blue Oyster Art Project Space (Opened June 13) and "Piss" at Pond Gallery (Opened June 27), a group show he also curated. The Oamaru-based artist residency also offers artists opportunities to connect with the Waitaki arts community and develop new work for an exhibition at the culmination of the residency. Artists Motoko Kikkawa (Dunedin) and John Ward Knox (Karitane), were previously part of a 16-week Crucible artist residency since February this year which culminated in their combined open studio over King's Birthday weekend. Oamaru-based artist Karen Aitken and Wellington-based artist Sian Quennell Torrington were the first selected artists for the programme's launch in 2024.
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
New duo chosen for residency's next instalment
Zac Whiteside with Behold OZ, an artwork created as part of The Four Plinths Project in 2023. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Two new artists have been chosen for the next instalment of the Crucible artist residency in Oamaru. The artist residency was launched by the Hynds Foundation and Gillies MetalTech foundry in the Oamaru Victorian precinct last year and Hynds Foundation programme director Leanne Gibson said they were ''absolutely thrilled'' to announce that Paula Collier and Zac Whiteside had been selected for the residency commencing in September. The programme supports artists to develop their creative practice by working with fellow artists and skilled craftsmen based at the foundry. Collier is a visual artist originally from Christchurch, now based in Wellington Harbour. Collier's practice spans installation, sculpture and photography. Her experience working as a textile artist in the film industry provides opportunities for incorporating repurposed or waste materials into her artwork, exploring their qualities beyond their intended practical use. Collier studied sculpture at Elam School of Fine Art in Auckland and completed a masters of fine arts at Massey in Wellington in 2024. Paula Collier with Untitled, an artwork of repurposed aluminium, laminated paper and black wrap foil, at the Wellington Working Men's Club on Cuba St in 2024. Her recent exhibitions are(The Engine Room, 2024),(The Wellington Working Men's Club, 2024) and(play-station Gallery). Mr Whiteside is an Dunedin-based artist working across sculpture, performance and installation. His practice explores humour, labour and the rituals of modern life through material contradiction, visual metaphor and wordplay. Whiteside graduated from the Dunedin School of Art in 2023 and is the co-director and curator of Pond Gallery, an artist-run space in Dunedin that supports early-career artists. He has recently exhibited in 'Through the Fray' at Blue Oyster Art Project Space (Opened June 13) and 'Piss' at Pond Gallery (Opened June 27), a group show he also curated. The Oamaru-based artist residency also offers artists opportunities to connect with the Waitaki arts community and develop new work for an exhibition at the culmination of the residency. Artists Motoko Kikkawa (Dunedin) and John Ward Knox (Karitane), were previously part of a 16-week Crucible artist residency since February this year which culminated in their combined open studio over King's Birthday weekend. Oamaru-based artist Karen Aitken and Wellington-based artist Sian Quennell Torrington were the first selected artists for the programme's launch in 2024.
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Otago lolly firm chews over Jaffa alternative
Oamaru-based sweets-maker Rainbow Confectionery has said it would consider launching its own alternative to Jaffas as "we believe the Kiwi customers deserve quality New Zealand-made confectionery". PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH It may not be the end of the Jaffa after all. An Otago confectionery company has not ruled out creating its own alternative to the beloved orange treat it has dubbed an "iconic Kiwi favourite". RJ's Confectionery announced on Tuesday the sweet was being discontinued indefinitely, citing declining sales. Rainbow Confectionery general manager Brent Baillie said they were sad to see the "iconic" product taken away from New Zealand consumers. "Jaffas are as much of a cultural symbol to New Zealand confectionery lovers as Snifters were and their supporters will be left feeling a bit put out." It was a sign of the times, as excessive manufacturing costs had "severely impacted" the options to produce products that were not sold on volume. "This is just another example in a long line of departed iconic Kiwi favourites." Brent Baillie. Photo: file But when asked if the Oamaru-based sweets-maker would consider launching its own alternative to Jaffas, Mr Baillie said: "Yes, definitely, as we believe the Kiwi customers deserve quality New Zealand-made confectionery". There was no "real alternative" to the product on the market, he said. Jaffas were originally produced by Australia's James Stedman-Henderson's Sweets Ltd, in 1931. In 2018, Levin-based RJ's Confectionery announced the signing of a deal with Mondelez International to take over the manufacturing and production of the sweet. That followed the closure of Mondelez's Dunedin factory months earlier, which produced its New Zealand Cadbury's products. The city's annual Jaffas race down Baldwin St was last held in 2017.
