With no obstacles in sight and an excellent weather forecast, Oamaru looks set to put on a good show for visitors and competitors in this Saturday’s ocean race.

The North Otago leg is the only race in the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission series being sailed on open water - just outside Oamaru harbour.

The E-Tu Union says from midnight, the celebrations will begin for 55,000 care and support workers in aged care, disability services and home support.

These are workers included in the historic Equal Pay Settlement which has resulted in one of the biggest increases in pay for any group of workers in New Zealand history.

Kristine Bartlett, who took the Equal Pay case which resulted in this Settlement, says many of her co-workers are overjoyed while for others the reality has yet to sink in.

John Ryall of E Tu says the 2.06 billion dollar settlement is going to deliver a real pay increase for 55,000 workers.

Southern motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads this time of year as areas of black ice emerge.

After yesterday's big freeze, light rain on the roads turned to black ice in the Otago Lakes area, and elsewhere in the district.

Police say although the roads look wet, and the sun may not be shining, this creates a false impression for drivers.

Incidents on the roads this morning include two vehicles that flipped on Malaghans Road in the Queenstown area.

These did not result in any serious injuries.

Turning the tourist section of Oamaru into a horror show has logistical challenges for South Canterbury farmer Rory Foley.

Oamaru police have issued a warning following a spike in thefts of chainsaws and fuel from rural sites.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, says people need to make sure they keep items of value out of sight and locked up.

He urges people to be cautious if they are buying chainsaws, fuel or firewood at prices that could be too good to be true.

Recently, 20 hay bales were stolen from a barn in Gardiners Rd, Awamoa and a chainsaw and fuel was stolen from a Fernbrook Rd property.

Oamaru's Forrester Gallery redevelopment project has failed to secure $3 million in this year's funding rounds.

An additional request for $1.5 million is also expected to be denied.

A report presented to the Waitaki District council shows the regional cultural and heritage fund did not approve $2 million because it required detailed plans and a final costing

The lottery environment and heritage committee did not approve a further $1 million because other applicants were assessed as having fewer funding options for projects that are "more advanced".

Waimate man David Michael Crosse was in Oamaru Court yesterday charged with assault.

On February 10th this year Crosse was drinking at the Otematata District Club.

Crosse grabbed another patron around the neck and held a knife in front of his face, threatening to stab him.

Crosse' lawyer says the man had recently suffered a heart attack and his sudden anger may have been brought on by his new medication.