Wanaka Sun | Edition 1018 | 17 - 23 March 2021

Jack Russell Harry

INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16

Does it again!

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Skateboarding Family fun.

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THUR 18.03.21 - WED 24.03.21

EDITION 1018

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Red letter day at Aspen

PHOTOS: US Ski & Snowboard

19-year-old Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the first person ever to defend a FIS snowboard World Championship title.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

t was a huge morning of competition for Wānaka snowsports at the Aspen 2021 FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Championships on March 12.

19-year-old Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the first person ever to defend a FIS snowboard World Championship title, followed by Nico Porteous, also 19, becoming the first New Zealander to claim a FIS World Championship title for freeski.

Sadowski-Synnott jumped from dead last into the top spot on the very last run of the slopestyle

I

competition at Aspen's Buttermilk resort, which she won last year.

She struggled to land clean runs on her first two attempts, but said she knew it was “all up to [her]” and if she landed her third run she had “a good chance of taking the top spot.”

Her final run featured a technical rail run at the top of the course followed by a switch back 900, frontside 720 and backside double 1080 on the jumps for a score of 85.95.

Double Olympic gold medallist Jamie Anderson (USA) placed second with 81.10, followed by Australia’s Tess Coady in third with 78.13.

Also amongst the top eight competitors in

Nico Porteous scored 94.5 on his very first run with back-to-back 1620s, which stood as the highest score for the remainder of the competition.

the women’s snowboard slopestyle finals was 18-year-old Queenstown rider, Cool Wakushima, making her World Championships debut.

The snowboard event was followed by the men’s freeski halfpipe final, which saw Porteous rise to the top from fourth place in qualifiers.

This was his first competition since his huge X Games win six weeks ago - when he made history on the same halfpipe as the first athlete to land back-to-back left and right 1620s - and his subsequent foot injury from a skateboarding accident.

Porteous scored 94.5 on his very first run with back-to-back 1620s, which stood as the highest score for the remainder of the competition,

followed by Canada’s Simon D’Artois with 91.25 and Birk Irving (USA) with 89.75.

“I went through a crazy high at X Games with the result there and then two days later I broke my foot and went through a low period, stuck at home for a month,” Porteous said. “First day of training was my first day back in the pipe and my foot was feeling good. I’m just absolutely stoked, this pipe has been so good to me.”

It didn’t end there: the following day, Finn Bilous placed ninth in the finals of the freeski slopestyle - and to cap it off, as this paper went to press on March 17, Sadowski-Synnott claimed the silver medal in the big air event.

The World Championships finish on Sunday.

Sun News

Warbirds liable for 2018 crash

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Skateboarding not just for teenage boys

PHOTO: Rad Skate School

Rad Skate School had an overwhelming amount of girls join their free drop-in sessions at the skatepark on Sunday, with the youngest ripper only 2.5 years old!

PHOTO: Warbirds

The damages were determined by the company to cover the repair of the Yak-3M Russian aircraft flown by the pilot and company owner Arthur Dovey.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

A crash in 2018 at Warbirds Over Wānaka has found Warbirds and the Royal New Zealand Airforce liable when a vintage aircraft crashed, leaving the pilot unharmed.

In a High Court judgement, both entities were ordered to pay a total of $616,500 to the company owned by Arthur Dovey Aviation Consulting. The damages were determined by the company to cover the repair of the Yak-3M Russian aircraft flown by the pilot and company owner Arthur Dovey.

The aircraft hit one of two cherry pickers parked on a grass runway.

Dovey’s company took seven parties to court: the air force, which had provided the military display director for the show, Warbirds Over Wānaka and five other employees.

Dovey had crashed into the cherry pickers after making what looked like a smooth land. The airforce and the air show were held liable Justice Jill Mallon found that Dovey’s landing was professional and well-executed. Any negligence on his behalf in not checking that the runway was clear was balanced by the duty of the airshow organiser and the display director to ensure that the runway was clear.

The air force squadron leader directing the display breached his duty of care to the plaintiff on several scores. "(He was) relying on assumptions and

conventions or practices about where Dovey would land when there was no sufficient basis to do so and the proper approach was to ask the display director and the formation where they intended to land or to ensure that all of the available vectors were kept clear." Justice Mallon said.

Warbirds Over Wānaka personnel breached their duty of care by allowing a change to the flying programme without an appropriate risk assessment.

"In the context of warbird airshows like this, if the procedures that are intended to ensure the safety of the show are inadequate, the risk of an accident is particularly high," Justice Mallon said.

"Dovey was entitled to expect that any expectations the display director on duty would be relying on as to the choice of landing vector would be made clear to him and that he would be alerted to hazards."

Warbirds Over Wānaka challenged the cost of damages claimed by Dovey’s company, saying that the aircraft had been warehoused for two years, no steps had been undertaken to repair it, and Dovey had given no indication he intended to repair the aircraft.

Justice Mallon accepted the company’s response that it did not have the funds to repair the plane, and said Warbirds Over Wānaka had failed to prove that selling the wreck and purchasing a new Yak would be more costeffective than repairing it.

She ordered the repair costs claimed by Dovey’s company of $616,500 plus GST plus interest.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The perception that skateboarding is the realm of adolescent boys is far outdated, according to Chris Curran, 33-year-old Wānaka skateboarder and President of Skateboarding New Zealand.

Curran, who has a skateboard school in Wānaka and who runs skateboarding “drop-in sessions” funded by Sport Otago said he gets up to 75 per cent of his clientele as girls.

“The percentage of guys to girls? In the first two drop-in sessions I ran we had 150 people come through and 53 were females so about one third.

Yesterday (Saturday) it would have been about 75 per cent female. We would have had about 40 girls come down yesterday,” Curran said.

“The youngest we had standing on a skateboard was 2-years-old, going up to mums and dads having a turn. These were people who had never skated before.”

The skateboarding scene in Wānaka is pretty amazing, Curran said.

“We are lucky we have a tight-knit community but also have the transients who come for the snowboard season.

“There are a few private facilities around, and there are park skaters and street skaters but most of these would use the skate park (on Anderson Road).

“And young people are coming up who might not use the skatepark yet, but they will use it in the future.

“But kids can use the skatepark at any age from about 2-years up.”

People who have never skated before can use the skatepark but the problem is that there is etiquette on how you use it, he said.

PHOTO: Supplied

Chris Curran, President of Skateboarding New Zealand.

That is why there is the Skate School and there is Wānaka Girls Skateboard Club to teach people.

Curran said the Wānaka Skateboarding Club is the oldest in New Zealand and last year passed its 25th anniversary. It was involved in the build of the original skatepark 19 years ago.

The scene is very inclusive, Curran said. The oldest skateboarder would be about 60 years. The oldest woman would be about 40. Two women in their 30’s come to the skatepark with their daughters and these two run the Wānaka Girls Skateboard Club.

“It’s not like a football club where you have to sign up and pay fees,” Curran said.

“It's all-inclusive. you just come along. It's not a structured sport where there is a lot of pressure to perform and be an elite athlete like gymnastics.

“Skateboarding is unstructured, you just have fun.”

PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL CROMWELL

Holiday Fun • Stag dos • Birthdays • Fun for all

email: paintballcentral@xtra.co.nz PHONE: (027) 448-5399 TO BOOK PAGE 2

Is the Cardrona River important to you?

You’re invited to a meeting to hear how we propose to manage freshwater flow in your area, based on what your community told us you love about your waterways when we met with you in 2019.

Come along to a short presentation followed by discussion and questions.

Thursday, 18 March 2021 Lake Wanaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 1pm-2.30pm or 7-8.30pm

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

Please book a seat by emailing customerservices@orc.govt.nz The meetings will go ahead at Covid-19 Level 2 with appropriate precautions.

Find out more at:

www.orc.govt.nz/Cardrona or call 0800 474 082

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Has anyone seen Marni?

Wheels at Wānaka has received funding and will host this year.

PHOTO: Supplied

Funding available for Wānaka events Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Marni Sheppeard

Marni Sheppeard hasn’t been seen since November. Maybe she is down this way? Keep an eye out.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

A former member of the Wānaka Search and Rescue team has been missing for three and a half months.

Marni Sheppeard, 53, was reported missing in January although she has not been heard of since November 19 when she posted a photo of herself on Twitter, saying “off to the mountains,” police said.

Inquiries established she travelled by bus to the west of Christchurch on the same day, before her last recorded bank transaction was made at about 8.30am at the Darfield Fruit and Vegetable Store.

Sheppeard is known to frequent the Arthur’s Pass and West Coast areas, and police are appealing for help from anyone who may have seen her.

“Police are concerned for Marni’s safety and wellbeing and are working on a few narrow leads into her possible whereabouts,” a spokesperson said.

Sheppeard, who has a PhD in theoretical

physics, is an experienced mountaineer and has survived previous search and rescue operations.

In 2003 she spent eight days trapped in Arthur’s Pass National Park before being rescued.

She and fellow physics student Sonja Rendell had planned for a three-day tramp but endured seven extra nights stranded on an exposed ridge in rain, sleet and snow.

Prior to this she was rescued from a crevasse after injuring her ankle while climbing in the Swiss Alps.

Sheppeard trained for alpine climbing after working as part of the Wānaka SAR in Wānaka, where she lived for several years.

She has spent recent years homeless and living in poverty.

She was staying in the City Mission's shelter in 2019 to continue her research, after living on the streets in Auckland.

Sheppeard is described as being around 162cm and of slim build, and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and a green Macpac backpack.

Police are continuing their search, and anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call 105, quoting file number 210115/4277.

Eight Wānaka events will receive funding in the first round of the Southern Lakes Event Fund.

Eight of the 19 events funded went to local events, including Ripe (Wānaka Food & Wine Festival), Wheels at Wānaka, Contact Epic, NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, Winter Games, Snowboxx, Wānaka Wedding Fair and the WAO Summit.

Southern Lakes events investment panel chair Murray Strong said: “We are delighted that the funding is enabling a range of events and festivals to run in our region over the next 12 months to attract visitors, drive economic benefit and support new sectors to establish events in the region.”

The events funded were expected to attract 72,301 visitors from out of town, adding $18,349,944 in visitor expenditure in the region - meaning that for every one dollar invested from the fund it will return an additional $9.94 in spend per visitor, Strong said

The fund is part of the government’s $50 million Regional Events Fund to stimulate domestic tourism by supporting existing events to continue to operate or supporting new events to form.

The Southern Lakes region, including Queenstown, Wānaka, Central Otago and Fiordland was allocated $8.5 million over a 2–4 year timeframe.

The fund is managed by a panel of representatives from each of the Regional Tourism Organisations, an independent chair and an independent events expert. Destination Queenstown, the lead agency for the fund, undertakes the day-to-day administration.

Funding rounds are bi-annual and applications can be made once a year for either the March or September funding round. However, applicants can register expressions of interest all year round.

In this round $1,845,434 in funds was distributed.

“As well as the short to medium term benefits from running events [the fund] also aligns with the longer-term strategic goal of developing the region to be more event friendly and to have a balanced portfolio of events,” Strong said.

Ski fields appeal for critical workers Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Time is running out to recruit overseas ski workers for this years’ season, according to Cardrona Alpine Resort general manager Bridget Legnavsky.

On behalf of the Ski Areas Association of New Zealand (SAANZ), Legnavsky has urgently appealed to the government to approve a scheme to bring critical international workers into the country ahead of the winter ski season.

A letter was sent on behalf of all ski areas in the country and stated that specialised roles - like instructors, lift technicians and snow groomers were essential for their safe operation, but those who usually came from overseas to fill those roles were unable to enter New Zealand due to Covid-19 border closures.

SAANZ had collaborated on a sustainable workforce strategy which laid out the urgent need to approve the travel of these workers - but was still “waiting to hear from MBIE on the status of their critical workers.”

With the need to secure visas and organise isolation for workers prior to the season starting, Legnavsky said this was “an urgent but solvable workforce issue.” With 100 overseas staff, Kiwi ski areas would be able to operate. Without them, some would not be able to operate at all whilst others may only be able to cover half the season, or offer 50 per cent visitor capacity.

Legnavsky said she hoped the letter, along with talks with Tourism Minister Nash this week during his visit to Queenstown, would result in quick action from MBIE and Immigration NZ.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Supplied

Bridget Legnavsky: “If we can get film crews, entertainers and sporting teams into New Zealand, surely the same could be done for an industry that is vital for recovery in their surrounding communities.”

“If we can get film crews, entertainers and sporting teams into New Zealand, surely the same could be done for an industry that is vital for recovery in their surrounding communities,” said Legnavsky.

INZ General Manager Nicola Hogg said: “INZ is aware of the concerns of the Ski Areas Association of New Zealand but at this stage has not received a request for ‘other critical workers’.

“Entry to New Zealand from all countries remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But a person may be eligible to come to New Zealand if they meet the “other critical worker” criteria set out in immigration instructions.”

This included if the employee has unique experience and technical or specialist skills that are not easily obtainable in New Zealand.

“Requests for ‘other critical workers’ are made by employers, not individual workers, and are generally processed within two weeks,” she said.

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

PAGE 3

Wānaka councillors share their views on Wānaka Airport: there’s cause for celebration in our community.

Ever since it became clear that QLDC has handed Wānaka Airport over to Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) to build a jet-capable airport in our area, there has been concern in the community. The more we find out about decisions which have been made, the more we need the community to be closely involved and better informed. Recently, Wānaka Stakeholders Group Inc. (WSG) wrote to all QLDC councillors and asked them to share their views on the building of new jet airports. We’ve heard back directly from six councillors, including our three Wānaka Ward representatives. For the first time, the community now knows exactly where our three local elected representatives stand, and there’s reason to celebrate. Their views are clear, and it would appear they are very well aligned.

WSG’s letter to the PM, MPs and QLDC politicians.

Last month, we wrote to the Prime Minister, some key Ministers and councillors from both QLDC and Christchurch City Council, amongst others.

WSG’s letter was sent on b e h a l f o f a l m o s t 3 , 5 0 0 m e m b e r s t o t h e P r i m e Minister, MPs and councillors from QLDC and Christchurch in mid February. The letter was supported by five residents associations, plus Sustainable Tarras, together representing thousands of residents in the area. The recipients were asked to state their views about plans to build airports in light of c l i m a t e e m e r g e n c y d e c larations, emissions targets, the impacts of Covid-19 and concerns about the impacts of tourism.

The letter from WSG stated “Government cannot expect on t h e o n e h a n d f o r o t h e r industries, such as agriculture, to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and then on the other hand allow the expansion or development of a d d i t i o n a l j e t a v i a t i o n capability in New Zealand, thereby enabling activity which will inevitably and significantly increase carbon emissions.”

Recipients were asked to respond to three questions, summarised as follows: 1. How can any responsible New Zealand government decisionmakers decide to build an a d d i t i o n a l j e t a i r p o r t i n Central Otago? 2. If the only justification for more jet capable airports is to enable more international tourists arrivals by air, how is that consistent with NZ’s commitment and urgent need to do its share to tackle climate change? And 3, Aren’t our predicted overseas tourist numbers already catered for by New Zealand’s existing number of jet-capable airports?

To read the letter in full

go to tinyurl.com/WSGLetter.

You will also find a wealth of additional information on our site at www.protectwanaka.nz

PAGE 4

ON this page, we are providing a summary of what each of our three Councillors said in reply to our letter. You can also go online and read heir responses in full. We have made them public on the Protect Wānaka website (see details below).

Our deputy mayor

Councillor Niamh Shaw

to have to come to terms Niamh Shaw was equally clear with either a lesser numbers of with her answer. “At present, flights or dramatically improved with current information and technology.” the global crisis presented by climate change, I personally cannot see any justification for building (or expanding) NZ’s airport infrastructure.”

Calum MacLeod is our long- est standing Wānaka Ward councillor, and is also Deputy Mayor to Jim Boult.

Quentin Smith clear: “it would be irresponsible” to build jet airports in New Zealand Niamh Shaw “no compelling case” for additional airport infrastructure in New Zealand Calum MacLeod emphatic: “There is no reason why Wānaka Airport cannot stay as it currently stands.”

In two emails published by WSG last week, Calum agreed that New Zealand does not need any more jet capable airports: “ There is ample airport capacity in the South Island,” he said.

W h e n a s k e d a b o u t international visitor numbers he said “more is not the answer” and pointed to the recommendations made in Simon Upton’s recent report on tourism. “The discussion demands to be what is the most sustainable – in fact regenerative – way forward for us all.” He added that “there is no reason why Wanaka Airport could not stay as it currently stands.”

Councillor Shaw said that thus far she had seen “no compelling c a s e p u t f o r w a r d f o r t h e provision of additional airport infrastructure in NZ beyond response to demand – much of that driven by our tourism marketing which has, over the last ten years, favoured quantity over quality.” She noted that development appears to be “dictated by airlines or the commercial interests of airport corporations.”

Councillor Quentin Smith

Quentin Smith said “With regard [to] effects on our communities, infrastructure and the req- uirement to reduce emissions, it would be irresponsible to create additional jet capable airports in NZ.” He noted that “any additional aircraft movements would be completely contrary” to targets to reduce emissions. “We are going

SEE WHAT THEY SAID: To read the full response sent by each of our local Wānaka Ward councillors in their own words, go to our short link at tinyurl.com/WanakaCouncillors and read for yourself.

Stay informed with updates from WSG. Add yours to nearly 3,500 voices.

To receive updates from us every time there is news relating to QLDC's and QAC’s plans with our local airports, go to our website and click the “join” button or type www.eepurl.com/govdiH and sign up. It’s free, and easy to unsubscribe at any time.

www.protectwanaka.nz

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

Cause for celebration

WSG chair Michael Ross said that he was delighted that all three councillors had noted their public position against any further jet capability in Central Otago, let alone New Zealand.

“Against the background of climate change and concerns about both our environment and local community, it is a very p o s i t i v e s t e p t h a t o u r councillors have chosen to make these unequivocal statements.”

“We hope that all other councillors and mayors of QLDC and Christchurch City Council w i l l f o l l o w w i t h e q u a l l y thoughtful and responsible a c k n o w l e d g e m e n t o f t h i s position.” Mr Ross said that WSG had already received initial responses from the Prime Minister’s office as well as various MPs and parties, and hopes that “they all ultimately take the same stand on this issue given its national and international significance, and also given our Prime Minister’s international reputation and credibility.”

At the time of going to print, WSG had received responses from the three local councillors, plus councillors Niki Gladding, Craig Ferguson and Penny Clark. Responses had also been received from the Mayor of Christchurch City Council.

Nothing had been received from QLDC Mayor Jim Boult, despite WSG writing to him directly a s k i n g f o r h i s i n d i v i d u a l answers five times in the last two months.

PAID EDITORIAL: WANAKA STAKEHOLDERS GROUP

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Oxidation ponds rezone goes before Council

Councillors to consider draft 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

The rezoning of the Ballantyne Road oxidation pond site for sports and recreation will be under consideration by council today.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The rezoning of the Ballantyne Road oxidation pond site for sports and recreation is one of the considerations Councillors will report on at an independent hearing panel on submissions received for stages of the District Plan review today.

Stage 3 and 3b of the District Plan review introduced a number of changes for Wānaka to the Operative District Plan (ODP), including a Settlements Zone for Rural Townships, Three Parks Special Zone and the oxidation ponds.

If adopted, the decisions will be formally notified on April 1, 2021, followed by a six week period in which submitters can appeal the decisions to the Environment Court.

QLDC General Manager Planning

and Development Tony Avery, said the recommendations report going before Council for adoption was the culmination of consideration of large volumes of evidence.

“The process has involved 542 submissions, 8,690 submission points and 20 days of hearings in Queenstown and Wānaka before an Independent Hearing Panel chaired by Trevor Robinson,” said Avery.

The release of these decisions will mean that these plan provisions take legal effect and people undertaking new land uses and activities affected by the changes will have to comply with any new rules or obtain a resource consent to infringe them.

Stage 3 and 3b is the third tranche of Plan Changes and Variations developed and released for public submissions since the current District Plan review in 2015.

A rates rise of 4.56 per cent is one of the issues that will be on the table when Council meets to discuss and approve the draft 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan Consultation Document today.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen, said the rise was needed to continue investing in the future of the district, honour projects that were already committed to, continue to invest in core service delivery and deliver the considerable 3 waters investment needed to meet statutory requirements.

Council will also discuss what it sees as key challenges for the Queenstown Lakes District and projects proposed to address them.

Issues on the table are centred around climate change, delivering safe and reliable 3 waters services, meeting the transport needs of the communities and a proposal to increase some user fees.

“If approved for consultation by Council this week, it will then be up to the community to let us know if we have it right,” said QLDC General Manager Finance Stewart Burns.

“This proposed plan highlights what we believe are the key projects, strategic decisions and essential spending on infrastructure and services.”

If approved, consultation on the Plan will begin on Friday 19 March 2021 for four weeks and be formally notified in local newspapers. Copies of the Consultation Document and supporting information will be available from that date online at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz, at Council offices

PHOTO: QLDC

Mike Theelen: "Rates rise needed for the future of the district."

and libraries across the district, or by emailing letstalk@qldc.govt.nz.

The Consultation Document will also be distributed as an insert via the Wānaka Sun on Thursday 1 April 2021, delivered via rural delivery in the Upper Clutha, and posted to all non-resident ratepayers.

Council also plans to host several drop-in sessions throughout the district for community members to speak with staff about the Plan.

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THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

PAGE 5

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Heightened levels of arsenic in Upper Clutha bores Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) science team presented a comprehensive State of the Environment (SOE) groundwater quality report for the entire Otago region to a meeting of the Data and Information Committee last week.

Dissolved arsenic was detected in the Upper Clutha, Queenstown Lakes, and Central Otago areas – likely derived from schist in the underlying geology, said General Manager Strategy, Policy and Science Gwyneth Elsum.

The report provided baseline information on a region-wide scale about the state of groundwater in Otago. It combined data and analysis from 54 bores since the start of monitoring, dating back in some cases over thirty years. ORC monitors groundwater quarterly for a number of contaminants, including E. coli, arsenic, and nitrates.

Elsum said E. coli results were the biggest concern in the overall findings.

“A majority of the monitoring bores – 75 per cent – recorded elevated levels of E. coli above drinking water standards at some point in their monitoring history. While most of these recordings were not persistent, regular exceedances were found at bores in the Lower Taieri and Lower Waitaki areas.”

The SOE groundwater data and analysis provided a good foundation for ORC to benchmark changes in future, and to direct the efforts necessary to address groundwater quality issues, Elsum said.

Exercise Skytrain helps No. 40 Squadron ‘consolidate skills’ learned at Base Auckland.

PHOTO: Pixabay

Dissolved arsenic was detected primarily in the Upper Clutha, Queenstown Lakes, and Central Otago areas.

“Having consolidated groundwater information on a regional scale means we can now make informed recommendations about how we address groundwater quality issues in Otago, and work with health authorities and local councils to provide public awareness of the responsibilities involved with private bores.

“ORC has a number of workstreams underway to address issues raised by the report. In the short-term, these include improving consent conditions around bore security and ramping up education work alongside local councils and health authorities. In the medium-term, ORC will be replacing old SOE bores with new, dedicated monitoring bores at key sites throughout the region and looking at ways to strengthen controls on high-risk activities through the development of the Land and Water Regional Plan,” Elsum said.

PHOTO: RNZAF

Air Force to deploy to Wānaka for training Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is set to deploy to Wānaka to conduct its annual C-130 Hercules training activity, Exercise Skytrain.

Exercise Skytrain started on Monday and will run until March 26 this year.

According to a statement released by the RNZAF, Exercise Skytrain helps No. 40 Squadron ‘consolidate skills’ learned at Base Auckland.

It provides crews with several kinds of “flying training”, including “over unfamiliar and challenging terrain” and coordinating pallet drops into drop zones.

The exercise also trains the crew on landing the aircraft on runways that are different from those in Auckland.

Detachment commander squadron leader Rob

Attrill said that one C-130 Hercules and crew from Auckland, Ohakea and Woodbourne would be part of the exercise.

Attrill said: “An important part of our training is being able to operate effectively and successfully away from our home base so every year we run a Skytrain exercise in New Zealand to further hone these skills.

“Skytrain exercises our support elements in supporting airborne operations and further prepares us for overseas-based exercises with our partners, and ultimately operations in support of New Zealand interests.

“We have used these skills in real-life scenarios, for instance in December 2019 we deployed on US Air Force led Operation Christmas Drop out of Guam where we delivered pallet loads of goods via C-130 airdrops to people living on remote islands and atolls in the Pacific.”

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An opportunity for homegrown talent

Jesse Moss: “It looks even better than before it had been stolen.”

PHOTO: Supplied

The Red Dragon is back on the road Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

Festival mentors, left to right: Sheena Haywood; Mandy Horan; Anne Rodda (seated); Ann Wyatt; Sarah Campbell; Kinga Krupa (seated); Anna van der Leij.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Wakatipu Music Festival is offering local young people an opportunity to launch a career in the arts sector, where the few coveted roles are often snapped up by those with overseas experience.

As part of this year’s NZ iteration of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, the inaugural Wakatipu Music Festival will be held in Queenstown from June 4-7 and will comprise three components to connect the region’s homegrown talent and New Zealand’s outstanding musicians.

As well as a young artists showcase and community engagement workshops

for Central Otago musicians, the festival features a Training Ground paid apprenticeship scheme, in partnership with the Three Lakes Cultural Trust.

Nine paid apprenticeships are on offer in a range of areas - from marketing and communications to hospitality, AV tech, stage management and production.

Apprentices will be mentored by a leading professional in the field and will work with them to develop and deliver the festival.

Ann Wyatt, creative director and project manager for Watson & Wyatt Events, will be overseeing the apprenticeship programme. She said the main driver for this year’s set-up - with the international festival on hold due

to the Covid-19 pandemic - was to give back to the community.

“This is a paid opportunity, which is not often the case for apprenticeships, where experience is the standard remuneration,” said Wyatt. “It’s also really good to be able to keep some of the homegrown talent in the community and grow that talent. That was one of the key focuses for the changing look of the festival.”

Applications are open until March 22 for residents of Central Otago at least 16 years of age with a genuine appreciation for NZ arts. www.michaelhillviolincompetition. c o. n z / w a k a t i p u - m u s i c - f e s t i v a l / training-ground.

Wānaka local Jesse Moss is getting back on the road in his campervan, the Red Dragon, four months after it was stolen from the Hopkins Valley car park in Ohau, along with all his possessions, just a few weeks into his NZ roadtrip.

In the weeks after the theft on November 18, the van was sighted in Fairly, Blenheim, Nelson and the West Coast - where it was used to rob the same Franz Joseph cafe twice.

When Moss collected it two months later, it had been spray painted and badly damaged, and was full of stolen goods from around the South Island.

“It has been blood, sweat and almost tears getting the Red Dragon back to spec and on the road again,” said Moss.

Moss said he had received “an immense amount of generous donations from all over the world” to help him reconstruct the van through a GoFundMe page set up by a friend.

“It was crazy for me seeing some of the names of people who donated to the page who I had shared great memories with during my previous

travels around the world,” he said.

He gave particular thanks to “the legends at HeliSupport Wānaka, specifically father-daughter team, Ronnie and Hollie,” who reached out to help fix the exterior body work of the van and give it a brandnew paint job, free of charge.

“It looks even better than before it had been stolen,” said Moss.

“The human spirit and kindness of people's hearts has really put me back on my feet, emotionally and mentally giving me the strength and confidence to tackle part two of the trip… I owe it to the amazing people of Wānaka, and in particular my friends and colleagues, as I would not have been able to be back on the road today without their help.”

Moss was preparing to head up the West Coast, whilst still hoping justice would be served. The individual suspected of stealing the van after skipping bail for stealing another vehicle on the West Coast, was yet to be brought to trial after a court hearing in January was delayed due to the number of charges brought against him.

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Call 03 443 8372 or visit www.wonderlandlodge.nz THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

PAGE 7

Sun A&P Show

thewanakasun.co.nz

Harry takes out Jack Russell race for fifth time

Harry and owner Samara Buchanan receive their trophy.

PHOTOS: K9

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

The event injects more than $11 million into the local economy each year, and brings rural and urban communities together for two days of entertainment.

Wānaka A&P Show: stellar event Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Jack Russell’s line up at the start line.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local Jack Russell Harry took out the infamous Jack Russell Race at the Wānaka A&P Show last Saturday for the fifth time and has earned himself captaincy of the All Jacks team Harry’s owner, Samara Buchanan said: “The Jack Russell race is an iconic event that my family and I look forward to every year, and Harry loves taking part. It’s so exciting for Harry to be named the first member of the squad and I think it’s such a fun idea to really take the event to the next

level,” says Samara.

The Jack Russell race is a highly anticipated and often chaotic event that attracts thousands of onlookers each year. Wānaka A&P Show hosted the first New Zealand Jack Russell race in 1998, which has now become a highlight of the event.

This year 77 dogs lined up at the startline.

Team sponsor K9 Natural has invited Jack Russell owners across the country to enter their dog for a chance to be included in the official All Jacks squad. Interested owners can find out more about the team and entry information here: www.k9naturalalljacks.co.nz

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PAGE 8

A record breaking 45,000 people streamed through the gates of the Wānaka A&P Show last Friday and Saturday, to the delight of the organisers who had put in months of organising for the largest lifestyle event in the South Island.

Organisers had new challenges due to the introduction of Covid-19 regulations, but the event went off without a hitch.

Show event manager Jane Stalker said the team was thrilled to have delivered a well-organised and successful event that adhered to health and safety guidelines.

“I think I can speak on behalf of the wider Upper Clutha community that we were very, very fortunate to be able to proceed with the Wānaka A&P Show this year and we are absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” she said. “The Show would not have gone ahead if it wasn’t for our trade exhibitors, sponsors and funders and we are grateful for their continued support.”

The event injects more than $11 million into the local economy each year, and brings rural

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and urban communities together for two days of entertainment.

“It means so much to us to be able to bring this event to the Upper Clutha after a very challenging 12 months not only for famers but for everyone in the community,” Stalker said.

“The Show has provided an opportunity for us to be able to support the small businesses who travel to us from all over New Zealand, and it was fantastic seeing our local motels and restaurants buzzing again.”

This year’s Show also saw the introduction of Cheers Wānaka, a community give-back initiative whereby $1 from every adult ticket sold at the gate was paid forward to a local non-profit organisation. Money raised through Cheers Wānaka was being totalled and the amount would be made public as soon as possible.

The number of trade exhibitors at the Showgrounds this year was 520, up on previous years.

Sheep entries were significantly up on last year, with 260 entries and 180 fleeces (the biggest ever for fleece entries). Horse entries were on par with last year, with 1700 entries (260 horses participating). The number of cattle entries was 64, and 64 dog triallists (64 dogs). Livestock, which came to the Show from around the South Island, continued to be of a high calibre. Seventyseven dogs competed in the Jack Russell race, with first place being awarded to Harry, owned

by Samara Buchanan of Cromwell.

“The feedback over the past two days has been fantastic,” Stalker said. “Hilary Barry was definitely a highlight, as were drag queens CoCo Flash and Erika – who celebrated diversity and inclusiveness in their flamboyant way. The inaugural runway wearable arts competition was also a hit and we got to see some incredible creations in the fashion show.

“Overall, it’s been another sensational event and we thank everyone who attended and helped make the Show a success, from the stall holders to the volunteers, competitors and wider Upper Clutha community,” Stalker said.

Next year’s Wānaka A&P Show will be held on March 11-12, 2022.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun A&P Show

thewanakasun.co.nz

A great day out for all….

Finalists in the lead-rein section.

Waiting for the ferris-wheel to get going!

The Supreme Champion All- breeds sheep was this Southdown ram. Sheep entries were significantly up on last year with 260.

The whirly thing!

Bright and colourful – the home industries tent.

The biggest fleece entry ever with 180 entries.

And they are off!

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

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PAGE 9

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Windows over Wānaka Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Michel Tuffery was a Festival of Colour regular in the early years of the event - and this year, he’s excited to be returning with a student project that will change the face of Helwick Street.

Creative New Zealand’s Senior Pacific Artist, Tuffery is currently working on Te Reo Hotunui o te Moana nui a Kiwa, the Pacific Islands Memorial in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park which is set to be dedicated at the end of this month.

He has been running art exhibitions with tamariki up and down the country, but the idea of transforming windows into art was born from a Matariki exhibition at Te Papa in Wellington. He used traditional Matariki themes like stars and kites to create lettering templates which could be used as a guide for painting the windows, while the public watched the process and saw the images evolve.

Tuffery will be working with a group of intermediate local kids to “bling out” the windows

Michel Tuffery is Creative New Zealand’s Senior Pacific Artist.

of Helwick Street over three days, April 15-17. The artwork will be based on the flora and fauna of our natural environment. Tuffery said the exhibition, which will begin with workshopping and learning how to use acrylic pens, will give the tamariki a chance to show some of their skills and the things they have learned throughout the week.

Watch during festival week as his teams of local students transform shop windows up and down the street!

The roar 2021: make sure you come home

Cookbook to fund innovative learning zones for Wānaka Primary

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka Primary School is creating a community cookbook to fund the development of seven practical learning zones within the school.

Wānaka Primary School principal Wendy Bamford said she hopes sponsorships and sales of the cookbook will raise at least $30,000 to help fund resources for the new “Maker Spaces”, a concept inspired by the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.

“We saw a lot of wonderful construction, making, designing, sewing and electronics being created by the children over lockdown last year and it inspired the concept of dedicated spaces for students to apply their learnings and create masterpieces across all curriculum areas,” she said. “We also saw a lot of cooking and baking in families during this time and thought what better way to fundraise for these practical spaces than by creating a cookbook of our own?’”.

The Ministry of Education will fund the construction of the Maker Spaces, which will be built onto seven of the school’s classroom blocks. The school board will be consulting the community on what the constructions could look like as well as identifying the resources required.

All profits raised from the cookbook will be used to purchase equipment, tools and materials such as sewing machines, woodwork tables and 3D printers.

Students were asked to submit their ideas to name the cookbook, with Year 3 student Edward Hollows coming up with the winning title:

PHOTOS: Supplied

What Big Fig could look like: Tuffery will be working with a group of intermediate local kids to “bling out” the windows of Helwick Street.

PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Primary School principal Wendy Bamford with Year 3 student Edward Hollows, who came up with the cookbook title Bite: Mountain munches, lakeside lunches and everything in between.

Bite: Mountain munches, lakeside lunches and everything in between.

Bite will feature more than 100 recipes provided by local families including lunchbox ideas, breakfast and brunch, picnic nibbles, baking, mains and desserts. The book is expected to be for sale at the end of Term 3 and will be available as a high-quality printed version or digital download.

Sponsorship opportunities for Bite are now open and the school is hoping local businesses and families show their support. Packages range from $3000 for a premier partnership to $250 for a family or small businesses sponsorship.

“We have tried to ensure our range of sponsorship packages are affordable and provide value-for-money for our supporters,” Bamford said. “We are relying on our Wānaka business community and local families to get in behind this project for the long-term benefit of our children. This form of hands-on, pragmatic learning is loads of fun for the children and provides them with a range of important tools and life skills to advance their independence.”

The 2021 roar runs from this Sunday, March 21 until April 17.

Because of the national lockdown in March and April last year, 2020 Wānaka roar ballot permits have rolled over to 2021. Game Animal Council (GAC) General Manager Tim Gale said the plus side of people missing out last year meant that there would be “some really high-quality stags out there and some great hunting to be had.”

But the roar period also presents extra risk, and he encouraged hunters to take precautions to have a safe and successful trip.

Wānaka Search and Rescue (SAR) chairperson Aaron Nicholson’s key message to our hunters for the upcoming roar was: “make sure you come home.”

“Often this can be a hunter’s once a year trip if they only hunt during the roar, which adds to the risk,” said Nicholson. “The number one priority for all hunting trips, be it the roar or not, is firearm safety. Often during the roar mates will hunt together and there needs to be very firm processes around the load state of the rifles, as we often hear about accidental shooting with a loaded firearm when tripping over in the bush or climbing over a fence etc.

“Critical to this point is target identification, particularly as there are more people hunting at this time of year. Even if you have a private block, hunters can still stroll into your patch and it's not unheard of for two different hunters to be roaring up the same stag or each other.

“Keep your finger off the trigger until you

PHOTO: Mountain Safety

Aaron Nicholson: “Even if you have a private block, hunters can still stroll into your patch and it's not unheard of for two different hunters to be roaring up the same stag or each other.”

have properly identified your target. You should be able to state the sex, age and condition of an animal before you shoot it. If you can't, then you can't see enough of it to clearly identify it.”

Nicholson also reminded hunters to take a personal locator beacon or satellite messaging device in case of getting lost or injured.

“It's very easy to trip and fall carrying an animal or heavy load trying to negotiate your way back to the hut or campsite. If you are heading out for the day from the hut or road end always plan for not making it back that night. That means some food, shelter, headlight etc just in case.”

For more information or advice visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Letters to the Editor

thewanakasun.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Skatepark not intimidating at all!

Dudes scare off girls at skatepark

I am a girl, and I roller skate. I head to the Wānaka Park as much as I can and I have never felt intimidated by "dudes" there. Quite the opposite. The male skateboarders are actually the nicest bunch of lads you could meet. There are no drugs there, they are too respectful of the young kids, and most of them have kids of their own.

What I will say is some of these guys are big guys. This doesn't mean they are bullies, just that they tower over some of the small kids, which yes, they might find intimidating. But if you get to know these guys by spending any time down there, you'll see them cheer the kids on when they pull off a trick, give tips and encouragement to the young ones when trying to nail tricks, and let's not forget most of them poured blood sweat and tears into the creation of the skatepark, from fundraising to literally pouring concrete. They have every right to skate that park, as much right as Colleen's daughter.

These guys also contribute to the education of the kids on 'park etiquette'. For example, when young kids dangerously drop into a bowl when someone else is skating in it. These kids are dangerous without this education, not only to themselves but others.The parents who don't skate don't know the 'unwritten rules', so it's up to the rest of us skaters to let the kids know they need to 'look before they leap' in the interest of the safety of all park users.

I'm an advocate and local ambassador for the CIB movement, which originally started out as "Chicks In Bowls" to get more girls into the skateparks and create awareness of inclusivity, but has evolved into simply "People In Bowls" a movement that includes all people in the skatepark and beyond, regardless of age, shape, size, gender, race, religion, sexual preference, ability and anything else ignorant people feel the need to discriminate against.

Kate Robinson

Yes, the skatepark is a daunting place-I can understand especially for young girls.

I am not a skater but the wife of one. I have found myself sitting at skateparks all over the world for nearly 20 years and I do know that Wānaka is the friendliest, most family orientated one.

It’s very disappointing that you choose to write about grown men scaring off girls and not the team of men that lobbied for years to extend the facility for their community, or the men that put on free skate lessons, competitions, made t-shirts to raise funds for the facility.

Or how about the five plus men who took time away from their families and work to go to meetings to design and organise the new skatepark extension.

You could have also written about the dude who under his own steam made Swannie a Wānaka skate magazine so that the skate community had something to look forward to and kids could aspire to be in.

Or the free skate lessons that Rad skate school puts on.

You could also have done a whole article on the patients and kindness these dudes have shown on numerous occasions by administering first aid to the younger child, or taking them to the medical centre when they have been hurt at the skatepark with no phone or way to contact a parent.

Or explaining to a young child or family how the skate park works so their child doesn’t get hurt.

Kimberley Watson

Skatepark actually very friendly

To be honest, when I saw Wānaka Skate Club post a picture of your article, I assumed it must have been a cropped picture only showing a snippet of the piece. It is a blatant jab at skaters that seems to go directly into an unrelated story about trying to fund an indoor sports centre.

Is the thought that more kids would switch to gymnastics instead of going to the skatepark? Or is it insinuating that a gymnastics space is a safer place for girls? I'm honestly confused by the article, but if that is how you're trying to tie in one part to the other, I'd say that's doing more harm than good in perpetuating gender stereotypes at the skatepark.

As one of those "dudes" hanging out at the top of the step-up, or around the bowl waiting my turn to drop in, I can tell you that any annoyance or grievances we have with those who are learning is out of a genuine concern for their (and our own) safety. Kids who don't look where they're going, or that are just pushing around slowly in the flat bottom often get in the way of the older "dudes'' who are probably going a lot faster and don't want to run into them.

Growing up skating I can say that Wānaka skatepark is truly friendlier and more forgiving than most other parks I've been to. Everyone I skate with is respectful and we try our best to be supportive of anyone learning, men and women alike. That being said, sometimes the only way to learn to be aware of your surroundings and not run into other skaters is to be told off once or twice. My experience living and skating in Wānaka for the last 8 months has been a very supportive, inclusive skate community. It's natural for those who are learning to be a little intimidated at the skatepark - I would encourage any of them to actually try talking to one of us next time they're there. I'm sure they'd find most people are very friendly and stoked on anyone who wants to learn to skate, especially girls and women.

Cal Popp

Meet my daughter Olivia

I would like you to meet my daughter Olivia Hein. Olivia is 10 years old and loves our community and takes every chance she can get to make the most of living here.

Olivia is an aspiring athlete, has won New Zealand under 14 slopestyle series twice (at age 8 and 9) as well as for the last five consecutive years she has won both slopestyle and halfpipe for her age divisions at Junior Nationals.

Not only that but she is pushing the limits for what girls can do on their bikes. She has been competing in the Peak to Pub race at Cardrona since it began and can trick her bike on some rather big jumps most are afraid to even try. If that's not enough she has always loved to skate and can often be found at the skatepark dropping into the big bowl and zooming around.

We are extremely lucky to have such a great skatepark and even luckier to have such a supportive community of skaters in Wānaka. From the very first visit we have made life long friends, Olivia has been supported and encouraged and over the years the skatepark has become even more filled with everyone of all ages, gender and nationalities from two years olds learning to skate besides some of the world's best athletes.

There are many costs involved with trying to raise children let alone ones who aspire to represent New Zealand at the pinnacle of their chosen sport and to be lucky enough to have a safe and inclusive facility right in the heart of town where it's free for everyone is second to none.

The 'dudes' you wrote about are the same ones that always say hello, are cheering on anyone out there giving it a go. They are extremely solid community members who are both giving with their time and support, and in no way whatsoever need to be dragged into anything that smears the good work they PHOTO: Kim Anderson have done over the last 25 years.

Olivia Hein, 10 years old, doing her thing at the Kim Anderson skatepark.

Apology to the skateboarding community

As the editor of the Wānaka Sun, I would like to offer a huge apology to the Wānaka skateboarding community for the article in last week's edition, “Dudes scare girls off skatepark.” It was written out of ignorance and a little bit of personal experience but in no way is it a true reflection of the Wānaka skating community. In hindsight and with a bit of research, I have found that the skateboarding “scene” in Wānaka is inclusive of anybody, age or gender and a positive alternative to other sports on offer in the town. Thanks to Chris Curran for filling me in.

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

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PAGE 11

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Great buzz at first Guerilla Gig

GREBE DIARY 14 March 14, 2021

PHOTO: John Darby

John Darby: "I felt that if we looked after them in the right place and way they could become permanent residents."

Guerilla Barry Grehan: “There were such positive thoughts and feelings.”

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The first of hopefully many Guerilla Gigs took place on the lakefront last Friday, March 12, for an audience of around 100 people, featuring performances from Daisy Orbell, Oskie and Better Than Nothing.

A collective of thirteen locals organised the pop-up performance as part of a shared mission to liven up the lakefront.

Barry Grehan said the first gig had a “great buzz… The weather was delicious and the performers were captivating.”

He added that the joy of the event had been the team of guerillas working “like an army of ants” behind the scenes to solve problems on the fly -

PHOTO: Ray Tiddy Photography

such as reorienting the ‘stage’ area when the space they had planned for the gig, across Ardmore Street from the skatepark, was unexpectedly taken up by cars due to the A&P show parking set up - and pulling people in as they left the A&P show at the end of the day.

“There were such positive thoughts and feelings,” said Grehan. “The crowd were craving more of that.”

The second Guerilla Gig is in the works, and will seek to activate a different space along the lake, with an alert going out two days before the event.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information - and in the meantime, there’s an open call out to anyone wishing to perform in any way, be it music, spoken work, comedy or drama - to sign up at guerillagigs.nz.

The Council Word No more cheques

Lakeside Road closure

From 1 June 2021, QLDC will no longer be accepting cheques for any type of payment at QLDC in line with banks no longer issuing them. We have plenty of other payment options that are faster, cheaper and more secure, including: direct debit payments, automatic payments, internet banking payments, via our website (with a credit card or Account2Account), in person (eftpos, credit card or cash), and over the phone.

A friendly reminder that Lakeside Road is now closed to southbound traffic between the Marina and Ardmore Street to allow for the safe and timely construction of Stage Three of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan. This temporary closure will be in place 24 hours a day, during weekends, and is estimated to be in place until August 2021.

A detour is in place via Lismore Street and Hedditch Street. Please note: northbound traffic can still use Lakeside Road.

Help shape our district’s future!

Ante-natal aqua fitness

From Friday 19 March, we’ll be asking for community feedback on a draft Ten Year Plan and draft Spatial Plan for the district. Keep your eyes peeled for information distributed in the Mountain Scene and Wānaka Sun on Thursday 1 April, get all the details online at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz, or from Council offices and libraries across the district. Your thoughts will help shape our district, now and for generations to come – so get involved!

‘You and Me’ aqua-fitness classes at Wānaka Rec Centre run every Tuesday from 7.308.15pm. Fun, gentle and social exercise for you and your ‘bump’! Advanced booking recommended as there are limited spaces. $5.00 per session plus normal pool entry (i.e. included if you’re a pool member). For more info and bookings drop by reception, call 03 443 9334 or email wrc@qldc.govt.nz.

Pool timetables

Drop-in at the Rec Centre

To help you plan your swims in advance, you can find timetables for Queenstown and Wānaka lap pools on our website – qldc.govt.nz/recreation/swim. These show which lanes are booked (e.g. for clubs and swim lessons) and which remain free for public swimming through each day.

Head to Wānaka Rec Centre for two brand new activities this term. Table tennis for adults and kids – casual sessions Tuesdays 6.00 - 7.30pm ($5.00/person). Yoga for beginners/ intermediate – Tuesdays 7.00 - 8.00am and Fridays 1.00 - 2.00pm from 2 Feb ($10.00/ person). No need to book. For more info contact 03 443 9334 / wrc@qldc.govt.nz

www.qldc.govt.nz PAGE 12

This year’s breeding season is slowly drawing to a close. So slowly that this one out of all the eight we have followed is the latest by far. Nests 5 and 10 both left their marina nests this week taking two chicks apiece and each leaving the almost obligatory unhatched egg in their nests. That, in my notebook, just left the birds on nest 9 to hatch their eggs. That was until the lonely pair on nest 3 thought to intervene, and laid eggs this last week.

At the earliest/latest, all being well, they will hatch April 4..

Following our discussion on nesting platform design, I have embarked on building the first experimental one. I had anticipated that it would be much lighter than anything previously built, but am not sure that that will be the case. I am using a plastic pallet as the base and drainage downpipe capped at both ends for buoyancy.

The base is surrounded by a length of wood on all four sides that provides rigidity. I will attach sides on two of these such that the nest and birds have privacy and shelter.

I am still hoping to have the year eight students at Mt Aspiring College have input into designs and manufacture. By coincidence, I received a late call to talk to about 150 plus of them at MAC this last week as part of the Touchstone project. I was as nervous as heck, but it went ok. I was so impressed with these guys, they were so attentive and quiet, but heaps of really good questions at the end.

The boardwalk at the marina is progressing steadily and I must say the contractors are being careful as to what they do and how. Thus far, the birds appear to be unaware of their presence. I will be following progress week by week through to the end of August when it is hoped the project will be completed.

I have to admit that I am very excited about the whole project and can’t but help think back to when I first suggested it to local Councilors some five years ago. The year after I had started the grebe project I

volunteered and was appointed a Guardian of Lake Wānaka. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the lake, what was being done to care for it, and whose responsibility it was to care for it. I left the Guardians after four years much the wiser of their frustrations but bereft of the assurances I needed about the future of the lake.

Three years after I had started the grebe project, I felt that if we looked after them in the right place and way they could become permanent residents.

Eight years on I can record that 304 chicks have headed up the lake with their parents and Lake Hāwea folk have well and truly taken to grebes and appear eager to take the Wānaka overflow.

So it was that I decided that I would use the grebes as the platform to try to tell the story of the lake, its ecology and natural history. To make that happen we needed a focal point, thus the idea of creating a boardwalk that fronted onto the grebe breeding area was born. There is a planting plan that will replace almost all the weed species with some 4000 native plants such that the ecology will represent how it once was 1000 or more years ago. Above all, the intention is to use the whole area as a pin-up board for Lake Wānaka.

In winding this year’s efforts up, I owe a huge vote of thanks to all those boaties at the marina who have patiently put up with a grebe nest at the end of berths. Thanks also to Tup Blunt and Mike Barker of the marina management staff, it has been wonderful to work with you and having so much positive support has made a great difference. So many thanks to Markus Hermanns of Wānaka Primary School who has agreed to continue with the project. I will be in the background to assist when needed, but it will be to him to take the dream forward. Last but not least, to editor Pat of the Sun and her staff who have always made my diaries better when they came out than when they went in.

– By John Darby

TRUST THE CHEF Sharing Plates + Glass of Wine or Tap Beer*

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*Conditions Apply · THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sun Views

EDITORIAL

Wānaka Skatepark: something for everyone

PHOTO: Rad Skate School

The skatepark may be intimidating the first time around - but persevere and you will find a welcoming community of skaters.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

I started skateboarding about 30 years ago in San Francisco. The object of learning this skill was to be able to skate my way to university, so purely transport, but I picked up a few other skills. My piece de resistance was being able to do a handstand on the skateboard but there was a heap of other skaters, including my husband, who could do a whole lot more.

We came back to New Zealand in about 2000 and not long after the skate park on Brougham Street in Christchurch was built and we used to go down there, and potter around amongst the teenagers and generally make fools of ourselves.

But the atmosphere, down there amongst the traffic and hustle and bustle of Central Christchurch was one of conviviality and we and our friends would have a good time. I never felt out of place.

Fast forward 20 years and I am still skating sort of, but obviously, as a 60-year-old woman, my skills, along with everything else are on the decline.

I arrived back in Wānaka a year ago and

brought my skateboard with me, thinking I would try and recover some skills by frequenting the Wānaka Skatepark.

My first trip down there, after work so at about 5.30pm, there were so many skaters, that feeling completely intimidated, I turned around and went home. The mistake I made was not persevering as I have learned that the Wānaka skating community is incredibly welcoming and inclusive. Maybe if I had gone down at a time of the day when it was less busy I would have found my feet and continued to skate.

So, I don’t get what the big furore about an article published in last week’s edition of the Wānaka Sun is all about? One person made one comment on the Wānaka Skatepark about her daughter feeling intimidated down there.

Hell! I felt intimidated that first time.

I think the Wānaka skating community should have a bit more faith in itself. Sure, the skate park may not appeal to every 12-year-old girl or 60-year-old woman but it appeals to so many more. So, what’s the big deal! One article isn’t going to decimate the Wānaka Skating community. It's just an opinion and everyone is entitled to that. I know I will be back for another go.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Wānaka snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (20) has defended her title at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard World Championships at Aspen's Buttermilk resort. She is the first person ever to defend a FIS Snowboard World Championship title.

Crimeline Nolet G Greg Constable, NZPD

INBRIEF 100th dog trial of the Wānaka Collie Club The Wānaka Collie Club will hold their 100th dog trial on Friday and Saturday this week, March 19 and 20, from 8:00am until dark at the Alpha Burn Station, 1131 Mt Aspiring Road.

There will be four courses - two for huntaway dogs and two for heading dogs.

People are most welcome to come and watch.

ORC presents river management proposal to Cardrona community The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is returning to the Cardrona community this week to hold a public meeting on how it proposes to manage flows in the river.

The proposal is based on input from the community about its value for the river, as well as research on the ecology and hydrology of the river, and it takes economic impacts into account.

The proposed approach will form part of ORC’s upcoming Land and Water Regional Plan, intended for notification in 2023.

ORC Manager Policy and Planning Anita Dawe encouraged interested people to attend

PHOTO: Supplied

the meeting.

Meeting: Thursday (today), 18 March 2021, 1pm-2.30pm or 7-8.30pm at Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street.

Kahu Youth Hāwea moves forward Kahu Youth is moving forward with its expansion into Hāwea following a focus group session last Monday, March 8.

Youth worker Hemi Cordell said the session confirmed that there was a need for the youth of Hāwea to have a designated “safe and supervised” space where they could participate in activities, socialise and hang out.

600 youths are currently registered with Kahu Youth.

Cordell said Kahu Youth were fully aware that for parents in Hāwea to drop their kids to the Crib in Wānaka, and return to collect them later, could take an hour each day and be quite costly.

The Kahu team were in the process of organising an online survey to collect feedback from a wider audience on what would work best to engage Hāwea youth.

We will start with the hot debate on supplying our children with alcohol as they learn the art of communication while under the influence of beer, wine and mixers.

The nature of the occasion must be taken into consideration before you go and buy for them.

The main issues are; they must be supervised (continuously), a sensible limit for the age (the adult is the decider in this battle), the alcohol level of the drink supplied is a factor, (alcohol removed and low alcohol drinks to be discussed), alternatives are to be supplied (non-alcoholic drinks) and of course food to be given.

If they are going to another person’s place, written permission must be given to an adult who is there and going to stay there. Safe transport is mandatory. Section 241 Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 has it all there. The penalties can also be located in the same Act. Take this opportunity to at least have a decent conversation with the ones who have begun to not listen to you as they now know everything.

Let them learn from you in this very important step in life. Remember that they will get it wrong and will need a shoulder to cry on. Make sure it is there and have the best words ready for them.

A drunk driver was caught at the checkpoint

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

on Friday. Off to court for this person. Another person under 20 received an infringement notice and both are not able to drive for 12 hours.

One male drove while being forbidden and had his car impounded.

A crash was put down to the oncoming driver failing to dip their headlights. This is as annoying as the moths are to clean off the grill of the car in the morning. Please, all persons in the car check the driver is doing the right thing for the oncoming cars.

Cycle helmets and lights at night will be a focus, as the injury from not having these in the right places is costly to the community. Fines will be issued.

The Agricultural and Pastoral show at the weekend was great. Hundreds of happy people using the day’s events as an awesome family gathering. To all involved we thank you. It was a great day and boost for our community.

A few dysfunctional people took it upon themselves to throw bananas around the Night and Day store at 3 am on Sunday. Good luck with the job application if this is the best you can show to the public.

The staff here in Wānaka would like to thank you all for being great and we love the odd wave as we drive past. Keep it up and I hope you’re getting ready for the up and coming winter sports season.

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

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TRENCHING & EXCAVATION

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Mt Iron Trenching & Excavation Ltd Truck Driver / Excavator operators needed Experience required.

These positions are full time. The successful applicant would be part of a busy, friendly team and receive a great remuneration package.

All your local water blasting needs: House soft washing, patios, decks and fences Surface cleaning for; driveways, pathways, tiles & stone Moss and Lichen treatment from rooftops to tennis courts Exterior Window cleaning

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• DOGWASH • AUTO & JETWASHES • VACUUMS • LAUNDROMAT Cnr Deering & McCormick Streets, Three Parks

NATIVES Hardy, native plants, small home native nursery open by appointment at Queensberry. Willowbank nursery on Facebook. $5 small grade, $14 2.5L pots and $22 4L pots, grasses start at $3. Hebes, Flax, Groundcover and Trees. Free local delivery on orders $100 and over. 10% discount on bulk orders. Phone 027 516 5519, or email nativenursery@outlook. co.nz Autumn is the time to be planting. Look forward to helping you with your planting requirements.

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$50+GST

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 03 443 5252

PAGE 2

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

NOTICES

THANKS

Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

Business Networking International.

The Wānaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning.

Great networking opportunity to grow your business.

Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family Store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.

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.

SERVICES Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 6pm and 10 to 6 on Sundays.

Ph 443 8000.

The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.

WANTED The Salvation Army Family Store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pick-ups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information. Lifting of furniture will be required.

The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068.

STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

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

SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1018

Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea.

Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly.

Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz

03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST)

per year. Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Sport / lassifieds

thewanakasun.co.nz

128 hours of non-stop racing

SITUATION VACANT

We’re hiring!

We’re hiring!

Dougal Allan, Simone Maier, Theo Wordsworth, Richie McCaw.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Coast to Coast champions Simone Maier and Dougal Allan came second in GODZone Chapter 9 last Wednesday when their team, iSport, finished the race in six days.

They completed 365km of mountain biking, 140km of paddling and 190km of trekking alongside their teammates, former All Black Captain Richie McCaw and Theo Wordsworth.

Allan recalled that they “spent plenty of time with Tiki Tour from Queenstown in 2nd and 3rd place, a few hours behind [UK team] Avaya,” the current world champions. Tiki Tour finished 2 hours behind iSport, who were 9 hours behind Avaya.

Now in its ninth year, GODZone is the world’s largest expedition adventure race. Teams use various disciplines such as pack rafting, trekking, mountain biking and mountaineering to go from point to point, day and night.

This year, competitors navigated an unknown course across the wider Bay of Plenty district out

PHOTO: Supplied

of Rotorua. Allan had only joined the team with five days’ notice when the Auckland lockdown prevented Rob Nichol from participating - “a bit of time spent suffering and riding the waves of emotion and uncertainty that the Godzone gives is good for the soul,” he decided.

Maier said the racing in the North Island for the first time was intriguing.

"It is way different here in Rotorua than racing in the South Island, and we didn't see many people out there, just amazing scenery. The course had so many different elements – sometimes it felt like two Coast to Coasts in one day," she said.

“The Godzone was never part of the plan but I cannot now imagine not having done it,” said Allan. “It will be a good few weeks before I feel ‘normal’ again but I will certainly have a new appreciation for the warm bed, hot showers and cooked meals I can now go back to enjoying as the body recovers.”

Maier and Allan were both named 2021 Coast to Coast Longest Day Champions, each claiming their second title since 2019, in February.

The need for community connection and support has increased dramatically. Community Networks Wānaka and LINK Upper Clutha operate together as our region’s one-stop community support centre, The need for community connection and support has increased we are increasing ourWānaka staff and services. dramatically.and Community Networks and LINK Upper Clutha operate together as our region’s one-stop community support centre, and weNetworks are increasing our staff and services.

Community

Food Security Project Coordinator Community Networks This part- time position is for an organised, self-motivated Food Project Coordinator projectSecurity manager to coordinate the Food Security Project.

Thepartproject includes coordinating the currentself-motivated operation of This time position is for an organised, the foodbank and at different options to increase project manager tolooking coordinate the Food Security Project. food security across our community.

The project includes coordinating the current operation of the anda team looking at different options to increase Wefoodbank are seeking member that has an interest in comfood security across our community. munity wellbeing and making a difference to food security in our community.

We are seeking a team member that has an interest in community wellbeing and making a difference to food security in our community.

For more information and to apply, visit our website: communitynetworks.co.nz. Closing date March 28, 2021

For more information and to apply, visit our website:

PUBLIC NOTICE communitynetworks.co.nz. Closing date March 28, 2021

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that:

RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991 Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these from our website www.qldc.govt.nz/ services/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents#public-rc or via our edocs website using the RM number as the reference www.edocs.qldc.govt.nz/Account/Login 1. J and R Knight (RM210092) What is proposed: To undertake a two lot subdivision that will create two lots below minimum lot size. Lot 1 is proposed to be 2200m2 net in area, whereas Lot 2 would be 1800m2 net.

Access to proposed Lot 1 will be from Northburn Road, with access to proposed Lot 2 from Glenaray Crescent.

The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at: 11 Northburn Road, Wānaka

J and R Knight C/- Jo Fyfe jo.fyfe@jea.co.nz John Edmonds and Associates PO Box 95, Queenstown

Address for Service for Consent Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300

Email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz Phone 03 441 0499 Website www.qldc.govt.nz

Dated: 18 March 2021 Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL Queenstown Lakes District Council

Pursuant to Clause 8D of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991, the General Manager of Planning and Development, acting under delegated authority, has authorised the withdrawal of the following variation to the Proposed District Plan (PDP) on 22 February 2021:

The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Erin Stagg, who may be contacted by phone at 03 450 0331 or email erin.stagg@qldc.govt.nz Submissions will be received until 19 April 2021, and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information:

3.

4.

5.

6.

You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Queenstown Lakes District Council (details below). The submission should be in the format of Form 13. Copies of this form are available on the website www.qldc.govt.nz/services/resource-consents/application-forms-and-fees#other_forms.

Withdrawal of variation seeking to rezone land at the Queenstown Shotover Delta from the Queenstown Lakes Council Proposed District Plan

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT:

1.

2.

a) adversely affects the environment; and b) does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.

Your name, email address (preferred), postal address and telephone number.

Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number.

Whether you support or oppose the application.

Your submission, with reasons.

The decision you wish the consent authority to make.

Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.

• The proposed Open Space Informal Recreation Zone at Lot 2-3 DP 422388 and Section 143-144, 152 Block I Shotover Survey District (the land).

• The land affected by the withdrawal will revert to Rural Zone as determined by the decision on Stage 1 of the current district plan review.

The reasons for the withdrawal are: • The variation has the unintended effect of rezoning land being used as a wastewater treatment plant from Rural to Informal Recreation zone.

• The Open Space zones are intended to apply to Council administered land, parks and reserves. Part of the land enables continuation of the operation of the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant and a clean fill.

• Council has no intent to manage this area as a public reserve or to produce a reserve management plan for the area while the treatment plant and clean fill operations are ongoing.

For further information on this matter please contact the Planning Policy team on 03 441 0499.

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

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

PAGE 3

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Premier Reserves open the season with a convincing performance Saturday saw the start of the 2021 football season kick off with the first games of the Radio Central, Central Otago League played all over Central Otago ( COL ).

This year with a few teams pulling out of the competition due to covid 19 restrictions, COL could only field eleven teams and unable to make two divisions all eleven teams will play in division one including the WAFC third team. At the end of the first round, the top six teams will stay in division one and compete for the league championship and the bottom five teams will compete for the division two title.

The Wānaka Recreation Centre saw a match between the WAFC Premier Reserve and the WAFC third team.

The two teams met last Saturday for a preseason game when the older brothers won 4-1.

What difference a week makes. The Premier Reserves wasted no time at all to get on the scorecard with a fine goal to striker Brandon Dickson. But it didn’t take long for the third team to hit back with a goal to 17-year-old Charlie McKean and tie the game up with some ball watching and lazy defence from the Premier Reserve team but that was as close as the game

Hard

got. Once the Premier Reserve team settled down and played their own game and trusted in what they had been working on at training they completely controlled and dominated the game with the Premier Reserves winning by 11 to 1.

Brandon Dickson added another six goals to his first and ended the game with seven. Thomas Smith bagged two and one each to Sergio Leal and Izaak Emamuel.

Cristobal Vasquez had eight goal assists.

The second game on Saturday saw the WAFC Premier team take on Winton FC in their final preseason game before their season kicks off next Saturday at home. This game was a case of David versus Goliath but unlike the biblical story, David didn’t prevail with the Premier team scoring 15 goals in a one-sided match.

Next Saturday all three WAFC teams play at home at the Wānaka Recreation Centre at 12:45.

Central Otago League game with the WAFC Premier Reserves take on Alexandra A on the main pitch. On pitch two the WAFC third team takes on Wakatipu United and the main match of the day will be the WAFC premier team up against Mosgiel AFC Premiers.

– By WAFC

PHOTO: WAFC

Premier Reserve striker Brandon Dickson scoring one of his seven goals.

Trust Issues: What you need to know

If you think that the new Trusts Act that came into effect on 30 January 2021 has nothing to do with you, think again. What if you happened to be the beneficiary of a trust without knowing it? Or what if you were eligible to inherit a small (or large) fortune without realising it? These are some of the scenarios the new law aims to resolve.

With Janice Hughes

Trustee

Family

Breaking www.aspiringlaw.co.nz Please remember: the information in this column is designed as a general guide only and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue.

PAGE 16

THURSDAY 18.03.21 - WEDNESDAY 24.03.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN