Wanaka Sun | 04 February - 10 February 2021 | Edition 1012

Over the hill...

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

And up!

PAGE 11

Festival of Colour...

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PHOTO: ESPN Images_Eric Lars Bakke

Wānakas own Nico Porteous made history when he won the 2021 X Games Aspen Freeski SuperPipe gold medal on Saturday night - the first time a New Zealand athlete has ever won the gold in that event.

See page 15.

Hooray! Stage three underway Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

ork on Stage Three of the Wānaka

W Lakefront Development Plan began on

Monday and will see the implementation of Te Ara Wānaka (a shared pathway) for pedestrians and cyclists along Lakeside Road, and a separate boardwalk along the lake's edge.

QLDC Community Services General

Manager, Thunes Cloete was excited to see Stage Three coming to life, saying that once finished, the ecological and accessibility improvements realised along the lakefront would be something Wānaka's community could be proud of.

"We consulted on a Concept Plan for this site in June 2019 and received overwhelming support for its direction and what Stage Three aims to achieve," Cloete said.

"Once finished, wide scale native planting will

run from Bullock Creek through to the Marina, working to maintain the area's rugged and natural look while also providing an injection of native flora and fauna."

Stage Three’s main contractor Blakely Construction planned to stagger work on different features of the site, delaying construction of the boardwalk until after April to avoid any disturbance to nesting and breeding Grebe in the area.

Grebe expert John Darby said:” I am delighted that a start has been made on Stage 3 and there is good information flow. It can be noted that the original intention was for the work to have begun early November last year, but after discussions with QLDC it was agreed to delay the work until this year. As far as I know, the intention is to continue this liaison through to the completion of the work at the end of October.”

Continued on page 3

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Festival of Colour 2021 programme announced PHOTO: Kelsi Paige Photography

Wānaka multisport legend Braden Currie will once again be lining up against Kyle Smith for their third showdown of the summer.

Startline takes shape for Challenge Wānaka Joanna Perry

PHOTO: Crux

Philip Tremewan: the festival will bring “heart, soul and creative joy to the town and surrounding area.”

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Festival of Colour

Tickets for the Festival of Colour go on sale on February 12.

Pat Deavoll

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Festival of Colour arts and ideas festival has revealed a week-long programme featuring a mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts and conversation to take place April 11- 18 in Wānaka.

It will be the ninth festival, and director Philip Tremewan said that 2021 would bring “heart, soul and creative joy to the town and surrounding area.”

“COVID has been difficult for us all and we have worked to put together a programme including new shows which Wānaka audiences will be the first to see, along with wonderful local work. While we’re unable to present international shows this year, we’re celebrating the huge range of talent right here in New Zealand.”

Three world premieres will feature at the festival – two works from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ultra Violet and The Autumn Ball; The Hall, a play about unconditional love featuring Voices Aotearoa and community choir; and the New Zealand String Quartet performing The Dry Cardrona for the first time, a work based on the James K Baxter’s poem.

The Festival of Colour opens on Sunday 11 April with a free outdoor concert including a live performance of Te Taki o te Ua / The Sound of Rain, a commissioned video installation by choreographer/video artist Louise Potiki Bryant, singer and taonga puoro performer Ariana Tikao, and composer Paddy Free. The work, which will be on display throughout the festival, weaves together contemporary dance, waiata, taonga puoro, animation, video and soundscape.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s work Ultra Violet was to have premiered at London’s Covent Garden last year but with the trip cancelled due to COVID. Wānaka audiences will be the first to see this new work by choreographer Loughlan Prior and composer Claire Cowan. The choreographer/composer pair shot to acclaim with the RNZB’s Hansel and Gretel and in Ultra Violet they picture themselves as soaring birds or crawling insects on a journey through the

musical landscape.

The RNZB double bill also features Choreographer in Residence Sarah Foster Sproull’s new work The Autumn Ball, commissioned by the Festival of Colour with a theme of mortality and the autumn season of people’s lives.

Also featuring in the dance programme is the work Meremere performed by Rodney Bell with music by Jol Mulholland and directed by Malia Johnston with shows in Wānaka and Bannockburn.

Theatre lovers have plenty of choice in the programme with shows for all ages.

Bullet Heart Club premieres its new play The Hall – a story about unconditional love featuring Voices New Zealand and local singers, while Trick of the Light Theatre Company returns with two works to be performed at Hawea.

Rounding out the theatre offerings is award-winning live documentary theatre project Other, funny play Rants in the Dark based on Wellington blogger Emily Writes’ best-selling book Hello, and the true story of a dog and her man, A Traveller’s Guide to Turkish Dogs.

In a one night only performance, Aotearoa’s national chamber choir Voices New Zealand presents Taonga Moana: A love letter to the oceans, a musical and visual homage to the beauty and vulnerability of the world’s oceans.

The Pacific Crystal Palace, supported by Central Lakes Trust, returns for the festival and is home to an eclectic music programme – from a delve into New Zealand pop history to the closing night performance from Kiwi music legends The Chills.

Running throughout the festival is Schoolfest, a programme for primary, intermediate and secondary school students with a variety of performances and workshops in local schools.

On Saturday 17 April, the Festival of Colour takes to the streets of Wānaka for a free Street Theatre Day for the whole family.

Visit festivalofcolour.co.nz for full details of the programme. Tickets are on sale to the general public from Friday 12 February via the website or by calling 022 484 9669.

Competition is ramping up for the Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka event this month, following Wānaka multisport legend Braden Currie’s announcement last weekend that he would once again be lining up against Kyle Smith for their third showdown of the summer.

Taupō-based Smith has bested Currie twice this season. Currie finished 10 seconds behind Smith at the Tauranga Half two weeks ago, with both athletes breaking the record for the course, after they finished 4 minutes apart at the Rotorua Suffer event just before Christmas.

At just 23 years old, Smith now holds the record for the Tauranga Half and the Rotorua Suffer, and 2021 may be the year he bursts onto the international scene.

Currie (34) will take him again on February 20, after initially planning to focus his training solely on Ironman NZ in March 6.

"It's been a really fun summer in that way [having Kyle to race], having a good challenge and someone pushing us really hard to improve, and I think that will be important for my chances at Kona [Ironman World Championship], to get pushed this hard early on,” he said.

Currie added that he was excited to be able to race at home where he could “roll out the door to a course I know well.”

"Plus with the world being so unknown... it is nice to take the chance to race when we can and not think too far ahead of ourselves."

In the last two years, Currie has competed in 35 events, finishing on the podium 95 per cent of the time, and winning 21 of these events.

Auckland’s Jack Moody (27), who came third in Tauranga at the end of January and has come fourth two years

in a row at Challenge, will also be vying for a top spot. Moody is a former national steeplechase champion who became a professional triathlete in 2018, and achieved some outstanding results in 2019 including a second in the Japan 70.3.

He is an outstanding runner, with a 67 minute half marathon in 2019 and a first place in the Queenstown Half 2020.

On the women’s start line will be returning 2019 Challenge Wānaka Champion Hannah Wells (30), from Te Puke, hoping to regain her title. Wells smashed the course record at the Rotorua Suffer event in December by 21 minutes.

In 2019, she won all nine events that she competed in, including three IRONMAN 70.3 events in Taupō, West Sydney and Sunshine Coast, Tauranga Half, Challenge Wānaka and the Auckland Marathon.

She will be up against Professional Triathlon Organisation (PTO) world number 3 and Ironman NZ champion Auckland-based Teresa Adam (30), who beat Wells at the Tauranga Half 2021.

Adam has been competing at the elite level since 2005, representing NZ in both water polo and triathlon, and moved into long distance triathlons in 2016 when she won the Rotorua Half.

2018 proved to be a break-through year for Adam, with second place finishes in the Tauranga Half and Ironman New Zealand, a new course record of 8:53:16 in the Ironman Cairns Asian Pacific Championships and an 18th place in her first attempt at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawai.

Wells and Adam will be joined by 32-year-old Rebecca Clarke (Auckland), who has been competing in elite long distance triathlon for nearly four years.

Her career highlights include second place at Busselton 70.3, third in Japan 70.3, fifth place at Taupō Ironman and, most recently, second place at the Tauranga Half 2020 and third in 2021.

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PAGE 2

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

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Hooray! Stage three underway

Longview affordable housing area – is it a good value for money?

PHOTO: APP

Affordable housing – but is it affordable?

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Work on Stage Three of Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan began on Monday with the start of a shared pathway along Lakeside Road.

Continued from page 1 Environmental protection methods would also be in place during the project, with the utilisation of silt curtains and sediment pumps, netting for capturing debris and scaffolding platforms all aimed at protecting the lakefront.

Wānaka Community Board (WCB) Chair, Barry Bruce was looking forward to watching Stage Three’s plans and designs becoming reality, noting that the underutilised land from the Marina through to Bullock Creek would become a real destination for both locals and visitors to the town.

"Both pedestrians and cyclists will be able to move through the area with a greater level of safety and ease once work on Stage Three is complete,” Bruce said.

“Residents and visitors will also have new spots to sit and enjoy a picnic on the lakefront, and yet another vantage point from which to enjoy some of the best views in Wānaka.”

Community Board member Chris Hadfield

said: “It’s great to see progress on Stage Three of the lakefront. It will provide safer movement for pedestrians and cyclists while adding an interesting alternative path down by the lake side. The whole area will be far more attractive and make use of an under-utilised part of the lake shore.”

Work on Stage Three will require some changes to Lakeside Road traffic and access to the lakefront during the project, with a number of closures scheduled to take place.

Lakeside Road will remain open to northbound traffic between Ardmore Street and Wānaka Marina for the entirety of the project, but will be closed to southbound traffic from Friday 26 February 2021. A detour will be in place for southbound traffic via Lismore Street and Hedditch Street.

Pedestrian and cycle access along Lakeside Road will be maintained throughout the project.

Work on Stage Three is set to be concluded in August 2021.

Development for the 480 lot Longview affordable housing area at Lake Hawea is gearing up to be underway in March.

But whether it’s affordable is the question.

Chairperson of the Hawea Community Association (HCA) Cherilyn Walthew begs to differ.

“Affordable housing is just a complete myth,” she said. “ It was never part of the equation and I think what people need to recognise is that it might be affordable at the time they buy it but every time infrastructure needs to be upgraded, eg the roads, they are going to need more funding and we are the ones who are going to have to pay for it. Our rates are going to go whistling up through the roof. It's certainly not going to be affordable housing, it's going to be an investment property which is exactly what we (HCA) didn't want.”

Longview developer Universal Developments (UD) was granted consent in April 2020 to develop 465 residential allotments and around 90 lots from $219k – $299k in value.

The residential sections ranged in size from 250m2-620m2, with most being in the 400m2600m2 size.

At the time commissioner, David Whitney said development in such a locality was preferred to developing land remote from existing community services in established townships. This provided an opportunity to add to the district’s housing stock and materially assist in addressing the affordability issue, he said.

According to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), a Special Housing Area (SHA) is an area of land suitable for new housing, where development could be fast-tracked under the more permissive consenting powers provided by the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act (HASHAA).

SHA were set up to boost housing supply and improve housing affordability by facilitating development that met the needs of the growing population.

According to UD it was offering some of the most affordable sections and packages in the district.

“There will be a good selection of house/ land packages at $650 below which is within the KiwiSaver Home-start ceiling for the district,” it said.

Wānaka’s average house price in January 2021 was $1,247,895.

“House/land packages can be on-sold at any time but a bare section cannot be on-sold for five years. We put this package in place to remove speculators flipping sections,” said UD. “There are 3.5 hectares of commercial area. We have an early childhood education centre signed up and are working with a medical centre, gym and hair salon.”

Walthew was not convinced.

“Longview is all about market forces- it's not about affordable housing at all. Because what they are looking at in terms of affordable housing is only affordable in comparison.

“You can take a million-dollar house and that's affordable in comparison to a two million dollar house. The reality is a million-dollar house isn't affordable to most people. Particularly the people I thought we were supposed to be housing in the district. People have been telling us (HCA) “ we can't believe you are blocking affordable housing” and we argue that it's not going to be affordable because there is no infrastructure there, they are going to have to deal with that deficit which is going to put up the price, which is not going to make it affordable.

“So affordable is all just comparative with the rest of the district. It's all about housing supply – by increasing the number of sections that could be land-grabs is just pushing it the way of investment.”

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THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

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Tourism projections hit adventure tourism hard Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka’s adventure tourism industry may be in for an even leaner time over the next few months if market research carried out by Research First is anything to go by. Only 7 per cent of Kiwis are likely to take part in adventure activities according to the survey.

The research showed that for New Zealanders the last of the summer would be all about relaxation, rather than outdoor adventure attractions. Spas and thermal pools, zoos/wildlife parks and museums topped the list of attractions where Kiwis were likely to spend the next three months. Demand for adventure tourism type activities was likely to be minimal.

New Zealanders certainly took up the gauntlet over summer in response to the ‘Do something new, New Zealand’ push by Tourism New Zealand.

However, best efforts fell short of what was needed to fill the spending gap left by the absence of international tourism.

Over the summer, despite the positive numbers of domestic tourists, spend in Wānaka was down by 30 per cent.

With the international market traditionally pushing another $3 billion into the national economy over February and March, the question now becomes how much can Wānaka rely on Kiwis to keep helping out?

The research suggested that apart from the odd break away, Kiwi’s might be all holidayed out for a while.

PHOTO: Skydive Wānaka

Projections indicate that Wānaka’s adventure tourism industry will find the next few months tough.

Two-thirds of Kiwis said short trips of 4-5 days or less would be most popular, but twenty-nine per cent intended to stay put.

Self-drive options were central to destination choice. 57 per cent would travel in their car or campervan, while 14 per cent would hire a car and five per cent a campervan. By contrast, 36 per cent would fly.

Mid-range hotels/motels/Airbnb accommodation options would be most favoured (48 per cent), while 41 per cent would opt to stay with family and friends. Only 16 per cent would seek out luxury accommodation.

58 per cent would prioritise relaxation when planning their next domestic holiday. Looking at the rest of us, destination choice would be primarily influenced by nature and wildlife activities for 14 per cent, arts culture and heritage opportunities for 10 per cent, food and drink experiences for 10 per cent, sports and adventure activities for just 7 per cent and retail

opportunities for 1 per cent.

The research showed a significant drop in tourism-related discussion this year when compared with the summer holidays last year. By region, Wellingtonians were driving much of the getaway chatter.

Tim Barke, Acting General Manager of Lake Wānaka Tourism had the following to say to the Sun on the issue.

1) Do you think these statistics will have an impact on visitors to Wānaka? Or do you think we are immune?

The statistics help provide useful insights as to what the sentiments, wishes and needs of visitors are and those of operators. They can help us in the visitor industry shape our plans to ensure we are aligning with the interests of our potential guests while also aligning with the needs of our community, members and businesses. The statistics themselves don’t impact on visitors but they will help us provide the best service we can for them and

help inform our businesses in their planning.

2) How are our adventure tourism operators doing? Are they feeling the pinch? Do you think these projections will affect them?

Anecdotally, along with other tourism businesses, some adventure tourism operators have done “ok” through the peak of the holiday period but the vast majority are now very much struggling with many wondering how they will survive if the border with Australia doesn’t open up soon to give some relief. Some have been able to continue operating whenever bookings come in but others simply can’t and have had to reduce the days they operate so they can find other work/income to help them survive.

3) Can we rely on domestic tourists to see us through?

Much as we would like it to, our industry in its current form simply cannot survive on domestic tourism alone. There are some products which strongly appeal to the domestic market and many of these are doing very well. Others appeal to certain segments of the domestic market, but the market is small and often not enough solely to sustain a commercial operation. Many businesses are looking to the future, learning from the present and past and planning to evolve to be more resilient in the face of situations like the one we are currently facing. Long term could result in a different looking industry where operators, visitors and communities all benefit more than they have in the past, but for this to happen, they have to be able to survive the current storm and emerge in a state able to rebuild.

First Climate Change Commission report arrives Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The first official report from the Climate Change Commission has found the government needs to further reduce emissions to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

The report released last Friday sets three new targets: an average reduction of 2 per cent each year between 2022 and 2025, 17 per cent each year between 2025 and 2030 and 36 per cent each year between 2030 and 2035.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the release of the draft advice was a significant milestone in the government's response to the climate emergency.

"There are two things that stand out from the draft advice - first, that action will be required across all sectors of the economy, and second that meeting our targets is affordable and possible with existing technology," he said in a media statement.

“Last term we put in place a bold legislative framework to create a climate-friendly,

prosperous future for New Zealand. The Commission has now provided draft advice on how best to do that.

“There are a series of choices that will need to be made at a Cabinet-level about how we reach net-zero carbon emissions and reduce biogenic methane - but when I look at the strategic policy direction the Commission has set out, I am more confident than I have ever been that it can be done.”

Shaw went on to say that if we act now, we can join with other leading developed countries to set an example to the rest of the world and show what can be done – the transition to a net-zero carbon economy in a way that gives people good job opportunities and certainty about how they will provide for their families.

President of the Upper Clutha Environmental Society Julian Haworth commented: “The Society strongly supports the climate change commissions’ draft plan but is conscious that actions speak louder than words. For instance, the government should make plain that new jet-capable airports, such as that proposed at Tarras, are not supported

because fostering international jet travel is not consistent with climate change objectives.”

Michael Ross, Chair of Wānaka Stakeholders Group said: “We've not read the whole report yet, but given the core principles which have been announced, we would have thought that building or expanding airports anywhere in New Zealand would be contradictory to what the government needs to achieve. We also know that the vast majority of our members are concerned about climate change” Gina Dempster of Wastebusters said: “We're excited by the Climate Change Commission Draft Plan, especially the part which includes waste reduction, reuse and resource recovery as part of the carbon neutral journey.

“We're already seeing so much action to reduce waste in our own community, from SUCfree Wānaka tackling take-away cups, to Enviroschools and Team Green making our schools more sustainable. So many individuals have also changed the way they buy, use and consume stuff. It makes me really optimistic

PHOTO: Flying Mag

Julian Haworth: Actions speak louder than words… government should make plain that new jet-capable airports, such as that proposed at Tarras, are not supported because fostering international jet travel is not consistent with climate change objectives.

about the future.

“This Draft Plan sets out clearly that everything you do to reduce waste also has a benefit for our climate. That's going to double the reason for all of us to keep going on our zero waste journey, and to share what we've learnt with other communities.”

The draft advice is now open for consultation until 14 March and final advice will be released before 31 May.

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Council is ‘ignoring’ us say disgruntled locals

PHOTO: Linkedin

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

Lake Hāwea residents are disgruntled with the QLDC.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) council isn’t addressing the requirements of the community was the consensus when 60 people attended a public meeting of the Hāwea Community Association on January 23.

“Trying to run a public meeting and put all the issues on the table was confusing and townsfolk were concerned that the council wasn’t entirely in control of the situation,” said association chairwoman Cherilyn Walthew.

“Quite a lot of discussion is going on at the moment around the infrastructure in Hāwea.

With the development that is happening and the speed at which it is happening these issues are going to become major pain points very soon

based on the development we have seen in the last few years,” Walthew said.

“We already have the stuff in the urban boundary – and then we are talking about another 460 houses in the special housing area.”

In April last year, QLDC granted Universal Developments consent to develop 465 residential allotments as part of a Special Housing Area outside the agreed urban boundary.

The intersection of Capell Avenue and Domain Rd was also an issue that generated discussion.

There was an accident there on New Year’s Day, Walthew said.

“Somebody got the corner wrong because it is a triangle. An intersection with two lanes on either side- it can be rather confusing.

“Some safety issues are coming up and with all the development at Tim’s Field alone, that is

yoga

Cherilyn Walthew: Quite a lot of discussion is going on at the moment around the infrastructure in Hāwea.

driving a lot of traffic into that corner. People are quite nervous coming up to that corner and taking a right hand turn into the township.”

The council has come up with a solution, but it doesn’t deal with all of the issues, she said.

This kicked off the discussion about the roads.

“At the end of the day this isn’t an argument about having all those extra people in the special housing area – it’s about the infrastructure that just doesn’t exist to support this kind of community and the issues this is going to create and the services that just aren’t there.

“Are we talking about putting in a dentist, a doctor, a supermarket? And what is the roading network going to look like?

“The roads aren’t capable of taking that sort of traffic.”

So really what the community is asking is

for the council to come up with some sort of viable plan and to have some control around rates, she said.

“We seem to have these solutions that need to go in now -and rates to pay for it – but ten years down the track we’ll find this isn’t suitable.”

One of the points of discussion was the Lake Hāwea sewage network which has been noncompliant since 2017.

We were told that Hāwea township was going to be connected up with Project Pure, Walthew said.

“The message has come back that the Project Pure connection isn’t going to be feasible because there are landowners who don’t want it to go through their land, there are going to be issues getting it across the river, there are going to be more pump stations than initially thought- so it's back to the drawing board.”

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North Wānaka wastewater upgrade to start

PHOTO: Andrew Miller

The pōwhiri was followed by a blessing of the new school building site, where preliminary construction will begin in the coming weeks.

New beginning for Mount Aspiring College PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

The new solution will see the construction of a new pump station at Beacon Point Road, which will carry wastewater to the existing Albert Town Pump Station.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

A new $13 million dollars upgrade to Wānaka’s wastewater infrastructure is set to start in early February, providing emergency storage, additional capacity and supporting improved resilience across the district’s wastewater network.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) general manager Property and Infrastructure Peter Hansby said the planned upgrade formed a key part of council’s plan to ensure infrastructure accommodated sustained growth in the area.

“Currently wastewater from North Wānaka flows to a pump station located on Lakeside Road. Through our planning work it was identified that this pump station has limited capacity and

emergency storage and can only be shut down for maintenance for short periods of time.”

“The new solution will see the construction of a new pump station at Beacon Point Road, which will carry wastewater to the existing Albert Town Pump Station. Other aspects of the project include additional emergency storage, a new rising main and gravity main from Beacon Point Road to Albert Town Pump Station via Lismore Street and SH84, a new gravity main and an extension of the Waimana Place pressure main. There will also be an upgrade of the Beacon Point Road gravity main, north of the pump station from Hunter Crescent,” Hansby said.

Hansby said the preferred location for the new pump station was chosen for a number of reasons.

“The Beacon Point Road location means we can divert wastewater away from Lake Wānaka, reducing the risk of unexpected spills should the system fail. It was also considered the best outcome due to its altitude, which maximises the use of a gravity drain for wastewater,” he said.

“We acknowledge that some residents living along Beacon Point road may feel uncomfortable with a pump station outside their properties. We’re now engaging closely with those living nearby to manage any disruptions while the project is underway and work through any concerns,” Hansby said.

A construction programme is currently being finalised and expected disruptions will be communicated ahead of time. The project is expected to be completed by June 2022.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Nicola Jacobsen began her new role as the new Mount Aspiring College principal on Monday with a pōwhiri.

Limited statutory manager Madeleine Hawkesby announced the appointment of the former Pakuranga College deputy principal last October.

Jacobsen said: “Today's pōwhiri was a humbling experience. I am grateful for the warm welcome from Kai Tahu, the school and the community. The students today showed great passion for their culture and their school.”

“I'm excited about the learning journey ahead, about providing excellent learning programmes for all of our students. I know that the partnership between the student, home, and school is crucial for young

people to experience success, and today's pōwhiri showed the strength of that relationship,” she added.

The traditional Māori welcoming ceremony featured a ‘handing over’ of care for Jacobsen, lead by Pakuranga principal Mike Williams.

Ian Hall, chairperson for the MAC Board of Trustees, extended his thanks to Williams and his team for being there, to Ngai Tahu for their blessing, and to the school community for “receiving Nicola so warmly.”

The pōwhiri was followed by a blessing of the new school building site, where preliminary construction will begin in the coming weeks.

The project is set to take three years to complete and will include a whare, two multi-story classroom blocks and an administration building.

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Home of the most extensive retirement lifestyle facilities in the region Call 03 443 6660 14 Golf Course Road, Wanaka www.aspiringvillage.co.nz PAGE 6

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

A&P Show- sustainability at the forefront Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Wānaka A&P Show (to be held March 1213 2021) is a vibrant, bustling example of an important Kiwi tradition. More than 40,000 people come to the show each year to experience the best of rural life.

The ethos of the Wānaka A&P Show is living off the land, respecting the land and celebrating the land. That’s why environmental sustainability is a responsibility the show takes very seriously – after all, it wants locals and families to enjoy this event for many generations to come.

With 40,000 people attending the Wānaka Show each year, sustainability is an endeavour that requires a little Kiwi ingenuity and planning.

Throughout the year, the show’s team has been asking the questions: “how can we reduce waste and how can we recycle it?”

Working towards becoming more environmentally friendly is a constantly evolving journey. This year, organisers have developed some sustainability guidelines and practices that all trade exhibitors and showgoers should abide by for the collective good of the town and the planet.

These are: • No single-use coffee cups. Wanakup will be at the Show providing reusable cups for a refundable deposit.

• No single-use plastic bottles. Organisers are encouraging food stallholders to provide beverages in aluminium cans and there will be water stations around the showgrounds to refill drink bottles.

• Food court sustainability hubs will be at either end of the main food court with

PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun

More than 40,000 people come to the show each year to experience the best of rural life.

signage educating people on what goes into each bin.

• These hubs will also include compost bins for food scraps to help reduce the amount of waste going into the rubbish bins.

Implementing change isn’t always easy but the goal of the organisers of one of the South Island’s largest lifestyle events is to firmly cement these “guidelines” as official, nonnegotiable rules by 2024.

By this time, the show aims to have reduced waste by 30 per cent and is encouraging all trade exhibitors to share the same vision. If they choose reusable or recyclable products and provide

compost bins for food scraps, the event should be able to reduce the number of public rubbish bins on-site each year.

But it’s not just about cutting back on waste – organisers want to reduce the amount that’s recycled. By encouraging the use of reusable drink bottles, reusable cups, reusable eating utensils and reusable bags, the event can achieve the objective of decreasing the amount of waste recycling by 15 per cent each year.

Small changes now will lead to big changes in the future and organisers hope the 2021 event will inspire the community to live more sustainably.

The Wānaka Show: a vibrant, bustling example of an important Kiwi tradition.

The Council Word Wānaka Community Board meetings resume The first Wānaka Community Board meeting of 2021 is taking place on 18 February in the Armstrong Room in the Lake Wānaka Centre beginning at 10.00am. It is open to the public but please remember that if you want to speak in the public forum make sure that you register either by telephoning 03 443 0024, emailing governance@qldc.govt.nz or by registering via the QLDC website.

Want to know more about local projects? “Pop in” for a chat!

We’ll be kicking off the New Year with one of our Community “Pop In” sessions – hosted by your Community Board members on Wednesday 3 February, 12.00pm to 1.00pm at the Wānaka Recreation Centre. If you have any questions around these projects or any other topics of interest, drop by and join us for a chat over a cuppa and a biscuit.

Outdoor games on the lakefront We’re hosting outdoor games every Thursday between 12.00pm and 2.00pm on Pembroke Park by the Skate Park. We’ve got everything from badminton and lawn tennis to kubb, jenga and giant pick up sticks, frisbees and balls. It’s the perfect chance for you to challenge a friend or a workmate to a game, and all are welcome!

Dog Registration Amnesty This month, QLDC is running a Dog Registration Amnesty. That means for all of February, any dog registered will receive their tag free of charge for the remainder of the 2020/2021 registration period. For more information and to register your dog, head to www.qldc.govt.nz/register-your-dog

Stage Three of Wānaka LDP The Work on Stage Three of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan begins this week and will see the implementation of a number of features between Bullock Creek and the Marina, including wide-scale native planting, a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, and a boardwalk running along the lake’s edge. From 26 February 2021, Lakeside Road will be closed to southbound traffic between the Marina and Ardmore Street, with a detour in place via Lismore Street and Hedditch Street. Access will be maintained for northbound traffic. More on this at www.qldc.govt.nz

Trusted Healthcare for Life

Wanaka Medical has stood at the heart of our community for 40 years, looking after generations of families with leading treatments and evidence-based care.

We understand that every body, and every life, is different.

Arts project funding open QLDC provides and administers a range of funding options to help support local projects and events to promote community wellbeing.

Our Creative Communities Scheme funding round is now open: you can find more details at www.qldc.govt.nz/community-funding

Wanaka Medical, Trusted Healthcare for Life. e: office@wanakamedical.co.nz t: (03) 443 0710

a: 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

www.WanakaMedical.co.nz

www.qldc.govt.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

PAGE 7

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

A timely reminder to keep scanning Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Scanning in using the NZ COVID Tracer app dropped to a fifth of its peak across the country before the most recent scare in Auckland.

The number of scans per day doubled between January 21 and January 28, but has since begun to drop back off again as the threat of community transmission appeared to reduce.

If you are one of those people who forget to scan when you enter a cafe, restaurant or shop, this is a timely reminder to get back into the habit.

Southern DHB Chief Medical Officer, Nigel Millar, said he was “extremely concerned” that the public were not doing “this simple thing to help keep us all safe, and potentially avoid another lockdown.”

Given that the UK and South African variants, now in isolation facilities across New Zealand, are a lot more contagious - and the risk of them spreading in the community if they escape from managed isolation has increased significantly he urged Southerners to remember to scan QR codes wherever they go.

Medical Officer of Health, Michael Butchard,

added: “Our isolation facilities have stringent infection, prevention and control protocols, but we are all human and a breach could happen.

If we have a community case of one of the new variants it could spread very quickly, and unless we know where the public has been and who they have been with, it will be extremely hard to contain.

“The faster contact tracers are provided with information about where people have been in the previous 14 days, the faster we can get ahead of the virus and break the chain of transmission.”

Most people, if asked where they were this time last week, wouldn't be able to remember, and Millar said he couldn’t stress enough how important it was to keep a record of where you have been and who you have been with.

“We need the whole team of 300,000 people in Southern to be on their game to help us get through. We cannot relax and we probably have the whole year to get through before enough people will be vaccinated for us to be safe.

“This doesn’t only mean scanning QR codes, but also includes remembering to wash our hands, stay home if we’re sick and getting a test if we have any cold or flu symptoms.”

What to do if you find a lost cat Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Cat Rescue Wānaka (CRW) recently covered the cost of getting the Kahu Youth cat, Buddy, microchipped and registered in an “act of goodwill from one charity to another” and as part of a drive to encourage people who find what they believe to be a stray cat to check if it does in fact have a home.

The following advice from CRW’s Rachel Allibone also comes off the back of Wānaka Sun's story about Luna, an Auckland cat who was reunited with her owner when she was taken into Wānaka Vets to be checked out, nine months after going missing.

“We really appreciate members of the public wanting to care for and take pity on an animal they think may be lost or a stray,” said Allibone.

“It's important to remember that not all cats that look lost, are friendly, or miaow a lot are in fact homeless, lost or hungry. Some cats are just particularly sociable and love to be fed.”

Steps to take if you find a cat you believe to be lost:  The first thing is to ascertain if the cat is lost/homeless or not. Things you can do include: door-knocking neighbours and neighbouring businesses - asking if the

cat is theirs, or if they know of the cat.

Remember, in cat world neighbours aren't just the ones immediately adjacent, but can include those over the back fence and a few doors down.  Take a photo and post on social media, asking if it is owned. Not everyone is on social media, so leaflet drops with a photo and contact details are also very effective.

This is also a good way to reach people who may be feeding a cat while its owners are away, but the cat is never home when they come to feed it. An A4 poster with this info can also be placed on lamp posts/notice boards in the area too.  Check lost pet posts on social media (e.g.

Lost & Found Pets Wānaka), Trade Me, and Pets on the Net.  Phone/email (with photo) the vets and CRW to see if anyone has reported their cat missing that matches the description.  If the cat is friendly enough to be patted, or it's visiting someone's home or workplace, you can put a paper collar on - a strip of paper saying, This cat has been visiting me, if it's yours, please phone me’ (ensure it's not too tight and two fingers can be fitted beneath). Hopefully the cat will return home with the collar intact for

PHOTO: Southern DHB

Dr Michael Butchard: “Please don’t wait until the next community case to start scanning again - if there is a case discovered today, we may need to know the places you visited in the past 14 days.”

owners to find and respond. The SPCA website has paper collar templates and more info on this.  Don't detain the cat initially as it may be local and on its way home, or social and looking for company while owners are at work or away. If it’s a friendly kitten, too young to be out unsupervised, then pick it up and, after a bit of door-knocking and social media, take it to the vets.  Don't feed the cat. Some cats are on specific diets for medical reasons, and feeding them could put their health at risk. Medical reasons, along with advanced age, can be a reason why

Tickets on sale February 12!

cats can look a bit skinny or scruffy.  If it has been established that the cat is lost, then take it to the vets who can scan it for a microchip and assess its age and general health. The vets and CRW have a good relationship, and if no owner is found, the vet practice will contact us for fostering.

“The story of Luna is amazing, and a testament to why all cats need to be microchipped and have the microchip registered on the NZ Companion Animal Register,” said Allibone. “It can save an inordinate amount of distress and time (both vet practice time and volunteer time) if cats are microchipped and registered.”

PHOTO: Supplied

Kahu Youth’s Hemi Cordell: “Buddy, the unofficial mascot of Kahu Youth, has been 'with us' for a year (although we're pretty sure he only pops in for cuddles and ham). Popular amongst the youth at Kahu, Buddy can regularly be found in a state of deep serenity on the sofa despite the noise and happy chaos at The Crib!”

PAGE 8

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Dogs on holiday causing Hundreds of native fish killed penguin nightmare by drain pollution Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTOS: DOC

A rare tawaki or Fiordland crested penguin, is thought to have been killed by a dog at a Haast wildlife refuge.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking pet owners to ensure their animals are under control and kept out of prohibited areas following the recent death of a rare tawaki or Fiordland crested penguin, thought to have been killed by a dog at a Haast wildlife refuge.

Recently, a dog was seen running loose in the Okahu/Jackson Bay Wildlife Refuge and a short time later, clumps of tawaki feathers were found in the coastal forest beside the Wharekai Te Kou walking track. A tawaki penguin on another Haast beach had also been handed in by a member of the public who found it injured on the beach, with evidence of being attacked by a dog. The penguin had to be put down.

A wildlife refuge is strictly off limits to all but approved conservation dogs. Wildlife refuges contain either breeding colonies of animals or particularly rare animals, which suffer when dogs enter the area.

Biodiversity Ranger Inge Bolt said people were ignoring the signage at the Wharekai Te Kou track which is a wildlife refuge where dogs are strictly prohibited.

Penguins and other ground dwelling native birds don’t naturally co-exist with dogs, and they can’t escape easily – it takes just a second for a dog to cause a fatal injury to a penguin.

“Responsible dog owners need to read the signs and know where their dog is allowed particularly in sensitive wildlife areas. In some area’s dogs are allowed, but only on a lead.

“People are also ignoring the council signage in the settlement of Jackson Bay requiring dogs to be on a lead. Both of these restrictions are in place to protect the penguins and seabirds that live in this area."

Stormwater drain pollution is the likely cause of a fish kill yesterday in Wānaka, said Touchstone Project leader Chris Arbuckle. Hundreds of native fish have died in a spring fed creek near the Wānaka showgrounds.

Arbuckle said upland bullies and koaro were killed by a likely pollution incident sourced from a stormwater drain exiting from Landsdown Road. Arbuckle was alerted by Poppy and Lisa McFarlane to the dead fish yesterday afternoon, and Touchstone immediately contacted Otago Regional Council (ORC) to investigate possible pollution.

The creek is monitored regularly through a Touchstone and ORC water quality project.

“The drain has a history of people dumping whatever in it so it’s one we keep an eye on,” said Arbuckle. “Last year during the Wānaka A&P Show it was full of blue paint, flowing from the same suspect drain.”

“I’m pretty pissed off,” he added. “After wandering the creek, with the help of Poppy’s net and bucket, we managed to save two large koaro and a large upland bully. These fish are precious,

PHOTO: Supplied

The small spring fed creek running alongside the Wānaka showgrounds has a history of pollution. Last year during the Wānaka A&P Show it was full of blue paint.

often living in large numbers in our creeks unknown to many who walk by the streams around Wānaka. We released them into nearby Stoney Creek, hoping they will survive.

“If not for vigilant members of the community, these sorts of environmental disasters go unreported. Apparently yesterday several children played in the creek near the lake, they reported fish were alive in the drain.”

The creek will be monitored next week as a follow-up to this latest stormwater drain incident.

Water security for Luggate township West Coast Penguin Trust Manager, Inger Perkins.

West Coast Penguin Trust Manager, Inger Perkins agreed.

“The Trust has worked hard to ensure consistent messages are presented across the West Coast at beach access points. It is a simple message – keep dogs on leads in coastal vegetation and after dark at the beach. At other times, keep the dog under very close control.

Never take them into areas where they are prohibited. We have been working for several years to understand and better manage threats to tawaki. Dogs should not be one of the threats.

These penguin deaths were entirely avoidable.”

Haast receives a lot of visitors from the South Island and further afield. Many stay in Air Bnb’s, campgrounds, motels or baches and are there for holidays and weekends. Some people bring their dogs, but a few people are ignoring the rules, and their dogs can have a devastating impact.

Maps detailing areas of dog access and prohibition were available from DOC – either on the website or at visitor centres. If people were unsure, they should seek advice. Dog permits could be obtained from DOC for some areas, depending on the wildlife of that area.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

A new water bore in the Luggate township may remedy the summer water restrictions of last year, when residents were asked to halt irrigation and outdoor watering systems.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been looking into a new bore to replace the two that currently supply the township's water and are confident they have found one.

Council hope to start drilling at the site on conservation land near the Red Bridge in Marh/ start of April.

QLDC Three Waters Strategic Adviser Catriona Lamont said; “Preliminary investigations were carried out (through air core drilling) which showed suitable ground conditions for new bores. They also indicated the site is likely to be hydraulically connected to the Clutha. Additional investigations, including drilling of wider diameter bore and pump tests are required to determine if the bore site will have sufficient yield and water quality to service the town.”

QLDC has obtained the required consents from the Otago Regional Council to carry out water testing. It has also secured permission

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

An alternative water source has been found for Luggate near the Red Bridge.

from the Department of Conservation to use land at the end of Church Road to build a water treatment plant and amenities.

“If the investigations give positive results this site will be developed and resolve the previous water restrictions issues,”said Lamont.

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

SCWK45WS4

PAGE 9

Sun Community

NEWS IN BRIEF Lockdown barely dents drowning stats in 2020 Despite being in lockdown for part of 2020 New Zealand’s provisional drowning toll is only just below the five year average.

The provisional preventable drowning toll for 2020 is 74 (the five year average 2015 -2019 is 81). Drowning is the leading cause of recreational death and the third highest cause of accidental death in New Zealand.

“Every one of these preventable fatalities leaves a family and a community devastated,” said spokesperson Sheridan Bruce.

The COVID-19 level 4 lockdown ran between March 25 and April 27 with boaties ordered out of the water until level 2 on May 13. In 2020 Boating/Paddling fatalities are down at 10 from 19 in 2019, noting however that there’s also been a large increase in water related recreational sales as New Zealanders flocked to the water and enjoyed domestic tourism.

“We really want to see people going out on boats and paddle craft with their lifejackets on. The data is clear - this simple act saves lives,” said Bruce.

“Taking two forms of water proof communication is the other key message. A VHF radio attached to your person and a distress beacon so you can get help if you need it.”

Responsible outdoor burning ORC is reminding people to consider their neighbours – and the rules of the Air Plan – when burning outdoors this season.

ORC Acting General Manager Regulatory Peter Winder emphasises that fire permits are not an approval to pollute.

“Outdoor burning may require a permit from the local district or city council, Fire and Emergency NZ and in some cases, the Department of Conservation. In all cases, however, you must also comply with any ORC Air Plan rules applicable to your property.

“Vegetation burn-offs are allowed under our Air Plan – and they may also be permitted by other authorities – but they will be in breach of our rules if they lead to smoke, odour or particulate that may be offensive or objectionable beyond property boundaries.

“Our pollution team monitors fires causing offensive discharges, and may investigate or take enforcement action as necessary.”

Volunteers please!

Challenge Wānaka is after volunteers to help with the event. At just over three weeks away (February 19) now is the time to get your name down for a great day out with free lunch and drink. The event features a brand new course at Glendhu Bay with scenery to die for. If you are interested contact Volunteer Manager Sarah at: volunteer@challenge-wanaka.com AGM Wānaka Ski and Snowboard Club This will happen on February 14 at 4.30 at Snow Sports NZ, 78 Anderson Road. If you have an interest in snowsports, head along.

Fire risk meeting packed full The Lake Wānaka Centre’s Armstrong Room was packed full last night of concerned Mt Iron residents, as well as FENZ, QLDC, DOC and Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management representatives, gathered together to discuss the risk of fire at the urban/rural interface.

Inside the Mt Iron fire red zone are 373 properties and 255 buildings at risk due to a number of factors, including the high density of manuka and kanuka vegetation, the limited access to residential developments and the steep slopes; every 15 degrees of elevation doubles the rate at which fire can spread. As the lead organisation, FENZ presented a four-part plan to address growing awareness of the fire risk in the area; reduction, readiness, response and recovery. Information from the meeting will be made available to the public in the coming days.

thewanakasun.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

...and more comment on the 40km/hr issue I see you published some letters on the 40 km/h and Calum’s response.

The speed limit as such is not the issue, it’s a disingenuous Council – I see in the Wānaka App today even the Lake Hawea community is throwing toys about QLDC’s lack of engagement and utility.

So, I want to drill into one little area that shows the short memories and fluff our elected members have.

I made a comment in my letter to Calum deliberately to provoke (using dictates) paraphrased on what Calum had stated to a group before: “As to moving from Wānaka that is an often misquoted phrase. I have never used the term ‘...should move from Wānaka if you do not like how the QLDC dictates the place is run...’.”

Calum responded to me: “Your interpretation is - for want of a better description - an alternative fact and I respectfully decline any response.”

And in Calum’s letter in today’s Wānaka Sun: “As to moving from Wānaka that is an often misquoted phrase. I have never used the term ‘….should move from Wānaka if you do not like how QLDC dictates the place it runs…””

This comment was based on occasion when Calum suggested that if we were not happy about the way Wānaka is being developed we should go elsewhere, as at a (very well attended) U3A meeting organised by Richard at the St. John building. It might therefore be that there is a record in U3A Minutes.

The place to which Calum advised the dissatisfied to go was Athol……….see Wikipedia.

There is no question of misinterpretation.

One occasion when Calum suggested that if we were not happy about the way Wānaka is being developed we should go elsewhere, was at a (very well attended) U3A meeting organised by Richard Paxman at the St. John building. It might therefore be that there is a record in U3A minutes which I do not have to hand.

The place to which Calum advised the dissatisfied to go was Athol – that destination is strangely enough remembered by some who opted, against advice, to stay in Wānaka.

I took that in the context that we who vote and pay rates seem to have to suck up how Wānaka is developed – I see an unsubstantiated speed limit regime as “development” in this regard.

I based my comment on the felt intent of Calum’s past remark.

Piet Beukman

Calum’s response The reason I refused to comment to Mr Beukman about; “ ... As to moving from Wānaka that is an often mis-quoted phrase. I have never used the term ‘... should move from Wānaka if you do not like how the QLDC dictates the place is run...’.”

Is because this is true - I did not say this. I would never say this. Context is everything.

I declined to comment to Mr Beukman because I have an issue with the addition of the term “ ... how QLDC dictates the place is run ... “ I did present to the U3A. I have presented to many organisations, many times, over many years. I have never seen the minutes.

What I said was in reference to how we - as a district - were growing at the time. I used this description with several presentations I gave around this time period.

I was trying to discuss how we were growing and to raise the spectre of unbridled growth. I used similar comments on the hustings. From memory it would have been along the lines of the following.

Wānaka is growing. This is a fact. When I first got here in 1989 we were a town of around 2500. Today we are probably closer to 12 thousand. This is a best estimate from the Wānaka Medical Centre. This is not QLDC’s doing. We are not actively driving growth.

It is simply a fact. To my mind growth is probably better than stagnation. I may then have referenced Opotiki which has the highest level of deprivation in New Zealand as a comparator. I then said that my and QLDC’s job was how to best plan to deal with this. I suggested that we all had three possible options: 1 - Put your head in the sand, ignore this growth and hope for the best.

2 - Openly discuss and plan for this growth in the best way we can.

3 - Pack up and move to Athol.

This would have been done with my standard irreverent delivery, with a smile on my dial. It was intended to be facetious.

It was absolutely not a call to put up with ‘ ...how QLDC dictates the place is run ... “. It was in fact intended to be exactly the opposite. It was a call to get involved in working towards a positive solution. As I have said on many occasions - will continue to say, and probably would have said at the time - a connected community will be the salvation of our fine town.

Other people interpret what is said in many ways.

One hears what one wants to hear. I declined to comment to Mr Beukman because I had an issue with the addition of the term “ ... how QLDC dictates the place is run ... “. I did not want to get into a he said, she said conversation.

Calum MacLeod

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

SCWK45WS5

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Community

thewanakasun.co.nz

HIKING COLUMN

Over the hill and up Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Another hike from over the Crown Range this week - and perhaps a sign that I’ve only got the bigger hikes left to do, and I’m procrastinating…

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is Queenstown’s answer to Mount Iron - the close-to-town track that locals can do before or after work, or even on their lunch break if they’re speedy - although, like most things about Queenstown, it’s twice as big and surprisingly steep (pun intended).

The funny thing about this hike is that the walk to the start point from where you’ve managed to park your car - again, it’s Queenstown, so that’s inevitably quite far away - is probably the steepest bit. There’s nothing quite like starting a 500m climb on a hot summer day, already a little out of breath

and sweaty.

Nevertheless, it’s a very worthwhile - and educational - 500m climb. As you walk up through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapunui (mountain of intense sacredness), you’ll pass information plates explaining the history of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, including flora and fauna, and the slightly bizarre Basket of Dreams sculpture - a great place to sit and catch your break with some incredible views across the lake, over to the gondola, and in every other direction.

It’s a fairly busy hike, but we found that the majority of people on the track with us veered off on the shorter loop, and from there we were alone to enjoy the views and cool breeze on our way to the summit.

Despite the parking challenges, this lovely hike was a welcome change of scenery, and a great form of preemptive penance for all the eating and shopping to follow.

PHOTO: Joanna Perry

Despite the parking challenges, this lovely hike was a welcome change of scenery, and a great form of preemptive penance for all the eating and shopping to follow.

CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’ What is the most important thing in creating a great bird photograph?

Is it the camera, or the lens or the bird?

Well, to create a stunning bird picture there are several factors we need to consider.

Of course the most important of all is the subject itself, the bird. But even the most attractive bird will not necessarily make a great image unless other elements are taken into consideration.

These include the quality and direction of light; composition; the foreground and the background; correct camera settings and the position we take the image from.

Bird photography is much more than the camera and the lens. A good result can be achieved with any camera or mobile phone if they are used skillfully.

That said a decent APSC or DX camera fitted with a long telephoto lens (ideally up to 300mm) makes it easier to photograph a distant or flapping bird.

Yet this ideal combination will not be guaranteed to make great images if not used creatively.

If we don’t possess a long telephoto lens there

is nothing to stop us taking great pictures of birds in our back-garden or ducks, geese, gulls or herons which are easily approachable.

Photography is all about light. Indeed the word photography is derived from the two Greek words ‘drawing with light.’

Good quality light can captivate our subject making wonderful images.

Early morning or late afternoon are ideal conditions for bird photography as light is soft with no harsh shadows and brings out the colours in the plumage.

We naturally tend to make eye contact with any living thing and birds are no different.

Always keep the bird's eyes in sharp focus. If there is no light in the eyes the bird will look far less appealing to our viewer.

Composition is another major factor and is not difficult to achieve if we use a few basic principles like the rule of thirds and using colour contrast by aiming for a complementary background.

A clean uncluttered background is key to a good bird photo.

This is easier if we fill the frame as it enables our viewer to focus on the bird and we will achieve a pleasing blur.

PHOTO: Jacqui Scott

Bell Bird.

A great bird photo is Jacqui Scott’s ‘Bell Bird’ which impressed the club’s judge who awarded it an Honours’ with the comments ‘Beautifully captured image of the bellbird. The angle and the turned head while the shallow depth of field helps separate the bird from the background. Excellent catchlight in the eye.’

Jacqui took her picture using an Olympus

E-M5Mark11 camera with an aperture of f6.1, exposure 1/250th sec and a focal length of 364mm.

Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to improving the skills of anyone interested in photography. Come along and see what we can do for you. Our next meeting is February 8, 7.30 pm St John’s Room, Link Way. – By Jacqui Scott

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

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PAGE 11

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GREBE DIARY 9 February 03, 2020

This week’s photo is by John Langley and is of the Hawea triplets. They seem to be doing very well, though this last week, “the parents” were seen on and near the old nest. Chicks were not present. Reference to the parents in parenthesis is suggesting some doubt on my part as to whether they are the parents or another pair moving in.

The latest news is that the chicks have not been seen since the 27 January whereas the pair of birds seen earlier are now reduced to a singleton. I am sure the Hawea folk puzzle over my seemingly excessive interest in their birds. Here is why I am so interested.

As can be appreciated it has not been easy to follow the fortunes of individual pairs of grebes and their offspring in Lake Wānaka for several reasons. One is the sheer size of the lake and other factors include the general observation that most pairs and their progeny move away from the marina when the chicks are very young, usually not more than a day or so old.

For the first two years of this study, most of the chicks were reared around the marina area and adults guarded both nest and chicks for up to two months or more. Year three was when things changed dramatically with 46 pairs attempting to breed at the marina in the one season. Nesting space was at a premium and as soon as a pair had hatched their eggs, they were bundled off their nests and new birds moved in. Since then, mayhem has ruled (we had 19 pairs all nesting at the same time this year), thus it has been impossible to follow the fortunes of any of them once they

have left the nest.

Sometime back I was able to follow a brood of two chicks one of which had suffered an injury and noted that when they were almost six weeks old, their parents re-occupied their old nest, laid four eggs, incubated them meantime continuing to feed and support the first brood.

That all changed when the eggs hatched.

The older chicks continued to approach the parents but were quite viciously beaten off by the adults. Even more, interestingly, the larger of the two chicks began to beat up its smaller sibling, even though they were not being fed by their parents. It was not long before the new brood of three chicks were as big as the injured chick of the first brood.

All of that may be atypical, but by following the Hawea birds we may be able to get a handle on the timing of the second brood and associated behaviour. I find it of interest that these observations may suggest that the birds make a significant investment in its first brood up to about six weeks of age, and then appear to make a fairly risky decision to start a second brood, begging the question as to which of these two broods is most likely to survive. In among all of this is the matter of asynchronous hatching leading to an age hierarchy within the brood to the disadvantage of the youngest offspring.

There are other differences between these two in which I am forced to make assumptions which include that a female that lays three eggs (Wānaka pair first clutch) is younger than a female that lays four eggs, the Hawea birds.

There is an incredible team in Hawea posting daily updates.

PHOTO: John Langley

The Hawea triplets: they seem to be doing very well.

There are but few nests left to hatch. Nest 10 departed with two chicks on the 27th, Nest 12 will have hatched by the time you read this, RC will hatch the first week of February leaving Nests 5 and 2 to round off the season in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of February.

Most of you will be aware that Stage 3 of the Lake development plan is underway. I am seriously chuffed The prospect of creating a freshwater ecosystem is exciting and will be wonderful.

– By John Darby

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EDITORIAL

Those utterly precocious boats Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

For someone who has never been on a yacht in their life, I have been enthralled by America’s Cup racing these last few weeks.

Those utterly precocious boats whizzing around the Waitemata Harbour balanced inexplicably on nothing, reaching speeds of 50 knots (over 90 km per hour), occasionally tipping over, and generally providing a spectacle that can't help but impress even a non-yachtie like me.

In the first few races (pre-races to the Cup) I was gunning for Emirates Team New Zealand and Peter Burling, the defenders, of course. I needn't have because they won easily.

Then when the Prada Cup began, I was for the under-dogs Ineos Team UK skippered by Sir Ben Ainslie. They’d made a poor start in the pre-racing, but had done a lot of work in the interim. They also won easily, without my help.

Unfortunately, the American Magic boat Patriot skippered by our own Dean Barker had a spectacular upside down and spent the next two weeks putting the boat back together.

When they came back out to fight for a spot in the semi’s against the Italian boat Luna Rossa, they never really fired. I felt for them when they went down 4-0 to the Italians.

The executive director of American Magic Terry Hutchinson said after the last race; “It’s brutal,” with tears in his eyes. “It’s just brutal.

We’ve had a lot of people support us, and so ultimately you feel a responsibility to that. I wear these things on my sleeve, and this stuff is brutal.”

Three years of preparation down the drain -I could have cried with him.

But what had intrigued me with all this racing was the complete lack of women in the crews. I wasn’t sure why this was- surely there must be some positions that would suit a female?

I did a bit of digging on Google and found an article by RNZ from a few years ago- the last America’s Cup. It said that of Team New Zealand's 91 staff, five were women and none of them was part of the boat crew.

The industry says the boats are too physical for women and most don't have the experience to sail the foiling catamarans (they are now sailing foiling monohulls.)

But New Zealand's Olympic gold medalist Jo Aleh said at the time there were simply no opportunities for women to get experience in the first place.

She said often women were overlooked

PHOTO: Sail World

Ineos Team UK- moving up through the ranks.

for the Cup because they were not given the same opportunities and most of the crew would be handpicked.

"I guess it would be nice if there was a way that women could get to the same level, but there's no opportunity to prove yourself - women will never get there without experience or learning but there's nowhere for us to get that."

Leslie Egnot is the only woman ever to helm an America's Cup boat, skippering the allfemale crewed Mighty Mary in 1995.

She said the design of the boats now made it almost impossible for women to compete.

"You have to be insanely fit to sail these boats, and I know the guys on board are all trying to beef up so unfortunately for women they would lack the power and strength to get the boat up on the foils."

Team New Zealand's performance coach and five-time America's Cup winner Murray Jones said more women competing in Olympic sailing meant more would get the experience needed for an America’s Cup. "I think there will be women there with the opportunities to have a shot at getting on the boat, there's no reason why not, the experience they'll get through the Olympics will pay off.

But Yachting New Zealand chief executive Dave Abercrombie said despite more women being involved with sailing, more opportunities need to be created at the top level.

"Certainly there aren't as many women sailing at that level as there are men, and the strength requirements on the boats are designed at that high end - maybe there are some design considerations to be taken in the future.

"I think there's a lot of opportunities that we have not explored yet," Abercrombie said.

So what is it? Lack of physical strength? Lack of opportunity? Or is the industry, the pinnacle for new technology, just in the dark ages when it comes to gender equality?

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

Running Out Of Room - Part 1 Cemeteries big and small around the globe are running out of room. In NZ, councils are required by law to make burial places available, but some are grappling with how to continue this into the future. Wellington City Council are considering renting and recycling graves after weighing up the burden of continual upkeep of neglected graves. They are considering ‘leasing’ graves for say 20 years and once your ‘lease’ expires you would be exhumed and relocated or cremated— leaving the grave free for the next leasee. The Council asked for feedback and we will let you know the reaction in 2 weeks time.

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As another week comes to a close and schools open their doors, the motor camps are emptying out again after two months of sun and games.

Local Police have been busy dealing with a variety of incidents.

On January 25 Police dealt with a domestic incident where a Police Safety Order was issued.

We have received a number of calls this week for family harm related matters. For those of you experiencing family harm, you are not alone.

There are a number of support agencies we can engage you and your family with at any time, so please feel free to call or swing by. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Graffiti was reported in the Spencer House Mall outside the men’s toilet which happened between January 22-25. If anyone knows who may be responsible, please come and see us or give us a call.

On January 28 a male was located in the

PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL CROMWELL

Dublin Bay area after seeking help for a medical complaint. After he was checked out by ambulance, he was returned to his Wānaka address.

That same day Police received a complaint from some trampers that their vehicle had been broken into while parked at Cameron Flat. This is the second such matter in the near vicinity around the same period of time. Make sure valuables are not left in vehicles parked overnight in remote areas.

Police have been dealing with a number of complaints of theft of power tools from construction sites in the Hikuwai area. A reminder to builders to secure their valuables or take them home each night.

Over the weekend there was damage caused to several businesses in town where shop front windows were smashed and garage doors damaged. This is entirely reckless and not what we expect to have happen to property so please give us a call if you know anything about this. We will find out who is responsible.

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THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

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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

GIB STOPPING Need a GIB stopper?

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STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

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SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1012

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: Joanna Perry • 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 THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

NOTICES

THANKS

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.

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.

SERVICES 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.

WANTED 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.

PROPERTY Luxury house wanted.

I am helping a returning expat family find a special property, something unique. Anything considered. They are ready to buy and flexible on possession.

If you are thinking of selling please call in confidence, Graham Berry, 4432854 or gb@primerealestate.co.nz for experienced and discreet real estate advice. Licensed under the REAA 2008 Rural property wanted.

I am helping find a rural property for a retired Southland couple. Anything considered. Ready to buy and flexible on possession. If you are thinking of selling or subdividing rural land please call in confidence, Graham Berry, 4432854 or gb@primerealestate.co.nz for experienced and discreet real estate advice. Licensed under the REAA 2008 Property Wanted.

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They are ready to buy and flexible on possession, a long settlement could be acceptable. If you are thinking of selling please call in confidence, Graham Berry, 4432854 or gb@primerealestate.co.nz for experienced and discreet real estate advice. Licensed under the REAA 2008

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Sun Sport / Classifieds

X Games win makes history

PHOTO: ESPN Images_Joshua Duplechian

Porteous was also the first freeskier to ever land a right double 1620 and the combination of a right double 1620 into a left double 1620 in a halfpipe competition.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

It was the biggest weekend of the season so far for Wānaka snowsports at the prestigious X Games in Aspen, Colorado, where snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott continued her winning streak with a bronze and silver medal, and Nico Porteous was the first New Zealander to ever win gold in the Freeski SuperPipe.

19-year-old Sadowski-Synnott claimed the Snowboard Slopestyle silver medal on Saturday and the Big Air bronze on Sunday, the fourth and fifth X Games medals of her career - and her third big win in a matter of weeks, after securing gold at the FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup in Austria and silver at the LAAX Open FIS Slopestyle World Cup in Switzerland already this year.

In the slopestyle event, her three-part rail section consisted of a 50/50 gap to back board, front lip to switch and a switch front blunt 270 out on the flat bar. In the jump section, consisting of two traditional jumps and two transition features, she performed a switch back 900 mute grab into a back 900 melon grab, then into a cab under flip 540 and a crippler.

Jamie Anderson (USA) took the gold medal and Laurie Blouin (CAN) took bronze.

In Sunday’s Big Air competition, SadowskiSynnott landed a front 1080 and a back 1080 for a combined score of 86.

“To get on the podium was amazing because of how high the level of Big Air is right now,” she said. “My goal for the event was to land back 1080 and front 1080, that’s what I came here to do so I am super happy.”

Anderson (USA) again won gold, securing her

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19th X Games medal. Miyabi Onitsuka ( JPN) claimed the silver medal. Although Onitsuka had the same combined score as Sadowski-Synnott, she held the higher single trick score (47) which ranked her ahead.

In between these two successes for SadowskiSynnott came the achievement of a “lifelong dream” for 19-year-old Nico Porteous, who made history when he won the 2021 X Games Aspen Freeski SuperPipe gold medal on Saturday night the first time a New Zealand athlete has ever won the gold in that event.

He was also the first freeskier to ever land both his right double 1620, and the combination of a right double 1620 into a left double 1620 in a halfpipe competition, during his third of four runs.

“That run has been in the works for the past year and half. I dreamt that run and have worked really hard at it and gave it my best shot to make it become a reality this NZ winter with the help of Cardrona Alpine Resort and High Performance Sport New Zealand,” said Porteous.

“It has been a lifelong dream for me, so it is pretty surreal right now and pretty out of this world.”

Porteous was joined on the podium by Aaron Blunck with the silver medal and Birk Irving with the bronze, both from the USA. Porteous’ coach Tommy Pyatt added that the two factors leading to this success were “the fact that Nico had almost landed the complete winning run numerous times in training over the past two weeks,” and that not being surrounded by the usual, pre-Covid crowd, “Nico felt there was less pressure on him, which allowed him to ski at his best.”

SITUATION VACANT

PHOTO: ESPN Images_Phil Ellsworth

19-year-old Sadowski-Synnott claimed the Snowboard Slopestyle silver medal on Saturday and the Big Air bronze on Sunday, the fourth and fifth X Games medals of her career.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Review of QLDC’s Food Grading Bylaw 2016 The Statement of Proposal to review the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Food Grading Bylaw 2016 and associated fees is available for public submission from Friday 29 January at 9.00am. Further information will be available on the Council’s website: www.qldc.govt.nz. The document is also available for inspection at Queenstown Lakes District Council offices at Gorge Road, Queenstown, and Ardmore Street, Wānaka.

Any person or organisation has a right to comment on the review of QLDC’s Food Grading Bylaw 2016 and the proposed changes, and the Council encourages everyone with an interest to do so. Those wishing to make a submission can do so online at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz or by posting it to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 marked to the attention of Environmental Health.

Submissions must be received by Monday 1 March, 2021 at 5.00pm.

All submissions must be dated and include contact details such as your name, email or postal address and telephone number. We will not publish your contact details but may use them to get in touch with you about your submission.

Please advise whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission at any hearing.

A hearing will be held at a date to be confirmed.

PRIVATE REGISTERED NURSE Casual sleepover position 1-2 nights per week

Looking for a registered nurse to join an established nursing team who provide 24/7 medical care for a client in their own home with brain and spinal injuries.

Creative Communities Scheme Funding Round Now Open Funding is now available for community–based arts groups for performances, events and workshops that will provide a variety of opportunities for participation in those activities.

Funding round is now open and will close at 5.00pm, Friday 26 February 2021.

Applications are available from the Council website at: www.qldc.govt.nz/community-funding For any enquiries please contact Jan Maxwell, Relationship Manager Arts and Events, on the phone at 03 441 0469 or 027 233 7934 or via email at jan.maxwell@qldc.govt.nz

Applications to nurses@alpinegroup.co.nz The position is to start in the new year.

THURSDAY 04.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 10.02.21

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

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: AuthenticAs

The 10km event reached its full capacity at 60 participants, 20 of whom went into the 16 degree water without wetsuits.

Biggest turnout yet for Ruby Swim Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Perfect weather made for a successful Ruby Swim on Saturday with the biggest number of people in the water since the event started.

Organiser Eddie Spearing said the weather had been “make or break” for the swim to and around Ruby Island, ever since the first event in 2015 had to be called off due to 50 km/hour winds and 2m high swells.

With perfect conditions last Saturday, the

event saw around 420 people dive into a variety of events, from a 10k swim through to children’s Little Gems event, along with safety volunteers on nine jet skis, 11 kayaks and three SUP boards.

Spearing said The Ruby was a “fantastically popular event,” and one of the best Wānaka had to offer, with more than half the participants bringing “vibrancy” to town from Auckland, Wellington and all over the South Island.

The event offered the only 10km swim in the South Island, which was added as an extension to the 3.8km Ironman distance event three

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years ago due to demand for more endurance open water swim events that really challenged participants - to an olympic level. In its first year, the 10km event had 35 participants, and five or six competed without wetsuits. This year, it reached its full capacity at 60 people, 20 of whom went into the 16 degree water without wetsuits.

“People like the purity of swimming with no wetsuit,” said Spearing, adding that serious open water swimmers would train to adapt their bodies to going long distances, even three or more hours, in 14, 15 and 16 degree water, with

each degree making a huge difference to what their bodies could withstand.

The 5km option, introduced two years ago, was also maxed out at 60 participants, along with the 3.8km event at 65.

Spearing said that one of the most special things about swimming was that people of all ages could be competitive - and “age and body shape” did not define performance. And with the overall winners of the 10km race being Donal Barry, 55 (2:15), Steven Prescott, 66 (2:19), and William Tudgey, 19 (2:36), the numbers speak for themselves.

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