Mark Sedon
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 9 Jobs: Page 10 Sport: Page 12
Festival director does it all.
PAGE 11
Mountain festival The show goes on.
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THUR 14.05.20 - WED 20.05.20
EDITION 974
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Could we see Australian visitors as early as August? Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ravel between Australia and Queenstown might be possible as soon as August following a joint meeting between New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on May 5. Travel industry experts said August was when the travel corridor - or "travel bubble"- was likely to be rolled out, possibly in time for the ski season in the Queenstown Lakes District [QLD] and the school holidays in September. "That is a situation we would all like to be in, but of course, our number one focus at the moment is making sure that both our countries are in the position where we're domestically managing coronavirus to a point where we can open borders with confidence," said Ardern. If Australia also eliminates or gets the coronavirus under control, passengers travelling between Australia and Queenstown might be exempt from the 14-day quarantine as they come from a "safe" country. According to FlightGlobal, a special task force would be created called the Trans-Tasman Safe Border Group. This group would have representatives from airlines, government, border security, and airports to manage the easing of border restrictions. There are a few reasons why New Zealand and Australia would be each other's first pick of the country to re-engage with according to Newstalk ZB. Although the two countries are separated by about 2,000 km of sea, they have one of the closest bilateral relationships in the world. Australian passport holders can travel and work in New Zealand indefinitely without a visa, and vice versa. The two countries also contribute heavily to each other's tourism industry. Australians made up almost 40 per cent of the 1,178,059 international arrivals into Queenstown Airport in 2019, and around 24 per cent of New Zealand's foreign visitor spend. That's especially important to the QLD, where tourism is the most significant industry, And further good news, from later this week onward and with the easing into Level 2, Air New Zealand will resume domestic flights from Queenstown to Christchurch, and Auckland after a significant lay off over the lockdown period. Chief executive officer Greg Foran said Air New Zealand plans to operate around 20 per cent of its usual domestic capacity in and out of Queenstown during Alert Level 2. "Alert Level 2 will see the return of flying to the likes of Queenstown, Invercargill and Blenheim in the South Island and Rotorua, Gisborne,
T
PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort
The possibility of flights from Australia to Queenstown could light up the Southern Lakes ski season.
PHOTO: Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran .
Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Whangarei and Kerikeri in the north," he said. "We've been keen to start domestic air services as soon as practicably possible to support New Zealand's economic recovery and connect family, friends and businesses. "However the ramp-up to higher frequencies in and out of Queenstown will be a slow journey, and even when the country comes out of Alert Level 1, all domestic destinations will see fewer flights and reduced frequencies. "This is the harsh reality of closed international borders and a depressed domestic economy, with more Kiwis in unemployment and people watching what they spend." One-metre social distancing meant the airline could only sell just under 50 per cent of seats on a turboprop aircraft and just 65 per cent on an A320. "On that basis, to ensure we cover our operating costs, we won't be able to offer our lowest leadin fares until social distancing measures are removed," Foran said. He added that New Zealanders lived in the "best country on earth and on our doorstep have worldclass accommodation, attractions and activities. "We'll be strongly encouraging Kiwis to support our tourism sector and to visit friends and family." According to Newstalk ZB:" The world is holding its collective breath to see what happens with the trans-Tasman bubble and if the idea can be rolled out to other countries around the world. The primary reason why it would work so well in Oceania is that all the nations are islands and don't have land borders with other infected countries. "However, once this bubble is established, it could slowly expand to include other areas such as the South Pacific, Taiwan (a country with very low coronavirus numbers), parts of South-East Asia, and beyond."
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Alert Level 2: We have won Queenstown CBAC to scale back the battles but not the war Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
On Monday at 4 pm Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation on TV1 on the move to Alert Level 2. "We may have won a few battles, but we have not won the war," she said "All Kiwis were determined that this was a war we could eventually win if we acted together." Case numbers remain low, and during two days of the last week, we had no cases, Ardern said. "Thirty-five per cent of the population has been tested. Our testing rates are amongst the highest in the world per capita. "A lot of work has gone into building up our testing capability. We can now contact trace 185 cases a day and have the capacity to reach 10,000 people a day through a new national call centre." As of [Monday] we have only 90 people remaining with the virus. The country is ready to move into Level 2, Ardern said. To open up the economy but do it as safely as possible. "How we will do that? On Thursday (today) retail, malls, cafes, restaurants and other public spaces including playgrounds and gyms, can re-open. "All will require physical distancing and strict hygiene measures." People can begin to move around New Zealand by spacing themselves. Health services will restart. On [next] Monday, all young people will be able to return to school. On Thursday 21 all bars will be able to open. Everyone must be seated, there must be space between tables, and there must be multiple waiters and waitresses. "We have left bars to last because they pose the most risk," Ardern said. "As you can see from South Korea which recently opened up its bars only to close them again after one person created an outbreak of 40 cases which caused 1500 tests. "We have put in place measures and expectations to make hospitality as safe as possible. "The next few days allow us to lock in the data from Level 3 and secure that we are ready for this move. "The upshot is that in 10 days we will have opened most businesses in New Zealand."
PHOTO: Pixabay
Restaurants and cafes patronage must be restricted to groups of 10.
The plan was to go hard, and go early so that we could get the economy moving sooner and get the economic benefit of getting our health response right, said Ardern. "So far, we have," she said. "But there does have to be a new norm, and that is that we will be breaking out of our bubbles and be around more people. But we can do that and get more activity going if we balance this with keeping our distance and keeping our social gatherings small," Ardern said. "There is a theme- when we come together to socialise in large numbers, there is a risk. The best insurance policy we have for that risk is to reduce the size of our socialising for now. And that is what the Director-General of Health recommends that we do." Parties and big social events won't be allowed for anything more substantial than groups of 10. Gatherings at homes need to be kept at 10. Weddings, family gatherings, stag dos are all limited at 10 for now. Restaurants, bars won't be able to take group bookings for more than 10. This, along with social distancing, is our insurance policy, Ardern said. "If something goes wrong with a group of 10 it is much easier to contain and contact trace than a group of 100," she said. "If something goes wrong, the whole country will have to experience restrictions."
PHOTO: Wānaka Medical Centre
Wanaka Medical Centre and Aspiring Medical Centre will continue to be available for coronavirus testing after CBAC closes its doors.
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Reduced community demand for coronavirus testing means the CBAC at Queenstown Memorial Centre closed its doors Monday May 11. There’s been a steady decline in demand for swabbing in Queenstown-Lakes over the past two weeks - in the range of five to a single test per day. Designated practices in the area – including Queenstown Medical Centre and Wakatipu Medical Centre, as well as Wānaka Medical Centre and Aspiring Medical Centre in Wānaka -have the capacity to provide coronavirus testing to the local population, including international workers and visitors who may not be enrolled with a practice. And while the CBAC is shutting its doors for now, it remains equipped to quickly scale up again if the need arises. “This is an indication that our CBACs, as well as our surveillance and outreach swabbing programmes, have done the work they are meant to do: make swabbing accessible for as many people as possible, away from hospital,” said WellSouth medical director, Stephen Graham. Since WellSouth’s Queenstown CBAC was
set up on March 24, 1373 assessments have been carried out and 1363 swabs taken. A popup CBAC on 16 April tested 353 asymptomatic supermarket shoppers and a further 247 swabs were done at six Queenstown backpacker accommodations April 24 -27. All tests from the surveillance or outreach testing – aimed at identifying any undetected community transmission of the virus - have been negative. “Dozens of WellSouth and general practice staff have stepped up to work the CBACs and do the community testing. They have been real heroes in all this and we are very grateful for their selflessness and for the work they’ve done,” Graham said. WellSouth’s CBACs in Dunedin and Invercargill continue to operate as usual, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm weekends. Anyone seeking coronavirus assessment and testing in the Queenstown Lakes area can see their own general practice or a designated practice and coronavirus testing is free, regardless of where the testing takes place. WellSouth’s 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719) call centre continues to operate, providing advice and referring patients to designated and general practices when testing is required.
THE WANAKA SUN TEAM IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE IT WE WILL BE RETURNING TO PRINT ON THURSDAY 21ST MAY. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support during this challenging period and look forward to supporting the community as we move forward. PAGE 2
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NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival -the show must go on Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival is forging ahead to run the annual live festival in both Wānaka and Queenstown in late June. The charitable trust’s goal is to deliver the best event possible, adapted to follow the government guidelines for events and gatherings. The organisers have created a flexible plan, able to be adapted to any restriction level. This includes several smaller events as well as online screenings of the festival favourites. Festival director Mark Sedon explained the approach: “We feel it’s important to run our event, albeit a little differently to other years. Based on feedback we feel that by the time we get to late June everyone will be ready to get out and about, providing they feel they are safe. Our core goal is to bring some inspiration to our audience when they need it most and continue to bring people in our adventure community together both on and
off-line. Our hope is that we are in Level 1 or 2 by this time; regardless, we will have some awesome viewing ready for the festival fans.” The 18th NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival is scheduled to run live in five venues in Wānaka and Queenstown simultaneously from June 26 -28. The smaller venues will restrict numbers and allow for social distancing and seat numbers for contact tracing should it be required. The events will include the opening night, guest speakers, award winning films and books. The trust has received over 188 entries in the filmmaker competition including a record number of NZ made entrants (25) and the best of these films make up the sessions in these categories: NZ Pure, Snow Show, Environmental and Cultural. These sessions will be hosted nationally online from June 26 to July 5. The award-winning films and books will be announced on June 1 when the full festival programme and tickets will be made available at mountainfilm.nz
PHOTO: Mark Watson
The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will feature the best of New Zealand outdoor adventure films.
Reconnect with Central Otago Cold hard fact - migrant welfare campaign launched ‘pot’ will run out Pat Deavoll
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Launched this week, ‘Reconnect with Central Otago’ is the theme for Tourism Central Otago’s (TCO) return to destination marketing following the significant disruption caused by coronavirus said Dylan Rushbrook, general manager of Tourism Central Otago Focussing on reconnection with people and place, it is primarily a consumer-focussed digital campaign targeting people at the ‘dreaming and planning phase’ of making travel decisions. It will showcase Central Otago experiences using imagery and video featuring what people will likely now be seeking – including wide-open spaces, authentic quality experiences and a focus on the outdoors and wellness, said Rushbrook. Several key components of the Central Otago tourism strategy are progressing well; in late May a new regional centralotagonz.com website will be launched showcasing people, place, experiences and communities. Spring will see the campaign kick up another gear. A redesigned Eat.Taste.Central food and wine event is planned for late September / October, and the Central Otago Touring Route will be completed and launched in November. “We are incredibly lucky to have these key projects and the exciting prospect of the completed Lake Dunstan Trail coming on stream in summer 20 / 21 to complement our existing authentic and valued product mix. All together, this puts us in good stead for a positive future
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
‘Reconnect with Central Otago’ is a consumer-focussed digital campaign targeting people at the ‘dreaming and planning phase’ of making travel decisions.
beyond coronavirus,” said Rushbrook. “Now that we know that domestic travel is permitted at Alert Level 2 [beginning today], we feel the time is right to reach out again and invite people to enjoy all that this region is renowned for. It is important that following the significant disruption to people’s lives, we developed messaging to resonate with people now considering taking time out away from home as well as our local communities. Designed to be versatile and scalable, it will be adapted to market opportunities as they change in the coming months” he said. In framing up the campaign, TCO worked collaboratively with Central Otago District Council’s economic development manager to ensure it encapsulates the broader needs of Central Otago’s businesses and communities. Supporting local will feature strongly in the initial phases of the campaign, building up to wider self-drive and New Zealand audiences as people’s willingness to travel grows.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult speaks on additional Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) funding for the Queenstown Lakes District. “I am extremely proud of the significant welfare response to the crisis we are seeing in the Lakes District,” Boult said. “Further welfare pathways were announced on Monday by emergency management for both Kiwis and migrants but I need to message some cold hard facts. “The welfare has been provided locally by our council team in conjunction with the Otago Regional Group, council paid contractors and volunteers plus our outstanding community service providers. The bill for over a million dollars of welfare has been picked up by the National Emergency Management Agency. “This cost could never be borne by our ratepayers. Although we will continue to wrap support around our local community service providers into the future as their work will continue to be critical, the emergency management pot will eventually run out. That may be weeks or months but there will be an end to it. For Kiwis they can still lean on the government but the migrant picture is hugely challenging. We will continue to lobby for some kind of discretionary welfare support for migrants but that does not appear to be forthcoming.
Migrant welfare funds will eventually run out.
PHOTO: QLdc
“I am firmly of the view that we need to be kind to our migrant community who served us so well in good times. The bleak reality is that many will not be able to get work to support themselves and those who assume they will have a job after Level 2 comes into play may be in for a shock. The projected levels of unemployment for our district are far in excess of the projected national average. “For those migrants in this position, still hanging on for work, my advice would be start doing some challenging thinking. Your best option may well be one of repatriation until such time as our economy can once again offer support to our migrants. I do accept that for some repatriation is not possible and for others the years that you have lived and worked in our community and raised families also makes this proposition untenable. However, where it can be conceived as a possibility it now needs to be considered. “I want to be clear – I say this with a heavy heart and frankly out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of our migrant community, but we simply cannot sustain the quantum of welfare ongoing.”
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Support local initiative receives Cardrona Alpine Resorts support Australia-New Zealand bubble ‘overwhelming’ response Pat Deavoll
Joanna Perry
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
There has been an overwhelming response from the Wānaka community to the LoveWānaka, Supporting Local campaign, according to Lake Wānaka Tourism [LWT] and Ignite Wānaka. One week in and the initiative sees traction, with the community rallying to support local. Uptake from local businesses keen to get involved has also been strong, with the LoveWānaka, Supporting Local landing page loaded full of companies from all sectors which are open and operating during Alert Level 3. Restaurants and cafes have pivoted to provide takeaway, local shops are selling online, and Wānaka's activity and accommodation providers have been able to offer forward booking opportunities. Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky said: "It's been fantastic to see our community looking after each other in many ways over the past few weeks. We know it's been a difficult time for all of us, so now that we're dropping down the Alert Levels, we're excited to support local and see Wānaka locals come out for their Wānaka businesses." Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult voiced his support for the LoveWānaka, Supporting Local initiative. "I have stated recently that this district's community and economic recovery doesn't rest with any one organisation or individual. Council has a significant role to play with proposed infrastructure investments and continuing to provide essential services. But everyone can also play their part through supporting local businesses as often as they can. It's great to see a range of services already signed up, and I would encourage everyone to rally around our local businesses and help our district get through in as strong a position
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Joanna Perry
And empty Wānaka of a few weeks ago, but things will spring back into life today.
as possible," he said. For the teams at LWT and Ignite Wānaka, this is only the beginning, said LWT general manager, James Helmore. "The initial response to the campaign has been phenomenal. To see so many businesses and members of the community sharing the message on social media and visiting the landing page is awesome. We've had significant uptake since launch a week ago, and we hope to continue to build on that drive through this next phase." Digital marketing executive Jessie Byrne who is executing the campaign, said that the community should continue to check out the website, as new businesses were continually coming on board. "We are still planning future activations with Ignite Wānaka for when we can come together again. We're hoping to get LoveWānaka messaging all over town with window stickers and posters. Some businesses have even taken it upon themselves to add decals to their cars or have asked if they can paint the logo in their shop windows. Everyone is keen to show their support."
Cardrona Alpine Resorts (Cardrona and Treble Cone) general manager Bridget Legnavsky confirmed last week that her team were preparing both Cardrona and Treble Cone mountains for opening in late June, and that they would welcome the possibility of trans-Tasman travel. As of last Tuesday, May 5, Australia and New Zealand have a formal agreement in place to establish a trans-Tasman “travel bubble” as soon as it is safe to allow flights between the two countries. Legnavsky said Australian visitors made up about 30 per cent of Cardrona and Treble Cone’s business. “We would love to see that happen,” Legnavsky said but only if it was deemed safe to do so by both governments. “We don't want to go backwards,” she added. Despite the initial agreement made last Tuesday, both the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers stressed that travel between the two countries without a 14-day quarantine period would not happen imminently. Jacinda Ardern said the two countries could negotiate a reopening because there were a lot of similarities in the way they had managed the pandemic, but - given the success both nations had seen in reducing the infection rate - neither would move too quickly to open travel. Scott Morrisson added that travel between Australia and New Zealand would not start up until there was safe travel between Australian states.
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun archive
Bridget Legnavsky said Australian visitors made up about 30 per cent of Cardrona and Treble Cone’s business.
In the meantime, Cardrona Alpine Resorts’ plan to “expect level two, but hope for level one” is underwriting preparations for the upcoming season, as they set up both mountains to start slow and then scale up operations as the environment allows. Legnavsky said that, at level two, “it's likely that only locals will be able to visit - around 25 per cent of normal skier numbers. We're working out what facilities we will open to reflect that business level.” She added that there would be a more limited set of facilities; not all lifts would be operating, and although all the cafes were likely to be open to ensure there was enough space, “the offering inside might be different.” The team are also developing systems to support physical distancing, cleanliness and hygiene - particularly around rental equipment - and contact tracing. With both mountains currently set to open on June 26 and June 27, Legnasvky acknowledged that they still had “plenty of time” to prepare.
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A warm welcome back for GWD Toyota Alexandra’s new Service Manager It is a warm welcome back to the company for GWD Toyota Alexandra’s new Service Manager Kevin Wood, who will return to the Centennial Avenue branch on June 1. Central Otago Manager Tim Duggan said the whole GWD Toyota team were delighted that Wood was returning to the dealership to lead their service in Alexandra. “Kevin used to work for GWD Toyota years ago, and it is great to have someone who is so experienced and understands the local community to be back with us as we move out of lockdown restrictions,” said Duggan. He added that Wood had a deep understanding not only of Toyota vehicles but also of the local community. “He is very, very skilled, so we are excited to have him back to service our clients in the Central Otago region. He knows the product, and he knows the people.” Duggan said that the company had continued to see “big demand” after the level four lockdown ended, with many rural clients operating as essential workers, and their vehicles requiring maintenance throughout the lockdown. Many clients had found there were benefits of using genuine Toyota parts. “By using genuine parts, it creates longevity for those vehicles, and they have been more reliable, which has been paramount when it has been difficult to travel during restrictions,” said Duggan. “We have had comments from our clients that they have been very thankful that they have had the Toyota product when they rely so much on their vehicles.” Together with their new Service Manager, the Alexandra branch is planning to move across the road to their new dealership site once it is completed later this year. “We are looking at a November completion at this stage,” said Dugg
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PHOTO: supplied
Central Otago Manager Tim Duggan said the whole GWD Toyota team were delighted that Mr Wood was returning to the dealership to lead their service in Alexandra.
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Emergency funding for Otago needy
Water infrastructure projects worthy candidates for government funding Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The time is right for water projects across the central South Island to be given the green light, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said. “The Timaru, Waitaki, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District Councils have all made applications to the government’s ‘shovelready’ infrastructure fund to help with recovery post-coronavirus lockdown, and each of their applications include large-scale water projects.” These include the Cardrona wastewater pipeline and treatment plant projects plus
the Clyde/Alexandra water and wastewater connection project, Central Otago pipeline and reservoir project and an application for funding to fast-track the upgrade to the Shotover Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant. “The projects put forward by councils across the central South Island would all bring immediate employment opportunities, boost the regional economy and bring long-term benefits for local people,” Dean said. “Councils were already under significant financial pressure due to government regulations around the drinking water, stormwater and wastewater. Rather than piling these costs onto
ratepayers, it makes sense for the government to finance these projects through the infrastructure fund now. “It would also be prudent for the government to invest in water storage and augmentation projects. Coronavirus has highlighted how important the agriculture sector is to the economy and in putting food on the table of New Zealanders. “There have been times in the recent past where the South Island has largely missed out on government infrastructure spending, and I don’t want to see that happen again. This region is a strong contributor to the New Zealand economy and deserves to see investment when it’s needed most.”
PHOTO: ORC
Otago CDEM group controller Richard Saunders.
Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Help is in sight for people living and working in Otago who have not been able to pay their rent and bills due to the coronavirus lockdown, which is good news for migrant workers in the region. The government’s $30 million support package to bolster welfare assistance has enabled Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) to provide emergency funding for accommodation and utilities, alongside food and other essentials. Otago CDEM group controller Richard Saunders said this will be welcome news to many people, especially for those who have lost their income and may not qualify for central government’s welfare assistance, the wage subsidy or have no other sources of support. Over 5500 people in Queenstown have asked Civil Defence for welfare support since late March; more than 3600 of these are foreign nationals. “People can apply for help with their rent, boarding fees, hostel feels, electricity or gas. It takes the pressure off those who are worried about where they will live if they have to move out due to unpaid bills. “This help is available for any foreign nationals in Otago who meet the criteria, although we know most people who need help live in Queenstown. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who need support with accommodation should contact Work and Income New Zealand in the first instance. If they do not qualify for welfare support from Work and Income they may be provided support from Civil Defence." Those unable to pay their rent and power/ gas bills due to the impact of coronavirus can apply for assistance via an online form at www.otagocdem.govt.nz They will then receive a follow up phone call from Otago Civil Defence to assess their application and confirm payments, if eligible. “Payments will be made directly to landlords or accommodation providers, and electricity or gas companies,” Saunders said. Applications must be made by the tenants. Landlords can’t apply on behalf of their tenants but are encouraged to contact those living at their property who are unable to pay rent and let them know financial support may be available. Payments can be backdated to March 26 2020, when Alert Level 4 lockdown began. People who have been able to pay their living expenses will not get them reimbursed. Forward payments may be paid for those whose living circumstances aren’t expected to change in the coming weeks. If they need support after that, they will need to reapply. Otago CDEM will continue to operate its welfare helpline for those needing support with food and other essential items such as winter clothing or firewood. It runs seven days a week 9am to 5pm and can be reached on 0800 322 4000 or help@otagocdem.govt.nz.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
NEWS IN BRIEF Ballantyne Road speed limit to change The speed limit on Ballantyne Road will drop today following requests from the community through the Speed Limit Bylaw review last year, and further consultation on the change back in February. As of Friday 8 May, signage has been erected and the following changes will be in place: • Ballantyne Road (Riverbank Road to State Highway 6) – 60km/h (dropping from 80km/h) • Ballantyne Road (Golf Course Road to Riverbank Road) – 50km/h (dropping from 70km/h) Further speed limit changes are expected to come into force later this month. Free contact tracing form to help businesses Member IT Centre (formerly Wānaka Computers) has created a free contact tracing system for Wānaka businesses to safely track customers under alert level two. This is available on their website at: www.itcentre.nz. Lake Wānaka Tourism/ Ignite Wānaka webinar The first LWT/Ignite Wānaka webinar to provide Wānaka businesses with the tools and information they need to make the decisions for their businesses' future will happen Friday 15. Domestic: Data, Research & Insights Session You are invited to a Zoom session where GM LWT James Helmore will take you through Data; Research and Insights for the domestic market. He will be joined by Bernie Hanratty, Insights Analyst – COVID-19 Tourism Regional economies National Accounts Stats
NZ, who will be on hand to share national tourism insights and answer your questions. When: Friday, 15 May: 12.00pm-1.00pm Register in advance for this meeting. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. LoveWanaka, Supporting Local LoveWanaka, Supporting Local would like to invite businesses who are returning to operation in Level 2 to join LoveWanaka, Supporting Local. To express your interest, email Jessie and we'll get you a listing on the landing page, as well as creative assets to help spread the word. For those who opened during Level 3 and already have a LoveWanaka listing, please remember to change your listing to reflect your updated business activity in Level 2. If you've forgotten your log-in information or need assistance, contact Tess. It is very important that you have a listing on the LoveWanaka, Supporting Local landing page, as this is where all of our marketing efforts are driving to! And remember, for those who aren't able to open yet - we will continue to add listings to LoveWanaka throughout the campaign. So whenever you're able to open, we'll be here to get you involved. Solid waste Kerbside collection trucks will recommence collecting mixed recycling separately from rubbish ahead of the reopening of the Materials Recovery Facility on June 1. Once this facility reopens mixed recycling will again be processed
for transporting to recycling markets. The Transfer Stations will reopen fully including on weekends, however access to the Transfer Stations will continue via the online booking system. The booking hours will be extended for Alert Level 2. Areas for diversion of items such as green waste, scrap metal, e-waste and hazardous goods will be accessible during Alert Level 2, however you must have a booking to access the facility. Payment is by account or paywave only. Parks Public toilets will open with increased cleaning procedures in place. Most parks facilities such as playgrounds, skate parks, pump tracks and drinking fountains will be reopened with increased cleaning procedures and safe practice messaging in place. Frisbee golf will be phased in as level 2 progresses. Normal maintenance procedures will resume. Libraries Wānaka library will reopen on Monday morning. One person per bubble will be allowed in at any one time, with a maximum of between 10 and 20 customers at any one time. To enable as many people as possible to access venues each day, users will be asked to limit their visits to 15 minutes. Instructions for a new click and collect service will be available on the libraries website shortly. An external wifi space will be created at Arrowtown and Wānaka. Print and copying services will resume at all open libraries. All library use is subject to distancing protocols.
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Clyde wastewater pipeline construction underway again Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
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Construction of the Clyde wastewater pipeline is underway again after a month-long delay due to the coronavirus lockdown. The shift to level three two weeks ago meant Central Otago District Council (CODC) contractors, Fulton Hogan, could recommence working in crew bubbles, whilst maintaining physical distancing. Crews are installing the pipeline along Graveyard Gully Road towards its final destination, the Alexandra wastewater treatment plant. CODC is also taking the opportunity to make improvements to Alexandra’s wastewater system while the Clyde wastewater pipeline is being installed along Graveyard Gully Road. “It makes good sense to do these upgrades when we’re already working in the area, as this minimises disruption for the community and is more cost-effective,” said CODC capital project programme manager Patrick Keenan. As well as installing the Clyde wastewater pipeline, contractors are upgrading the existing Alexandra wastewater pipeline and installing a
Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Shopping for Central Otago fresh produce and finding free local goodies could be easier soon with the development of an online directory focused on supporting local producers, according to not-for-profit community growth organisation Connect Cromwell. Local Natalie Wilson said the idea had come from her desire to make it easier for people to shop local and support businesses through tough economic times. “There are some amazing growers and producers in the region - our fruit, cheese, olive oils and wine are some of the best in the world, but it can take time searching online to find what you’re looking for and some smaller producers don’t have websites,” said Wilson. “Like others in the Cromwell community, I have been wanting to support locals, and setting up the directory is an easy way to quickly see what’s available and what can be delivered to your door.” Wilson is inviting local producers to list their business for free on her site, which has yet to be named. It is to be developed and hosted by
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www.thewanakasun.co.nz PAGE 6
Connect Cromwell, whose mission is to support the emergence and growth of community-led development in the Cromwell district, with help from the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group. Wilson felt the global coronavirus pandemic had made people think differently about how and where they shop. “Coronavirus had a huge impact on our community,” she said. “As regular routes to markets have been shut down, local producers have found themselves with excess produce to sell. The online directory will connect buyers with sellers, and make it easier for locals to find their favourite producers in one place.” The site will also feature sources of free local fruit and produce. Further down the line, Wilson said she believed there could be opportunities to expand the idea to showcase other local products and services. For now, though, the project will target Central Otago producers based in Cromwell or able to deliver to Cromwell. It was expected that the site would be operational by the end of May. Anyone wanting to list their business (or help name the site) can email info@connectcromwell.nz.
Stage one of Cromwell’s new estate development released newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
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second wastewater pipeline to future-proof the capacity of Alexandra’s wastewater system. To maintain service continuity, a temporary above-ground pipeline has been installed to carry wastewater to the treatment plant while this work is underway. A temporary road closure for all traffic is in place on Graveyard Gully Road south of the Shaky Bridge Café until June 2020. Pipeline installation work on the Graveyard Gully section is expected to be completed in July.
Cromwell growers offered free ‘shop local’ site
Joanna Perry
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PHOTO: Supplied
Construction of the Clyde wastewater pipeline is underway again after a month-long delay due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
The developers behind Cromwell’s highly anticipated new neighbourhood, Wooing Tree Estate, released the first sections to the public on May 8, with three sections selling in two days. The 24.4 hectare estate is being developed alongside the Wooing Tree Vineyard, established in 2002. The vineyard will become part of the mixed residential and business estate around it, all surrounding the town’s famous Wooing Tree. “We have re-zoned our land to develop a boutique vineyard estate, offering opportunities for a mix of premium residential homes adjacent to our cellar door and new retail and hospitality village, which will be the beating heart of the wonderful new neighbourhood,” said Steve Farquharson.
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“We’ve put a lot of work into the Wooing Tree brand over many years. We don’t want to lose that prestige or importantly the grapes we are so famous for, so there will still be a significant number of vines surrounding the new sites.” Veros Property senior development manager Sean Haynes said the “special neighbourhood, surrounded by vines, green lanes and open space,” had attracted the interest of families from around the country, as well as expats and retirees. In light of coronavirus, Haynes recognised that it was a testing time to be launching a new subdivision. “Although the market has created some shortterm uncertainty, it hasn’t changed the enduring value of what this development and living in Central Otago offers,” he said. Building on the sections can begin from February 2021.
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Civil Defence support to Hunting allowed on public conservation land continue at alert level 2 Joanna Perry Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
As the nation wakes to Alert Level 2 tomorrow and many of the restrictions on daily life are relaxed, Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management (Otago CDEM) won’t be relaxing its approach to welfare support. The dedicated Otago Helpline, established during Alert Level 4, will continue to operate, providing much needed support to those in Otago without food and other daily essentials. “While Level 2 will bring back some normality to many of us, for some it will not bring back the jobs lost and their struggle will continue,” said Laurence Voight, alternate group controller for Otago CDEM. “Parts of Otago’s economy are unlikely to be able to operate at pre-coronavirus levels for some time and this will impact jobs and household incomes in our region. Overseas citizens on work permits who no longer have a job need to consider whether they can move elsewhere in NZ to find work, or talk to Immigration NZ about their visa status and ability to remain in New Zealand.” Since the lockdown began, the total requests for assistance received by Otago CDEM has surpassed 13,380 and over
8,000 food parcels or vouchers have been distributed. These efforts have been supported by over 700 volunteers who registered with Volunteering Otago or Volunteering Central. As well as New Zealanders seeking assistance, many requests for help have come from foreign nationals in the Queenstown Lakes area. Earlier this week Otago CDEM announced that they, along with New Zealanders, would be able to apply for assistance with rent, power and gas bills if they were not eligible for support from other places. “People can apply for help with their rent, boarding fees, hostel feels, electricity or gas. It takes the pressure off those who are worried about where they will live if they have to move out due to unpaid bills,” said Voight. Since the announcement was made on Monday afternoon over 90 applications for rent, have been made. The accommodation and utility support is available for any foreign nationals in Otago who meet the criteria. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who need support with accommodation should contact Work and Income New Zealand first. If they do not qualify for welfare support from Work and Income they may be provided support from CDEM.
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Hunters will be able to access public conservation land and travel to their favourite hunting spots under coronavirus Alert Level 2. They will also be able to travel across regions and stay overnight at hunting spots with friends and family - up to a maximum of ten people. New Zealand Deerstalkers Association President Trevor Chappell said that “the fact that public conservation land is open again is great news for the tens of thousands of Kiwi hunters that rely on public land to go hunting.” “The hunting sector is also pleased that inter-regional domestic travel is to be allowed,” added Game Animal Council general manager Tim Gale. “For the many hunters that live in our major centres, this means they can travel to their favourite locations and target tahr, red stags, sika and the other species that provide such fantastic late-autumn and winter hunting.” However, Gale also warned of the risks of an initial rush of people returning to hunting - “this makes being aware of where others may be, positively identifying your target, storing firearms responsibly at huts and general gun safety measures absolutely critical,” he said. “The fact is the vast majority of hunting accidents aren’t firearms-related so don’t disregard the risk of falls and slips, take river crossings extremely seriously and generally play it safe by hunting within your capabilities especially as we come into winter.” Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley emphasised the importance of good trip planning. “Weather can be extremely changeable at this time of year; expect it to be cold and the days to be short. It is
PHOTO: Pixabay
The start of the 2020 game bird season has now been announced as May 23, following the government’s announcement on Monday of the move to Level 2.
important that hunters study the weather forecast before they go and remain flexible with their dates and plans to avoid being caught out in bad weather,” said Daisley. DOC announced yesterday that recreational hunters could apply online for new hunting permits from 5 pm Tuesday, May 12 and these would be valid once New Zealand went into Level 2. “DOC staff are focused on ensuring any hunting ballots or bookings planned for the next few months go ahead. Once this process is complete we will contact affected ballot holders regarding next year’s ballots and hunting blocks,” read the website. Meanwhile, the start of the 2020 game bird season has now been set for May 23, following the government’s announcement on Monday of the move to Level 2. “The game bird season is an important national tradition for hunters to come together to harvest game birds for the family dinner table,” said Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Martin Taylor.
Wānaka filmmaker to feature at first major online film festival Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
New Zealand’s only Oscar-qualifying film festival, The Documentary Edge International Film Festival, is going nationwide for the first time via an online platform next month - and will feature Wānaka filmmaker Richard Sidey. Over the past 15 years, the Doc Edge Festival has brought the world's best documentaries and filmmakers to Wellington and Auckland. This year, it will be the first major film festival to tackle coronavirus by going fully digital, and will feature a record number of filmmakers presenting world premiere screenings in a line-up of over 70 films. “While we might be physically distant right now, we are not socially distant, and we are reaching out with this new festival format to create a much-needed sense of community”, said Alex Lee, Doc Edge Director. The festival will run from June 12 to July 5 with scheduled viewings online, and films will focus on ongoing challenges including corrupt politicians, the struggles of refugees, meatless
diets, and new religions. The festival will be announcing their full programme of films next week, but among those already named is Wānaka-born-and-raised conservation and wildlife filmmaker/photographer Richard Sidey’s Elementa, a black-and-white visual meditation of wilderness and the elements. "Elementa was a five-year project in which I wanted to creatively document the wild for experiential viewing, where one has 45 minutes to reconnect with nature from within their own environment,” said Sidey, who specialises in environmental filmmaking and nature photography. Since completing a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design in 2004, he has been documenting the polar regions, remote wilderness areas and their wildlife, naturally sourcing artistic inspiration from his surrounding environment. Environmental themes and a strong connection to nature - and his Wānaka roots - are clearly evident in his work. Filmed on seven continents, Elementa completes the director’s Speechless trilogy on the polar regions. Speechless: The Polar Realm won a
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number of film festival awards in 2015 and 2016, including Best Wildlife Film at the International PHOTOs: Supplied Ocean Film Festival in San Francisco. Richard Sidey: “One of the perks of Doc Edge going “One of the perks of Doc Edge going online online this year is that our community in Wānaka can this year is that our community in Wānaka enjoy the entire festival and the profound curation of can enjoy the entire festival and the profound films for the first time without travel.” curation of films for the first time without travel. For more information and to keep up to speed It's exciting to think Elementa will be streaming with the 2020 season as more events and films nature into thousands of living rooms nationwide are added, visit: www.doc edge.nz, or follow Doc in June," said Sidey. Edge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Among the films being screened at the first online international film festival is Wānaka-based Richard Sidey’s Elementa, a black-and-white visual meditation of wilderness and the elements.
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Sun Environment
More opportunities for outdoor recreation at Alert Level 2 Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
New Zealanders will be able to enjoy more of the great outdoors when the country moves into alert level two, but they’ll need to take responsibility for hygiene and cleaning, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC). “This is a very positive development and will come as a relief to the thousands of New Zealanders who have wanted to get into the great outdoors,” DOC’s director of Heritage and Visitors, Steve Taylor said. At alert level two, DOC facilities, including huts and campsites, will reopen for public use but it’s not quite business as usual. To maintain the government’s guidelines for gatherings, bookable accommodation is capped to 10 people and there should be no more than 10 people at any of the larger non-bookable huts. “At all huts appropriate physical distancing is required – people should bring a tent to be certain,” said Taylor. “It’s important that visitors take responsibility for their own health and hygiene. We all need to look out for each other to prevent the spread of coronavirus. “DOC will undertake our normal checks of facilities, which does include some cleaning, however we are asking visitors to be prepared to clean surfaces before they use them and leave the facilities fit for other users.” This means visitors will need to carry their own cleaning equipment in and out of the area they visit. Visitors are also responsible for being able to trace their own contacts during their visit.
PHOTO: Joanna Perry
Trampers, bikers and recreators will need to carry their own cleaning equipment in and out of the area they visit and be able to trace their own contacts during their visit.
Wastebusters back in action Wastebusters can’t wait to welcome you back. We will reopen on Friday, May 15, for recycling and reuse drop off, and Wasties treasure hunting in the shop of course. Wasties staff are super excited to be back onsite and are gearing up with a staff-only day today. We’ve made a few essential changes to keep everyone safe during Level 2, like frequent sanitisation of high touch surfaces and quarantining of drop-offs. One significant change is that we need to know who’s been to our site for contact tracing. You’ll need to sign in when you arrive. But the music will be on, and our staff will be smiling, so just follow our crew’s instructions and the new site signage. How to shop: We have lots of gorgeous stuff, and a massive selection of winter clothing on the racks so come on in and have a look. Remember to keep a minimum of one meter between yourself and everybody else (bubble members excluded). We have hand sanitiser available for anyone entering the shop. Please use it. There will be a maximum number who can enter the shop. Our staff will let you know if you have to wait.
This includes letting a trusted contact know your intentions and putting your details in hut intentions books. DOC’s bookable accommodation system will UPPER CLUTHA be open from 10 am today. Hunting is also able to resume on public conservation land, with recreational hunters being able to apply online for a hunting permit as of [last] Tuesday night. Visit DOC’s website for more information including hunting permits, track updates, The economic and social impacts of Wānaka’s sudden closures and safety advice: www.doc.govt.nz loss of tourism are severe, with hundreds of workers and their families facing an uncertain future. With many people committed to the local community now having the time and talent to contribute positively to projects that will broaden our local economy, we have a unique opportunity to reset. Since the lockdown, many organisations have been advocating for government funding to support projects that will deliver immediate employment alongside longer-term environmental benefits. ORC is developing a new Regional Policy Statement (RPS), Before coronavirus, the government allocated which will set the direction for how Otago’s natural and funds for projects to protect and restore at-risk physical resources will be managed in the future. waterways and wetlands and provide support for farmers and growers to use their land more We’re seeking feedback during the drafting stage to inform sustainably. and fine tune the policy direction of the RPS. The government announced it would pass To do this, we are looking for suitably qualified and/or legislation in June to speed up the consenting of development and infrastructure projects. experienced and interested people to provide expert advice This would benefit projects for roading, walking on topics (see below) that will form the basis of chapters of and cycling, rail, housing, sediment removal the new RPS. from silted rivers and estuaries, new wetland We need people with skills or knowledge ranging from construction and flood management works. hydrology, public health, tourism, and heritage issues, to The Green Party called for a $1 billion economic stimulus package focussed on ecology, urban design, farming, climate change and more. investment in people and nature over three years, supporting local communities, iwi, businesses,
Help shape the future of Otago’s natural and physical resources.
Regional Policy Statement Topics Ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity
Natural features and landscapes Natural character Historical and cultural values
Air Energy, infrastructure and transport
Hazards and risks Integrated management
Coastal environment Urban form and development
To find out more about what’s involved, or to express your interest in taking part, please visit www.orc.govt.nz/RPSgroups or call 0800 474 082.
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How to drop off stuff: If you’ve done a clean out and have things to donate to Wastebusters, thank you. Your donations help us fund our work for zero waste. We expect a massive influx of donations when we open our doors so please be patient, and if we look super busy, you might want to come back another time. Before you drop off goods, give them a quick once-over. Treat Wasties like a friend and only donate goods you’d give to a friend (e.g. no holey or stained clothes). If you have lots of things to donate, it would be super helpful if you gave us a quick call 443 8606 to let us know. It’s always a quiet time first thing when we open at 9 am if you can make it then. Or if you’re happy to wait a couple of weeks before dropping off stuff for reuse, that would help take the pressure off our staff. Our neighbours at the transfer station are operating a little differently, and you’ll need to book a time to drop off before you arrive at www. wanakatransferstation.qldc.govt.nz. Above all, be kind and be patient. – By Ruth Blunt, Wastebusters communications coordinator
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NGOs, councils and DOC. This is aimed at employing thousands of people across New Zealand to restore and look after our natural landscapes. Marama Davidson’s comment that New Zealand’s environment was our essential infrastructure is particularly true for Wānaka. Measures taken to kick-start the local economy and create hope for the future must safeguard the natural resources that residents and visitors depend upon. Productive relationships are already in place to capitalise on existing synergies and resetting our future towards a more sustainable and diverse economy. WAI Wānaka has been working with local farmers who have organised themselves into catchment groups (see www.waiwanaka.nz). Some of these groups have confirmed their readiness to supervise hands on the ground nature-based jobs across the whole basin, providing opportunities for residents to redeploy into meaningful work. Wānaka is an engaged, knowledgeable, supportive and environmentally aware community. Building on existing frameworks to connect sustainability priorities across the rural, urban and tourism sectors has potential. – By Upper Clutha Lakes Trust
Water safety warning ahead of Level 2 Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Water Safety New Zealand is urging boaties, recreational fishers and divers to follow safety guidelines as lockdown restrictions ease. “Boaties have been looking forward to the opportunity to get back out on the water. We just need everyone to take the necessary precautions so our frontline rescue services do not get overrun” said WSNZ CEO Jonty Mills. Boaties are reminded to do all their gear and engine checks, make sure they have life jackets for everyone on board as well as two waterproof THURSDAY 14.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 20.05.20
ways to call for help. In over a third of the 12 powered boating preventable drowning fatalities in 2019 life jackets were either not available, or not worn correctly. “It’s also critical that whatever the water based activity that people check the weather forecast” said Mills. “Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.” “Sadly we had our first drowning of lockdown this week. Our waters are cold and especially so as we head into winter. If there is even a remote possibility you could end up in the water ensuring you know water survival skills, wear a lifejacket as well as clothing that gives you thermal protection,” said Mills.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Cycle tracks I support the letter by D Kerr re Wanaka cycle tracks. I would ask why cyclists can exercise their dogs off lead while walkers are told to use leads? Are cyclists picking up dog poop? I don’t think so. There appears to be two sets of rules, one for those who have bikes, and those who do not. When us ‘oldies’ learnt to bike we were told to go to the left off the road and to get off the bike if there was a difficult situation. This does not appear to apply today. Might today's cyclists understand that they have to ‘get off their bikes ‘ now and again? O Y Pezaro
Waste not want not This is my letter to the QLDC. Dear sirs/ madams, I wish I had been better forewarned. I put out my separate bins this morning for landfill (red ) and glass recycling (blue) as they, along with our whole street’s, were emptied into the same truck container. This is not good enough. If we are to be encouraged to ‘separate our rubbish’, then we need to be better informed. I would not have put out my glass if I had known it was to be ‘trashed’ in this way. Contrary to local news reports. Waste not, want not, as my mother said to me and my siblings 300 seasons ago. Ashley Conland Sponsored by
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Crimeline Harbison D Deane Constable, NZPD Another week under lockdown rules has passed us by, and in general, people and businesses have played by the rules. I think everyone will agree it's been great to have the rules relaxed somewhat to allow a bit more freedom of movement and isn't it surprising how much you miss work and school when you are not allowed to go? Many of you would have seen the continued police presence around town and at various checkpoints. This has been to make sure people are complying with the restrictions and not stretching the rules. This week a group of young men was found smoking cannabis and breaching Level 3 restrictions. As a result, one has lost his driver's license for three months, and all were warned for breaching the Ministry of Health Act regulations and for the drug use. Next time there will be more severe consequences. A small aluminium dinghy was reported stolen from Bremner Bay, where it had been left under a willow tree. We are lucky Wanaka remains a safe town, but we would like to remind people to secure their property to prevent opportunistic
thieves. If anyone finds this dinghy in another location, please inform the Wanaka Police. Three drivers were caught drink driving this weekend, and two of these were also disqualified drivers. They have been relieved of their vehicles and will be meeting with the judge to discuss how much longer they will be without their driver's licences. A man was arrested after a family harm event where alcohol was the major contributor. Lockdown and financial pressures will continue to be with us for some time yet. Alcohol is never the right crutch to lean on, and we would rather you speak to family and friends or seek out help at any number of agencies available. Please drop by the Wanaka Police for a cup of tea and a chat, and we will put you in touch with the right people. As we move towards Level 2, I hope everyone will continue to respect social distancing rules, contact tracing requirements, support our local business' and be patient as everyone gets used to working under these restrictions. The Wanaka Police station Watchhouse/ reception will reopen on Thursday when we move into Level 2. We will be back to normal open hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on weekends.
QLD jobseeker support seekers up 267 per cent Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
A big spike in the number of people seeking a benefit in the past month is a sad reflection of the impact of coronavirus on the region, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said. “According to figures released by the Ministry of Social Development, the number of people seeking the jobseeker support benefit in the Central Otago District has risen by 67 per cent across the Level 4 lockdown period with an even more dire figure of 267 per cent in the Queenstown Lakes area which includes Wanaka. “From March to April, Central Otago’s figures rose from 219 to 366, and in the Queenstown
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Lakes, from 151 to 554 for the same period. “The Queenstown-Lakes District was always going to be particularly hard hit by coronavirus given its reliance on tourism and realistically there will be more job losses to come as businesses go over their books and realise that their operation is no longer viable or has to operate in a reduced capacity. “I was pleased that the Government gave the go-ahead for domestic travel under Level 2 but that alone won’t save the tourism industry. “Tourism businesses urgently need clarity, certainty and confidence. They can’t wait until the budget for some sort of relief - a tourism specific support package and plan needs to be released now otherwise this spike will be the tip of the iceberg.”
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.
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WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 974 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: 03 443 5252 • marketing@ thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka
Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
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MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT The Wānaka Sun is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and outgoing salesperson to join its media sales team, selling across print and digital news platforms.
You can find the digital edition by: • visiting www.thewanakasun.co.nz • liking us on Facebook • emailing hello@thewanakasun.co.nz to join our distribution list
Position responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Reach monthly revenue targets • New business acquisition • Develop key client and business relationships • Prepare advertising proposals • Maintenance of client and revenue records • Provide weekly sales reports to management We’re looking for someone who has: • A proven history of success in a sales or business development role; preferably from within the media industry
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop effective business relationships
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills • Self-motivation, resilience and the ability to achieve objectives and goals within company guidelines
• A strong sense of accountability and an attention to detail • Ideally a formal qualification in business or marketing This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate Sales Executive who enjoys a challenge! If this sounds like you, please forward your application, including covering letter, resume and two professional referees to:
Thanks for your support during this uncertain time. Stay safe. PAGE 10
Benn Ashford, The Wānaka Sun, PO Box 697, Wānaka, admin@thewanakasun.co.nz THURSDAY 14.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 20.05.20
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Meeting our local achievers
From Everest to Antarctica festival director does it all Pat Deavoll
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka mountain guide and photographer Mark Sedon had the trip of a lifetime fall into his lap in 2017-18 when he was offered a spot on a kite-ski-climb expedition to Antarctica with a couple of British and French climbing gurus. "I was the default member, and it took me a week to decide to go," Sedon says. "I knew I had all the skills. I could kite, ski, climb, take photos and videos, and could handle the cold, but I was worried a broken back from two years previous would hold me up. Plus the other two were ten years younger. In the end, my wife Jo [Sedon] said 'You have to go,' so I went." The team arrived in Antarctica from Southern Chile then flew six hours from the Union Glacier to a landing 200km from the South Pole. They were dropped off at 3000 meters in minus 35 degrees Celsius and a windchill of minus 60. "I had never towed a sledge with a kite before- the sledges weighed 200kg. I had never used the gear I was given and didn't know these guys. It was pretty daunting," Sedon says. "We then kite-skied 400km to the Trans-Antarctic Range where the mountain we were to climb was - The Spectre [2020m]. We thought it would take us a week, but it took us 18 days to get there. We got our arses spanked with bad weather and strong winds and the cold. One of the sledges went into a crevasse and nearly pulled Leo [Houlding] in after it. It dragged him back through the air, but fortunately, there was a knot in the rope that got caught on the lip. We called the whole experience 'The Spectre Spanking'." The team climbed The Spectre via a
Paragliding over Lake Hawea, close to home.
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new route. It took them 21 hours to get to the top. Then they hauled the sledges back up the Scott Glacier to where the wind was [for the kites]. That was five days of 50 minutes walking 10 minutes rest, keeping it up all day, Sedon says. "We were covering 8-10km a day. Then the wind came up, so we tacked into the wind [using the kites] doing 100kms of tacking for 35kms forward. We then realised there was no point in walking and would just sit down and relax until the wind came up. We allowed 20 days to get back to the landing but did it in six days. One day we kited 150km which would have taken us ten days to walk. "Then it was another 1100km to the pickup point, and we had some big days. One day was over 200km. We made it with a week to spare so we just hung out in the tent." Sedon is no stranger to adventure and hardship. He has worked as a mountain and ski guide for the past 20 years. He started his guiding career in 2000 with Adventure Consultants, then in 2002 was offered a job with them as the expedition planner working in the office. "I helped design trips – we set up all the Seven Summits [highest summits on each continent] expeditions. I started making some overseas trips for them and ended up doing 14 excursions to the Himalayas, initially trekking peaks, then technical peaks – Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu and Everest. I was the operations manager for about ten years and in 2007 guided Everest. I helped plan a lot of trips, and it was an enjoyable time. My guiding career flourished. "Everest was pretty cool. It was just as busy then as now. All the big peaks are busy. On the summit, it feels like you are almost in outer space. You see those
pictures of the bottlenecks- they are the people on a budget who don't have enough time or oxygen to wait until the next day when it isn't so busy. I think Everest gets an unfair rap because the next day, there could be no one on the Hilary Step. It brings work to the locals, and it doesn't matter that there are other people up there. It is still fun." In 2009 Sedon suffered a brain aneurysm –"a blood vessel exploded in my head" – and stepped back from the big peaks. He began to focus more on ski guiding. He also decided he didn't want to spend two or three months a year in Nepal. He wanted to spend more time at home and make shorter trips. These included Antarctica, "I've made 13 guiding trips down there now – five to Mt Vincent [highest peak on the continent ] and eight to the Antarctic peninsula. "I resigned from Adventure Consultants eight years ago and was the chief guide for Harris Mountains Heliski for six years, leaving last year. It was time to let someone younger do it." These days Sedon nurtures and leads groups of clients skiing around the world. He was in Norway when the virus hit. He had also led a trip to Morocco last year, which meant he has now skied all the seven continents in a year. "We had only just got to Norway when we had to abandon the trip because of the virus," Sedon says. "We were given 12 hours to leave the country, so we came home, and I went into isolation in our little shack down on the South Coast. I hung out there for two weeks. "I also take ski touring trips on the Antarctic Peninsula on a small ship with about 100 passengers. The terrain is very glaciated, so it is quite challenging. And guided trips to Mt Vincent.
PHOTOs: Supplied
Mark Sedon, mountain guide, festival director and Antarctic expeditioner.
On the summit of Everest in 2007.
The Spectre [highest peak] and Antarctic expedition member Jean Burgen from France kite skiing. THURSDAY 14.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 20.05.20
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Marathon lake swimmer Belinda Donaldson still getting out in the lake Joanna Perry
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka Swim Club coach Belinda Donaldson is missing her “wonderful group of swimmers” and looking forward to getting back to poolside coaching, but the lake swimmer has found ways to keep herself entertained and active until the pool reopens. Alongside dog-walking, home-gym training and adopting a kitten, she’s also been braving the Lake Wānaka’s autumn (currently 11 degrees) temperatures. “Since level three, I’ve had a couple of swims back out in the lake with my wetsuit on,” she told the Wānaka Sun. “It felt so wonderful to be swimming again.” Last week, in a fit of “total madness,” Donaldon and a fellow lake swimmer went in for a full hour. “Once we got going it was fine,” she said, “but afterwards my fingers couldn’t press the keys on the Eftpos when I stopped at the Four Square on my way home.” A seasoned marathon swimmer (placing second in the women’s category and first in the 50-59 age group in the Ruby Island Swim last January) and team player (participating
in Wānaka Lake Swimmers’ challenge against the Queenstown club to swim the length and perimeter of their respective lakes from November 2019 to January 2020), Donaldon is also passionate about coaching and the Wānaka Swim Club, whom she has been working with since moving to Wānaka from Auckland in 2018. Before lockdown, the team had just returned from the NZ Junior Swim Festival in Timaru, where they set 48 personal records and secured four top ten spots. Much of this success was attributed to Donaldon by fellow coach Cameron Stanley, who said she “had been working tirelessly” to help them improve their skills and “create an environment where they love to train.” She also “loves going to watch and support our swimmers at other events such as Challenge Wānaka and school swim sports.” “After lockdown,” she said, “I can’t wait to get back on poolside with Cameron, coaching and having fun with our swimmers while working on getting them back to full fitness. We will be focussing on the swim meets that have been postponed to later in the year and the Otago Winter Champs.” She hopes to start back next week following Monday’s announcement of the move to Level 2.
“Once we got going it was fine.” Donaldson braved an hour-long lake swim last week.
PHOTO: Supplied
Girl guides win award Wānaka during lockdown
wins big at online Otago rowing awards
From left, Jazmine Allison, Sharon Stephens, Lily Campbell.
PHOTO: Supplied
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Two local Girl Guides have defied the odds and finished their Aoraki awards during the lockdown period while holding ANZAC day memorial services in their bubbles. Girl Guide leader Sharon Stephens said: “They are both awesome people. I have been lucky to have them with me on my journey learning how to be a Girl Guide leader. We’ve all been together through Pippins, Brownies and Guides.” One of the guides, Jazmine Allison, said that, “My experience as a girl guide has been unforgettable… I have learnt things like how to light a fire, how to do first aid, what to do in emergencies and lots more. My favourite part about girl guides is learning how to put up tents and how to fix serious first aid problems.”
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The other young guide, Lily Campbell, added, “Pippin's started in Wanaka in 2014, and that's also when I started. As I went up from Pippin's to Brownies to Guides I got more confident. I can speak in front of more people, and I have become a better leader. Throughout my time, I have learnt how to light a match, be safe in the kitchen, and around dogs. I love selling biscuits and going to the ANZAC service. Once I got to lay the wreath. Sharon has been my leader all through my time. I am so grateful to have [her] in my life.” Stephens added that they intend to hold the awards ceremony as soon as possible. The organisation is running online Zoom workshops while social distancing regimes are in place.
PHOTOs: Supplied
Pipi Horan won the Female School Rower of the Year award.
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wānaka Rowing Club has had great success at this year’s online Otago Rowing Awards (ORA) ceremony. After what had been the club’s most successful season on record, they won four gold and one silver medal at the South Island Secondary Schools regatta. Despite the nationwide Maadi Cup competition being cancelled, the club still shone through with two awards won at the ORA. Fifteen-year-old Pipi Horan was the recipient of the Female School Rower of
Patrick Hartley won the Coxswain of the Year award.
the Year award. In her nomination form, coach Matt Rickard wrote that, “Pipi... is an outstanding athlete who is very motivated to perform at a high level. Her focus and drive to succeed is remarkable for an athlete as young as she is and she is continuously gaining excellent results... Her manner is very respectful, genuine and down to earth and this gives her a strong head focus to apply herself... She has [assisted] community fundraising events and next season Pipi has also expressed interest in wanting to assist coaches with our Learn to Row sessions. The club is
THURSDAY 14.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 20.05.20
really proud of Pipi’s successes.” Patrick Hartley was awarded the coxswain of the year award. In his nomination form, Rickard commented that, “He attends rowing training across all programmes [of] the Wanaka Rowing Club (WRC) – Learn to Row, Intermediate Rowers, Seniors Rowers, Masters, and community fundraising initiatives. He is very self-motivated to attend all training sessions... he cycles to and from the sheds every session. He supports and motivates his crews and is an excellent team member to have within WRC. He has also provided support and training to our new upcoming coxswains.”
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