14-20 November 2019 |Edition 948

Wānaka’s painful little secret

INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 14 Sport: Page 16

Family harm rates ‘skyrocket’.

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A trapping bonanza in Makarora Valiant volunteers clear the lines.

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EDITION 948

PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun

The site of the overdue maternity hub at 21E Gordon Road; in the heart of Wānaka’s industrial area.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean.

PHOTO: Supplied

Expected due date for maternity hub delayed. Again.

Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

hen a woman becomes pregnant you can be reasonably sure that that baby will be due in nine months. When the Southern District Health Board puts a due date on a Maternity Hub, expect delays.

Last Monday, SDHB held a public meeting, ‘What’s happening with the health system?’ to bring the community up to date on recent developments and next steps for health in the Southern district.

The Hub had first been promised for December 2019, then early in the new year 2020.

But when asked about the upcoming opening of the Maternal and Child Hub, the Southern DHB Commissioner team and CEO, finally gave a precise, yet shocking answer: next April. No further reasons were given as to why.

W

The delay wasn’t surprising to local midwife Deb Harvey whose expectations can be said to be ‘low’. “I wasn’t aware of the umpteenth re-timeframe for opening, as it hasn’t been communicated to the midwives.”

Meanwhile, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said to be very disappointed that there has been yet another delay in the development of Wānaka’s Maternal and Child Hub. “I’m shocked that the SDHB continues to underperform in Wānaka, with another hold-up in the establishment of the town's maternity hub incredibly frustrating.

A delay to April 2020, shows a worrying lack of action by the Southern DHB in regards to the urgent and serious needs of Wānaka mothers and babies,” explained Dean.

The community has been waiting on this much needed development for 15 months after it was first passed in August 2018, as part of the board’s ‘Integrated Primary System of Care’ document. Ten

months later in June, the board signed a lease for the ground floor space at 21E Gordon Road, with suggestions it would be open by December 2019.

“Of course this latest delay comes in the wake of a damning independent report from Ernst & Young last week, which was highly critical of the Southern DHB’s performance across maternity issues in both Wanaka and Central Otago and, in my opinion, now leaves this organisation without a shred of credibility. My biggest fear for Wānaka, is where we go from here and will this hub actually be ready by April? I simply don’t think that the Southern DHB has the ability to manage the gaping shortfall in Upper Clutha maternity services and I believe the Government should step up and do more,” added Dean.

According to the MP, it is not just the Southern DHB suffering from incompetence – the government’s policy is failing to address a maternity service that is in clear need of aid.

“Associate Health Minister Julie-Anne Genter, who has recently taken over the maternity portfolio, needs to do more than make encouraging noises, if she hopes to address the serious issues in Wānaka.

I wrote to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in June 2019, after a baby was born on the floor of a local midwife’s office, along with expressing my grave fears around Wānaka maternity services to the Health Minister on three separate occasions in the past two years, but still nothing has changed,” commented Dean.

“I have been working with the local community on this issue for 18 months, last year presenting a 3843-signature community petition to Parliament seeking the creation of a sustainable model for rural community midwifery in the Wānaka region. In the meantime, the Southern DHB is effectively playing Russian Roulette with the lives of Wānaka mothers and babies, while it leaves behind a trail of broken promises”.

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Martin Jenkins appointed as impact assessment consultant Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The consulting firm that did the groundwork to the visitor levy, has just been awarded the contract to perform the economic and social impact assessments for Wānaka Airport. The assessment of proposals was undertaken by a panel of five, including two external, independent assessors from Wakatipu and Upper Clutha, who are a practising economist and a management consultant.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Chief Executive Mike Theelen advised that the evaluation panel was confident that the process had identified the most well-developed and integrated proposal.

“Across all aspects of the evaluation criteria, MartinJenkins scored highly making them the most compelling proposal. From having the capacity to deliver with a named, expert team, to a robust methodology and integrated approach to all three aspects of the economic and social assessments and stakeholder engagement; we have identified a partner that can deliver a thorough and comprehensive project.”

Because of the work they had done on the visitor levy, “MartinJenkins’ understanding of the local context and challenges gives them the chance to hit the ground running and build a well-rounded picture through the social and economic impact assessments,” said Mr Theelen.

Maternity review a damning report Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun

Mayor Boult committed to economic and social assessments before proceeding with Wānaka Airport.

“The future of the airports has developed into a key strategic issue for our district. As Councillors we are obliged to objectively consider the facts when determining key strategic matters. I would ask all stakeholders to take the same approach in this districtwide conversation,” said Mayor Boult.

The next steps in the process will see the teams from QLDC and MartinJenkins come together to shape up the programme of work and agree project timelines. This will include defining the most effective methods for engaging with key stakeholders and to ensure that a representative voice can be heard from across the demographic spectrum in the district.

The outputs from the assessments will be used as a foundation for informing the Queenstown Airport Corporation 20202022 Statement of Intent that will be drafted for March 2020.

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SDHB CEO Chris Fleming.

PHOTO: Supplied

now a victim of its own success as it is oversubscribed.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean says she fears for the future of maternity services in Wanaka and Central Otago in the wake of the report. “I welcome this report because at last some light has been shone on what has been a truly lacklustre performance by the Southern DHB. Its trail of broken promises and ineffective management has left mothers and midwives in this area feeling unhappy and insecure.”

In response, Southern DHB said they will be establishing stronger project management structures, reshaping midwifery leadership roles and looking at opportunities to expand telemedicine and optimise payments to LMC midwives.

CEO Chris Fleming said, “The system needed to change. LMC midwifery was facing a crisis and services were concentrated in some parts of the district, and missing from others… We accept the findings however that we did not adequately anticipate or plan for the scope of changes required, by ensuring we had sufficiently robust project management structures in place.”

Ambassadors ensure camping compliance

Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PA RT XMA YI S DE A!

TELL YOUR WORK MATES TO

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) released an independent report last Friday, of an external review of their performance in maternal health, conducted by Ernst and Young. The verdict was not good.

The report said, the Hub “would have been more effective if there was a commonly shared definition of the purpose of a Hub within the communities they operate. Confusion as to the definition and purpose of the Hubs was evident…”

This is indeed true as many locals are still scratching their heads about what the Hub is supposed to do. It is located a long way from the helipad and there is no details of what equipment will be supplied. The neonatal resuscitaire and a cardiotocography are both stored in a corridor in the Wānaka Lakes Health Centre (WLHC), which midwives have 24/7 access too, but there is no room in the WLHC that they can access to use this equipment out of hours except the clinic room but this is not accessible directly from the medical centre. Despite over a year in planning, no one is the wiser about where this equipment will go and whether the hub is the primary point of emergency care, or the WLHC. Local midwife Deb Harvey said the Ernst and Young audit on SDHB’s maternity services was accurate. “The strategy is poorly thought through and even more poorly executed, I think the report highlights a lack of strategic planning, poor communication with communities it is supposed to help and a lack of leadership. The hub concept is an unproven and unevaluated strategy that has been poorly implemented.”

That said, the report did state that the teleclinic service “has demonstrated success in key areas.” However, it is

Twelve to 16 ambassadors will be roaming the district this summer.

Authorised by: Raymond Key of 396 Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway

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Last year’s initiative on responsible camping ambassadors proved so successful, they will be back in force this summer and up in numbers from 12 to 16.

“We took a lot of learning away from last year’s project which included feedback from ambassadors, community groups, registered campgrounds and the project team,” said Craig Gallaher from Summit Events who is implementing the camping strategy for council.

“Our MBIE funding application reflected our changes for this year’s project. We are certain there will be noticeable improvements in this year’s project. We have a great mix of ambassadors whose passions are the outdoors, environment and similar related studies to this project. We also have a local Queenstowner, someone who’s lived in Wānaka for more than seven years and some friends of ambassadors last year, all of which are keen to make a positive change in our district. It’s also worth noting we reviewed the feedback from how the Summer Camping initiatives went in 2018, and made Responsible Camping 2019 • $788,961 received from MBIE for the Responsible Camping Project 2019.

• 12 full time ambassadors from beginning November to end April plus four more ambassadors from midDecember to end February.

• Ballantyne road service hub open 8am-8pm for certified self-contained campervans for two-hour stay.

Similar set-up to last year with showers, toilets, dump

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

PHOTO: Supplied

further changes accordingly, which again puts this project in a better position,” commented Gallagher.

The new staff will involve 12 fulltime ambassadors, from the beginning of November to the end of April, plus four more ambassadors from mid-December to end February totalling 16 over the peak period. This will result in more feet on the ground being the friendly face to the project educating campers, district-wide coverage, closer working with other agencies.

“We roster the ambassadors four days on two days off, which allows us to have four ambassadors working on any given day, so this will allow many interactions per day at the service hub and while roaming, something we are tracking more this project. As we noted below we expect the peak to be mid-December to end February, which aligns with our extra ambassadors coming on-board”.

Moreover, the ambassadors will visit registered campgrounds across the district, gaining vital firsthand experience to actively promote all campgrounds throughout the project. The free overnight hubs will not be operating this year as ambassadors refer campers to campgrounds. station, recycling/waste station, dishwash station, water station, Wi-Fi for one hour after watching Responsible Camping video and filling out a short survey.

• Double the number of infringement officers around the whole district.

• Upgrade to No Camping zone signage to make the rules clearer to visiting campers • Closer collaboration with Campermate, commercial rental companies, DOC, NZTA and Councils.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun News

‘Red dust’ sweeps through Wānaka Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Smoke and dust from the devastating bushfires along the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland coastline turned New Zealand’s skies red – and ash to fall from the sky in some areas including Wānaka – last weekend.

There are more than 130 fires burning across the two states, with the number and severity of the fires prompting many to call the situation 'unprecedented' this early in the fire season.

"Smoke impacts from wildfires can reach thousands of kilometres downwind and even circle the globe. Where the smoke goes depends on the smoke plume release height and the atmospheric layer the smoke enters.” commented rural fire research leader Dr Tara Strand of Scion Rural Fire Research Group. "Queenstown just had a heavy smoke impact from the wildfires with ash falling from the sky. To get a smoke plume carrying ash from a wildfire that far away tells a story in itself. It says that: the wildfire was/ is extremely large, the upper air atmospheric transport winds are strong, the wildfire behaviour is extreme, and there is likely a pyrocumulous formation (when the fire creates its own weather).”

Strand added, "The reason for such large particles to be transported (or even formed en-route) means that the smoke must have been emitted very high in the atmosphere into the fast trans-Tasman winds that are high above the surface. To get the smoke that high a lot of energy is needed from the wildfire, indicating a large wildfire and a lot of heat generation. This usually results in a pyro-cumulous cloud forming above the fire."

In response to ‘What are the dangers, both in

Fine red dust coated the town last week, and is due to do it again as the fires worsen.

Australia and New Zealand, from the smoke?’, Strand said, “Smoke, in particular, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) that makes up the majority of the smoke plume, is recognised globally as a pollutant due to its human health hazards. Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres can make it past our body's natural defences that filter out particles (i.e. the hairs in our nose) and go deep into our lung tissue and potentially into our bloodstream.

PHOTO: Pixabay

Long exposure to smoke is not recommended for healthy individuals and sensitive individuals (i.e. asthmatics) need to monitor their exposure closely even in light smoke."

In response to ‘Are there likely to be any longerterm effects from the smoke?’ Strand said, "Black carbon (one of the components of PM2.5) is released from wildfires. Black carbon is known as a climate enhancer and it accelerates the melting of snow packs and glaciers when it deposits

on snow or ice. For New Zealand, when the Southern Alps get impacted by smoke, this black carbon signature will be presented and this could cause accelerated melting."

Strand added, "For New Zealanders, our wildfire smoke exposure is likely to be minimal with the majority of the smoke aloft or very dilute, giving us spectacular sunrises and sunsets but no real large health impacts. But people should take caution if they feel they are impacted by smoke.

The local health officer can assist with guidelines on what to do if exposed to smoke and of course, seek your GP if you feel ill or the hospital if you are having a medical emergency.”

In response to ‘How and why do dust/ smoke clouds change the colour of the sky?’, meteorologist Ben Noll said, "When a beam of sunlight hits a particle in the atmosphere, something called scattering occurs. This sends some of the light’s wavelengths off in different directions and happens millions of times before that beam reaches your eye. Dust particles can help to create more scattering in the mid and upper atmosphere, which can increase the vibrancy of sunsets and sunrises.”

Noll added, "However, if the dust sits low in the atmosphere, it can actually have the reverse effect, leading to muted sunsets that are less colourful."

"It takes approximately 36-48 hours from the time a plume of dust or smoke leaves Australia to reach New Zealand," said Noll. "There were some reports of dust covering vehicles in the South Island over the weekend [...] Given the strong winds in the New Zealand region over the next week, no dust or smoke is expected to sit over the country for a prolonged period – each plume generally takes about 12 hours to pass across a given island."

Your vote means money in the right hands Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Many of Wānaka’s loved local organisations are direct recipients of the Central Lakes Trust – an organisation that has handed out over $99 million in grants back into the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes community since its inception in 2000.

Chances are, the voting papers to choose who hands this money out, are probably sitting on your kitchen bench right now. The Central Lakes Trust asks that you don’t ignore them.

The trust’s origins hail from the Energy Companies Act of 1992, and the Electricity Industry Reform Act of 1998, requiring power boards to be incorporated, allowing communities to determine how the shares in the new energy companies were held.

Many communities, including Central Lakes allocated shares into a trust. While many trusts retained their lines business, with the 1998 reforms, Otago Central Electric Power Trust sold their lines business and retained the generation business (now Pioneer Energy), bestowing these in Central Lakes Trust. The trust’s purpose is to make a positive, lasting contribution to the community by supporting charitable projects throughout Central Lakes.

Central Lakes Trust’s funding region spans most of Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.

Having invested wisely over the years, the trust has grown its asset base from $155m to assets totaling $400m, including 100 percent ownership of Pioneer Energy Ltd, which drives an annual grants budget of approximately $9 million.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun

Voting papers have been sent out for the Central Lakes Trust election.

Every three years, the community get to vote on who will be elected to represent them and serve on the Board of the trust. Comprised of five publicly elected alongside three appointed trustees, this year will see considerable change in the board, as four trustees are mandated to retire, having served nine years. A record 25 candidates from across the region have been nominated to stand, the largest number since the trust’s commencement.

“The impact our growing population and demographics place, means we must ensure an understanding of community need rather than demand, and respond accordingly in terms of being fiscally responsible with community money. Our trustees need to be in touch with the contemporary needs of our community. Now more than ever, it is important that our community votes,” states chief executive, Susan Finlay.

Voting commenced on October 31 and closes midday November 22, 2019. Voting documents will be mailed to all qualified electors by Tuesday November 5, 2019.

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THE WÄ€NAKA SUN

Sun News

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COMMENT By Ross Sinclair

Why are so many rats being caught in forests this year?

The incredible number of rats and stoats caught in our forests this year is a result of mast fruiting of beech trees, an event that occurs every three to four years when beech trees produce a super abundance of seeds. Mast fruiting is a strategy that has evolved in some plants in the ‘arms race’ between them and seed predators – the things that eat their seeds.

When plants produce a consistent number of seeds each year, a population of seed predators is also maintained. The mast strategy is to not produce many seeds most years so only a relatively small population of seed predators can survive, and then every few years produce a superabundance of seeds. The massive number of seeds produced in a mast year overwhelms the seed predators in the sense that there are just too many seeds for them to eat. And in a beech mast there certainly are many seeds, some 50 million per hectare of forest. For a place like Mt Aspiring National Park this might equate to perhaps 10 billion seeds on the forest floor.

This seemingly finely-tuned ‘arms race’ between plants and the things that eat them has worked for millions of years in maintaining our beech forests and the wildlife within them.

How is it then that we have lost so many species and so many more – like mohua, kākā and kākāriki – are now at serious risk of extinction?

The problem is us humans upset the system when we modified vast areas of forest, wetlands and grasslands, and brought along for the ride a host of new and damaging species.

When invasive species – things that didn’t evolve here and have few natural checks and

PHOTO: H. Crews

The mohua, or yellow head, is an endangered species found only in the South Island. During a mast year up to 90 percent of mohua will be killed by predators if action is not taken to protect them.

balances on their population growth – were introduced they threw the entire natural system out of kilter. In the case of mast fruiting, the 250 kg of beech seeds spread across every hectare of forest floor is a feast for fast-breeding rats and mice, and their populations explode.

And when there are lots of rodents, there are also lots of things that eat them, like stoats.

While there are lots of seeds about, the stoats have plenty of rats and mice to eat. The problem is when the seeds are gone – either eaten or germinated or just rotted away – then the rodent populations that have been feeding on them crash and the stoats and remaining rats switch from killing rodents to killing our native birds. This scenario is a disaster for our

native wildlife.

Fortunately, we are able to predict when a mast will occur because they are triggered when a summer is warmer than the preceding one. This ‘early warning’ allows Department of Conservation (DOC) and volunteer trapping groups to gear up for the assault on our native birds that follows a mast fruiting. Trapping groups do this by clearing and resetting their traps more frequently, usually moving from monthly checks to fortnightly. DOC does this by the careful application of precise amounts of 1080 poison in the areas with the most vulnerable wildlife at a time when rodents are most hungry. For example, this year scientific monitoring of rodent numbers indicated Makarora at the head of Lake Wānaka needed an aerial application of 1080. As unpopular as 1080 is with a small but vocal minority of people, it has been shown in numerous independent scientific studies to be highly effective and the only tool we have to protect large numbers of vulnerable native species during masting years.

To save our native taonga we must pressure government to give more resources to DOC to fight the good fight against invasive predators, and we must support our local trapping groups in their efforts.

You can help. Volunteer with Forest and Bird in our efforts to protect native birds or join one of the many other local groups doing the same.

Contact: forestandbird.colb@gmail.com.

Ross Sinclair is an independent conservation scientist and committee member of the local branch of Forest & Bird.

A trapping bonanza in Makarora Francesca Maria Nespolo

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Beech trees differ from most plants in producing abundant seeds only every three or four years in what’s called a ‘mast’, a truly amazing event with some 50 million seeds falling per hectare of forest. Once a beech mast occurs the abundance of seeds for predators to eat means their numbers swell exponentially; when that food dies out, the predators turn to native birds as their food source.

DOC undertakes large-scale operations to reduce the impacts of these plagues, and community groups like Forest & Bird help by running predator trapping lines in sensitive areas.

This season, the trapping programme has been (and is continuing to be) a stunning success in the Makarora valley – but only due to the tireless volunteers who trek these lines in their spare time to empty the traps and relay the bait.

They found more rats in the past month than in the entire past year. In the whole of 2017-2018, Forest & Bird trapping removed seven stoats, 197 rats, and 237 mice from the Makarora environment. Yet, in one month alone for October 2019, the tally was five stoats, 205 rats and 45 mice.

Despite the success of the season people from Forest & Bird were far from being completely satisfied, “Although the Forest & Bird group have a couple of dozen volunteers clearing our seven traplines twice a month, we can cover only a tiny part of the forest on foot.

To make a real difference, aerial spreading of baits is the only tool that is currently available,” said Jane Young.

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email: paintballcentral@xtra.co.nz PHONE (027) 448-5399 TO BOOK PHOTO: Supplied

Trapping volunteer Allan Panting, with grandson Eddie, taking a break on one of their many trapping treks.

It simply is not feasible, even for professional trappers, let alone the volunteers, to cover the area required on foot. “So we are pleased that an aerial 1080 operation has taken place. We are hopeful that the rat numbers will be well down next month, and that the stoat plague that follows the rat plague will not be so severe as a result,” reported Young.

Stoats have started appearing in the traps, but commonly the peak numbers will not appear until summer. The aerial operation seems to have been providential, since “With predator numbers this high, even all of our volunteer efforts would probably not be enough to prevent local extinction of some bird species,” admitted Young.

Following the 1080 drop, many volunteers reported that the forests are anything but

silent. “The track workers on the new Blue Pools track reckoned the huge numbers of mice they were seeing had gone two days after the 1080,” said Young. Fifteen rats, seven mice and two stoats were caught on one trap line, but following the aerial drop, a fortnight later the traps proffered only four rats and two mice.

The only ones happier with the results than the volunteers were the birds. Many volunteers, who are also seasoned bird watchers, identified chaffinch, bellbird, grey warbler, kakariki, fantail, kereru, tomtit, rifleman, blackbird, shining cuckoo chaffinch, shelduck (paradise duck), bellbird, brown creeper, grey warbler, silvereye, kakariki, fantail, welcome swallow, kereru, tomtit and tui. The forests were in full song and “anything but silent” according to multiple first-hand accounts.

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Council to trial the closure of Wilkin Road Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Following feedback on the proposed improvements to the cycle network on Anderson Road and Aubrey Road in Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has begun “detailed design work on the project with a view to start construction soon”.

This work involves trialing the closure of Wilkin Road in Wānaka from next Monday to 12pm on November 25 to make it safer for shared path users.

Wilkin Road will be closed off at the intersection between Anderson Road using temporary traffic management and appropriate signage and detours will be in place.

Pedestrian access will still be available between Wilkin Road and Anderson Road.

Traffic counters will be installed to monitor the traffic volumes during the trial closure.

For Wilkin Road residents between Anderson Road and Ragan Lane, rubbish collection will still occur on Friday.

PHOTO: Pixabay

However, the rubbish truck will not be able to turn around at the closed end of Wilkin Road so QLDC plan to have someone to shift bins down closer to Ragan Lane. Bins will be placed back outside Wilkin Road property by the end of the day. The council have asked Wilkin Road residents to ensure your bins are outside your property prior to 7am on Friday.

Affected residents are invited to provide feedback on the proposed trial by December 2 2019. The feedback form can be found at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz.

The proposed projects will provide separate cycle and pedestrian lanes. Find out more at.qldc.govt.nz.

Abby Costen

A selection of Kylie Garth’s favourite self-created hand-poke tattoos.

Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

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Kylie Garth talks hand-poke tattooing

The trial will determine routes of cycle network.

Wānaka’s Nautilus brings innovation to housing market Homes and buildings can be constructed in under one week with the introduction of a new building system launched on Tuesday, which is available now and can be produced out of a Wānaka plant.

General manager of Nautilus Modular, Jason Watkins, said, “The plan is for the Wānaka testing plant to make modules as a production facility. Depending on workload (orders) it would be anticipated that four to six people could work at the plant.”

Produced by entrepreneur Peter Marshall, “Nautilus Modular was established as an alternative to conventional building processes, which are often time-consuming and dependent on external factors, such as weather and the availability of labour,” said Marshall.

“Off-site manufacturing is an extremely efficient method of construction.”

The unique connectivity and flexibility of the Nautilus Modular system creates buildings of any size and configuration including residential homes, accommodation, classrooms and commercial buildings. Modules are produced in a factory using a special mould, then are transported to a site.

Once connected, the modules are covered with weather-proofing materials and clad with corrugated iron. Most buildings are livable within one to three days.

Nautilus Modular buildings are priced in the lower-to-middle range of the market. The square metre rate for a universal module is just over $1100 excluding fitout, installation and cladding, whereas a four-bedroom home would be approximately $2900 per square metre.

When asked whether the interchangeable modules meet all building and resource consent conditions, Watkins said, “We have just completed the prototyping phase and have not sold a building prior to now. By implication a building consent has not been submitted for a Nautilus

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PHOTO: Pixabay

Homes and buildings can be constructed in under one week with the introduction of a new building system launched by Wānaka-based company Nautilus Modular last Tuesday.

Modular building with any council. That said, through our engineering, design and prototyping processes we are extremely confident that our product will receive building consents.”

When asked whether the restrictive covenants on most developments around Wānaka would allow these designs, Watkins said, “Each development generally has its own covenants, around design, build materials and colours etc. So it would be a matter of assessing each individual developments covenant to ascertain whether the Nautilus Modular design would be considered acceptable. Some developments have very specific design criteria (e.g. roof pitch) and obviously as we have fixed parameters for design in some areas (like roof pitch), it’s possible the Nautilus Modular design wouldn’t comply with some covenant requirements, and thus could be excluded on that basis.

“That said there are still plenty of residential locations that generally don’t have design covenants (e.g. established residential zones, where infill housing could be an option). Furthermore, Nautilus Modular will be engaging with developers to educate them on our product design and specification, so that may be a consideration with regard to the development of design guidelines with future developments.”

A local professional hand-poke tattoo artist and piercer has taken Wānaka by storm with her tribal method of tattooing.

Kylie Garth is originally from South Canterbury and moved to Wānaka two years ago, after spending most of her early twenties in Australia – since then, she has inked hundreds of clients and reached a grand total of 12,100 followers on Instagram.

“Hand-poke tattoos are made by using a tattoo needle to place tattoo ink by hand into the skin. The designs are made by building the lines up dot by dot.

It’s a really lovely way to receive a tattoo.” said Garth.

“Most people say it’s less painful than machine and they heal faster due to there being less trauma to the skin.

Professional hand-poke tattoos have the same longevity as a machine tattoo.”

Garth first became interested in hand-poke tattooing while piercing at a studio in Australia. “I started doing them on friends and colleges with the guidance of my friends and colleagues who used machine” said Garth. “I love working on designs with my clients to bring their

PHOTO: supplied

ideas to the skin. I think all body art is an extremely intimate process, it’s something we as humans have been doing since the beginning of time. it’s lovely to be able to adorn people and be part of their journey.”

In summer Garth says she completes an average of three to five tattoos per day. Garth added, “In winter it can be around the same once everyone has arrived and the mountains are open. People often want a tattoo to take home as a memory for their time spent here.”

When asked about her favourite tattooing experience, Garth said, “I have lots of favourites, it’s hard to pick a few. I’ve tattooed the hands of of good friend, I love the design and it was an honour to put something in such a visible spot on someone so close, I’ve tattooed my partners palm which was also really special to have his trust for that spot. I love doing bold lines and delicate tattoos, I love tattooing strange spots on the body like palms, ears and mouths!”

In the future Garth hopes to further develop her hand-poke tattooing skills and technique and take on larger pieces.

This November Garth plans to exhibit at a tattoo convention for the first time – the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival in New Plymouth.

Vote Lindsay

Vote Lindsay Breen Breen for for CLT CLT

Central Lakes Trust plays a critical role in ensuring our communities thrive. In the last five years our region has experienced exponential growth.

Now, more than ever, the trust needs people who know this place to represent it and protect our future as we grow.

The opportunity to put myself forward and represent your interests as a trustee is a great privilege.

Born and bred here, my experience running a 4th generation family construction company has taught me the art of looking long and being patient with investment and strategic decision making. These skills are directly transferable to the trust because our company, like CLT, is dedicated to keeping our values grounded in people and community.

Our region is unique – I am committed to retaining that character and those things that make our place special, not just for now, but also for the future my three children will inherit.

JOIN UP & PAY NOTHING #BEATTHEHEAT

I humbly seek your vote and will work hard as your trustee on Central Lakes Trust.

Authorised by: Lindsay Breen, 141 Lower Manorburn Dam Road, Alexandra

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

www.thewanakasun.co.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Work conditions for midwives are worse than ever

Sun Health

Blood pressure checks reveal Wānaka’s health Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Stroke Foundation’s strategy to target more at risk communities.

Rout explained, “high blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms, so having an annual check is incredibly important, much like a car warrant of fitness. High blood pressure can be managed and controlled, which is why getting a regular check is important to reduce stroke and other health risks.”

The Stroke Foundation encourages everyone over the age of 45 to have an annual blood pressure check. “The chances of having high blood pressure increases with age, so our aging population could be fuelling the trend to some extent. While we can’t change our age, there are many risk factors we can change such as eating as eating less processed foods, being more active and smoke-free.

High blood pressure is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, as it usually doesn’t have any symptoms and often goes unnoticed. As well as getting a regular blood pressure check, we encourage people to get advice from a health professional; eat less salt; eat mostly fresh ‘whole’ foods; be smoke free; move more; keep alcohol intake low; manage stress levels

The free blood pressure checks offered on Saturday 5 October at New World, showed that of 117 tests, 13 percent had high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the Francesca Maria Nespolo leading causes of stroke, so that information journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz could have been life-saving.

Wānaka midwives are “We advise that people ask their doctor or not impressed with PHOTO: Supplied pharmacist for a regular check, as well as advice Blood pressure check 2019. the way the Southern about the changes they could make to reduce District Health Board their risk of having a stroke. It is also important and if required, take blood pressure lowering (SDHB) is managing that those with high blood pressure take their medication,” said Rout. the maternity services, medication as prescribed by the doctor,” said Lately there has been a recent shift about even after it became a Julia Rout, Health and Promotions Manager at how a good diet should be, with more national scandal. “The the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand. attention to the risks of an intense animalmaternal and child hub’s The Stroke Foundation’s Big Blood Pressure based diet, to which the Stroke’s Foundations concept is an unproven Check had a positive impact throughout seems to agree. “We suggest that people eat and unevaluated strategy October, having tested over 13,500 New mostly fresh unprocessed food, not too much PHOTO: Supplied that has been poorly Zealanders for high blood pressure.

However, and mainly plants to maintain good health, not Deb Harvey, one of the implemented,” said Deb few remaining midwives in figures show that over the last three years, just a healthy blood pressure. The good news Harvey, Wānaka midwife. Wānaka. those that were referred to a GP for a high is, it’s also good for the planet,” confirmed Wānaka midwives blood pressure reading has significantly Rout. Having a check can help to remind that are still the most remote midwives in NZ, located increased. This can be partly attributed to the “prevention is better than cure”. the furthest from a hospital. There is a GPs service in Wānaka, however they no longer do obstetrics, and call on midwives for most emergencies relating to pregnant women. “There is a midwife clinic room and an out-ofbusiness hours room for emergencies at the WLHC. I understand that the Hub is still just an empty leased Francesca Maria Nespolo space in Gordon Road, a semi-industrial area without journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz access to the helipad,” said Harvey.

Harvey is one of the only two midwives practising in In response to a repeating theme in the Police Wānaka, certainly not a number big enough, considered crimeline every week, the Wānaka Sun was that there about 200 pregnancies in Wānaka each year. concerned at the regularity that police reported “There are two of us, although some midwives from “We attended a family harm incident this week.” outside the area care for women in the greater Wānaka In a beautiful little town like ours, with a district region. There is now a weekend relief for those midwives population of only 12,000, why are there almost allowing 60 hours downtime after being on call for 12 weekly incidents? Reporter Francesca Maria days 24 hours per day,” said Harvey.

Nespolo takes a look at the role alcohol has on “Wānaka midwives provide a professional service to family harm. women and are and will be available for women who There are two approaches to alcohol. For need care when it is needed. If midwives are taking time some, it means fun. For others, it means hell. off or leave, as stated above, the SDHB is providing Unfortunately, many Wānaka families would funded locum cover to ensure that there are always at fall in the second category. “We don’t keep a least two midwives available 24/7 in Wānaka. Women track of the numbers, but I believe that a graph receive excellent care from their midwives, throughout couldn’t picture how critical are the alcoholism pregnancy, labour and birth and the postnatal period, consequences on Wānaka’s population. It is a PHOTO: Supplied up to six weeks after birth. Midwives provide holistic massive problem, in the whole country, which cost Alcohol has a profound effect on family harm incidents. care, as well as caring for the woman and babies millions and millions of dollars to the taxpayers, as well, which is probably a result of the to prevent further harm,” she said. physical wellbeing, they also provide individualised and here in our area,” said a spokesperson from massive tourism in the area. Since the region Alcoholism has been recognised as an education and support which also meet psychosocial Central Lakes Family Services. is very wealthy, people don’t want to see that illness since 1956, based on the theory that needs. The majority of women have uncomplicated “[The] economic costs are stratospheric, just there is a problem. The denial is huge. Plus, excessive drinking is caused by a disease pregnancies and can choose to birth closer to home, as a social one, as for example the huge impact because Wākana is missing an emergency of the brain. As a result many clinics, helpthose women who should or wish to birth in a hospital, on children and toddlers. Most of the people department, poisoned people can't go to the centers and groups have been formed. Many discuss in detail with their midwives how that will play suffering from this illness are adults in their hospital, so they don't, and a GP isn’t enough. are familiar with AA, but far fewer have heard out,” commented Harvey. fifties or sixties; because of the status derived We always encourage anyone in a family of the parallel community known as Al-Anon.

In Wānaka, calling out a midwife in the middle of the from their age, it is easy for them to get away violence situation, or if they know someone Al-Anon has one purpose: to help families night costs less than requiring a local electrician coming with it,” she continued. who needs help, to report the violence to the of alcoholics. Al-Anon’s main belief is that over for an emergency. The system of remuneration “Young people get poisoned way too much, police. We are able to engage support services Continued on next page. for a midwife is not at all equally compared to their importance of their performance, as explained by Harvey; “Community midwives are paid via the Section 88 Primary Maternity services notice. This is a modular fee for service contract, which pays a set price for each trimester of pregnancy care, labour and birth and postnatal care. There is an additional payment for travel for the post-natal fee for midwives, who are caring for women living in rural locations. The fee structure and the terms and conditions of the contract do not reflect the For Central Lakes Trust work required of midwives in 2019 and are particularly Communities in the Central Lakes region are facing increased All new enrolled patients pressure through growth, rising costs and unaffordability. Good disadvantaging for rural midwives,” she said. governance is essential in order for the Central Lakes Trust to receive a free half hour “The New Zealand College of Midwives has been in continue playing a vital role in the wellbeing of those communities. negotiations with the Ministry of Health for a number I am the Executive Manager of Planning and Environment at the nurse appointment. of years regarding a revised contract framework, which Central Otago District Council. I manage significant budgets and Phone 03 443 0710 better reflects the service that women and babies need can contribute to the prudent investment and management of any time. from community midwives. Until this is finalised, DHBs Trust funds. I have broad experience in strategic planning and my qualification, skills and experience will bring fairness, consistencey are being required to put in place solutions in order to and integrity to decision making. If elected I will bring strong retain their community midwifery workforce”. financial management, strategic thinking and sound decision 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka www.WanakaMedical.co.nz Future mums in Wānaka deserve a much better making to the Trust.

Wanaka Medical - Leading the Way service, which naturally can’t happen before midwives I am passionate about the region and want to see the communities will have better working conditions to operate in, as the of Central Lakes thrive with the assistance and support of the Trust. www.t hewan akasu n .co .nz I would love to be a part of that.

Maternal and Child’s Hub, to start.

Wānaka’s painful little secret

Louise van der Voort



THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

New Patients and Visitors Welcome

PAGE 7

Wānaka’s painful little secret Continued from previous page. alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. AlAnon is not new in town however, the Wānaka Al-Anon group closed five years ago due to insufficient members.

“We do not record our statistics in such a way as to be able to provide the numbers of family harm incidents that involved alcohol. We can say however that a significant proportion of police work involves responding to alcoholrelated incidents, which includes family harm, other violent offending, drink driving, and ensuring the safety of intoxicated people or those around them,” said a spokesperson from the Police media team.

Considering the sky-rocketing number of people who sought help from the Otago's abuse prevention network, the reason might not be the lack of necessity, rather the lack of awareness. “Family harm is a longstanding and complex problem that creates enormous harm in New Zealand. It has contributing factors from multiple levels of society. This issue is not confined to any particular socioeconomic group or community.

It occurs in every demographic and every member of Police staff has seen the damage done. Family harm can be

PAGE 8

prevented, however this requires huge commitment and continuous action across many sectors – not just Police, but our partner agencies and, of course, the general public. Historically we know family harm incidents too often go unreported, however this is changing.

More people are reporting family harm than ever before and we want that to continue. Preventing and properly responding to family violence in New Zealand is a top priority for Police and our partners, and we will continue to take every opportunity to prevent harm and reduce offending and victimisation.

Police strongly encourages anyone who has been the victim of a crime to report it,” commented Miriam Reddington, area response manager at Wānaka Police Station.

Even before reporting a harm, violent patterns can change through group support. Al-Anon groups are founded based on community demands, by calling 0508425266 and expressing interest perhaps Wānaka is a community that might be needed now more than ever.

If you are experiencing family harm, call police on 111. Alternatively you can call Are U Ok? 0800 456 450 or Central Lakes Family Services 0508 440 255.

Sun Health

thewanakasun.co.nz

Farewell to a much loved nurse Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

For someone like Helen Umbers, who has been taking care of others through the Plunket healthcare system over the past 20 years, the time has come to take care of herself, enjoying retirement. Her caring passion has deep roots; growing up on a farm encouraged her to take care of animals, and so, it grew with moving on to people. “I joined St John Ambulance cadet group and enjoyed this side of nursing first aid, and when it came time to choose a career I had some options from veterinary, teaching and nursing, and so the last one won. The thought of being able to use a career to travel was also a big plus,” said Umbers.

Few locals understand the true problems Wānaka families better than Umbers herself. In Wānaka there is a huge growth and a lot of changes within its demographics, “the struggles I see from the families voice and observations, is financial high rental of homes, cost of living on one wage, and if both parents are working the cost of early childcare services are expensive,” said Umbers.

These issues lead to “relationship challenges with parenting and the impact of financial constraints, lack of immediate family and extended family support in the area also impacts,” she added. Even if she is leaving the caregiving world, there are still many nurses that need to be well supported. It could be better, Umbers shared, if they would “having more access to education, without the need for travel, also having more time to liaise with each other is another challenge”.

The health system has been quite supportive so far.

“Working for the Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust, have been supportive with staff education and development of policies to support our working safely, and the development of new systems to capture our work. The

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

Helen Umbers with her husband.

PHOTO: Facebook

Plunket volunteers have been an amazing support in the past for ensuring our Plunket rooms are kept to a high standard for women accessing the services and for us as nurses,” said Umbers.

It might not be an easy career to undertake, but Helen Umbers would definitely encourage the young generation to think it as a good option for their future.

“A career in nursing a definite, there are so many fields available to suit different career pathways, for example, travel overseas and experience other cultures and nursing practice. Nursing is dynamic and being developed further with nurse practitioners role, and some nurses move from practice into the medical profession”. After all, new forces will be needed to fill the hole left by Helen Umbers.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

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UPPER CLUTHA LAKES TRUST

Public submissions for healthy freshwater

PHOTO: Supplied

Design by supreme winner Andrea Johnson at the 2018 WoolOn Creative Fashion Event.

PHOTO: UCLT

The stunning waters of Emerald Bluffs lake access track.

J Julie Perry

Secretary - Upper Clutha Lakes Trust

The government’s Action for Healthy Waterways discussion document generated 17,500 submissions.

Responses were generally supportive of the government’s overarching goals to improve freshwater quality in New Zealand by preventing further degradation, reversing past damage and addressing water allocation issues. Those submissions published to date raise issues over aspects of fairness, the extent of expected economic and societal impacts and the need for meaningful consultation.

The proposals in the discussion document are based on the overarching principle of Te Mana o te Wai, identifying a hierarchy of obligations that places the health and mauri of water above essential human needs.

Immediate steps are proposed to halt wetland losses and prevent agricultural and forestry practices that impact on water quality. The proposals also recognise that it is not only humans who rely on healthy freshwater. Plants, fish, birds, insects and invertebrates are all essential components for ecosystem health and the proposals include specific recommendations on the use of a range of additional metrics and measurements to better support ecosystem health and functioning.

The 17,500 submissions will demonstrate the importance placed on clean water and healthy ecosystems and also highlight differing priorities across New

Zealand. An independent advisory panel, appointed

by Environment Minister David Parker, will review all submissions and provide recommendations to ministers.

The Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries will also provide feedback received from public meetings. Submissions will be made public on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.

Locally, change will be determined through regional planning and as a result of close collaboration with communities. There is a lot of good work already being undertaken by landowners and communities across the Upper Clutha catchment, including tree planting, fencing, pest control and planning for integrated catchment management.

Water management is complex and it will inevitably take time for legislative changes to be implemented and for the impact of those changes to be measurable.

While we welcome the prospect of stronger legislation, the Wānaka Water Project is already working alongside Otago Regional Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council to ensure that the Upper Clutha’s Integrated Catchment Management Plan is embedded in council policy and plans. This plan will include a range of specific recommendations, including a comprehensive process to facilitate evidence-based management of Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and their catchment areas.

For more information about the Wānaka Water Project visit www.uppercluthalakestrust.org.

Want to know the facts about what is really proposed for industrial zones, Ballantyne Road, and Three Parks?

Party like a flock star Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

A date has now been set for Central Otago’s annual WoolOn Creative Fashion Event, and its organisers are encouraging designers to begin planning their showcases.

The event will take place in Alexandra on August 14-15 next year and feature both new and experienced designers.

“It has been an emotional rollercoaster for the committee and all those who have

continued to support WoolOn as we plan the 2020 event” said WoolOn committee chair Victoria Ravenscroft. “We are looking forward to announcing a venue in the coming weeks, once we have fullyexplored all the options put forward to us.”

The WoolOn colouring competition sheet can also now be found on its website, with three categories – ages 3-7, 8-13 and 14-99 – and big prizes to be won. Drop finished entries to The Warehouse or New World Alexandra.

JAN HAWKINS for CENTRAL LAKES TRUST

My background is in leadership, management, research, innovation, governance, education and community and this combination positions me well to be an effective trustee. I share the Trusts values of integrity, honesty and fairness, and I know and care for this community.

Authorised by Jan Hawkins, 27a Miners Terrace, Bannockburn.

Head to the dedicated Stage 3 Proposed District Plan webpage to find out and to make your submission.

Full details at www.qldc.govt.nz/proposed-district-plan-stage-3.

Submissions close 18 November 2019.

QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSALS? Easy, just contact one of our duty planners during office hours on 03 441 0499 or pdpenquiries@qldc.govt.nz

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

PAGE 9

Sun News

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You cone do it!

Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Awards Gala Dinner is a celebration of success in the business community..

PHOTO: Marianna Muniz Photography

The lineup of 2019 business awards finalists Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Finalists for the 2019 Ignite Wānaka Business Awards have now been announced, with judges impressed by the diversity of business and strong financial performance among entrants. The biennial business awards are said to be a highlight on the Wānaka business community calendar.

For the Tourism category with Lake Wānaka Tourism the finalists are Wānaka Helicopters, Challenge Wānaka and Wildwire. For the Trades & Infrastructure category with Findex the finalists are Roofing Hub, Mitre 10 and Yello!

For the Professional Services category the finalists are OCULA, Blend Creative, Wānaka Helicopters and The Fit Collective. For the Retail & Hospitality category the finalists are OCULA, Pembroke Patisserie and Erik’s Fish & Chips. For the Startup category the finalists are Hook, LandEscape and Ruby Fresh Wetsuits.

For the Innovation category the finalists are The Wānaka App, Pembroke Patisserie, Roofing Hub and Erik’s Fish & Chips. For the Sustainability category the finalists are Cardrona, Manage My House and LandEscape.

For the Individual category the finalists are Ramash Swamy of Yello!, Monique Kelly of ONE New Zealand and Revology and Stef Zeestraten of Lavender Farm.

Winners, including the Supreme Business Award, Outstanding Individual and the People’s Choice Award, will be announced at a gala dinner at a secret location on November 29.

Convenor of judges Wayne Hudson said, “Once again the Ignite Wānaka Business Awards has attracted a number of high-quality entries from our vibrant and successful business community. We were very pleased with the standard of the finalists’ entries in every category and think that all of them will be worthy winners.

Stage 3 of the Proposed District Plan is out now.

A Wānaka ice cream manufacturer is competing in the 2019 NZ Ice Cream Awards and judging is underway this week at Auckland’s Foodbowl.

Pure New Zealand Ice Cream is in its tenth year and produces ice cream from its creative kitchen on Anderson Road, Wānaka.

Pure creates handmade, artisan ice creams, sorbets and gelatos and ships nationally to supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and other food businesses on a daily basis.

The NZ Ice Cream Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best NZ-made ice cream, as judged by a panel of expert food industry judges using a blind judging process and strict criteria.

“Pure has been taking part in the NZ Ice Cream Awards since 2011 and are proud to have won awards each year. In fact, we’ve won 42 awards in the last seven years.

Last year our Blackcurrant and Coconut Gelato won a gold medal and best in the dairy-free category, as well as five silver medals.” said Pure NZ Ice Cream director and head of production, Anna Howard.

“The Awards are a real opportunity to showcase our achievements and hard work on a national stage.”

Steve Jobs once said, “If you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader,

PHOTO: supplied

Wānaka’s Ice Cream director and head of production, Anna Howard.

sell ice cream” and Howard couldn’t agree more.

This year Pure has submitted a range of ice creams, gelatos and sorbets across eight categories. Flavours include Manuka Honey and Fig Ice Cream in the premium category, Berry Fusion Sorbet in the sorbet category and Beetroot and Ginger Sorbet, which was developed for entry into the open creative category.

Based on sales from 2017, New Zealand’s top three flavours of ice cream are Vanilla, Chocolate and Hokey Pokey.

Almost $1 of every $44 spent on food by NZ households is on ice cream and other similar products.

Have your say on a range of proposals to change the planning rules for Wāhi Tūpuna, Townships, General Industrial Zone, Three Parks, Ballantyne Road Recreation area and much more.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Full details at www.qldc.govt.nz/proposed-district-plan-stage-3.

Submissions close 18 November 2019.

QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSALS? Easy, just contact one of our duty planners during office hours on 03 441 0499 or pdpenquiries@qldc.govt.nz

PAGE 10

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun News

Council pitches idea for more sports fields

Lake Dunstan.

PHOTO: Supplied

Camping management reaps rewards Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Good management can be rewarding. Only five complaints were received by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) about Lake Dunstan campsites in summer 2018-2019, compared with 250 in 2017-2018.

“We found having people on the ground monitoring our sites and raising awareness about responsible camping, as well as improving facilities, has helped reduce the number of complaints and ensure an enjoyable experience for campers and the community. We put in new fencing, installed clearer signage and additional toilet facilities. The small number of complaints we had last season were related to rubbish. We are increasing rubbish collection at our sites to encourage people to do the right thing and use the bins provided rather than leave rubbish on the ground beside them. In the previous season, most complaints related to defecating, littering and inappropriate behaviour,” reported Jerome Sheppard LINZ deputy chief executive crown property.

Visitor numbers to LINZ’s four popular lakefront sites have increased every year since 2015. Last season, approximately 34,000 vehicles passed through the sites between October and April. In the upcoming season, Lake Dunstan campsites will have additional toilets and increased rubbish removal to cope with the influx of campers this summer.

“It’s great more visitors are using the sites, but with them comes extra pressure on facilities, especially toilets and rubbish bins. We want to help make it easy for people to do the right thing. If there’s room in the rubbish bins, it’s more

likely campers are going to use the bins, rather than leave their rubbish on the ground beside them,” said Sheppard.

“Given the numbers of people passing through our sites, we also felt additional toilet facilities were needed.

We were really pleased with the behaviour of campers at our sites last season. We found having people on the ground raising awareness about responsible camping, and undertaking monitoring, worked really well in ensuring an enjoyable experience for campers and the community,” he said.

This season the Central Otago District Council (CODC) received $377,000 to install vehicle counters, temporary toilet facilities to cope with increased demand, servicing and maintenance of facilities, and an education and monitoring programme.

Earlier this year, LINZ considered introducing a fee for campers to use their sites to offset the significant cost associated with servicing and maintaining the facilities, as well as providing for education and monitoring. This is not being introduced this year, but Sheppard says LINZ is still exploring the idea as the current funding isn’t sustainable long-term.

“We are working closely with the CODC to develop a responsible camping strategy for the region. As part of this, a number of options are being considered to ensure responsible camping is sustainable for the environment, community and campers. We have not yet determined whether a charging regime will be introduced in the future or what any potential fee would be” commented Sheppard. Lake Dunstan’s administration can be seen as a model in the Otago region, hopefully turning into an example for others.

Two Aspiring Guides clients die in climbing accident Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka-based Aspiring Guides have confirmed that two of its clients have died following a climbing accident on a guided trip on The Remarkables mountain range near Queenstown.

The victims have been named as 44-year-old James Harry Spaile of Australia and 62-year-old Brett Alexander Lentfer, who lived in Australia.

The incident occurred on the Grand Traverse, a wellknown route on The Remarkables, at approximately 11:45am last Thursday.

NZ police inspector Olaf Jensen clarified that the two men – who were both experienced climbers – and a guide from Aspiring Guides, were the only members of the party, and that the guide was not involved in the fall, which took place at a “significant altitude”.

Aspiring Guides company director Vickie Sullivan said that the team was devastated and extended their deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives.

“Our immediate concern is for the families who have lost their loved ones and to support them in any way we can,” said Sullivan. “We are also working closely with the NZ Police and the NZ Mountain Guides Association to aid their investigation around the circumstances of the incident and are conducting our own internal review.”

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Supplied

The proposed site on Ballantyne Road.

Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Stage Three of the Queenstown Lakes District’s (QLDC) Proposed District Plan (PDP) suggests the zoning of the old oxidation ponds, section 32, 100 Ballantyne Road to active sport and recreation, and Sport Central and Upper Clutha Sports Community Trust are encouraging sporting groups to make a submission supporting this proposal.

QLDC planning policy manager Ian Bayliss describes an oxidation pond as a large, shallow pond designed to treat wastewater through the interaction of sunlight, bacteria and algae via energy from the sun, carbon dioxide, inorganic compounds and bacteria in the water.

“The idea of this rezoning is to provide for sports fields that meet the current and longer term future needs of Wānaka.

People interested in these proposals are encouraged to submit to the PDP in support or opposition before November

18 2019 through the council website,” said Bayliss. “The site is located adjacent to Three Parks, an area that will provide for a mix of business and residential opportunities. A primary school is located 300m from the northern boundary of the site and the Wānaka Recreation Centre and Swimming Pool is directly adjacent to the school. The site would be wellconnected to recreational and education facilities. A site of this size provides opportunities for hosting regional and/or national tournaments.”

Bayliss added, “Providing enough industrial land in this part of Wānaka to provide for future growth is still an important strategic objective for the council. Council officials will be looking closely at a range of issues for Three Parks and Ballantyne Road when we make recommendations in relation to submissions on this area.”

Tiny Carruthers of Sport Otago said, “This could leave a legacy for generations to come.”

GISELLE MCLACHLAN FOR CLT Collaborative, Loyal, Trustworthy  GOVERNANCE EXPERT  EXPERIENCED IN MAKING STRATEGIC DECISIONS PHOTO:Pixabay

Tragedy close to home as two die on the Remarkables.

Sullivan added that the Aspiring Guides team and wider climbing community is close-knit and has been deeply shocked by the tragedy.

“We are providing support and assistance to our team but have also been overwhelmed at the response from our small NZ mountain and guiding community who have been in touch to pass on their condolences to those most affected and offer assistance where they can.” said Sullivan. “I would also like to thank the Emergency Services and the Wānaka and Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team for their quick response and assistance.”

 TIME AVAILABLE  VALUES ALIGNED  LOCAL

Find out more on Facebook Giselle McLachlan for Central Lakes Trust Authorised by Giselle McLachlan; 111A Oliver Road RD3 Cromwell

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

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Sneaky Bones in Wānaka tonight Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Acclaimed US multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and adored folk artist, Sneaky Bones is returning to NZ for another epic nationwide tour next week, and he will be playing in Wānaka tonight, November 14.

Matthew Bean, who writes and performs under the pseudonym Sneaky Bones, will set out on his second tour across New Zealand to support his recently released third fulllength record: Strangers I’ve Already Met. After spending a month in New Zealand on

tour in March 2018 as a solo act, he is finally returning for 14 nights, this time with the full outfit – Bean will be joined in NZ by Marshall Wildman on drums and Austin Webb on bass and guitar.

Strangers I’ve Already Met was released on May 17 with a month of full band shows across Europe. The release tour received critical and audience acclaim, not only selling out rooms in Norway and Germany, but also selling out their stock of physical copies while on the road.

Bean finds his roots in a range of genres from folk and country to rock, grunge, and soul.

As a singer, songwriter, and multi-

instrumentalist Matthew Bean explains, the line ‘strangers I’ve already met’ is from one of his newest songs ‘Strangers’ and stems from his theory of familiarity and simulation. “There’s a constant déjà vu going on,” he said. “Often when I meet someone, I think, ‘I know this person from somewhere,’ and I try to track down our common thread. There usually isn’t one, just a vague, intangible connection or reminder of the people I do know. I think there might only be a couple hundred distinct characters in the world, so everyone is just a stranger that you’ve already met.”

Bar Number 8, November 14.

PHOTO: supplied

US musician Sneaky Bones in Wānaka tonight as part of his NZ tour.

GREBE DIARY 2

November 10, 2019

Hurrah for hoiho!

Yeeha! Hoiho won the bird of the year competition so thank you so much for all those that helped us get to the winning post. Voting was a bit more complicated this year with STV (single transferable voting) which meant that all the votes, whether you voted a species to be first choice or last, each species votes were added up and their positions adjusted accordingly.

Of the total of 43,460 votes cast in the competition, Hoiho came in first with 12,022; just pipping kakapo (a real boomer) to second place. Third place went to the black robin, fourth to the banded dotterel and the fantail fifth.

We have just received the results of the number of pairs of hoiho breeding on the mainland this year and their numbers have dropped again, from 220 to 162 pairs, and that is quite frightening. The figure of 600 pairs was one we generated in the 1990’s when we had people on every known breeding site on the mainland on the same days at the same time and we counted everything that came ashore early October and two months later in early December. We estimated 600 breeding pairs and DoC staff went out and found 620 pairs. I was happy!

Since then, it seems like everything that could go wrong, is doing just that.

PHOTO: Supplied

John Darby, a Wānaka resident with a PhD in hoihos, is particularly happy they won Bird of the Year.

We have recorded disease entities such as avian malaria, biotoxins, avian diphtheria, fungal lung disease and so on and these can be coupled with injuries caused by barracouta, but above all, anything that compromises the nutritional state of penguins compromises their fitness and therefore their ability to deal with disease threats. Fishery bycatch of hoiho is a serious problem, but above all starvation heads the list.

Better get back to grebes. Not a lot to report. Keep your eyes open for the birds on nest eight, due to hatch this coming Saturday 16. Boisterous weather has kept me out of my kayak so I have been unable to check nest 11 and seven as to whether they have laid and maybe nest three.

– John Darby

Please vote Russell Mawhinney for Central Lakes Trust

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 12

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

 Personal contacts and relationships throughout the whole district  Clear thinking and common sense  Good listening and negotiation skills  Former Queenstown Lakes District Councillor  Born and bred in Central Otago  Commercial and property lawyer since 1985 Authorised by Russell Mawhinney, 5 Gretton Way, Quail Rise, Queenstown.

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CONCERT REVIEW: VIZUTTI CONCERT

A triumph on the trumpet I turned up at the Lake Wānaka Centre with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and some little apprehension – a solo trumpet recital in Wānaka? Would we get a turnout, and how would it be received?

From the majestic baroque sounds of the piccolo trumpet, opening the Albinoni D Concerto, (transcribed from oboe), it was one of those rare occasions when you realise you are in the presence of ‘world class’.

Allen quickly demonstrated his skill and dexterity over the mode, always with an overriding musicality.

It also became very clear early on that this was not just a ‘solo’ performance, but rather an accomplished, well-rehearsed duo. It was clear also that Laura is a recognised artist in her own right, and it was great to hear our Steinway in such capable hands. Her sympathetic treatment of phrasing, and duo morendo passages was simply beautiful. When necessary she was not frightened to extend the Steinway in either direction – always with appropriate taste.

With the assistance of some garden equipment! Allen gave a light hearted outline of the development of the ‘trumpet family’ of brass instruments – from the piccolo trumpet, and the standard Bb trumpet to the flugelhorn, all featured during the concert – and throughout the performance his demeanor and presentation was always comfortable and lightly casual.

The programme continued with Allen’s own Firefly, (a feature from his early years), Old Spanish Songs by de Falla, and the theme from the Rodrigo Concierto – all with a slightly Spanish flavour.

His articulation and technique were always impeccable,

with only an occasional hint of vibrato where necessary.

His four-movement descriptive work from a Japanese visit left us no difficulty in imagining the landmarks.

Similarly, the Nine Back Riders (based on the Tolkien Trilogy, but written before the LWR movies) left no doubt as to his ability as an imaginative composer.

Those looking for a hint of jazz styling found only a little in Allen’s arrangements of the Gershwin Medley, Rainbow, and Valentine.

He concluded with the well-known Staiger’s Carnival of Venice – a further demonstration of technique and musicianship.

From brass players perspective we were treated to a masterclass! Allen’s articulation, control of difficult intervals, and dynamics over both extremes of the range, all with impeccable intonation, was incredible – it was hard to believe what we were hearing. All this with only a very brief reference to written music.

The great Clark Terry was known for describing the Flugel sound as ‘mellifluous.’ In Allen’s hands it certainly was!

If there was any criticism, it could only be the sometimes slightly thin tone in the upper trumpet register – but that is understandable. This was not just technique for technique’s sake – it was all performed with over-riding musicality exhibited by both consummate artists.

The standing ovation and haunting encore will live in our memories. The Wānaka Concert Society and Bruce Paulson are to be congratulated on bringing this event to Wānaka.

– By Trevor Tattersfield

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wānaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz.

Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page.

Letters may be edited or abridged.

Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.

Crimeline BOPP C Calvin Constable, NZPD Hello everyone. Hope your week and weekend were all well spent, even with the weather. Some pretty impressive displays of thunder and lightning for three nights in a row which I felt quite lucky to have witnessed while on our patrols.

Monday saw a bike reported stolen and an honesty box vandalised. Please secure your bikes as this makes it harder for thieves to steal. Also if you see suspicious people or vehicles around walking tracks with honesty boxes, call it in and we can chase it up.

Tuesday we had reports of items taken from a shed and a vehicle heard doing burnouts. Please

lock your sheds as they are a target for people wanting all sorts of tools. Also if you hear the sound of rubber squealing on road try and get a rego or video for us, but please don’t put yourself in harm’s way in doing so. It would be nice to get whoever is leaving all those marks around the intersections with the highways.

Wednesday night we dealt with an incident where someone just needed some help. If you find yourself in a dark headspace, reach out to someone or even us if you want to. We are here to help where we can.

Thursday saw reports of unauthorised access and use of firearms for hunting. Ninety-nine percent of firearm’s license holders know what you can and can’t do. There is a small one percent

that maybe need to distinguish between the realm of things you can do, and the realm of things you can’t. There are plenty of experienced heads out there so if you are new to the game, ask others or get stuck into a local club to improve your knowledge.

I think the weather kept most people cooped up inside on Friday evening with snacks and movies. A great evening spent in my opinion.

Saturday had us pursuing a yellow dirt bike that failed to remain stopped for Police. The pursuit was abandoned due to the nature of the riding and traffic flow. The news contains the worst outcomes that can happen with pursuits so whoever did this put a lot of people at harm. If the red and blues appear in your mirrors, just pull

over and stop and find out what is going on. It’s that simple. The evening saw a drunk driver taken off the streets. They thought they were sleeping in their car in Cromwell. They now have to explain their actions to a Judge. Two individuals caused a bit of a kerfuffle at one of the bars in town.

Don’t try and get entry in a dubious manner and definitely don’t take their phone from them either. The bars are strict with who they let in because they face some pretty hefty penalties if they don’t comply with the laws.

Have a great week. If you’ve got boats and kayaks beached on the lake, double check them because the lake level is rising and they go float-about which can cause some concern and time in making sure there is nobody aboard them in trouble.

DISCOVER BOARDING at St Margaret’s College

Wanaka/Queenstown Information Evening

Tuesday 19 November • 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road

#empoweringgirls

Register at: https://www.stmargarets.school.nz/event-registration/

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TRADES AND SERVICES PLUMBING

DECORATING

STORAGE

Call for free no obligation quotes

M: 021 709 918

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PLUMBING

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GAS FITTING

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SPORTS RESULTS GW Logo Paths.indd 1

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Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

by Tuesday at noon. Results should be unformatted and presented in the body of the email.

Wānaka Bridge Club Results: Monday – Xmas pairs1: North/South: 1st Laraine Shepherd Lynne Fegan 67.76%, 2nd John Lyness Jan Lyness 66.29%, 3rd Ken Roberts Errol Kelly 58.41%. East/West: 1st Ian McDonald John Hogg 60.36%, 2nd Georgie Roberts Allan Kelly 57.77%, 3rd Jenny Turnbull Mark Harry 55.78%.

Wednesday – bronze champ pairs 12: North/South: 1st John Schwarz Alan Bunn 55.36%, 2nd Maureen Hawke Jeanette Gillies 52.38%, 3rd Nicola Brown Deb Budden 51.49%. East/West: 1st Carolyn Field Jen Milburn 64.88%, 2nd Marion Murphy Jan Wynn Williams 57.74%, 3rd Sonya Adams Bridget McCaughan 57.14%. Final ladder 1st John Schwarz, Alan Bunn 54.04%, 2nd Carolyn Field, Jen Milburn 54.03%, 3rd Jude Gunn, Noeline Munro 52.83%.

Friday Nov 8 – Handicap : North/ South: 1st Pat Gray Judy Briggs 62.19%, 2nd Alan Chisholm Morag Chisholm 55.58%, 3rd Claire Romeril Jo Wallis 52.57%. East/West: 1st Sally Goodall Martin Unwin 59.18%, 2nd Lynne Fegan Maggie Stratford 55.64%, 3rd Jude Gunn Noeline Munro 53.91%.

Melbourne Cup Nov 5: North/South: 1st Hans Limacher Claire Williams 59.01%, 2nd Sherril Harries Maggie Stratford 58.33%, 3rd Jacqui Roberts Morag Chisholm 53.99%. East/West : 1st Carolyn Field Carolyn Grey 57.70%, 2nd Ian McDonald Boyd Ottrey 56.61%, 3rd Lynne Fegan David Brewer 54.40%.

EMPLOYMENT

SUN TEAM

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

ISSUE 948

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: Emma Conyngham • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Francesca Maria Nespolo • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Abby Costen • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Carrie Frew • 021 786 740

adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740

admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising

Classified Advertising

Subscriptions:

4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) per year.

Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

EMPLOYMENT

PHARMACY RETAIL SALES POSITION We are looking for a sales superstar to join our team.

They must be a motivated person who thrives in a busy, highly interactive work environment and have the following attributes: • Passion for beauty and health • Great customer service skills and a friendly persona • A team player with a “can-do” attitude • Accurate and well organised • The ability to work in NZ Previous pharmacy or beauty industry experience would be ideal but not essential.

This is a permanent position - hours by negotiation.

If this is you please send your CV and cover letter to: Aaron Heath Wanaka Pharmacy, P O Box 45, Wanaka or email to aaron@pembroke.co.nz.

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick St, Wānaka

OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS

Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.

Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions

DRAINAGE

THANKS

WANAKA COMMUNITY HUB TRUSTEE (unpaid) Do you want to make a difference within our community?

The Wanaka Community Hub has been in development for 10 years and the Wanaka Community House Trust was thrilled to officially open the Hub’s doors on November 2nd.

Due to the retirement of two Trustees, we are currently seeking new Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are both passionate about bringing their community together, and have the necessary skills to strongly contribute to the Wanaka Community House Charitable Trust’s future strategy. The Trust Board has a critical role in steering the Hub successfully through its next exciting stage of development and growth.

Applications are invited from people with experience in:  Governance  Strategic planning  Marketing  Change management  Finance and accountability  Funding You will be able to demonstrate that you genuinely value diversity and can build relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Strong governance and strategic planning skills are critical.

For a full Position Description or to send a CV/expression of in interest please contact Yeverley McCarthy on email: yev.mccarthy@xtra.co.nz. or phone 0274354848.

Closing date for applications: November 25th.

NOTICES 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.

WANTED 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.

SERVICES Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 021 786 740

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PAGE 14

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Intrepid trekkers get to Wānaka Walking For Life with Ivan Miller Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Mike Langford

Brook Van Rineen running along the Pukaki Canal last Saturday, which forms part of the Te Araroa Track from Tekapo to Twizel.

Running Te Araroa with Brook Van Rineen Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Brook Van Rineen began his quest on August 24 and aims to run the entire 3000m Te Araroa Track from Cape Reinga to Cape Bluff while fundraising for mental health.

The 33-year-old Wānaka resident has raised over $11,000 for the Mental Health Foundation, and intends to pass directly through Wānaka this week. Van Rineen has travelled a distance of 1,860.84 kilometres so far.

“My mission on the Te Araroa is about exploring new amazing places [...] I've never seen before. So far it has been spectacular seeing such a vast, diverse, landscape and every day is completely different.” said Van Rineen. “It's important to me to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation to showcase that being outdoors is great for your own mental health. You don't have to go to the extreme length that I’m going to, but experiencing somewhere new is an amazing thing, and I'm definitely going through a lot of my own struggles along the way, it hasn't been easy, but friends and family and meeting people along the way have made those tough times easier!”

“The trip has been incredible, I've hiked and ran on beaches... I look at 90-mile beach on the map of New Zealand now in a whole different way – it took me three days to finish that part. I've hiked and ran through cities like Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, traversed volcanoes, hiked big mountains, stayed in cool huts in amazing locations, taken a million photos, met some amazing people and been to places I never knew existed!

A highlight was staying with the trail founder in Auckland, Geoff Chapple, and picking his brains about what was still to come! And what his favorite parts were.”

Van Rineen added, “Where possible I encourage people to come and do sections with me, I can't wait to catch up with my Wānaka crew and my goal is to hopefully raise $25,000 for the Mental Health Foundation. You can leave messages of support when you donate and I often reread these and it keeps me going when things get hard!”

Find updates or donate via the Running Te Araroa Facebook page.

Ivan Miller began his journey in Cape Reinga on February 9 this year and aims to have walked the entire New Zealand coastline by June 2020 in order to increase awareness and funds for mental health.

The 50-year-old Kiwi has raised over $5000 for the Mental Health Foundation, and reached Wānaka last Tuesday after hiking 53 kilometres from Cromwell – knocking his ‘total kilometres walked’ up to 3132.

Wānaka local Jools Hall met Miller on the Routeburn Track earlier this month.

Hall said, “He was wearing a Walking For Life vest and one of my friends asked him about his story. He told us his incredible story. Everyone of my friends in our group has been touched by mental health, so yes his story brought tears to our eyes. We all feel that connecting, sharing and helping each other makes a difference. Mental health is very real and raw to many and is something that we need to keep talking about. It was probably no coincidence that while we were in the great outdoors we met Ivan”.

Miller decided to venture on this trek after experiencing a work restructure in Kerikeri, Northland, and losing his job – living in the country with a broken-down car. “Walking For Life was conceived and inspired when I was picking kiwifruit flowers with a workmate on a casual contract job that only went for four weeks. We shared beers together one afternoon. Though he had known me for a couple of years – I had been his supervisor in a packhouse in Kerikeri previously – he had never heard my story.” said Miller, “In my early thirties after years of travelling [...] and excessive alcohol and drug-use I had a complete breakdown. I was hospitalised, diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – stemming from childhood sexual abuse when I was 13. I was put on a merry-go-round of powerful psychiatric medication, which I took for seven years. I couldn't work. I felt more disempowered than ever, and as my anxiety increased I retreated to the safety of my room.

I only had a couple of friends.”

“Graham, who I had met in hospital, became my closest friend and we saw each

PHOTO: supplied

Ivan Miller.

other everyday. He convinced me to enrol in an art course at the local Polytechnic.

The course put structure back into my life.

I had a timetable, a social group, but more importantly, art gave me a vehicle to take what was inside me out, and onto a canvas, or paper later, as I switched to a creative writing degree.” continued Miller.

“As I felt myself slowly recover one by one I began to take myself off my psychiatric medication – all of them. Over the next couple of years, with my psychiatrist caution, guidance and advice, I withdrew from tranquillisers, mood-stabilisers and antipsychotics. Lithium was the last drug I withdrew from ten years ago. At the same time, I was correcting my mindset to a positive one by engaging in more holistic and organic treatment such as mindfulness exercises and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). I also sought to find pleasure in simple things like gardening, hobbies, music etc. I wanted to fill my toolbox with all sorts of things good for my mental health that I could reach for

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in times of distress. I recovered to a state of health much better and stronger than I had ever known.”

“My friend was shocked as I revealed this story. He couldn't imagine me having been so sick.” added Miller. “He then opened up himself and spoke of his own personal experiences. It was a very powerful meeting and we strongly connected. In the middle of that night I woke up with the thought ‘what if I was to walk around NZ, opening a conversation around mental health issues, connecting with people, displaying their kindness and the good and beautiful things around me, wherever that may be.’ I sold all of my things to get me started, I went in untrained and unprepared [...] news of my Hikoi is spreading on my Facebook page Walking For Life and people have been extending the hands of kindness, offering pack-support, food, accommodation and lots of other practical help that make my walk so much easier.”

From Cape Reinga, Miller’s trekking route has taken him down the west coast of the North Island and the east coast of the South Island, where he tramped the Rakiura Track.

Now he is headed to Westland, having walked via Riverton, Tuatapere, Manapouri, Te Anau and the Divide before taking a shortcut to Glenorchy and Queenstown using the Routeburn Track.

Once Miller has completed the South Island’s coastline, he will partake on the last – and longest – leg of his journey along the east coast of the North Island, which is a distance of over 2000 kilometres.

Miller added, “I have walked beaches, tracks, but mainly stuck to roads. I post regular map/course updates on my page. I have camped in laybys and holiday parks, on the beach, in the Department of Conservation (DOC) huts, at pubs and in the houses of strangers. I have a pack and sleeping bag, all of my cold weather gear, gas and cooking supplies, food and toiletries – often bought in small town superettes and camp kiosks.”

Miller has unofficially adopted the introductory song ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ from The Littlest Hobo television series as the theme song for his charitable trek.

Find updates or donate via the Walking For Life Facebook page.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BUSY AT WĀNAKA POOL 4 NOVEMBER – 6 DECEMBER

Local primary schools are visiting Wānaka Recreation Centre for their school swimming and water safety programme.

Until Friday 6 December there’ll be very limited public access to the learners’ pool between 9.00am-12.00pm every weekday except Thursdays when half the pool will be free between 9.00am-2.00pm.

Other pool users may wish to schedule their visits to the learners’ pool around these times.

Five lanes in the lap pool will remain free for public swimming between 9.00am–2.00pm weekdays during this period.

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Amendments to the November 2019 Meeting Schedule Hearing of submissions on Draft QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 - Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, Wānaka on Thursday, 21 November, beginning at 1.00pm and continuing on Friday, 22 November in the Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown, beginning at 1.00pm.

Meeting dates, times and venues are subject to change. All of the above meetings are open to the public. Some meetings may have items of business that will be discussed with the public excluded, as set out by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Mike Theelen CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Many thanks for your co-operation while our local children learn these essential life skills.

For more info please call (03) 443 9334 or email wrc@qldc.govt.nz

THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

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

www.thewanakasun.co.nz PAGE 15

Defending the title Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Francesca Maria Nespolo

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

A local athlete, Dougal Allan, is training meticulously towards defending his title at February’s gruelling 2020 Coast to Coast Longest Day race.

The Coast to Coast demands a high level of fitness, as well as skill sets across three sporting disciplines. “The main skills that can make the biggest difference on race day are your ability to run efficiently across very technical terrain, your ability to read braided rivers and rapids to a level where you feel confident 'racing' (opposed to 'surviving') in such conditions and the ability to handle your bike in strong winds. It is also an important skill to be able to manage your energy levels, nutrition and mental focus over an entire day of racing,” commented Allan, from his Lake Hāwea home.

Given the nature of New Zealand South Island and its multitude of climates, the preparation for not only the unpredictable weather, but also the diverse landscape is the result of getting to know about this special land through time. “I guess, with so many years in the sport, I have become experienced at reading weather forecasts and having a general understanding of the elements that play a big part in the various locations I train and compete. The big factor when it comes to Coast to Coast specifically, is the river levels for both the run and paddle stages which often rise even in summer and make training on the course

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 16

Lake Hawea-based endurance athlete Dougal Allan training.

impossible for days or even weeks at a time,” commented Allan.

Support from the family means a lot to Allan.

“While I still call myself a professional athlete, the reality is I am also a professional coach and a

dedicated husband and father of two. So my days are never dull, but everything I do is exactly what I always wanted to do and I am living my own dream! Of course it wouldn’t be possible without the support and patience of my wife Amy, who

PHOTO: Supplied

helps make it all possible and has had to put a lot of her own dreams on hold while I live mine,” which makes Allan a complex athlete balancing work, training and family life, which is probably the biggest challenge of them all.

Wanaka THURSDAY 14.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 20.11.19

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