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Otago Daily Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
What a drag: annual racing event left in limbo by resealing plans
A popular event at the Oamaru Airport has been postponed by the Waitaki District Council without formal explanation, leaving the organisers "disappointed and confused". Waitaki District Council allows hot rod club Whitestone Rodders to use the airport runway twice a year for the Oamaru Drags, where spectators enjoy V8s, imports and motorbikes taking turns speeding down the airport runway during four rounds of quarter-mile action. Now in its 13th year, it attracted up to 150 competitors and 1500 spectators each year and also kept "boy racers" off the street, Whitestone Rodders president Geoff Omnett said. Mr Omnett said it was "unusual the club had not been given any real justification in the decision to halt the big community event". "It's odd, and Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said he and the councillors weren't aware of any such decision being made." Mr Omnett said the council had previously advised them that tarmac resealing, organised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), was to be done and for that reason they were not permitted to run the drags this year. Funds from the event — held in March and November — go towards the club, but also help other organisations that assist the club in running the event, including Air Training Corps and Hato Hone St John, he said. The club was also told the CAA required the council to carry out an aeronautical study to inform decisions about the future of the airport and the use of the runways. Club member and race organiser Kevin Boler said last year the previous council property manager Tania Goldingham informed him there would be no more drag racing at the Oamaru Airport for the "foreseeable future", although he believed the "door was still open". Mr Kircher said he was unaware of any discussion between the hot rod club and the council regarding the tarmac. "There was talk around the impact that drag racing has on the runway, but it hasn't been a decision by the governance team to cease that event," Mr Kircher said. The council's plans to reseal the airport tarmac had been "put off" as they considered "cheaper options", including the possibility of using a new SteelGuard surface similar to the recent resurfacing of Alexandra Airport's runway, which came in at $470,000 — about half the cost of earlier estimates. Club committee member Murray Mackenzie said an email from the council property manager last month that asked the club to remove their event signs at the airport and all of their belongings in a storage shed had been upsetting. "We are disappointed — we spent $1500 of the club's money to repair all the rotten weatherboards at the council's request, and then six weeks later they tell us we can't race here any more. We're like 'what's going on?'," Mr Mackenzie said. Mr Omnett said they were aware the airport was busier with New Zealand Airline Academy flights "but their planes don't land on the tarmac, they land on the grass". Mr Kircher said if the impact of the drags on the tarmac was an issue, they could look to other solutions such as "moving the race start area to a different part of the runway". Waitaki District Council director of strategy, performance and design Joanne O'Neill said a meeting was set for August 11 with club members, council property managers and new airport manager Matt Sisson. "We look forward to having a constructive conversation about the future of drag racing in Waitaki, given the increasing use of the Oamaru Airport," she said. Originally organised by the North Otago Car Club in the early 1970s as a single-car timed run down the flattest section of Seven Mile Rd, drag-racing in the area had a long history and had evolved over time, Mr Boler said.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Elden Ring Nightreign Guardian guide- How to play, tips, tricks, and more
(Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment) To survive the brutal nights in Elden Ring: Nightreign, the player must ensure more than strength. They need a strategy, and the Guardian class stands as the armored eagle with immense stamina, health, and resilience, capable of absorbing some devastating blows while shielding allies. They control the battlefield with expert defense. Master Guardians' unique counter-attack style and protective abilities are key to survival in the relentless onslaught of Nightreign. Here is the guide that will help you to master the abilities, strengths, and best strategies of the class for a better Elden Ring Guardian gameplay. How to play Guardian class in Elden Ring Nightreign ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN | Guardian Character Gameplay Reveal The Guardian class in Nightreign is the ultimate tank. They excel at the calculated defense. The class's core is Steel Guard. This is not passive. It can be activated by blocking and pressing dodge. When the Guardian braces, movement slows, and the stamina drains steadily. But the blocking attacks cost zero stamina with the massive Guard Boost. Master the timing for absorbing some devastating blows that other classes cannot. The Guardian flows from the defense. With the successful Steel Guard block, unleash the punishing guard counter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Testosterone-Linked Nutrients Are Gaining Attention MorninJoy Undo Guardian's starting Hallber provides perfect reach. Use the Whirlwind to disrupt the groups—tap for the quick vortex to pull the enemies in or hold to charge, the larger cyclone deflecting the projectiles. Guardian's ultimate Wings of Salvation is a perfect game-changer. Leap skyward for damage, crash down, but crucially hold the input for creating the invulnerability dome, protecting you and the nearby allies for a few seconds. It is perfect for the revives or to weather the boss ultimately. Essential tips and tricks to sharpen Guardian's skills Elden Ring Nightreign - Ultimate Starter Guide Beyond the mechanics, the Guardian is elevated by the smart play. Master Steel Guard switch. Do not just hold back. Practice the activation of Steel Guard right before the bigger hits you intend to counter. Learn what the enemy tells you. Charge Whirlwind for an impact. Do it when possible to have max disruption and an area denial. A larger pull is just invaluable. Wings are not just for damage. Use the Wings of Salvation in a proactive way, like a team shield, during the deadly AoEs or for safely reviving the surrounding allies. To hold it will make it invincible, too. Survive the mark of the boss for the lethal attack. If the boss marks you, it activates the Wings of Salvation. The vulnerability window quite often allows one to outlast the impact. Know well when to fold. Remember that you are tough but not invincible. There are some massive AoEs or grabs that demand evasion. Reposition, disengage, and recover stamina. Live to protect another moment. Gear up with weapons, relics, and talismans While the gear remains random, give priority to the effects that amplify the Guardian's role. For the Relics, seek the Guardian-tagged buffs like the damage reflection, longer skill duration, or team HP regen during the Wings. Favour Stamina, Health, and Damage Negation—especially when matching Nightlord and the effects that share the item benefits with the allies. When it comes to weapons, stick with Halberds or strength-scaling weapons like hammers and great spears. Give priority to the key weapon passives like enhanced guarding, charged or jump attacks, guard counters, HP restoration on hits, or even adding the elemental damage, matching the boss's weaknesses. For the talismans, Erdtree's Favor (Stamina/HP) will be the core. Dragoncrest Shield for physical negation, Pearldrake for non-physical negation, Ritual Shield for negation at the full HP, and Green Turtle for stamina recovery will be excellent. Godskin Swaddling Cloth for HP on successive attacks synergizes well. Make sure to embrace the shield, time all counters, and you will become the unyielding fortress the team relies on. Remember, the Guardian is not just a damage sponge but a tactical powerhouse. Mastering the defensive toolkit of the class, you will become a team's backbone. Also, weathering storms create the opening for victory. Whether you are holding a solo line or are shielding the allies, the Guardian class will ensure that all nights do not end in defeat. Just ensure to follow Elden Ring guide above, and have a great game.
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Airport runway resealed
The Alexandra Aerodrome has reopened following a week-long closure to resurface its 1200m runway, a long-awaited upgrade that began on March 31. Central Otago District Council property officer Tara Bates said the project had been in the council's long-term plan for years, with the runway not having been resealed since it was first built in the 1980s. The resurfacing cost $470,000 — about half the cost of earlier estimates — and involved applying a SteelGuard surface over the existing chipseal. Ms Bates said the new surface would enhance safety by reducing the risk of loose stones that could damage aircraft. Nigel Forrester, a resident of an apartment at the airport, welcomed the work. Mr Forrester said the upgrade would not only improve safety for pilots and passengers but would also help preserve an important council asset. — APL
