Wanaka Sun I 03-09 June 2021 I Edition 1029

Anna Keeling

INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16

Mountain mama.

PAGE 9

Hawea Up in smoke.

Proud to support the Upper Clutha since 2000 PAGE 3 THUR 03.06.21 - WED 09.06.21

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PHOTO: Supplied

Dave Hawkins: Passive standards are all about insulation and controlled air exchange.

Luggate Memorial Centre: the country’s first community facility built to passive house standards is almost underway.

PHOTO: Supplied

New Luggate Memorial Centre pushes the boundaries Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

he new Memorial Centre for Luggate, set to be completed in nine months, will push the boundaries of innovation by being the country’s first community facility built to passive house standards. Work will start on the building at the end of May, with the demolition of the old hall

T

and retrieval of a lot of the material.

Luggate Community Association Chairman Dave Hawkins said: “Passive standards are all about insulation and controlled air exchange so that minimum energy is lost and the energy required to heat or cool the building is minimised.

“A lot of consideration has to be given to the standard of windows and door seals to ensure air only passes where you want it to.

“In a home situation you would also add

solar panels and energy storage so the home is completely self-sufficient but of course, this isn't a home and the bean counters decided adding solar doesn't make financial sense.”

Construction will be based on a panelised methodology, with the panels themselves being fabricated at Hector Egger’s new Cromwell factory.

QLDC Property Director Richard Pope said: “The company has extensive experience throughout

*Includes house and land. Some conditions may apply.

Photo is a sample only.

the district, including with public buildings.

“Careful and strict attention to the detail in the approved plans to ensure it is built in absolute accordance with the passive house design requirements. It will undergo four blower-door tests at critical stages to ensure the building envelope is air-tight. Breen staff will be attending training on critical aspects of Passive House construction,” Pope said.

Continued on page 3

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Hawkesby says goodbye to Wānaka

PHOTO: Hawkeburyandco

Madeleine Hawkesby, a Christchurch-based employment law and HR specialist has ended her 12 month assignment with MAC.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Madeleine Hawkesby is moving on – her tenure as Limited Statutory Manager at Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has come to an end.

Christchurch-based employment law and HR specialist, Hawkesby was appointed by the Ministry of Education last year at the request of the College’s Board. Hawkesby confirmed on Thursday that her 12-month assignment at the College had now ended and that the College’s Board had again resumed full responsibility for the governance of the College.

Hawesby travelled from Christchurch to Wānaka once a month.

She wrote to parents at the start of her tenure: “Initially my work involves gathering information to identify and understand the issues that have resulted in my appointment. This process will take place over the next 4 weeks. The process will result in a scoping report being presented to the Board and the Ministry.

“After that, an outcome plan will be developed in consultation with the Board and the Ministry which will focus on actions to resolve the issues.

I am looking forward to working with the school community to move forward positively.”

After her appointment, Hawkesby consulted widely to put together a comprehensive action plan. Over the last year, the focus had been on achieving the objectives in the action plan which included the following: • To ensure there was strategic and focused leadership which was held to account • Address ERO report areas of development.

• Build governance capability; understanding of roles and responsibilities and best practice as well as strong knowledge of governance systems and practices.

• Improve policies and procedures to enable more effective and consistent governance and management.

Hawkesby said that the College had faced a challenging period and she congratulated the Board, the staff, and the wider College community for the positive changes that had been made since her appointment.

She told the Sun she was satisfied that the school was in a strong position to move forward due to the “strong, clear and cohesive leadership” being provided by the Board and Principal.

“I have enjoyed my involvement with the College and I feel confident that the Board is now well placed to move ahead and exercise its full responsibilities. I wish the College all the best.

The future is bright.”

Hawkesby worked with the Board to appoint the College’s new Principal, Nicola Jacobsen, who started in her role in January of this year.

The Chair of the College’s Board, Ian Hall, welcomed the return to full self-governance. He thanked Hawkesby for the advice and assistance that she had provided to the Board and the College’s senior leadership.

“I can assure the community that the Board has gained much from the advice of the Statutory Manager,” Hall said.

“We now feel well placed to assume full responsibility for the College again, and we are positive about the future of the College and our students, “Hall said.

PHOTO: Murray Frost

Luggate developers stay in touch with the community.

Luggate not resistant to change on the whole Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Last week the Wānaka Sun reported on a new development in Luggate by Lake McKay Limited Partnership. Chairman of the Luggate Community Association Dave Hawkins reported back to the Wānaka Sun on the Association meeting where developer Murray Frost presented.

We have now had our monthly meeting and Murray came along to give a brief outline of what he is planning for Luggate, Hawkins said.

“There were a few questions which he was unable to give any firm answers to at this early stage. But all credit to him, he has asked to keep in touch and attend our meetings so we are kept informed of the progress.

“Previous new developments in Luggate have been met with some resistance and resentment from the established residents and there is still an element present. But now they are very much in the minority as the community has expanded to around three times the original size and Luggate is populated mostly by people who have moved to the area and are not so resistant to the changes that more people will bring to the township.

“Indeed I believe most people want to see more

services like a viable cafe and shopping, schools and medical services and clubs and activities for our young people that can only come as the township expands.

You are right about the problem of the main highway (which the Sun had queried), effectively cutting the township in half which will be more pronounced with this new development and more people needing to access facilities on either side of the road, Hawkins said.

“To address this I would like to see better traffic-calming measures and safe pedestrian crossing points. Unfortunately any dealings with NZTA to effect any changes to the State Highway move at a glacial pace. It took about 10 years to get the speed limits moved out but drivers still speed through, so more needs to be done.

“Our greatest concern is not the developers. It remains the Airport development which QLDC and QAC still seem determined to push ahead with and the great risk that Luggate will turn into an industrial area for the Airport.

“I that never happens as Luggate is such a great little place full of amazing friendly people who care about the township, all in a beautiful setting, which will only improve as more heavy industry moves out of the centre with Murray's development of the Upper Clutha Transport yard,” Hawkins said.

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PAGE 2

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

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New Luggate Memorial Centre pushes the boundaries Continued from page 1 “While there is an increased capital cost, this is in part offset against whole of life costs. This is also coupled with greater occupant comfort.”

“Ultimately, this new Community Centre will provide a highly desirable facility all year round for wide community use, and one that is used more often that makes for greater and broader outcome benefits of the investment,” he said.

Hawkins said the only downside to the plan was the removal of the temporary hall which

was scheduled to take place in September, likely around eight months before the new hall was due to be completed.

“We were so long without a hall after the old hall was suddenly closed and getting our temporary hall has been a lifesaver for our community and is well used by various fitness groups, our playgroup and social events for the township.

“With so many young people now living in Luggate and the proposed new development firmly aimed at families, I can foresee the need for something like a club room for things like

indoor sports, fitness groups, youth clubs, scouts etc.

“Somewhere young people could go for an impromptu game of table tennis or a game on the pool table or even a band practice space, activities that may not work in QLDCs shiny new showcase hall.”

The new hall was being built on the Luggate tennis courts which were also used for netball and basketball so these facilities would be lost until a suitable site for relocation could be found, Hawkins said.

This in itself is proving problematic and we are also told there is no funding available until 2029/30, he said.

“I am thinking if we can persuade QLDC to leave the temporary hall institu it would make a perfect space for those indoor activities and be a little compensation for the loss of the outdoor facilities and would save our community from once again having no hall while the new hall is being built. I am starting a dialogue with QLDC to see what can or cannot be done. Watch this space!”

Hāwea goes up in smoke- ORC responds Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) Pollution Hotline has received over 40 complaints since Wednesday 25 May regarding the burn off at a Timsfield property in Lake Hawea.

A section of forest had been removed as part of the development, managed by Willowridge Developments and carried out by Central Machine Hire, and had been burnt off over the ensuing months.

Last year twenty-seven complaints alone were made during the week of May 27 regarding thick smoke blowing over parts of the township.

Resident Andre Meyer told the Wānaka Sun last year that the freshlydug tree stumps were “wet and covered in mud,” which resulted in “very, very thick smoke.”

“On Thursday evening, the smoke was low over the town and could be smelt… it made me feel a bit sick in the stomach,” he said. Similar concerns were voiced by many residents in the Hāwea township.

Meyer said on Facebook: “Lane Hocking, you are developing land no one in Hawea wanted developed and now you are affecting us again with the smoke your development is producing.

Please stop this now or come and live in Hawea and experience what we have to put up with. While you may have a fire permit you have no right to affect the health of those people who live in Lake Hāwea and call it home.”

Cherilyn Walters, Chair of the Hāwea Community Association said: “As the land is zoned rural, the developer is apparently within the current rules for a burn off. The Compliance Manager's hands are currently tied.

“I want to challenge this assumption

PHOTO: Supplied

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are preparing for full capacity for this year’s ski season, as town accommodation is booked up.

Accommodation gears up for bumper ski season PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

ORC has been on-site twice and is working with the property owner to ensure this burn off and other planned burn offs will have as little impact on the community as possible.

and I have emailed all of the current ORC Councilors to point out that we have an anomaly with large-scale development activities, that could not have been anticipated, occurring on rural land that is within meters of the Urban Growth Boundary but not subject to the same rules that apply to other developments in residential areas.

“The Councilors are the ones who set the rules for the Air Quality Plan and therefore are responsible for the Plan along with any breaches of health and safety. They have the power to look at this anomaly and decide whether it really does meet the rules and if so, whether they are happy to risk a complaint under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

They are "employees" of the Council despite the fact they are elected.”

ORC Manager Compliance Tami Sargeant said ORC has been on-site twice and was working with the property owner to ensure this burn off and other planned burn offs would have as little impact on the community as possible.

“Our Pollution Response team has

been in contact with the property owner to ensure they are aware and comply with rules under the Otago Air Plan.

They have been advised to extinguish the existing burn off that has generated the smoke complaints.

“Strategies to minimise community impact include choosing days with a slight northerly breeze to help take the smoke away from the township of Hāwea and avoiding days that have an inversion layer which traps smoke at ground level.

“The property owner felled and split the trees last year to give them the best chance to dry out over the summer, which means they burn more efficiently and produce less smoke.

“We would like to reassure the community that we are aware of this burn off and we are monitoring it closely,”Sargeant said.

Under ORC’s draft Long-term Plan, the Air Plan for Otago would be reviewed in the 2022/23 year, and this would be an opportunity for anyone to provide feedback on making the rules and air zones fit for purpose.

Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local accommodation providers in Wānaka are set for a bumper ski season this year, as Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone prepare for full capacity.

New figures from Bachcare, New Zealand’s largest holiday home management firm, reveals that bach rentals in ski areas are already up more than twice that of 2019.

This follows an influx of bookings from Australian skiers, combined with a continued strong demand from the domestic market.

According to Zaina Razzaq, spokesperson for Bachcare, holiday home rentals in centres like Wānaka are almost at full capacity.

“Centres like Wānaka are already at 85 per cent capacity, compared to 72 per cent in 2019 and Queenstown is at 70 per cent capacity (versus 52 per cent preCovid) - which is a significant lift in expected occupancy for this time of year,” she said.

Property owners are also

benefiting from the higher levels of occupancy with rental returns up as much as 84 per cent.

At Wanaka Holiday Accommodation, rentals have been booked out for months; according to co-owner Nicki Shaw. Guests are mostly New Zealanders who intend to visit Wānaka during the ski season, Shaw said.

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are also preparing for a busy season, according to Jen Houltham, Communications Executive.

“We have hired a full team to cater for what we expect to be 100 per cent of our usual business levels,” she said.

Many accommodation providers in Wānaka only have availability from mid-September onwards.

“What we can see from the latest figures is that the benefits of the trans-Tasman bubble are now flowing through into winter holiday home bookings,” Razzaq said.

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THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

PAGE 3

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Southern Covid business recovery efforts recognised district launches Māori and Pasifika vaccine Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Southern district has launched its campaign to vaccinate the over 32,000 strong Māori and Pasifika community across Southland and Otago..

The rollout includes multiple approaches for reaching Māori and Pacific communities, including dedicated time slots at mass vaccination clinics in Dunedin and Invercargill, rural clinics and marae-based clinics, and the potential for alternate delivery models as the campaign progresses.

Outreach to the community will kick off this week with a Māori and Pasifika COVID-19 Vaccination Q&A Roadshow which will include kōrero with health experts.

There will be an opportunity for whānau to book vaccines with the support of health staff.

The roadshow will visit Oamaru ( June 1), Ōtākou Rūnanga and Dunedin ( June 2), Gore ( June 3), Invercargill (4 June) and Alexandra (9 June).

“This is a great opportunity for whānau to come together and learn more about the vaccine and get support to book their appointments. We encourage whānau to attend with their rangatahi, because young people are digitally savvy and can support our kaumatua!” Associate Māori Strategy and Improvement Health Officer Nancy Todd said.

Southern DHB COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Incident Controller Hamish Brown said, “It is really great to be reaching Māori and Pasifika communities across Southern district, and to be able to be flexible in our delivery model to allow a whanau-centred approach, meaning people in both Groups 3 and 4 can be vaccinated together.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been recognised for to supporting business recovery following the impacts of the Covid pandemic.

Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) awarded the QLDC Recovery and Economic Development teams a Commendation in the Business Support Recovery Initiatives category at an awards ceremony on Thursday 27 May. QLDC’s Economic Development Manager Peter Harris said he was proud of his team, the recovery effort across Council, and the work carried out with other agencies.

“This last year has been incredibly tough for our business community, but one of the positive outcomes has been the collaboration across a wide range of organisations working towards business recovery in our district,” said Harris.

Prior to COVID-19, six out of ten Queenstown Lakes workers relied on tourism for an income, and four out of ten workers were dependent on

international visitor spend.

“A popular misconception is that most tourism businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District were ‘creaming it’ – this is simply not the case; they were small operators who paid significant commissions to sales agencies.

“Many were investing to keep up with the recent growth in the industry and were reliant on a flow of visitors, and workers. Their margins were tight, and their balance sheets were fragile.

This meant when Covis hit, many businesses had little leeway,” Harris said.

In the first week of lockdown, an group dubbed the Business Response Group (BRG) was established, which included QLDC’s economic development unit, Lake Wānaka Tourism, Ignite Wānaka, Destination Queenstown, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, and Otago Regional Business Partner Network.

The BRG met online daily during lockdown.

The economic development team worked with BRG members, regional business partners, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Council’s Community Development team to support local people and businesses.

Peter Harris: proud of his team.

PHOTO: Stuff

This included support for community leaders; access to the Employee Assistance Programme for small and medium enterprises; job fairs; and a drop-in centre for local workers needing support.

Harris acknowledged it was still an uncertain time for business owners and employees.

“Our business community will take time to recover, but we are confident that the collaboration we have built during the pandemic will help the community come out the other side of this crisis,” he said.

Holy Family School celebrates Cultural Diversity Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

From English Maypole dancing to the Samoan sasa, children at the Holy Family School celebrated their cultural differences last week, as part of World Day for Cultural Diversity.

Throughout the week, students of all ages took part in a range of activities to recognise and celebrate their differences.

Principal Jo McKay, said “Last week we were learning about the many different cultures that bring richness to our school, community, and country.”

The celebrations are part of the school’s deep learning theme for the year; MANAAKITANGA ‘Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua’, ‘Care for the land, care for the people, go forward’.

The aim of the week was to encourage the children to identify their similarities and differences so that they would know what to do if they saw discrimination.

“We were fortunate to have experts within our school community that helped to provide the children with a range of learning experiences,” PHOTO: Supplied Students at Holy Family School showcased a selection of cultural performances, for the World Day for McKay said.

Activities included Japanese children’s games, Cultural Diversity.

Indonesian batik art, Irish dancing, swiss bread magnificent feast of food from around the world. a different culture because we are all the same.”

Harriet (5) said “I learnt that peas from Japan McKay said that the week-long event was about making, and sombrero making.

The week culminated with a cultural celebration are very hot and spicy,” while Patrick (8) learnt “recognising that cultural diversity is linked to of song, dance, art, and language, followed by a that “you should stick up for people that are from Manaakitanga - caring for our people.”

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PAGE 4

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Mountain Film Festival

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New Zealand films awarded top prizes Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

For the first time in the 19 year NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival history, New Zealand-made films have won two of the international awards.

Made in Aotearoa by directors Andy Deere and Ryan Heron, won the Adventurous Sports and Lifestyles Award.

Best Short Film went to director Richard Sidey with his film Spellbound.

Sidey also won Best NZ Made film, and no director has ever won two awards with two films before Made in Aotearoa follows young up-andcoming surfer Kehu Butler. He shows his favourite spots around the country as we learn about his family and deep connection with the ocean.

Festival director Mark Sedon said, “If I had kids, this is how I’d want them to grow up.

Dedicated to a passion, playing in the ocean with respect and mana. They might even get to make a decent living from their passion. The filmmaker captured the passion and drive and told the story with good ole kiwi humour. " The Festival programme boasts a worldclass collection of speakers, workshops and adventure films. The International Adventure Film Competition attracted 200 entries, with 68 films being selected to screen at the event; this included 11 world premieres and 23 New Zealand premieres.

Sedon said, “Again the Kiwi contingent has come through strong. Year after year the skill level of NZ films is increasing in quality and quantity. Adventure is definitely in our blood, but the standard of filmmaking and storytelling also showcases Kiwis’ artistic talent. The response

from many of the filmmakers was that being in the crowd to observe the audience reaction to their work was special and an awesome acknowledgement of their hard work.”

The Hiddleston/MacQueen Award is presented to the Best NZ Film each year. The award is given in the names of two Wānaka adventurers and is a nod to the spirit of adventure they lived for. The winner of the 2021 award, Richard Sidey, encapsulated the spirit of this award with his film In the Theatre of the Gogs.

The film is a contemplation of art and adventure in the southern wilds of New Zealand by both landscape photographer Christopher David Thompson and Sidey. This film is the result of their two unique perspectives as they head into the wild lands of southern New Zealand on a sea kayaking and hiking adventure.

Sidey said, “Really chuffed to receive the Hiddleston/MacQueen award for this film, as it follows our post-lockdown escape to the Rakiura wilderness, as well as giving insight to the often unseen adventures behind great landscape photography. I really wanted to showcase the rugged beauty, wind, waves, water and wildness of what we experienced down there, and the acknowledgement of this award seems the film has achieved that."

There is a total of $1,500 in prizes in the Mountain Book Awards. The unanimous winner of the Mountain and Adventure Narratives was Wild at Heart by Miriam Lancewood. This book told the story of Lancewood’s experience living off the land in the backcountry of New Zealand for 7 years. Together with her husband she lived by hunting and gathering and experiencing delight and danger along the way.

The Heritage Award and NZ Mountain Book

PHOTO: Supplied

Kehu Butler - a connection with the waves.

of the Year award both went to Peta Carey’s book Tamatea Dusky. The book is clearly a labour of love and is a precious nod to the history and future of one of Aotearoa’s taonga, Dusky Sounds. The book beautifully articulates the unique atmosphere of the place, the rich heritage and stories, as well as the character of the people in this special place. Carey speaks poignantly about the environmental endeavours being

undertaken to manage the birds, flora and people of this place. She will provide a glimpse of the fascinating history of this remote fiord and some of the most enduring stories of conservation in NZ on Tuesday 29 June.

Festival programmes will be available at Paper Plus and online at mountainfilm.nz. The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will run in Wānaka from June 25 to 29.

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THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

PAGE 5

Sun Environment

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New alpine lizards found in Mount Aspiring Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Antartic NZ

The experience provided insight into how the 23 men of Sir Ed’s team lived and worked in the world’s most extreme environment more than 60 years ago.

Sir Ed’s Antarctic hut visits Wānaka Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Scott Base’s oldest building, a hut built by a Sir Edmund Hillary-led team visited Wānaka, in virtual reality form on Tuesday Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Virtual Reality roadshow was developed in partnership with Auckland University of Technology, the virtual reality (VR) experience allowing users to explore Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut in Antarctica.

The experience provided insight into how the 23 men of Sir Ed’s team lived and worked in the world’s most extreme environment more than 60 years ago.

The Trust’s General Manager Operations and Communications Francesca Eathorne, who oversaw the project development, hoped the VR tour inspired people to learn more about Antarctica and the nation’s most famous son.

“Sir Ed’s hut is part of the rich history of Antarctic exploration and we are excited to bring

this experience to as many students around New Zealand as we can.”

“Most people will never get the chance to visit Antarctica so virtual reality is a fantastic way to give people a glimpse of what it would be like to visit this special place. Hopefully, the fascinating stories of what Sir Ed and his team achieved furthering science and exploration will inspire the next generation of explorers.”

Hillary’s hut was Scott Base’s first building and was built by a team led by Sir Ed to support the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the International Geophysical Year.

The Trust cares for this hut and four other historic expedition bases in Antarctica. The Trust conserved Hillary's Hut in time for Scott Base's 60th anniversary in 2017.

Users toured the five rooms of the building, viewing hundreds of artefacts from the early years of New Zealand’s Antarctic programme, while learning more about New Zealand’s first presence in Antarctica.

An intensive hunt for lizards in the South Island mountains this summer has led to the discovery of what could be several new skink and gecko species.

The exciting finds have been made in remote areas in Fiordland, Mount Aspiring and Nelson Lakes national parks, and the Hooker/Landsborough Wilderness Area on the West Coast.

DOC Science Advisor and lizard survey project leader, Jo Monks, said the discoveries were either new populations of known lizard species or completely new species.

“Our field teams have struck gold this summer with finds of two new skinks and two new geckos, which could all be completely new species.

“They look different to known species, but we won’t know for certain until we get the results of genetic testing.

“If they aren’t new species, it means we have discovered populations of these lizards in places we didn’t know they were, which is great news.”

The DOC-led survey teams spent about three days searching for lizards at each site, combing the ground, carefully lifting rocks and spotlighting at night for geckos, which were nocturnal.

In the Wick Mountains in northern Fiordland, 20 skinks were found in an area not surveyed previously, confirming the hunch it was suitable lizard habitat.

A trip into the depths of Mount Aspiring National Park to investigate a single gecko

PHOTO: DOC

The discoveries are either new populations of known lizard species or completely new species.

sighting resulted in nine geckos being found in an area far from other known populations.

Lizard prints in a rodent tracking tunnel in the Hooker/Landsborough Wilderness Area on the West Coast sparked a three-day search that led to the discovery of one pregnant female skink.

Another gecko was found in Nelson Lakes National Park, where the elusive Cupola gecko was also rediscovered this summer after only two previous sightings.

“These finds are very exciting and show there is much about our alpine lizards still be discovered,” said Monks.

DOC was awaiting results of genetic testing in coming weeks to identify the specimens found and confirm whether they were new species.

The aim of the summer lizard survey was to gain more information about poorly known or ‘data deficient’ lizards, some of which had only been seen once or twice previously.

The research allowed taxonomic descriptions to be completed and the lizards’ conservation status assessed to inform the best way to manage them. It was made possible by biodiversity funding in Budget 2018.

DOC welcomed information from the public about lizard sightings, which could lead to new findings.

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Sun News

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Free wellness Challenge Wānaka corporate event returns winners double prize donations to Wānaka Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Shutterstock

People of all levels are invited to celebrate the International Day of Yoga at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Sunday 20 June.

Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

For the second year running, Wānaka will celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a free wellness event on Sunday 20 June.

Following last year’s success, event organiser and Soul Yoga instructor, Keity Garcia, expects this year to be even bigger with more teachers and a wider variety of workshops.

The event will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre, where local yoga teachers and wellness experts will come together to provide a series of workshops for all levels and interests.

The organisers have also changed the format of the event, by offering simultaneous workshops that will run from 2 pm until the early evening.

According to Garcia, this is the first time that Wānaka will host a wellness event in this format.

“It is an opportunity for the community to practice different styles of yoga, and learn about yoga philosophy, ayurveda, chakras, meditation and more,” Garcia said.

Starting in India in 2015, the

International Day of Yoga (IDY) was designed to promote global health, harmony and peace.

Garcia said that the aim of the Wānaka based event was to integrate and connect local yoga teachers to the community.

The team at Metamed will also be taking part, with master osteopathic doctors Steven Pagano and Francesco Proverbio on hand to talk about injuries related to yoga.

Alongside Garcia, the event is created and developed by local yoga teachers Danielle Anson, Emmilee Fendall, Gerry Todd, Jessie Maclaurin and Amy Eacott.

While the event is entirely free to attend, the team will be taking donations for St John’s and the Cancer Society.

Anyone who wishes to attend the event will need to register in advance. Attendees are asked to bring their own yoga mat, props, and blanket.

The full program, along with registrations, can be found at www. soulyoga.co.nz/idy-2021.

It was all hands on deck last weekend, as the corporate winners of the Challenge Wānaka race helped plant 80 native trees at Glendhu Bay. As part of the original prize, Dunlop Builders received 40 trees to give back to the community. The Wānaka based construction company decided to double the proceeds by donating a further 40.

With the help of Challenge Wānaka board members, the team planted the trees for the Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust, on Sunday 23 May. Jess Nuttridge, Operations Manager at Dunlop Builders, said “We thought it was such a great idea from Challenge Wānaka for the winning prize to include local habitat restoration. We sent both of our Challenge teams along to help with the planting and everyone really enjoyed the afternoon.”

“The team enjoyed learning more about Te Kakano, and are looking forward to seeing the area develop in the coming years,” she said.

The Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust is one of the event’s official charities, specialising in propagating plants of the Upper Clutha region.

Sophie Luther, the Media and

PHOTO: Supplied

Dunlop and Challenge Wānaka team members worked with Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust to plant 80 native trees at Glendhu Bay.

Marketing Manager at Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka, said that they chose to work with Te Kakano because of their positive impact on the community.

“They want to inspire participation in restoring our native plants, which aligns with our values of encouraging participation in sport for all ages and abilities,” she said.

Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust Administrator, Loren Verpillot, said it was great to see people from both organisations at the planting.

A bike park designed by Annabel Riley of Plot Landscapes and Dirt Dynamics Track Building opened last week, aimed at young children. Queenstown Lakes District Council Parks and Reserves Officer Diana Manson said the project had been two years in the design phase and two months in construction at a cost of $20,000. Manson said there was no age restriction but the park was geared towards junior riders. QLDC councillor Quentin Smith said: “It is aimed as a skills development area for kids from about two years old upwards but can equally be enjoyed by adults. There is no age restriction. I am sure that it could be used for adult skills training also. The features of the wooden boardwalks, berms, dips and rocks provide some progressive challenges.”

Working with a dedicated team of volunteers, the Trust holds regular nursery and planting sessions throughout the year.

The first planting session of the season was held on Saturday 1 May in Albert Town. Last Saturday, a group of 30 volunteers planted a further 300 natives along Lake Wānaka, between Atherton Place and Waimana Place.

The next planting session will take place on Saturday 12 June in Albert Town.

PHOTO: Quentin Smith

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PAGE 7

Sun SnowSport

Lake Wānaka Tourism premieres ski film Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) is premiering the documentary film In Search of Kōura Ma: The Story of Skiing in Wānaka from 5-7:30 pm tonight at Ruby’s Cinema, 50 Cardrona Valley Road.

The screening is part of the ‘Welcome to Winter’ kick-off party, for the opening of the new Cardrona-Treble Cone Basecamp.

Viewers are invited to join for the film and then stay for the “Welcome to Winter” social upstairs at the Basecamp where there will be food and drink specials, and prize giveaways throughout the evening.

The 14-minute short-form documentary was created by LWT with the support of many locals including Hugh Barnard (director) and Hank Bilous (narrator). It will take viewers back to the roots of skiing and snowboarding in Wānaka – looking into the stories of the locals who pioneered the mountain culture of the town.

“The film will serve as a platform for LWT to provide a deeper context to the Wānaka winter visitor experience. One of our key strategic priorities was to tell our story authentically, vividly and powerfully to create a connection between people and this place. This is a shift to a values based approach to marketing communicating Wānaka’s key brand values to attract visitors who want to feel a sense of connection with this place and with us. The film will also be shown nationwide with partners The North Face,” said Gizelle Regan, Marketing and Communications Manager for LWT. Kōura Ma translates to ‘white gold,’ a term often used to describe the best snow on the mountain, and the film features a mix of interviews, archival and contemporary footage, overlaid

PHOTO: LWT

with animation to explore the key events and individuals that have kept pushing the Wānaka snow history forward.

“We are always looking for ways to provide a deeper context to the Wānaka story,” said Regan.

“This is a quest to discover more about our history and why this small New Zealand mountain town has become such a hot spot of international skiing and snowboarding. Producing world champions and attracting skiers and boarders from around the globe.”

“It's a fun ride back into the past, with some remarkable stories of those who have paved the way for us, as well as a celebration of our place, our community and the connection we have with the mountains,” said Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky.

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PAGE 8

The new Willows trail map, which is accessible via Skyline.

Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Final tests are underway for the Willows Quad chairlift at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

According to Communications Executive, Jen Houltham, work on the lift has been going "really well" so far, as it nears completion.

Visitors may have to wait a little longer to access it though, as the Willows terrain is solely dependent on natural snowfall.

"The lift will be complete but it’s unlikely to open on June 12 as the terrain relies 100 per cent on natural snowfall – there is currently no snowmaking in Willow’s," Houltham said.

The lift, which is located in the Soho Ski Area, will open up 65 hectares of intermediate terrain, making it the country's first major lift-access

PHOTO: Supplied

terrain since 2012.

The four person fixed grip chair will take guests to Willows Basin, which can be accessed by skiers and boarders. The lift, which has taken all summer to construct, is 750m in length and 240m vertical.

Sitting on the southern face of Mt Cardrona, Willows consists of two big bowls with views over Queenstown.

While there isn’t enough snow on the basin just yet, its south-facing position is expected to achieve some good snow quality.

The new lift is made from the original McDougal’s Quad, which was sent to Doppelmayr for refurbishment.

The opening of Willow’s Quad, along with the previously closed Valley View, will increase uphill capacity at the resort by 44 per cent..

Snow Farm prepares for busy season ahead

*Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis

when

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Willows Quad chairlift reaches completion

The film features a mix of interviews, archival and contemporary footage, overlaid with animation to explore the key events and individuals that have kept pushing the Wānaka snow history forward.

L L A B E L K C PI

HOW

thewanakasun.co.nz

Snow Farm NZ will offer more space for tubing and snow play.

Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

WHAT’S PICKLEBALL?* COME ALONG TO FIND OUT!

qldc.govt.nz/recreation

With good early snowfall and “unprecedented demand” for backcountry huts, Snow Farm NZ anticipates a busy season ahead.

According to the cross country ski resort, all huts are now booked up with just a few nights remaining.

Sam Lee, General Manager at Snow Farm NZ, said “One of the disappointing things for many locals has been the unprecedented demand for our huts, resulting in them being almost booked out.”

As a result, the resort will continue to service the huts after the scheduled closing day on Sunday 19 September. This means that guests

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

PHOTO: Snow Farm Facebook page

will still be able to hire snowshoes and cross country skis, after this time.

“We will also give a full refund if we have an early spring resulting in them being unable to ski or snowshoe out to the hut,” he said.

In anticipation for a busy season, the resort, which opens on Friday 18 June, has upgraded their Snow Fun Zone to a larger area with two separate tubing lanes and extra space for snow play.

There will also be new rental gear and a bigger events calendar with “lots of fun social events”.

“We expect further snowfall this weekend to top up this initial snowfall. We have a good ground frost, which sets us up well to hold any snow that does fall,” Lee said.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Profile

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Anna Keeling: mountain mama Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Anna Keeling (52) is one of the country’s leading mountain guides. She is married to US adventure cameraman Scott Simper and they spend their time between Castle Hill, New Zealand and Salt Lake City, US. At the moment the couple are in Wānaka dodging Covid. Or rather Keeling is- Simper has just climbed Everest as part of a filming job, and contracted the disease. They are also here so that their son Obie (14) can go to Mt Aspiring College. Castle Hill is a bit quiet for a teenager, Keeling says.

What is extraordinary is that Keeling manages to juggle her high intensity career and her business with motherhood and Simper’s work demands, which take him away for months at a time.

The Wānaka Sun talked to her about what it takes to be a mum, a mountain guide and a wife to someone who is often away.

So where did you grow up? And multisport was your first passion?

I grew up in Christchurch and went to Linwood High and then to Lincoln University to study Parks and Recreation. I started a Masters, did six months then I thought “I hate this shit” and I was out.

I got into multisport in about 1987 just out of highschool, after trying my hand at ski racing. I enjoyed the multisport training and took it seriously for quite a few years. I credit Steve Gurney for a lot of my success- he was incredibly supportive I did the Raid Gauloises- the world’s first adventure race- in 1989 as part of a Kiwi team. We won and I bought my first car with the winnings.

The race was really fun, a journey, but after that I quit and decided to do something different.

But I had a re-emergence into multisport in 2005 when I joined a semi-pro team. We did well internationally - 7th in one world champs then 3rd in another. It was bloody hard work getting back up to that level but I had a good base fitness from guiding and the old competitive spirit was still alive. The next year I had Obie and decided that was enough training and racing.

So what came next?

I went on a skiing expedition to India and after that was inspired to go down the guiding route.

But I didn’t have enough experience so figured I would leave it for five years and get that experience.

I started ski patrolling and got my avalanche and first aid qualifications then travelled and did more skiing in the Himalayas. I also climbed for myself in New Zealand and overseas.

So when did you start your guiding career?

I eventually embarked on the guiding pathway in 1994. I became a fully qualified IFMGA guide in 2002 – the fourth Kiwi woman to qualify as such. After that there was a 10 year break before any other women qualified.

Scott and I got married in 2000 – he found me in Wānaka – and Obie was born in 2006. By this stage I had finished my guide training.

We weren’t sure about having a kid, but then Obie just showed up and I thought “yay, we don't have to make that decision after all.”

I now have my own guiding business: Annakeelingguiding.co.nz and have several part time contractors working for me this winter.

There is plenty of work coming up, despite Covid.

Scott’s career, does it come first?

Yes it does but not so much because I’m a mother, it’s more about earning power. Film work pays more than mountain guiding. But I have to hold myself accountable and say that prior to a spiritual awakening in 2012 I didn't believe in my own potential. This was partly to do with the demise of my family- my brother who died in an avalanche in 1994 and the death of my parents

THE WĀNAKA SUN

The Simper/ Keeling clan in their element.

Keeling in guiding mode.

PHOTOS: Supplied

in the 2000’s- and I fell into a major support role and this led me to feeling a victim of circumstance and losing sight of myself for a few years.

When I started getting involved with guide training and with the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) I sorted my shit out and realised that just because I earned less than Scott my work was no less important.

I started believing in myself. Once I believed in myself, I found I had more to offer.

Guiding. Scott's career, motherhood and living in two countries-it must be a juggling act?

I’m lucky in that I have only one child. Scott's work seems all encompassing but he has large gaps when he is home. It’s been quite tricky not having family support. But we manage. I’m really busy working from July until the end of October during the New Zealand ski season and if Scott has to go away Obie stays with friends. I just seem to figure it out- I'm quite a logistician. Sometimes I think how am I going to pull this off but I always do.

Why are you in New Zealand?

Ever since I moved to the States I have been wanting to get home to New Zealand. I would happily not leave. I would prefer to live in Castle Hill rather than Wānaka. We didn't go back to the US because of Covid. Plus Obie had started at Mt Aspiring College and we wanted his education to be continuous. We have been back in New Zealand for a year now.

Why aren’t there more female guides in New Zealand?

My role is to train guides here and in the US and this has been a real privilege. I've had to step up. I still doubt myself but I just feel the fear and do it anyway.

Keeling at Turners Bivvy recently with up and coming guide, Petrouchka Steiner-Grierson.

I think there is no one reason for why there aren't more female guides. I think it’s the same as why there aren't more men in primary teaching or nursing. It’s the way careers are traditionally seen. And maybe there’s the question around career viability for women. It’s also very physicalyou have to be an athlete. And you are putting yourself out there - the exams are so long. Four two-week assessments over several years and I’m not sure women see the benefit of completing these. Even though I have found it a rewarding career, not everyone sees it like that.

And where to from now?

I'm pretty happy with my business although

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concerned at the rising snow levels in the Southern Alps which could affect this..

I’m happy with my role in the NZMGA – a big focus for me is inclusion of under-represented groups- including women. I’m keen to keep assessing climbing guides for a few more years and ski guides for maybe another 6 or 7.

I enjoy consulting work but prefer to be out guiding. I am also a lifelong learner so take writing courses when I can. I am halfway through a post-grad diploma in coaching.

But I reckon that, at 52, I have another solid 10 years of guiding in me! As long as the body holds up. So far so good.

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Sun News

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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’ Shooting a photograph in black and white is a great way to make an image appear more dramatic and emotive.

The timeless beauty of the image evoking nostalgia and reminiscences, and the emotions that they bring with differing lighting contrasts brings the image to life and makes the picture so appealing to photographer and viewer alike.

There are some people who think there is no use for black and white photos in our colourful world, and indeed there are a number of subjects that do look better in colour (including sunrise/sunsets, fireworks and neon lights, food and photos where colour ‘is’ the subject).

However, there are many reasons why black and white pictures are still popular today. Indeed, there are numerous photographers who consider monochrome the purest form of photography because it doesn’t allow the viewer to get distracted by multiple shades of different colours.

With black and white images, the viewer simply gets to focus on the fundamental building blocks of a photographic image: shape, textures, patterns, tonal contrasts, form and light.

What sets a monochrome image apart, aside from the obvious absence of colour is that is makes the viewer observe different amounts of light instead of the usual difference in colour hues.

The most interesting monochromes use tonal contrasts to tell a story or represent a subject or idea.

It’s surreal view of the world makes it exciting to capture and interesting to look at.

While pure black and pure whites make interesting monochrome images having a wider dynamic range will add depth and dimension to the picture. Along with light, the key to a great picture is good composition which will hold the viewers’ attention. This can be achieved by tonal balance (for example balancing out

smaller dark areas with bigger brighter areas or by applying the widely used ‘Rule of Thirds’ composition technique.

Some of the best subjects for monochrome shots are those with lines and shapes, as well as texture and patterns. These are what the viewer will take notice of when colour is taken out of the image.

If we shoot in the camera’s monochrome mode, we will see the image displayed on the LCD screen in black and white. This means all we see are tones light and dark.

With practice this will help us ‘see’ the light better.

However, if we shoot in the camera’s ‘colour’ mode and convert to black and white in editing software later this will allow us to selectively darken or lighten individual colour tones giving us more control over our black and white image.

Another advantage is that we can select those images that look better in colour than in black and white.

A great example of the power of a monochrome image is Kathy Tweedie’s photo ‘Architectural Contrasts’ taken with a Panasonic DMC G85, an aperture of f8, focal length 34mm and shutter speed 1/640th sec.

Kathy said the photo was taken in Docklands, Melbourne which has been developed over the past 16 years and the different architectural styles have resulted in some interesting contrasts. In this case the dark, curved tall rectangular buildings contrast well with the circular white buildings.

Kathy believed that an already interesting photo was enhanced by changing to black and white- this heightened the buildings features.

Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to helping anyone interest in photography and we welcome those to join us. Our next meeting is Monday 14th June, 7.30pm, St John Rooms, Link Way. – By Bob Moore

PHOTO: Kathy Tweedie

Architectural Contrasts

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Doddsy Challenge: what do you think?

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Challenge Wānaka will return in 2022 to Glendhu Bay, and organisers are in the consultation stages for bringing back a festival event previously known as the"Doddsy Challenge".

This event would bring the weekend Festival of Triathlon into Wānaka with a Friday 18 February evening event, commencing at 4:00 pm.

The event would include four races; a slip and slide mini race, an easily attainable sprint triathlon and an elite race with all top New Zealand and Australian triathletes racing through the streets of Wānaka.

The suggested bike and run course would

finish outside of either the Lake Bar or a little further along in the parking area.

Reintroducing a proven format to drive an influx of supporters, spectators and casual Friday night drinkers out to watch on as Kiwi triathletes battle Australia's for a hefty prize pool, would bring the buzz of the Challenge Wānaka festival into the Wānaka township.

Road closures would be required from Kai Whakapai Adrmore St onto McDougal St, Brownson St, and down Dungarvon St. Only one lane would need to be closed from 4 pm-8 pm.

The Challenge Wānaka Trust and team values any input. Contact: tony.dodds@gmail.com if you want to have your say.

Do you want the Doddsy Challenge back into Wānaka?

PHOTO: Supplied

Funding for WAI Wānaka for community-based initiative

PHOTO: LakeWanaka.co

By bringing together students and their teachers with local farmers and community experts, students will learn about the inner workings of different types of farms.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

KAHU Youth will celebrate its 10th Matariki on June 19th and the whole town is welcome! There will be performances from many of the local schools and local people, workshops, a huge community hangi, bubble and fire performances, art exhibitions and an awesome firework display to finish off! Once again, Kahu Youth has been supported by many businesses, funders and community groups. Without them this event simply would not take place and “it has reinforced this as a real local community event by the community.” Kahu Youth looks forward to celebrating with Wānaka! Everyone is welcome!

WAI Wānaka has been approved for over $5,000 in funding from the ECO Fund (Environment, Community, Otago) This is a contestable fund supporting community-driven projects that protect, enhance and promote Otago’s environment. $250,000 is available for community projects over two rounds of funding this year, in March and October.

With the assistance of the ECO Fund, WAI Wānaka is proposing to develop and implement a community-based pilot education program with local school children focused on farm practice and the environment, said WAI Wānaka manager Julie Perry.

“By bringing together students and their teachers with local farmers and community experts, students will

learn about the inner workings of different types of farms, the unique environmental issues farmers deal with and the activities and mitigations being undertaken to protect the health of our environment,” Perry said.

The proposed pilot will take place across three terms in 2021. In Term 2 (May to July) WAI Wānaka will work with teachers and experts to set the objectives and goals of the pilot including extensive age-appropriate content, digital assets, activities for inclass and materials for on farm.

To date, the ECO Fund has supported 65 community projects to the tune of nearly $630,000. There were 25 applications seeking nearly $300,000 in this round. Including the November round, the 2020/21 year has seen the most applications since the ECO Fund was established in 2018.

Chair of the ECO Fund Decision Panel, Michael Deaker, said there was huge enthusiasm in the community for environmental projects.

“We’ve seen the ECO Fund consistently oversubscribed, with high numbers of quality applications, and the same is true of similar funds in this part of the country. People in Otago are hugely invested in their environment, and we’re immensely proud to support their initiatives.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see so much diversity and creativity in the applications, which range from trapping programs and plant nurseries, to educational projects using old undies.

The eleven projects selected for funding will have real benefits all around the region, for biodiversity, environmental enhancements, and water quality,” Deaker said. “

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PAGE 11

Sun News

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Battle for Birds Dr Fiona McQueen describes vividly how DOC research results prove the large numbers of native birds which are killed by poison. We have witnessed ourselves the visible decline in bird numbers after poison applications. For these declines to be noticeable means a lot of deaths have occurred.

It is always the first poisonings over formerly pristine areas which show the most noticeable disappearance of certain native bird species.

These bird species which were poisoned never return to their former numbers. DOC propaganda says the native bird losses to poison don't matter (viz Eric Spurr). If you can believe that then you can believe anything.

It is only those residents who live next to poisoned zones who actually notice these bird disappearances and to them the disappearances are very obvious. DOC researchers who visit an area briefly do not observe over a long enough period to have a clue what has happened after a poisoning.

In many cases the nectar eating birds such as the tui are the only species to survive poisoning. Tuis are loud and their voices may be interpreted as good birdsong but this is very misleading. What you want to hear is a range of different songs and it is always this range which disappears after poisoning.

If the people of New Zealand are genuinely keen to save our birds then they must become active in putting a stop to any "battle for birds" which uses residual poisons.

John Veysey

thewanakasun.co.nz

Finger feeding, breastfeeding, and everything in between Daisy Watford

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

As I watch Tobias chow down on his chickpea curry, absolutely covered in food, it’s difficult to remember those first few weeks of newborn life - when feeding wasn’t so easy.

I once assumed that feeding a baby (breast or bottle) was a simple task that requires little effort.

Let’s just say our experience was a little more challenging than that.

Truth is, when Tobias was born, breastfeeding was a struggle. We spent the first 7 days in hospital, and, everytime he needed to feed, I would have to call a midwife for help.

We had to use a whole host of tricks to keep him awake and encourage him to latch.

Damp cloths, stroking the back of his neck, blowing onto his face, and stripping him down, all became the norm.

They soon advised me to top him up with formula. I cried. I had become so determined to breastfeed that I saw formula as the enemy.

But, in actual fact, formula enabled us to continue our breastfeeding journey.

During those first few weeks, our two hour feeds were followed by lots of pumping and heaps of sterilising.

There were many times where I thought we were never going to get there. I thought we were the odd ones out. That every other baby could breastfeed apart from Toby. Of course, I soon realised that this was not the

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case at all. ‘ Each of our friends had their own unique feeding journeys. Some babies took to it like water as others struggled to latch, some mum’s experienced a lot of pain, and others had a low milk supply.

As I spoke to other mum’s, I realised that breastfeeding a newborn isn’t easy. And it’s OK to admit that.

Those initial few weeks were exhausting.

I felt like a human milk machine, on tap 24 hours a day.

Your beautiful newborn just sucks all the energy right out of you. Sometimes, they don’t want to come off at all. So you just sit on the sofa, scroll through your phone, and hold in your pee. Or, maybe you try to juggle peeing and feeding at the same - when you have a newborn almost anything goes.

While I can laugh about it all now, those first six weeks were tough.

For us, Wānaka’s local lactation consultants, Jo and Maggie, were our saving grace. They supported us every step of the way, offering lots of love, encouragement, and useful advice throughout.

When Tobias was 7 weeks old, we went to our first Wānaka Well - where mums and bubs get together over tea and cake to share their experiences. It’s this support network that makes Wānaka such a special place. And it’s this support network that encouraged me to keep breastfeeding.

We slowly progressed from finger feeding to formula top ups to tube feeding to nipple

Tobias on his new feeding journey.

PHOTO: Supplied

shields to plain and simple breastfeeding. I was so proud of the progress our little munchkin had made. He’d gone from not having the strength to suck, to feeding like a pro.

Many of my friends in the UK never had access to the same support we have here in Wānaka. Most of them were left feeling exhausted, drained, and “like a bad mum” for switching to formula. It’s this kind of stigma around how you feed your baby that really doesn’t help a first time mum. Bottle feeding is no easy feat either, and, at the end of the day, fed is best.

Apart from the odd bites here and there, I absolutely love breastfeeding now. Despite the struggle, I can safely say that it was all worth it in the end. And those first six weeks?

They’re nothing but a distant memory.

OUR COMMUNITY FACILITIES Help us shape the future of spaces where we connect, learn and play

Moana Rd has gone to the farthest southern point of New Zealand (Southland) where the winters are bitterly cold, to find sheep with wool that is 'supercharged' to keep your feet toastie warm!

This wool will give you warmth like no synthetic fibre will.

Go to ovt.nz letstalk.qldc.g and share your feedback

Now available in-store.

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun Views

EDITORIAL

I wish I lived in a passive house!

Passive house: Keep it simple!

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

I note with interest that the new Luggate Memorial Centre is going to be a “passive build.” See the story on page 01.

I am completely ignorant of this concept except that friends of mine in Christchurch have built a passive house. The first thing you notice when you walk in is that, come rain or shine, summer or winter, it is always WARM. There may be underfloor heating- I cant remember.

But it is a simple structure with not too many corners, and it has these amazing triple glazed windows and doors that open vertically and let in no drafts. It faces west so makes the most of the sun. I'm guessing it has super-duper insulation I compare that with the house I am living in now, which is a very nice house, about 20 years old, but it only has single glazing, a heat pump that doesn't quite cut it, and a wood burner that I struggle with. So I've been cold a lot this winter. I often work sitting in my sleeping bag.

Doing a bit of Googling I discovered the Passive House Institute NZ (PHINZ) website which gives a very good rundown of what a passive house is all about.

It says a passive house is “a fabric-first approach to achieving healthy and comfortable buildings.”

These houses deliver “on all aspects of occupant well-being while consuming very little energy.”And “there is no longer a need to burn fossil fuels to heat your house.”

The fact that you don’t need a wood burner is intriguing and it's hard to believe this is possible during the Wānaka winter. Plus you would have to get used to not having the wood burner as the focal point of the living room.

What would take its place?

Designing a passive house needs a thorough understanding of “energy flows” in

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Remodelista

the building. You also have to consider the sun and shade aspects and make sure it isn’t going to overheat.

It's also important to keep the design simple as the complexity of a building’s “thermal envelope” can have a significant effect on the insulation levels required to meet the passive house standards (yes there are standards to be met). A larger thermal envelope will transmit more heat per usable area, and secondly, a complex shape will cost more. I guess the thermal envelope means the interior of the house In a passive house, the thermal envelope must be well-insulated. Insulation comes in numerous forms, from batts to straw bales, from SIP panels to vacuum panels, and the choice of the material and its thickness depend on where you live.

Also, edges and corners must be carefully thought out to avoid “thermal bridges.”

The website says that high-performance windows and doors are arguably the single most important component to get right in any passive house project. Airtightness is key.

Are you still allowed to open the windows? It doesn’t say.

Heating systems in passive houses are generally a lot smaller than people expect! There are many different options available: small heat pumps, direct electric or conventional boilers.

Oversizing the heating system can be a waste of money and efficiency. You need very little heat in a passive house, so keep the heating system small, and simple.

Oh! And once you have finished your passive house it has to be certified as such by PHINZ. To become a proper passive house.

I think New Zealand is far behind Europe or the States in passive house builds and compliance.

There are plenty of cold houses, like mine, in Wānaka. I'm hanging out for next summer.

Sponsored by

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wānaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz.

Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page.

Letters may be edited or abridged.

Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.

Crimeline M Miriam Chittenden

Senior Sergeant, NZPD

Welcome to a new week everyone. Although it’s been slightly warmer over the weekend, winter is definitely in the air. Like many of you, we too are very much looking forward to the arrival of winter and the ski fields being open.

This week has kept us busy with a number of crashes all of which were lucky to see no one seriously injured. Black ice and slippery roads were a factor for one driver while another was found nearly three times over the legal breath alcohol limit after crashing mid-afternoon.

Thankfully no one else was involved but that was more by good luck than good management.

Thanks to those of you who navigated through the cold slippery mornings safely and carefully.

You will see a repeated theme in our crime line reporting around road safety and what you can do to keep yourself safe while driving. The reason for that is that our roads are the place where you are most at risk from harm in our area. Small things can have a big impact on the road at 100km/h or over and people’s lives can be changed in a moment in time. It’s our aim to keep our roads safe but we can’t do it without everyone playing their part.

Also, during this week, the traffic signals at

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

Makarora mysteriously disappeared.Thankfully they were recovered a short time after reporting, nearby in the bushes. I realise it’s a bit inconvenient for people, but while there are road works going on around the wider Wānaka area, we ask that you be patient and comply with the traffic signals.

In recent weeks we’ve had a report of firewood going missing from people’s property. I have no doubt that this happens more frequently than is reported. If this has happened to you, please report this to us by calling 105 or coming into the Police Station so we can hold those responsible for doing so.

Mental health made several appearances for us this week. We work hard to engage anyone that needs help with our local mental health team and services. Please reach out to someone if you need help.

This week has started off with some of our team helping with the visit of the two Prime Ministers visiting Queenstown. We are glad about what the visit signifies, a trans-Tasman bubble (albeit that Victoria is off limits this week). We are truly hopeful that this will see an increase of visitors to our great town and provide some much-needed support to our local economy.

Until next week, please keep safe out there and have a good week.

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

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TRADES AND SERVICES PAINTING

SKIPS

PAINTERS & PAINTERS & DECORATORS DECORATORS

Domestic and Commercial Skip Bins

For all your interior/exterior house For all your interior/exterior house painting requirements, call Ben PAINTERS & andpainting receive a FREE QUOTE. requirements, call Ben

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and receive a FREEForQUOTE. all your interior/exterior house

7.0 – 9.0 m3 Skip Bins 4.0 m3 Hard Fill Skips 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid

0204 0133 350

painting requirements, call Ben and receive a FREE QUOTE.

0204 0133 350

paint@btppainting.com 0204 0133 350 www.btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com www.btppainting.com www.btppainting.com

INTERIORS

 Small Gib Stopping Jobs  Interior/Exterior Repaints  Bathroom Renovations

 Insurance Jobs  Small Extensions  Air BnB Extensions

021 531 977

southernmaintenance@hotmail.com

Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!

STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.

WANTED

Live-in Domestic Helper and Child Carer for family of Chinese and NZ descent living in Wānaka district. Must be exsperienced. Please forward CVs to PO Box 798 Wānaka 9343.

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 PAGE 14

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

SERVICE

THANKS

Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 6pm 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.

WANTED The Salvation Army Family Store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pickups 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 Wānaka 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.

TRADES & SERVICES ADVERTS FROM

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SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1029

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: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Daisy Watford • 021 736 740 newsdesk@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.

WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Sport / Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

SITUATION VACANT

John and Jenny Milburn could not resist bidding on this huge block of Toblerone chocolate at the Rotary Club of Wānaka annual quiz night on Wednesday May 19. The event raised $10,000 which the Club said would be donated to help children in the Pacific get critical vaccinations. The Rotary project, Give Every Child a Future was planning to protect 100,000 children from rotavirus, pneumococcal disease and cervical cancer across nine South Pacific Island countries over three years. “We are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the project Give Every Child a Future,” said Rotary Club of Wānaka president Mike Elliot. “We had such good community support and the event was sold out. It was a fun night made better by the fact that we can help save lives.”

LAWYER REQUIRED Permanent Position

Fyfe Karamaena Law is expanding and looking for an experienced Lawyer to join our friendly and welcoming team, based at our office in Three Parks.

Ideally this is a full-time position with a property focus, however the nature of our practice is such that you will work across a wide range of general practice areas, and flexible hours may be possible for the right candidate.

PHOTO: Supplied

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a keen willingness to learn, good time management, written and verbal communication skills, work effectively in a team environment and be enthusiastic about providing our clients with a high level of service.

All inquiries or applications will be treated in strict confidence.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Please forward your C.V and any written references to: hannahr@fyfeklaw.co.nz by 9 June 2021.

PUBLIC NOTICE Application to relocate 7 Electronic Gaming Machines from Fitzpatrick’s Irish Pub, 59 Helwick Street, Wanaka to Woodys Sports Bar 33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka.

Level 1, 1 Umbers Street, Three Parks, Wānaka 9305 Ph: 03 443 2255, www.fyfeklaw.co.nz

The Lion Foundation (2008) will apply to Queenstown Lakes District Council to relocate the electronic gaming machines, currently licensed to operate at “Fitzpatrick’s Irish Pub”, 59 Helwick Street, Wanaka to “Woodys Sports Bar” situated at 33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka.

JOURNALIST REQUIRED

The following information is provided pursuant to the requirements of the Class 4 and TAB Gambling Venue Policy: 1. Applicant: - The Lion Foundation 2008; 2. Physical Location of Venue: - 33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 3. Trading name of Venue: – Woodys Sports Bar 4. Number of Electronic Gaming Machines proposed at venue:– 7 5. Objections to the granting of this application should be made to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348; 6. Period for objections;- within 21 days of the first Public Notice published on 3 June 2021.

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Dog Registration for 2021/2022 A friendly reminder that invoices for the 2021/2022 registration period for all registered dogs will be sent out shortly.

To ensure you receive an accurate invoice, please update your dog’s details and any recent changes to your postal address, by calling 03 443 0024 or emailing services@qldc.govt.nz.

Casual Cook Aspiring, Wanaka

Positions, within Enliven - the South’s largest provider of aged residential care.

Seeking a cook with experience cooking for large quantities of people.

Applications close 24th June For further information, please contact Madeleine Esdaile, Manager of Aspiring on 03 555 3010 Visit www.psotago.org.nz/jobs for details and to apply

www.psotago.org.nz/jobs

Be part of the small team responsible for producing our popular weekly newspaper.

• You will have the relevant journalism qualifications, and a minimum of two years' experience writing for a recognised media organisation.

• You will have existing local contacts and the ability to connect with the wider community.

• You will also have an eye for community news, strong writing ability and photography skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Based in Wānaka with an immediate start, the hours for this position are flexible.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate journalist who enjoys a challenge! If this sounds you, please forward your application with your CV and cover letter to: The Wānaka Sun, PO Box 697, Wānaka, admin@thewanakasun.co.nz

Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

BUSY AT WĀNAKA POOL 3 MAY–4 JUNE / 14–25 JUNE

Local primary schools are visiting Wānaka Recreation Centre for their school swimming and water safety programme.

From 3 May to 4 June and then again from 14 to 25 June there’ll be very limited public access to the learners’ pool between 9.00am-2.00pm every weekday except Thursdays and Fridays when half the pool will be free.

Other pool users may wish to schedule their visits to the learners’ pool around these times.

Four lanes in the lap pool will remain free for public swimming between 9.00am– 2.00pm weekdays during this period.

Many thanks for your co-operation while our local children learn these essential life skills.

For more info please contact (03) 443 9334 | wrc@qldc.govt.nz

THE WĀNAKA SUN

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN www.thewanakasun.co.nz

RETAIL SHOP ASSISTANT/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Are you a skilled multi-tasker who loves variety, responsibility and can prioritise workloads?

Are you a sharp thinker with hospitality sector product knowledge and retail work experience with skills in Vend and Microsoft Office?

If you answered YES! We have a job for you!

We require a full-time retail assistant, purchasing officer, phone, email and online order taker to join the Central Wholesale team. This is a role that provides customer support to our retail and B2B customers.

This is an exciting role for the right person with lots of involvement and variety. This position requires someone who can excel in a wide range of duties from retail to general office duties.

If you are interested and want to know more we would love to hear from you. Email your covering letter and CV to matthew@centralwholesale.co.nz or drop off at 40 Reece Crescent.

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

DELIVERY DRIVER / WAREHOUSE ASSISTANT We are looking for a full-time delivery driver and warehouse assistant.

Times of work are 8am to 5pm though when it is busy you may start and finish earlier.

You will be delivering to businesses in the hospitality and accommodation sector so any knowledge of those types of businesses and products they use would be an advantage.

You must be physically fit as there will be some heavy lifting (up to 25kgs).

You will be driving an automatic van - you will need to have a clean full driver's license. Forklift and/or dangerous goods endorsements would be an advantage.

If you are interested and want to know more we would love to hear from you. Email your covering letter and CV to matthew@centralwholesale.co.nz or drop off at 40 Reece Crescent.

www.thewanakasun.co.nz PAGE 15

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Premiers lose narrowly to Varsity On a dark, wet day in dingy Dunedin, WAFC Premiers were looking to make it four from four in the Otago League playing against Otago University.

Both teams started brightly with ball play being fizzed around due to the conditions. Ten minutes in, Toa Roode hit a long-range effort at goal which missed narrowly, sailing over the bar.

Wānaka continued to battle and create chances from their set pieces when Paul Hodgson’s toe-poked an effort just wide when the ball dropped on the back post.

University grew into the game causing a lot of trouble through the middle of the park for Wānaka.

This led to a through ball which caught Thomas Van Hees the wrong side of the University striker bringing down the player and giving away a penalty. Wānaka’s No1, Josh Shackleton continued his good run of form, diving to his left and pushing the ball around the post. University continued to dominate for the next 10 minutes, with Shackleton pulling off further acrobatic saves.

With 35 minutes gone both teams were evenly matched. This was until Wānaka’s forward, Steve Pleskun, made two quick challenges causing

himself to be booked twice and sent off. Wānaka tightened ranks, kept compact and reached the half time whistle at 0-0.

With the second half underway, Wānaka continued to keep compact and showed a do or die attitude for the whole second half, making their opponents more and more frustrated.

Even with ten men, Wānaka created chances of their own. A lovely through ball from Thomas Tinka to Roode, narrowly missing Hodgson sliding in near the post.

Wānaka were looking set to grab a point and be happy with their days efforts, especially regarding the circumstances. However, University were to spoil Wānaka’s day and take all three points, when a tantalizing cross was whipped in. Wānaka tried to clear but unfortunately in not doing so, dropped to a University No 9 who tapped home to take all 3 points.

Man of the Match for Wānaka was keeper Josh Shackleton.

We now move on to next week, with Green Island at the Wānaka Recreation Ground, 2:45pm kick off on Saturday. This is followed by the second round of the Chatham Cup at home to Gore Wanderers.

– By Ian Bell

PHOTO: Clint Hughes

MAC full back Cullen Meyer with the ball.

Solid win for MAC first XV The MAC First XV team braved the elements last weekend to take on Wakatipu High school in Queenstown coming away with a hard fought 29-10 victory.

Wakatipu started the game well, dominating possession and making good ground. However MAC full back Cullen Meyer got play back up in the Wakatipu 22 with a great long range kick and when the home team dropped the ball, second-five Ben Simmers scooped it up quickly and scored a try to make it 7-0 to MAC. It wasn’t too long before Wakatipu were back on attack and probing the MAC line when winger Zach Smith intercepted a pass, running the length of the field to score a try and MAC found themselves leading the game 12-0.

Both sides kicked frequently to keep play away from their try lines. Wakatipu continued to win this battle and eventually found a way through with their forwards to score and make it 12-5.

Once in possession MAC number 8 Otis Harry was able to bust through some tiring defence and score an individual try under the posts to make it a comfortable MAC lead at 19 -5 going into half time.

Early into the second half the game was held up for long periods due to injuries. Once play resumed MAC stepped up the intensity and Wakatipu struggled to stay with them. The MAC team showed great composure and controlled the ball well despite the wet and cold conditions. Eligh Hollegien found a way through to score,

stretching the lead out to a comfortable 24 -5 and securing a bonus point.

The home team were able to mount one more challenge, getting over the line through their forwards to close the gap to 24-10.

MAC responded soon after with a well worked lineout drive, giving Eligh Hollegien a straight path to the line and scoring his second try of the game. It went unconverted and that was the end of the game, MAC coming away with a memorable 29 points to 10 win.

The team have a weekend off before travelling to Oamaru for a crucial match against Waitaki Boys which will more than likely decide which two teams are promoted into the premiership for round two .

– By Clint Hughes

Wanaka June 25 to 29 • Queenstown July 1 to 3

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! PROGRAMMES ONLINE AND AT PAPER PLUS

SPEAKERS: Tara Mulvany, Mark Watson, Nic Low, Max Quinn, Sam Masters and many more FEATURING: Films, workshops, book events, live music, art display, trade show, Adventure Film School, Adventure Writing School and loads of socialising

Photo by Gavin Lang of James Broadbent climbing Mt Dixon with Aoraki behind The NZ Mountain Film Festival is non-profit and a registered NZ charity (#CC49344)

PAGE 16

Peak of Possibility

24 Leeches

Made in Aotearoa

Baptistina

West Highway Way

Whales in a Changing Ocean

Airport Wall

Par For The Course

The Nose Speed Record

When Glaciers Go

THURSDAY 03.06.21 - WEDNESDAY 09.06.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN