Happy birthday to both of us
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Billy’s no friend of bunnies Proud to support the Upper Clutha since 2000 PAGE 11
UC-exit support grows THUR 09.09.21 - WED 15.09.21
1600 names on petition Viv Milsom
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
ānaka councillors say they understand
W the strong support for a petition calling
for Upper Clutha to divorce Queenstown Lakes District Council. But deputy-mayor Calum MacLeod has warned that separations are not simple, pointing to the “Brexit fiasco” which surrounded Britain’s move to leave the European Union. Almost 1600 people have now the petition, a number which would triggering an investigation by the Local Government Commission. The commission becomes part of the scenario once 10 per cent of voters signed the petition. It would then consider whether the Upper Clutha should become a separate district, independent from QLDC, with its own local authority. The man behind the petition, Dean Rankin, said the petition was continuing to receive strong support. The long-standing Wānaka resident’s profile has been given a significant lift as a result of
his moves – and he was expecting to see national television coverage on the issue this week. Wānaka has three elected lakes district councillors, and while they are prepared to talk about the issue, none would give a definitive yes or no when asked whether or not they supported the petition. As the community mulls over going alone, the council itself is in the midst of a representation review which includes, as one option, abandoning the only Community Board under its wing – Wānaka. The three Wānaka representatives are Calum MacLeod, who is also deputy-mayor, Quentin Smith and Niamh Shaw “If you look at the Brexit fiasco - there was a great desire to leave Europe but the reality of doing that was not fully explored,” Calum MacLeod said. As to his personal position – “I am duty bound to retain an open mind”. He noted central government was carrying out a Representation Review and the initial feedback
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EDITION 1043
Calum MacLeod
he had would suggest the country was heading for larger Councils – akin to regional bodies – not smaller units. “I do feel generally that there is strength in numbers. We will always have a stronger voice nationally as a larger group.” Quentin Smith backed an investigation into different options, “but I am under no illusion that there are significant challenges to succeeding and forming our own Council.” He said it came as no surprise that Upper Clutha residents did not think being part of the QLDC was the best way forward. “The pros are self-evident, in that we would be in charge of our own decision making and funding to the extent that local government has mandate - but there are cons and challenges as well that we need to understand.” He said those challenges included the financial implications of such a move, the impact on rates, borrowing and capacity for investment and the economies of scale structurally. He also said in most sectors the Upper Clutha has been “really poorly served by centralisation… centralisation though three waters, RMA reform and local government reform are a scary prospect for Wānaka.” Niamh Shaw said it was clear people “in this area, particularly the smaller communities” were not happy with the way they were being represented at present and felt the QLDC was not adequately serving the Upper Clutha. “I am fully supportive of a review and investigation of the representation of the Upper
Niamh Shaw
Quentin Smith
Clutha District by the Local Government Commission. I will also be advocating that QLDC thoroughly considers the community feedback from the Representation Review. “This petition and the Representation Review are louder echoes of what this community has been saying for some time. She said she was undecided whether splitting from QLDC would be the best solution. “Having experienced the scale and complexity of what the QLDC deals with on a daily basis, I believe establishing a standalone council would be a mammoth project. I am supportive of changes to improve the current system, whether that be a fully supported and enabled Community Board, and/or a greater concentration of staff in the Upper Clutha.”
1 202 Ho m e B u il d e r s
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Drive in for your jab Wānaka Medical will run a drivethrough Covid vaccine clinic on Saturday. At last count more than 30 percent of people in the Southern District Health Board region had yet to have a first vaccine injection. More than 300,000 doses had been administered - about 70 per cent of people had had their first jab and 35 per cent were fully vaccinated. Saturday’s clinic will be open from 9.30am to 6pm. Spokesperson Moira Finn said bookings were preferred but not required, and people were encouraged to attend with their bubble to be vaccinated together.
The drive-through clinic is at the Old Mitre 10 Building off Cliff-Wilson Street. People should attend in a vehicle and remain in the car. Masks are required. Anyone over the age of 12 can book on BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26 and time between 8am and 8pm. “Those without bookings will be vaccinated on a first come first served basis,” Moira Finn said. A previously advertised drivein clinic on September 12 will not go ahead. People with an existing appointment on that day will be contacted by the booking service and asked to attend the Saturday event.
Green prankster blamed An apparent pollution incident investigated by Queenstown Lakes District Council is shaping up as an expensive hoax. The council invested time and money investigating after a stream into Lake Wakatipu ran bright green on August 15. The dye was traced back to Horne Creek near the Stone Bridge on Templeton Way, near the Queenstown library. “We received the full test report on the green dye on August 24,” spokesperson Sam White said. “As earlier indicators suggested, this report confirmed the presence of fluorescein.”
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Earlier the council said indicators were that it was plumber’s tracer dye fluorescein. “Given it was a significant quantity released into Horne Creek we can only assume it was a deliberate prank that has unfortunately caused a lot of people unnecessary concern and distress at the thought of someone endangering our waterways and wildlife,” the council posted on Facebook. “It’s certainly something council takes very seriously and we’re still keen to hear from anyone who may have information about who released it.”
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Northlake centre on the market
This home, with section marked in red, fetched over $2 millon at auction.
Eight Wānaka businesses are set to get a new landlord. Hospitality and office premises in the Northlake Village centre have gone on the market. The portfolio of hospitality and office premises includes a café bar with eight adjacent offices. Promotion material from Bayleys says the enclave of commercial sites was built in 2018 “in parallel with a fast-emerging adjoining residential suburb of the same name”. Bayleys Wānaka is one of the tenants. It says the Northlake Drive property consists of 1282 square metres of fully tenanted commercial buildings.
THURSDAY 09.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 15.09.21
PHOTOS: Bayleys
The Northlake premises include eight offices.
The eight units generate an annual rent of almost $300,000. Tenants include café and bar Monkey Farm, Home building firm Jennian Homes Southland, Property developer Winton Capital, home automation and audio installation firm Custom Digital, property development feasibility analysis business McElrea Consulting, Bayleys Wānaka, Construction Company Cook Brother Southern Lakes and holiday home rentals firm Release NZ. Bayley’s Jimmy Allen said the portfolio would appeal to investors looking for a low-maintenance modern commercial property “situated at the entrance way to
Wānaka’s newest residential locale – set to grow to 1,600 residences when fully developed”. Colleague Mat Andrews said Northlake Village Centre was, and still is, “very much at the bow-wave of Wānaka’s commercial expansion away from the town centre”. Meanwhile the jump in the prices people are prepared to pay for homes in Wānaka has been highlighted by an auction run by Bayleys. An 80-square-metre 1960s home in Beacon Point Rd which sold for $620,000 in 2014 went under the hammer for $2.125 million. At last look the median sale price for a section in Wānaka was $400 and the median for homes $1.2 million.
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Rates: more the merrier Ratepayers will be hit in the pocket a little less than expected – because there are more of them. Queenstown Lakes District Councillors have approved a rate take lift of 4.38% for 2021-2022 – slightly down on the increase they expected. Following Ten Year Plan submission in March and April, it was anticipated the rate take required would have to rise 5.45 percent - up from the initial proposal of 4.56 percent. General Manager Finance Legal and Regulatory Stewart Burns said the 4.38 per cent final figure was lower than expected because of growth across the district being greater than expected. The total number of rateable properties rose from 28,573 to 30,229 – up almost six percent in a year. “Essentially there are more properties, and properties that have increased in value, from which to collect rates than were forecast at the time of developing the draft Ten Year Plan,” he said. Property values do not impact on the overall rate take. Councils decide how much they need in rates, and the capital value of properties is a key factor in how much the owner will pay. The council then adds costs for specific services. The council was told the district-wide annual increase in capital value had been 3.55%, and the figure allowed for in the 10 year plan was 2.5%. Wānaka ward at 4.11 percent led the way from the Wakatipu/Arrowtown wards, 3.3 percent. So for the coming year, residential rates are set to increase by between 1.49% to 6.39% and business rates will go up between 0.85% to 5.72%.
The Rainbow connection Wānaka Community Board member Chris Hadfield has joined the ranks of those who improvise during lockdown. The owner of Ritual Cafe in Helwick Street lamented the cancellation of the Winter Pride event in Queenstown but wasn’t going to let the moment go completely unnoticed. “I became involved a few years ago and this year became part of the Roll Out The Rainbow which is designed as an all inclusive promotion including a Pride Pledge by businesses,” he said. “It is an initiative which aims to raise visibility for safe spaces in our communities. The focus is to raise awareness of the values of safety, inclusiveness and health for all LGBTQI+ people.” As part of the promotion the original plan was to have shops decorate their
Chris Hadfield was flying the flags.
windows with a Pride theme. The latest Covid break out and subsequent lockdown filled the Winter Pride event - and the shop window competition. “Despite this I decided that at the very least I could arrange for the Pride flags to be displayed. So with council permission I placed two flags on Helwick Street to mark the occasion,” he said. Winter Pride is a week of functions, skiing and apres ski events. This year’s event was to run from August 27 to September 5 and feature more than 40 events. Organisers had boosted capacity for the event by more than 1800 individual tickets. Organiser Martin King told media the cancellation meant “millions, millions and millions of economic impact lost.”
Beauty label looks to expand Viv Milsom
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Kester Black, a New Zealand beauty brand launched by Wānaka’s Anna Ross, is trying to raise $3 million through crowd funding. Ross says the $3m will go towards stock, infrastructure, product and packaging development and marketing. Kester Black was launched in 2014 by Ross in Melbourne but since the Covid pandemic she has been running her business from Wānaka.
Her current range of beauty products includes nail polish and treatments, eye-fi liners and lipsticks, all of which are promoted as vegan, cruelty-free, ethical and clean. Because Europe is regarded as having the most ethical global standards, Ross has her nail polish made in France and her lipsticks in Italy. Sustainability and social justice have been a key part in the Kester Black brand and it has won a string of global awards. The company’s products can be found on shelves in England, France
and Sweden. Ross plans to add mascara, brow pencils and skincare to her product range and expand into Singapore and the USA. During lockdown the USA provided the most e-traffic for Kester Black products, after Australasia. Ross attributes her significant e-sales growth during the last year to the ‘lipstick effect’. “Stuck at home people wanted to feel nice – they wanted little, affordable luxuries, like lipstick and nail polish,” she says.
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CLT granted $9.5 Million to the Community in 2020/21 CENTRAL LAKES TRUST (CLT) IS A CHARITABLE TRUST SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY BY GRANTING FUNDS FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES THROUGHOUT THE CENTRAL LAKES DISTRICT.
This financial year the Trust has been privileged to grant $9.5 million to community organisations throughout the Trust’s funding region, which spans most of Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. Since inception in 2000 the Trust has grown its asset base from the $155 million bestowed by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust to assets totalling $435 million, and granted over $118 million. In what was a difficult year, we
thank you! The good work the Trust is able to contribute towards is facilitated by our very own community members; without your drive and passion, the projects we have supported this year may never have got off the ground.
$118.4 million
Roxburgh $148,400 Millers Flat $36,200
$97.3 million
MEETING
5.30pm, Monday 27 September 2021 Attendance by RSVP only: info@clt.net.nz 0800 00 11 37
$9.5 million
Hawea $299,400 Wanaka $1,599,000 Luggate $749,400 Tarras $23,000 Glenorchy $178,400 St Bathans $8,600 Arrowtown $526,500 Omakau $81,300 Queenstown Cromwell $916,200 $3,453,500 Poolburn $5,900 Clyde $336,800 Bannockburn $51,600 Alexandra $978,100
Total dividends received from Pioneer Energy since 2000
PUBLIC
In the 2020/21 year approved 163 grants totalling
Total grants approved throughout our region
Total grants approved since 2000-2021
21ST ANNUAL
As we enter our 21st year we are confident that the Trust is in a good place to continue its pivotal community role enhancing assets and enriching lives throughout Central Lakes.
Makarora $62,600
2020/21
All members of the public are invited to our virtual:
Proudly retains 100% ownership of Pioneer Energy currently valued at
COVID-19 alert level dependent, see our website for further details
$116.1 million
Go to
www.clt.net.nz to view the 2020-2021 Annual Report
Holds total investment assets of
$450.0 million
Grants Approved April 2020 – March 2021 LIFELONG LEARNING Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust $129,528 Blue Light Central Lakes $1,370 Central Otago REAP $98,000 CLT Scholarships 2020 for 2021 $125,000 CLT Schools Emergency Fund - COVID 19 $235,000 Clyde Playcentre $1,650 Cromwell College $14,915 Cromwell Early Learning Centre $9,500 Cromwell Primary School $43,837 Cromwell Youth Trust $120,222 Dunstan High School $16,614 Graeme Dingle Foundation $20,000 Kahu Youth $201,000 Life Education Trust $30,000 Millers Flat School $10,000 Mount Aspiring College $31,811 New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education $20,000 Parenting Place $4,000 Queenstown Primary School $15,000 Road Safety Education Limited $4,540 Roxburgh Area School $2,737 Southern REAP $34,600 Sport Otago $139,040 Sticks ‘n Stones $106,478 St Josephs School $6,925 Street Smart $12,000 Street Smart $9,900 Tarras School $10,000 The Boys Brigade in New Zealand Incorporated $27,000 The Boys Brigade in New Zealand Incorporated $2,000 Wakatipu High School $28,319 Wakatipu High School $30,000 Wakatipu Youth Trust $183,600 Wanaka Preschool Early Childhood Centre Inc $3,346 Youth Employment Project $30,000 TOTAL $1,757,932
COMMUNITY WELLBEING Able Charitable Trust Age Concern Otago Age Concern Otago Age Concern Southland Incorporated Alexandra Baptist Church
$17,000 $90,000 $6,420 $50,000 $52,476
Alexandra Community Advice Network Inc. $10,000 Alexandra Community House $14,000 Alexandra Senior Citizens Centre Inc $12,000 Alzheimers Society Otago $20,371 Anglican Family Care Centre (Inc) $20,371 Anglican Family Care Centre (Inc) $9,750 Arthritis New Zealand $5,800 Baskets of Blessing $78,670 Birthright Central Otago $5,796 Birthright Central Otago $5,000 Blind Low Vision NZ $40,000 Cancer Society of NZ, Otago & Southland Division $67,223 Catholic Social Services $40,000 Catholic Social Services $6,500 Central Lakes Breastfeeding $27,000 Central Lakes Family Services $85,000 Central Lakes Family Services $45,000 Central Lakes Family Services $25,000 Central Otago Budgeting Services $65,000 Central Otago Budgeting Services $10,000 Central Otago Friendship Network $28,625 Central Otago Compassionate Friends $16,000 Central Otago Victim Support $12,000 Central Otago Victim Support $10,000 Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown $45,500 Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown $7,800 Central Otago Riding for Disabled $10,800 CLT - COVID-19 Community Support Role $59,500 CLT - COVID-19 Community Support Role $37,000 Community Law Otago $21,000 Community Networks Wanaka $120,000 Cosy Homes Charitable Trust $200,000 Cromwell Community Welfare Trust $4,670 Cromwell Lions Club $15,000 Cromwell Presbyterian Church $3,263 Cromwell Resource Centre Trust $39,723 Cromwell Resource Centre Trust $9,324 Cystic Fibrosis NZ $6,000 Disability Information Service $12,010 DRC Southland $10,000 Epilepsy Association of New Zealand Incorporated $5,000 Happiness House Trust $55,052 Hospice Southland $13,175 Journeys Charitable Trust $25,145 Kelvin Peninsula Community Association Incorported $5,000
Lakes District Air Rescue Trust $200,000 Lakes District Hospital Foundation $48,594 NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust $3,000 Omakau Volunteer Fire Brigade $1,390 Otago Community Hospice Trust $70,912 Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society Inc $7,281 Parkinson’s New Zealand $10,000 Presbyterian Support Otago $66,205 Presbyterian Support Otago $8,000 Presbyterian Support Otago $20,000 Presbyterian Support Otago $5,000 Presbyterian Support Southland $50,000 Prime Timers $10,000 Queenstown Lakes Baby Box Charitable Trust $20,000 Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand $9,000 Ronald McDonald House South Island $119,250 Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust $60,000 Salvation Army $120,000 Southern Wellbeing Trust $40,000 Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society $2,076 Teviot Valley Rest Home Incorporated $18,990 The Brain Injury Assocation (Otago) Inc. $11,726 The Southern Regions Branch of the Muscular Dystrophy $3,745 The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand Limited $8,250 Volunteer South $70,000 Volunteer South $6,471 Wanaka Riding for the Disabled $8,675 Wanaka Search and Rescue $30,000 Wanaka Search and Rescue $20,000 Wanaka Community Hub $14,165 Wheels to Dunstan $19,026 TOTAL $2,661,720
Lake County A&P Society Inc Millers Flat Baths Incorporated QLDC - Sport and Recreation QLDC - Sport and Recreation Queenstown Trails Trust Snow Farm NZ Limited Snow Sports NZ Charitable Trust Sport Otago The Upper Clutha Sports Community Trust The Wanaka Bowling Club Incorporated Upper Clutha Tracks Trust Wanaka Primary School TOTAL
ARTS & CULTURE Alexandra Community Arts Council $28,319 Aorere College Foundation $3,500 Arts Central $18,972 Arts On Tour NZ $14,636 Central Otago Regional Choir Incorporated $2,750 Creative Queenstown $61,239 Cromwell Combined Society of Arts & Crafts Incorporated $851 LUMA $88,000 Michael Hill International Violin Competition $20,000 Roxburgh Entertainment Centre $6,243 Showbiz Queenstown $25,980 Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust $82,000 St Bathans Area Community Association $3,500 Three Lakes Cultural Trust $30,000 Upper Clutha Community Arts Council $30,969 Yami Sounz Summit/Tuki Festival $22,765 TOTAL $439,724
COMMUNITY RECREATION
ENVIRONMENT & HERITAGE
Alexandra Squash Racquets Club $13,700 Arrowtown Bowling Club $56,471 Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust $10,497 Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust $1,755,227 Challenge Wanaka $21,620 Clyde Bowling Club $2,500 CODC- Property $20,000 Cromwell Bike Park Inc $64,491 Cromwell Bowling Club Incorporated $7,910 Dunstan Arm Rowing Club $5,600
Central Otago Heritage Trust Central Otago Ecological Trust Lakes District Museum Millers Flat Bakehouse Trust Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust Paradise Trust THE QT CATS WAI Wanaka Wheels at Wanaka TOTAL
Organisations receiving multiple grants are typically an operational grant, COVID-19 emergency top-up grant, or a project grant. For full details refer to our annual report at www.clt.net.nz Multi-year grants were also approved for the 2021/2022 year of $1,819,517 and the 2022/2023 year of $962,257.
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THURSDAY 09.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 15.09.21
$15,000 $1,922 $250,000 $750,000 $566,112 $160,770 $9,000 $52,500 $5,000 $38,250 $9,500 $39,026 $3,855,096
$8,345 $6,000 $425,126 $8,177 $42,500 $173,280 $7,000 $55,000 $15,000 $740,428
Total $9,454,900 THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun News
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Road investment Second opening for restaurateurs plan announced Viv Milsom
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago and Southland will get a $1.1 billion slice of a $24.3 billion pie announced this week by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. A total of $90 million will be invested in public transport and $63 million in low-carbon walking and cycling projects. The $1.1 billion investment from 2021 to 2024 is a 12% increase on the previous National Land Transport Programme. “Safety is a top priority for Waka Kotahi so we will be investing $61 million in Otago and Southland during the next three years to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads,”James Caygill, Director Regional Relationships, Waka Kotahi said. Key work the agency listed in a media release which did not mention Upper Clutha included safety improvements on SH1 between Palmerston and Herbert, SH88 between Dunedin and Port Chalmers and the SH93/SH1 intersection in Mataura. The 145-page NLTP document on Waka Kotahi’s website released last month does refer to work being underway on a $7 million Queenstown Lakes District Council
project to improve Ballantyne Road which runs from SH6 into Wānaka. Improvements include sealing 4kms of the road and creating onemetre-wide sealed road shoulders to make walking and cycling safer. A total of 40 power poles will also be moved to create a safer roadside. Waka Kotahi says a start will be made during the next three years on delivering $90 million of transport improvements in Queenstown. Stage one of the new arterial road in Queenstown Town Centre and streetscape improvements already underway, are being funded through Crown Infrastructure Partners and Queenstown Lakes District Council. The NLTP is a partnership between local government, which invests local funding on behalf of ratepayers, and Waka Kotahi, which invests national funding on behalf of Government through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF). Funds for the NLTF are collected from petrol excise, road user charges and vehicle registration and licensing fees. The $24.3 billion 2021-24 NLTP includes $15.6 billion from the NLTF and $4.6 billion from local government. Government will also invest $3.8 million in additional Crown f
Wānaka’s newest restaurant was given an early jab by Covid - but thanks to this week’s announcement of a return to Level 2, owners James Stapley and Sam Cooper are gearing up again. ARC, on the Ardmore Street site on the lake side of the Urban Grind, was open for just one week before lockdown. The two restaurateurs will offer breakfast, brunch and lunch from 9am to 3pm. “We want to offer fine dining for breakfast,” says Stapley, “so there will be a few different options, like a crayfish benedict.” ARC will then close for two hours in the late afternoon before opening again at 5pm to offer global tapas, along with an impressive drinks list. “In the evening our food will be focussed around the bar. Stapley and Cooper, who are the co-owners of Kika, another Wānaka restaurant, believe in procuring their food supplies, where possible from local and South Island organic producers using sustainable practices. “Our fish is either line-caught or hand-speared,” says Stapley. Stapley, who also co-owns Francesca’s, another well-known Wānaka restaurant, started his working life as a chef in the UK. Having worked in London for 10 years, he came to New Zealand in 2001. Here he worked first as head chef at Pegasus Bay Winery in Canterbury, before coming to work as
James Stapley, left, and Sam Cooper.
executive chef at Whare Kea Lodge on the shores of Lake Wānaka. While working at Whare Kea he met Francesca Voza and they teamed up to open their first Wānaka restaurant, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen. “We both had a passion for simple Italian food and wanted to share that with Wānaka,” he says. The latest lockdown has been “a massive thing for local hospitality businesses’” says Stapley. “Wānaka is a tourist town and summer and winter are where we make our money.
With the lockdown it’s become a very short year.” The government wage subsidy has helped and Stapley says he is “really grateful” for it, but wages account for only a small part of a restaurant’s outgoings, and he says the lockdown has meant huge financial losses. At Level 2 both Kika and ARC can open, with restrictions. “We want to give Wānaka something different at ARC,” says Stapley, who loves living in Wānaka, and is excited for the future here.
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Leaky home case update
Queenstown Lakes District Councillors were given a behind-closed-doors update on a leaky homes case last week. Communications advisor Sam White told the Wānaka Sun a legal update on the leaky building claim was discussed last Thursday. “The matter is before the courts and ultimately the question of liability will be determined by the courts. As such it is not appropriate for us to comment further at the present time,” he said. In late July Stuff reported ratepayers “could be stung” for more than $120 million to fix a leaky apartment complex. Earlier in January the Otago Daily Times suggested the bill could be $40 million. It is understood that barring a settlement, the case has been set down for a High Court hearing
next February. Stuff reported the body corporate for owners of the Oak Shores apartments in Frankton Rd, Queenstown, launched legal action against the Council in 2015 over water and structural issues at the waterfront site. The estimated repair costs for extensive building faults – including to balconies, roofs, cladding and bathrooms – had ballooned to about $120m. The owners were also seeking costs for lost rental returns, and moving, storage and cleaning costs. Stuff reported Body Corporate chairman Graeme Kruger saying the situation had been “horrific” for 74 owners. The Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort reports on its webpage that it is refurbishing the interior and exterior of one of its blocks.
The Oaks Shores apartments overlook Lake Wakatipu.
Tips for business Two Trojans – Brett Emeny and Peter Vause.
Trojans flying our way A North American T-28 Trojan display will feature in next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow. New Plymouth-based pilots Brett Emeny and Peter Vause were due to debut their Trojan pairs display at the 2020 Wānaka Airshow before Covid intervened. For 2022 they are being joined by Dave Brown at the controls of the Brian Hallowned T-28G from Christchurch. Warbirds Over Wānaka General Manager Ed Taylor says not seeing the pairs display last year was a big disappointment and it will be more than made up for with a “3-ship” next Easter. “We had Brett’s Trojan at the 2018 Airshow, after a 14-year absence and it was a real hit with Warbirds fans. It’s a big aircraft and it’s also very noisy which people love. Having three of these great machines in the air at once will be special.” The Trojan was produced during the 1950s and was first used as a military trainer aircraft by the United States Air Force and United States Navy. During the 1960s the T-28 was successfully employed as a counter-insurgency aircraft, primarily during the Vietnam War. It was also confirmed recently that one of New
Zealand’s most iconic Warbird aircraft – a Catalina - is being readied to make her return to Wānaka. The aircraft has been mothballed in New Plymouth, and Emeny, says they have used the down time to do more maintenance. “We want to ensure she is in peak condition for the upcoming summer culminating in our big trip to Wānaka.” says Brett. The sight of the 77-year-old aircraft coming in low over Wānaka township and landing on Lake Wānaka is one of the highlights of the Airshow’s lakeside event. Emeny believes it is the only remaining Catalina in the world still doing water landings so it’s quite unique.” The plan is that the aircraft will still be flying well after her 100th birthday. Also this week it was announced South Island fuel supplier RD Petroleum had become a principal partner with Warbirds Over Wānaka. RD Petroleum has signed up to take over from Air BP, a partner with the Airshow for more than 30 years. For more details go to www.warbirdsoveranaka.co.nz
Ignite Wānaka is attempting to drive up entries for its annual business awards – by showing businesses what it’s all about. The chamber will host a free writing workshop on September 16 from 10-11am at Urban Grind in Ardmore St, Wānaka. Wayne Hudson, a trustee of Startup Queenstown Lakes, start-up consultant and mentor, will provide insights into what the judges are looking for and offer his dos and don’ts for entry writing. He should know – he is the
convenor of the independent judging panel. Scope Media’s managing director Celia Crosbie – also the Ignite Wānaka board vice chair – will also present on how to write a winning entry. Ignite Wānaka says space is limited for the sessions. The event will go ahead under Level 2 or Level 1 protocols. The awards are now held every second year and past winners have included Puzzling World (2016), Cardrona Alpine Resort (2017) and Wānaka Helicopters (2019).
Wayne Hudson
New grant scheme A community grant scheme to help people become more active has been launched. The annual Get Active Community Grant will support not-for-profit organisations and charities that benefit the health and wellbeing of people around the district. Queenstown Lakes District Council Sport and Recreation Manager Simon Battrick said the grant replaces the long-running athlete development sponsorship programme. The new grant enables organisations to apply for entry passes so their customers can access services at QLDC Sport and
Recreation facilities including swimming pools at Queenstown Events Centre (QEC) and Wānaka Recreation Centre as well as QEC’s gym and indoor climbing wall. The council will support up to six grants a year. Applicants must be registered charities or local not-for-profit groups based in the Queenstown Lakes District and sports groups and businesses are not eligible. Applications for the first year’s grants run throughout September. For more details go to www.qldc.govt.nz/ community/community-funding
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www.WanakaMedical.co.nz t: (03) 443 0710 a: 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
For a free no obligation quote call: Phone 03 440 0500 www.fultonhogan.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MUM
Happy birthday – to both of us Daisy Watford
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Tobias turns one today. That’s right, we now have a toddler in the house. It’s difficult to believe that just one year ago I was giving birth. In fact, this time last year I was bed bound battling with sepsis while my baby was alone in NICU. At that moment in time, I couldn’t quite see into the future. I had no idea what this year would entail and I didn't really have the energy to think about it. We had originally planned a homebirth. The idea was that we would bring our baby into a peaceful environment away from the bright lights and medical equipment of a hospital. Even if we had to give birth in hospital, we would ensure that we had skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, dimmed lights, and no unnecessary medical interventions for the first hour or so of life. Unfortunately it didn't end up like this. Instead, we had about two minutes of skin to skin before Tobias was swept away to NICU. I then became ill myself which meant that I couldn't even visit him. At the time, this felt like an epic fail on my
part. I worried how Toby's scary introduction to the world would affect him. I feared it might ruin our bond before we even had the chance to really connect. Then, after a week in hospital, we returned home. Naively, I thought I was prepared for life with a baby. Friends had warned me about how tired and how difficult it would be and I ignorantly assumed that they were just being dramatic. Of course, I was so wrong. While I had spent the last 38 weeks preparing for birth, I knew very little about parenting. Those first few weeks with Tobias were a blur. Desperate for sleep and in need of energy to carry on, I would find myself eating sugary snacks in the middle of the night between pumping and feeding. I’d fall in and out of sleep while feeding Tobias, trying so hard to stay awake. I’d even fall asleep attached to the breast pump. But beyond the sleep deprivation, knotted hair, and lack of showers, I had a beautiful baby boy to keep me company. In this first year, I have learnt so much about parenting. From finding out that babies like black and white images to learning all about emotional cups, it's a skill that doesn't always come easy. The best part of this year has to be watching
One year of parenting down, a lifetime to go.
Tobias figure out things for himself. From discovering his hands for the first time to standing up by himself, I could easily spend all day just watching him. Our wee baby who once weighed just 2.6kg is now an 11.5kg toddler. A toddler who is almost walking. And a toddler who makes me see the
world so differently. While I’m sure this chapter will come with a whole new load of challenges, I feel far better prepared than I did one year ago. I can now go into this new phase of toddler hood with an air of optimism, a bit of confidence, and a few glasses of wine.
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Anglers get their bearings wrong
No fishing: Deans Bank, on the Upper Clutha is out of bounds.
Anglers are being told to “check rules before wetting a line”. Otago Fish & Game officer Paul van Klink anglers have made the most of a stunning start to spring since the move to Alert Level 3 – but some are fishing where they should not. Government rules under Level 3 allow shore fishing close to home. “Remember that locations like Deans Bank, on the Upper Clutha, are still off limits during the winter closed season while fish there are spawning,” Paul van Klink said. Deans Bank reopens on October 1 and only fly fishing is permitted in that section of the
PHOTO: Paul van Klink
river when it is open. Mr van Klink says it’s great to see people fishing to enjoy the outdoors, but not great that some are forgetting to look up the rules. “If you notice someone fishing in closed waters, politely encourage them to move on while keeping a safe distance.” Anglers are encouraged to check the South Island sports fishing regulation guidebook before heading out. October 1 marks the start of the new season. If people have any fishing compliance concerns in Central Otago and the Lakes District, they can contact Paul van Klink on 021 056 9146.
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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 Bremner A Andrew Senior Constable As we all know and at the time of writing this week’s Crime Line, we are currently at Covid-19 Alert Level 3. Just to clarify for those who are not sure, Level 3 does not mean Level Free! If you are unsure what this means, please visit the Covid-19 website for any information or clarification. Police were kept busy this week with patrolling the wider Wānaka area. A number of people were stopped, engaged with, educated and unfortunately a number of infringement notices were issued. Police dealt with a number of people pushing the limits on their travel, their choice of exercise and the chosen location. However, the majority of the community remained vigilant and compliant
with the rules of Level 3. Mahi pai, good work! Early on in the week Police got out and about in the community and visited businesses and workplaces checking in to make sure they were good to go with QR codes, sign in registers, distancing and all the other requirements for Level 3. Well done to you all, it was pleasing to see how well prepared you all were. Those who weren’t and aren’t quite up to speed, it is important that the rules for Level 3 are followed and that you comply with the requirements. Earlier in the week and in the early hours (2am), Police were alerted to a vehicle doing burnouts in the forecourt of Allied Petrol Station, Hāwea. The driver was subsequently caught up with where he was dealt with appropriately and had his vehicle impounded.
Penny Fisher RN MBA
027 343 4776
Penny’s Home Care
On Friday night Police were called to New World, Dunmore Street due to three intoxicated males who were denied service when trying to purchase alcohol. One of the males who did not have ID thought it was a good idea to use his mate’s ID. When denied the males became abusive and uncouth toward New World staff. The males moved on and were subsequently dealt with a short time later for breaching the liquor ban. There were a number of family harm incidents over the week with one person arrested for a domestic assault. Alcohol was a factor in the other family harm incidents. There have been a number of reports made to Police over the past month of suspicious activity and thefts from both Wānaka New Worlds. A group have been planning and waiting until it is dark and
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late in the night. The group then drive in their van to the New Worlds and enter the area where the waste food is kept. The group, who are dressed in high visibility clothing and wearing headlamps then help themselves to the waste food and use plastic collapsible cartoons belonging to New World to transport the stolen treasure away. Unfortunately for the group they overlooked the CCTV cameras and discarded how vigilant staff are at the New Worlds. The group were caught in the act by Police. As a result of the terror attack in Auckland this week, Police have been conducting reassurance patrols and checks around Wānaka and in particular the supermarkets. Keep up the good work Wānaka and fingers crossed we get a change in Covid-19 levels this coming week.
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SITUATION VACANT
STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
Hortinvest Management Ltd is a horticultural management company based in the Central Otago region.
SITUATION VACANT
Cook Part-time permanent Aspiring, Wanaka
CLEANER POSITION FOR IMMEDIATE START Must be available to work weekends. Due to the nature of the work, you must be physically fit and able to undertake strenuous cleaning duties with Attention to detail a must. Experienced preferred, but not essential as full training will be given. Applicants should have NZ residency or a valid work visa, full drivers licence valid in NZ, be a quick and motivated, reliable and available to immediate start.
Email application to info@thecleanerswanaka.co.nz
SITUATION VACANT
Enliven - the South’s largest provider of aged residential care. Seeking a passionate cook that is able to cook for large quantities of people. 9:30am-6pm, 5 days per fortnight. Visit www.psotago.org.nz/jobs for details and to apply For further information, please contact Madeleine Esdaile, Manager of Aspiring on 03 555 3010
www.psotago.org.nz/jobs
We are expanding and are looking for a permanent horticultural trainee/apprentice to join our young and enthusiastic tight knit team. We need someone who: • Has a positive attitude to getting the job done • Is eager to learn about horticulture • Is honest, reliable, hardworking • Enjoys being outside! • Holds a current NZ drivers’ license and own transport We Offer: • Full on the job training throughout your apprenticeship (training via Primary ITO - 2 year Certificate of Horticulture L3/L4) • Work with a highly motivated and young team, supported by experienced management • The ability to learn and use all types of horticultural machinery • The chance to have input into the way our modern orchard systems will develop (using technology) • A safe and supportive work environment (Health and Safety is part of what we do!) • The opportunity to progress through to orchard foreman and beyond If you are looking for a stable long-term role, with a genuine opportunity to learn and be part of the exciting horticultural industry, then this role will meet your requirements. To find out more about Hortinvest: http://www.hortinvest.nz To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to hr@hortinvest.nz
PUBLIC NOTICE
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Albert Town Rabbit Control Operation Postponed The public is advised that Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has postponed rabbit control works in reserve areas around Albert Town, due to the timing of the Alert Level 3 and 4 lockdowns. The rabbit control operation in these locations will be postponed until winter 2022. Please note that rabbit control operations located north of Albert Town in the Albert Town Reserve and by Waterfall Creek in Wānaka are complete. Signage will remain in place until the areas are deemed safe for dogs to be allowed off lead. Further Information For maps of the operational area and the status of the operations, please visit www.qldc.govt.nz/services/environment-and-sustainability/pest-control.
CLYDE - CENTRAL OTAGO
STAFF REQUIRED We are looking for staff to join our busy team at Olivers. • Restaurant Supervisor – Previous customer service experience and being capable of running a shift is essential. • Café Cook – Previous experience necessary • Kitchen Hand – Some heavy lifting involved, so being fit and healthy is helpful.
For more detailed information, please email services@qldc.govt.nz or call the QLDC Parks Service Delivery Manager on 03 441 0499.
We are a 7 day a week business so you would be required to work on rotating rostered shifts.
Chief Executive Performance Review Committee
If you are job searching and would like to work in the beautiful town of Clyde and enjoy everything the area has to offer, please send your CV to: recruit@olivers.co.nz, or call in to see us at 34 Sunderland St, Clyde.
Chief Executive office, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Tuesday, 21 September 2021 at 10.00am. This meeting will be held with the public excluded pursuant to Section 7(2)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
PAGE 10
Applicants must be NZ residents or have a valid work visa
THURSDAY 09.09.21 - WEDNESDAY 15.09.21
SERVICE
THANKS
Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sundays. Ph 443 8000. The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.
Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
WANTED The Salvation Army Family store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pick-ups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information. Lifting of furniture will be required The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068
NOTICE Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.
DEATH NOTICE Studholme, Janet Elizabeth (Betty) Lt Col Royal Australian Army Nursing Corp F25135 Awarded Associate of Royal Red Cross 1977 (ARRC) Of Elmslie House Wanaka On 27th August 2021 unexpectedly at Dunedin hospital Aged 94 years. Loved sister and sister-in-law of the late Neil and Mabel Studholme; Doris and the late George Studholme. Loved Aunty Betty to Trevor and Jo, David and Trish, Phillip and Karen, Bruce and the late Diane, late Leslie, Wayne, Kerry and Gary Smith, Murray and Charlotte and special friend to Debbie and Tony Brent. Also loved by the many grand and great grand nieces and nephews. Also, best mate of the late Rosie ( her little dog ) A private cremation has taken place in accordance with Bettys wishes. Messages can be sent to Studholme family 377 Riverbank Road, RD 2, Wanaka 9382
SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1043
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 News Editor: Roy Pilott • 027 4500 115 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz News tips: editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
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Billy’s no friend of the bunnies
Control works postponed
The current control operation is finished for 2021.
Billy’s team in action.
Viv Milsom
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Billy and the Bunny Catchers might sound like a 1970 pop group - they are very much in tune with 2021. Rabbits are the number one pest in and around Wānaka, and while they breed all year round, now that spring has sprung they are getting especially active again. While ORC (Otago Regional Council) is responsible for controlling rabbits on council land, private landowners and
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occupiers are responsible for rabbit control on their properties. Enter ‘Billy and the Bunny Catchers’. Billy (aka Stephen Barton) began using dogs and ferrets in Wales 35 years ago. In 2015 he moved to Wānaka and today is one of several operators in Central Otago using dogs and ferrets to control rabbits. He uses a variety of pest control methods - night shooting, poisoning with pindone and magtoxin, trapping, and dogs and ferrets. “In urban areas, where people are not
allowed to shoot and poisoning is dangerous to neighbours’ pets, using dogs and ferrets can be the most effective way to control rabbits,” he says. Working with a team of dogs, Billy sends his ferrets in to flush out the rabbits. He then uses nets to entangle the rabbits, which allows the dogs to then catch them. Under Level 4 Lockdown, Billy cannot work, but he is hoping that he will be able to get his dogs and ferrets back on the job soon. In the meantime Wānaka’s rabbits are enjoying a brief reprieve.
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Covid has brought a reprieve for rabbits around Albert Town for the rest of the year. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will not carry out pest control during Alert Level 4 and 3 lockdowns. In a statement the council said the government was clear that the focus for everyone at this time is staying home, staying safe and preventing the spread of Covid-19, and all non-essential work should be deferred. “In addition to this, the reserves targeted by rabbit control operations are high profile and as people are encouraged to undertake exercise close to home, they are likely to be busier than usual.” Council said baiting operation in reserves around Albert Town is outside the seasonal period of achieving a successful result and will be postponed until winter 2022. Rabbit control operations located north of Albert Town in the Albert Town Reserve and by Waterfall Creek have been completed. Signs will remain in place until the areas are deemed safe for dogs to be allowed off lead.
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GT series draws a full house The new Super GT Series attracted buyers for all 30 Exclusive Racing Entitlement Licenses within a day. Due to launch at Highlands Motorsport Park, Cromwell, in January, the new category will see cars from three categories combine. “We’ve had an incredible response, we didn’t expect that in less than 24 hours after sending out the registration forms on Thursday morning we’d have the series sold out,” Category Manager Grant Smith said. More than 100 competitors and industry figures were introduced to the new series last week via Zoom. “We’re ecstatic with the feedback we’ve received so far about the series, and the competitors largely seem to be on the same page regarding regulations and the rules,” Smith said. “Obviously there will be a little bit of fine tuning between now and round one at Highlands Motorsport Park in January, but we are heading in a positive direction. “Like most competitors at the moment with what’s going on in the world, they just want to go racing. Drivers for the series have not been announced. Organisers say the GT4 class will feature six McLarens, three Porsches, two Aston Martins and a Mercedes-Benz. The Porsche class will see eight Porsche 991s and six Porsche 997s. Two Ferrari 458 Challenge cars are entered in the Ferrari Class. “The assortment of cars we have managed to gather together is quite simply exceptional,” said
PAGE 12
Several GT4 car owners are amongst 30 entrants who have bought into the new Super GT series.
Smith. “It is going to be a very special occasion when these amazing cars all take to the track for the first time at Highlands.” Each round will feature two 30-minute and one 60-minute race, all with a compulsory pit stop. There will be the option of one or two drivers for each car. To ensure parity between the three different
classes of racing, there will be a “Balance of Performance” criteria added to each of the races to ensure close and competitive racing. The BOP will be implemented during the compulsory pit stop and the length of pit stop will be determined using qualifying times and using lap times from practice sessions. The 2021-2022 Super GT Championship will
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consist of a four-round series over three months commencing on January 15 at Highlands. This will be followed by the second round at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna in Christchurch on January 22, before heading to Hampton Downs, north Waikato, on February 12. The final round will be in Taupo on March 26, 2022.
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