An ode to Ode
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Who is behind these stones with the positive messages?
Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
he search is on for an artist who has been sharing messages of positivity across the community. Inspirational quotes have been painted onto rocks and placed in and around Wānaka over the last week. The rocks have been popping up across the town centre and some of them have even made their way to Kirimoko. Residents say the messages have provided an air of optimism during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
T
The Wānaka Sun has been on a mission to discover the “kind hearted human” who has been sharing the love around town. But despite best efforts, the mystery continues. One local resident suggested that the Knitsy Wānaka team could be behind it but they recently informed the Wānaka Sun that they are currently overseas. Our second tip off led us to a local Wānaka student, Renon Sasaki, who hangs up heartwarming messages in the lakefront trees at Christmas time. Renon’s mother, Yumi, confirmed that she did not create the rock messages.
“Renon did hang her handmade message cards on the trees at lakeside every Christmas day and some other time, but she didn't create it on the stones. What a wonderful act to give a smile to people during the lockdown period. It’s awesome,” Yumi said. In response to a post on social media calling on the community to spread the word, Megan Webster suggested that there could be more than one person behind the idea. “You probably will never find out. Adults and kids paint rocks and put them out for others to find,” she said. While the artist remains unknown, the rocks
have brought a smile to many Wānaka residents. Builder Sean Minors spotted a rock on his way to New World at the weekend. “It’s such a nice gesture. It was a dull morning and seeing that actually lifted my spirits. The artist had clearly written the message to cheer people up during lockdown. They should keep it up.” Rocks New Zealand is a nationwide Facebook Group that encourages people to paint and place rocks throughout their communities. Anyone who finds a rock can then take a photo and share it to the group, in the hope that the artist may come forward.
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Home is where the hurt is ACC has spent $275 million on covering injuries in Otago homes over the past five years. The Corporation says the cost and the number of home injuries across the country in 2020 was the highest in five years. In Otago from 2016-2020 there were 227,058 new claims for injuries around the home. Last year there 48,316 injuries, costing $69 million. ACC says it is important to keep “bubbles a safe place” in a Covid environment. "We want people to be doing the things that they love at home,” says Isaac Carlson, the Head of Injury Prevention at ACC. “But we also want to collectively change our mindset on preventing injury so we can get through this period without serious injury.” Every day ACC receives around 5,000 claims and the home is the most likely place for New Zealanders to get injured. A total of 4.9 million claims for injuries around the home were accepted by ACC from 2016 – 2020, costing $5.6 billion. Carlson recognised it’s a challenging time for many New Zealanders. “We know it’s chaos for many families out there. Trying to work from home and manage a family during a lockdown is not an easy time so we all need to acknowledge that. “But it’s important to think about risk during this period so we can all keep safe and avoid preventable injuries.” On average, one in five New Zealanders will injure themselves in their home every year. Carlson says taking a pause for a few seconds can save days, weeks, months or a lifetime of harm and hurt – for the person and others. The seven most comment injuries are: • Falls - 1.6 million new claims over the last five years, falls are the leading cause
Almost 16,000 gardening injuries were recorded in Otago from 2016 to 2020.
of injuries in the home. In the past five years there were 80,533 new claims for fall injuries at home in Otago, and there were 16,731 falls injuries at home in 2020, the highest since 2016. • Lifting and Carrying - Those in the 30-39 age group are most likely to have a lifting or carrying injury, and they’re most commonly injuring their lower back. In Otago in the past five years there were 27,550 injuries caused by lifting and carrying. In 2020 in Otago there were 6227 lifting / carrying injuries at home, the highest from this period. • Animal related - Children from 0-9 years old lead this injury and are most commonly suffering bites and scratches from their cuddly companions. There were 11,497 animal related injury claims at home in Otago over the past five years and 2313 injury claims of this nature in 2020. • Gardening - The 60–69-year-old age group are most commonly injured in the garden,
PHOTO: ACC
and they’re hurting their lower back the most. In Otago there were 15,959 gardening injuries at home in the past five years with 3,357 in 2020. • Punctures and cuts - Punctures are the fifthmost common injury at home and one that many of us know well is the knife cut. There were 11,962 puncture injuries in Otago in the past five years and 3785 in the 2020, the highest for this period. • Twisting movement - Putting our back out is a common injury, and for the 50–59-yearolds this happens a lot in their lower back. In Otago there have been 12,541 twisting injuries over this period, with 2758 in 2020, the highest from this period. • Collision/knocked over - Children, in the 0–9-year-olds age bracket, are mostcommonly injured in collision and they injure their hands as they go down. In Otago there were 10,780 collision injuries in the past five years and 2276 in 2020. • For more information go to www.acc.co.nz
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Council petition launched Father of three Dean Rankin has launched a petition to push for Upper Clutha to leave the Queenstown Lakes District Council. His work comes as the council considers submissions against their plans to abolish the town’s community board. Mr Rankin, who has been a Wānaka resident for 43 years, came to the Wānaka Sun last week asking if the newspaper would run a poll on the issue, but after consulting with Waitaki MP Jackie Dean has opted for an on-line petition. In correspondence the self-employed businessman said he was considering options of “making our own council or moving to the central Otago council”. “We would need to do a petition and get at least 10% of the rate payers to get behind it, which I'm sure would be easy. But it is a drawn-out process and would take a bit of work. “Once the petition is done it would go to the local government commission with all the relevant information for a change boundary. “Wānaka has a lot more going for it than Queenstown and if the new film studios go ahead here, Wānaka will leave Queenstown behind if it hasn't already,” he said. On Facebook he tells readers: “I don't know about you, but I've had enough of the Upper Clutha missing out because QLDC doesn't think we're a priority”. His post had attracted almost 100 comments and shares by Wednesday morning. Almost all appeared to support signing what one posting referred to as the “divorce papers”.
Supporting parents through lockdown Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Upper Clutha Plunket has been supporting families and whanau through lockdown via a series of online sessions. The Wānaka based Plunket team launched a selection of sessions aimed at parents and their tamariki last week. The sessions, which include a weekly coffee morning, music workshops, and story time, are set to continue throughout Alert Level 3. Sarah Ashford, Community Services Coordinator, said that the sessions are designed to keep families connected. “Last year during lockdown we had to look at changing our offering and trying new ways to support the community when we were all stuck at home.” “It's especially important to stay connected during this time when anxiety and stress levels are high, particularly if you are a new parent and wish to talk and share your new experiences with others in similar
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living arrangements,” Ashford said. The sessions will run for 30 minutes, with something available each day including a group for Japanese families on Wednesdays. Ashford said that the Plunket team also plans to set up a group for parents who had their babies during Alert Level 4. Ashford expects the group will take place at the Plunket rooms once the country moves to Alert Level 2. Meanwhile, Upper Clutha Plunket are still available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide simple play ideas via phone, email, or Zoom. “Additionally in the Wānaka Community we also have wonderful lactation consultants who can provide over the phone or by zoom for those who need additional help with breastfeeding,” Ashford said. The national PlunketLine is also available for families requiring medical or specialist assistance.
During Alert Level 3, Plunket nurses can offer support and advice via phone, email, or Zoom. THURSDAY 02.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 08.09.21
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A farewell ode to Ode
The last supper is a matter of days away for Wānaka restaurant Ode. Owner Lucas Parkinson’s “roller coaster” ride at the helm was supposed to end on August 31. But his time there, which has included a rebuild after a fire and going through the 2020 Covid lockdown, was extended by another week – thanks to Covid, and a swift arrangement struck with the new owners. Ode is serving takeaways through to Saturday – and on Sunday Lucas will be able to put his feet up and enjoy family life with partner Larissa and their 10-year-old daughter. He penned a farewell to customers last weekend… “I respect that the world’s got more problems and it's much bigger, but life is relative I've figured,” he wrote. “We were looking forward to sending Ode off
in style, celebrating her beauty, success, resilience and our steadfast commitment to supporting and promoting local ethical produce and organics.” The tactical move to buy in bulk to prepare for the last hurrah was scuppered by Covid – turnover will be down $1000,000 as a result. “It's frustrating to say the least, but I understand what's going on,” he added. He leaves confident that Ode’s next life under new owners and name will be superbly managed by “two ambitious Kiwi chefs” … “I think they’ll do fantastic food.” Ode employed a team of 10 and with five years completed, Lucas announced in early July Lucas Parkinson – it’s job done at Ode. that the strain of running the award-winning but also on the fact that costs had risen far more quickly than the price of a main course. restaurant had caught up with him. From Sunday he’ll be on the other side of the This week he was reflecting on the giant strides the hospitality industry had taken in recent years, counter, enjoying family time.
Lockdown challenge in school Level 4 has been especially challenging for MAC senior secondary students, who are studying for NCEA exams, and the teachers working with them. “Being in lockdown last year did help us get into the same routine again,” says Year 13 MAC student, Isla Gellatly. That “routine” means using Google Classroom online and having several Zoom meetings each week with teachers. Students have also been sitting NCEA internal credits online. “But trying to learn and work from home is not ideal,” she says. “In the classroom it’s much easier to ask a quick question.” When it comes to delaying NCEA by two weeks again this year, Isla says, “With Auckland
being locked down for longer, it is definitely a good way to benefit the majority of students.” For Isla’s younger sister, Estelle, who is in Year 11 the biggest lockdown challenges are not seeing her friends and not having the opportunity to train for athletics. “My friends help me at school and it definitely helps being there,” she says, “especially getting ready for exams.” Under Level 3 nothing changes for Year 11-13 students. They will still be at home and not able to see their friends. “Getting back into Level 2 would be great,” says Estelle. Her teachers would agree. For them, working from home has also been challenging. MAC principal, Nicola Jacobsen, however
says, “I’ve been really impressed with how well people have coped.” As teachers balance the pressures of home life and work, Jacobsen says, ”MAC staff are very collegial and they have been checking in on those living alone and those with young children, especially.” Once back in Level 3, the school will be open for students in Years 7-10, if their parents are required to go to work. “We have 24 students registered and have staff who have volunteered to come in to teach them.” While normal school life remains some weeks away, Jacobsen says she would like to offer “a huge thanks for everyone’s support.” – by Viv Milsom
Celebrations plans were seven under
Wānaka’s golf club has announced it is postponing its centennial celebrations – by seven years. In a message to Wānaka Golf Club members president David Smallbone revealed that in researching the history of the club, which held a 75th Jubilee in 1997, “we were concerned that was not in fact the correct timing”. A club committee had been set up to organise the celebrations. Further sleuthing threw up more questions and “due to the uncertainty surrounding all this” it had been resolved to cancel the formal 2022 centennial and adopt the date of the club’s incorporation - March 18, 1929, “as the date from which to formally celebrate future milestones”. Golf was first played in Wānaka on the Common, now Pembroke Park, in 1911 and a course was built that year. David Smallbone said a 1922 newspaper advised: "an attempt is being made to revive golf at Wānaka and a meeting of those interested was held recently". “There is no follow up on this that can be found - in 1927 we know golf moved to the present location of the front 9,” he said. The club will go ahead with plans to produce a book on the history of the sport in Wānaka next year. It will probably be launched with a golf tournament and an “appropriate social occasion for past & present members in celebration of that history”
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Cancellation hits businesses Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Accommodation providers in Wānaka are faced with further disruption to their business, following the cancellation of Snowboxx. For the second year in a row, Wānaka’s highly anticipated ski festival has been cancelled. Tim Burke, Lake Wānaka Tourism General Manager, said that the cancellation is “really unfortunate” for local businesses. “It's another example of the significant impact
Covid-19 and lockdowns are having on our economy, businesses, and individuals. Not just through loss of revenue, but the significant effort and resources that go into organising these events.” “Hopefully the country can come out of the current restrictions with businesses able to survive,” Burke said. Festival organisers pulled the plug on the music event last Friday as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. “We have been closely monitoring the
developments of the lockdown situation during these past few days and have explored all the possible routes to make our long-awaited week in the mountains happen,” Juan J. Lopez, Head of Marketing at Mainstage Festivals, said. “Unfortunately, the current travel restrictions and the unpredictability we are going to face in the coming days have forced us to make the difficult decision to cancel the event.” Thousands of festival goers were expected to ascend on Wānaka during the second week of September. Many hostels, hotels, and apartments in Wānaka were fully booked as part of the festival’s ticket and accommodation package. The Camp in Lake Hawea was also booked up for the festival. The campsite’s General Manager, Tom Gerlach, expressed his concerns. “The Camp has been heavily affected by Covid and the cancellation of the Snowboxx Festival has been a part of that. This on top of
all of our bookings now for over three weeks being cancelled has left a large hole in our winter trading period.” Snowboxx organisers made the announcement on the event’s Facebook page, after contacting ticket holders. “It is absolutely heart-breaking to share this news. Organising a winter festival experience like this takes several months of intense preparation. “We were really pumped about the Snowboxx week and we know it’s hard for everyone to receive this news so close to the event dates.” The festival, which was the first of its kind in New Zealand, was due to take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort from September 7-14. It featured an extensive line up of artists including Lee Matthews and Shapeshifter. Ticket holders will receive a full refund for wristbands and accommodation packages, as part of the festival’s Covid guarantee, Lopez said.
One in three vaccinated Almost 30 per cent of people in the Southern Health Board district were fully vaccinated against Covid by Tuesday this week. A total of 267,721 doses of the vaccine had been delivered in the Southern district, 87,268 of which were second doses, Southern COVID-19 vaccine programme lead Hamish Brown told the Wānaka Sun this week. The latest figures emphasise how the Southern vaccine programme has scaled up delivery through new models such as drive ins
Snowboxx was set to take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort in September.
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and increased capacity at many locations. More than 50,000 doses of the vaccine were delivered across the Southern district last week. Hamish Brown said due to the widely distributed model of the vaccine rollout and the mobility of rural communities, he was unable to provide reliable data on rates of uptake within regions. Across the district, 60 per cent of the population has received at least one dose, and one vax and 29.6 per cent are fully vaccinated.
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‘Blokes’ support men’s health Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Five students from Mount Aspiring College presented their Young Enterprise initiative to consumers across the country as part of a new virtual market last Saturday. The event was organised by the Young Enterprise Trust to help students promote their ideas during the Alert Level 4 lockdown. Students Emmanuel Nimmo, Josh Arthur, Fin McDonald, Seth Peters, and Romili Townsend were chosen to present their products alongside 12 other student enterprise groups. The Year 13 students set up their business, Blokes, to raise money for men’s mental health. In order to achieve this, they created a moisturiser for men made with natural ingredients sourced from New Zealand based suppliers. Emmanuel Nimmo, CEO of the company, said that men’s mental health is a subject that is very
close to the students’ hearts. “We are a group of five young blokes that go to Mount Aspiring College who are sick of the lack of support for men’s mental health, with all of us having influential men in our lives who suffer from mental health issues in silence. The YES Virtual Market was designed to support social enterprise students whose marketing plans had been disrupted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Jessikah Cresswell, Comms & Marketing Advisor at YES, said that 120 people tuned in live and over 700 people have viewed the event so far. Emmanuel Nimmo said the event went well and sales rose in the hours following the market. The group plans to sell their product at the Wānaka Artisan Market once Covid restrictions have been lifted, Nimmo said. They will also donate 10% of all sales revenue to men's mental health foundations, including November.
Ministry defends school call The Education Ministry says it would have to review all schools in Wānaka were it to consider allowing one primary school to retain year six students for two more years. “If a change were to be considered, we would be looking across the whole of the schooling network in the area, not just one school, to allow for effective and efficient management of the network,” Helen Hurst, Deputy Secretary, Sector Enablement & Support. Her comments come as parents at Wānaka
Primary push for a process called recapitation to be allowed at the school to enable students to remain there until year nine and express frustration that the Ministry has not backed them. “We know that there are some Wānaka Primary School families who are keen to see the school cater to Year 7 and 8 children. We know that families will always seek the best schooling fit for their child and that there are many perspectives about what ‘type’ of
From left: Seth Peters, Finlay MacDonald, Romili Townsend, Josh Arthur, Emmanuel Nimmo.
school is best suited to Year 7 and 8 students – Secondary, Primary or Intermediate/ Middle,” Helen Hurst said. “Across the country we have all of these configurations, and all can provide quality schooling for Year 7 and 8 students.” She said a decision to change the classification of a school would be made by the Minister of Education and there would be statutory processes to follow. “All primary schools in the area do not currently have capacity to manage additional year levels especially if growth continues in
PHOTO: Ross Mackay
the area as we expect. At the same time there is significant work underway to expand Mt Aspiring College, which includes space for Year 7 and 8 students.” She said there were ongoing conversations with schools in the area about future planning due to continued growth. Wānaka Primary had raised the issue of recapitation and the Ministry had recommended that the Board wait “until we are able to have a wider and broader discussion with schools and community on the feasibility and implications of recapitation at the school”.
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Concern rises over cat numbers An explosion of stray and or feral cats around Northlake has residents concerned. The issue was raised on the Upper Clutha Facebook page by Harley Cooper who noted it “seems like every other day they are in terrorising the animals in my yard, where the heck are they coming from?” A failure to have cat spayed or neutered has also been highlighted as a cause for the problem. Stephen Barton responded: “we have cage
trapped getting on for 20 around our property this year... never seen so many.” The post promoted a response from Lindsey Turner, representing Cat Rescue Wānaka. “We have done some trapping of stray cats in this area but are aware there are still some around. We do our very best to rehome any that are sociable or place them into foster care, otherwise arrange for desexing. She encouraged concerned people to email
catrescuewanaka@gmail.com. “We also suggest asking around to determine whether the cats coming around have owners.” Monique White added “we at CRW have been doing our very best, but if people do not play their part by desexing their own cats, then the issue is ongoing.” Another post warned “you wait and will see it gets worse. It’s not even kitten season yet... there are non-profitable organisations that would trap
and neuter and find them homes if they can be socialised or released back if not (but neutering them first) ... but in general Upper Clutha people don’t seem to offer much support to these, so there’s only so much they can do.” Brett Nicol advocated a trap and cull system. “Ferals have no place in our forests, and this is where they end up. I realize people don't agree with my view, but I see ferals in the Haast and Lindis... they have no place in our forests.”
Is it feral – or is it a stray? Feral cats are different to stray cats. Neither are owned, but strays have varying interactions and dependence on humans while feral cats are wild. Feral cats have the same appearance as some common, short-haired house cats such as tabby, tortoiseshell and black. They can grow to a much larger size than house cats if conditions are favourable, though they don’t live as long. Male feral cats captured in the South Island high country averaged a weight of 3.75 kg and the heaviest male weighed 7 kg. Feral cats can travel long distances. Scientists tracked a feral cat in the South Island high country that covered almost 6 km in one night. They are widespread in New Zealand and are found in coastal areas, farmland, forests, riverbeds, sub-alpine environments and on islands. The first cats in New Zealand arrived with early European explorers in 1769. Ships’ cats helped control rats aboard voyaging vessels. More than 50 years after cats were introduced
to New Zealand, a feral cat population was established and expanding. Cats were also introduced to over 30 offshore islands, from Raoul Island in the north to Rakiura/Stewart Island in the south, as well as the Chathams group, and subantarctic islands. They have since died out or been eradicated from nearly half of these islands. Feral cats have a major impact on New Zealand’s native and non-native species. The basis of their diet alters with the habitat they live in. They feed on rabbits, birds and bird eggs, rats, hares, bats, lizards, mice, wētā and other insects. Populations of endangered kakī/black stilt, wrybill and black-fronted terns are greatly impacted by cat predation in braided riverbeds in the central South Island. Grand and Otago skink populations are at critically low levels in Central Otago, mainly due to cat predation. On offshore islands, forest birds and sea birds make up a large part of the feral cat diet. In the
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The remains of a kakapo, eaten by a feral cat on Rakiura – Stewart Island.
A cat in the South Island high country covered almost 6km in a night.
1980s, all kākāpō were removed from Stewart Island/Rakiura to stop predation by cats. Cats swiftly exterminated all tīeke/saddleback from Hauturu/Little Barrier Island and Stephens Island/Takapourewa. DOC has a legislated mandate to control feral cats on public conservation land. It controls feral cats at numerous sites around New Zealand. Examples include Otago and Grand skink protection in the Central Otago drylands. DOC has eradicated feral cats from several offshore islands, including Raoul Island and
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Rangitoto Island. Populations of native species can increase in these places, and species that cannot survive in the presence of cats can be reintroduced.
The Council Word New grant to help our community get active
Home sweet home?
Council’s new Get Active Community Grant is designed to help get more people, more active, more often. Eligible organisations can apply for entry passes to access QLDC Sport and Recreation’s facilities including the swimming pools, gym and climbing wall. Find out more at www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation
Housing affordability is consistently one the biggest issues faced by our community, along with a lack of supply, choice of different types of housing, and the quality of houses being built. The draft Queenstown Lakes Homes Strategy aims to address these challenges. Find out more and share your thoughts at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Dogs on leads
Planning for affordable housing
Walkies are great for you and your pooch but remember it’s essential to keep them on a leash until we’re at Alert Level 2. As per the government’s official guidelines, this avoids the potential of close contact with other people and minimises the risk of accidents. Find out more at www.mpi.govt.nz
QLDC is developing planning rules around the idea of inclusionary zoning. This would require certain developments to provide some affordable housing, long-term and for low and moderate-income households. We’ve laid out four possible options. Find out more and share your thoughts at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
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Our libraries will reopen at Level 2 but their wide range of digital services are available right now! Try Borrow Box, providing free eBooks and eAudio books via your phone, tablet or computer. Head to my.nicheacademy.com/qldc/course/2077 to sign in with your library card. If you need help, call Wānaka Library on 03 443 0410, Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm.
Want to make sure your voice is heard on the important decisions that matter to you? Register at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/register and start having your say.
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A feral cat and some of the remains of 107 shorttailed bats it was credited with killing.
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Crimeline Flannery K Kiriana Constable, NZPD Thank you to those who have abided by the level 4 restrictions and stopping the spread of Covid. Please remember the virus numbers are increasing daily up North and we need to keep up good hygiene practices and wear a mask when directed to. At Alert Level 3, the risk of Covid-19 being present in the community is higher. Please remember: • Keep track of where you have been using Covid tracer app. • Wear a facemask when outside and where it’s hard to keep your distance. • Work from home if you can. • Keep your distance when outside. • Do not travel out of your local area - you may need to seek additional permission to complete out of town travel. • Your local area means the area near your home that you regularly visit for essential services. Although most of you are complying, we have had a few people still breaking the rules of lockdown. Some have been given formal warnings for travelling from their home address to work on their new builds and construction sites. There were several people caught attempting to
sneak home to Auckland, Christchurch and one to Milton. This is after the timeframe given by the Government to return home. I’m sure there are worse places to be stuck – let’s be honest! One incident was reported where an occupant caused disorder at their residence and was removed. We had a vehicle collision on the Crown Range resulting in no injuries to the essential worker. An assault was reported involving flatmates. Another person enjoyed a few too many beers and was locked outside his residence by housemates who had had a gutsful. Don’t be that one who misses the social cues from housemates. We also attended reports of a large fire happening on Cardrona Valley Road. We stopped people going beyond what is reasonable for physical activity. Regardless of your experience or skills, if you were to have an accident, would it necessitate a search and rescue response? One person was issued an infringement notice near at Roys Peak for being spoken to for a second time about this. We are policing as normal and have still had a few speeders caught around town, and drink this week blew 470 and received a summons to appear in Court along with a $300 infringement for breaching Covid restrictions. Be kind and keep safe out there.
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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’
Focus on felines
For many people a cat is an important part of their life and treated as another member of the family. It is fed, played with and delightfully watched as it matures from a little kitten to a fully grown cat. So it is only natural that the owners of these furry pets want to capture them on camera as a memory of their progress through life. Even if we don’t own a cat, taking pictures of them is fun and interesting as they make interesting subjects. Cats are not an ideal subject for the impatient as most have ‘attitude’ and they don’t make obliging poses for long. Just as we’ve frame our shot, they’re likely to walk up to you and sniff the lens or otherwise turn their heads at the precise moment we release the shutter. However, guessing what they will do next is part of the fun. We should always have our camera or phone ready as cats tend to make random funny
poses, when they are lolling about half asleep. Be ready to capture these moments. Some cats are inquisitive especially if we slowly get close to them - they will often look curiously at the camera. At other times they won’t want to know us. But cats are usually intrigued by noises. Clicking fingers works for a time, until the cat wises it up to it . They can also be attracted by rustling noises so crunch a paper bag to make the subject look towards us. Cats also tend to have a favorite spot in the home and garden and if we photograph them there they will be more relaxed and this will result in a better photo. We should experiment shooting from different angles. Indeed one common mistake is to photograph our cat from human height as this rarely works well. Photographs taken at their own level tend to have more impact and shows their personality better. Zoom in as close as we can to capture detail of fur, paws and whiskers. If we are taking close-up portraits it is essential to make sure the eyes are in sharp focus. Indoors we can frame our cat by including any cubby hole or hiding place they generally like. If outdoors framing our cat surrounded by long grass,
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shrubs or tree foliage can help to give the photo added depth. When photographing indoors it helps if there is a window behind or at the side of us so plenty of natural light falls on our cat’s face. In recent years there has been a dramatic development in high ISO performance so now we can take photos in relatively low levels of light and still get good quality images without excessive ‘noise.’ We should try photographing our pet when the sun is low in the sky which results in some very attractive photos if the sunlight catches the cat’s fur.
PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL
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When it comes to men grieving they are totally different to women; as in many areas of life. Not all men grieve in one particular way, however, there are common denominators. Men are more likely than women to-need more time and privacy to process thoughts and feelings; need more time by themselves to reflect and plan ahead; want to talk very little about their thoughts and feelings, and find certain aspects of grief to be uncomfortable; be able to express the emotion of anger more than other emotions; be more comfortable expressing loss and grief through action, activity, planning, and problem solving, enabling them to move in and out of grief more readily; attend to the needs of others before their own needs; be less willing to seek the support of others. While women seem to grieve more through talking and crying, men grieve through thinking and acting.
Wellington, snapped by Bob Digby.
A normal 50mm lens is ideal for general photograph but a medium length telephoto (70-200mm) gives us a greater working distance and enables us to be more selective about the background. Aperture and shutter speed will depend on whether our picture is of a static or active cat. If the former, a single shot mode may be preferable; if the latter a continuous drive mode helps capture images of our cat running around the garden or or scurrying up a tree. Take lots of photos to treasure as Bob Digby does with ‘Wellington’ his pet who is both affectionate but has ‘attitude’. Bob took the picture in Wellington’s favourite hiding place under the dining room table. As Bob says ‘I heard no protests but I believe from the look on his face, he was suitably unimpressed...’ Bob took the image on a Sony A77 camera at an aperture of f4, shutter speed of 1/60thsec and ISP 100. Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to helping anyone interested in photography and we welcome anyone to join us. Our next meeting is Monday 13th September 7.30pm , St John Rooms, Link way. – By Bob Moore
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Download the app or www.subwayexpress.co.nz Delivery from 12.00pm - 8.00pm
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• DOGWASH • AUTO & JETWASHES • VACUUMS • LAUNDROMAT
Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sundays. Ph 443 8000. The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.
Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
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SITUATION VACANT CONSERVATION PROJECT DIRECTOR Landscape Scale Predator Control
Hortinvest Management Ltd is a horticultural management company based in the Central Otago region.
We are expanding and are looking for a permanent horticultural trainee/apprentice to join our young and enthusiastic tight knit team. We need someone who: • Has a positive attitude to getting the job done • Is eager to learn about horticulture • Is honest, reliable, hardworking • Enjoys being outside! • Holds a current NZ drivers’ license and own transport We Offer: • Full on the job training throughout your apprenticeship (training via Primary ITO - 2 year Certificate of Horticulture L3/L4) • Work with a highly motivated and young team, supported by experienced management • The ability to learn and use all types of horticultural machinery • The chance to have input into the way our modern orchard systems will develop (using technology) • A safe and supportive work environment (Health and Safety is part of what we do!) • The opportunity to progress through to orchard foreman and beyond If you are looking for a stable long-term role, with a genuine opportunity to learn and be part of the exciting horticultural industry, then this role will meet your requirements. To find out more about Hortinvest: http://www.hortinvest.nz To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to hr@hortinvest.nz
ADMIN POSITION PART TIME Do you like the idea of supporting the business owners of a growing bespoke tiny house construction workshop? More information at wanakatiny.nz. Please apply by sending your CV to thomas@wanakatiny.nz by close of business on Monday 6 September 2021.
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This new conservation role is an exciting The right candidate will be able to demonstrate: but demanding position for a motivated, • Relevant conservation qualifications and/ collaborative and well organised leader. or experience • Work experience managing staff, in-field The project is funded through DOC’s Jobs for Nature program, providing both employment duties and multi-tasking opportunities and game changing outcomes • Proven project delivery and enjoyment of for wildlife conservation in the Wanaka and taking responsibilities Whakatipu areas. • Personal skills in relationship building and The Project Director will be supported by a inter-personal communication skilled Board and operational team to deliver the • Excellent administration and budget following accountabilities: management skills; • Ensuring predator control is delivered • Clean and full NZ driver’s licence • Leading and developing an effective team • A strong health & safety ethic • Managing project data • A positive attitude to getting things done • Collaborating with technical and This position is for a 3-year fixed term, based operational personnel in Queenstown or Wanaka with extensive • High quality reporting • Building and sustaining quality stakeholder regional travel. A position description and relationships project synopsis is available upon request.
Applications with cover letter and CV close on 20 September 2021 to southernlakessanctuary@gmail.com
YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN www.thewanakasun.co.nz THURSDAY 02.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 08.09.21
The Salvation Army Family store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pick-ups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information. Lifting of furniture will be required The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068
NOTICE Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.
STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
SITUATION VACANT Wanaka Tiny hiring carpenters and apprentice -
like the idea of building Tiny Houses on Wheels? Contact us through wanakatiny.nz
SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1042
Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Roy Pilott • 027 4500 115 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Daisy Watford • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Lauren Prebble • 0272937310 journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUM
Life with an almost one year old Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Another week. Another lockdown. Surprisingly, we are plodding along pretty well. When the move to Alert Level 3 was announced, I have to admit that I was a little sad. Our bubble of three has now become a bubble of two as dad returns to work. No more lie-ins mummy! As we have only just started Level 3 I have no idea how it’s going to pan out but I do know that this week is an important one. Next week, my baby turns one. Technically, he will become a toddler. I honestly don’t know how it’s gone so fast but it’s pretty scary. Unfortunately, Toby’s final week as a wee baby will be spent in lockdown. Well, the majority of the week at least. Someone recently told me that Level 3 shouldn’t be any different to a normal day at home. But I disagree. On a ‘normal day’, we’d always have the option to go to a playgroup, park, or cafe. And while we can still go for walks, there won’t be other mums and bubs to share our day with. For me, talking to other parents is a crucial part of parenting. I learn a lot from other mums. Whether it’s play ideas, recipes, sleep tips, or something else all together, I like to hear about it. But during lockdown, we lose that
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Making giant bubbles - not sure which one of us had the most fun.
interaction completely. Not to say that spending time indoors with Tobias isn’t fun. It just requires a lot of work. This past week, we have made the most of our time with dad in tow. We had our first picnic in the garden and Tobias had a go at baking. Seeing him respond so well to our family picnic got me excited for the summer. Last summer, we’d time our trips to town around his naps in the hope that we could get in and out before he woke up. This year, however, we can do a lot more with Tobias. He has a newfound curiosity. From staring at birds to discovering rocks, he loves
being outdoors. It’s through his observation of the world that I have learnt how to slow down and focus on the moment. As Tobias reaches a huge milestone next week, I know that we have lots to look forward to. But I also know, thanks to Tobias, that the present moment is the most important. So, while we’ll miss having dad around, I'm going to use level 3 as an opportunity to take a break from housework and enjoy Toby’s last week as a ‘baby.’ Whether it brings tears, laughter, or a bit of both, it will definitely be a week to remember.
THURSDAY 02.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 08.09.21
New trustees are named Two new trustees have been appointed to the Otago Community Trust. lofa Lale (Dunedin) and Andy Kilsby (Cromwell) replace Pip Laufiso and Gina Huakau who have completed their maximum terms of eight years. Current trustee Malcolm Wong has been appointed for a further term. Trustees, who are appointed for an initial four year term, are responsible for managing funds of more than $320 million and distributing income for the benefit of Otago communities. The Trust provides grants for art and culture, heritage and environment, education, sport and recreation and community. It gave out $8.6 million in grants over the past year and in June appointed a community engagement adviser, Liz Harburg. Trustees are appointed by the Minister of Finance and are selected for their professional or communitybased experience. They must live within the Trust's region. Otago Community Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said the trust looked forward to the blend of skills and knowledge the new members would bring to the board.
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Lochie's race to get home Youth told: Daisy Watford
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Seven year old Lochie Win and father Luke have returned home after spending five weeks skiing across the country. The pair had almost completed their fundraising challenge, when the move to Alert Level 4 was announced. As soon as the announcement came through, Luke and Lochie knew they had to get home. But it was no easy feat. Luke said they went outside to find they were snowed in at the top of Mount Cheeseman. “They were just about to have their biggest powder day in years. We were all sitting down looking forward to the next day when Rebecca (Lochie’s mother) called to tell us to look at the news,” Luke said. Lochie was supposed to feature on Seven Sharp the next day so the staff had already started to clear the road. “If it hadn't been for that, we might not have been able to get down in time.” After spending so long on the road, Luke said that the announcement marked an abrupt end to their journey. On the plus side, Lochie managed to bring some snow home to mum, in the back of the ute, he said. “It was a real surreal feeling. It was really weird saying goodbye to the team at Mt Cheeseman so quickly and not knowing if we’d see them again.” “It was good to get home, though, because we’ve been away for so long," Luke said.
Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Lochie stands next to their snow filled ute last week following the announcement of Alert Level 4.
Despite the lockdown, Lochie has been busy coming up with more fundraising plans for the Cancer Society. He also intends to complete his North to South Island adventure, if the country moves out of Alert Level 4 by the end of the season. Lochie's main concern lies with the ski fields who have experienced many challenges over the last two years. “People think the ski resorts are rich but a lot of the fields don't have much money at all," Lochie said. The goal of this year's challenge is to shine a spotlight on the country's ski industry, whilst raising much needed funds for the Cancer Society’s Daffodil houses. Last year, at the age of six, Lochie raised over $10,000 by skiing at Cardrona Alpine Resort for 40 days.
This time round, he has already smashed last year’s total with $12,500 raised so far. Luke and Lochie expressed their gratitude to everyone who had supported their journey so far. "We have met some incredible people along the way. We love meeting with people and hearing their stories." “One thing is for sure, we will get this challenge finished. We have six fields to go and this lockdown is just a small hold up,” Luke said. For now, the father-son duo are busy planning next year’s fundraising challenge with some “exciting” ideas up their sleeve. They have also been asked to create an advert for the Cancer Society following the cancellation of the Daffodil Day street collection for the second time in a row.
Have your cake and eat it too
Young people in and around Wānaka are being encouraged to keep active during lockdown as part of a regional sporting challenge. The Otago Secondary School Sports Association (OSSSA) launched the Lockdown Challenge last week, following the cancellation of its popular Winter Tournament Week. Event organiser Hannah Hedges said the challenge was designed to inspire local students to keep busy during Alert Level 3 and 4. “It’s very easy to fall into ‘lockdown mode’ where normal routines drop off, this can mean exercise drops off too.” Incentive or motivation to keep fit is also hard when games and tournaments are being cancelled,“ Hedges said. In order to take part, students from Otago secondary schools have to take on four challenges. They are asked to time themselves on a 5km walk or run, count the number of pushups in
one session, take a photograph at sunrise or sunset, or create their own workout routine. Hedges explained that the most important aspect of the challenge is to have fun. “Having an achievable goal that links in with a bit of general knowledge and wellbeing keeps things interesting and light and hopefully keeps people moving,” she said. Winners will be announced on the OSSSA’s Facebook page when the region moves to Alert Level 2. Mount Aspiring College alerted students to the challenge via the school’s newsletter and social media platforms. OSSSA hopes to run its scheduled programme of events, which includes the Junior Volleyball Half Day Tournament in Wānaka at the end of September. “Also, during Term 4 we offer summer sport coaching sessions for our Central Otago and country schools,” Hedges said.
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