Treble Cone
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16
Keeps on giving.
PAGE 9
Luggate Hall New plans revealed. thewanakasun.co.nz
THUR 10.09.20 - WED 16.09.20
PAGE 3 EDITION 991
OPENING HOURS:
MONDAY-SATURDAY: 8AM TO 6PM SUNDAY: 10AM TO 6PM
Phone: 03 443 8000
Top of Helwick St, Wānaka DELIVERED AND FREE
Project Pure: extra $2.7m cost to ratepayers Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ost Wānaka residents are unaware that Council is about to spend an additional $2.7m of ratepayers money to keep Project Pure clear of the proposed jet runway at Wānaka Airport, according to the Wānaka Stakeholder Group (WSG). According to WSG, which claimed to represent thousands of Wānaka residents, the sum had been discussed behind closed doors by councilors and was buried in the financials for the 2020/21 Annual Plan. However, the group was concerned that there had been “no consultation or transparency from Council” despite numerous requests, with the likelihood of “tens of millions” in further costs in the near future. Mark Sinclair, deputy chair of WSG said: “Council has refused to provide clear and honest answers to our specific questions about this for five months. We only know the real number because it was revealed in an independent inquiry report made available last week. The report revealed a “projected” $2.7m cost for locating the new additions to Project Pure away from the proposed runway. “To be clear, the $2.7m is over and above the actual costs of the much needed additional wastewater processing capacity at Project Pure. This number is the additional cost of building the improvements away from the code-c jet runway proposed by QAC. QLDC has tried to hide this figure from the community.” Sinclair confirmed that there had been “multiple requests” for information about the projected spend and its link to QAC’s plans for a jet airport in Wānaka. Continued on page 3
M
PHOTO: WSG
The airport, Project Pure, and both lakes from the air. The $2.7m is over and above the actual costs of the much needed additional wastewater processing capacity at Project Pure.
Sun News
End of an era: language centre closes
thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Randall Richards, mtnspirit.nz
A plea for the Wānaka community: if you have any small unused buoys sitting in your garage or shed, please drop them into reception at Wānaka Primary. PHOTO: Pixabay
Dean Sheppard: The decision to close the Centre and dissolve such a long-standing and culturally rich programme was not an easy one.
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Mount Aspiring College College Board of Trustees has this week made the decision to close the International Language Centre (ILC) from December 8, 2020. The ILC has been under review for several months and comes following the COVID-19 lockdown and the resulting closure of the nation's borders. Dean Sheppard, Acting Principal of Mount Aspiring College, said the decision to close the Centre and dissolve such a long-standing and culturally rich programme was not an easy one. "The Board has been forced to make a tough decision, under rather
challenging circumstances. The ILC has added a wonderful cultural dimension to the college, and the foreclosure of this programme is truly regrettable but ultimately necessary. The current climate combined with the uncertainty of international students being allowed to enter the country in the near future has rendered this programme fiscally unsustainable," Sheppard said. "I would like to thank all the ILC staff, homestay families and businesses for their tremendous support and dedication over the years. While it is somewhat an end of an era with regards to international students, we will still, however, be supporting our Year 7 to Year 13 migrant students by offering ESOL classes "he added.
Introducing Wānaka's grebes to the next generation Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka's local grebe expert, John Darby, has taken on some new helpers for his marina grebes project - the lake guardians of Wānaka Primary School. Darby first became involved with the plight of the great crested grebe in Wānaka in 2013, constructing and maintaining floating nests to help them breed successfully on the lake. There are currently 10 to 12 platforms in circulation around Wānaka marina. Wānaka Primary teacher Markus Hermanns has taken on parts of the project in the last few months to assist Darby, now in his 80s. In turn, he has introduced his students to the grebes project through the school’s education outside the classroom programme (EOTC). While many of the students
go skiing for EOTC on a Thursday afternoon, others have been participating in planting sessions, trapping and - at the end of August - the grebes marina project. “John is so supportive of the kids being involved,” said Hermanns. “They are the next generation.” Maintaining the platforms at the marina “brings the grebes to the people,” highlighting the need for their protection, but both he and Darby have expressed concern about the potential impact that the upcoming construction of a lakeside boardwalk over the summer - as well as ongoing apartment development across the road - could have on the birds’ breeding season. “Every which way, things are confusing and pretty disruptive for the grebes,” said Darby. “There is a lot of activity on the marina and the piling over the road,
but we are hoping things will quieten down within the next few weeks.” He remained positive, having seen five pairs of courting or mating grebes over the last few weeks, although it was still early in the season for serious breeding. In future, Hermanns hoped for the school to become more involved with the project on a regular basis, through both its extracurricular science groups and Chris Arbuckle’s Touchstone Project, which facilitates a number of community-based environmental subprojects around Lake Wānaka, but knew that Darby would always be part of the project. “He is the grebes,” he said. He also had a plea for the Wānaka community for any old or unused buoys to help keep the breeding platforms afloat. If you have any small buoys sitting in your garage or shed, please drop them into reception at Wānaka Primary.
No Māori ward for Queenstown Lakes Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
A decision not to establish a separate Maori ward was unanimously agreed on at last week’s Full Council Meeting of the Queenstown Lakes District Council in Queenstown. It was also established that there would be no change to the way voters chose elected representatives in local body elections, and the recommendation was to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system A report reviewing the district’s electoral
representation arrangement was presented to the council- a legal requirement every six-year, which the QLDC had resolved to review prior to the 2022 triennial election. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) electoral officer Jane Roberston said the Local Electoral Act allowed local authorities to choose either FPP or STV (Single Transferable Vote) for local elections. In a report, she noted the benefits of the STV system, as more likely to deliver a proportional result that reflected the make-up of the community and had the potential to attract more
Boarding Information Evening Spaces available in 2021 for Year 11-13 boarders
Otago Boys’ High School Hostel PAGE 2
Urban Grind 72 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 15 September @ 4pm To book a place for this evening, please contact Director of Boarding Matthew Markham directorofboarding@obhs.school.nz or (021) 0875 4031
diverse candidates. The Local Electoral Act sets out the process for determining the number of members to be elected to councils and community boards, selected from general and Māori wards. In the Queenstown Lakes District that was 10 elected to the council (plus a mayor) and four to the community board. That calculation was population-based. The representation review enabled the council to take a fresh look at the structure of its membership and how members were elected, including the total number of members, whether they came from a ward or were elected ‘at large’
INDOOR
MARKET
Lake Hawea This Sunday 10am to 12pm
Community Centre
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
from across the wider district. The review also considered community boards, their nature, and structure, and if a community board should be retained in its current form or at all. Council had agreed to establish an independent panel or advisory group to undertake a preliminary investigation of representation arrangements. The group of five would comprise three invited members and two members of the public selected through an expression of interest process. Full public consultation of the review was a requirement and the hearing process was planned around August/September next year.
Central Otago FUNERALS We are pleased to advise the people of Wanaka, and surrounding districts, we have purchased the building at 5 McNulty Road Cromwell, (previously owned by May Plumbing) to convert into Funeral Home premises. This will include a Chapel and catering lounge along with viewing room and lounge for client families. As locals now living in Cromwell, we look forward to serving our community, and meeting you on completion of our renovations, when we will hold an open day. Heather and Graham Stephen
Office hours: 8:30am – 5pm centralotagofunerals@hotmail.co.nz 16 Ennis Street, Alexandra 9320 0800 263 863 or 03 448 8642
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Project Pure: extra $2.7m cost to ratepayers Continued from page 1 “I even asked all councilors for the detail on this back in May during the Annual Planning process. I have yet to receive a real answer, and WSG has since requested clarity, ”Sinclair said. Despite the $2.7m figure being presented to councilors as part of the business case put to them in January, QLDC’s Mayor Jim Boult wrote to concerned ratepayers in August saying that the number couldn’t be shared. In his letter, he said: "It’s not possible at this stage to state how much of the increase sought through the 2020-2021 Annual Plan is due to constructing on the north-east side of the existing plant as the detailed design would need to be completed on both options to provide an accurate comparison." Sinclair had labeled Boult’s response as “disingenuous” and “cleverly designed to obscure the detail” from ratepayers. “When he wrote to us last month, the Mayor and all councilors had known the projected figure for seven months. They had discussed it. They had included it in the Annual Plan budget and approved it. The Mayor’s refusal to share this projected spend openly is completely unacceptable, and his tactic of claiming that they don’t have final quotes shows his complete disregard for ratepayers’ legitimate concerns.” Sinclair said WSG members were concerned about Council’s approach. “Council is avoiding fronting up to the community about this - because it knows what the response will be, especially as things get tougher because of Covid-19.” The $2.7m is just the “tip of the iceberg” he said. “The airport lease which was shared with the community only under political pressure during the election last year revealed in black and white that QLDC could be asked by QAC to move Project Pure entirely, to make way for their proposed 1900 meter jet runway. When this
PHOTO: QLDC
The passive house standard design and panelized timber panel construction sets the project apart from other community buildings around the country.
Luggate Hall replacement revealed Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Supplied
Mark Sinclair: “Council has refused to provide clear and honest answers to our specific questions about this for five months.
happened, the costs of moving existing Project Pure facilities would ultimately fall on ratepayers.” Sinclair said that the cost to shift Project Pure to avoid the planned runway was likely to be “tens of millions”.There was a “deep concern” that QLDC had already decided to hand control to QAC without involving the community. WSG had seen a “deep-set pattern” of Council avoiding giving answers and obscuring the real detail about Wānaka Airport, its significant impacts on Project Pure, and the true costs to the community. “You’ll be told there are no plans; you’ll be told that quotes have not been sent in; they’ll say that no decisions have been made; they’ll even say that nothing will happen “for a long time”. The fact of the matter is that QLDC has an estimated figure for this first step which is now locked into their budget. They intend to spend our money this way, and they have chosen to try and hide this from us, ”Sinclair said “This is the thin edge of a very thick wedge to come - and it is deeply concerning,” he said. When the Wānaka Sun asked for a comment from Mayor Jim Boult his response was: “The Mayor will not be commenting as the matter is currently under judicial review.”
Luggate locals were among the first to see a developed design of the permanent replacement for Luggate Memorial Hall at a stakeholders' group meeting held last week. Community Association chair Graeme Perkins said the passive house standard design and panelized timber panel construction set the project apart from other community buildings around the country. "This is potentially a first for New Zealand and certainly something about which the people of Luggate can feel very proud. We are a growing but very tight-knit community and having such
an environmentally-sensitive building as the permanent replacement for the old hall will mean a lot for current and future residents," he said. The stakeholders’ group included members of the Luggate Community Association, local councilors Calum MacLeod, Niamh Shaw, and Quentin Smith, members of the project team, and council staff. Last week also saw the council issue a Registration of Interest (ROI) from companies interested in tendering for the main construction contract. The ROI is specifically seeking companies with experience in constructing high performance and/or passive house standard buildings. Shortlisted companies will be invited
to submit a detailed response via a Request for Tender (RFT) process which is expected to begin in mid-October. The project to build a permanent replacement for Luggate Memorial Hall reached a significant milestone last month with confirmation of funding grants totaling more than $1 million. Central Lakes Trust approved a grant of $750,000 while Otago Community Trust granted an additional $400,000. QLDC property director Richard Pope said the new hall would not have been possible without community trust grants. “I’d like to thank both the Central Lakes Trust and the Otago Community Trust for their financial support and I’m very much looking forward to the next stage of the project,” Pope said.
Search continues for missing paraglider Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A Kiwi paraglider pilot and former Wānaka resident has been missing for almost three weeks in the western United States. It is feared that James "Kiwi" Oroc Johnston crashed in Nevada, where he went paragliding on August 22. He took off from the Shoshone Mountain range in Nye County and his last recorded location was just above Ninemile Peak, but it is believed he may have become separated from his GPS tracker or that it stopped working. A dual citizen of the US and New Zealand, Oroc has been a worldwide paragliding athlete for over 30 years. He reportedly began paragliding after he moved to Wānaka in the 1980s. An extensive search and rescue
operation was suspended by authorities after a week, but a private search coordinated by his family has continued with a team of volunteers - both on the ground and online, where people worldwide have been assessing changes in satellite imagery around the remote area, looking for potential clues. According to sister, Kim Johnston, the search is being carried out by “professionals using drones, ATV, dirt bikes, and experienced hikers, planes and helicopters in order to cover the additional trajectory and deepen the focused hiking areas while keeping the team safe by utilizing proper tracking technologies.” Oroc’s family in New Zealand has put up a 10,000 USD finder’s reward in the hope that experienced local people will come out to aid in the search. and have set up a fundraising page to help cover the costs, which has raised almost
PHOTO: Supplied
It is feared that James "Kiwi" Oroc Johnston crashed in Nevada, where he went paragliding on August 22.
10,000 USD. His family asked that anyone with the experience or resources to support the search email: findthatkiwi@gmail. com, or visit: www.gofundme.com/f/ missing-paraglider-pilot-needs-help.
Commercial and residential landscaping Fulton Hogan’s highly skilled team deliver your landscaping requirements from design concepts, to construction including: • landscape design • tree pruning • stonework • turf install and repair • irrigation • exotic/native plant supply • paving • ongoing landscape • timber features maintenance • water features • vegetation control and mowing. • arboriculture
Building communities THE WĀNAKA SUN
For a free no obligation quote call: Phone 03 440 0500 www.fultonhogan.com
Elrick & Co provide a full range of surveying, planning and civil engineering services.
For enquiries, contact Kerry at your local Wanaka office: P: 021 427 744 E: kerry@elrick.co.nz
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
PAGE 3
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Local artists announced for RenewArt Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Andy Woods
A Buller’s Albatross that Woods photographed on the Snares Islands. The photograph won a silver with distinction award.
Local photographer wins up large STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Local photographer Andy Woods has won big at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) 2020 Iris Awards last week. Woods received 16 awards in total- three awards in the commercial category, three in the landscape (in-camera) category, three in the nature category, five in the travel category, and two in the wedding (in-camera) category Woods holds a Master Photographer distinction with NZIPP. He is also a member of the Advertising and Illustrative Photographers Association (AIPA). “It’s a real honour to receive these awards,” Woods said. “I am pleased with the results as the Iris Awards recognise and honour the best in contemporary photography from New Zealand and overseas professionals.” Woods was also one of the many judges at the awards. He judged five out of the 15 categories. Judging was done live-streamed online with a panel of five judges at a time considering each photograph.
The Three Lakes Cultural Trust has announced the 41 successful recipients of the RenewArt grants. They will now receive funding for their creative work to be displayed or performed at free community arts celebrations in Queenstown and Wānaka next month. The events will also bring an economic boost to the region by engaging a variety of local businesses, from venues to audiovisual and hire services. Twenty visual artists and 21 performing arts groups – in total more than 100 local residents – will now have six weeks to create their works before the RenewArt creative community showcases are held on October 9-10 in Queenstown and October 16-17 in Wānaka.
The full list of artists – representing an even mix from both sides of the Crown Range – can be located at www.threelakesculturaltrust.co.nz/renewart. Three Lakes Cultural Trust general manager Jo Brown said the Trust was overwhelmed by the response after it called for applications in July. Artists had to submit a concept of what they would be creating and how it related to the theme of ‘renewal’. “The selection panelists were very impressed by the caliber of the applications and thought the breadth of visual media used was innovative and exciting, and the performing artists presented thought-provoking and engaging concepts. The panelists also expressed how confident they were about the cultural future of our region,” she said. “The RenewArt creative community showcase promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining event for the community while providing an opportunity
to support the incredible artistic talent we have right here in our region. We understand that this is the first time an event like this, offering the work of so many different performing and visual artists, has ever taken place in our district and we are very excited to present it.” The idea behind RenewArt was to create uplifting events to be enjoyed by the entire district post-COVID-19, while also enabling a paid work opportunity for local artists. The Trust has secured commitments in excess of $180,000 to deliver the project and reward selected artists for their work. The RenewArt community events are supported by funding from the Hugo Charitable Trust, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South, Otago Community Trust, and Creative New Zealand.
LoveWānaka, Supporting Local revitalised Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
With Alert Level 2 restrictions and ahead of shoulder season, Lake Wānaka Tourism has identified an opportunity to revitalize the local campaign; LoveWānaka, Supporting Local. When first launched back in May, the objective of this campaign was to collectively promote a ‘go local’ approach to doing business and was born out of a vision to unite as a community and rally behind Wānaka businesses in a changing world, while playing on the LoveWānaka hashtag – the tagline for the town since the inception of social media. Businesses had the opportunity to offer promotions, discounts, and initiatives under the
banner of LoveWānaka, Supporting Local on wanaka.co.nz. Lake Wānaka Tourism identified a need to revitalize the LoveWānaka Supporting Local campaign which is now refreshed with new branding. Media and campaign manager, Gizelle Regan said that this initiative was born out of a vision to unite as a community and rally behind businesses, stimulating the local economy while cultivating a sense of local pride and togetherness. “The uptake from local business has been phenomenal, complemented by unwavering support from the Wānaka community, and with Alert 2 restrictions back in place, we decided it was time to revitalise this sentiment.” Lake Wānaka Tourism’s new acting general manager Tim Barke agreed.
“Since its inception, “LoveWānaka” has been loved by Wānaka. Locals and visitors have gone out of their way to support our local businesses with some great success stories, and the loving continues. The resurgence of COVID-19 has stimulated even more care and support in the community, showing the love for Wānaka isn’t a one-off; it’s an ongoing relationship.” “New refreshed campaign social media collateral is available to all Wānaka businesses who wish to represent the campaign, “said digital marketing executive Jessie Byrne. “Additionally, business listings on the LoveWānaka, Supporting Local landing page are free to any local Wānaka business.” The LoveWānaka, Supporting Local revitalization kicked off today Sept 2, 2020 with promotions, offers, and events on the wanaka.co.nz website.
love your hearing
Love Your Hearing, Wanaka Proactive Hearing Checks & Diagnostic Testing
100% Kiwi owned and operated
Hearing Aid Fittings & Maintenance
Tinnitus Support & Advice
Custom Earplugs & Hearing Protection
Call (03) 443 0744 Within the Wanaka Lakes Medical Centre 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka PAGE 4
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
Proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Torokiki first round closes Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The first round of challenges on Queenstown Lakes District Council's (QLDC) communitydriven ideas platform Torokiki has now closed, with the system receiving positive support and engagement from the community. Ideas ranged from developing the world’s most scenic mini-golf course to developing Wānaka into the world’s leading outdoor education centre, to improving social services. The community-driven ideas platform was launched as a key initiative to support COVID-19 recovery across the district. The initial six week
round involved three challenges relating to diversifying the economy, building community resilience, and reducing food waste and climate change, generating 24 ideas in the process. QLDC Torokiki lead Bill Nicoll said the development and launch of Torokiki was driven by the urgency and significance of the Queenstown Lakes district recovering from the economic effects of COVID-19. "The QLDC Recovery team is thrilled with the level of support shown for Torokiki and appreciates the contributions made by our community in terms of sharing their ideas, feedback and votes in such an open and supportive manner."
Nicoll said that a review of all submitted ideas would now be undertaken by the Torokiki Challenge owners to assess their potential for progression. This may involve connecting idea raisers with a network of support or helping to identify funding to launch them for the benefit of the community. Once assessed, idea submitters will be contacted about their idea and advised of the next steps. "Looking ahead, we see significant potential for Torokiki to help enable a genuine movement of community-led innovation, which focuses both on the recovery from COVID-19 and on the broader challenges and opportunities that exist across our district," Nicoll said.
Otago locations featured in Disney’s ‘Mulan’
SDHB to hold mental wellbeing talks in Queenstown
PHOTO: Supplied
SDHB Consultant Clinical Psychologist Henck van Bilsen: ‘How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World’.
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Supplied
The arid beauty of the Ahuriri Valley, North Otago, featured prominently in the film.
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago locations will once again grace the global silver screen with the release of Mulan, Disney’s latest live-action remake. The production came through New Zealand in 2018, filming in several locations in Otago and Canterbury, with the Ahuriri Valley, in particular, playing a key role. The much-anticipated film launched on Disney+ with Premier Access on September 4, 2020. Directed by Kiwi Niki Caro, the film employed more than 1500 New Z crew and had more than
Do you desire.... deeper connection potent pleasure more intimacy?
140 days of shooting in the country. The film is estimated to have had an economic impact across New Zealand of more than $200m, with more than $13m spent in the South Island. Caro said that Otago and Canterbury were home to several “critical locations” for the film, including the Waitaki District’s Ahuriri Valley and Clay Cliffs. “We took 900 people and all of our horses to the Ahuriri Valley to stage an epic battle,” Caro said. “It was incredible, like being on the backlot of a gigantic Italian movie from the ’50s. I would drive to work and see the Rouran Army crossing the road on their horses. New Zealand was
incredibly good to us.” Jason Reed, the producer of the film, said there were several elements that made New Zealand an ideal filming destination. “The first is the dramatic scenery, and the second is having an infrastructure that so filmfriendly, to have crews that know how to work on big movies, that know how to handle massive amounts of logistics that also are artistically driven,” he said. Chair of Film Otago Southland, Brad Hurndell, said: “Projects like Mulan are a great opportunity for the world to see the diversity of landscape on offer in Otago and provide a boost to our local economy.”
TROUBLE SLEEPING? Shut up mind!
Sonia Waters: intimacy guide and embodiment therapist, passionate about guiding humans in deeper connections, boundaries and consent, intimacy and pleasure. I welcome all ages, gender and relating styles to work with me. Book your free consult call: sonia@wildself.nz
www.wildself.nz
THE WĀNAKA SUN
The Southern District Healthboard (SDHB) are inviting members of the public to register for a free talk about ‘How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World’. Consultant Clinical Psychologist Henck van Bilsen will present his ideas on how we can look after our mental wellbeing at a number of district venues, including Queenstown Events Centre. The initiative is a response to the impact of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of people in Southern communities, and focuses on teaching people strategies to help them deal with thoughts that lead to stress, anxiety and depression. “Things can and will go wrong for all of us sometimes, especially in these times of COVID. If you feel stressed, overwhelmed, depressed or anxious, or if you find you are not living the way you want to live, this will introduce you to new ways of how you can help yourself,” said van Bilsen. During his 40 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Henck has learned that lectures and short workshops on mental wellbeing can have a huge impact on the resilience of people and communities and reduce waiting lists for psychological therapy. The two-hour talks are open to everyone wishing to learn new ways of overcoming a range of emotional and behavioural problems including anxieties, depression, consuming too much alcohol or drugs, shyness, hurt, guilt, shame and embarrassment. Sessions at the Queenstown Events Centre will take place on Wednesday, October 21 from 2-4pm, and again at 6:30-8:30pm. To register, email: ann.kingsbury@ southerndhb.govt.nz. For more information, visit: www.southernhealth.nz.
Caring for our community
Have you tried ACCESS BARS®?
50% off sessions for the month of September
CALL/TEXT CHANTELLE 0273 217 144
ALL OF LIFE COMES TO ME WITH EASE, JOY AND GLORY® THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
Opening hours: Monday—Friday 8:30am—6:00pm 03 443 0725 • aspiringmedical.co.nz • 23 Cardrona Valley Rd
PAGE 5
Sun Environment
Rarer than the kakapo Where do you think you would find a species that is considered at greater risk of extinction than the Black Rhino or Sumatran Tiger, has fewer individuals remaining than the Kākāpō, and is ranked globally as critically endangered? And just two steps away from total extinction? You would imagine a species like this would be safely nestled on an island sanctuary somewhere, or under 24/7 care in a captive facility like a big-city zoo. You probably would not expect to find such a creature here in Central Otago on the Old Woman Range! Such a species is Deconica baylisiana, a pouch fungus, distantly related to the truffle, and the bright purple, red and orange “tobacco pouch” mushrooms often seen in our local beech forests. It was previously known from only three sites, found over 83 years, with a total estimated global population of 18-45 mature individuals. In January 2020, a botanical foray found another four individuals on the Old Woman Range, and their identification has since been confirmed by DNA analysis. Deconica baylisiana is endemic in southern New Zealand and is the only New Zealand species of pouch fungus associated with alpine grassland habitat on the Central Otago ranges. The underground parts of the fungus, the hyphae, are not visible but the fruiting bodies – the pouches – are up to 5 cm high and easily recognised due to their bright orange colour. These fungi do not have active spore dispersal systems like field mushrooms that eject their spores into the environment and may rely on animals as vectors to spread
their spores and ensure their survival. The Deconica vectors are unknown, but may once have been flightless birds like the extinct Moa or other open-country birds such as the Takahē. The few surviving sites are no longer visited by Moa, so other vectors must be still in action up on the ranges. Perhaps alpine weta? Nobody knows. The Central Otago ranges have been burned and grazed in the past, so the Deconica baylisiana habitats are highly modified. Known sites are now protected by DOC within Conservation Areas, so the likelihood of further human-induced habitat modification is much less than 50 years ago. The looming threat to these harmless little fungi is far more insidious: climate change. With increasing temperature, and likely changes to snow cover and rainfall patterns, both the associated grassland vegetation and the possible vectors, will change. Will our last little pouch fungus of our tussock grasslands tumble from critically endangered to extinct and be lost forever? And who cares anyway? Well, fungi enthusiasts for a start! But we should all care about fungi because we are all dependent on them for our very survival. To quote one expert: “Do we need fungi? Certainly, because without them, life on this planet as we know it would cease to exist.” Fungi are not plants; they are in a separate kingdom, with the same status in the web of life as plants and animals. They are the agents that everywhere remove rotting and decaying organic material from our surroundings, and convert it back to minerals which can be absorbed by plants. Most plants are
PHOTO: Supplied
Is Deconica baylisiana, a pouch fungus, is endemic in southern New Zealand, and is the only New Zealand species of pouch fungus associated with alpine grassland habitat on the Central Otago ranges.
dependent on the fungi on their root system – the so-called mycorrhizal relationship – for their growth, including virtually all staple food crops. No fungi, no beech trees. No fungi, no veges. No fungi, nowhere to avoid a world choked by rotting vegetation. There are all sorts of unknown species out there that we rely on, without knowing it or knowing them. Keep your eyes open: if you see a plant, or particularly a fungus you do not recognise, in a strange place, take a photo of it and post this and your observations on iNaturalist, an online tool where you can connect with experts who can identify the organisms you observe. And if the experts cannot recognise it, you may have found a new species. There are perhaps 6000 fungi cataloged in New Zealand, but maybe another 10000 still to be recorded. Good hunting! Mo Turnbull is a committee member of the local branch of Forest & Bird. He is a retired geologist and an active fungi enthusiast. – By Mo Turnbull
thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago Regional Council tackles healthy waterways Otago Regional Council (ORC) welcomes the Action for Healthy Waterways regulations, which are designed to restore and protect the health of New Zealand waterways. Alongside these, there are new regional rules you may need to be aware of. Water quality in Otago is generally very good, and the community has told ORC they value healthy waterways for recreation, drinking water, mahinga kai, ecological health and to support industries such as farming and tourism. The new framework intends to stop the degradation of waterways now and achieve improvement where water quality is degraded. The new provisions and rules will provide welcome certainty and clarity for rural communities. The community will need to work together to achieve the improvement we all want to see. Achieving healthy waterways for Otago is everyone’s responsibility. At ORC, we are responsible for implementing the new regulations and rules and monitoring compliance. We will work alongside Otago’s rural landowners and our urban residents to provide as much information and support as possible as the new rules roll out. Our freshwater work programme, which includes a new Land and Water Regional Plan to be notified by 2023, as well as proposed changes to the policies and rules in our water and waste plans, positions us well to better align ourselves with the direction set by the Action for Healthy Waterways reforms. We are already underway with a work programme to implement the Action for Healthy Waterways reforms, including information about when each new rule will apply and what rural landowners will need to do. We will take an “education first” approach to the implementation of these changes and work proactively with the community to ensure they understand the new requirements and obligations. – By ORC
Two bedroom apartments reduced to just $599,000* There has never been a better time to retire to Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village. We’ve sharpened our pencil and have reduced the price of our two bedroom apartments substantially.
Open this weekend from 11am to 3pm. Or call Ursula on 443 6660.
Visit us this Saturday for a complimentary coffee and muffin. Phone 443 6660 Visit 14 Golf Course Road, Wanaka www.aspiringvillage.co.nz *Sold under occupation right agreement.
PAGE 6
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
THE WĀNAKA SUN
thewanakasun.co.nz
Sun Environment
More tahr turbulence
PHOTO: Pixabay
The increase in pastoral land now defined as ‘low slope’ has increased from the 3.8 million hectares consulted on by the government in 2019, to 6 million hectares in the MfE maps now published.
PHOTO: Pixabay
The High Court decision in July allowed DOC to undertake up to 125 hours of aerial control while it consulted stakeholders and then reconsidered its Operational Plan.
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released its reconsidered Tahr Control Operational Plan for 2020/2021, which describes how DOC will control Himalayan tahr on public conservation land to protect native alpine ecosystems. The High Court decision in July allowed DOC to undertake up to 125 hours of aerial control while it consulted stakeholders and then reconsidered its Operational Plan. Since mid-July DOC has completed 118 hours of control. Operations director Ben Reddiex said DOC analysed oral and written submissions from 14 stakeholders before making its decision and releasing the finalised Operational Plan. “With an open mind, we have considered a wide range of submissions from groups and individuals representing the interests of recreational and commercial tahr hunters, as well as conservationists, recreationists, and statutory bodies. “While DOC considered each request from stakeholders, the finalised Operational Plan will not be able to completely satisfy all stakeholders, as submitters sought very different outcomes.” New Zealand hunting guides were disappointed with recent media statements from the Department of Conservation espousing rhetoric without “scientific basis over the impact of tahr on native biodiversity.” “We all agree that too many tahr will have an impact on native vegetation,” said New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (NZPHGA) president James Cagney. “The question is - at what level is that impact detrimental? DOC currently doesn’t have the science to answer that question. “With over 18 thousand tahr having been removed in the last three years and with the current male-biased herd, there is no urgency to cull more tahr before establishing scientific answers to some of these questions. “There is a dire lack of science around the impact of tahr on the environment. Recent media statements by DOC are simply rhetoric.” Cagney believed that with the application of sound science there could be a sustainable tahr herd and positive outcomes for valuable native biodiversity. “We also ask that DOC listens to the Game Animal Council’s advice over where to concentrate remaining control efforts,” said Cagney. “There is no point undertaking expensive helicopter operations in locations heavily visited by recreational and guided hunters.” “New Zealand hunting guides have found the whole process when it comes to this year’s Tahr Control Plan very disappointing. There is no doubt that guides face an uncertain future with COVID-19 but to have a government department
THE WĀNAKA SUN
and minister determined to inflict more pain on these small New Zealand businesses is pretty hard to take,” Cagney said. DOC said its approved plan enabled the recreational and commercial hunting of thousands of trophy bulls and other tahr on and off public conservation land, while still moving DOC towards meeting the goals of the statutory Himalayan Thar Control Plan 1993. “We are not targeting tahr in popular hunting spots and we’re exploring options to improve hunter access to public conservation land, such as extending the popular tahr ballot period,” said Reddiex. “We’re also publishing maps showing the locations of bull tahr we have observed across 425,000ha of public conservation land outside the national parks. We have already recorded more than a thousand observations of bull tahr which DOC has left for hunters.” Another change to the Operational Plan included DOC urgently progressing work with Ngāi Tahu, researchers, and stakeholders to develop an integrated research and monitoring programme, which would be underway this summer. Reddiex said key elements of the original Operational Plan would remain in place, with DOC planning to undertake a further 132 hours of aerial control inside the feral range. “We will shortly recommence targeting all tahr in Aoraki/Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks. In the national parks we are legally required to reduce the number of tahr to the lowest practicable densities and it’s important we protect and preserve these special areas for New Zealand’s native species.” Before proceeding with control outside the national parks’ management unit, DOC would invite the Game Animal Council to a discussion on the results of 2020/21 control operations to date. “This is an opportunity to discuss the results so far and consider the Council’s advice for the remaining control effort outside the national parks’ management unit.” Reddiex said DOC was interested in control, not eradication and DOC would continue to leave bull tahr for hunters across 425,000ha of public conservation land outside of the national parks. “There is also 133,000 ha of Crown pastoral leases and private land which is where the vast majority of commercial tahr hunting takes place.” DOC would spend 145 hours targeting all tahr in the exclusion zones and outside the feral range to stop the geographical spread of tahr. “Since January 2019, we have removed more than 900 tahr from outside the feral range, including 500 at Mt Hutt. Tahr migration is a significant threat to conservation values and once tahr establish and breed in a new place the cost to remove them is substantial.”
Farmers surveyed on ‘wildly inaccurate’ low slope maps Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
With the government already agreeing flawed aspects of new freshwater regulations will need to be changed, Federated Farmers is highlighting the case for a review of land deemed ‘low slope’ for the purposes of stock exclusion from waterways. "We’re about to survey our members to get more specific information on where the Ministry for the Environment’s final low slope maps are wrong, so we can advocate for the best way forward," Feds water spokesperson Chris Allen said. "The low slope maps take in some hill and high country that is so steep, the farmers will need to pay for helicopters to lift poles and other supplies in order to fence off the waterways.
"The government requirements as written have come as one hell of a shock to low intensity/high country farmers given the obscene costs it will take to comply," Allen said. The increase in pastoral land now defined as ‘low slope’ has increased from the 3.8 million hectares consulted on by the government in 2019, to 6 million hectares in the Mf E maps now published. This pushes the total cost to around $4.4 billion - four times what the government estimated it would cost in their cost/benefit analysis. "Federated Farmers supports the intent of excluding cattle, deer, and pigs from waterways on intensively grazed low slope land and when strip grazed, but unfortunately this is another instance of the final regulations being well off the mark."
When life gets tough... SPEAK UP THERE IS A WAY THROUGH In crisis phone 111 or contact the Mental Health Emergency team 0800 467 846 Wanaka Medical Centre 03 443 0710 Aspiring Medical Centre 03 443 0725 Central Lakes Mental Health Services, including Alcohol and Drug Service 03 440 4308 Central Lakes Family Services 03 441 4331 Mental Health Support Line 24/7 free call/txt 1737 Tautoko Suicide crisis support line 0508 828 865 Depression Support Line 0800 111 757 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Youthline 0800 37 66 33 Healthline 0800 611 116 Alcohol & Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
Understanding Depression
For young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz For adults: www.depression.org.nz A list of local counsellors, including subsidised counselling options, can be found on our website www.communitynetworks.co.nz or call (03) 443 7799. Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wanaka
443 7799
www.communitynetworks.co.nz
Your local resource hub for social wellbeing services.
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
PAGE 7
Sun Electoral Candidate
thewanakasun.co.nz
New Zealand First’s working-class man Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wānaka Sun has been interviewing the five Waitaki electoral candidates over the past few weeks. So far, we have interviewed Sean Beamish (ACT), Jacqui Dean (National), Liam Wairepo (Labour), and Dr Sampa Kiuru, who is standing for the Green Party. This week, and as our last candidate, we interview Dunedinite Anthony Odering, who is standing for the New Zealand First Party. Anthony Odering has lived in Dunedin for 20 years. He considers himself a "working-class man." But we don't like that phrase because when my great-great-grandparents immigrated to New Zealand it was something they were trying to escape. It's a class thing, Odering says, but what else do you call a blue-collar worker? But the working-class man thing resonates with me, he says. "It's a club, and this is because the same things resonate with all of us. "It's the lifestyles we lead compared with what we see on the TV and those that seem to have the silver spoon. It's those people who know some of life's difficulties. "I came from a family who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps. Through the 1930s, my grandad and great-grandad started a business importing seed for people to grow their veggies. Then they started developing the seedlings and selling them in bundles, and that's where the family business (Oderings Nurseries) started. "I grew up on a horticultural unit and got
PHOTO: Supplied
New Zealand First candidate Anthony Odering considers himself a "working-class man."
qualified at Massey University and then life happened and we had to diversify. I suffered those things that other ordinary New Zealanders suffered- the burst housing bubble etc. That sort of stuff doesn't leave you with much. I have an understanding of what ordinary New Zealanders have to do to get by." So is this your first foray into politics? Yes and no. My dad and I joined New Zealand First when it first came about in 1993. My dad ran as a candidate in Palmerston North in three election cycles, and I was always in hands and feet. In 2008 I joined the committee down here (in Dunedin) and have run the office ever since. I was campaign manager for our previous candidate This is my first time as a candidate, but I have
been a stalwart of New Zealand First for many years. Why the New Zealand First Party? The thing for me is the hidden stuff and the way in which policy is developed in New Zealand First. Each year the party has a convention, and there are remits put forward that are discussed and either pass or fail. And then these go to the policy committee, and it deems them to be a workable policy. Or not. Everybody can say how they think New Zealand should be shaped. So the policy is not passed down from the hierarchy to the grassroots; it comes from the grassroots up. And the 15 principles on which the party is founded are good common sense stuff – they shouldn't have to be written down as principles because they should be the things we all hold as tenets for ourselves. It's that my voice can be heard that draws me to the New Zealand First Party. What specific policies are you running with? I put it in perspective as to what's happening in the world at the moment. The world is in strife. Everyone paints a rosy picture because everyone wants to get votes. But the reality is that the world is in a dire position and we need to have a centric government and this is why New Zealand First is required by the country. New Zealand First can take away the excesses of the left and the excesses of the right and take that substantial common-sense middle ground where ordinary New Zealanders reside.
Are we heading in the right direction with COVID 19? We've been lucky in New Zealand in that we have been sheltered from the real shocks that COVID 19 has brought to the world. What I have noted is that our population has become quite complacent and there are pressures as well. People say it's stifling our economy. But keeping our borders closed is our greatest hope for protecting our country. That has a flow-on effect because it means our tourism is affected. Our international tourists aren't able to come unless they are prepared to have that first two weeks in isolation. New Zealand First believes our borders need to be more securely monitored than they have been. The country has done a lot of good work, but the spike hasn't finished yet. And so our tourism industry is going to take a hit- there are no two ways about it. The upside of that is that at least the people who are here are seeing their own country. Our domestic tourism has increased, and that is keeping a lot of that tourism industry alive. The other thing is that economically the world is going to have a recession, a downturn, and the recovery is going to come from people in the regions being able to expand their industries and diversify into the things the country used to rely on. We need to develop whatever we can in our domestic production and our consumption. It's essential to be able to create that environment in which we all do business.
THE HEIGHTS WANAKA
PAGE 8
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun SnowSport
thewanakasun.co.nz
Treble Cone season extended - again
SNOW BOARDING COLUMN
Pow
Bridget Legnavsky: “it’s all lining up for a fantastic end to the winter.”
My first powder day? I can see what all the fuss was about.
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
I could hardly believe my eyes when I woke up last Tuesday to the sight of snow low on the mountains and flakes falling in the centre of town. After weeks of broken promises, who could possibly have believed the forecast would be accurate? It could only mean one thing: my first powder day. I can see what all the fuss was about. I had to unlearn everything I had painstakingly drilled into my head about keeping my weight centred over the board, leaning on my back leg in order to bounce off the snow, and I got an inordinate amount of powder down my ski pants after getting stuck in a snowbank - or three - but it was so much fun.
PHOTO: Joanna Perry
People from the UK don’t often get to sink into a pile of fresh snow. As I waded through it up to my knees, climbing to a good photo spot from which to document my boyfriend throwing himself off various rocks before reattaching my board and bouncing back down through untouched powder, I realised how lucky we both were. There’s not many places in the world right now where it’s possible to snowboard, let alone one as beautiful as our little spot. If things back home were as simple as wearing a ski mask over your mouth and nose in order to hop on a chairlift to the top of a snow-covered mountain, and eating lunch in your car rather than a cafe, I know almost everyone would be getting (and keeping) their face coverings on without a second thought.
Wānaka snow sports athletes grace the podium Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
The National Alpine Championships, National Para Alpine Championships and National Alpine Junior Championships were held under blue skies at Coronet Peak last weekend. Wānaka Ski and Snowsports Club athletes skied their way onto every podium over the three days of racing Super G on Friday, Giant Slalom on Saturday and Slalom on Sunday. The podium results were as follows: National Championships - women Piera Hudson - first place (Slalom, Giant Slalom) Meghan Hood - second place (Super G) National Championships - men Willis Feasey - first place (Super G, Giant Slalom) Harrison Messenger - second place (Slalom); third place (Super G, Giant Slalom) William Ferrar - third place (Slalom) Junior National Championships - women Meghan Hood - first place (Super G) Junior National Championships - men Harrison Messenger - first place (Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom) Para Standing National Championships Adam Hall - first place (Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom) Josh Crean - second place (Giant Slalom, Slalom) Para Sitting National Championships - men Corey Peters - first place
THE WĀNAKA SUN
(Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom) Aaron Ewen - second place (Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom) Billy Dravitzki - third place (Super G, Slalom) Para Sitting National Championships - women Kirstie Fairhurst - first place (Slalom) Also held at Coronet Peak were the National Points races for under 14 and under 16 athletes, whose national champions will be crowned at the Snowvision National Youth Championships held at Cardrona starting on September 25.
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Treble Cone’s season has been extended by another week, now ending on September 20. With TC closing day originally scheduled for September 6, this is now the second week-long extension of the season. This coming weekend (September 12 and 13) will be the last weekend for the Learners Slope conveyor and “Nice N Easy” Platter, while the Home Basin Express and the Saddle Quad will continue through for another week. This extension is due to significant snowfall over the last couple of weeks, as well as high demand
from Treble Cone’s guests to continue skiing and snowboarding with the current snow base. After a dry and warm August, the first day of spring brought with it 30cm of snow, followed by a further dump on September 4 - and two days of the mountain reaching car parking capacity for level 2 before 8:30am. “We’re so stoked to be extending the Treble Cone season by another week,” said Treble Cone and Cardrona General Manager, Bridget Legnavsky. “Our people have shown that they want to keep skiing and snowboarding on the maunga, and the snow conditions have just kept getting better recently – it’s all lining up for a fantastic end to the winter.”
The Council Word Wānaka Community Board meeting The next Wānaka Community Board meeting on 17 September will take place in the Lake Hāwea Community Centre beginning at 10.00am. Come along if you want to hear the Board debate the draft Hāwea Domain Reserve Management Plan prior to it opening for consultation or to contribute by speaking in the Public Forum. Please note that we ask speakers to preregister with the governance team if they wish to speak (details on our website) and there are a few caveats on what you can speak about in the public forum. Further details of these are also available on our website.
WRC Masterplan
Looking after all your joinery needs from design to installation. Also designer splash backs & appliance packages.
PHOTO: Ben Karalus
Imagine it’s 2048: what would you like Wānaka Recreation Centre to look like? Should it include a Wellness centre, Squash courts or Gymnastic facilities? Jump on to letstalk@qldc.govt.nz to check out the proposed new layouts. Submit your feedback on the proposed recreational places Masterplan by Friday 18 September.
Swim lessons only Between 3.30-6.00pm on weekdays, both Alpine Aqualand and Wānaka Pool will be closed to the public to allow swim lessons to take place under Level 2 restrictions. Other times and all day weekends remain unaffected.
Getting through together Getting Through Together is a national mental health and wellbeing campaign aimed at helping New Zealanders get through the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic – together. With Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) approaching, there are plenty of practical ideas on looking after yourself and your whānau available. Check them out at www.allright.org.nz
Integrated Three Waters Bylaw consultation Submissions are now open on a proposed Integrated Three Waters Bylaw. The draft Bylaw sets out how we propose to protect our infrastructure, public health and our receiving environment from harm through regulating wastewater (including trade waste), stormwater and water supply. Get full details and have your say at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz by 27 September.
B & M JOINERY LTD 4 Ree Crescent, Cromwell, 03 265 2077 Brendon 027 449 2291, Mark 027 768 1977
www.qldc.govt.nz
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
PAGE 9
Sun Cromwell
thewanakasun.co.nz
Cromwell Compendium: calling all businesses
PHOTO: Supplied
Celebrating and supporting Central Otago’s hospitality scene and producers, the festival will feature a range of Cromwell cafes, restaurants and cellar doors.
Eat.Taste.Central returns with a twist Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Central Otago’s annual month-long celebration of food, drink and events, Eat.Taste.Central (E.T.C), will begin on Friday, September 25 and run through until October 26. This year, the festival’s traditional format as a judged competition will be replaced by a focus on collaboration and support for Central Otago’s hospitality scene. “Taking the event forward in a year that has created so many challenges for so many – particularly the hospitality sector, growers and producers – has seen us change the event focus. This year it will be about collaborating, celebrating and enjoying the amazing food and wine experiences throughout the district as opposed to the previous judged competition format,” said Tourism Central Otago Campaign Manager Antz Longman. Longman confirmed that E.T.C 2020 will feature 84 dishes, events and experiences. A range of Cromwell cafes, restaurants and cellar doors will be participating. They will be contributing
a tapas dish for the food element as well as once again hosting Hoptoberfest 2020, Cromwell’s very own mini beer festival. Scott Base Venue Manager Carolyn Murray said the vineyard’s focus for the event was working with other local producers to “create something cool for the community.” New for 2020 is the E.T.C. passport, which lets people know about all the venues and experiences on offer and keep track of where they have visited, as well as offering up opportunities for rewards and prizes throughout the campaign. “E.T.C has always been about coming together and celebrating the richness and quality the Central Otago region has to offer. This year local businesses were asked to share their version of ‘A Central Otago Experience’ whether that is served on a plate, in a glass or through a unique experience,” said Longman. “The new passport is designed to encourage people to explore that little bit further, and support the amazing cafés, restaurants, wineries and country hotels.”
• Wine Tastings and Sales • Grazing Menu • Bookings Recommended • Children’s playground
11am–4pm • 7 days
64 Shortcut Road, Cromwell Ph: 03 445 4142 Email: cellardoor@wooingtree.co.nz www.wooingtree.co.nz PAGE 10
PHOTO: Supplied
The book will be completed in time for summer and will be distributed to accommodation providers in the Cromwell region and beyond.
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
The creation of the annual official Cromwell Compendium is underway, and seeking local businesses interested in participating. This will be the third consecutive year the book will be published by the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group (CDPG). “The Cromwell Compendium gives tourists an overall view of where to go, what to do, and what to see in the area,” said Carolyn Murray, CDPG Chairperson. The book will be completed in time for summer and will be distributed to accommodation providers in the Cromwell region and beyond.
“Even though the borders are still closed, there are still plenty of domestic tourists coming to our region,” added Gretchen Nightingale, Community Relationship Manager. “By showing people all that Cromwell has to offer, we hope to entice them to come here more often.” Last year, the compendium featured 55 businesses in Cromwell and its districts and had an estimated readership upwards of 240,000 over the course of the year. In addition to the advertisements, the book will also contain interesting articles and snippets about the town and its history. “There are still a few spots left for businesses who have not yet signed up,” said Nightingale.
First adoption for Animal Rehab Central Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A new non-profit organisation established to care for, rehabilitate and rehome animals in Alexandra has had its first adoption since opening its doors at the end of August. Animal Rehab Central (ARC) was set up by Shirlene Steel at the site of the former SPCA facility on Blackman Road in Earnscleugh. The facility rescued and rehomed over 150 animals a year, but closed last December as part of an operational restructuring in the region. Established as an incorporated society just before the national COVID-19 lockdown began, it took until August for Steel to receive confirmation of ARC’s charitable status and prepare to open, thanks to the complications of the pandemic. However, after three weeks of operations, Steel reported that everything was going well, and the facility had said goodbye to their first adoptee over the weekend - a staffy cross puppy who has gone to their new forever home in Albert Town. Steel said there had been “quite a bit of interest” in the five dogs and one cat that they currently had in the shelter, but the continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 alert levels had made planning fundraising activities difficult. “We have kicked off at a reasonably difficult time for people in every aspect, and we are very aware of that, but the generosity of people has been outstanding, and we solely rely on that,” said Steel. “We are aware of the fact that everybody is hurting, but that also means that animals tend to
THURSDAY 03.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.09.20
PHOTO: Supplied
Animal Rehab Central (ARC) was set up by Shirlene Steel at the site of the former SPCA facility on Blackman Road in Earnscleugh.
fall down the ranking a little bit as well. It’s great that we’re up and running, but on the other hand, it’s hard to keep the funds rolling in to make it possible.” Steel hoped that the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe Country Fair, to help raise funds for ARC, would be able to go ahead on September 27 at the Earnscleugh Hall. In the meantime, ARC’s animals are available to adopt through the Wānaka App and Central App as well as their website, where it is also easy to make a donation. For more information or to donate, visit: www.animalrehabcentral.co.nz.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Get moving for dementia this September Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and this year, Alzheimer’s Otago is encouraging the Otago community to get moving through the new online platform, Move for Dementia. “Usually we would celebrate September with a community Memory Walk, but that is a bit trickier this year, as we are never quite sure what COVID-19 will bring next. So, this year we have moved online and we hope the Otago community will join us,” Alzheimer’s Otago Manager, Liz Harburg said. Move for Dementia is the new online platform that allows us to set an activity challenge and raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Otago. It’s as easy as 1,2,3,” said Harburg. 1. Choose your activity challenge.
2. Visit movefordementia.org.nz and create your fundraising page 3. Get moving! “You can set yourself any type of activity goal, it could be ambitious like running a marathon or it could be a little slower pace like a chair yoga marathon. You might also like to choose a team challenge. It is up to you.” Physical activity is important for all, Harburg said. It can help reduce the risk of dementia, it helps to manage some of the behaviors associated with dementia and can help to reduce overall stress and anxiety. Activity is therefore vital during these uncertain times when many are feeling overwhelmed. To find out more about how you can get involved, visit movefordementia.org.nz or contact Alzheimer’s Otago on 03 471 6154.
PHOTO: Pixabay
Most of the people who have lost their lives through COVID in New Zealand were associated with aged care clusters, many of whom had dementia.
Wānaka’s own surveillance state? Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Pixabay
Queenstown Lakes District Council has introduced a new policy on CCTV camera use for crime prevention, public safety, and parking enforcement.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has introduced a new policy on CCTV camera use for crime prevention, public safety, and parking enforcement. The proposal was first announced by the council early this year but was finalised and adopted at a meeting of the QLDC Infrastructure Committee last month. The new policy laid out that surveillance footage could only be collected for lawful purposes relating to public safety. It also said that while the technology was available, face tracking software was not implemented by the council. So if you see new cameras popping up around town it’s not the council trying to track your every move, don’t worry. CCTV has been in operation since 2011 in the Wānaka CBD, but recent demands on parking
spaces in town have increased since then, with 6,075 parking infringements issued last year. While QLDC said in January that the new CCTV would be focused on parking, there were already systems in place for the purpose of monitoring and preventing parking violations. In Wānaka there were two parking officers on duty, and one animal control officer who assisted with minor parking duties outside the CBD. The council and police would have access to the data recorded by the cameras, which holds information for three months. As the new cameras were installed, the locations would be published on social media and on the QLDC website. Despite the council not looking into facial recognition technology, the Police had announced that they were investing $9M into the software, which would be used to identify people from CCTV footage.
NEWS IN BRIEF Te Kakano to plant living memorial Te Kakano has decided to take part in the Matariki Tu Rākau project. Part of the One Billion Trees programme, this programme is delivered through Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand). The Wānaka planting will take place at Eely Point and will be a living memorial to honour members of our community from NZ Defence Force past and present. Car bursts into flames on Treble Cone access road On Saturday September 5, a Toyota vehicle
travelling up the Treble Cone access road burst into flames. The driver (the only person in the car) grabbed their valuable items and jumped out of the car safely. The fire was reported just before 1pm, and police confirmed that the fire’s origin was not suspicious. The road was closed for an hour. Mt Aspiring skier falls 400m A man survived a 400m fall while skiing the west face of Mt Aspiring on 3 September. He was skiing with a friend, who was able to set off his personal detector beacon, built a snow
wall to protect from wind, assessed his injuries, and put him in a thermal blanket. Fortunately, he only came away with injuries to his legs after falling onto a glacier. Rescue services said that the main message to take away is the importance of locator beacons, and how effective they are at speeding rescue missions up. LINK Upper Clutha holds Connection Cafe After being postponed since late March this year, the Link Connection Cafe is happening again this month on the 25th at 12:00-1:30pm. The idea behind the event is to inspire locals
to find connections with their community, and will feature local leaders with team building activities. LINK Facilitator Kathy Dedo says, “There’s so much grassroots energy in the Upper Clutha to bring people together and make great things happen – we’re showcasing locals to share their experiences and inspire others. We often get requests about who’s doing these kinds of activities, and questions about how to get involved – this is your chance!” Email kathy@ link.org.nz to register.
Penny Fisher RN MBA
027 343 4776
Penny’s Home Care Professional Trustworthy Friendly Reliable Personal care, Dementia care, 24 hour care, Palliative care, Medication assistance, Transport to appointments.
www.polishedconcretecentral.co.nz
w w w.p e nny sho m e c a re . c o . n z
THE WĀNAKA SUN
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
PAGE 11
Sun News
Gently down the lake
PHOTO: Supplied
Rob Taylor, Shane Gibson, Jaime Hutter and Mike Toepfer are the first quad crew to attempt the lake row, with a fundraising target of $10,000 to be split equally between Wānaka Search and Rescue, Wānaka Food Bank, Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust and Wānaka Rowing Club.
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Four Wānaka Rowing Club masters are hoping to raise $10,000 for local charities by sculling 45km along the length of Lake Wānaka from Makarora to Roy's Bay. Rob Taylor, Shane Gibson, Jaime Hutter and Mike Toepfer are the first quad crew to attempt the lake row, with all proceeds being split equally between Wānaka Search and Rescue, Wānaka Food Bank, Upper Clutha Children’s Medical Trust and Wānaka Rowing Club. Rob Taylor said he was inspired to organise the challenge when regattas kept getting cancelled due to COVID-19 - but also because of the impact the virus had had on families and people in the community. “It’s a great community we’re in, and it’s nice to give something back,” he said. If all goes smoothly, it will take the crew around four hours to complete the challenge. A Cromwell to Clyde long distance race scheduled for Labour Weekend at the end of October will act as their “warm up” as they row the 18 km
along Lake Dunstan - and then back again. “This isn't going to be easy,” said Taylor. “If we can make it without either falling in or wimping out at the first blister then I hope we can raise a good bit of cash for the community, and also show the kids that anything is possible away from screens.” Rowing Club treasurer Hutter, who broke a world record for a 24 hour indoor row in 2016, reflected that “rowing on the water helps me appreciate our beautiful lake and town, which I have sometimes taken for granted. The lockdown renewed my appreciation of the outdoors, and there's no better way for me to take it all in than rowing the full 45km, getting closer to home with each stroke before finally landing on the beach in Roy's Bay." Chairman Graham Berry added that this was an “awesome” and brave” venture. “These guys are super fit and keen, and they’ve already raised a fair bit for great causes. It’s a big lake, and lots of things can happen weather-wise. Good on them.” To donate, visit: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ rowing-a-45km-marathon-to-raise-money-for-local.
New appointments for OCT Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Dr. Michael Stevens, Rebecca Williams, and Raewyn van Gool have been appointed as new Otago Community Trust (OCT) trustees, newly appointed chair Diccon Sim announced today. The new trustees replace Kate Hazlett, Ross McRobie, and John Wilson who are stepping down from the Trust after completing their trustee terms. The new appointments which take effect this week were unfortunately delayed due to the Government needing to divert resources to the COVID-19 pandemic. Otago Community Trust chair Diccon Sim welcomed the new trustees to the board and acknowledged the retiring trustee’s enormous contribution to the Trust. “I wish to thank Kate, Ross, and John for their excellent and valuable contribution to the Trust over the years. The knowledge and expertise each has contributed to the board table will be missed.” Ross and more recently John has provided the Trust with strong leadership and direction in their role as chair and this has been greatly appreciated, said Sim.
PAGE 12
Otago Community Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger welcomed the new appointments. “We are delighted to have Michael, Rebecca, and Raewyn on board, they will bring an excellent blend of skills, experience and community connections to the Trust’s board table.” Trustees are appointed to the Community Trust by the Minister of Finance, under the Community Trusts Act 1999. Trustees are selected for their professional or communitybased experience and must live within the Trust's region. Trustees are responsible for managing funds of more than $290 million and distributing income for the benefit of the Otago communities. The 11 Otago Community Trust Trustees are: Diccon Sim (Chair) Barb Long (Deputy Chair) Gina Huakau Pip Laufiso Haley van Leeuwen Kevin Malcolm Malcolm Wong Bridget Tweed Dr Michael Stevens Rebecca Williams Raewyn Van gool
thewanakasun.co.nz
Response from Challenge Wānaka The Challenge Wānaka Board of Trustees respond to last week’s article on the event’s move to a course at Glendhu Bay for February 2021. “We appreciate there are people within our community who would rather our race stay on Pembroke Park, but it is not financially viable for us in 2021 to continue with this. There is a great amount of infrastructure which has to be in place for athletes to register and shelter at Pembroke Park in case of bad weather, barricading and the bridge so children and adults alike can be kept safe from road users and athletes, plus traffic management over a large area for multiple days over the period. A lot of this equipment and infrastructure is not needed at Glendhu Bay, as we will be able to utilise the existing building and safe roads. “We do not predict we will be able to bring international visitors into NZ for our event due to border restrictions, which has already had an effect on our revenue. As a charitable trust, we are looking at ways we can adapt and create an event which can be sustained over this period of uncertainty. With the help of Bike Glendhu
and Glendhu Station, we believe we can create a great event as well as keep our costs down. “It has been reported over the multiple years of our event that competitors bring with them two to three support people for an average period of four nights to the Wānaka region. This has undoubtedly had a positive impact on our local economy, and the team at Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka want to retain this for 2021. “We provide an expo which we invite local businesses to be part of and will celebrate sport and our community. Plus we believe people will still spend in town during the period, as they always have, and, after the race on the Saturday, continue to frequent the restaurants and bars. We agree the feeling of seeing the athletes run past will not be there as it has been in previous years, but we are trying to future proof our event so it can continue to thrive in these uncertain times. We hope we will be able to showcase some amazing sport and a great community feeling out at Glendhu Bay and invite our locals to come out and enjoy our race in our new 2021 home.” – By Challenge Wānaka Board of Trustees
EDITORIAL
New freshwater regulations add to the toll Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
I have been reading a lot about how farmers have to endure the new freshwater regulations (see pages 6 and 7). Farmers are pushing back but they are forever getting it in the neck for being a bunch of whiners, is my opinion. Otago farmers are no exception. Farmers are seen as operating in a constant state of discontent. Too much rain, or not enough rain. Crossbred wool on a downward spiral. The price of grain too low; the cost of fertilizer too high. Too much compliance. The list of complaints seems endless. I beg to differ. Sure, the ups and downs of farming make the news, but farmers have it far from easy, even in this day of uber-technology and precision farming. I grew up on a farm in North Canterbury, and I still think of my father as being the hardest working, most uncomplaining person I've ever known. Each morning he would be out the door by seven o'clock. He would be in for lunch at 12 pm on the dot, listen to the farming hour on National Radio, then head back out on the farm until after 6 pm. In the rain, the heat, the nor'wester, the dust ... whatever the weather threw at him. It was no surprise he got skin cancer in his later years. Back in those days, there wasn't the technology or the contractors around farming there is today. Making hay involved small square bales and carting and stacking them by hand. Us offspring, home from boarding school, were employed (but not paid) to cart and stack the bales in the hay shed. This was a lengthy process, unlike today where hay bales are large and manhandled by a front end loader.
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
My father would crutch his lambs, again with the help of the kids. He would also class his own wool, a skill that not many have now. Farming is so much in the "public eye" these days. Dairy farming and water quality is a huge issue and farmers must conform to obligations that weren't around even a decade ago. Consumers are more aware of their food and want to know its origins and farmers’ production must be geared around this. There is a sense of scrutiny and being watched that farming forebears didn't have. Farmers must become comfortable with working in a "fishbowl". And new technology has some downsides. Email and the internet ensure a farmer can never truly get off the farm, and he is always contactable by his staff. "You take it with you, it follows you, you don't get the break you were looking for, there is not the letting go that you need," one farmer said. It's no wonder the statistics around farmer mental health and suicide are high. If I were to single out the most significant change between the farming generations, it would be compliance. Farmers must educate themselves around issues like water quality, nitrate levels, and health and safety as they will be audited, and often the farmers' opinion on these matters is irrelevant. I only ever remember my father complaining about his lot once. It was sometime in the 1980s in the middle of the drought, around the time government subsidies were lifted. It was a stinking hot day, it was blowing a nor'west gale, and the place was parched. We were walking up the paddock, and he said simply "sometimes I hate farming." At the time it broke my heart. I never heard him complain again.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun Views
thewanakasun.co.nz
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Taking the pledge
I see Mount Aspiring College (MAC) and Wānaka Chamber of Commerce have pledged to make Wānaka a ‘pride pledge town.’ And ‘all businesses and individuals who take the pledge will be listed online to show their inclusivity.’ (The Sun). Have all Wānaka businesses and MAC students agreed to this? Well, why not? You may ask, nothing wrong with diversity or being inclusive and accepting an expanding range of sexual orientations as legitimate except when one has to be labeled to demonstrate the correct attitude. I have no doubt the people promoting the pledge are motivated by concern for others, but there are sinister aspects to this kind of inclusivity. Take wearing a red poppy, a white ribbon, ‘taking the knee.’ These gestures signify concern for New Zealand soldiers who died in WW1, opposition to violence against women, and opposition to black people being killed in America. But just who pride pledge is opposing in New Zealand is not clear. As far as I’m aware, there is no organised opposition for them to stand against. And an unwillingness to advertise your concern by wearing a badge of some sort or having your name on the list of the righteous does not mean lack of concern or awareness. But perception, as they say, is everything. Does anyone believe that all Kiwi butchers agree with halal certification? Of course not, but if they don’t get on the list of the certified, they’ll be shut out of the Muslim market. Just as the wearing of a white ribbon does not exclude wife-beaters, taking the knee does not exclude racists, and taking the pledge does not exclude homophobes. The point is, tokenism and posturing are not necessarily harmless; they can be intimidating. However, since MAC is fortunate in having a renowned English teacher, what better opportunity for students to debate and write thoughtful essays on this issue. And perhaps some members of the Chamber of Commerce might like to see the results. Christopher Horan
Discrimination against motor-homers
Many of our motor-home friends joked, now we may discover signs welcoming us to Queenstown instead of the usual no motor-homes signs. We had stopped coming to the area for that reason. This year we decided to visit again. Sam wanted to ski in the South Island even though he had a North Island Pass. I booked a week at the Pines Resort Wānaka. Overall with ski passes, accommodation, eating out, and booking at Edgewater Resort for the following week, we have spent nearly $3000.00 On Friday, Sam collected me from Pines Resort, and we decided on a nice breakfast in town, a shop at our favourite clothes shop Glowing Sky, then our weekly shop before we headed to Queenstown to visit friends. We found a park opposite the New World, the council park free 4-hour parking. The back of the park is ordinarily ideal as we can hang our end over the grass and still get into a one-car space, but Council in their wisdom had put up bollards with a chain. With the park only a 1/3 full we did what we do all around the country- we took up two spaces end on end. We came back to collect our bags from the grocery shop and found a fine of $60.00 for inconsiderate parking. All car parks around us were still empty. A local said to go to the Council, so I did while Sam filled up with gas, another purchase. To be told if we weren’t paying to get out. She was downright rude. We called Council, got told go to the website. The few options that allowed for a waiver we didn’t qualify for, and we are not able to self-represent in a court case. Didn’t even the terrorist get that? Summing up: All motor- homers still keep up the boycott on Queenstown District. They don’t want our money and please can the Government stop giving them handouts -they don’t deserve it. Christine Carter
Non-racist
Natasha Nichols is obviously not concerned about Wānaka's Lakefront Development. Her only comment to my letter was that I made a "racist comment" because I called a little Asian girl what she was, Asian. That is their ethnicity and they are proud of it as most are. My grandson cooked a delicious Asian dish lately, was that also racist? The reason I pointed out that she was Asian was to demonstrate they were tourists (they crossed the road afterward and got into their campervan), and that tourists, as well as us locals, are in danger on that track. By the way, Natasha, have you ever filled in your census form? It asks for our ethnicity; are you Maori, Asian, European, etc., Do you call our government racist too? And what about Maori, is it racist to call them that? Many Maoris are mighty proud to be that and Kiwis are proud of some Maoris, especially when they are good Rugby players or sing as well as Kiri Tekanawa. I would suggest we do as the Canadians- they call their natives 'First Nation People', If we did that it would make a lot of Kiwis pay more attention to who our Maoris actually are. Rosemarie Jones
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sponsored by
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wānaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz. Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page. Letters may be edited or abridged. Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.
Crimeline S Sean Hurley
Senior Constable, NZPD
Well, the COVID 19 Restrictions continue into September, and it is good to see our business trying its best to comply with the requirements, follow any directions given and let us try to keep our community safe from this terrible health problem. On Monday Police attended a vehicle crash in the Cardrona Valley where a local couple was in a vehicle which rolled several times down a bank. Luckily no one was hurt, but the poor car wasn’t okay. It is a good reminder to remain focussed to your destination and not to switch to autopilot because you are near home. Police received a report of 12 vehicles broken into at Mount Roy car park. Thankfully investigation revealed it was not a crime but that severe wind had whipped up loose gravel and damaged the cars. A driver also had their driver’s license suspended when driving at 129 km ph in an 80 km ph area. Tuesday saw us deal with another vehicle collision in the Cardrona Valley Road. It is again a reminder that despite the arrival of spring, one needs to drive to the road conditions. Police were called to disorderly behavior at the Wānaka Medical center. A person was trespassed for
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
two years - our community’s health professionals are here to help not to be abused so please treat them with the same care they show to us. The patient had to travel to an alternative provider. Police received a report of a vehicle damaged on Anderson Road. Some unhelpful individuals had jumped on the roof of the car. Police would appreciate any information about this offending. Wednesday saw us attend another vehicle collision - a reminder to drive to the conditions. Thursday saw two drivers apprehended for excess breath alcohol. The rate of apprehension does not seem to be diminishing. Infringement notices were issued for these two offenses. Police also dealt with a vehicle collision with a cyclist. On Friday another driver was apprehended for excess breath alcohol at such a level that his license was suspended and he is facing a court appearance. Saturday saw Police deal with a family harm matter, and Police apprehended yet another motorist for excess breath alcohol, who was issued with an infringement notice. Police also dealt with a grossly intoxicated male who became separated from his companions. Sunday saw Police deal with a family harm incident and a trespass matter. Have a safe week, be careful not to drink and drive, treat each other with the kindness you would like to be shown to yourself.
PAGE 13
Sun Classifieds
thewanakasun.co.nz
TRADES AND SERVICES PAINTING
CHICKEN
PAINTERS & PAINTERS & DECORATORS DECORATORS
HOT CHICKEN & CHIPS
For all your interior/exterior house For all your interior/exterior house painting requirements, call Ben PAINTERS & andpainting receive a FREE QUOTE. requirements, call Ben
DECORATORS
and receive a FREEForQUOTE. all your interior/exterior house
0204 0133 350
painting requirements, call Ben and receive a FREE QUOTE.
0204 0133 350
paint@btppainting.com 0204 0133 350 www.btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com www.btppainting.com www.btppainting.com
PLUMBING
Call for free no obligation quotes
Specialising in Curtains and Blinds including all Repairs. Based in Wanaka.
DRAINAGE
M: 021 709 918
SKIPS
Domestic and Commercial Skip Bins 7.0 – 9.0 m3 Skip Bins 4.0 m3 Hard Fill Skips 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid
Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!
EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY
l
PLUMBING
l
GAS FITTING
If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 PAGE 14
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.
WANTED
W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz
The Salvation Army Family Store urgently requires warm clothing, if you can help this would be greatly appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick Street.
STORAGE
Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
GW Logo Paths.indd 1
TRADES & SERVICES ADVERTS FROM
$50
+GST
SITUATION VACANT
Customer Service Wanaka
Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?
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.
Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street open from 8am until 7pm every single day. 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.
NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA
Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions
web: www.dynzdesignz.co.nz
NOTICES
SERVICES
CURTAINS
Phone Helen: 022 413 4622 e: helen@dynzdesignz.co.nz
THANKS
Love tools & machinery? Advising customers on equipment & usage Answering phones & taking bookings Small team with lots of variety & opportunity to learn
For more information, call Kevin Stevenson on 027 431 4337 To apply, go to: hirepoolcareers.co.nz
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM
GIB STOPPING Aspiring Interiors Offers Leading Gib Stopping Services For Residential & Commercial in Wānaka. Level Four Finish. Machine Tools. Reliable. No Obligation Free Quotes. Call Kahu 0210 2793 or Email contact@aspiringinteriors.co.nz
SUN TEAM
WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 991 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: Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Josh Baines • 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun Classifieds
thewanakasun.co.nz
SPORTS RESULTS
SITUATION VACANT
Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz by Tuesday at noon. Results should be unformatted and presented in the body of the email. ANZ PRIVATE WĀNAKA GOLF CLUB LADIES STABLEFORD RESULTS Sunday 6 Sep + Monday 7 Sept 2020 Division: Div 1 (0.0 to 17.2 handicaps) 1 Sue Cowles Wānaka 38 2 Linda Wallace Wānaka 37 3 Jacqui Scott Wānaka 37 4 Wendy Borrius Broek Wānaka 36 5 Pamela Lamb Alexandra 36 6 Margaret Read Wānaka 36 7 Rowan Greaves Otago 36 8 Jacqui Clough Chisholm Links 36 Division: Div 2 (17.3 to 23.7) 1 Margaret Caldwell Wānaka 42 2 Helen Thirkell Wānaka 40 3 Jenny Bolitho Temuka 39 4 Beverley De Beer-Lamont Wānaka 39 5 Debbie O'Connell Riverton 38 6 Kath Galwey Gleniti 38 7 Dianne Cleland Waikaka 38 8 Janet Cochrane Wānaka 38 9 Judy Wilson Wānaka 38
LEAD CLIMB GUIDE
Wilson/ M Nyhon 66, R Gibson/ L Nelson 67, J Page/ A May c/b 67, D Morris/ R Hicks 69, B Lucas/ A Campbell c/b 69, D Agnew/ D Allen 69, P Bond/G Gardiner 70, B Trevathan/ G Chapman-Cohen c/b 70, J Evans/P Day 70 NEAREST THE PIN SENIOR Grant Gardiner NEAREST THE PIN JUNIOR Bill Anderson BEST TWO SHOTS ON NOS 4+13 Grant Gardiner LONGEST DRIVE SENIOR Michael Turner LONGEST DRIVE JUNIOR Gus Chapman-Cohen STRAIGHTEST DRIVE NOS 9+18 Alister Campbell TWOS W Bosley, S Johnston, D Good, T Watson
About the Company
Aspiring Guides is a locally owned and operated Mountain Guiding Company based in Wanaka. For over 30 years we have been creating NZ made adventures whether it be skiing, climbing, or trekking. We are searching for a Lead Climb guide to join our team and help us further develop a strong and enduring business. About the Role The Lead Climb guide role is initially Part Time and is responsible for: • Leading and managing our team of qualified climb guides • Guiding clients in the field • Ensuring work is undertaken in line with our Health and Safety Management Plan Experience and qualifications • Hold and IFMGA Mountain Guide / NZGMA Climb Qualification • Avo 2, NZ Avalanche Awareness Level 6 or equivalent • PHEC or equivalent • Minimum 3+ seasons working in NZ since qualifying • An in-depth and up to date knowledge of the areas of the South Island that we play in (for example, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland, Westland and Aoraki/Mt Cook national park) Benefits • Joining a great team in a well-established and reputable business • Opportunities for the role to grow along with the business • Flexible work environment • Based in one of the best towns on earth
WĀNAKA BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS Tuesday 1 Sept: North/ South: 1st Jacqui Roberts Kay Ross 63.33% 2nd John Schwarz Norah Ellery 54.29% 3rd Helen Millar Eddie Lowe 53.33% East/ west 1st Dean Snelling Martin Unwin 58.33% 2nd Bruce Cathie Kate Summers 56.67% 3rd Pam Miller Leigh Snelling 49.44% Wednesday – Bronze Championship Pairs 6: North/ South: 1st Doug Hall Rachel Hall 53.81% 2nd= Bridget McCaughan Sonya Adams 50.95% 2nd= Nicola Brown Deb Budden 50.95% East/ West: 1st Jude Gunn Noeline Munro 63.89% 2nd Sandy Bryan Miranda O'Leary 57.22% 3rd Jacqui Roberts Kay Ross 52.78%
Division: Div 3 (23.8 to 40.4) 1 Margaret Marshall Wānaka 41 2 Jen Milburn Wānaka 39 3 Ann Dodds Wānaka 38 4 Marilyn Stewart Waikouaiti 37 5 Harriet Byrne Wānaka 37 6 Chris Willson Wānaka 37 7 Diane Clearwater Waikouaiti 37 8 Dianne McKenzie Tokarahi 36 (7 others on 36 points on a count back) TARRAS GOLF RESULTS FIRST DAY OF JOHN ANNAN MEMORIAL 4BBB 4BBB L Scott/ S Johnston 64, D Mullaly/ Peter Burnes c/b 64, C Sinclair/M Dowling 65, W Bosley/ J Trevathan c/b 65, B Anderson/ I Morrison 66, P Mavor/ N Hamilton c/b 66, M Hyndman/ B Rowley 66, D
Friday 5 Sept : North/ South: 1st Sheryl Strudwick Joy Baxter 59.23% 2nd Lynne Fegan David Brewer 56.85% 3rd Ena Leckie Laraine Shepherd 52.98% East/ West: 1st Michael Chapman – Smith Liz Hawker 59.52% 2nd Jenny Pryde Marion Furneaux 58.99% 3rd Ruth Coghill Noeline Munro 53.97%
This role provides the opportunity to be part of a team that is committed to providing high quality adventure-based experience for our clients. For further information or to submit your CV please contact us at climb@aspiringguides.com or call Vickie Sullivan on 03 443 9422. Applications close 17th September.
Monday – Aspiring Stakes 1: North/ South: 1st Brian McCandless Martin Unwin 60.63% 2nd John Schwarz John Hogg 56.96% 3rd Maggie Stratford Paul Cushnie 56.21% East / West: 1st Ena Leckie Allan Kelly 58.77% 2nd Tommie Munns Jo Wallis 57.50% 3rd Lynne Fegan Georgie Roberts 57.18%
YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN
www.thewanakasun.co.nz
PUBLIC NOTICE
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION
Consent is also sought under Section 221(3) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to cancel consent notice CONO 9897220.3 in relation to Lot 3 DP 471084. A new consent notice is proposed for proposed Lots 1 and 2 to replace the cancelled consent notice.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991 Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these from our website www.qldc.govt.nz/ services/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents#public-rc or via our edocs website using the RM number as the reference www.edocs.qldc.govt.nz/Account/Login 1.
Allenby Farms Limited (RM191242)
What is proposed: Application to undertake a six lot fee simple subdivision. The proposed lot sizes are as follows: Lot 1
960m2 net, 1234m2 gross
Lot 2
885m net, 1162m gross
Lot 3
710m2 net, 990m2 gross
Lot 4
925m2 net, 1246m2 gross
Lot 5
941m2
Lot 6
1259m2 net, 1398m2 gross
2
180 Cardrona Valley Road, Wānaka, ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT: Barry Morgan c/- Edgar Planning Ltd scott@edgarplanning.co.nz 1 Kamahi Street Wānaka 9305 The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Melissa Shipman who may be contacted by phone at 029 777 5515 or email melissa.shipman@qldc.govt.nz
2
Submissions will be received until 8 October 2020, and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information: 1. 2.
Access is proposed from a leg in from Rob Roy Lane. A building platform is proposed on each lot with the exception of Lot 6. The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at:
3. 4. 5. 6.
Your name, email address (preferred), postal address and telephone number. Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number. Whether you support or oppose the application. Your submission, with reasons. The decision you wish the consent authority to make. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.
Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that:
Lot 2 Deposited Plan 539413 Rob Roy Lane, Wānaka ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT:
a) adversely affects the environment; and b) does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
Lynden Cleugh C/- Duncan White duncan.white@ppgroup.co.nz Paterson Pitts Limited Partnership Po Box 283 Wānaka
You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Queenstown Lakes District Council (details below). The submission should be in the format of Form 13. Copies of this form are available on the website www.qldc.govt.nz/services/resource-consents/application-forms-and-fees#other_forms
The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Erin Stagg who may be contacted by phone at 03 450 0331 or email erin.stagg@qldc.govt.nz. 2.
The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at:
Barry Morgan and B W and G E Morgan Trustee Co Ltd (RM190481)
What is proposed: Subdivision Consent to subdivide Lot 3 DP 471804 into two fee simple lots and to establish a building platform, create a right of way easement and cancel in part an existing right of way.
Address for Service for Consent Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300
Email Phone Website
rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz 03 441 0499 www.qldc.govt.nz
Dated: 10 September 2020 Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
THE WĀNAKA SUN
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
PAGE 15
Sun Sport
thewanakasun.co.nz
Unfortunate end of season for MAC 1st XV The MAC 1st XV traveled down to Oamaru last weekend to play St Kevins College in the middle four of the semifinal's going down 35 -25 in a hardfought contest. The game didn't start well for MAC which was almost immediately on the back foot being first hustled into touch and then penalised in front of their posts to find themselves 3 – 0 down. St Kevins then dominated possession for a considerable period, testing out the MAC defense which held strong. Despite having little or no possession for much of the first half MAC made good use of what they had and Fergus Read was able to expose a gap in the St Kevins blindside defence to run through over the line to score and put MAC into the lead five points to three. This was short-lived, however, as the powerful St Kevins ball runners began to make a lot of ground with some impressive offloads and were able to put together some well-executed attacking play to score. St Kevins also kicked well for territory and was rewarded with another penalty not long after to take the lead out to 13 – 5. They kept the pressure on and once close to the line their big forwards eventually found a way through to score again to go into the break with a
handy lead of 18 points to five. Early into the second half MAC took advantage of a penalty within kicking range, and a good strike by Ryan Jones brought the score back to 18 -8. Once back in possession, St Kevins again looked the more dangerous team while on the attack and made a clean break which eventually led to another try. The game looked to be getting away from MAC as they trailed 23 – 8. Another opportunity at goal for a penalty was taken to reduce the lead to 23 -11 before St Kevins were able to score again to keep their comfortable lead, capitalising off a MAC error to extend their lead 28 - 11. To their credit the MAC boys did not fold and came back strongly, pressuring the St Kevins line until halfback Jack Finlay snuck through to score MACs second try which was converted to bring the score back to 28 – 18. With time starting to run out MAC played some expansive rugby and was rewarded with an excellent try by Lachy Moore to bring MAC right back into the game to trail by just three points at 28 -25 with five minutes left. It was a tense end to the game with MAC on the attack and looking dangerous before a crucial handling error gave St Kevins back the ball. They used it well and were able to score off the following scrum to seal
Wanaka premiers dig deep over University Wānaka AFC Premiers hosted University which was coming off a fine win over Mosgiel the previous week and who still had a mathematical chance of catching league leaders Green Island should they win all their four remaining games. Wānaka set out to improve on recent weeks where mistakes had cost them dearly. Barry Grehan, veteran Allan Carmichael, and promising youngster Xion Lippe returned to the starting line up with Steve Pleskun, Danilo Santana and Fletcher Cavanagh all unavailable for this weeks fixture. There were few clear cut goal scoring chances for both teams in the first half as University struggled to break down the compact shape of Wānaka. The few shots on goal they had were comfortably saved by Aaron Molloy starting in goal for Wānaka. Halftime 0-0 The second half played out similarly as University again had the lion's share of the ball. Still, Wānaka started to create more attacking opportunities with Levi Fletcher and Lippe in wide areas and the ever-present Adam Hewson attacking from deep. Midfielders Grehan, Michael Gealogo, and young Ethan Arratia all linked up well with striker Everton Rossi who was proving troublesome for the University defense. Hewson, Lippe, Hodgson, Gealogo, and Grehan all created dangerous attacking moments, but the last piece of the puzzle just wasn't there in those critical moments, and it was University who scored first But they were denied a goal in the 65th
PHOTO: Clint Hughes
MAC lock Jono Watson contests the ball.
the win. MAC fought hard to the last minute, reclaiming possession off the kickoff and pressuring the St Kevins line in extra time before the ball was eventually forced dead to end the game and with it the season. The MAC boys were naturally disappointed with the result but felt they had given it their best and ultimately were beaten by a better team on the day. For the core of this team, it was their last game together, which is always a bit sad at the end of a season as some of the boys had been playing rugby together since they were five years old but will now go their separate ways after finishing school later this year. – By Clint Hughes
minute when Aaron Molloy parried a wellstruck shot, and Scahill reacted quickly to fire the rebound home. But he was ruled to have been in an offside position to the relief of the Wānaka players. A pivotal moment in the game came when Levi Fletcher, playing higher up the pitch, created Wānaka's first goal opportunity as he twisted and turned in the Universities box. Ben Ofarrell was judged to have brought him down, resulting in a penalty to Wānaka. Barry Grehan converted to give Wanaka the lead at a crucial stage of the game with only 12 minutes to play. University nearly leveled the score shortly afterward when a rasping drive struck Wānaka's crossbar. There were a couple of goalmouth scrambles where Wānaka defended well as they battled to keep the lead, late in the game. University threw numbers forward, and Wānaka had two or three golden opportunities to get a second but didn't make the most of the chances. For coach Ian Bell it was a pleasing result and chance to create more momentum for the remaining three games. Man of the match went to Barry Grehan, but as has proven to be the case recently Van Hees, Hewson, Gealogo and Hodgson have also been instrumental in Wānaka's ability to match teams at this level. Wānaka host Mosgiel next weekend and they will be licking their wounds after losing 4-0 today to Green Island who officially has won the league with three games to go after today's results. – By WAFC
“All my life I’ve never settled for average. Why should I start now?” If you want an over-65 home base that values your individuality and personal freedom, this is your kind of place. With spectacular villas and a lively social life, Queenstown Country Club has a new approach to community living that’s good for the soul. Curious?
Call Hilary on 0800 111 410 queenstowncountryclub.co.nz
Living a life with soul PAGE 16
THURSDAY 10.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 16.09.20
THE WĀNAKA SUN