A new steering committee
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 14 Sport: Page 16
Airport SOI to get guidance.
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They did it! Hawea primary win national tech title.
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THUR 12.12.19 - WED 18.12.19
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EDITION 952
What a week! WÄ naka goes underwater
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Looking west across Pembroke Park with ingress of water back to the skate ramp.
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The flood by numbers
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Business costs mount as shops forced to close; Patagonia is hoping to re-open on Sunday December 14.
The cost of flooding Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
As flooding causes several businesses to close in Wānaka’s main street, the question of cost has become an ongoing concern. Payment of rent, staff and water damage are all factors that businesses have to deal with whilst shops remain sealed off. Ignite Wānaka says: “It's day by day at the moment but yes it's likely going to have an impact on some businesses' short-term income being closed over the last three or so days.” Some businesses have plans in place for such events whilst some have chosen to regroup, and hold much-needed staff parties or training over their days of closure. Whilst getting things back up and running is a pressing matter for everyone involved, safety and protecting premises remains first priority. Patagonia was a storefront particularly targeted by the flooding, so much so that a temporary dam was erected outside the
store in an effort to protect the business thanks to efforts by the landlord Peter Bowmar and neighbours from the Lake Bar. The chocolate shop thinks it’s too soon to know whether the costs of the closure will impact long-term, and said, “We have not had the ability to make an estimation yet, we are currently focused on ensuring our team and our assets are safe.” All of their staff are still employed and being paid as per their individual agreements. They’re not sure when they can reopen although, “would love to think of Saturday [14th] as a possible opening day” but in the meantime wants to extend a big thanks to the community and clients who have offered help. If you want to support your local businesses in this time, Ignite Wānaka says: “Wānaka is open for business and while some businesses are closed, many are still open and we encourage people to support where they can. Some have online stores so you can order online, others you can support when they re-open.”
MON 13 – FRI 24
JANUARY 2020
SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS
* Measured as the surface area of Lake Wānaka of 192,000,000 m2 multiplied by the level increase of 2.78m. So 2.78m x 192,000,000m2 = 533,760,000m3 (cubic metres). 1 cubic meter of water weighs 1 tonne. ** It’s important to note that water is constantly flowing out of the lake down the Clutha river, so the total water that flowed into the lake is much higher. The 213,000 swimming pools is just the volume of water between the December mean and Sunday’s peak.
Sigh of relief for yacht club Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Despite the very dramatic looking flooding at the Wānaka Yacht Club, the club’s grounds are likely to come out of the other end with little to no damage. Club commodore Graham Berry said that the club house’s design allows for water to pass through it, “it’s designed for that. It’s got boats in it.” This fortunate situation didn’t come without preparation, however. Berry said that when the water began to close in, they got a call from the harbourmaster warning them that flooding was looking like a likely scenario. Within 20 minutes of the call, members of the club were turning up to help move boats from the club’s (now completely flooded) small grassy peninsula. However, Berry said that the work was not over, “now we’ve got the next mission to put everything back again. We’ll have a working bee in the next few days... we’ve dodged a bullet, that’s for sure.” The WYC were already putting plans in place to build a new yacht club, as the current building
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Sport, games, trips out and a swim everyday. Prices from $45/day.
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280.38m 277.6m 2.78m 533,760,000 tonnes** 213,000 Olympic pools 1100 cumecs 200 cumecs 1950 cumecs 344.5m 250 40 (and growing) 19 2500
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
The WYC may have flooded, but it is set to reemerge virtually unscathed.
is rapidly becoming redundant with 250 sailing students. Berry said that even after flooding they didn’t have plans to build the new club any higher or further from the water, “I think it’s the same level. The club didn’t get wet in 1999 or this year. In the new building you’d probably have some new waterproofing. The problem with the current building is it isn’t built for purpose.” The new building is set to have better changing rooms, as well as other upgraded facilities.
Mayor Boult urges council to accept previously rejected airport SOI
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Peak lake height Mean lake height for December Lake level increase above mean Total weight of flood water* Volume of water in 2.78m increase Peak flow rate of Matukituki River Current flow rate of Matukituki River Peak flow of Clutha River at Clyde Lake Hāwea peak height Volunteers enlisted to help Truck loads of debris Days required to return to mean height Number of sandbags in Wānaka
On Monday, Queenstown Lakes District Council released a statement, announcing they will establish a steering committee to act as a bridge between QLDC and QAC, in order to influence the Statement of Intent (SOI) so it can be accepted by council. The SOI has already been rejected by council twice this year as the Wānaka Airport debate continues to cause friction. According to QLDC, this steering committee will, “work together on a shared understanding of Council expectations and the QAC’s intentions.” Michael Ross from the Wānaka Stakeholders Group says that the steering committee is an inappropriate mechanism and “window dressing after the event is not going to fix the wrongs which have been done by Council to the Upper Clutha community in relation to this matter.” The steering committee will consist of the Mayor; three councillors (to be named); the QAC Chair; three QAC Directors (to be confirmed by QAC); and the QLDC and QAC Chief Executives. The steering committee is not the only big development in the controversial case. Today (Thursday December 12), the council will face a
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
decision on whether to accept the amended 2019 SOI presented by the QAC on August 20. After it was rejected in the August meeting. Council was advised that, due to the election, that this SOI matter should be considered by the new council, hence today’s meeting. The decision to agree this SOI despite public outcry is a divisive move, one that QLDC acknowledges, saying: “On occasion Council must make a decision in the knowledge that it will create a perception that it is not representing community wishes, in this instance it could not be further from the truth.” Rather Council sees this move as a “compromise of outcomes” where due to the Local Government Act, they must either agree the 2019 SOI or seek to amend it once again. By agreeing, the council hopes to move forwards with the matter and put their “collective energies into the new document, due in March 2020” which the steering group will focus on. Ross said, “The council should not be taking any steps or making any decisions that are necessarily on the basis that the ‘lease’ which transferred ownership and control of Wānaka Airport to QAC is lawful and valid when that issue is currently before the High Court for determination” noting that the council should be looking to expedite judicial review proceedings instead.
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West Coast road closure looks to hurt tourism
Nearly 250 wānaka residents sign up for volunteering efforts.
PHOTO: daiana soriano
Community spirit shines in the face of flooding Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Volunteering Central has seen an outpouring of volunteer support from local residents looking to help with flood efforts. Whilst there has been no official call for volunteers, Volunteering Central has been busy collating names, numbers and emails of people putting their hands up to help since Wednesday December 4, and as of Decemebr 9 they had received nearly 250 offers of help in Wānaka and a little over 50 in Queenstown. This includes support from DOC and local businesses who have volunteered their staff, with Wānaka Lake Swimmers and Upper Clutha Rugby Club even offering about 40 12- and 13-yearold kids to help with the clean up. Gillian White, Volunteering Central senior coordinator, said they’ve also received, “practical support such as storage from Three Parks Storage and Just Cabins and many people with trucks, pumps, shovels, boats, kayaks and even a snorkel!” Although not all volunteers have been needed,
Volunteering Central has been connecting offers of help with businesses in need of assistance. Businesses have been appreciating the support, with Robyn from clothing store Glowing Sky saying the volunteers were: “Amazing, they were just fantastic, they were so quick at responding for help and just did an amazing job,” after four volunteers from DOC and a team of six from Te Kura O Take Kārara helped over two days to sandbag the store. Other stores such as Aspiring Jewellers, MT Outdoors and Francesca's Italian Kitchen also receiving help with stock and sandbagging. White said, “It has been humbling, yet completely expected, to see such a huge amount of people offering to help out. Times like these really draw the community together.” After the situation has been assessed, the next step for volunteers will be clean-up and removal of sandbags. Anyone requiring help to move back into their premises can contact Volunteering Central on 027 506 5705 or email hello@ volunteeringcentral.org.nz and they will happily connect you with some local volunteer help.
Tracks remain closed
PHOTO: NZTA
Slips in State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast means Wānaka could get sidelined by holiday-makers.
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka tourism is gearing up to take another hit after a substantial road slip leaves hundreds stranded in Franz Josef, with the only road between Hokitika and Wānaka/Haast predicted to be closed for weeks, if not months. Natalie , Manager of Wānaka Lakeview Holiday Park says: “We are slightly concerned that this will impact us as it is a main route for many travellers.” She also said she fears that visitors will “miss-out Wānaka” having seen a similar impact from road closures in the past. Already both Wānaka Lakeview Holiday Park and Albert Town
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Let’s come together and lend a helping han
Chris
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The popular Upper Clutha Lake Track is still closed due to flooding.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
With better weather on the near horizon, trekkers should be advised of the local tracks still remaining closed. Outlet Track, Upper Clutha River Track, Millennium Track and Eely Point
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PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
are at this point closed. Keeping off these tracks is not only recommended for hikers safety but also for the safekeeping of the trail itself. All tracks past Glendive are still inaccessible because the roads remain closed. Unrelated to the weather, Isthmus Peak will be closed until December 21 due to fawning.
Campground have seen several cancellations this week as a direct result of the flooding. Gizelle Regan, media and campaign manager of Lake Wānaka Tourism, says “at this stage it’s too early to speculate” in regards to the impact on tourism from the road closure but is working closely with QLDC and local businesses to communicate updates on weather, tracks and roads. “We are all working together to get businesses back up and running as soon as it's safe to do so,” says Regan. Although getting businesses back on their feet is vital in the immediate, considering this latest obstacle, the long-term challenge of tourist traffic looms ahead.
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EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Collecting Evening 19th December
This supports our foodbank for the entire year.
Donations of money are also appreciated as we need to restock the foodbank throughout the year. We’re always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help gather food on the drive please email Nikki McKay at nikwanaka@gmail.com
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
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THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
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Harvesting hope Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
A few weeks ago Kate Callaghan received the devastating diagnosis of stage four metastatic breast cancer, which has spread to her lymph nodes and liver. Kate was told, effectively – there isn't anything to be done. She isn’t eligible for surgery, and while chemotherapy or radiation will prolong her life, any treatment from this point is palliative. Kate’s tragedy has been a harrowing reminder of just how powerful people can be when we all come together to work collectively towards one goal. The community is striving to do more for this amazing wee family, by providing them with the space to run, play, grow and thrive for years to come. ‘Together 4 Kate 2020’ is a project where the community will be landscaping the family’s new section in Lake Hāwea in February 2020. “We know that sometimes it can be hard to give monetary donations so we are putting the call out for any donations of time or resources that you or your business could help with to help us achieve our goal. We are asking for interest on the below donations now so we can start full planning over the next four weeks,” said Amy, a spokesperson for the cause. This is a list of what the volunteers need: digger and labour; topsoil, compost, mulch and bark chips; pebbles; natives, flowers and fruit trees; weedmat; timber; lawn seed; edging. A spokesperson from ‘Together 4 Kate 2020’ spoke on behalf of the rough time frame: “Firstly, it would be digger work to site scrape and then form some berms and terrace some veggie gardens, then we would need volunteer builders and materials to do some retaining of the veggie gardens. The next steps would be to put wooden edging in for the gardens and lawns, here we would need builders and materials, next is the weed mat, topsoil and lawn seed and
Kate Callaghan.
PHOTO: Supplied
planting of natives”. “In terms of volunteers it all began when I read the givealittle page and decided that although we can give money time is what they really need to get this project completed, so that they can watch their children run on lawn and feed their bodies with organic produce from their gardens. I talked to my husband who agreed we could try to make this happen. I then mentioned it to Kate who was more than grateful for our offer of help,” she continued, ''I then talked to Nic about it who was keen to jump on board as well as Anna Edkins from Kanuka Corner preschool (their gardening and cooking expert). So together we have come up with a plan and are now trying, with your help to make it happen. We have had an elderly couple offer some natives from their nursery, and a few people offer time but we haven't been advertised yet. We are hoping to get time and materials fully donated for this worthy cause.” Please email together4kate@gmail.com to register any donations of time, the items listed or additional relevant items. The volunteers would be grateful for any support that can be given to help to have a positive impact on Callaghan family's future.
Team Happy Hāwea finishes first in the Discovery level title of the Tahi Rua Toru Tech Challenge.
PHOTO: Supplied
Hāwea school wins big at national tech competition Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Hāwea Flat School enjoyed a major win at the National Finals of the Tahi Rua Toru Tech Challenge, held in Wellington’s TSB Arena. Over 6500 students participated in the challenge, where small teams of three to four students find a problem in their local school or community and use digital technologies to solve it. At the Discovery level (years 0-5), Hāwea Flat School's Team Happy Hāwea took out the title by mere split seconds, completing a set of challenges in the fastest time. The team had practiced every day for the past month with the help of their classmates. IT Professionals New Zealand CEO Paul Matthews said that “Regional and Rural
New Zealand were the winners this year.” The prize for winning was $1000 for the kids to share, and $1000 for the school, which teacher Kate Bodger says will being going towards an electronic garden sensor to monitor soil temperature, moisture and light: "We are hoping to use this data to grow even bigger giant pumpkins than last year.” The kids were most excited about the Air New Zealand pilot announcing their win on the flight into Queenstown, creating huge applause around the plane. Teammate Axel Worthington said the competition was “really fun and quite hard” and Bonnie Raynes agreed, saying: “I feel really proud. I had to do lots of training.” Congratulations to the team of tech-whizzes for all their hard work and achievement.
Film funds pest trapping Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
In an unusual alliance between film, sport and trapping, the NZ Mountain Film Festival (NZMFF) Charitable Trust’s Grant Scheme has awarded $1000 to the newly established Wānaka Multisport Trapping Group to purchase traps and equipment to support their mission. This group of athletes combines multi-sport training with conservation by managing trap lines on Daniel’s Spur, west Wānaka. The NZMFF charitable trust awarded over $9,000 to nine applicants this year. The initiative was funded by a silent auction held during the 2019 festival and
proceeds from the festival’s National Tour, with sponsors and local businesses who donated items for the silent auction, raising a grand total of $5,718. Three youth groups received funding: Alexandra Air Training Corps; Kahu Youth and Queenstown Climbing Club received funds to help with their projects. Environmental groups that received grants included the Makarora Trapping Club who manage an active group of volunteers who service 423 traps in the Makarora Valley. The Trust’s $1,590 contribution enabled the group to purchase traps and equipment to support their mission. The 2020 NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will be held in Wānaka on June 26 to July 1, with applications opening for the 2020 Grant Scheme following the event.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Kate Callaghan leaves for Mexico Mum of two with stage four metastasized cancer has left New Zealand for treatment at the Hope for Cancer centre in Cancun, Mexico. She signed off on her instagram account saying that she is deleting all social media accounts for the month while she focuses inwards, “to be present in mind, body and spirit.” Callaghan’s givealittle campaign has raised $231,465.
Twelve more beds for elderly residents Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village in partnership with Presbyterian Support Otago have completed of Stage two development of the Aspiring Enliven Care Centre which consists of 12 additional bedrooms, all with full individual Council to consider agreement with Lime ensuites, enhanced living and dining space and Scooters the building of a full production kitchen to serve Today, Queenstown Lakes District Councillors both Aspiring Enliven and Elmslie House. will be asked to consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lime for the Recycle old laptops operation of e-scooters in Queenstown on a trial Cromwell reBoot has launched an initiative basis. If approved, it is anticipated that up to 400 last week to collect old laptops and share them scooters will mainly operate in and around the with students in need of one. If there’s an old Queenstown town centre, however the intention laptop lying around with at least two hours of is to test their use across the Wakatipu basin. battery and a cord, donations can be made at Paperplus Cromwell. Smokefree beach trial Today, Queenstown Lakes District Councillors RAAF F/A-18 Hornet 4 ship display are considering to conduct a smoke-free beach The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) trial over the summer months. If approved, a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets are returning for smoke-free zone would be in place December 16, Easter 2020. The RAAF is planning to bring 2019 until March 31, 2020 from Dinosaur Park to five Hornets to NZ providing a 4-ship for the the beach opposite Dungarvon Street. Dinosaur Wānaka Airshow. The Hornets are part of 77 Park is already designated smoke-free. Squadron and Commanding Officer Jason ‘Easty’ Easthope will be the leading the display. Full speed ahead for 5G Spark is delivering New Zealand’s first 5G A GM for NZ Game Council commercial service selected areas of Westport, The NZ Game Council has selected Tim Clyde, Twizel, Tekapo, and Hokitika. In regards Gale as its new General Manager. Gale is an to when 5G is coming to Wānaka, Spark said, avid hunter and environmental activist who “Spark is planning further heartland locations “seeks to ensure the safety of the hunters and for 5G wireless broadband from March 2020, this unique land for generations to come”.
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Staff from ward 6AT&R at Dunedin Hospital wearing stop pressure injury badges to raise awareness of pressure injuries.
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Last month, a new pressure injury prevention programme to train and support staff across the Southern district was launched by the Southern District Health Board (DHB). Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, can start with a reddened patch which can develop into a complex wound, sometimes extending down to the bone. The DHB is committed to eliminating avoidable pressure injuries, and over the last 12 months has been working with community services, age residential-care facilities and hospital services to develop the new programme. “Pressure injuries cause patients long-term pain and distress, but evidence suggests up to 95 percent are preventable when appropriate interventions are in place,” said DHB nursing director strategy primary and community, Sally O’Connor. “The programme is part of the organisations wider focus on patient safety and injury prevention, and the initial roll out is for Southern DHB services which will be followed over the next few months
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
with a roll out to age residential-care facilities and community services.” The DHB stated anyone can suffer from pressure injuries, but they usually affect people with little movement such as being confined to a bed, a chair or a wheelchair for long periods of time. For those in bed, DHB advised, “Change your position every two to three hours, moving between your back and sides. Use pillows to stop knees and ankles from touching each other, particularly when you are lying on your side. Try to avoid creases in the bed linen. If sitting up in bed, be aware that sliding down the bed can cause a pressure injury to your bottom and heels.” For those in a wheelchair, DHB advised, “Relieve pressure by leaning forward, or leaning side to side for a few minutes every half hour.” DHB added, “What else can you do to help? Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Keep your skin clean and dry. Ask your nurse to help you with any incontinence. Remind your carers: please help me move. Your nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, doctor or dietitian can help you plan your care to prevent a pressure injury.”
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Blue Christmas remembrance ceremony Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Christmas is a time of happiness and celebration but some people come to the festive season also carrying the heaviness of grief – a grief so deep it cannot be spoken. Canlive Charitable Trust is sponsoring an informal gathering to acknowledge and talk about your loved one, to light a candle for them and stand together knowing we bring them with us as we enter into this festive season. Please bring a candle. Monday December 16, 2019, 7.30-8.30pm, Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka.
PHOTO: Pixabay
Celebrating Christmas can be hard for those carrying grief.
Japanese dinner in aid of Fire Brigade a great success PHOTO: Supplied
Hāwea’s Community Centre receives a Christmas makeover.
Christmas community fundraiser set to delight Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A Christmas house is setting up to be exhibited at the Hāwea community centre, which will be open to the public on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15, December. Promised to dazzle viewers, the house will be fitted out with thousands of christmas decorations which, aside from visual appeal, will also help give onlookers homemade ornament inspiration. With 12 trees, a living room, dining room, two Yumi Sasaki performs the Way of Tea (Tea Ceremony) to conclude the fundraising dinner.
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Ten lucky people were recently treated with a traditional Japanese dinner at a private home in Wānaka. The dinner was one of the major prizes auctioned off at the 2019 Hirepool Charity Golf Tournament, which was this year in aid of the Wānaka Fire Brigade. Bruno and Yumi Sasaki, owners of the popular local restaurant Sakanoki Kitchen, donated their time to prepare and cook for the whole evening, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the successful bidders. Yumi Sasaki was thrilled to be able to cook for the event, they said that, “The course consisted of five parts… I included a sense of the seasons in all of the dishes, which is ‘fresh green’ of this early
PHOTO: Supplied
summer… I wanted to contribute the taste of home cooking – the original essence of Japanese food – that grandmothers and mothers from generation to generation cooked and made their families happy.” The Mediterranean Market also donated some of the food and participants were able to enjoy some of the very popular wines from Maude Wines who also made a generous contribution. All who attended agreed that it was a wonderful opportunity to donate to a worthy cause and derive considerable pleasure in participating in such a unique event. Hosts John and Penny Wilson were delighted with the success of the evening and commented on how people are happy to donate generously particularly if they are rewarded with evenings such as this.
New Wānaka-based council role will ‘get things done’ Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
In an election promise made good, Mayor Jim Boult has established a new role at Queenstown Lakes District Council. The new full time role, ‘Upper Clutha liaison manager’ is envisaged as “joiner”, according to Mayor Boult. “The job is to ensure that all council teams coordinate their efforts around things that happen in the Upper Clutha. I think what we were suffering from, was [our] general managers were acting in their own area of interest, without coordination... This role is a joiner for all things that go on in council to concentrate efforts that go on in the Upper Clutha,” he said.
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The job description says, “The Upper Clutha liaison manager will be primarily responsible for liaising with and supporting the Upper Clutha community and providing a direct line of communication between the Wānaka Community Board, Wānaka Councillors and key QLDC employees (including the Executive of Council).” The mayor goes on to say, “With a tail wind we’d find the right person in Wānaka, who knows the community, knows how things work over there, but that’s not a prerequisite. We’re looking for someone with the right skills. Communication, ability to understand a range of topics and ability to think outside the square is what I’m particularly looking for.” Applications close January 5.
bedrooms, a kids play area, a picnic site and much more, the site has been devised by self-confessed “christmasaholics” Barbara Mackenzie and Elizabeth Horrell specifically for the centre. Elizabeth Munn, an organiser, sayid, “It is really unique. Children would love it and adults will get lots of ideas.” On Sunday, from 4pm onwards Hāwea will host an Xmas picnic in the park alongside the site, which wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa himself. There is a small fee to see the Christmas house, with all proceeds going back to the community centre.
CORRECTION Regarding the story: Cosie’s team day in Edition 951, December 5, 2019 The Southern DHB refutes that there was an ‘inept mishandled blunder’. The Wānaka Sun appreciates that DHBs cannot provide case details out of respect for patient confidentiality. Regarding the story: Concerns over bowel screening processes Edition 951, December 5, 2019 The Southern DHB provided statistics for this story stating that in 15 percent of cases an alternative intervention is deemed more appropriate by specialists. We retract this sentence: “For every year in the past four years, 85 percent of symptomatic referrals for colonoscopy have been accepted at Southern
DHB, however this leaves 25 percent of referrals still in question.” The following paragraph is also retracted as it contains information that is unclear and irrelevant to the bowel screening story. “The number of cancer-related compensation payouts, due to misdiagnosis or slow diagnoses, has increased from five in 2012/13 to 113 in 2017/18, however, since the inception of the Southern DHB’s Bowel Screening more than a 100 cases of cancer have been detected, so positives remain to be seen. Wānaka residents shouldn’t worry too much, as Hill says that “The current wait time for colonoscopy in the Programme (for those testing positive) is no different for Wānaka residents compared to any other area in the Southern district.”
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PHOTO: Pedro Pimentel/Katalyst Media, www.katalystmedia.co.nz
A hand adrift on the western side of Dinosaur Park.
The C* Word A community of amazing volunteers Wānaka - we just wanted to share a massive thank you to the large number of people here who have offered to help with flood-related measures recently. We’ve been inundated with people wanting to help with sandbagging, providing storage space, and general clean up along our rivers and lakefronts. You know who you are, and you’re amazing. Thank you!
Sign up to our Community Text Alerts If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up to our free Community Text Alerts service. In the event of an emergency or any unforeseen issues - like the recent ‘wet’ weather, we’ll send you text. When signing up, simply pick the locations you wanted alerts about, and you’re all sorted. Head to www.qldc.govt.nz/text-alerts to register.
Shelve your fines Accidently racked up some overdue fines at the library this year? Drop by until 31 December and they’ll be shelved in exchange for non-perishable, quality food items (no baked beans please!), treats, kids’ books, toiletries and vouchers. Each item waives $5 from *Council
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your library account with all donations going to Happiness House (Wakatipu) and Community Networks.
Keep up to date with lake and river levels When the rains finally stop and we see the welcome return of prolonged sunshine, we’re likely to see water levels remaining high for some time to come. Keep up to date with them and any new developments on the Otago Regional Council’s website here: www.orc.govt.nz/cluthaflowsdec19
Roads affected by surface water
PHOTO: Pedro Pimentel/Katalyst Media, www.katalystmedia.co.nz
The Clutha River measured 1950 cumecs at Clyde on December 9. The annual mean flow is 250 cumecs.
We’ve got a number of roads that are closed due to surface water from flooding, or in poor condition as a result of it. While we work to get them open as soon as possible, keep track of what’s open and what’s not here: www.qldc.govt.nz/flood-related-roadclosures
On that note... If you’re interested in volunteering to help with flood-related measures in town, please contact Volunteering Central. They’re coordinating all offers of help. Fire them a message at hello@volunteeringcentral.org.nz or give Gillian a call on 027 506 5705.
www.qldc.govt.nz
The Wānaka Yacht Club suffered flooding in their basement early on.
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
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PHOTO: Harry Gray
For context, in 1999 people were kayaking up Helwick street. “Photos are dated 18.11.99 and dad said the shops reopened 14.12 99,” said Harry’s son, Phil Gray who submitted the images to the Wānaka Sun.
An aerial of the flood at Dungarvon and Ardmore, where Patagonia Chocolatier sits precariously underground.
PHOTO: Pedro Pimentel/Katalyst Media, www.katalystmedia.co.nz
PHOTO: Dan O’Leary
Rockfall in Haast Pass was quickly broken up with explosives and removed. Dinosaur Pond, or Loch Wānaka Monster Park – a few of the nicknames over flood week.
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
The intersection of Dungarvon Street and Ardmore Street was the most heavily affected public road.
The Log Cabin became its own island.
XM O AS PEN DA Y!
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
GR AB A GIFT TO
FEED THE MIND! THIS CHRISTMAS
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
Following Faces, Puzzle Rings, wind-up creations and other weird and wonderful things - our shop has “wow factor” gifts this Xmas!
In the orange kayak (front) Rio Carney (6) and Hank Weatherington (10). Yellow kayak, Hudson Carney, (12); kayaking Bullock Creek, normally an ankle-deep trickle.
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THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
THE WĀNAKA SUN
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COMMENT By Ben Goddard
UPPER CLUTHA LAKES TRUST
Natural capital: balancing the economy with nature
Our watery playground
When we think about capital, it is usually in the economic sense of wealth in the form of money or other assets. And when we think about nature, we usually don’t think about economics but rather about the plants and animals and landscapes and seascapes of the physical world. There is, however, a growing movement of people and organisations that link nature and economics in a formal way with the concept of Natural Capital. Most people accept there is a link between humanity, our economy and the natural world – mostly in the sense that our economy depends on nature, even if we don’t seem to value it very much! In an attempt to value nature in a more economic sense, and therefore hopefully encourage us to account for nature in economics, the concept of natural capital has been proposed. Natural capital is defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things. Natural Capital is a controversial concept, with some people questioning whether we should describe nature with standardised measurements and place a financial value on it, arguing that in doing this we are just further succumbing to monetary infrastructures. Despite those aesthetic and ethical objections, there is a growing movement to establish a suitable framework for valuation of natural assets and their application to business operations. There are also global financial institutions committing to natural capital initiatives, influencing investment decisions and disclosures of environmental impact. According to the United Nations, valuing natural assets will form an integral part of establishing a sustainable economy. Appropriate valuation will allow natural capital to be objectively assessed in broader activities including policy, regulation and resource management. Steps could also be taken to account for Natural Capital in determining national wealth. By highlighting financial value and immediate remuneration from natural assets, we can understand the benefits of a healthy ecosystem and address potential consequences of loss. WWF in their Living Planet Report value ecosystem services – the things that natural capital does for us – at almost $200 trillion per year! Or put another way, if our biosphere collapsed, that would be the cost of otherwise providing those services we now get for ‘free’.
PHOTO: Ben Goddard
Natural capital is defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things.
But what are these ecosystem services? The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment – a major assessment of the human impact on the environment undertaken by the UN – defines three major categories of ecosystem services: provisioning, which includes biomass, water and fibre; regulation and maintenance, which includes elements of carbon absorption, climate regulation and soil composition; and cultural services, which defines the physical and spiritual interactions of humanity with the natural world. By having a definition, we can begin to understand the scope of benefits we receive from nature and therefore the importance of preserving them. While past economic systems may have been drivers of wealth, productivity and innovation, a sustainable future requires a circular economy – an economic system that is ideally a closed-loop that minimises the use of natural resources while also minimising waste, pollution and carbon emissions. Sustainable supply of the natural world should define the economy, rather than just consumer demand. Most of us aspire to generate healthy levels of capital for a reasonable quality of life. A reasonable quality of life – and perhaps life itself – now depends on us generating not just economic capital but maintaining healthy levels of natural capital. Ben Goddard is the chair of the local branch of Forest and Bird. For more information on natural capital, search for the natural capital forum or ‘The Start of a Conversation on the Value of New Zealand's Natural Capital’ (a discussion paper from NZ Treasury).
GREBE DIARY 5 December 8 2019
Without doubt the talk of the town are the very high lake levels, and it is quite extraordinary that we can go from an extreme of very low to very high in a remarkably short period of time. It may also be a topic of conversation between grebes. I am confident that the only surviving nests in Lake Wānaka and surrounds will be those on floating platforms anchored to the lake or tethered to the marina. It is conditions such as these that lead to the extremes of success and failure of this species. Since my last diary nest 11 has hatched its eggs on Dec 5-6. I can confirm that at least two chicks have hatched, but until I can get out there, I can’t be sure that all eggs actually hatched. Ideally I should be out promptly to check. Last year we learned that roving black-back gulls will quickly scoop up any leftover eggs. Previously I had assumed that the absence of eggs in a nest when adults had left signaled that all had hatched; that may not be the case. A few days after nest five birds had hatched all their eggs and vacated their nest, a second pair
THE WĀNAKA SUN
J Julie Perry
Secretary - Upper Clutha Lakes Trust
Water has certainly been top of mind for the past several weeks. The seemingly unending rainfall and consequent rise in lake and river levels proved stressful and costly for the many property owners and businesses affected by flooding. For others, rain and rising water levels meant track closures that frustrated walking, cycling and other recreational activities. For many, the flood was more an enjoyable novelty, with photographers capturing scenic shots and children playing in the new Dinosaur ‘water park’. On the whole, the response to the flooding appears to have been managed well. Lake Wānaka Tourism, Ignite Chamber of Commerce, Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) shared information widely and provided frequent updates. ORC’s modelling of the predicted effects of rainfall kept the community informed about what to expect, giving businesses time to act, assisted by the many volunteers who turned out to help with sand bagging and moving inventory. QLDC’s closure of the wastewater system on Ardmore Street minimised the risk that flood water might become contaminated by large volumes of human waste. QLDC continues to closely monitor reticulated drinking water to ensure that town water supplies remained safe to drink. As flood waters start to recede and the weather improves, the community will recommence the recreational activities we normally enjoy at this time of year. After any heavy rainfall event, it is generally
sensible to stay out of the water for at least a few days, particularly where the water is murky. The heavy rainfall just experienced will have flushed sediment, pathogens and contaminants from both rural and urban areas into our lakes and rivers. Recreational water quality is monitored by the ORC at Roys Bay on Lake Wānaka and at the Lake Hāwea Holiday Park, with monitoring results published weekly on the LAWA website. At present, LAWA’s website offers no warnings about swimming in these lakes, other than stating “Water is generally safe for recreational activities in Lake Wānaka. However, bacterial contamination can occur, commonly after rainfall, as stormwater and rural run-off may contain human or animal effluent. In the Matukituki River flows above 45 cumecs generally indicate substantial rainfall has fallen in the catchment.” ORC’s monitoring reports that the Matukituki River was flowing at over 1,100 cumecs on December 3 and is presently flowing at 200 cumecs. As the flood water recede and summer weather returns, care still needs to be taken as the usual walking, biking, swimming, boating and holiday camping areas will remain affected by flooding for several weeks to come.
When life gets tough... SPEAK UP THERE IS A WAY THROUGH Mental Health Support Line 24/7 free call/txt 1737 Tautoko Suicide crisis support line 0508 828 865 In crisis phone 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 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
PHOTO: Supplied
A mummy grebe, with baby bird getting a piggyback.
took over and laid their first egg on November 12. All three eggs should hatch over the next day or so and so this nest will be recorded as 5A. The advantage for the incoming birds is that they inherited a readymade nest. The disadvantage is that they have added so much additional material to the nest that the whole is sinking! In the meantime birds on platform seven and three have laid three eggs apiece and are due on December 25 and 29 respectively. There are two other pairs scouting the area. My main concern is the way that one of the pairs is eyeing the lush shoreline vegetation as a possible nest site-not a good idea!! – By John Darby
PHOTO: Anne MacDonald
Wānaka’s Dinosaur Park during the December 2019 flood.
For young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz For adults: www.depression.org.nz A list of local counsellors, including subsidized counselling options, can be found on our website www.communitynetworks.co.nz or call (03) 443 7799.
34 McDougall Street, Wanaka
Your local resource hub for social wellbeing services.
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
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ORC begins consultation on interim water plan Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Central Lakes Trust staff.
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) continues to make progress with their regional water plan, announcing that interim water permits plan PHOTOS: Facebook CLT grants page change consultations are underway. This interim plan change will “bridge the gap between the expiry of water permits in Otago in 2021, and when a new Regional Policy Statement and Land and Water Plan for Otago will be operative” according to ORC. Essentially an interim plan enables the council to slowly move forward without either getting caught empty-handed in school, as well as the recognition of cultural come 2021 or forcing a messy, rushed decision diversity in the youth space. without appropriate consultation in order to meet These programmes will continue for a further permit expiry deadlines. The changes come after three years with the support of the trust. Other youth grants include an on-going grant to support the delivery of the Sticks 'n Stones (anti-bullying programme) for 8 to 18 year olds. Wānaka based grants include: Cardrona Heritage Trust, Emma Conyngham editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Challenge Wānaka, Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade, Te Kura O Take Kārara, Upper Clutha Historical Records Society, Upper Clutha Lakes After an announcement that Central Otago District Trust, Wānaka Community Toy Library, Wānaka Council would not announce their decision on Primary School, Community Networks Wānaka, Winton’s Riverside Terrace development due Kahu Youth and the Central Otago Principals Mt to the unpaid bill in relation to Plan Change 13, Winton has now filed a formal objection. Aspiring Referral Programme. The Council has advised River Terrace that they Finlay shared, “Without doubt the Wānaka will also need to request an extension of time to area has changed within my tenure. The impact lodge the objection as it has been received outside our growing population and demographics place of the 15 working-day period specified in the Act. on our community, means we must ensure an River Terrace has advised that the balance of understanding of need rather than demand, and unpaid charges have been deposited with its respond accordingly in terms of being fiscally lawyers by way of security for payment. responsible with community money.” CODC said, “The Council has sought to formalise this arrangement. It has requested an appropriate legal undertaking with respect to the holding of those funds and conditions for their release and payment upon the objection to fees being determined. The Council is awaiting confirmation from River Terrace that an undertaking on these terms will be given. On receipt of the undertaking the decision will be released.” The Wānaka Sun asked CODC for a breakdown of the charges or an indication of what is a standard cost for processing a plan change and
Youth reap the benefits of CLT funding Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The youth of Central Lakes will be all the better for a series of grants the trust has dished out over the month of November. “Strategically for Central Lakes Trust youth is an important aspect of our granting. We have recently undertaken a full review of our funding within the youth sector, gaining a greater appreciation of the issues being faced by the youth in our region today. This has meant we have subsequently aligned our funding to support commonly recognised outcomes that will help support the easing of the pressures for our youth,” said Susan Finlay, Chief Executive at Central Lakes Trust. Five of the 20 youth-focused grants have gone to a CLT initiative in secondary schools. The initiative being a programme which has been running since 2006 to help build resilience, address mental health concerns, and encourage engagement of youth in our communities and
Sukin Natural
Winton files formal objection
Christmas!
To make it a little easier Sukin Natural have put together Christmas skincare gifts to help you share the skincare love with your friends and family.
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
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whether $400,000 should have been anticipated by Winton. Louise van der Voort, executive manager – planning and environment replied, “The breakdown of costs is a matter between the applicant and Council and is also subject to an objection, so is unable to be disclosed. We can say that the majority of costs relate to commissioner and consultant planner costs. The plan change attracted a lot of public interest and required almost two weeks to be heard, hence costs are substantially higher than other plan changes we have processed in the past. The quality planning guidance from 2013 notes the following on costs: ‘costs range from a minimum of $10,000 to $1million for large-scale developments. Average costs are around $30,000 to $50,000 for a rural residential subdivision with minimal opposition’.” Winton’s Northlake Investments Ltd is currently facing a high court battle against Wānaka Community Supporting our Northlake Neighbours Inc in relation to the restrictive noobjection clauses on their covenants. They are also currently awaiting a decision for another high court case that they brought against Wānaka Medical Centre. They are also suing both Crux and Otago Daily Times for defamation.
Safer speed limits for schools Francesca Maria Nespolo
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Minister for the Environment, David Parker’s recommendations, forcing headway on slow and seemingly unresolved governance of fresh water management and allocation of resources. The short-term policy framework is framed around efficiency of time and cost for both ORC and applicants, whilst simultaneously gathering data and opinions that will help shape the later water plan review. The water plan, which will make decisions about future access to freshwater flows, is particularly important for farmers. Thoughts about the content of the proposed Water Permits plan change can be submitted via an online survey until December 15, 2019, which can be found at www.orc.govt.nz/permitsurvey. In February, the plan change will be notified and the public will be invited to make submissions.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to make streets safer for kids to walk and cycle to school, by reducing speed limits to a maximum of 40 km/h around urban schools and 60 km/h around rural schools. “Councils are expected to support speed limit changes near schools with infrastructure changes that support lower speeds. For example, this could include things like speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, and traffic islands,” said a spokesperson for the Associate Minister of Transport. “Our kids should have the freedom to walk and cycle to school and feel safe doing so,” said Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter. “Many parents would like their kids to get to school independently, but are understandably concerned about fast moving traffic near their school. “On busy urban arterials and rural roads, lower speeds would primarily operate during drop-off and pick-up time only, using electronic variable speed limits signs. “On residential urban streets, permanent speed changes would be supported by street improvements like wider footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings. “In rural areas, a 60 km/h limit outside schools will
THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
make it safer for parents and kids walking and driving in and out of the school gate. “School speed changes will be implemented progressively working with councils over the PHOTOS: School crossing coming decade,” said Julie Anne Roads around Wānaka’s schools will be reduced to 40kmph. Genter. NZTA will roll out additional cameras on high-risk roads. “The Government’s expectation is that safety cameras will be targeted to high risk roads and be well sign posted so that drivers know to slow down and stay safe,” explained a spokesperson for the Associate Minister of Transport. Moreover, NZTA will start a process for communities and local authorities to determine the appropriate speed limits for their regions. Following the select committee process, legislation and rule changes to support the Tackling Unsafe Speeds programme are expected to be in place by mid-2020.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Don’t fob us off with gravel Thanks for your article highlighting the pathetic state of Luggate car park. Our girls have for a couple of years called it Luggate Lake. I happened to be there getting the girls on to their school bus some months ago, when it was so-called being topped up with gravel. A mere car trailer load of gravelly dirt was shovelled into the lake and that was it. I would be really interested to know what the claimed cost of the invoice for that so called ‘mending’ was. It actually is a sealed car park that has just suffered neglect for some years. QLDC, don't fob us off with gravel, fix the stormwater drain and re-asphalt it. We do pay for storm water care in our rates after all. Regards, Lorna Schmidt
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
She won’t be right Sponsored by
Re: the chosen parameters for screening results leading to action by the district health board. Quote: "maximise screening opportunities for New Zealanders, without impacting on service delivery" Inference: district health board justifying ineffective bowel screening. A complete travesty. How do we allow such poor leadership in this country? The national ‘she'll be right’ attitude comes back to bite. Complacency is not a solution. Regards, Lorna Schmidt
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 Mclean B Bruce Senior Constable, NZPD Well it sure has been a weather-affected week. There are probably not that many people who are not affected in one way or another and it sure made the news. There has been no end of people going and checking out their new waterfront properties for the week. Town seemed to have a light atmosphere in general with people splashing about in areas that are not accustomed to being knee deep or higher in water. It has been awesome to see so many people lend a hand and help out with sandbag duties
and these things are what add to the lovely community spirit we still have in this town. Sadly some behaviours this week have not been as smart or helpful. On the weekend some foolish people thought it would be funny to drive their mini jet boat at speed on Mount Aspiring Road near Glendhu Bay in the opposition direction to the traffic who were trying to make their way through the flooded area. This is both unsafe and irresponsible. It is clear this is deliberate and photos of the offenders will be posted in the Southern District Police social media page shortly. If you recognise these two people on board or YOU ARE either of those two it would
be best to come and see us. There are a number of roads closed in the area including State Highway 6 north of Fox Glacier for up to six weeks. State Highway 1 is closed south of Christchurch which has stranded a number of people from the area. This will affect businesses that rely on the tourist visitors also. So what else happened in the week you ask? Well…. We caught another two drunk drivers this week. We attended four domestic incidents this week and took another complaint of a person arranging a purchase on Facebook and the item not arriving. It seems to be a common occurrence nowadays. These offences
are traceable when the offender has the funds transferred into their own account. We dealt with a burglary at Hedditch Street where two vehicles were interfered with and a red UE Boom speaker and some Oakley sunglasses were taken. A vehicle was unlawfully taken on Anderson Road, then returned and a diesel pump was reported stolen from a rural address. For those who are retrieving their watercraft on the lake edge please be mindful that the ground levels may have changed under the surface and take extra care not to get caught up among trees and objects in the water. Please take care all and hope the lead up to Christmas is a good one.
HAPPY HOUR COMBO
Enjoy the best view of Lake Wanaka from our Balcony with Awesome Deals. 3pm to 5pm Visit Bombay Palace & enjoy Indian delicacies that will melt in your mouth. Fully flavoured curries, mouth watering kebabs and tandoori breads.
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Bombay Palace we create a melting pot of Indian Cuisine, with At Palace wefull create a melting potand of Indian Cuisine, with heBombay fantastic spices, flavored curries Kebabs & Breads
PAGE 13
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Wanaka Bridge Club results Wednesday – Holiday Pairs 1: North / South 1st Doug Hall, Judy Briggs 65.71%, 2nd Boyd Ottrey, Sandy Bryan 53.69%, 3rd Pam Miller,
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FOR SALE Washing machine and drier for sale both Indesit, hardly used been in holiday home $150 each or 2 for $250, - excellent working order 021 126 0053. Old fashioned chain bike (3) wheels for sale -in great order a real classic! red & white great idea for Christmas $150.
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WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
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ISSUE 952
Hawea Flat School Out of Zone Enrolments
Enrolment at Hawea Flat School is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available on the school website. The Board of Trustees has determined that there are some places available for out of zone students in Years 0-4 in 2020. The deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is Monday 16th December 2019. If applications exceed the number of places available students will be selected by ballot according to Ministry of Education guidelines. Hawea Flat School 576 Camphill Road RD2 Wanaka Ph: 03 443 1467 E-mail: office@haweaflat.school.nz
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EMPLOYMENT
Private Registered Nurse Casual sleepover position. 1-2 nights per week. Looking for a registered nurse to join an established nursing team who provide 24/7 medical care for a client in their own home with brain and spinal injuries. Applications to nurses@alpinegroup.co.nz The position is to start in the new year.
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Merino, if anyone has any Merino clothing to spare could you kindly drop it into the Salvation Army Family Store, 48 Helwick Street The Salvation Army Family Store is desperately needing good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into the store or phone for a pick up for large amounts. Volunteers welcomed at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
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Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.
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Sun Sport
Touch rugby camp for Wānaka
PHOTO: supplied
Athletes ages two to six are encouraged to participate in Wānaka’s first Stride, Ride & Slide this weekend.
Calling all preschool athletes! Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Sport Otago are very excited to announce that they will be holding Wānaka’s first Stride, Ride & Slide for eager young athletes from ages two to six years of age this Sunday, December 15. Participants will run 50m, ride or trike 150m, and then finish by zooming across a waterslide, powered by the local Wānaka fire service, to the finish line, with lots of high-fives from their ‘support crews’. The triathlon style competition aims to inspire the youth who participate to have fun while exercising. Kelvin ‘Tiny’ Carruthers, community sport advisor for Sport Central, said that, “It will be nice to see children from the many different
preschools and primary schools coming together in a fun, family atmosphere.” Carruthers explained, “Sport Otago has held these events for a couple of years in other parts of Otago but this is the first time in Wānaka… If you pre-register, you go in the draw for spot prizes. It’s based on a triathlon but for wee people. Should suit Wānaka down to the ground with it’s ‘tri’ mentality.” A new addition to the event this year is a best dressed bike competition where children can decorate their bikes before they arrive or on the day for a gold coin donation. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic and make a day of it. Pre-registration race packs can be picked up outside Wānaka Recreation Centre from 2-4pm on Friday December 13.
Sport Central are offering a touch rugby ‘camp’ for local youth next Thursday.
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Young local touch rugby enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that Sport Central are organising a touch rugby camp for Wānaka youth at the local showgrounds next week. The camp, on Thursday December 19, will be led by former NZ touch coach Grant Milne and assisted by former under-17 mixed NZ representative, Claudia Carruthers, and Meg Breen. Grace Carruthers, a former NZ academy member will also be in attendance, along with Lana Whipp, a former English international. Grant Milne is known for his positivity and expertise in the game and with Lana Whipp, a
PHOTO: supplied
physical education teacher at Mount Aspiring College, the quality of the experience will be high. With Meg Breen who has also just been named in the NZ Under 18 sevens rugby team to compete at the World Championships also in attendance, there will be plenty of laughs to be had as well. There will also be a free course for coaches from 12-1pm. This will be run by Grant Milne. This is a wonderful opportunity for all coaches in Central Otago to gain valuable assistance from a top coach. The Year 5 to 8 group will be held from 9.30am12 noon. The Year 9-11 group will be held from 1.00-3.30pm. Participants need to register early as numbers are limited. Cost is $15 per person.
Wānaka swimmers swim the lake perimeter Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wānaka Lake Swimmers Club are racing ahead of their Queenstown competitors in a friendly ‘lake perimeter’ challenge this summer, and they’re ploughing ahead. Camille Gulick from the club said that, “this year we were challenged by the Southern Lakes Swimming Club to a lake perimeter challenge. The rules
are simple, each club will attempt to swim the perimeter of their respective lake and islands – Lake Wānaka versus Lake Wakatipu – within the swim season starting on November 1, 2019 and ending on April 30, 2020.” Gulick said that our (somewhat competitive) Wānaka locals have jumped at the opportunity, “this challenge has certainly stirred up the competitive spirit of the swimmers here in Wānaka. Our membership base has grown to
over 100 – double the number of members from last year. We also have some super competitive and adventurous individuals who have been out every week since the challenge began. One to note is Cameron Stanley, head coach of the Wānaka Swim Club, who has swum approximately 35km of the perimeter already!” Despite the less than ideal flooding in recent weeks, the team are still very confident that they can keep pushing, said Gulick, “while the weather
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The Wānaka Lake Swimmers Club.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
hasn’t been particularly summer-ish lately, we are hopeful that the club’s enthusiasm for the challenge will remain high and we will continue to rack up the kilometers when possible.” At the time of writing, the Wānaka locals are ahead of the team over the hill by 17.3 percent, at 54.6 percent of the lake’s perimeter covered. Although, it is to be noted that Lake Wakatipu does have a slightly larger perimeter than Lake Wānaka (shhh… don’t tell them!).
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Sun Sport
Ribbons for showjumpers thewanakasun.co.nz
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Over this weekend Mt Aspiring College had a team of riders at the Gore Pony Club Interschools Showjumping competition. Out of 13 teams, Mt Aspiring team placed fourth overall. It was a great team performance, with outstanding individual efforts on display as well. Bella Edwards 12, riding Dash, lead the pack by winning all three rounds on 75cm; Billie Willson 14, riding Quest, came in second in two rounds of 95cm and Aryn Hendersen, riding Effie, came in third in one round of 65cm. The team also had Lily Cousins 12, who rode well, but didn't place individually. It was an outstanding effort by all the riders representing Mt Aspiring College in Gore this past weekend.
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With their ribbons for fourth place as a team, from left; Bella Edwards, Billie Willson, Aryn Henderson and Lily Cousins.
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Bella Edwards on Dash, winning all three rounds.
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Wanaka THURSDAY 12.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 18.12.19
THE WÄ€NAKA SUN