Otago Central Rail Trail Business Network

25/06/2026

25/06/2026

25/06/2026

On 4 June 1943, near the small Otago settlement of Hyde, a steam locomotive pulling seven carriages derailed while taking a corner at speed. At the time, it was New Zealand’s worst rail accident; 21 of the 113 passengers on board were killed, and a further 47 were injured.

18/06/2026

Have Your Say! – OCRT Business Network Discussion Sessions Next Week

Next week we're holding two facilitated discussion sessions and we'd love to hear from businesses across the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Whether you're a long-time member, a new operator, or simply have a connection to the trail, this is your opportunity to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Facilitated by Mark Button
Current OCRT Business Network Board Member, owner of Waipiata Pies, and former owner of the Waipiata Country Hotel.

What would we like to hear from you?

✅ What would you like to see from the OCRT Business Network Board?
✅ How did your business find the past season?
✅ What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
✅ What opportunities or challenges are you seeing?
✅ What questions or discussions would you like to have with fellow operators and Board members?

Questions and discussion topics can be submitted:
📋 Through the RSVP form
📧 By email to [email protected]
💬 In the comments below this post
💬 In person on the day
📮 Via our anonymous suggestions and questions box at the event

Feel free to bring a written question with you. Pens and paper will also be available on the day for additional questions and ideas.

These sessions are intended to be open, constructive and collaborative conversations. The stronger the discussion, the stronger our network becomes.

Bring a colleague, a neighbouring operator, or anyone with a connection to the trail — the more the merrier!

We look forward to seeing you there.

📍 Ranfurly

Wednesday 24 June
Maniototo Golf Club
4:00pm – Networking
4:30pm – 5:30pm Facilitated Discussion
5:30pm – 6:00pm More Time to Mingle

📍 Clyde

Wednesday 1 July
Merchant Cafe, Oliver's, Clyde
2:30pm – 3:30pm Facilitated Discussion
3:30pm – 4:00pm More Time to Mingle

RSVP

Please register here:
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/92GVSNS

Can't make it along, or have something you'd like discussed? We'd still love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, questions and ideas using any of the options below so they can be included in the conversation.

🚲 Otago Central Rail Trail Business Network Board

28/05/2026

06/01/2026

29/11/2025

Dunedin's decades-long wait for passenger rail to return is almost over with a new service set to link the city with Christchurch and Invercargill....

19/11/2025

Apply for current job vacancies at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

19/11/2025

✨ Back by popular demand 🛫

Get ready to swap snow for sunshine with flights between Queenstown and Brisbane returning!

🗓️ Starting 22 June 2026, Air New Zealand will operate three direct flights a week through to 23 October. Perfect timing for a mid-year escape.

Whether you’re chasing Queensland sun or welcoming visitors to our adventure capital, this is your chance to make it happen!

👉 Tag your friends and whānau and start planning your next getaway!

🔗 Click the link here to find out more information: https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/media-releases/air-new-zealand-relaunches-ZQN-BNE

19/11/2025

✉️ Ophir Post Office has a new postmistress!

Harriet Cameron has taken on the mantle of Chief Postie of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest running post office – the latest in a long run of postal workers dating back to the building’s opening in 1886.

Harriet took on the role following the retirement of Val Butcher, who had held the position for 26 years.

“My first official week at the Post Office has been simply awesome," says Harriet. "I’ve met a handful of local identities and am starting to match names to faces."

Harriet has already drawn on her experience as a post mistress-travel agent at the Stewart Island Post Office and Flight Centre. Her career has also included the joint management of a High Country Station near St Bathans with her husband for 15 years, being a police officer in Invercargill and being a stay-at-home mum for her kids’ early years.

“I’m a country girl at heart and have always gone back to Central Otago where I’m from – that’s where I feel at home,” she says.

🔗 More via the link in the comments!