Wanaka Sun | 17- 23 September 2020 | Edition 992

Welcome Forest

INSIDE THIS WEEK

For migrants and newcomers.

Views: Page 13 Sport: Page 16

PAGE 5

Gulf Livestock 1 So what’s the deal?

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PAGE 13 EDITION 992

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Big clean-up for Cardrona River

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) arranged for three cars and a ute canopy to be removed from the area.

PHOTOs: Supplied

Eighteen local volunteers picked up a shocking array of dumped trash along the Cardrona River last week. Almost 2,200kgs (1.2 tonnes) of rubbish was collected as part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Clean Up Week. (see page 6 for story)

Maternity care decision two months away Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

he future of maternity care in the Southern DHB's Central Lakes will be decided in November.

The board has been consulting on where to locate primary birthing units and maternity hubs in Central Otago and Wānaka since February.

At present, there are units in Queenstown and

T

Alexandra supported by hubs in Wānaka and Ranfurly, but it's clear the situation is no longer working for expectant mothers and residents of the area.

Four options are on the table: the first would be a new unit in Cromwell, the second was a unit in Clyde at the existing Dunstan Hospital, the third would be two units - one in Wānaka and keeping the existing unit at Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital in Alexandra, and lastly a new

unit in Wānaka and establishing the unit at Clyde.

A public meeting was held in Wānaka last week, where the board outlined the possibilities and was met by mothers upset and concerned that their birthing experiences would be replicated if a facility was not established in the town and not done soon enough.

Almost two-thirds of responses to the consultation came from Wānaka and Hāwea, and most wanted two primary birthing units, with Charlotte Jean

retained and a new unit built in Wānaka.

Southern DHB general manager of primary care and population health Mary Cleary Lyons said no decisions had been made yet.

"We have to take cost and affordability into account, but this isn't a purely cost exercise because if it was a cost exercise then this discussion wouldn't even be on the table," she told the meeting.

Continued on page 3

Sun News

Election Roadshow for Climate moves across the country

Jim Salinger: The climate crisis is major, global, and perpetual – until we do something about it.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Election Roadshow for Climate, an initiative of Extinction Rebellion (XR) supported by Aotearoa Climate Emergency (ACE), is well on its way to put climate and ecological change at the forefront of this election.

The Roadshow, which started concurrently from Bluff and Cape Reinga this week, is promoting three election issues: the declaration of a national climate emergency; a Citizens’ Assembly on climate next year; and a green postCOVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Participants from Queenstown and Wānaka gathered hL at the Cardrona Hotel to hear Jim Salinger speak about glacier retreat in the Queenstown Lakes area. He also spoke on his involvement in the New Zealand Intergenerational Climate Ambassadors, a group representing all generations including the Solid Generation (pre 1946), Baby Boomers, GenX, Millennials and Centennials. The group is calling on the next Government to accelerate climate action.

“The climate crisis is major, global, and perpetual – until we do something about it,” said Salinger. “Since the late nineteenth century, the white icing that has capped QueenstownLakes and the Southern Alps has been rapidly disappearing. There once was about 120 cubic kilometres of white ice in Aoteoroa - Land of the Long White Cloud. But alas Aoteoroa is fast becoming Aoteopoto - Land of the Short White Cloud. By 2019 we only had about 30 cubic kilometres remaining of permanent ice - this disappearing ice represents a mere quarter of the former glory of the Southern Alps. The last two heatwave summers gauged and burnt off a huge amount of this ice.”

In Whangarei, the North Island contingent

Glen Dene declined consent to build

PHOTO: Agscience

of the Roadshow interviewed local resident and environmental activist Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn about her concerns for the future of Northland.

Catherine belongs to Te Rarawa Ngati Kuri peoples of the Far North of the North Island, and her career has seen her working on policy analysis, environmental defence policy and indigenous rights advocacy with the United Nations.

“The climate emergency has to be the biggest problem that humanity is facing right now,” said Murupaenga-Ikenn. “For our communities, this means instability, it means water insecurity, it means food insecurity and disruption to society. A lot of people are concerned with employment and jobs, but without a habitable environment, jobs become a moot point. There’s a lot of mahi to be done; building community resilience, civic reform to keep our elected officials accountable, education of the issues, and social injustice to address.”

Murupaenga-Ikenn was concerned for the future of Northland.

“We are experiencing storms that are meant to be one in 500-year events more and more frequently, more like every five or ten years. And these storms come after months of drought. We have to adapt to this as the new normal. On top of this, the agricultural industry has depleted the health of our soils, and as a result, the nutritional value of our food is declining. Things are all happening at once. We have to get back into balance with nature.”

Murupaenga-Ikenn has expressed her support for the idea of a Citizens’ Assembly.

“The Citizens’ Assembly is a good tool to allow people to influence political decision making in between elections. It has to be a system that complies with Te Tiriti o Waitangi standards. We have to think about what’s fair and equitable for everyone to participate in the conversation, moving forward and building solutions for the climate crisis.”

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Glen Dene Station is considering an appeal after it was declined resource consent to build in an area of outstanding natural landscape.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The owners of Glen Dene Station are considering an appeal after they were declined resource consent to create a two-lot subdivision on their high country property, 4 kilometers north of the Lake Hawea township.

Richard and Sarah Burdon had applied to build a new residential building on the shores of Lake Hawea, in an area of outstanding natural landscape, and visible from parts of the lake and the Te Araroa Track.

The Upper Clutha Environmental Society was one of two submitters who opposed the application.

Secretary Julian Haworth said the society was delighted with the decision.

"Under the new (district) plan, development in an outstanding natural landscape has to be difficult to see.

"The society fought for this criteria to be included in the district plan where previously it only applied in the Wakatipu," Haworth said.

Commissioners Rober Nixon and Wendy

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For enquiries, contact Kerry at your local Wanaka office: P: 021 427 744 E: kerry@elrick.co.nz

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Baker concluded that had they granted consent for the build there was potential for setting a precedent.

"We consider there is a potentially high demand for residential properties on the margins of lakes in this district, mainly where sites are readily accessible by road, as is the case here.

"We considered particular care needed to be exercised when contemplating the consequences of a grant of consent on a lakeside site in the rural zone within an outstanding natural landscape.

"Although finely balanced, we conclude that a grant of consent would have more than minor effects on the environment and that a grant of consent would have significant potential to create a precedent and undermine confidence in the integrity of the Proposed District Plan."

Riuchard Burdon said he believed the application met a lot of the standards on environmental and minor impacts.

"We believe the commissioners made a few mistakes with some issues and we are certainly looking into an appeal to the Environment Court," Richard Burdon said.

Free event alert: tickets online for RenewArt Joanna Perry

Elrick & Co provide a full range of surveying, planning and civil engineering services.

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Tickets are now available for what promises to be highly enjoyable and entertaining events for all ages, the RenewArt 2020 Creative Community Showcases.

Held at the Queenstown Event Centre on October 9 and 10, and the Lake Wānaka Centre on October 16 and 17, the event will feature twenty visual artists and 21 performing arts groups across 17 disciplines including: dance, painting, music, sculpture, theatre, photography, aerial performance, jewellery, comedy, film, light installations, pencil, fire dance and ceramics.

With one mutual theme of "renewal," this event will reunite our community through the incredible power of arts and culture.

Three Lakes Cultural Trust general manager Jo Brown said the idea behind RenewArt was to create uplifting events to be enjoyed by the entire district post-Covid-19, while also enabling a paid THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

work opportunity for local artists.

“The RenewArt creative community showcase promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining event for the community while providing an opportunity to support the incredible artistic talent we have right here in our region,” she said.

“We understand that this is the first time an event like this, offering the work of so many different performing and visual artists, has ever taken place in our district and we are very excited to present it.”

The Trust has secured commitments in excess of $180,000 to deliver the project and reward selected artists for their work. The RenewArt community events are supported by funding from the Hugo Charitable Trust, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South, Otago Community Trust and Creative New Zealand.

All events are free to the public and tickets are available on eventbrite.co.nz. For more information and links to tickets, visit: www. threelakesculturaltrust.co.nz/renewart.

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Sun News

Maternity care decision two months away

PHOTO: Pixabay

Boult said the grant will provide the opportunity to bring high-quality events south while also supporting jobs in tourism.

Mayor Boult delighted at $8.5 million funding boost Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult has expressed delight at an $8.5 million grant from the central government’s Regional Events Fund.

The grant will support the staging of events in Wānaka, Queenstown, Central Otago, and Fiordland, which were considered together as the Southern Lakes Alliance.

Boult said the work of the Mayoral Taskforce for Tourism and Short-term Recovery identified events as the most effective way to encourage New Zealanders to visit the region more regularly.

“The QLDC team and I have invested a considerable amount of time and energy into lobbying for the creation of a fund such as this, and to say that I’m happy would be a massive understatement,” Boult said.

“Whether it’s sporting events, art exhibitions, celebrations of culture and heritage, weddings, music or dance, an event in this part of the country is made extra special not only by our

stunning natural landscape but by our people who are some of the most skilled hosts and event organisers you’ll find anywhere.

“That the government recognised the value of events in supporting an economy such as ours is fantastic. Equally, that the Minister saw fit to award $8.5 million of the fund to the Southern Lakes is truly a show of confidence in the ability of our region to recover and once again become a major contributor to GDP.” Boult said the grant will provide the opportunity to bring high-quality events south while also supporting jobs in tourism.

“I would like to thank the government for listening to us and assure them the money will be well spent in aiding the economic recovery of the district,” he said.

“During these tough economic times, this has come as a much needed, and much appreciated, hand up.”

The Regional Events Fund is part of the government’s larger Tourism Recovery Package and was created to help drive domestic tourism in key areas throughout the country.

Continued from page 1 "Supporting rural birthing is always going to cost more, but it's about doing what's right for communities and doing that in a way that's sustainable and as cost-effective as we can make it. So, all those factors will come into play but you've given us an awful lot to think about."

Cleary Lyons said it was clear a change needed to happen, but none of the options on the table were maintaining the status quo.

If the SDHB decides against a birthing unit in Wānaka, it remained committed to ensuring a fit-for-purpose maternal and child hub will be put in place in Wānaka, Cleary Lyons said. Such facilities are temporarily operating from the Wānaka Lakes Medical Centre.

“It has been a really long and difficult process,” she said she believed maternity services in Wānaka had improved because there were now more midwives there, and they were “more supported”.

The SDHB said in June it was reconsidering the site of the planned maternal and child hub however the Gordon Road property leased by the SDHB was still an option, she said.

Another risky roadside birth shows why National’s promise to pledge $500,000 to a new maternal hub at Wānaka needs to happen, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said.

“I’m appalled and concerned that a Wānaka woman had to give birth in the Cromwell Gorge during the hour-long journey to the nearest birthing unit at Alexandra.

“How many more women will have to give birth on the roadside or office floor, before

PHOTO: Pixabay

Almost two-thirds of responses to the consultation came from Wānaka and Hāwea, and most wanted two primary birthing units, with Charlotte Jean retained and a new unit built in Wānaka.

Wānaka gets the primary birthing facilities it so desperately needs?

“I don’t think it’s acceptable. The National Party certainly does not think it’s acceptable, and that’s why a birthing unit at Wānaka would be a high priority and will get our financial backing.”

Its estimated about 380 births occur in the area with 160 of those in Wānaka.

A paper with a recommended option would now be drafted before going to the board for a decision in November.

No pay rise for Councillors Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Last week the Otago Regional Council (ORC) received a report about the Local Government Members Remuneration Determination for the 2020-21 financial year.

ORC Chair Andrew Noone said the council happily accepted that remuneration was unchanged from the previous year.

“The determination makes no changes to Otago Regional Council elected members’ remuneration, which we feel is a sensible and appropriate decision given the Covid-19 pandemic and its financial impact on people right across the country.

“ORC withdrew from our reserves this year to avoid an increase in general rates, and we worked hard to keep targeted rate increases to a minimum. We know a lot of businesses and families have had to tighten the purse strings and are facing uncertain times. In that context, we are in full agreement with the determination not to increase pay for elected members.”

No reductions were made to the Chair’s salary by the Remuneration Authority, as the ORC Chair at the time, Hon Marian Hobbs, had

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R I A P RE N O I T U L O V E R PHOTO: ORC

Chair at the time, Hon Marian Hobbs, had donated 10 per cent of her salary over the last six months to Dunedin and Queenstown-based charities.

donated 10 per cent of her salary over the last six months to Dunedin and Queenstown-based charities. That commitment was made alongside the Otago Mayoral Forum in March 2020 to recognise the impacts of Covid-19.

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Run for Life Education Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Life Education Trust is inviting members of the community to get moving with their mascot, Harold the giraffe, and raise funds to keep the trust running.

The Heartland Otago Southland charity educates and empowers over 250,000 children each year to embrace positive choices for a healthy mind and body. Visiting local schools in mobile classrooms, their educators help students understand how decisions they make today can affect their future health and well-being through the ‘Healthy Harold programme’.

Harold is getting a team together to participate in the Queenstown Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km event on November 21, and he’s encouraging people to join him, seek sponsorship from their peers and ‘fly the flag’ for Life Education on the day.

There is also a Virtual Event for those who want to improve their running or can’t make the event, with online support and tips for running or walking a certain distance each week to achieve a personal goal. This is open to all ages and abilities.

Margaret Box, Life Education chair, said: “We’re really looking forward to meeting our teammates at this event and also seeing what people can achieve in the virtual event – it’s a fun way to work up your weekly activity to achieve a PHOTO: Supplied significant goal.”

Life Education is inviting members of the community “I know several children have signed up for to get moving with their mascot, Harold the giraffe, the virtual event already and are aiming to ‘run and raise funds to keep the trust running. a marathon’ over several weeks, just like Mum a night at the Hilton, a scenic heli flight and or Dad who are doing the event in Queenstown Torpedo 7 Vouchers.” or just run regularly. We also have some amazing To find out more or register, email: prizes for the highest fundraisers, including heartland@lifeedtrust.org.nz.

PHOTO: Supplied

Nominators Volunteer South - Central Lakes Manager Gillian White, said that Mark and his team played a vital role in the welfare response in the Upper Clutha.

Wānaka tour operator finalist in NZ Food Awards Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

For the first time, a Wānaka tour operator, Ridgeline Adventures, has been named a finalist in the New Zealand Food Awards.

The NZ Food Awards have this year pivoted from showcasing New Zealand’s best food and beverage producers to recognising kiwi spirit in keeping the food supply chain going during the COVID-19 response. They received over 340 nominations reflecting innovation and true community spirit.

Among the finalists were Ridgeline Adventures of Wānaka - which operates 4WD trips and high country walks in Wānaka - making three of the six categories (Dream Team, Local Hero and Greater Good) for volunteering their vehicles and drivers to deliver food during the lockdown.

With 95 per cent of their clients coming from the international market, the business saw the bulk of their forward bookings cancelled when

New Zealand closed its borders.

Owner Mark Orbell reached out to Volunteer South - Central Lakes and was matched with New World to deliver groceries to those most vulnerable or who could not get to the shops themselves.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to visit people all over town who have been so appreciative of our service,” said Orbell. “Often we have been the only people they have physically spoken to in weeks.”

Volunteer South - Central Lakes Manager Gillian White, said that Mark and his team played a vital role in the welfare response in the Upper Clutha.

"With no online deliveries in Wānaka, his team filled an essential gap in coordinating the roster seven afternoons a week getting groceries to our most vulnerable members of the community.

This isn't the first time Mark has volunteered his team, and I'm sure it won't be the last,” she said.

The winners will be announced on October 8 at a Food Heroes Awards Celebration in Auckland.

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Sun Community

Quality of Life Survey check-in

PHOTO: Trees that Count

As the new forest grows, we’ve made sure the views will still be accessible through walkways and wellpositioned viewing points.

PHOTO: QLDC

Mike Theelen: Information collected is highly useful in identifying priority issues and projects, supporting planning processes and ensuring the right conversations are being had with the right people.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The annual Quality of Life survey has kicked off for the third year running at letstalk.qldc.govt. nz. Open to all members of the community aged 18 and over, the survey will run until 5.00 pm on Sunday 11 October 2020.

The survey provides an opportunity to gain a snapshot into what life is like in the Queenstown Lakes District, what issues the community is facing, what people love about living here and their aspirations for the future.

Queenstown Lakes District Council Senior Policy and Performance Advisor Katherine Davies developed the survey in conjunction with independent researchers, Versus Research, and various social services partners.

“We’ve worked with our community partners to develop questions to help guide Council and social service decisions. More than 2,000 people participated in last year’s survey so building on this knowledge for the third year in a row is invaluable as a tool to support with planning and prioritising future funding needs,” Davies said.

For the 2020 survey, the questions focus on the four aspects of community wellbeing - social, economic, environmental, and cultural.

“We’ve included many of the same questions as previous surveys so progress can be tracked year on year, along with a further focus on how COVID-19 has affected our communities.

This will be really important information to understand and track as work to support the district’s recovery evolves,” Davies said.

The data from previous years has demonstrated peoples’ concern for climate change which has been important in informing the Climate Action Plan. In addition, data has shown that around 24 per cent of people had accessed mental health services in the previous 12 months, with some communities facing barriers to accessing key health services. This data has been important in advocating for improved service provision for the district.

This year the community will also have the opportunity to feed into the 2021-2031 Ten Year

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Plan, which is coming up early next year, through a second short questionnaire.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen said the information collected is highly useful in identifying priority issues and projects, supporting planning processes and ensuring the right conversations are being had with the right people.

“While the survey is focused on how life is right now, we are also keen to understand what people love about being here and what they would change about life in the district in the future,” he said.

The timing of the Quality of Life Survey coincides with Mental Health Awareness week and Theelen encouraged all parts of the community to take part to ensure the data accurately represents the make-up of the district.

“We’re very conscious that COVID-19 disruptions will be front of mind for people as they respond to this year’s survey and that’s another reason why the feedback will be valuable.

We need to know what the big issues are and where the need is greatest to help plan for a better tomorrow,” Theelen said.

Welcome Forest for migrants and newcomers Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Human Rights Commissioner Meng Foon will join Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Mayor Jim Boult and local migrant families for a ceremonial tree planting event in Whakatipu-wai-Māori (Queenstown) on Saturday, October 10.

Led by environmental charity Trees That Count, the new ‘Welcome Forest’ will be located at Jardine Park and attendees will plant the first 1000 native trees as a way to honour newcomers and migrant families in the Whakatipu area.

Boult said establishing the new native forest comes at a fitting time for migrant communities.

“This is an extremely challenging time for many, and our migrant families have been some of the worst affected by the impacts of COVID-19,” Boult said.

“We want them to know they’re a valued part of our community and that this is their whenua, and we hope this Welcome Forest will help deepen their connection to Queenstown for generations to come.”

Boult said the Jardine Park site offers some

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of the region’s most stunning views, with clear sightlines to the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

“As the new forest grows, we’ve made sure the views will still be accessible through walkways and well-positioned viewing points. We want this to be a place where all of our community feels welcome to come with friends and family, to relax and take in the beauty of our region.”

Operating as kaitaiki (caretakers) for the new trees is Wakatipu Reforestation Trust, a volunteer group already making huge inroads to restoring biodiversity and wildlife corridors in the region by planting a staggering 40,000 native trees — helped with the support of Trees That Count who runs New Zealand’s only native tree marketplace.

The first 1000 native trees for the Welcome Forest have been generously funded through the Trees That Count marketplace by funder Z Energy, who recently launched an Anti-Racism Pledge with other large local retailers to support the Human Rights Commission’s ‘Give No Voice to Racism’ campaign.

The Queenstown Forest is one of four Welcome Forests spearheaded by charity Trees That Count, with another three located in Canterbury, Auckland and Wellington.

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Old cars amongst dumped Sustainability in new Cardrona River rubbish Mitre 10 build Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Almost 2,200kgs (1.2 tonnes) of rubbish was picked up along the banks of the Cardrona River as part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Clean Up Week last week.

Eighteen local volunteers picked up a shocking array of dumped trash - including three cars, parts of animals, old furniture, drums, tyres, bits of metal, and camping gear - along several kilometres of the river between State Highway 6 and the Ballantyne Rd bridge.

‘Clean up the Cardrona coordinator’ and long-term Mt Barker’s Residential Association secretary (outgoing), Chrissie Thomson, said she was “saddened by the misuse of this area,” which, “going by the age of some of the dumped cars” had been going on for years. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which administers the legal bed of the Cardrona River as Crown land, was arranging for three cars and a ute canopy to be removed from the area.

Thomson was due to present to the Wānaka Community Board at their monthly meeting today on the issue and potential solutions - which included increasing the size and clarity of signage restricting trash dumping, and beautifying the area to discourage this behavior.

“I would like to see the area still accessible for people to ride their bikes, walk with their dogs and ride horses,” said Thomson, suggesting that, rather than closing the area off, it could be enhanced into “something that Wānaka could be proud of, rather than a barren wasteland.”

The area is next to Wānaka Wastebusters and

PHOTO: Crux

Wasties communications manager Gina Dempster: “It’s great that a real cross-section of Wānaka's community groups do litter clean-ups for Keep New Zealand Beautiful every year, and Wastebusters has always supported the clean-ups by taking recyclables for free.”

the district council’s waste transfer station. Wasties communications manager Gina Dempster said it was “great that a real cross-section of Wānaka's community groups do litter clean-ups for Keep New Zealand Beautiful every year, and Wastebusters has always supported the clean-ups by taking recyclables for free. It's also especially important to tidy up areas like this near our waterways, as we know plastic has such a damaging impact on them.”

“That area of the Cardrona is a bit unloved and I know a few groups have done clean-ups there over the years,” she added. “I've talked to councils in the past who have had success in reducing dumping by increasing recreational use of an area and encouraging the community to take pride in it. It would be awesome if there was a community plan for the area. It could be a place where people go more regularly to enjoy biking and walking beside the river, which would discourage illegal dumping.”

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PAGE 6

The new Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka store at Three Parks business centre will be open in November.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Work is progressing at pace on the new Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka store at Three Parks business centre. The roof is now on, complete with a 900m2 100kva photovoltaic solar array that will help power the store and two electric vehicle charging stations, just one of the future-focused sustainable technologies integrated into the store’s design.

“We wanted to create a resilient and enduring building that had a light touch on the local Wānaka environment, one which demonstrates innovation and sustainability in both the construction materials and technologies that operate the building,” said Martin Dippie, who is chairman of Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Ltd and co-owner of Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka with his brother Allan Dippie.

The solar array is grid-tied, which means any surplus generation is exported back into the national grid. Coupled with LED smart lighting technology throughout and automatic and dimmable lighting controls to retail spaces, it provides for a sustainable and environmentally-sound solution.

The internal design of the store makes extensive use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the mezzanine office areas and café. In addition to excellent thermal, seismic, and noise ratings, a key benefit of using CLT is carbon sequestration, with the timber acting as a carbon store.

High underneath the slip roof, smart automatic-

PHOTO: Pat Deavoll

opening windows will provide sustainable and energy-efficient passive ventilation, opening and closing automatically depending on wind direction and interior temperature. In the hot dry summer climate, evaporative cooling units will cool outdoor air by evaporating water into it and circulating it around the store, allowing air conditioning units to operate in economiser (free) mode most of the time.

The main retail hall is clad and roofed with core fire resistant panels that have an R5 insulation rating, which will further reduce the need for heating and cooling. The goal is to be off the national grid for 50 per cent of the year, subject to seasonality and available sunlight hours.

The structure has been designed to accommodate Wānaka’s proximity to the alpine fault. The building is a hybrid, with a traditional steel and tilt-panel walls, post-tensioned concrete floor, and mass timber construction interior fit out.

The multimillion-dollar Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka store will be completed and ready to welcome customers on schedule late November this year.

By the numbers: • 28,000m2 total site area • 9,000m2 total store floor area • 4,870m2 retail area • 3,900m2 garden centre area • 10,000m2 (1ha) trade and timber yard • 220 car parks • Columbus Café and playground

Visitor Care still receiving hundreds of applications each week Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Currently set to wrap up at the end of this month, the Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri programme for temporary visa-holders in hardship has now dealt with 1,300 applicants in the Otago area and provided $391,000 dollars of support, with more applications received every day.

Launched on July 1, Visitor Care is part of the government’s Assistance for Foreign Nationals Impacted by COVID-19 programme and is a joint venture between New Zealand Red Cross and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

DIA handles requests for accommodation and utility support, whilst the Red Cross provides vouchers for food, warm clothing and bedding to those unable to meet their basic needs or to return to their home country.

Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri spokesperson Shane Chisholm said that, following initial concerns that many travellers in the QueenstownWānaka didn’t know they could access support, THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

awareness had certainly increased.

“We’re quietly confident that we’re doing everything we can to get the word out, and we’re still seeing applications come in every day,” he said. Nationally, an average of 980 applications were being received each week, of which 13 per cent were from Otago - and mainly the Queenstown-Wānaka area.

Chisholm thanked the people of Wānaka for their “fantastic” support of stranded visitors in the area, pointing to local community organisations such as Food for Love and the Wānaka Community Hub, who have supported people in need with information, coffee mornings and other community-led events, and the Aspiring Motel, which housed some of the Visitor Care clients living in their vans over the winter. A member of staff at the motel confirmed they had housed four visitors who had nowhere to live for around a month each.

Discussions with the government over a possible extension of the programme beyond September 30 were currently ongoing.

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Sun Education

One act play ‘Shudder’ on at MAC

MAC students worked with professional artists over a three day intensive workshop.

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Tukutuku: The Time of Your Life Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

From September 3-4 , students from MAC’s HQ unit, music students, and dance students worked together with artists from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and JOLT Dance Company to create a devised piece of work: Tukutuku.

Under the guidance of the professionals from the CSO and JOLT, the students created music, wrote lyrics and choreographed dance pieces.

The three day experience provided an opportunity for all students to have a voice, to be seen, to be heard and to be acknowledged for their talent, beauty and diversity.

On the last day of the intensive, the students PHOTO: Supplied presented their work in a powerful public The MAC Year 13 drama class invite you to get amongst their performance of Pip Hall’s play ‘Shudder’ next week. performance which demonstrated how hard the as an ensemble throughout the rehearsal process ensemble had worked over just three days.

Ollie Blyth to create work that really means something, Student Anna Corthel said that: “It was journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz particularly amongst the upheaval of this year. exciting to work with everyone for those three The Year 13 drama class at MAC are excited to We will take everything we learn from Shudder present the one act play ‘Shudder’ by Pip Hall to with us when we leave next year.”

The action of the show is reflected through a the Wānaka community next week.

After a disappointing year of cancellations in live devised soundscape from one student on the arts, notably the MAC school musical, the various string, brass, woodwind, and percussion senior students look forward to presenting their instruments, as well as a loop pedal to take the last high school performance to a wider audience. audience through the city.

Additionally, the students have implemented The show will take place on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September at 7pm in the MAC kapa haka into the work, which is led by another of the actors, Jessie McKenzie. “Teaching a new haka performance room.

It is an energetic one hour play performed in and waiata to a group that aren't used to participating an ensemble based, physical theatre style which in kapa haka has had its challenges but I am proud of covers 24 hours in Wellington. Throughout the group for taking it on,” she said.

Director and teacher Emily McRae said of the the play, the audience hears about the stories of different people going about their lives until 15 cast and crew members that; “I am very proud disaster strikes and they are brought together of the effort [the actors] have made to bring this in the face of a crisis. The piece uses strong complex ensemble performance to the stage. metaphors and poetic language to deliver Theatre in education has a duty to respond to powerful messages around unity, hope, and the world around us and help students and their community acknowledge, process and begin perseverance – all strong themes of 2020.

One of the actors, Siena Shotwell, explained to understand challenges to empower positive that the class has; “been able to work together actions moving forward.”

Wānaka Primary School pod name art work

Trusted Healthcare for Life

Wanaka Medical has stood at the heart of our community for 40 years, looking after generations of families with leading treatments and evidence-based care. We understand that every body, and every life, is different.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Last year, as part of placed-based learning under the theme, 'Connect to my Place, make a Difference to our Space', all Wānaka Primary School “pods” asked their children to design a graphic to go with the Māori pod names.

Wānaka Primary approached Chrissy Wickes, after collecting all of the students' designs, to create a design for the outside of the pods. Then Wickes selected aspects from the children's art to use in her paintings.

These will be on display shortly.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

intensive days. We got to see the HQ kids express themselves with all different types of movement.

Everyone worked so hard; it really paid off. The final performance was amazing.”

“It completely changed my outlook on dance,” added student Kelly Quirk, “Choreography does not have to be perfect. The important part for me was the connections I made, being able to learn a new way of creating and showcasing dance and working with HQ students and musicians in an inclusive way.”

Multi-instrumentalist Matai Wells reflected that: “I found it a very fun and beneficial few days. It helped me improve on improvisation and made me much more aware of what can be done with music and dance. Working with HQ was a great time, the whole process had a very fun atmosphere while still being productive and interesting. The people from Jolt and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra were very helpful and I would definitely do it again.”

Wanaka Medical, Trusted Healthcare for Life. e: office@wanakamedical.co.nz t: (03) 443 0710

a: 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

www.WanakaMedical.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

“Connect to my place, make a difference to our space”.

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

PAGE 7

Sun News

Slip closes off West Coast to Otago

thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

The friends of the school group at Te Kura O Take Kārara are proud to have organised a Pink Ribbon Walk in support of the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation at the end of August. The group thanked everyone who supported the walk up Mt Iron, which has raised $380 so far.

The slip on SH6, taken on Monday. Trees continued to fall overnight into Tuesday.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

State Highway 6, which runs along the West Coast, was closed late Monday morning at Burke Flat, between Haast in South Westland and Makarora in Otago. Torrential rain triggered a substantial slip covering both lanes of the road.

The slip continued to move throughout Monday and overnight, so the clean-up could

PHOTO: NZTA

Cromwell Spring Market to go-ahead

not begin until Tuesday morning, said Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.

There is no alternative route for people travelling from the West Coast to Otago.

“Drivers should expect delays as the crew works to fully re-open two lanes and also watch out for high winds which are not abating at this stage,” said.Whinham. The delays would continue until further notice.

This market is gearing up to be a great day out.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

have Last chance to future your say on the f sport development o facilities and recreation in our district.

Following the Government’s announcement that the "South Island in principal will move to Alert Level 1 next Monday 21 at 11:59 pm", the Cromwell and Districts Promotions Group (CDPG) has made the decision to proceed with the Spring Market on Sunday 27 September. All necessary precautions will be in place to ensure the event adheres to government guidelines.

“This market is gearing up to be a great day

PHOTO: CDPG

out,” said Gretchen Nightingale, community relationships manager for the CDPG. “We have more than 100 craft and food stalls lined up to come along on the day.”

The Cromwell Spring Market will be held on the Big Fruit Reserve from 10 am until 3 pm. For updates on this event, please check in on the group’s Facebook page: @CromwellCentralOtago.

The Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group is a volunteer group that works to attract visitors to Stay, Dine, and Play in Cromwell, Central Otago.

Festival promotes remote working revolution Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Community ses engagement clo Friday! at 5.00pm this ead to To participate h ovt.nz letstalk.qldc.g PAGE 8

The inaugural ‘RemoteTogetherNZ’ festival, launching in Queenstown this November, brings together thought leaders from around New Zealand and abroad to focus on how we can design the way we work to enhance our quality of life.

The 12-day festival runs November 2-13 and is a deep dive into all aspects of a flexible workplace.

It will provide clarity, guidance and tools to individuals and organisations at different stages of remote working to help them redesign their workplace and live their aspirations.

With professional development, networking opportunities, free access to co-working spaces, wellbeing activities and time to enjoy Queenstown’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle, scenery and experiences, the festival embodies the freedom and benefits of remote working.

There are more than 40 online and in-person activations to choose from including workshops, THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

PHOTO: Pixabay

If you could choose anywhere in the world, where would you work?

masterclasses, panel discussions, facilitated conversations, and networking events. These will be centred around exploring five remote working themes: creativity|collaboration, productivity|tools, wellbeing|people, sustainability|regeneration, and space|place.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun SnowSport

thewanakasun.co.nz

SNOW BOARDING COLUMN

Do we ever stop learning?

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott wins Showdown Slopestyle

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

A couple of weeks ago, I chatted to Nico Porteous about his experience competing in the Winter Games NZ’s Obsidian challenge. He told me that one of the challenges - a freeride heliski on a previously unseen face in the Minaret Range - had him feeling pretty nervous. He’d never done anything like that before. It got me thinking - if an Olympic medallist is still doing new things in snowsports, things that scare him, do we ever stop learning?

I turned to another experienced snow sportsman I know; my boyfriend. He’s been snowboarding since he was eight years old, but last week I got to watch (and film) as he under-popped a flip off a cliff and landed on his face. Luckily, he was unhurt - “you’ve got to get that first fall out of the way, and then you’re good to go,” he says.

According to him, you’ve got to keep going bigger. Whilst for me that’s trying new tracks and going fast enough to keep up with him, for him it’s bigger cliffs, bigger spins and more style.

After almost twenty years, he doesn’t get nervous

PHOTO: Supplied

After almost twenty years, he doesn’t get nervous about much in snowboarding - he doesn’t really think too much about it - but he will go so far as to acknowledge that flips are “a bit scary.”

about much in snowboarding - he doesn’t really think too much about it - but he will go so far as to acknowledge that flips are “a bit scary.”

He’ll still try again, of course. He’s keeping his fingers crossed for a powder day at the weekend, although I probably won’t watch this time.

So, I guess the thing about learning to ski or snowboard is it doesn’t end. You can do it professionally, or for your whole life, and still always have something to work on if you want to. As someone who’s one season in and has been continuously covered in bruises since June, that’s both terrifying and exciting.

Local ski club’s membership boom PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort/ Ray Tiddy

Sadowski-Synnott scored 84.00 points for her winning run in her first slopestyle competition since taking gold at the Norway Winter X Games in March of this year.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Waiorau Nordic Sports Club

The nordic sports club has a membership spanning families with children as young as two years old to people in their eighties.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Waiorau Nordic Sports Club (WNSC) has seen a 70 per cent increase in new membership this year, rising from 128 members last year to 218 at the spring side of this season.

Founded in 1993, the club provides a social and learning platform for cross country skiers at Snow Farm, and has a membership spanning families with children as young as two years old to people in their eighties.

The club’s chairman, Bruce Clulow, credited the recent membership expansion to the “spectacular world class environment” that Snow Farm offered Nordic sports enthusiasts, combined with the “comprehensive activities calendar” organised by the WNSC committee.

After the confusion and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of the season,

THE WĀNAKA SUN

the WNSC committee decided to put on a range of events focusing on fun and community as well as skiing. These included mulled wine and hot chocolate, french crepe and hot dog events, alongside ski relays and clinics run by experienced members.

Secretary Susan Helmore reflected that the season’s vibe had “exceeded expectations” following initial uncertainty if anyone would join the club at all. Riding on their success, the club now planned to host activities over summer and “make the club even better next winter.”

“The vibrant community the club has created has contributed to first time Snow Farm visitors wanting to come back for more,” said Clulow.

“The WNSC club’s membership now extends beyond our region, having recruited new members from all around New Zealand.”

“It’s encouraging to see Nordic sports, in particular cross-country skiing, gaining more visibility and popularity,” he added.

Wānaka’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott landed on top of the women’s snowboard podium at the Torpedo 7 NZ Showdown last Saturday.

The only event to be held on the Big Bucks terrain park at Cardrona Alpine Resort this season, it was also the biggest event in the Snow Sports NZ (SSNZ) Freestyle Series 2020 - which is designed for athletes of all ages wanting to grow from grassroots participation to becoming competitive athletes by building points, through which SSNZ make selections for their freeski and snowboard development programmes.

Sadowski-Synnott scored 84.00 points for her winning run, which included three 720 varieties and a switch back 900 on the jumps, in her first slopestyle competition since taking gold at the Norway Winter X Games in March of this year.

Sadowski-Synnott said she was “stoked” to

land her run “after taking so much time off from competing.” She added that it was “sick competing against the junior girls, because I remember when I was their age on the same course, and seeing what they are coming up with is pretty cool.”

Also competing was Wānaka freeskier Nico Porteous, who was in close competition for the top spot on the overall Men’s Freeski Podium with Ben Barclay. Barclay scored a 95.33 for his winning run, while Porteous scored 92.67. Head Freeski Judge Tori Beattie explained that Porteous displayed a great variety of spin direction on the jumps, but the judges chose Barclay’s run as the winner because of his execution and variety of grabs, as well as spinning all four directions (left, right, switch left and switch right).

Tiarn Collins was the overall Men’s Snowboard winner, scoring 98.00, and Ella Miles landed on top of the Women’s Freeski Podium with a score of 52.00.

Community Networks Foodbank

Struggling to make ends meet? A food parcel might help ease the financial burden.

Call up or Call in anytime during business hours Or collect after hours

443 7799

www.communitynetworks.co.nz 34 McDougall Street, Wanaka

Your local resource hub for social wellbeing services

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

PAGE 9

Sun SnowSport

thewanakasun.co.nz

26th Merino Muster at Snow Farm Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

It was a clear, calm and cold day for Snow Farm NZ’s Merino Muster last Saturday. With the borders closed and the majority of competitors from New Zealand, the event looked a little different - but the Snow Farm team still had their international flags to show they were thinking of their overseas friends and “hop[ing] to see you back next year.”

The Merino Muster is New Zealand’s pinnacle cross-country ski race, an all-inclusive event welcoming top athletes, cross-country skiing enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport. With a modified 42km to 28 km for 2020 due to low snow levels, 21km and 7km distances, the race catered to all abilities and fitness levels.

Now in its 26th year, the annual event is rich in history. For almost 80 years, the high country of Waiorau Farm, now home to Snow Farm NZ and the annual Merino Muster crosscountry ski racing event, was a working merino sheep farm. The act of moving the sheep down from the top of the mountain before winter is called ‘mustering’. The musterers used speciallytrained dogs and a group of people to bring the

sheep down off the high elevations en masse before the snow came.

This year’s competition results were as follows: 28km men 1st Campbell Wright (NZ) 2nd Tim David (NZ) 3rd Petr Sykoia (CZE) 28km women 1st Rachel Knott (USA) 2nd Chloe Galtier (FRA) 3rd Sonja Mueller (USA) 21km men 1st Steve Malushnig (NZ) 2nd Ben McMurray (NZ) 3rd James Helmore (NZ) 21km women 1st Jo Williams (NZ) 2nd Jo Tilson (NZ) 3rd Sammy Burke (NZ) 7km men 1st Daniel Wright (NZ) 2nd Louis Briskell (NZ) 3rd Asheem Corbett (NZ) 7km women 1st Lulu Pettit (NZ) 2nd Olivia Helmore (NZ) 3rd Catarina David (NZ)

PHOTOS: Snow Farm NZ

With the borders closed and the majority of competitors from New Zealand, the event looked a little different but the Snow Farm team still had their international flags to show they were thinking of their overseas friends.

Delay to Snow Farm hut application

A view of the proposed site for the hut. Some indigenous vegetation will need to be cleared.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust’s (PACT) resource consent application to establish a new hut at Snow Farm NZ has been placed on hold pending Wānaka Community Board (WCB) approval and an ecological assessment.

The hut is set to be positioned in Tranquillity Basin, between the Meadow and Bob Lee Huts, accessible by 4WD over summer and snowmobile or a 5km ski over winter. The project is estimated to cost around $650,000.

According to Snow Farm, the need for a large hut is immediate; 33 schools use Snow Farm every year, and the existing Meadow Hut is typically booked all winter, meaning school groups are sometimes turned away due to a lack of accommodation.

PACT manages the day-to-day operations of the cross-country ski resort, but the land on which it sits was transferred to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QDLC) in 2012 and designated as a recreation reserve - and the application has come up against an unexpected delay. QLDC spokesperson Jack Barlow confirmed that PACT required approval from the landowner - QLDC and WCB - to proceed.

WCB is a separate unincorporated body established by QLDC to represent and act as an advocate for the Wānaka community. The board is due to review the proposal in their monthly meeting today, Thursday 17.

PACT will also need to submit an ecological assessment because, as part of the hut construction, some indigenous high country vegetation will need to be cleared from the site.

“This assessment cannot be undertaken until the snow melts and therefore the application will

PAGE 10

PHOTOS: Breen Construction

The hut is set to be positioned in Tranquillity Basin, between the Meadow and Bob Lee Huts, and is estimated to cost around $650,000.

have to remain on hold until that assessment is received as well,” said Barlow.

PACT trustee and former Snow Farm chair Peter Soundy, the overall project manager for the Snow Farm’s hut, told the Wānaka Sun this delay was “a little unexpected” due to the small size of the vegetation area being disturbed, “but we accept that QLDC is just being prudent in requesting an ecologist visits the site to eyeball the exact area.” He hoped that the ecological assessment visit could take place in early October.

“It is very unusual for us to be hoping that the snow stops falling and melts quickly, but for the hut project that is what we are hoping,” said Soundy.

“Provided the snow has melted enough by the visit, to allow a good look at the site, we are confident that QLDC will continue to work collaboratively with us to get our consent issued within October. The latest possible date for our resource consent to be issued is October 31. We then anticipate the outstanding funding to be confirmed in November, following which the plan is to have the hut built by April 2021.”

Last week, the Snow Farm received a $160,770 grant from Central Lakes Trust for the project, with further applications for funding in the pipeline.

PHOTOS: Nickolas Gilmour

Joshua and Olivia Gilmour under the Captain’s Chair Lift at Cardrona Ski Field last week

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sun Environment

Changes to tahr control positive Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Pixabay

The challenge for ORC and the community now will be in how we implement the new requirements, to ensure they have the desired environmental benefits.

New regulations to protect waterways in force Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Otago Regional Council Chair Andrew Noone said the council welcomed the Action for Healthy Waterways regulatory reform package.

“This package from the government has been a long time in the works, and there is a lot of great intent around restoring and protecting the health of New Zealand waterways.

“The challenge for ORC and the community now will be in how we implement the new requirements, to ensure they have the desired environmental benefits. We’re looking closely at what’s required of us and our region’s farmers, and prioritising the most urgent work.”

The Action for Healthy Waterways package includes a new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, new National Environmental Standards for Freshwater, new stock exclusion regulations under section 360 of the Resource Management Act, and an amendment to the Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Regulations 2010.

ORC is required to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management by setting objectives, policies, and rules in our regional plans. The National Environmental Standards are effectively nationwide rules, which apply across the country regardless of regional plans.

The new regulations have an effect from 3 September. Some parts need to be addressed immediately, and others have a period of time built in for people to comply.

The regulations of the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater that have come into force cover the following topics: • Intensive farming • Protection of wetlands • Excluding stock in new pastoral systems from waterways • Feedlots • River reclamation • Fish passage Water quality in Otago is generally very good, and people in the region have told ORC they value healthy waterways for recreation, drinking water, mahinga kai, ecological health and to support industries such as farming and tourism.

Inside the district’s glass recycling scheme Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Over 3,000 tonnes of glass have been recycled out of our district since household glass-only recycling bins were introduced last July, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

It’s a long process that involves shipping the glass across New Zealand - but for every 10 per cent increase in recycled glass used in the production of new glass products, there’s a 3 per cent reduction in energy consumption and 5 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

Once our glass is collected from the curb, it travels to the Material Recovery Facility in Frankton, then the glass aggregation hub in Christchurch, and the Visy beneficiation plant in Auckland. Finally, it arrives sorted and crushed at O-I (Owens Illinois), New Zealand’s only glass bottle and jar manufacturer, where it is melted down and remolded. The plant is open 24 hours a day and turns recycled glass into 85,000 new containers per hour.

In as little as 30 days, a glass bottle can go from the recycling bin back to the store shelf.

QLDC Waste Project Officer Kath Buttar shared some simple tips for the community to help ensure glass could go on being infinitely recyclable, both in Queenstown Lakes and the whole of New Zealand:

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Discussions between the Game Animal Council (GAC) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have resulted in some positive changes to where the Department will focus tahr control outside Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks.

DOC recently released its reconsidered Tahr Control Operational Plan for 2020/21. The Game Animal Council has since provided advice to DOC on where the remaining 77 hours of planned control outside the national parks’ management unit could be undertaken.

Reallocation of hours between and within management units will see a number of more accessible tahr hunting areas left for hunters while there will be an emphasis on control work in more inaccessible and remote locations.

“It makes much more sense for control operations to concentrate on places that are either seldom visited by hunters or very difficult to access,” said Game Animal Council General Manager Tim Gale. “We are pleased that DOC has agreed not to cull some of the more popular hunting spots and has reduced the hours it will spend in areas with low tahr densities.”

DOC Operations Director Ben Reddiex said DOC and the Game Animal Council considered two years of operational data, observations from DOC staff and contractors, as well as advice from tahr stakeholders.

“After a very positive discussion with the Game Animal Council, DOC has finalised where the remainder of tahr control will be undertaken this year to protect unique alpine ecosystems and ensure plenty of hunting opportunities remain,” said Reddiex.

Outside of the national parks’ management unit, DOC is reallocating some of the 77 remaining control hours to target less accessible areas of the feral range.

“Animal numbers can easily build up in the dense, rugged and scrubby West Coast terrain which is less suitable for ground hunting. For example, we are still regularly finding groups of up to 30 tahr in the Landsborough where access is challenging. We need to protect native ecosystems from the impacts of high tahr densities.” said Reddiex “We are reducing our previously planned control hours within the South Rakaia and Upper Rangitata management unit which is favoured by hunters. We have completed control for the year in the Wills/Makarora/Hunter management unit where tahr numbers are at relatively low densities.

“Outside the national parks’ management unit, DOC is avoiding popular hunting spots and huts, and is instead focusing on less accessible locations where tahr have built up

PHOTO: Pixabay

Even the smallest amount of contamination can jeopardise our ability to recycle glass, so we need to make sure we are putting the right things in the right bins.

 The blue bin is for clean recyclable glass bottles and jars only. Every other form of glass still needs to be put in the rubbish bin, including window glass, broken wine and drinking glasses, Pyrex and other ovenware, mirror glass, and windscreen glass.  Keep contamination out by avoiding placing non-recyclable glass items, food and liquid, bottle tops, rubbish, and other recyclable materials meant for the yellow bin in with your clean glass bottles and jars.

“It’s really important to remember we all have a part to play in making glass recycling happen,” said Buttar. “Even the smallest amount of contamination can jeopardise our ability to recycle glass, so we need to make sure we are putting the right things in the right bins.”

PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL CROMWELL

PHOTO: Pixabay

Some positive changes will focus tahr control outside Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks.

into high densities.”

Operations have been reduced within the South Rakaia and Upper Rangitata management unit that is heavily used by hunters, while the Two Thumbs/Sinclair (Mesopotamia) area, Naumann Range, Ben Ohau Range south of Fred’s Stream, and the Wills/Makarora/Hunter management unit will not see any further control work. Control will be increased in some of the more remote areas west of the main divide where tahr densities are high and hunters struggle to access.

“There is also a commitment that control work will not take place close to or around road ends, huts and helicopter landing sites frequently used by hunters and other backcountry users,” said Gale.

“We hope this change of emphasis outside the national parks will provide hunters with some decent hunting opportunities in accessible locations.

“The GAC looks forward to further collaboration with DOC to build the scientific basis for future tahr management, including improved understanding of populations and herd demographics, as well as the impact of tahr on native vegetation in different locations,” said Gale.

“We firmly believe a collaborative approach that compliments existing hunting activity is the way forward when it comes to the management of New Zealand’s highly-valued game animal species.”

Reddiex said: “We will continue to leave identifiable male tahr for hunters outside of the national parks’ management unit. Plans are also progressing to improve hunter access where possible, including extending the popular tahr ballot.”

Birthday Parties

Have your work do at Paintball Central this year.

Great fun and BBQ's available.

• WORK DO STAG/HEN PARTIES • FAMILY GAMES • FREE BBQ ON SITE • FUN FOR ALL AGES email: paintballcentral@xtra.co.nz PHONE: (027) 448-5399 TO BOOK

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

PAGE 11

Sun Environment

NATURE by Forest and Bird

New protection for Mackenzie drylands

PHOTO: Pixabay

In recent years, the Mackenzie Basin has seen New Zealand's fastest rate of biodiversity loss; 70 per cent of its original drylands.

Forest & Bird is welcoming new protected areas as a starting point for improving the protection of the Mackenzie Basin, but lamenting the vast areas which remain unprotected.

"If you look at the map of Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands, it's clear too much of the Mackenzie Basin remains at risk," said Forest & Bird Regional Conservation Manager Nicky Snoyink.

"The new protected areas demonstrate that a range of methods can be used to achieve better outcomes for native species and landscapes. With the end of tenure review, thinking outside the box will be vital to building on this work."

The NZ Defence Force (NZDF) has added the largest new chunk of additional protection to Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands. The NZDF will manage almost 15,000 hectares of the Tekapo Military Training Area to protect landscape and biodiversity values.

In recent years, the Mackenzie Basin has seen New Zealand's fastest rate of biodiversity loss; 70 per cent of its original drylands.

"The Mackenzie Basin is a remarkable place,

with critical habitat for endangered wading birds like kakī (black stilt), and rare plant species found nowhere else in the world," said Snoyink.

This unique dryland ecosystem has low rainfall and is dominated by shrubs, tussock grasses, and specially adapted plants and animals.

"Widespread irrigation and dairy conversions have been turning our natural drylands into green grass, and it's still happening."

"The new protected area announced by Minister Sage on September 5 is critical for saving these remaining precious tussock drylands. Forest & Bird is proud to have worked alongside other conservation groups to achieve this initial protection."

Tussock drylands cover just 19 per cent of New Zealand's land area and contain up to half of Aotearoa's most threatened native plants.

"We're honestly at a tipping point now, where opportunities for protecting these unique areas are closing forever. The Minister's announcement today is a good start, but it will be critical to get further protection for this area before more of our unique plants and animals are lost," said Snoyink.

Manuherekia an exemplar catchment

Repair is in the air Repair is in the air at Wastebusters, with our repair trailer ready to take to the road.

Wastebusters’ Repair Revolution is kicking off this Saturday with a free repair event in Wānaka.

We’re also holding repair events in Hawea, Alexandra and Queenstown this spring, and plan to establish a database of local fixers so it’s easier to find a pro if you can’t DIY a fix. Dig out your broken treasures and let’s see if we can repair them together!

It’s become so easy to buy new instead of fixing our broken stuff that we’ve lost the art of repair.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn those skills, becoming more resourceful and resilient at the same time. Plus it’s actually pretty satisfying to patch a pair of well-loved jeans or fix a favourite toy.

We have a crew of amazing fixers who have volunteered their time to give advice and help with repairs on all kinds of things, including clothing, computers, bikes, jewellery and toys.

Check out our Facebook page or website for more on what you can bring to our events.

Have a bike with a broken spoke, buckled wheel or dodgy gears? Bring it, along with any parts you think you need, and you can even learn

Wilding pines are a pest in the Queenstown Lakes district but help could be at hand.

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has welcomed an announcement by the government on Monday that it will support community-led projects to improve the health of the Manuherekia river as part of its At-Risk Catchments programme.

ORC Chair Andrew Noone said the catchment was a treasured part of Otago for many.

“Today’s announcement recognises that the Manuherekia is under pressure, and that work is needed to restore the river’s health. The government’s support and the communityled projects it has signalled will be vital in

PAGE 12

PHOTO: ORC

regenerating the catchment.

“We know that locals and visitors alike have a great love for the Manuherekia River as a recreational site, a home to indigenous biodiversity and as a crucial part of the local economy.

“The Manuherekia is a rohe, or geographic area, in our developing Land and Water Regional Plan, and we have been working closely with the community on a tailored, sustainable water management approach for the catchment.

“We look forward to working further with the government, iwi and the Central Otago community on implementing the vision set out by today’s announcements for restoring and protecting the Manuherekia River,” Noone said.

how to do some simple fixes yourself alongside our awesome bike fixers.

Our super sewers can help repair your clothes, from fallen hems to holey jeans and ripped outdoor gear. If your repair needs special materials or buttons, please bring them with you.

Among the fabulous fixers are a few multiskilled volunteers capable of repairing everything from toys to tech.

Due to time restrictions and complexity of some jobs we won’t be able to carry out some repairs, for example phone and some electronics, but come along anyway for advice and repair connections.

The first repair event is this Saturday, 19 September, at the Wānaka Presbyterian Hall, Tenby Street from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free, just bring your broken treasure and any bits and bobs you need for the repair.

If you’re not sure what parts you need, just bring your broken treasure along and our fixers can give you advice on how to prepare for repair.

Please make sure you register at eventbrite (search for Repair Revolution) so we can comply with government regulations for level 2.

– By Ruth Blunt, Wastebusters

Wilding pine control efforts ramp-up

Pat Deavoll

The Manuherekia is a rohe, or geographic area, in our developing Land and Water Regional Plan.

thewanakasun.co.nz

The wilding pine scourge of the Queenstown Lakes district will see some eradication activity as part of a national plan to tackle more than 800,000 hectares of wilding pine infestations nationwide over the next year.

Not only will this help rid the district of the pest, but it will generate jobs for those hard hit by the effects of COVID-19.

The plan will generate up to 550 new jobs nationwide and prevent future wildfires, said Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor and Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare.

"We're ramping up our wilding control activity in areas where jobs are needed most such as the Queenstown Lakes," Damien O'Connor said.

"Budget 2020 included $100 million for wilding pine control through the Jobs for Nature programme. Over $36 million of that funding will be spent in the next 12 months as part of our four-year programme. That extends our work from 19 to 58 sites across New Zealand."

O'Connor said this included a range of longterm projects led by regional councils and smaller-scale community partnerships.

"We'll see significant work throughout most of New Zealand – in Northland, across the Central North Island, in Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman, Queenstown, Otago and Southland.

"More than $17 million of work is allocated over 400,000 hectares of wilding infestations in Canterbury alone, including extensive infestations in Craigieburn and the Mackenzie."

Henare was in the Mackenzie District last week

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PHOTO: Nomad Safaris

to survey the fire damage near Lake Pukaki, the spread of which has in part been attributed to wilding pines.

"I saw the devastation first-hand and heard concerns from locals that the wilding pines are a pest, and play a dangerous part in helping to spread fires.

"This Government investment will help prevent fires like this in years to come," said Henare.

O'Connor said wilding pine control is part of the Government's commitment to provide economic support for people, with a significant environmental benefit.

"This is not necessarily about putting people into new careers. It is about finding work for people now, while their sectors recover from COVID-19.

"Wilding control is largely seasonal work, with some year-round operations. This will allow companies to employ new people - and to keep on existing staff."

O'Connor said New Zealanders could expect to see significant changes to the landscape as control activity increases.

"In many areas, like Queenstown and the Mackenzie basin, we'll be removing longstanding infestations that have become a familiar part of the landscape. People are inclined to think any tree has some value. But the recent fires near Lake Pukaki, only a few years after the devastating fires in Flock Hill, have shown that wilding pines threaten the ecosystem, the economy – and the community.

"Bringing this work forward allows us to tackle these pest plants early before they become a more significant problem".

THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun Views

EDITORIAL

The Gulf Livestock 1

PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun

The livestock carrier the Gulf Livestock 1 sank somewhere off the coast of Japan and 40 of its crew and nearly 6000 cattle have not been seen since.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The fate of the Gulf Livestock 1 has gripped the nation for the past two weeks, detonating an emotional response regarding not only the loss of the 40 crew, including two New Zealanders but also the nearly 6000 cattle.

The story has appalled me, not only because of the loss of life but also just why this towering ship saw fit to head into the maw of a typhoon in the first place.

I actually wrote a feature on the issue of live export of animals, and the teaser I put up on Facebook got 640 views of interest, to date. However, the owner of the paper, in his wisdom, thought it wouldn’t be of interest to the readers, and told me to pull it. I was flabbergasted, and just a little miffed.

So why were nearly 6000 cattle at sea in the first place? From New Zealand's point of view, the answer is primarily economic. Live animals bring in around $300 million a year to the economy according to the Ministry for Primary Industries. They are also an important source of income for rural communities. For the countries receiving our livestock, New Zealand represents quality, and the animals are sought-after for breeding.

The export of cattle, sheep, goats, and deer for slaughter was banned in 2003. However, New Zealand still exports a wide array of live animals, from cattle, day-old chicks, racehorses, sheep, goats, the occasional zoo animal, and even bees. China takes a lot of our animals – they're particularly keen on our poultry and cattle. All cattle exported from New Zealand since mid-2017 have been bound for China.

But opponents say New Zealand animals are put at risk when they're exported to countries with lower animal welfare, transport, and slaughter standards. While we can set our standards for the journey, New Zealand has no jurisdiction over the animals once they're unloaded at their destination.

And there have been some spectacular failures. Most recently, hundreds of New Zealand and Australian cattle exported to Sri Lanka to set up a dairy programme reportedly died in appalling conditions.

Although live export has been banned, a loophole means that it is acceptable and legal to export animals for breeding purposes and there has been public outrage that approximately 40,000 live cows have been exported from NZ

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since January 2019.

There are two main arguments against the export: First, why would we send our prime dairy cows to an industry with which we are in direct competition? As a business strategy, this is incomprehensible.

Secondly, can we sleep at night sending our cows to a country with no animal welfare regulations for either the cows but also for the calves that get taken from their mothers a couple of days after birth?

All this occurs after we put these cows through the trauma of being on a ship for 20 days at sea, which is a foreign environment and completely unnatural for a cow.

When I was researching the feature (which will never get printed) I contacted a vet in Australia. Lynn Simpson worked in the Australian live export trade for ten years and undertook 57 long-haul voyages to destinations like Russia and the Middle East, taking care of vast numbers of livestock.

Simpson described the conditions on the ships for livestock as being like multi-story car parks, with anywhere between 1000 and 20,000 head of cattle, depending on the size of the ships.

One vet and four to five stockmen to look after the animals was typical, she said.

In an article Simpson wrote in 2016 for Splash 347 called Live export is in deep s...t, which I read some of, she said common ailments the animals experienced included eye infections, leg injuries, and pneumonia.

Pneumonia was probably the most common cause of animal death on a voyage, followed by leg injuries. If the animals weren't treated with anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, a lot of them would die, she said.

Simpson said the weight of an average dairy cow was about 600 kilograms, which according to the guidance would require 2 square metres of space. They rarely had this.

Simpson says it was good for New Zealand's reputation that it had eliminated the export of live animals for slaughter, instead of exporting just the meat. But trade in breeding animals was no longer necessary because there were alternatives available.

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor ordered a review of the trade in 2019, which is expected to be released after the election. We await with bated breath.

The Wānaka Sun welcomes your thoughts on this issue. Do write us a letter to the editor.

Sponsored by

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

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

Letters may be edited or abridged.

Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.

Crimeline Chirnside K Kim Sergeant, NZPD Tuesday this week saw two separate incidents of family harm involving disputes between parents and their children which required Police assistance.

On Thursday night Police attended an assault at a bar in central Wānaka where a staff member was punched several times by an intoxicated patron.

He was not keen to be taken away but spent several hours with the Police calming down. He will be appearing in court soon.

Several breath testing checkpoints were deployed in Wānaka on Friday night. Sadly, three drivers were found to have exceeded the breath alcohol limit and have added that mark to their driving record. One driver was found to also be disqualified from driving, so their car was taken off their hands for 28 days.

On a lighter note, one driver decided that the checkpoint wasn’t a good idea for them, so they turned around and returned to the pub. We are prepared for such shenanigans and quickly located the driver and received a creative explanation.

On Saturday evening a 10-year-old boy was struck on the footpath by a young cyclist riding carelessly where they shouldn’t be. The victim

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

suffered a broken arm. This is a timely reminder to cyclists in Wānaka, that the correct place for their bikes is the road, with helmet (and lights at night). If anyone has any information about the identity of the bike rider, please contact Wānaka Police.

On Saturday night Police found a disturbing trend where bollards were removed from the roadside and placed dangerously in the road.

These are large wooden posts and could do significant damage to a vehicle, and could amount to a serious offense.

Also on Saturday night there were several heavily intoxicated people who failed to make plans for the night and were found staggering or sleeping on our footpaths. Curling up on the footpath for sleep in -1 degrees is a sure way to get a cold, or another pandemic. Plan your trip home and stick with your friends.

Enforcement of speed has been a focus on our roads this month. Otago/Southland is overrepresented in our country’s road deaths, and we all need to do our part to make the roads safe. If you chose to exceed the speed limit in the Wānaka area, you should expect to be pulled over.

For those of you going up to Treble Cone this weekend, enjoy the end of season celebrations.

Stay safe and make sure you have a sober driver.

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

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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

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THANKS

NOTICES

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.

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.

SERVICES Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street open from 8am until 7pm every single day.

Ph 443 8000.

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

WANTED The Salvation Army Family Store urgently requires warm clothing, if you can help this would be greatly appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick Street.

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN

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SUN TEAM

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 992 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea.

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

Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Josh Baines • 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz

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

per year. Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

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PAGE 14

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

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Sun Health / Classifieds

Have your say

Have your say on the Wānaka Rec Centre.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Consultation on the Wānaka Recreation Centre (WRC) Master Plan is now open for comment and closing this Friday 18 September.

Things you should know: A Gymsports facility is not included within the 1-3 year, $3.5m expansion of the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

However: Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is building a "wellness centre and adult fitness centre" i.e. another profit-making/commercial adult gym.

This means Wānaka will have 19 adult gyms, not including personal trainers and their groups.

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Wānaka Rec Centre and Pool are at capacity - yet any new Indoor Courts and "movement centres which could host gym sports", are not planned for another five to seven years. This is not budgeted for within the current 10-year plan.

Aspiring Gymsports and Trampoline is writing a submission asking QLDC to support the Upper Clutha's growing youth community, especially girls sporting needs by providing 600sqm for gym sports and developing paying members.

You can have your say by filling out Council's form here: www.letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/our-recreationalplaces/survey_tools/provide-your-feedback-here Or you can wait until Thursday - and submit a copy of Aspiring Gymsports and Aspiring Trampoline's combined submission.

Slip slop slap Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

I come from a family of sun worshippers. My parents were farmers, and both ended up with skin cancer in later life.

As a kid, I ran around in the sun without a care in the world. It didn't help that we lived right on the coast and had a glorious beach at our fingertips. Then I went on to have a 40-year career as a mountaineer, and I wasn't that careful with sunscreen. That is until both parents developed skin cancer at around the same time ( in their 60's), and it ended up killing my dad.

I have never used a sunbed, but the following from Consumer NZ has put me off them for good. Not for me.

A new study which shows New Zealand has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world confirmed the need to ban sunbeds and make sunscreen standards mandatory, Consumer NZ said.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Kiwis. The 2018 Skin Cancer Index said New Zealand had nearly 2500 new cases of melanoma every year.

It's recommended slopping on the sunscreen is one way to protect ourselves from sunburn.

Despite this, New Zealand classifies sunscreens as cosmetics, and this is not protecting consumers against the sun's harmful rays.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said in 2018 it tested 20 sunscreens against the Australia/New Zealand standard and only nine met their SPF label claim and the requirements for broad-spectrum protection.

"Our test found some natural sunscreens only provided low protection. One didn't meet high protection or broad-spectrum claims and two companies – including one big brand - provided

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PHOTO: Pixabay

If you can't stay out of the sun, then sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen.

test certificates for similar, but not identical sunscreens," Chetwin said.

Sunscreens can be sold in New Zealand without being tested because the sunscreen standard is voluntary here.

Using a sunbed also increases the risk of getting skin cancer. According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on cancer, using one before age 30 increases the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.

Like sunscreens, compliance with the sunbed standard is voluntary. Consumer NZ has been mystery-shopping sunbed operators for more than a decade. In February 2018 a survey confirmed the poor practices in this industry.

"Young people and those with fair skin are particularly vulnerable, but two operators allowed a person under 18 to have a sunbed and six operators allowed a person with fair skin to have a sunbed," Chetwin said.

So no sunbeds for me, and coming from a family with a predisposition to skin cancer, I am super careful to apply lots of sunscreen these days, even though I have an indoor job. And Wānaka- well! A lot of sun here so make sure you slip slop slap your way into the coming summer.

NEWS IN BRIEF Te Kakano receives DOC Community Fund Te Kakano has received a DOC Community Grant. The grant will last for three years and will help the organisation grow and plant more native species in the Upper Clutha basin.

More information can be found at https:// www.doc.govt.nz/doc-community-fund Bee Card goes live in Queenstown Following the launch of the Bee Card on Orbus services in Dunedin, the Bee Card has been launched in Queenstown. Approximately 77,000 cards have been activated for the Otago region. Over 23,200 cards have been registered online by passengers. ORC councillor Alex Forbes said, “The Bee Card comes with a heap of benefits, both for bus users and for ORC. It’s a ‘smart card’ with tag on tag off access, which makes it quicker and easier to use and minimises interaction with drivers – which is really valuable in the current climate.”

Jetstar resumes NZ domestic flights After a four week suspension of flights, airline Jetstar has announced that they will be resuming domestic flights from today onwards. This opens up 75 flights on six routes, which is a rebuild of around 60 per cent of the pre-COVID schedule. Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said that, “We’re really pleased to get our planes and our people back in the sky, right in time for school holidays so we can help reconnect family and friends across the country. We also know that our low fares services help to bring more people to the communities we fly to - boosting local economies and creating jobs - which is vital after what has been a tough period for many small businesses and towns.”

Wānaka Community Board meeting today The Wānaka Community Board is meeting today at 10:00am at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre. The public are invited to speak at all publicly notified QLDC council, community board, and committee meetings as part of the public forum. To speak, you must notify the QLDC governance team at least 24 hours before the meeting takes place.

A summary of the meeting agenda can be found on the council website.

Have you got your EasyVote card?

More than 400,000 voters have less than a week left to enrol in time to receive an EasyVote card for the General Election and referendums. The EasyVote card allows voting staff to easily identify voters, find their names on the electoral roll, and issue the voting papers more effectively. Mandy Bohté from vote.nz said that, "It makes voting easier, as well as cutting queuing times – a crucial consideration in these COVID-19 times.”

Department of Internal Affairs issues warning to parents The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the Classification Office, and Netsafe are urging parents to be wary of the dangerous content available to their children online after a video of a death has been circulating across social media.

“The content of the video is disturbing and will be harmful for people to see and we strongly encourage people to not view the video,” said Jared Mullen, director of Digital Safety at the DIA. Martin Cocker, Netsafe CEO said “sometimes young people may find things they never intended to look at online. If tamariki are exposed to something that upsets them, it can be hard to know how to navigate this situation which is why we’ve developed advice to support parents and schools.”

Water Safety NZ invest in millions in antidrowning initiatives Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is investing $2.5 million in water safety interventions through its 2020/21 annual Funding Round. The $2,530,061 in total funding has been allocated based on the four focuses of: The ongoing implementation of Water Skills for Life for 5 to 13 year olds; Māori Drowning Prevention; Regional Water Safety Strategies in Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty; and High-risk Activities and Target Groups.

Jonty Mills, WSNZ CEO, said, “Through our 2020/21 round we are funding a sustainable group of dedicated and capable organisations ready and able to address water safety risks and keep New Zealanders safe.”

NZ rated 3rd highest in mobile services worldwide New Zealand has again been rated among the world’s best in the largest global survey of mobile networks and services. The ranking system is based on four key enablers: infrastructure, affordability, consumer readiness, and content and services.

New Zealand was also ranked third last year and has retained a top three ranking in the index for each of the past six years.

“The GSMA ranking reinforces that New Zealanders are well served by world-class telecommunications networks and services – the result of about $15 billion of investment across the entire sector over the past decade,” said New Zealand telecommunications forum CEO Geoff Thorn.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i PUBLIC NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DEMAND POLL ON ELECTORAL SYSTEM On 3 September 2020, Queenstown Lakes District Council resolved to use the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system for the 2022 and 2025 election of Council and the Wānaka Community Board. Under Section 29 of the Local Electoral Act 2001, electors of a local authority have the right to demand a poll to countermand the decision and propose that the elections of the Council and community board be held under an alternative voting system (i.e. the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system). A valid demand must be made in writing, signed by at least 5% of electors and delivered to a Council office by 21 February 2021. Every elector who signs the demand must include their full name and address. For more information please contact the Electoral Officer on 03 441 0499.

THURSDAY 17.09.20 - WEDNESDAY 23.09.20

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

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

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Premier’s struggle against Mosgiel Wānaka AFC Premiers hosted Mosgiel at the Wānaka Rec Centre in windy, cold conditions.

Mosgiel started well with the wind slightly in their favour, and it was Kazem Ali who put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute with a fine leftfoot volley into the right top corner of Wānaka's goal from 25 yards.

Wānaka struggled to gain the upper hand as they continuously played out short from goal kicks. But the windy conditions did them no favours, and they went 2-0 down when an errant pass turned over the ball, and Mosgiel found their inform striker Cam Anderson who earned a penalty.

Anderson converted it in the 25th minute.

Wānaka continued their style of play and was rewarded shortly after when Steve Pleskun scored with a left-foot strike after a move starting from their goal box encompassing seven passes.

Wānaka then dominated the next 15 minutes leading into half time but didn't take their opportunities as Everton Rossi, Pleskun and Adam Hewson all had shots on goal that couldn't beat the opposing keeper.

As the half time whistle was about to blow it was Mosgiel who pounced on another Wānaka mistake to put the visitors 3-1 up.

A disappointing display with mistakes proving costly was addressed at half time, and Wānaka

started with more purpose in the second half as they now had the breeze behind them.

Anderson scored in the first minute of the second half, but the referee ruled him offside.

Grehan, Gealogo and Rossi started to control possession better resulting in further shots at goal from Cavanagh, Fletcher and Pleskun.

For Mosgiel, Anderson was proving the danger-man with his menacing pace, but for the most part, the centre-back pairing of Thomas Van Hees and Alan Carmichael coped with the youngster.

Mosgiel scored again against the run of play when Ali scored from a well placed low free-kick that snuck past Aarron Molloy in the Wānaka goal to make it 4-1.

Molloy just minutes later pulled off a fine oneon-one save to deny Anderson.

Wānaka continued to attack and got their second goal when Levi Fletcher drove inside from right midfield and delivered a cross-shot which was neatly steered into the Mosgiel goal PHOTO: WAFC by the lively Pleskun. This made it 4-2 in the Double goalscorer Steve Pleskun chases the ball for Wānaka.

80th minute.

Wānaka then mounted attack after attack as curve continues in this top-four environment. were dominant for the away team. they looked for a third goal. But a series of shots Levi Fletcher, Aaron Molloy and man of the Next week Wānaka have their last home game and crosses didn't quite meet the player or target, match Big Al Carmichael had strong games for of the season when they play the league winners and Mosgiel hung onto take all three points. the home team.

Green Island, 2.45 pm at the Recreation Centre.

A disappointing result for Wānaka, but the learning Mosgiels Anderson, Captain Findlay and Ali – By WAFC

Rugby Championship a big loss Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

News that New Zealand has missed out on hosting the Rugby Championship 2020 has come as a big disappointment, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult has said.

Several organisations had put together a proposal for Queenstown to become a quarantine and host destination for visiting Australian, South African and Argentine rugby teams. However, competition body SANZAAR has awarded the competition’s hosting rights to Australia.

“I’m gutted that the tournament won’t be hosted by New Zealand and, more particularly, our district,” Boult said.

“A massive amount of work was applied by us, New Zealand Rugby and the Southern District Health Board to come up with a well-thoughtout plan that involved accommodating the teams, both in isolation and afterwards.

“We were very excited about the opportunity to host a high profile activity in town, and even more so about the possibility of hosting a game. I’m disappointed we’ve missed out.”

Despite the news, Boult said he bore no illwill towards the successful Australian bid.

“I don’t blame the Aussies. They took their opportunity, and I wish them all the best for the tournament,” he said.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to work with New Zealand Rugby, and others, to bring events to our district in the future.”

SPORTS RESULTS 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.

TARRAS GOLF CLUB RAVENSDOWN JOHN ANNAN MEMORIAL TROPHY RESULTS FROM DAY 2 BEST GROSS L Nelson 80 Runner - up J Evans 82 BEST NETT over the field D Wilson 72 SENIOR NETT M Turner 78, B Paterson 79, G Gardiner c/b 80, J Trevathan 80, G Clouston 80, S Turner 80, H Reinecke c/b 81, B Lambie 81, N Hamilton 82, J Templeton 83 INTERMEDIATE NETT J Harley 76, W Jamieson 77, P Mavor 78, D Agnew c/b 79, W Bosley 79, C Sinclair 79, A May 80, M Rawcliffe c/b 82, G Scott 82, M Nhyon 82 JUNIOR NETT G Rive 73, B Trevathan c/b 76, D Allen 76, R Norman 76, M Hyndman c/b 78, B Bond 78, J France 79, I Morrison c/b 81, P Simpson 81 LONGEST DRIVE SENIOR P Mavor LONGEST DRIVE JUNIOR R Norman NEAREST PIN SENIOR M Turner

NEAREST PIN JUNIOR B Trevathan STRAIGHTEST DRIVE S Johnston BEST TWO SHOTS L Nelson TWOS L Scott, M Turner WINNERS JOHN ANNAN MEMORIAL TROPHY 220 points - Doug Wilson and Murray Nhyon Tarras Women’s 4BBB Stableford Tournament 1st - Judy Kane & Jos Davidson (Lawrence) 38 Stableford 2nd - Mary Hore (Alex) & Liz Montgomerie (Millbrook) 37 on CB. 3rd - Annette Menlove & Carmel Hyndman (Wānaka) 37 4th - Sue Cowles & Margot Hewitt 36 on CB 5th - Rosa Westgarth & Helena Love (Pleasant Point) 36 Straightest Drive - Helen Kroeger & Hilary Scott (Omakau) Two’s - Mary Hore & Janet McArthur (Cromwell)

LET US KNOW

by 11 October 2020

and be in to win a $250 Prezzy card!

Take part in the 2020 Quality of Life Survey.

Share how you feel about life in the Queenstown Lakes District, what improvements you’d like to see and your aspirations for the future.

This will feed in to what’s included in our 2021-31 Ten Year Plan and help us shape a great today and an even better tomorrow. More than 2,000 take part every year, so join them and tell us what you think.

Kei Te Pēhea Tōu Ao?

PAGE 16

Fill out a survey at

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